University of Iowa President Sally Mason spoke to members of the University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business faculty and staff Monday, March 3, congratulating the college on achieving a 91 percent participation rate in the UI's first annual We Are Phil faculty and staff giving program. With 193 of the college's 213 faculty and staff making a financial contribution to the UI during the program launch, the Tippie College of Business led all UI colleges and units in participation.
Speaking at the celebration, Mason said: “I'd like to congratulate dean Gardial, the volunteer chairs, and all the faculty and staff of the Tippie College of Business. By working together, you've demonstrated exemplary leadership and pride in our great university, and you’ve certainly set a high standard for participation in this inaugural year of We Are Phil.”
Designed specifically for UI faculty and staff, We Are Phil was launched on Oct. 21, 2013. The program promotes awareness of philanthropy, streamlines giving for UI employees on an annual and ongoing basis, and collectively recognizes the contributions of faculty and staff.
During the two-week launch of the program, more than 500 members of Iowa’s faculty and staff gave for the first time or renewed their UI support. Overall, more than 2,100 UI faculty and staff now can be counted as financial supporters this fiscal year (since July 1, 2013), and gifts continue to come in. This year’s total participation in We Are Phil will include giving to the UI by faculty and staff through June 30.
“Increasing financial support for our university through philanthropy is critical to ensuring that the UI continues as one of the top public research universities in the nation,” said Lynette Marshall, UI Foundation president and CEO, who also spoke during the event. “Here at Tippie, you've certainly taken that message to heart and demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit that would make Henry Tippie proud.”
The entrepreneurial spirit of the Tippie College of Business was harnessed by the college's leadership and program co-chairs.
"I am so proud of our team here at Tippie...our faculty and staff really stepped up and helped make a difference."
—Sarah Gardial, Tippie College of Business dean
“To encourage giving leading up to and during the two-week launch of We Are Phil, we held events, including a kickoff luncheon. In addition, faculty members set up challenges. We committed to match, dollar for dollar up to specified limits, contributions to certain funds,” said Tippie College of Business We Are Phil co-chair Ken Brown, professor in the college’s Department of Management and Organizations. “That extra motivation worked well, and helped us exceed our goal.”
“I am so proud of our team here at Tippie,” said Tippie College of Business Dean Sarah Gardial. “Whether they were supporting our college, UI Health Care or any of a wide variety of areas here at the UI, our faculty and staff really stepped up and helped make a difference. It was an impressive demonstration of their commitment to Tippie and the larger Hawkeye community.”
About the UI Foundation
The UI Foundation’s mission is to advance the UI and fulfill the aspirations of those it serves. The university’s dedicated contributors fund a broad array of needs, from student scholarships, breakthrough research and life-changing health care to innovative facilities, community outreach, and global education.
The UI and UI Foundation are conducting a historic comprehensive $1.7 billion fundraising campaign, For Iowa. Forever More: The Campaign for the University of Iowa, which will secure the UI’s status as a world-class institution for future generations. To date, the campaign has raised $1.22 billion.