UI benefactor John Pappajohn dies at 94
Lang/Hunter
4/26/23
University of Iowa benefactor John Pappajohn has died.
His family says Pappajohn died at his vacation home in Florida at the age of 94.
Pappajohn was born in Greece and settled in Mason City with his family when he was just 9 months old. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He then returned to Mason City where he sold insurance and eventually founded Guardsman Life Insurance Company.
Pappajohn then got into the venture capital fund field in 1969, founding Equity Dynamics. That’s where he became involved in over 100 startups, over 50 initial public startups, and served as director for over 40 companies.
Pappajohn is best known locally for being the namesake of the Pappajohn Business Building on East Market Street and the Pappajohn Pavillion at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The UI graduate donated money to create other entrepreneurial centers across the state at Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and North Iowa Area Community College. His donations totaled over $30 million. As a result of his philanthropy, he was awarded with the Horatio Alger Award in 1995, the UI Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 1991, the Hancher-Finkbine Alumni Medallion in 2004, and numerous other awards and designations. He was also highly regarded as one of the top art collectors in the world.
Pappajohn’s wife Mary passed away last year. He is survived by a daughter. Details on a memorial service are pending.