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UI receives $3 million gift for Hawkeye athletics
Posted September 2, 1999
IOWA CITY -- Roy Karro of Southfield, Michigan, has made a $3 million gift to The University of Iowa Foundation to help fund the planning and construction of a Hall of Fame and Visitor's Center for Hawkeye athletics. It is the single largest gift ever received by the UI Foundation for support of intercollegiate athletics. Groundbreaking for the 23,000 square foot building, to be located west of Finkbine golf course along Mormon Trek Boulevard, is tentatively scheduled for next spring. Total cost for the Hall of Fame and Visitor's Center, which will be totally funded by private gifts, is estimated to be $6 million. Karro, age 81, is a retired vice president with Salomon Smith Barney. He graduated from the UI in 1942 with a B.A. degree in sociology. Karro made his first gift to the UI in 1956 and has made gifts for 44 consecutive years in support of a variety of UI projects. This past spring, he started the Hayden Fry Captains Scholarship with a $50,000 lead gift and also commissioned a bronze bust honoring Fry. University of Iowa President Mary Sue Coleman said Karro's gift "is another wonderful example of Roy's loyal and very generous support of his alma mater. It will help ensure that a quality, informative, and interesting Hall of Fame and Visitor's Center is built for the enjoyment of our alumni, students, Hawkeye fans, and letterwinners." UI Men's Athletics Director Bob Bowlsby said Karro's gift "is a great start to the Hall of Fame and Visitor's Center project which will enable us to consolidate memorabilia for all of our men's and women's sports and appropriately honor the rich tradition of Hawkeye athletics. Roy's confidence in the project is appreciated and the result will be state-of-the-art facility for the new century." Karro is being named an honorary letterwinner this Saturday by the UI Varsity Club. According to UI Foundation President Michael New, Karro will also become a Presidents Club Gold member, which recognizes total giving of $1 million or more to the UI. The UI Foundation is the preferred channel of private contributions to all areas of The University of Iowa. Foundation staff members work with alumni and friends to provide support for a broad range of projects and programs at The University of Iowa. Related information: Contact Information
Andy Piro Additional information about supporting Hawkeye athletics also is available on this site. |