Hunter
02/21/22
Henry Tippie, a University of Iowa alum whose donations to the school over the years led to the College of Business being named in his honor, passed away Sunday at the age of 95.
In a release on the foriowa.org website, the savvy businessman “repaid” his alma mater time and again, through gifts of leadership, service, and private support.
Before attending the University of Iowa on the GI Bill, Tippie enlisted in the service at age 17 and reported for duty the day before D-Day. Tippie primarily served as chief clerk for medical administration at the 20th Air Force’s headquarters on the island of Guam during his 27 months in uniform.
Tippie completed his UI degree and began his professional career as a junior accountant in the Des Moines area. He became controller for Rollins, then a fledgling communications firm, in 1953. His acumen led the company to acquire Orkin pest control in 1964 and became a Harvard Businesss School case study on leveraged buyouts. He officially retired in 2021 but stayed on as Lead Independent Director.
Tippie’s financial pledge to the University of Iowa in 1999 was the largest single gift from an individual to date. It led to the school renaming its business college in Tippie’s name. He was known to make regular visits to the school, dropping in on classes and speaking to students and faculty. He and his wife Patricia are responsible for providing scholarships to over 900 U of I students.
In a release from the university’s Athletic Department, whose Director of Athletics chair is named after the Tippies, Gary Barta called Tippie “a true friend and respected leader.” Head football coach Kirk Ferentz said that Tippie was a generous financial contributor to the program and called him a gracious, down-to-earth man.
Information about a funeral and/or memorial service is pending.