Jay and Julie Jacobi were presented with the 2018 Order of the Knoll Emerging Philanthropist Awards on Friday, Oct. 12. This award recognizes individuals or couples who have provided philanthropic support and creative leadership to the Iowa State University Foundation and Iowa State University through the advancement of philanthropy.
Since graduating from the university in the late 1980s, Jay ('89 agricultural business) and Julie ('88 agricultural business) Jacobi – a program analyst at Rain and Hail Insurance and a start-up investor respectively – have consistently and energetically supported their alma mater in various capacities. They established the Jay and Julie Jacobi Scholarship for Agricultural Study Abroad in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in order to help students gain valuable global experiences through Iowa State’s study abroad programs. Their giving has also supported the ISU Alumni Association, Cyclone Athletics, the Alpha Gamma Rho Education Foundation and more. In addition, Julie is currently serving on the advisory board for her former sorority, Alpha Phi.
“Our greatest honor has been being able to give back to the world on a local, state and international level,” they said. “It’s our hope that this award provides inspiration to others to serve and give back to Iowa State as they are able.”