AMES, Iowa – The V Foundation for Cancer Research has invested millions in cutting-edge research to uncover cures for cancer and an Iowa State University alum is leading that effort.
Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation, will discuss the foundation's approach to investing in research advances during a lecture at 6 p.m. Oct. 30, in the Memorial Union, room 2630. As part of his presentation, "Journey to the Future: How an ISU Alum Leads Investment in Game-Changing Cancer Research," Jacobson also will share insights on his career journey, leadership principles, and lessons learned as a Cyclone and an accomplished nonprofit executive.
Jacobson, who earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Iowa State, is an accomplished senior executive with experience leading teams to achieve record-setting revenue, developing best practices culture and delivering partnerships with ambitious impact goals. The V Foundation, which was founded by ESPN and renowned basketball coach Jim Valvano, focuses on funding all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives, and Jacobson has been part of revenue targets aimed at investing more than $3 billion in mission-critical opportunities.
At the V Foundation, Jacobson has negotiated the largest partnership in the foundation's history: a $30 million framework announced at the 2024 ESPYs. He has secured several of the largest gifts in the history of the V, while leading the cultivation and closure of game-changing business partnerships with ESPN and Disney and negotiated the V Foundation becoming the official charity of the National Hockey League.
The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be recorded and available to view for two weeks to those with an iastate.edu email address on the Available Recordings page, 24-36 hours after the conclusion of the event.
The presentation is sponsored by the Communication Studies Program, Athletics Department and Committee on Lectures, which is funded by Student Government.
