In 1953, just four years after graduating from the University of Iowa, a young man put a $5 check into an envelope and mailed the donation to his alma mater. With that action, he set into motion what has become many decades of giving back — both resources and time — to Iowa.

That man was Henry Tippie, and throughout the years, he and wife Patricia have supported a number of important university programs and initiatives, and their giving has had a remarkable impact on the university. In 1999, in recognition of the Tippies’ visionary giving, the UI renamed its business college the Henry B. Tippie College of Business.

Each year, thousands of UI alumni and friends give to Iowa, and their support helps make your education — your total experience here — top-notch.

Henry tells me he views his donations to Iowa as “repayment for benefits received.” But Henry, and all those who give to Iowa, are doing so much more than just giving back — their generosity is creating life-changing opportunities for you, the current generation of Hawkeyes.

On Thursday, we are going to celebrate the impact of their giving by hosting our third annual “Phil’s Day.” Phil — short for philanthropy — is the nickname we at the University of Iowa Foundation have adopted to represent Henry and everyone who donates to Iowa, as well as all those who benefit from private giving.

We’ll host a variety of activities throughout the day, and I’m pleased that Henry Tippie has agreed to be our guest of honor for the day. Don’t miss Henry’s talk, “Life With Phil,” at 1:30 p.m. in the IMU second-floor ballroom. You’ll hear more about his personal and professional journey and why he gives to Iowa. You can find more information about the day at uifoundation.org/PhilsDay.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating all things Phil.

Lynette Marshall