Jim Aipperspach
Mr. Jim Aipperspach is a 1971 alumnus of NDSU, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduating, Jim worked as a naval officer in the U.S. Navy (1971-1974). He helped navigate FBM nuclear submarines. Jim utilized the foundations of engineering he learned at NDSU to guide submarines that had been submerged for weeks at the bottom of the ocean. Jim started his professional career working within the telecommunications industry. For 18 years, he worked with Northwestern Bell (Century Link) and US West. Following his retirement in 1993, Jim served on the Board of Directors for Mercy Hospital, Bank Trust and the Iowa Telephone Company and was President for the Association of Business and Industry. Jim also worked as an institutional officer of Great Ape Trust in Des Moines, a scientific research facility dedicated to the study of ape intelligence, language, and culture. Jim concluded his professional career as senior advisor to a financial brokerage and insurance firm. Throughout his career, Jim relied on the skills he learned through the engineering education he received at NDSU. Jim stated he applied those same principles by putting rigor and discipline in place to take abstract ideas and come up with logical solutions that are fact-based rather than subjective. He maintained using this approach helped him solve problems, whatever they might be.
Jim has been a trustee for the NDSU Foundation since 1996. After years of annual support to NDSU, the Aipperspachs' strong affection for the university, the time they spent here together, and the opportunities they've pursued as a result of their educations inspired them to enhance their investment in NDSU's future by making a legacy gift through expendable and deferred giving. Their gift established an endowed scholarship fund to provide support to freshman majoring in industrial or manufacturing engineering. In addition to the endowment through planned giving, Jim and Rosie also made a five-year gift commitment to provide $10,000 annually for student scholarships starting in 2021.
Over the years, Jim has also contributed not only to NDSU but the broader community as well. As a community leader, Jim served as president of the West Des Moines Community School Board, former president of the Greater Des Moines Committee and former secretary treasurer of the Iowa Business Council. Jim also served as president at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and president of the United Way of Central Iowa. His interest and devotion to these organizations show the compassion Jim has for his community and helping others.
