David Iler was born in 1912. It was a struggle for Iler to get through school since he suffered from dyslexia. "You have dyslexia and everyone thinks you're dumb," Iler said.
He never earned more than a high school diploma.
"I never learned to really read until I started making bids on road work," he said. "They didn't know what dyslexic was at that school. I became a good listener. I think if I hadn't of had it, that I would have played basketball at UK."
Iler Construction Company's last important job was the building of future Nunn Drive when NKU was just beginning to rise from its foundation. After that Iler sold the company for about $1 million and retired in Naples, Florida with his wife Ruth. Iler traded stock, thereby building the rest of his fortune.
Iler's wife died in October, and in January, Iler's accountant contacted NKU Director of Planned Giving Nancy Perry to first discuss a sizable gift. His $3 million pledge will be realized upon his death and will pay dividends for decades. As scholarship money, preference will be given to engineering students from Bracken and Pendleton counties.
Now approaching 94, Iler said he isn't traveling anymore. He keeps busy managing his stock portfolio that is worth $4 million.
During his life Iler learned a set of lessons he formulated to make what he calls the Top 21 Rules. They're his philosophy of life. The first rule is learning everything has two sides. Another rule lists the tools of a successful person-observe, remember, compare, decide and act.
Iler said any student who wants to know how to succeed in life should read his philosophy. "It's all there," he said. "Everything you need to know is in the Top 21 Rules."
I met Dave Iler many years by his pond in Foster ,KY. We talked about philosophy. I found him to be an engaging and entertaining person. He is extremely intelligent. I wish I lived closer to him so we could continue our discussions.
Posted by: Leonard Habermehl | Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 09:51 PM