GIVING

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Stories of Generosity

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Hope

More Hope

Jerre Stead (1965 B.B.A.) and Mary Joy Stead believe that all children deserve healthy futures. And they know the University of Iowa can help make that possible. That's why the Maquoketa, Iowa, natives have given $25 million in total support for children's medicine, resulting in the naming of the UI's new children's hospital in their honor. They want University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital to be a lifeline for every child who needs it—not just in Iowa, but throughout the world. Thanks to their visionary generosity, the Steads have helped put Iowa on the map as the place where young patients and their families can go for caring . . . for curing . . . for hope.

"I want people to recognize what a very special place this is. And if I could greet every incoming patient personally, I would say: 'Welcome to our new hospital. We hope you feel comfortable and happy while you're here, even in your most stressful times. If you have any cares or concerns that need taking care of,  just ask.'"

- Mary Joy Stead

University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Dedication and Community Open House schedule:

Saturday, November 5, 2016

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Community Open House

Sunday, November 6, 2016

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Community Open House

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Creativity

More for Young Artists, Writers

Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan, of Woody Creek, Colorado, believes the arts are an integral part of every person's education. Her support for the Connie Belin and Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development in the University of Iowa College of Education provides more resources to make the arts a focus for our future.

Mary and her husband, Patrick, have committed $10 million to establish an early entrance academy at Iowa for high-achieving 10th graders—the first such academy in the state and among the first nationally at a public research university. This STEAM academy—which adds the arts to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programming—is named in memory of Mary's parents, Martin (1941 B.A.) and Melva Bucksbaum.

"As a parent, I truly want my own child and other children to understand and benefit from the exposure to, and the study of, art. As more and more art programs get cut from school budgets, I felt compelled to make a contribution to the Belin-Blank Center so that they could develop programs for children with ability and interest in the arts. My family's close friendship with the Belin family was also an important factor, and I wanted to make a difference in an area that is important to me, in a place that is important to them."

- Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan

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Experiences

More than a Graduation Gift

So many of Jeffrey Ding's memorable experiences at the University of Iowa were tied directly to philanthropy. Such support inspired Jeffrey—who received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University in Oxford, England—to celebrate his graduation by giving back.

He made donations to four areas that were meaningful to his college experience: the Henry B. Tippie College of Business; the Department of Political Science; the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Culture; and the Forever More Scholarship. He also joined the University of Iowa Alumni Association. Overall, Jeffrey, who was a member of the UI Foundation’s Student Philanthropy Group while at Iowa, wanted to help future students.

"I've grown up with a strong sense of gratitude because both of my parents gave up everything in China to come to Iowa City for better educational opportunities. Graduation seemed like the perfect time to express my gratitude for educational opportunities given to me by the University of Iowa."

- Jeffrey Ding 2016 B.A., B.B.A., B.S.