Remembering Jerry Ivy

As seen in the fall 2024 Ivy magazine.

Jerry Ivy, who passed away in April at the age of 91, is remembered for his generosity and ability to leave a lasting legacy on the next generation.

“Jerry was a cherished friend, esteemed philanthropist, and dedicated supporter of our institution. His unwavering commitment to our university, students, faculty, and staff leaves an indelible mark on our community,” said Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Debbie, their family, and all those associated with their family business, Auto-Chlor, which is based in Mountain View, California.”

Jerry’s impact on Iowa State University was remarkable.

Jerry (’53 industrial administration) and Debbie (’19 honorary alumna) made a historic $50 million gift, announced on September 11, 2017.

It marked a pivotal moment for the university, leading the College of Business to be named. This generous gift remains the largest in the college’s history and paved the way for the distinction as the first named college at Iowa State.

Jerry and Debbie played a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and innovation. Their passion for education and their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be remembered and cherished.

“Jerry was a special alumnus who led an extraordinary life,” said Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen. “With Debbie’s support, they built a successful national company known for its world-class service and science-based solutions. Their generosity and support of students will make a profound difference in the lives of our graduates.”

The day history was made

On the day it was announced that Debbie and Jerry Ivy made that historic gift, the Richard and Joan Stark Lecture Hall in the Gerdin Business Building was packed with all 299 seats filled, and another 100 or more were watching from a large screen TV across the hall. The announcement was also available live on the internet.

Reporters from all over Iowa attended and covered the big news.

Students, staff, faculty, and guests knew something big was happening. The anticipation could be felt in the room. When then-interim Iowa State President and former College of Business Dean Ben Allen made the official announcement, there were some audible gasps of surprise, followed by a short pause, before the crowd burst into a long round of energetic applause and a standing ovation.

“The Ivys’ commitment is a powerful endorsement of the college, our programs, leadership over the years, and vision for the future,” said Spalding.

Jerry’s path to Iowa State

It was a chance meeting with Jerry’s cousin that brought him to Ames.

“Actually, when I graduated, I was signed up and accepted to the University of Minnesota, the Duluth branch,” he said. His cousin was in the Navy, and eventually went to Iowa State to study engineering. During a family visit to Minnesota, his cousin strongly encouraged Jerry to attend Iowa State.

“He said that I needed to go to Iowa State. It’s a bigger college, and it’s a better experience. I am forever grateful to this day for that because I certainly wouldn’t have been here if it hadn’t been for him.”

Read more about Jerry Ivy’s entrepreneurship path.

The Ivy gift continues to make an impact

At the time of the gift, there were only 14 other business schools in the country to have received a gift larger than $50 million. Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding said, “It’s an honor for ours to be the first named college at Iowa State.”

Having the college named after an alumnus who is also a successful entrepreneur is a perfect match.

“Jerry was an excellent example of someone who graduated with a business degree, went out into the real world, and built a company so successful that he and Debbie are able to make such a generous gift — one that is having a positive impact on business students today
and for many years to come,” Spalding said.

Thoughts from Jerry’s son

In a memo to all the employees of their family business, Auto-Chlor, Ed Ivy shared some insightful details about his father. The following are excerpts from his memo.

Jerry was quite a remarkable character. He was a salesman at heart but, at the core, a gifted businessman. His passion was business. He possessed a constant thirst to learn, grow, and improve himself. He enjoyed a full life.

He also described his father’s upbringing.

Jerry grew up on farms in Iowa and Minnesota. His grandparents on both sides lost all their money and farmland during the Great Depression, an impact never forgotten. Jerry did farm chores every day, like milking the cow at 6:00 a.m. He walked miles to the country school, even in the snow. Students from first grade all the way through to the end of high school were taught in the same classroom by the same teacher. In the summers, Jerry raised his sheep and took care of his Shetland pony, Jerry usually barefooted. He said the ram was always trying to knock him over when he wasn’t looking. His sheep won many awards at the State Fair each year. He was an Eagle Scout.

Jerry graduated from high school at age 16 and immediately headed to Iowa State on an ROTC scholarship. After finishing college at age 20, he fulfilled his ROTC obligation by serving two years as an officer in the Navy at the end of the Korean War based in San Francisco, California.

After the Navy, Jerry returned home to Minnesota but soon moved to Kansas City and worked for two men in the water softening business. He eventually was promoted and ended up owning the business. Jerry credits those men for teaching him business. A few years later, he sold the business to Culligan. Jerry’s great break came shortly thereafter when he met Jim Robinson in Memphis, Tennessee, and discovered Auto-Chlor System. Importantly, he was prepared and had the support to take advantage of the opportunity.

Robinson wanted Jerry to work for him for two years to learn the business before offering him an Auto-Chlor dealership.

Jerry and his family moved to Seattle and for the next five years, Auto-Chlor Seattle operated out of his garage. Auto-Chlor System was a novel concept at the time without competition. The timing was perfect. Jerry said his vision was to get out 150 dishwashing machines and hire two employees, and he would be good. It’s almost impossible to fathom what the Auto-Chlor System has become today.

Jerry was never the hardest worker (sometimes known to sleep on the job), but those things he deemed important to get done, he got done. Good fortune usually seemed to be on his side. There were many things he wasn’t very good at, but one thing he was unusually gifted at was business, and he very much liked it.

Jerry is the embodiment of the American Dream. It was something to see it. He will be deeply missed.

October 28, 2024