UI College of Engineering receives $3 million donation

Bill and Marilyn Van Sant, of Bayfield, Wis., have established a $3 million bequest for the University of Iowa College of Engineering, the UI Foundation announced in a news release Thursday.

This gift provides $500,000 to establish the R. William and Marilyn Van Sant Mechanical Engineering Scholarship, $1.5 million to create the R. William and Marilyn Van Sant Chair in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and $1 million to establish the R. William and Marilyn Van Sant Engineering Innovation Fund.

Born and raised in Iowa, Bill Van Sant attended UI, where he earned his B.S. degree in 1966 and his master’s degree in 1967, both in mechanical engineering.

“We are proud of Bill Van Sant’s many accomplishments since graduating from Iowa, and his successful career provides inspiration for students today,” UI College of Engineering Dean Alec Scranton said in the release. “Bill and Marilyn’s generosity and vision will enable us to continue educating well-prepared graduates, attract top faculty and — through the innovation fund — meet new challenges and leverage new opportunities.”

UI Foundation officials report that, including the Van Sants’ donation, the college has reached $51 million toward its $55 million goal in the For Iowa. Forever More campaign.