The University of Iowa Center for Advancement: A Long History Supporting Iowa
Photo: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA ARCHIVES
The Levitt Center for University Advancement, home of the UI Center for Advancement
It started with just one employee each for the University of Iowa Alumni Association and University of Iowa Foundation.
Now, the University of Iowa Center for Advancement has more than 300 employees and offers a unified effort to engage alumni and friends who support and celebrate the university. Our organization, which operates independently from the university, has deep roots in the community and in Iowa traditions.
Here’s a look at our storied history that has shaped how campus looks today.
The University of Iowa Center for Advancement Historical Timeline
1867
The Beginnings of an Alumni Organization
Rush Emery (1863BA, 1864MA) is elected alumni president in the earliest recorded gathering of Iowa graduates.
1903
An Alumni Magazine Takes Shape
The Iowa Alumnus is the university’s first alumni magazine, publishing until 1925.
IMAGE: THE IOWA ALUMNUS
1909
Alumni Association Raises Money for Research
The alumni association forms the Lakeside Laboratory Association to raise funds to purchase land on the shores of Lake Okoboji and establish a biological research station.
1912
Homecoming is Established
Graduates are invited to return for Iowa’s first homecoming.
1919
Plans for Student Union Begin
The alumni association forms the Iowa Memorial Union Corporation to raise $1 million for the construction of a new student union, which opens in 1925.
1927
A Space for Alumni Outreach
An official alumni office is created on the main floor of the Old Capitol.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1933
The University of Iowa Alumni Association Organizes
To help formalize alumni activities, the State University of Iowa Alumni Association is organized as an unincorporated association.
1947
A Leader for the Alumni Association
Loren Hickerson (40BA), a journalism instructor at Iowa, is named alumni secretary for the UI Alumni Association. Under his direction, Hickerson increases the number of activities for University of Iowa alumni—creating programs for reunions and regional meetings.
Hickerson also launches a new alumni magazine, The Iowa Alumni Review. It was renamed The Iowa Alumni Quarterly in 1993, Iowa Alumni Magazine in 2000, and Iowa Magazine in 2018.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1950
A Way for Hawkeyes to Give Back
The UI Alumni Association is officially incorporated. Just five months later, the Old Gold Development Fund is created as a way for receiving gifts and contributions to benefit the university.
1954
A New Home for the Alumni Association, Fundraising
During World War II, the alumni office, alumni research, and fundraising operations are moved out of the Old Capitol. Alumni outreach efforts are relocated across the street from the IMU in the Alumni House, formerly a private residence.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1955
Plans for a Fundraising Organization
UI President Virgil Hancher (1918BA, 1924JD, 64LLD) appoints Willard “Sandy” Boyd, a law professor and future UI president, to study university foundations and fundraising programs at institutions similar to Iowa.
1956
The Beginnings of the University of Iowa Foundation
The State University of Iowa Foundation, otherwise known as the University of Iowa Foundation, is incorporated at a board of directors meeting at the Old Capitol. During its first year, the UI Foundation raised $27,920 in contributions for student aid, medical research, and more.
1956
Alumni Association Helps Hawkeyes Attend Rose Bowl
The alumni association charters Hawkeye Specials, a group of trains that carry thousands of fans to California for Iowa’s first appearance in the Rose Bowl. Five years later, the alumni association would begin planning trips for alumni through Iowa Voyagers.
IMAGE: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1961
Foundation Staff Moves to the IMU
Because of growing operations, the UI Foundation relocates to the second floor of the IMU’s east wing. Another move, into a larger space within the IMU, happens three years later.
1962
A First Full-Time Employee for the Foundation
Darrell Wyrick (56BSChE, 57MS) becomes the first full-time employee of the UI Foundation—starting as field director for the Old Gold Development Fund, and in 1964, associate director and special assistant. Wyrick served the organization for more than three decades—becoming executive director in 1966 and president in 1981.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1963
The Creation of the Distinguished Service Awards
With the help of a $2,500 special allocation from the Old Gold Development Fund, the Distinguished Service Awards program begins. Bronze medallions are purchased for each recipient.
Since then, the Distinguished Alumni Awards have become the university’s highest alumni honor and celebrate recipients during Iowa’s homecoming week.
1964
Iowa’s First Major Capital Campaign
Owen and Leone Elliott of Cedar Rapids offer their art collections to the university—with one stipulation. The university must build a suitable museum to house their collections—as well as current university holdings—and the project must be done by 1967.
