Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile

Darrell D. Wyrick, 56BSChE, 57MS, president of the UI Foundation, has devoted most of his working life to the University of Iowa. Hired in 1962 as the first full-time employee of the UI Foundation, the independent, nonprofit corporation that raises private funds for the university, he has overseen growth of that organization into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a staff of more than 80. In his first year, the foundation received gifts and commitments of $250,000. In 1991, it raised over $52 million for the university.

Wyrick's work at the Foundation—generating funds for dozens of new buildings, programs, and renovations—has helped change the face of the UI campus. Under his leadership, the Foundation has organized more than 20 single-purpose capital campaigns, raising money for projects ranging from the Museum of Art, the Health Science Library, and the Alumni Center, to Carver Hawkeye Arena, the College of Business Administration Building, and the restoration of Old Capitol. Other campaigns have generated operating and endowment funds for many university programs, departments, and colleges.

One of the Foundation's recent successes is the Iowa Endowment 2000 campaign. Directed by Wyrick, it is a national effort begun in 1985 to secure a $150 million educational endowment for faculty chairs; graduate, postgraduate, and professional fellowships; and other permanent human resources at the UI. The program, which has already created over 50 endowed faculty chairs and more than 110 endowed graduate fellowships, has passed the $200 million level.

Wyrick is a member of the Association's board of directors and Old Capitol Club. He is president of the UI Facilities Corporation, a member of the Foundation's Presidents Club, and an honorary member of the National Iowa Lettermen's Club.