A Fitting Tribute to Philip D. Adler
(1902-1984)

When Lloyd G. and Betty Adler Schermer of Aspen, Colorado, made the generous decision to provide the $3 million leadership gift for a new home for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, it is no surprise that they chose to name the facility in memory of Betty's father, Philip D. Adler.

From the time Adler came to the UI as a student in the early 1920s (he earned a B.A. degree in English in 1926) to the time of his death in 1984, his involvement with The University of Iowa and the journalistic profession was extraordinary.

Adler was the longtime publisher of the Daily Times of Davenport, Iowa, a predecessor to today's Quad-City Times, and president of Davenport-based Lee Enterprises, a highly successful, publicly traded newspaper company. He retired in 1970, having won during his career many awards and commendations for his service to journalism. He was inducted into the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication's Hall of Fame in 1990.

With his wife, Henrietta, who died in 1991, Adler selflessly served the UI with his philanthropy and his time. He gave generously to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and other UI areas. A charter member of The Presidents Club, which recognizes the University's most generous contributors, Adler once served as chair of the University of Iowa Foundation Board of Directors, as well as on numerous other UI boards and committees.

With construction of the Philip D. Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building, the legacy of this great civic-minded man who served his profession and his alma mater so admirably will be forever linked with excellence at The University of Iowa.