WAVERLY, IOWA (December 20, 2024) — Wartburg College joins the community in mourning the loss of former US Representative James Leach, a longtime Iowa congressman and the inspiration behind Wartburg's James A Leach Chair in Banking and Monetary Economics. Leach's dedication to community banking and higher education led to the creation of this enduring tribute to his legacy.
"The entire Wartburg community is saddened by the loss of Congressman James Leach, one of Iowa's most distinguished public servants," said Wartburg President Rebecca Ehretsman. "While I didn't have the privilege of meeting Mr Leach, his legacy of leadership and service speaks for itself. We consider it a distinct honor to have the James A Leach Endowed Chair in Banking and Monetary Economics at Wartburg, and we remain committed to educating our students for public service and civil discourse, values synonymous with Mr Leach."
The James A Leach Chair in Banking and Monetary Economics was established in 1994 with gifts from Iowa community bankers. Leach is an Iowa native who chaired the National Endowment for the Humanities and taught at the University of Iowa, Harvard, and Princeton following his political career. O Jay Tomson, a banker and former member of the Wartburg Board of Regents, led an effort among Iowa community bankers to fund the chair in honor of Leach, who at the time served on the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs and was ranking member of its Subcommittee on International Development, Finance, Trade, and Monetary Policy.
"It was a privilege for members of the Iowa Bankers Association to honor James Leach with the endowed chair thirty years ago and a delight to see how it has become an important part of the teaching and learning in Wartburg's economics program," said O Jay Tomson. "I have fond memories of the May 1994 convocation celebrating the establishment of the endowed chair. Joining James Leach on campus was Dr Alan Greenspan, chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. That speaks to the significance of the chair and its importance to Wartburg College. "Nana Quaicoe, associate professor of economics, has held the Leach Chair since 2020. The chair calls its holder to embody the philosophy and values of Wartburg College, cultivate the intellectual and social life of Wartburg students, enhance the academic character of Wartburg College, and demonstrate strong leadership in the teaching profession.
"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him in person, but his presence was profoundly felt through his strong commitment to integrity, thoughtfulness, and a passion for public service," Quaicoe said. "He set a standard for leadership that has inspired so many, including myself. The James A Leach Chair in Banking and Monetary Economics has created incredible opportunities for students, allowing them to benefit from research projects, off-campus field experiences and inspiring guest speakers. The endowment currently reflects a strong commitment to education and has established a legacy that will continue to empower future scholars in the field of economics. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones."
