University of Iowa Pappajohn Biomedical Institute is founded

After years of planning and collaboration among Carver College of Medicine and university officials (led by Vice President for Medical Affairs Jean Robillard, MD), UI leaders announced the establishment of a new, interdisciplinary research institute that will bring together scientists from across the university. in spring 2009, faculty member and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator Michael Welsh, MD, was named the director of the new institute, which will foster research that advances understanding of the fundamentals of human biology and disease and lead to applications that improve human health. In fall 2009, UI leaders announced a $26.4 million gift commitment from longtime university benefactors John and Mary Pappajohn of Des Moines, Iowa, to support the institute and contribute to the construction of a new research building. John Pappajohn, an Iowa venture capitalist and philanthropist, and his wife, Mary, are among the university's most generous supporters. Their generous philanthropic support led to the naming of the Pappajohn Pavilion at UI Hospitals & Clinics, the John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center, the John Pappajohn Entrpreneurial Center, and supported other areas such as Hawkeye Athletics, Hancher Auditorium, the UI Museum of Art, and more.