Comment on University of Iowa makes first distribution from blockbuster $1.165 billion utilities deal

IOWA CITY — Months after the University of Iowa originally planned to allocate millions toward its strategic plan from last year’s blockbuster $1.165 billion public-private utilities partnership, officials Thursday said they’ve decided how to use the first $7.5 million distribution of investment revenue.The money — pulled from a $985.9 million endowment investment the university made in March after shaving millions off its partner’s upfront lump payment to cover debts, consultant fees, and employee training — will support initiatives to bolster student success and retain faculty.