October 26, 2026
Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University celebrated the opening of the Busse Football Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, bringing together generous supporters, university leaders and community partners on a beautiful fall day to recognize a significant investment in Mustang athletics and the future of Mount Mercy.
The celebration honored the generosity of the Lavern T. and Audrey Busse Foundation, along with the many donors, partners and community members whose support helped bring the facility to life. It was also an opportunity to recognize the university's strong community of supporters and their shared commitment to advancing the educational mission and work of the Sisters of Mercy.
The event marked another milestone in Mount Mercy's inaugural football season and took place ahead of the historic first-ever football matchup between Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose University in the Mercy-Ambrose Classic.
The Lavern T. and Audrey Busse Foundation provided a lead gift of $2.1 million toward the project, including a $1.5 million matching gift challenge. Thanks to the generosity of Mount Mercy supporters, the university officially met the matching gift goal in October, demonstrating strong community support for the university's growing athletics program.
"The Busse Football Center is a powerful example of what can happen when generous supporters believe in the future of our students and our university," said Todd Olson, PhD, president of Mount Mercy University. "The Busse family's extraordinary generosity, together with the many donors who helped us meet this challenge, has made an incredible difference. This investment strengthens Mustang athletics, expands opportunities for students, and demonstrates the momentum we're building at Mount Mercy."
The Busse Football Center provides a dedicated home for the university's growing football program, featuring coaches' offices, a weight room, locker room, training room and team meeting space. The facility supports student-athletes as they prepare for competition, pursue their academic goals, and build the traditions of Mustang football.
Saturday's celebration brought together the Busse family, project donors, construction and design partners, Mount Mercy board members, leaders from Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose University, and community supporters.
Guests enjoyed the beautiful fall weather, toured the new facility and celebrated the generosity and partnerships that continue to strengthen Mount Mercy. The program featured remarks from university and athletics leadership and a blessing of the building by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula.
The gathering also reflected the lasting influence of the Sisters of Mercy, whose commitment to education, service and community continues to guide Mount Mercy's mission. Supporters shared in celebrating a new facility that will serve students while carrying forward the values and traditions on which the university was founded.
"We're proud to be part of something that will benefit Mount Mercy students for generations to come," said Michele Busse, board of trustees member and university philanthropist. "Our family's hope is that this facility will provide opportunities for young people to grow as student-athletes, teammates and leaders. Seeing the community come together to support this vision has been incredibly meaningful."
Mount Mercy announced the launch of its football program in late 2024 and spent 2025 recruiting student-athletes, hiring coaches and preparing for its inaugural competitive season in fall 2026.
Led by Head Coach MD Daniels, the program welcomed more than 100 student-athletes representing 18 states, including 54 from Iowa. The Mustangs celebrated their first program victory on Oct. 10 against Clarke University.
"Building this program from the ground up has been an incredible experience for our student-athletes and coaching staff," said Daniels. "We've brought together young men from across the country who are helping establish the culture and traditions of Mount Mercy football. The Busse Football Center gives us a home where we can train, grow together and prepare for the future. We're grateful to everyone who has helped make this possible."
The program's launch reflects Mount Mercy's commitment to expanding opportunities for students, strengthening campus life and investing in the future of Mustang athletics.
Following the Busse Football Center celebration, the Mount Mercy Mustangs and St. Ambrose Fighting Bees met on the football field for the first time in the inaugural Mercy-Ambrose Classic.
The matchup marked an important milestone as the two Catholic universities continue their institutional combination. While the universities are planning for a shared future, their athletic programs will maintain their distinct identities, traditions and competitive spirit.
"Our work together reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening both universities and creating new opportunities for our students," said Amy Novak, EdD, president and chief executive officer of St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University. "Investments like the Busse Football Center demonstrate our shared commitment to the future of the Mount Mercy campus and the strength of Mustang athletics. The Mercy-Ambrose Classic is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both universities, our student-athletes and the traditions that make each campus special."
The day also brought together alumni and supporters from both universities for a joint tailgate celebration. Student Government Associations from both campuses helped launch a new traveling trophy tradition, adding a friendly competitive element to the historic matchup.
Together, the Busse Football Center celebration and inaugural Mercy-Ambrose Classic made for a memorable day at Mount Mercy University. From the generosity of longtime supporters to the excitement of a new football tradition, the events celebrated the people, partnerships and shared values that continue to shape the university's future.
For more information about Mount Mercy University and its athletic programs, visit mtmercy.edu.