The University of Iowa has announced a $70 million gift from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation in support of constructing a patient care building for University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

The largest gift in the 175-year history of the university will enable UI Hospitals & Clinics, which is consistently at or above full capacity, to expand services. In recognition of the gift, the patient care tower planned for UI Health Care’s main campus across from Kinnick Stadium is expected to be named in honor of the late UI alumnus, Richard O. Jacobson. Once complete, the patient care facility will feature single inpatient rooms, state-of-the-art operating rooms, and intensive care unit beds.

Richard “Dick” Orrin Jacobson (’58) grew up in Belmond, Iowa. With the latest commitment, Jacobson and his foundation have given more than $86 million to the university, including support for the Iowa Reading Research Center, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center in the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, and the university’s football program.

“We are proud to serve Iowa with our state’s only comprehensive academic medical center, providing life-saving and life-changing care to people from across the state and beyond,” said UI president Barbara Wilson. “Richard Jacobson’s commitment to the UI was extraordinary, and this latest and very generous gift on his behalf will allow our exceptional healthcare team to deliver the highest level of care to all Iowans.”

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