UIU mourns death of longtime Trustee Bruce Campbell

The entire UIU community mourns the death of Bruce Campbell ’69 longtime Board of Trustee, Heritage Society member, and lifelong friend to Upper Iowa.  Bruce served on the Board of Trustees from 1977-2016, including holding the position of Board Chair from 1990-2002, a tenure longer than any individual since the University’s founding in 1857.

Bruce helped to lead this institution through both prosperous and challenging times, never losing his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and passionate devotion to UIU students, faculty, staff and alumni.

 

Following his graduation from UIU in 1969, Bruce attended Harvard University and obtained his law degree.  Campbell went on to become a senior shareholder and past president of the Davis Brown Law Firm in the Business Division.  His general practice was in the area of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and taxation.  Bruce’s professional accomplishments were many, including AV certification by Martindale-Hubbell, an honor signaling that his peers viewed Bruce as being at the highest level or professional excellence.  Bruce was also named to the “Best Lawyers in America 2011” in the areas of non-profit/charities law, tax law, and trusts and estates in addition to being named to “Iowa Super Lawyers” in 2009.

Bruce’s philanthropy and service was not limited to Upper Iowa University, as he also served as a director and officer of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.  He was also a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, serving as a trained mediator specializing in mediation of probate and family succession disputes.

Bruce was honored during the October 2016 meeting of the UIU Board of Trustees, presented with a proclamation from the Board Chairman, a quilt, and a Campus Walk brick to honor his service, ensuring a permanent tribute to his legacy in UIU’s history.

Bruce will long be remembered for the difference he made to improve the lives of others, not just through his service to UIU, but in all his life’s rich accomplishments.  Our thoughts are with Bruce’s wife, Beverly, and the rest of his family during this difficult time.

Bruce’s obituary can be found here.