Giving with purpose

In Northern Iowa, where they built both a family and a business, the Tomsons became known for steady leadership and deep community roots. O. Jay built a banking career that began with national regulatory work and grew into executive leadership before he and Pat invested in what became First Citizens Bank, now serving communities across Iowa and Minnesota. At the same time, Pat’s path took a different, but equally impactful direction.

After raising their three daughters, Pat returned to college and earned her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Northern Iowa in 1986. That decision marked the start of decades of work with individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult experiences. Through her private practice and her leadership with Parents United, Pat worked to break cycles of abuse, supporting not only survivors but entire family systems.

Her work extended beyond counseling sessions. She became an advocate in courtrooms and legislative spaces, raising awareness and pushing for systemic change around domestic and sexual violence. Over time, those experiences shaped a clear understanding: while response and recovery are critical, prevention is essential.

That belief ultimately connected the Tomsons to UNI. Their initial support established the Tomson Scholars program, designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience in violence prevention. Through internships with community organizations and service providers, students gain hands-on skills while contributing to work that strengthens communities across Iowa.

For the Tomsons, the impact was immediate and personal. They saw students stepping into meaningful roles. They saw communities benefit from new energy and ideas. They saw the kind of long-term change that happens when education and experience come together with purpose.

That momentum led to a transformational decision. In 2021, O. Jay and Pat made a $2 million gift to ensure the long-term sustainability of the center’s work. In recognition of Pat’s lifelong commitment to advocacy and healing, the center was renamed the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention.

Today, as the center marks its 15th anniversary, the Tomsons’ legacy is evident not only in its name, but in its reach. Housed within UNI’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the center has become a trusted partner for schools and communities across Iowa. Its programs, including Mentors in Violence Prevention, equip students, educators and community members to recognize harmful behavior, intervene safely and promote healthier norms.

For the Tomsons, leadership has always been especially meaningful. They believe prevention is not about a single program, but about empowering individuals to make better choices and look out for one another. Programs like MVP help young people understand their influence and responsibility within their peer groups and communities.

That focus aligns closely with UNI’s broader mission. As the university celebrates 150 years, its commitment to preparing students for lives of impact continues to take shape in programs supported by the Tomsons. Through hands-on learning, community partnerships and applied research, students gain knowledge while contributing to solutions that extend far beyond campus.

The Tomson Scholars program is a clear example. Students enter communities across the state, working alongside professionals in victim services, criminal justice, education, healthcare and social services. In doing so, they gain practical experience while strengthening systems that support prevention and care.

For Pat, the connection between learning and lived experience has always been central. Her own journey — returning to school, building a practice and advocating for change — reflects the same values now carried forward by students. For O. Jay, the investment reflects a lifelong understanding of community. Just as strong institutions are built over time, so too are safer, healthier communities.

Together, their philanthropy reflects both perspectives. It is grounded in experience, shaped by values and focused on the future.

Fifteen years into the center’s work, that future continues to unfold. Schools are building stronger climates. Students are developing the skills to lead and intervene. Communities are working more collaboratively to address challenges before they escalate.

For the Tomsons, those outcomes matter most. Not recognition, but impact. Not a single milestone, but sustained progress.

In that way, their story and the center’s story are deeply connected, rooted in the belief that when people are given the tools, support and opportunity to act, meaningful change is not only possible, but lasting.