This weekend, business students at Iowa State University will be the first to graduate from a named college at the university. In September, it was announced that Debbie and Jerry Ivy ('53 industrial administration) had made a $50 million commitment to the college, the largest gift in college history.  There are only 14 business schools in the country that have received a larger gift.

The dean of the newly-named Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business is excited to share this special graduation day with students.

"This is a historic moment for the university, the college, and for business students who will walk across the stage as the first graduates of the Ivy College of Business," said Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding.

The Ivys' generosity is a powerful endorsement of the college, programs, leadership, and vision for the future. Their gift will support student scholarships, programmatic funding, and faculty support. Most immediately, it will build on momentum in several growing areas, including entrepreneurship,  business analytics, and the   supply chain management program , which is ranked sixth in the world for research.

"We are on our way to being known as the school of choice in Iowa for entrepreneurship," Spalding said. "We were the first public school in Iowa to offer an undergraduate degree in  entrepreneurship and only the eighth in the nation to launch a PhD in entrepreneurship ."

The Ivy College of Business prepares students for an exciting future in a complex, technology-driven, global society. The college combines quality curriculum, world-renowned faculty, and a welcoming atmosphere to create an unmatched business education. Students gain skills and experience both inside and outside of the classroom, whether they are seeking a degree at the bachelors, masters, or PhD level.

Did you know? The college also received a $7 million gift this semester from the Gerdin Charitable Foundation. This gift will help the college build a 35,000-square-foot (approximate) addition next to the existing Gerdin Business Building. This has become a high priority for the college due to years of growth and record enrollment.

Business students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a celebration on central campus October 20, following the official name change of the college.