Roy J. Carver (1909-1981) was an industrialist, sports enthusiast, and philanthropist whose generosity has made an indelible mark at the University of Iowa.
Carver was the consummate entrepreneur, founding three successful enterprises—Carver Pump Company, Carver Foundry Products, and Bandag Company. He and his wife, Lucille, became generous philanthropists supporting causes throughout Iowa and Illinois.
Carver’s interest in medicine began as an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois. Although he graduated with a degree in engineering, he had a sincere desire to advance patient care and education in the health sciences. In 1978, the Carver Pavilion was dedicated at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (now known as University of Iowa Health Care on the university campus), thanks to Carver’s $2 million donation. Since that time, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust has honored the Carver family with generous gifts to the University of Iowa, resulting in the naming of the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and numerous faculty positions.
Iowa has been good to me. My roots are here. The university is the instrument that will provide the best multiplier, over many years, for some of the things that will benefit the people of the state.
The Carver name is now synonymous with the exceptional teaching and research associated with University of Iowa Health Care and the Carver College of Medicine. Their legacy of generosity will continue to impact Iowa’s students, trainees, physicians, nurses, and caregivers for generations. Most important, their philanthropy positively impacts the lives of thousands of patients seeking care at University of Iowa Health Care. Our gratitude for their support is immeasurable.