By Kathleen Snodgrass

When Betty Schermer learned of the plan to build a new Journalism and Mass Communication building, she was in-trigued. When she learned there was an opportunity to name the building, she knew it was exactly what she wanted to do.

After all, her father was a strong supporter of the UI and naming the new J-School in recognition of him was an easy decision.

“My father was always fond of the UI, it was his school,” Shermer said. “This building is a nice thing to do for him and it is a lasting tribute.”

Lloyd and Betty Schermer don’t think their $3 million gift to the J-School is a big deal. They only wanted an opportunity to recognize the acomplishments and generosity of a man that meant so much to them. Betty said she was surprised at the attention and sentiment they have received since the announcement.

“During the groundbreaking we had so many people come up to us,” she said. Some of the faculty came up and told us how much they appreciated what we did.”

Philip D. Adler (1902-1984) was a long-time supporter of the UI’s programs, including the J-School. Adler was a charter member of The Presidents Club, which recognizes the UI’s most generous contributors.

As a 1926 UI graduate in English, Adler became a local leader in the journalism field. He was past publisher for the Davenport Daily Times, predeccessor to today’s Quad-City Times, and president of Lee Enterprises, Inc. He was inducted into the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Hall of Fame in 1990.

For the Schermer’s, the Philip D. Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building is a lasting legacy to UI graduate, supporter and a father.