C.Y. Stephens, B.S. in Dairy Science, 1925

Object NamePortrait

Artist / Maker Richard Dixon

Manufacturer American Portrait Artist Group

Date1963

OriginUSA

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions30 × 36 in. (76.2 × 91.4 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift of Mr. William Kiser. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberU99.24

Status

On view

Collections

Label TextClifford Y. Stephens, originally from Cherokee County, Georgia, graduated from Iowa State College (University) in 1925 with a degree in Dairy Science. His first job was as manager of the Farmers Co-Operative Milk Plant in Marshalltown, Iowa. He founded High's Dairy Product Corporation in 1933 in the District of Columbia area, and later pioneered jug milk distribution in Washington and Baltimore. Stephens established a scholarship foundation at Iowa State, and also chaired the university's national campaign for the construction of a cultural and educational center (the Iowa State Center). He also donated 1 million dollars to the campaign. As stated on a plaque in the auditorium, Stephens said, "I would have liked to write a fine poem or a great book, or possibly made a worthy discovery in science, but since all these accomplishments have been denied me, I shall use my ability to accumulate money in such a manner as to make it possible to train many others to do the things I would have done." Of Iowa State itself, he said "I love the place. It gave me what I needed to get through life. My gift is repayment for what Iowa State did for me." C.Y. Stephens married Mary Anne Marsh (Class of 1928) in 1931, and they had seven children. He was killed in an automobile accident in 1963.

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