Marvin Pomerantz of Des Moines, prominent University of Iowa alumnus and benefactor, Iowa business leader, and former president of the Iowa Board of Regents, died Thursday at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In honor of Pomerantz, the UI will fly the flag atop the Old Capitol at half-staff today.

“The University of Iowa joins our entire state in mourning the loss of Marvin Pomerantz,” UI President Sally Mason said in a statement. “Mr. Pomerantz was a true friend to the UI and to higher education throughout Iowa. His leadership, his insight, his advice, and his generosity have been crucial to our success and our excellence for decades.

“The University of Iowa would truly not be what it is today without Marvin Pomerantz’s dedication to our public universities and his love for our institution,” Mason added. “As a self-made man, he was an example and inspiration to students, faculty, and staff alike. On behalf of the entire University of Iowa community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Rose Lee and the Pomerantz family as well as to all Iowans who will miss Marvin’s contributions and tireless commitment to our state and its future.”

Pomerantz co-chaired the “Good. Better. Best. Iowa” campaign, where he helped raise more than $1 billion for the university. He and his family have also given generously to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the UI Carver College of Medicine, the College of Public Health, Hancher Auditorium, Museum of Art, University of Iowa Athletic Department, Tippie College of Business and the Pomerantz Career Center. His lead gift of $10 million was instrumental in the development and construction of the Pomerantz Career Center.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd., Des Moines, with burial following. Lunch will be served at the synagogue following burial. There is no visitation.