President Hancher accepts the challenge, and the UI Foundation’s first capital campaign of $1.1 million comes to fruition. During the campaign, the UI Foundation received its first-ever six-figure corporate gift—$100,000 from the Maytag Corporation of Newton, Iowa.
A dedication festival for the new University of Iowa Museum of Art is held in 1969.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1966
A New Leader for the Alumni Association
After Hickerson steps down, Joseph Meyer is named the new executive director of the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1967
Alumni Association Celebrates Centennial
The University of Iowa Alumni Association celebrates 100 years.
1968
A Milestone Year for the Foundation
The UI Foundation surpassed $1 million in outright gifts—$1.2 million to be exact—to support the university.
1971
Iowa Receives Largest Gift to Date
Roy and Lucille Carver, of Muscatine, Iowa, gift 85,000 shares of Bandag stock, valued at $3.5 million, to the UI Foundation. The Carver contribution is the largest single gift in 1971 to any college or university in the nation.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1973
Alumni Band Comes Into Existence
The Alumni Band makes its first appearance as part of Homecoming activities. Today, the group of former Hawkeye Marching Band members continues to carry on beloved traditions through their performances.
image: HAWKEYE MARCHING BAND
1976
Another Move for Staff
The UI Alumni Association and UI Foundation now call the new Alumni Center home. This space is connected to the UI Museum of Art on the west side of the Iowa River. A 5,000 square foot addition follows in 1984.
1979
A New Facility for University Events
The Hawkeye Arena/Recreation Campaign is launched, and the University of Iowa Foundation seeks to raise $8.5 million—the largest capital campaign to date. The facility—which opened in 1983—was named Carver-Hawkeye Arena in honor of the Carver family, who contributed $2 million to the facility project.
Roy Carver died in 1981, and through his will, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust is created and continues the family’s legacy of philanthropy.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1979
A Leadership Change for the Alumni Association
Thomas Brown becomes the new director of the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1980
Foundation Surpasses $10 Million in One Year
With nearly $11 million raised in 1980, the UI Foundation eclipses the $10 million mark for the first time in its history.
1987
Bringing Alumni Communities Together
Iowa Clubs are introduced to help keep alumni and friends involved—wherever they call home. Today, there are more than 50 Iowa Clubs and 20 volunteer network organizations around the U.S.
1987
A Fourth Leader for the Alumni Association
Following Brown’s exit, Bill Barnes served as interim director for eight months until the hiring of D. Richard Emerson. During this time, Iowa’s fundraising and alumni organizations are seeking new spaces to grow.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1987
A Major Effort to Grow Iowa’s Endowment
The Iowa Endowment 2000 Campaign kicks off. With a goal of raising $150 million, the campaign aims to create new endowed faculty chairs and professorships, graduate research fellowships, and undergraduate and graduate scholarships. By the close of the campaign, $225 million is secured.
Learn more about the importance of endowed funds at Iowa and how they provide vital resources to areas across campus.
1991
A Big Honor for the Alumni Association
The University of Iowa Alumni Association—during its 125th anniversary—is selected by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as the best overall alumni relations program in the country.
1992
A Major Contribution to Support a New Business Facility
Mary and John Pappajohn (52BSC), of Des Moines, make a $4 million contribution to support the new College of Business Administrative Building. The contribution is the largest gift recorded, to date, by the State University of Iowa Foundation.
In recognition of support from the Pappajohns, the facility—which was completed in 1994—is named the John Pappajohn Business Building.
John Pappajohn died in 2023.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES1995
Moving From the Field to Alumni Leadership
Following a one-year interim stint from Ann Rhodes (76MA, 82JD), Bob Elliott (76BA)—a former Iowa defensive football coach—becomes executive director of the UI Alumni Association. A year later, Elloitt returns to Head Coach Hayden Fry’s football staff.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1995
Groundbreaking on New Facility
On May 20, 1995, UI President Hunter Rawlings oversees the groundbreaking of the new Levitt Center for University Advancement—which will serve as a joint home for the University of Iowa Alumni Association and the University of Iowa Foundation.
1997
Nelson Takes Reins of UI Alumni Association
Vince Nelson becomes full-time director of the University of Iowa Alumni Association. His title changes to president in 2001.
PHOTO: IOWA DIGITAL LIBRARY, UI LIBRARIES
1998
Alumni, Fundraising Efforts Move Into Current Home
The Levitt Center for University Advancement officially opens on the north end of campus. The new facility is named for long-time contributors Richard (52BA, 54JD) and Jeanne (52BA) Levitt, of Des Moines, and in honor of their leadership gift to the facility.
