Iowa governor Chet Culver spoke on August 25, 2009 when Upper Iowa University celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of a $75 million construction project on its Fayette campus.

"At a time when many of our peer institutions are delaying new construction, we are pleased to launch an historical capital improvements project," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "This is the largest project undertaken in our 151-year history. The full construction phase, which is expected to last six years, will create dozens of jobs. And when all of the work is finished, our facilities will rival those of any Midwestern private college."

The Fayette campus project will be completed in two phases. Phase I is underway; construction started this summer on a state-of-the-art Liberal Arts building and suite-style student housing, both expected to be finished in August 2010, and a student center, which will be done in December 2010. Phase II will begin in 2011.

The celebration included a series of events starting with a State of the University address followed by the Ceremonial Groundbreaking. Speakers included President Walker, Governor Culver, Alumna Betty Andres, Board of Trustees Chair Robert Firth, and Student Body President Justin Marchant. Following presentations by the speakers, there was an Outdoor Reception in Grace Meyer Square on the Fayette campus.