Curiosity: Cornerstone of lifelong education and philanthropy

Grit, determination and relentless curiosity mark the winding career path of Mary Warner, '73, Industrial Administration. So far, she's been a shoe salesperson, a sheep farmer, a college instructor, an AT&T executive, a triathlete and a children's book author. She's also taking piano, cello and violin lessons for when she can "no longer run, bike or swim."

Curiosity led her to skip high school classes to try selling shoes at Younkers on Ames's Main Street and to nearly skip graduate school to try raising sheep.

"I love learning new things. I'm also drawn to good teachers. Dr. John Coppett (Industrial Administration) was my teacher and advisor. He gave me confidence by believing in me. He treated me like an adult, not a student. Our conversations weren't parental, but were collaborative."

When Coppett suggested she add dry quantitative courses to the behavioral studies she loved, Mary's grit and determination took over. She added finance, accounting, operations and other classes to her roster. She eventually took his suggestion that she go to graduate school, too, leaving the sheep farm for what became a 38-year career at AT&T.

Mary credits Iowa State and Coppett with her success. The rigor of the Industrial Administration Department – today the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business – prepared students like her to think fast, critically and seriously.

"I was prepared to do much more than just sell products, thanks to my education. I understood how to connect different quantitative and qualitative facts. I spent most of my career in sales, but could move easily between different departments. I could help the salesforce understand quantitative things like forecasting and financial analysis they otherwise struggled with."

Mary's curiosity, creativity and passion for teamwork are evident in her most recent role as children's book author. Set in the ocean, where she trains for the swimming portion of her triathlons, "Adventure on Gallop Ghosts Islands," available at maryellenwarner.com, follows the adventures of a trio of animal friends.

Now an Iowa State donor, Mary's generosity extends through areas as diverse as her interests. She funds scholarships, including one in memory of her father, Donald "Doc" Warner, a former faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a specialty in sheep. In the Ivy College of Business, she recently covered the cost of equipment for the new Sales Technology Center, where students can experience real-life work situations and she established the Mary Warner Faculty Fellowship, which she plans to further fund as an endowed professorship through a gift in her will. The fellowship honors Coppett, who died in 2016.

"I value my relationship with Iowa State. I've been invited to collaborate, meet students and serve as a guest lecturer. It's part of the joy of giving back. I chose to expand my philanthropy now because I am close to the age where you need to take money out of your IRA. I fund initiatives in experiential learning to make a meaningful contribution. I'm delighted to be able to do it."

As we near the end of 2022, it's an ideal time to consider making a tribute gift in honor of someone you love or a meaningful Iowa State mentor, as Mary Ellen did. Contact the office of gift planning at 800.621.8515 or giftplanning@foundation.iastate.edu to learn more about how a legacy gift like this can convey your gratitude and make the Iowa State experience more affordable for Cyclones.

"I value my relationship with Iowa State…I chose to expand my philanthropy now because I am close to the age where you need to take money out of your IRA. I fund initiatives in experiential learning to make a meaningful contribution. I'm delighted to be able to do it." – Mary Warner '73