Virgil Melvin Hancher

Virgil Melvin Hancher (September 4, 1896 – January 30, 1965) was the thirteenth president of the University of Iowa, serving from 1940 to 1964. Hancher Auditorium at the university was named for him.

Early life Virgil M. Hancher was born on September 4, 1896, near Rolfe, Iowa, to Melvin Park Hancher. He attended Rolfe High School. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in 1918 and later graduated with a J.D. at the University of Iowa College of Law in 1924. He was senior class president of the class of 1918. Prior to serving as president, he was president of the University of Iowa alumni association for two years.

Awards Hancher had honorary degrees from 13 institutions, including Northwestern University, the University of Southern California, the University of Florida, Michigan State University and Montana State University. On June 30, 1964, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Iowa. He received an honorary degree from St. Ambrose University. He received the George Washington Honor Medal of the Freedoms Foundation for articles he wrote.