DeWolf Family Foundation Donated $3.5 Million to UI
The gift will establish an endowment and fund a new dedicated space for student well-being at the Tippie College of Business.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The DeWolf Family Foundation has donated $3.5 million to the University of Iowa to support the Tippie Thrive student program. This significant contribution will establish a permanent endowment and provide a dedicated space for the program within the Pappajohn Business Building.
Why it matters
The funding aims to bolster student well-being and career preparation by expanding access to training in communication, resilience, and stress management. By creating a physical home for these services, the university intends to further integrate mental wellness into the business school curriculum.
The $3.5 million gift supports a program that served more than 4,700 students during the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative facilitated 80 distinct events and workshops throughout that period.
The players
DeWolf Family Foundation
A philanthropic organization based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that focuses on supporting community and educational initiatives.
University of Iowa
A public research university located in Iowa City that houses the Tippie College of Business.
Tippie Thrive
A peer-led student program that provides training in stress management, resilience, self-awareness, and communication.
The details
The donation funds a range of classes, peer learning sessions, and speaker series designed to improve student self-awareness and professional soft skills. Additionally, the funding supports a facility expansion to provide a permanent area for these activities in the Pappajohn Business Building.
Timeline
During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 4,700 students participated in 80 program offerings.
Market Landscape
The investment by the foundation mirrors a national trend of private donors funding mental health and resilience initiatives within higher education. This move positions the Tippie College of Business to compete for students by offering robust, comprehensive support services integrated directly into the academic experience.
Students at the Tippie College of Business will gain access to expanded programming and a dedicated facility in the Pappajohn Business Building. These resources will offer more frequent workshops and peer-learning opportunities to help students build professional resilience and communication skills.
The takeaway
This donation highlights the increasing value universities place on non-academic soft skills like stress management and communication. Students can take advantage of these resources to better prepare for the interpersonal demands of the professional business world.
Further reading
Learn more about local impact through the Iowa City Philanthropy section.
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