When Jack turned 21 years old in July, he received countless messages from fellow students, faculty and staff, and members of the Iowa men’s basketball program, where he serves as a student manager. The outpouring of well wishes he received from fellow Hawkeyes spoke volumes to us.

We are grateful that Jack has found a second home at Iowa. Because of Jack’s life-changing experience in Iowa City, we—through the Devlin Foundation—have committed $1 million to support the most pressing needs of the UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) program. As the only program of its kind in Iowa, UI REACH helps students with disabilities focus on career skills, academic achievement, personal responsibility, and interpersonal competence through an on-campus experience that can last up to four years.

UI REACH has provided Jack with so much internal growth, independence, and confidence. To see our son thrive and grow so much, it really brings a smile to my face and immense joy to the entire family. Jack’s experience made us reflect upon what we could do so that the program could continue to thrive and impact other students. The gift will help UI REACH do a number of things, including expand its programming opportunities, support staff, and help more students participate in the program. 

The Devlin Foundation has always supported the arts and education. Because of the UI REACH program, students become more independent and have a greater likelihood of contributing to their communities once they’ve completed the program.

Supporting UI REACH, for us, means we can impact the lives of so many individuals.It’s all in an effort to help Jack—and future students—to follow their dreams. For Jack, that means working for a college or professional sports team. Programs are only as good as the people who are running them, and we can’t say enough about Bill Loyd and his staff. We’re so happy to support their efforts and to be able to make a tremendous impact on other students’ lives.

Matt and Erin Devlin

If you would like to support the impact the UI Reach program has on students’ lives make a gift today.

Read more from the Annual Report 2020