The gift from the Fort Dodge couple was announced Wednesday.

Don Decker is a graduate of Iowa Central and chairman of the board of Decker Truck Line Inc.

“Iowa Central is an integral part of our region, and when Iowa Central grows, our communities benefit,” he said. “Supporting Iowa Central is important as they have a significant role in training our workforce and adding value to our economy.”

College President Jesse Ulrich said the donation will “raise the curtain on the transformation of our auditorium into a Center for Performing Arts.”

-Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College President Dr. Jesse Ulrich gives Don Decker a tour of the progress being made inside Decker Auditorium on the campus at Iowa Central Community College.

The gift presented Wednesday was not the first time the Decker family has provided significant support for an Iowa Central facility. In 2006, the auditorium was named Decker Auditorium in honor of Don Decker’s parents following a substantial donation.

The Deckers have also provided scholarships to Iowa Central students, gave a gift to help pay for an electronic scoreboard in Hodges Fieldhouse and provided matching funds to buy equipment for the college’s truck driver training program.

“We are grateful for the ongoing generosity and support from the Decker family,” Ulrich said.

The 1,200 seat Decker Auditorium was built in 1978. It hasn’t had any significant upgrades since then.

In addition to a complete remodeling of the auditorium, the project will include constructing an addition to the south that will include a band room, theater room, a shop for constructing sets for the performances and some classrooms.

-Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge’s Don Decker, left, presents a check in the amount of $1 million to Iowa Central Community College President Dr. Jesse Ulrich, center, and ICCC Vice President of Development and Alumni Mary Ludwig. The money is supporting the ongoing improvement project at Decker Auditorium on the Iowa Central campus.

The Center for Performing Arts project was designed by OPN Architects of Des Moines. Klinger Construction, of Sioux City, has an $11,907,000 contract for the project.

“In addition to providing students with a top-notch experience, this space will add to the quality of life for our region,” Ulrich said.