$20 million latest gift to expand business school from Tippie family raises their giving to school to over $45 million
In a powerful continuation of one of the University of Iowa’s most enduring philanthropic partnerships, the family of Henry B. Tippie has donated $20 million to the Tippie College of Business to fund a major expansion and modernization of its facilities.
The university announced the landmark gift which will help add 65,000 square feet of new space and integrate the historic Gilmore Hall with the John Pappajohn Business Building to create a state-of-the-art business education complex.
The multi-phase project will feature cutting-edge classrooms, labs focused on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial training, a new student engagement hub, and a 150-seat showcase event venue. It will also include the relocation of the graduate college and a full modernization of Gilmore Hall, originally built in 1910.
The initiative received formal approval from the Iowa Board of Regents earlier this month and will be entirely funded by private donations.
“This leadership gift will help us create state-of-the-art classrooms, expand faculty space to support our growing student body, and enhance student engagement,” said Amy Kristof-Brown, dean of the Tippie College of Business.
“It strengthens our role as an entrepreneurial hub and driver of economic growth.”
The donation was made by the Tippie family, Patricia Tippie, and their children Anne Tippie Schmelzer and Thomas Tippie, who have all remained active in upholding Henry Tippe’s vision for accessible, high-impact business education. In total, the family has given more than $45 million to the university over the years, supporting scholarships, endowed faculty positions, fellowships, and infrastructure.
Born in Belle Plaine, Iowa, Henry B. Tippie served in WWII before attending the University of Iowa on the G.I. Bill.
He went on to become a pioneer in American business, helping build Rollins Inc. into a major public company.
His name was bestowed on the business college in 1999, making it the first UI academic unit named for an individual.
The college has since doubled enrollment to more than 6,000 students across six departments and was recently ranked among the top 20 public business schools by U.S. News & World Report.
“This is not just a gift for buildings—it’s an investment in people, innovation, and the future of Iowa,” said Lynette Marshall, president and CEO of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.
“The Tippie family’s enduring commitment is a shining example of how a legacy can shape generations.”
Construction on the new facilities is expected to begin later this year.
Photo: Patricia Tippie