712 Digital Group - top

Delay in regent’s $5M gift to Iowa football raises questions

News, Sports

April 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa powerbroker Bruce Rastetter has long used his $5 million pledge to Hawkeye football to build his image as a successful businessman and philanthropist. But years after his 2008 commitment was touted as the largest gift to Iowa athletics, Rastetter has given less than a third of that amount. Another donor who promised $5 million that day has completed his pledge. The football complex they were supporting has been built.

Rastetter is now president of the school’s governing body. His handling of the donation contradicts public statements claiming he’s given $5 million, which he’s used to deflect criticism that his policies hurt the university. And it raises questions about whether the delay was part of the pressure he put on former university president Sally Mason, who resigned last year.