The Named Athletic Scholarship Celebration is an annual event held to recognize athletic scholarship contributors and those student-athletes named to these special scholarships. This year’s dinner and program was co-hosted by Iowa Football’s James Vandenberg, who spent the summer interning with the UI Foundation.

Vandenberg, the Mark Falb Quarterback Scholarship recipient, recalled some of his experiences as an intern, including the realization that the passion that he knows in the Hawkeye faithful is equaled by their generosity. “Having a scholarship to attend this university is a huge privilege, and something I take very seriously,” said Vandenberg to the crowd of almost 300. “It‘s something I am thankful for everyday.” Regarding his internship experience -- which included writing thank-you notes to donors and speaking at I-Club events -- Vandenberg said, “Not only do I now have a deeper sense of gratitude, I also now look forward to being a donor some day -- and passing it on.”

Endowed scholarship support is a crucial source of funding, as athletics will pay the university about $9 million dollars next academic year to cover its scholarship bill. Earnings from the endowed funds are used to offset those costs. A permanent recognition piece honoring endowed athletic scholarship donors may be seen on the concourse level of Carver Hawkeye Arena.

Iowa has moved from 9^th in the Big Ten in total scholarship endowment dollars to 5^th in one-year’s time. Both long-standing support and recent commitment from our donors has been evident.

“Our contributors continue to support our student-athletes in the most generous of ways. Last year’s scholarship gifts were remarkable, considering the other significant capital campaigns -- Carver Hawkeye Arena Renovation Campaign and the Football Facilities Campaign -- that were being conducted to improve facilities. Our donors share our very significant commitment to academic excellence,” said Matt Henderson, UI Foundation executive director of development.

The $40 million UI Atheletics scholarship endowment continues to grow, and the December 8 celebration of contributors and scholarship recipients was both a great confirmation of Iowa’s excellence in the classroom and a heartfelt thank-you to those who have carefully and generously given to ensure the stability of Iowa athletics in perpetuity.

To learn more about making a gift to the athletic scholarship endowment or to view a complete list of the named athletic scholarships, including the student-athletes who were named to each award, please visit our Hawkeye Visions page.

*photo courtesy of Bob Goodfellow

Related Links:

• Football Facility Project
• Hawkeye Inspiration
• Annual I-Club Giving
• Estate Planning