IC couple gives $500,000 to UI College of Public Health

IOWA CITY - Dr. John Callaghan and Kim Callaghan have made a $500,000 contribution to the University of Iowa College of Public Health's “Building Today for a Healthy Tomorrow” campaign. The gift supports the college's campaign to build its first permanent home.

The gift was made in memory of John Callaghan's father, Colonel Donald F. Callaghan, who received a doctorate in hospital and health administration from the UI in 1970. Donald Callaghan retired from the U.S. Army in 1975, and went on to direct programs in health administration and public affairs for the University of Houston at Clear Lake City. He also served as Vice Chancellor and Provost from 1981 to 1983.

In recognition of John and Kim Callaghans' contribution, the college will name its primary lecture space in the new building the Donald F. and Regina B. Callaghan Auditorium.

John Callaghan is on faculty at the UI Carver College of Medicine and is an orthopaedic surgeon at UI Hospitals and Clinics, specializing in hip and knee replacements.

The couple are longtime Iowa City residents. John Callaghan completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the UI in 1983, and Kim earned a certificate in radiology in 1978. Over the years the couple have supported a variety of university programs, and have been named Founding Partners of the UI College of Public Health.

The college's ongoing $15 million campaign seeks to raise at least $7 million for the new College of Public Health academic building, as well as provide funds for student and faculty support and other programmatic development.

The 142,000-square-foot facility is being constructed on the UI campus on a site formerly occupied by the UI International Center. The $47.7 million facility, scheduled for completion in spring of 2012, will provide classrooms and student gathering space, as well as office space for faculty and administrative staff.