DeWolf Family Foundation Gives $3.5 Million for Tippie Student Success Initiative

PHOTO: Courtesy of the DeWolf family Suzy and Chris DeWolf

October 14, 2026

A $3.5 million gift from the DeWolf Family Foundation of Cedar Rapids will expand a program that supports student well-being and career readiness at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business.

The investment will strengthen and sustain Tippie Thrive, which will be renamed in recognition of the DeWolf family’s generosity. The peer-led initiative helps students build the habits, resilience, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in college and their careers. Through classroom experiences, workshops, speaker programs, and peer-to-peer learning, students develop practical strategies for managing stress, adapting to change, strengthening emotional well-being, and preparing for success in the workplace.

“Tippie Thrive reflects our belief that student success requires more than academic achievement alone,” said Amy Kristof-Brown, dean of the Tippie College of Business. “Business leaders consistently tell us they need graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate uncertainty, and lead with empathy and self-awareness. Tippie Thrive helps students develop those capabilities while supporting their personal well-being. We are deeply grateful to Chris and Suzy DeWolf for their extraordinary investment in our students and their future."

Kristof-Brown added that the college is committed to developing students who are both technically equipped and undeniably human, and that Tippie Thrive plays a critical role in advancing that vision.

Embedded in courses required of all Tippie undergraduates, the program ensures every student has opportunities to build skills that support both personal well-being and professional success. More than 4,700 students participated in at least one of Tippie Thrive's 80 programs in the 2025-26 academic year. As the program has grown, it has also sparked conversations about scaling the model to benefit students in other colleges across the university.

Led by Kati Schneider, LISW, Tippie Thrive engages student leaders in developing and delivering evidence-based programming that promotes well-being across the college. Programming helps students better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building practical skills in self-awareness, stress management, healthy coping strategies, and supporting the well-being of others. Students build the capacity to reframe negative self-talk, respond effectively to challenges, and develop healthy habits that support their long-term success.

Chris and Suzy DeWolf are co-owners of Cedar Rapids-based Lil’ Drug Store, which distributes over-the-counter medicines, personal care items, and travel essentials to more than 180,000 convenience stores, hotels, and other retail locations across the country. Chris, who graduated from Tippie in 1994 with a BBA degree in Finance, is the company’s CEO and president.

In addition to their own investment, the DeWolf family is launching a matching gift challenge to expand support for Tippie Thrive. Through the DeWolf Family Foundation, the family has committed up to $500,000 in matching funds at a 2-to-1 ratio, inviting the business community and other supporters to help raise $250,000 and unlock the full match. Gifts may be made outright or through pledges payable over five years.

“Tippie Thrive is helping students develop competencies that will serve them long after they leave campus,” said Chris DeWolf. “Resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenges are just as important as technical knowledge in today's workplace, and we hope this challenge inspires others to join us in supporting this important work.”

Those interested in participating in the challenge can contact Anthony Lehnertz at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement at anthony.lehnertz@foriowa.org or 319-437-3359. Gifts may also be made online at givetoiowa.org/THRIVE.

“Tippie Thrive pushed me to slow down, understand my habits, and build practical skills I can use every day,” said senior Isabella Nelson. “Professionally, it’s made me a more confident communicator and helped me prepare for my summer internship. Personally, it’s helped me show up with more intention, resilience, and clarity.”

The DeWolf family's gift and matching challenge will establish an endowment that supports the program's long-term future. The investment will also provide a dedicated home and student-facing storefront for Tippie Thrive programming in the expanded Pappajohn Business Building.

Media Contact: Tom Snee, 319-384-0010 (o); 319-541-8434 (c); tom-snee@uiowa.edu