Photo: University of Northern Iowa
(Cedar Falls, IA) -- The University of Northern Iowa has announced the latest gift ever to the university, a $25 million pledge from UNI grad David W. Wilson.
In honor of the gift, the business college, upon Board of Regents approval, will be known as the David W. Wilson College of Business, the first named college at the University of Northern Iowa.
“This gift to UNI is made in the hope that this money will transform the university; transform the College of Business,” said David Wilson. “I’m hoping this gift will ensure students will learn to do things the right way.”
“This is a historic moment for our campus. The Wilson College of Business will truly transform business education at UNI, taking our already premier business programs to new heights,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “We’re honored that UNI’s first named college will stand as a testament to David’s belief in the power of education and will provide resources for the university to foster innovation for the future.”
A portion of the gift also establishes the Wilson Scholars Fund, providing renewable scholarships for students from Tama County, which includes Traer – David’s hometown. Wilson also worked with the UNI Foundation to structure his contribution as a challenge gift in the hopes of spurring additional support for the university’s Our Tomorrow campaign.
This most recent contribution expands on David’s previous support that created the Wilson Chair in Business Ethics in 1999. For the past two decades, the faculty position has educated students about ethics and served as a resource on the topic for the community. The Wilson Chair will play an important role in the vision for the Wilson College of Business.
Wilson owns multiple automotive dealerships in the southwestern U.S.
Photo: University of Northern Iowa