The Iowa State Center, which includes the C. Y. Stephens Auditorium, the James H. Hilton Coliseum, the Fisher Theater, and the Scheman Continuing Education Building, stands as a tribute to Dr. James H. Hilton who made the first proposal for an Iowa State Center in his fall convocation address to the faculty in September 1954. As a result of Dr. Hilton's dedication to the concept, the ISU Foundation embarked on a mission to finance construction of the four-building complex and the $19.5 million complex was completed without the use of state or federal appropriations. The C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, conceived as both a theater and music hall, was officially opened September 9, 1969, with a historic series of five concerts by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Hilton Coliseum was officially inaugurated December 2, 1971 with the first basketball game. It fills a long-felt need for a large multi-purpose indoor site for convocations, graduation exercises, sports activities and arena events attracting thousands of people. Fisher Theater was opened in 1974. The little theater is especially valuable to students in the production of plays, and may also be used for lectures, dance recitals and similar programs best presented in an intimate atmosphere. The Scheman Continuing Education Building, opened in 1975, serves the extensive program of seminars, conferences, short courses and other continuing education activities which have long been an integral part of Iowa State's role as a land-grant institution. In July 1993 a 500 year flood caused extensive damage to Hilton Coliseum and the Scheman Continuing Education Building.

Directors:

Horace Strong (1969-1970) Stephens manager

Richard D. Snyder (1970-1984)

Steven L. Peters (1984-1990)

Joseph Romano (1990-1996)

Mark North (1996-2015) General manager

Tammy Koolbeck (2015- ) Executive Director