On Monday, Feb. 17, the University of Iowa Phi Kappa Psi fraternity presented University of Iowa President Sally Mason with a check for $100,000, which will endow the Nile C. Kinnick Scholarship Fund.
The endowment ensures scholarship awards for future generations of incoming UI freshmen with outstanding high school achievements. The scholarship was named for UI alum and Hawkeye football legend Nile Kinnick, who was a member of Phi Kappa Psi, a 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, an all-American football player, and a national honor society member. Kinnick later went on to become a World War II hero.
Video: Jill Tobin, UI Foundation.
“This extraordinary gift from UI students exemplifies the ethic of service and giving of so many of our students,” says President Mason. “Thank you to the men of Phi Kappa Psi for their generosity and for recognizing these remarkable first-year UI students.”
“Since the Kinnick Scholarship’s creation in 1997, it has been our goal to consistently recognize and reward University of Iowa students for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service,” says Nick Koehn, Phi Kappa Psi chapter president. “Our gift to the university furthers this mission.”
Now in its 17th year, the Nile C. Kinnick Scholarship is awarded by Phi Kappa Psi to men with outstanding high school achievements who are entering their first year at the UI. In 2013, Phi Kappa Psi awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships.
John Greenwood, UI alum and president of the fraternity’s alumni group, stressed the origin of the gift.
“This was a decision of the undergraduate members,” says Greenwood. “As an alum, I am proud to see the undergrads take a long-term perspective. The scholarships that result from this gift will benefit Iowa students for many years to come.”
The gift from Psi Kappa Psi to endow the Nile C. Kinnick Scholarship Fund qualifies for Golden Pledge: A Presidential Partnership for Student Success, a matching program created by UI President Sally Mason in the fall of 2012. Golden Pledge will double the payout of the Nile C. Kinnick scholarship awards. Read more about Golden Pledge at the UI Foundation Golden Pledge website.
About Phi Kappa Psi
Formed in 1867, the UI chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity is among the organization’s oldest and largest chapters with nearly 2,000 members through its history. One of its darkest days, however, occurred 20 years ago when the organization’s chapter house was devastated by a fire. Despite the significant setback, the organization remained active, quickly rebuilding its house at 363 N. Riverside Dr. in Iowa City, where the chapter remains today.
“In 1994, in the immediate aftermath of the house fire, we were faced with some difficult times,” says Doug Parsons, UI alum and Phi Kappa Psi member who was instrumental in seeing the fraternity through the rebuilding of the chapter house. “To see the fraternity make this gift and continue to find success on campus is rewarding for all of us alumni.”
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.