Dave Jackson’s first gift to the University of Iowa was inspired by nothing more than a walk through the Pentacrest, but his contribution made an impact visible to thousands.
Jackson’s initial donation, made in 1991, was spurred by the sight of badly frayed Iowa and U.S. flags flying above Old Capitol. When he learned that the flags were unfunded—and trimmed and re-hemmed by volunteers at Old Capitol Museum—he wrote a check to purchase 10 new ones. Less than two weeks later, Jackson was proud to see new flags flying.
Jackson, who is assistant director for Facilities Management, has continued his support of Iowa ever since; he was one of more than 2,900 UI faculty and staff who in 2017 together gave $2.6 million to UI programs, projects, and people. This fall, he’s one of three co-chairs for the sixth annual We Are Phil campaign, a weeklong faculty and staff giving program initiated by the UI in fall 2013. “Phil” is short for “philanthropy” and, at Iowa, represents those who make and are beneficiaries of donations. The campaign runs Oct. 1–5.
Seeing the impact of his contribution was one of the reasons Jackson has continued giving for nearly 30 years.
Find an area or project to support at the We Are Phil campaign page on the Center for Advancement website.
“I’ve seen the direct results of the money I’ve given,” says Jackson. “It makes me feel good. It makes me feel much more a part of the Hawkeye family, as though I’m leaving somewhat of a legacy through my giving.”
And he’s extended his giving to other areas, including UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Sarcoma Registry for Outcomes and Results, Hancher Auditorium, and the Campus Beautification Project.
UI faculty and staff interested in making a gift during this year’s campaign week will have a number of options for doing so, including through GOLDrush, the university’s crowdfunding platform. The program helps student and faculty groups raise money for special projects, and donors can track the progress of each project online, as well as the number of donors and updates from the department. This fall, the platform features 12 projects sponsored by various colleges and units, including a scholarship fund for UI REACH students, support to commission unique artwork for the UI College of Engineering, and peer mentoring for first-generation and underrepresented students interested in business and entrepreneurship.
Fellow We Are Phil co-chair Chris Laubenthal, clinical departmental administrator in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, says he was inspired to help others by paying forward the gifts he received toward his education.
“I really believe in the empowerment philanthropy can create in people’s lives,” Laubenthal says. “I was fortunate to be a recipient of scholarship funding in the very beginning of my education, and that made a tremendous impact on me. It was through that initial opportunity that I wanted to be able to give back to others. Even a small gift or a small opportunity can really make a big difference in people’s lives.”
Laubenthal gives back to the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and the UI School of Art and Art History, two areas of interest of his parents, who inspired him to pursue higher education.
Susan Assouline, director of the Connie Belin and Jacqueline N. Blank (Belin-Blank) International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development and the third co-chair for We Are Phil 2018, says she witnesses the selflessness of others every day through her work providing opportunities for gifted students.
“Seeing firsthand the power of philanthropy has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my career,” Assouline says. “Knowing our donors is a privilege, and the stewardship of their generosity is an honor.”
Assouline concentrates much of her giving toward the Belin-Blank Center as a way of demonstrating her respect and admiration for the co-founders and philanthropists who have made the center possible—and improving children’s lives. She says she believes that mutual appreciation is carried forth campus-wide through contributions.
“Phil is important because the concept really helps to underscore the relationships among the university faculty and staff and students, as well as the donors,” Assouline says. “There’s no better way of demonstrating respect for each other than just giving back and being part of this.”