The University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) will celebrate 30 years of inspiring the next generation of business builders with an honors and awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11.

Jerre Stead (BBA65) is the keynote guest at the JPEC event from 6-7 p.m. at The Englert Theatre in Iowa City. Doors open at 5:45.

Stead has served as either chairman or CEO of 10 major national and international corporations in his entrepreneurial career. A longtime supporter of the University of Iowa, Stead and his wife, Mary Joy, made a gift that helped build the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, home of The Wave. 

The event is free, open to the public, and will recognize two business leaders while also commemorating the 30th anniversary of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers in Iowa. Laura VandeBerg, host of Hawkeye Sports at the University of Iowa, will be the emcee. (RSVP HERE). 

Special recognition will be given to John Pappajohn Legacy Award winner Byron Roth as well as Ravi Patel (BBA08) for being named the John Pappajohn Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year. Roth serves as executive chairman of ROTH Capital Partners, an investment banking firm that has helped support the growth of companies across multiple industries. Patel is president of Hawkeye Hotels, one of the nation’s leading hospitality management companies and a success story with Iowa roots.

“This event celebrates the accomplishments of two entrepreneurial leaders and also the impact the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers have had on economic development throughout Iowa,” said Adam Keune, executive director of Iowa JPEC.

The evening will also celebrate 30 years since the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers were established through gifts from University of Iowa alumni John and Mary Pappajohn. Since 1996, the statewide network with centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and North Iowa Area Community College, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and startup companies pursue ventures and strengthen Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Iowa JPEC continues to support entrepreneurs through learning opportunities, startup support programs, mentorship, and community partnerships designed to help them launch and grow new ventures.

Media Contact:

Darren Miller
Communications Specialist
319-430-4522 (c)
darren-miller@uiowa.edu