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Posted: 9/26/2007 1:49:49 PM
Human Performance Center named Des Moines businessman Richard O. (Dick) Jacobson has pledged $3 million to support the completion of a multipurpose facility for academic and sports-related programs at the University of Northern Iowa. The Board of Regents approved naming the facility the Richard O. Jacobson Human Performance Complex.
Jacobson’s pledge is a challenge gift to encourage support from other sources for the programs served by the Human Performance Complex (HPC). The university has agreed to secure an additional $2 million from other sources to match Jacobson’s pledge.
“The impact that Mr. Jacobson’s gift will have on UNI is huge,” said Ben Allen, president of the University of Northern Iowa. “It will give our students, faculty and community access to first-class facilities in the new complex. At the same time, it encourages other UNI supporters to make commitments for programs that benefit not only the UNI students but also the entire state.”
Currently under construction, the Richard O. Jacobson Human Performance Complex will encompass: a three-story addition within the north end of the UNI-Dome; the two-story Human Performance Center, which will serve athletic training education, Youth and Human Services, the Global Health Corps, the National Program for Playground Safety, Camp Adventure and a community outreach partnership between UNI, Allen Hospital and Cedar Valley Medical Specialists; and remodeled portions of the Wellness and Recreation Center, including the Strength and Conditioning Center, laboratory and locker rooms.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to build a first-class facility to house the many programs that will enhance the lives of thousands of Iowans throughout the state,” said Jacobson. “I am pleased to be a part of this project.”
Jacobson, a Belmond, Iowa native, is the founder of Jacobson Companies. Beginning in 1968 with a single Des Moines warehouse, Jacobson grew the warehouse facilities to more than 30 million square feet, while expanding the company into a business encompassing eight separate companies and employing more than 6,500 people in 25 states.
One of his most recent business ventures is in the ethanol industry. Hawkeye Renewables is the third largest producer of ethanol in the United States.
Jacobson also is a noted philanthropist whose Des Moines-based Richard O. Jacobson Foundation supports numerous educational and civic programs and projects throughout Iowa. To date, he has given away more than $50 million.
Source: UNI Northern Iowan, Monday, 24 September 2007
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