PHOTO: University of Iowa1998
A New Leader for the University of Iowa Foundation
Michael New (64BA, 67MA), the foundation’s vice president for development programs, is selected as the new president of the University of Iowa Foundation. New replaces Wyrick, who was head of the foundation for 36 years.
New led the UI Foundation until stepping down in 2005. He passed away in 2006.
PHOTO: UI Center for Advancement
1998
Foundation Reaches Another Fundraising Milestone
Just over $100 million is raised in 1998, the first time the UI Foundation surpassed $100 million in a calendar year.
1999
Tippies Make Landmark Gift for Iowa
Henry (49BSC) and Patricia Tippie make a $30 million gift commitment to Iowa, which was, at the time, the largest single gift from an individual or couple in the university’s history. In recognition of their support, Iowa renames its business school the Henry B. Tippie College of Business—the first time a UI academic division is named in honor of an individual.
Henry Tippie died in 2020, but his impact on the university lives on through the many endowed scholarships, faculty chairs, and professorships the couple created.
PHOTO: UI Tippie College of Business
2000
Iowa Family Makes Generous Gift to Support Cancer Research
The Roland and Ruby Holden family, of Williamsburg, Iowa, makes a $25 million gift to support cancer research at Iowa. The UI Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is named by the university in recognition of their generous support.
PHOTO: UI Center for Advancement2002
A New Name for the College of Medicine
In recognition of a $63 million gift supporting patient care and research, the UI College of Medicine is named in honor of Roy and Lucille Carver. To date, the Carver family and the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust are the university’s most generous supporters.
PHOTO: UI Carver College of Medicine
2002
Iowa Launches First-Billion Dollar Campaign
Under the direction of New, the UI Foundation launches the Good. Better. Best. campaign, a $1 billion comprehensive fundraising initiative. The campaign would close at $58 million above its campaign goal.
2006
Marshall Becomes Third University of Iowa Foundation President
Lynette Marshall is hired as president of the University of Iowa Foundation. Marshall, starting in 2017, led a combined alumni and fundraising apparatus until her retirement in 2026.
PHOTO: UI Center for Advancement
2008
Historic Flood Changes Campus
Following a flood that causes approximately $800 million in damage, the University of Iowa Foundation led efforts to rebuild the most severely impacted area: the arts campus. The Arts & Minds campaign raises significant funding to support new spaces for the performing and visual arts and the University of Iowa School of Music.
PHOTO: UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION2013
Iowa Launches Ambitious Fundraising Campaign
Under Marshall’s leadership, the For Iowa. Forever More. campaign, which ended in 2017, raised more than $1.975 billion—surpassing fundraising goals by $275 million.
2014
Kueter Becomes Final UI Alumni Association Leader
Jeff Kueter (93BA) becomes the alumni association’s sixth permanent leader until the UI Alumni Association and UI Foundation merge a few years later.
PHOTO: University of iowa2015
Children’s Hospital Receives Major Gift
Jerre (65BBA) and Mary Joy Stead commit $25 million to children’s medicine at Iowa. The Steads—who grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa—have Iowa’s children’s hospital named in their honor of their extraordinary commitment.
Learn more about the Steads.
PHOTO: UI CENTER FOR ADVANCEMENT
2017
Major Milestone for the Alumni Association
The University of Iowa Alumni Association celebrates 150 years.
2018
Alumni Association, Foundation Merge
Just months after completing the For Iowa. Forever More. campaign, Marshall is tasked with combining two longstanding organizations—the University of Iowa Alumni Association and the University of Iowa Foundation. Now known as the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, the move aims to create a collaborative approach that maximizes support for Iowa.
The combined organization continues to call the Levitt Center for University Advancement home.
2022
Iowa Receives Largest Gift in University History
A gift of $70 million from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation transforms health care efforts at Iowa and is the largest contribution received in the university’s history.
Jacobson, who attended the university, died in 2016.
2023
Iowa Launches Current Fundraising Campaign
The University of Iowa Center for Advancement jumpstarts the Together Hawkeyes campaign, which aims to raise $3 billion and connect with alums, fans, and friends in an effort to strengthen the Hawkeye community.
Iowa is one of the first universities to have alumni engagement goals as part of a comprehensive campaign—seeking to connect with 300,000 Hawkeyes.
The campaign will run until 2028.
2024
Iowa Completes First Fully Fundraised Facility
Iowa opens the new Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center, a $31 million home for the Iowa men’s and women’s wrestling. The facility is named in honor of Doug and Ann Goschke, of Iowa City, who made a lead gift for the project.
The space was the first facility on Iowa’s campus built solely with donor funds.
PHOTO: UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION