Hach Support Makes New Chemistry Building a Reality

“If it had not been for Iowa State, the Hach Chemical Company would have never been,” said Kitty. “Our whole life was chemistry. Clifford loved chemistry so much, and he was so grateful to Iowa State and all of the university’s contributions to his education and career.”

Kitty and Clifford were a powerful team in the chemical sciences industry, and they met at Iowa State. Kitty was an Iowa State sophomore studying home economics when she first met Clifford. They hit it off immediately and were married a year and a half later. “I took an economics exam the morning of our wedding and I got a B. I was really amazed but I still remember that very clearly,” said Kitty.

Known as an ardent chemistry student at Iowa State, one of Clifford’s professors presented him with an unexplored opportunity. He was introduced to a substance called enthylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). Without any known uses in industry, Clifford had an inspired idea to use EDTA in a product that tested the hardness of water. It would later became their company’s first product.

“That professor gave us our big break,” said Kitty (liberal studies B.S. ’07). “I know many of Clifford’s professors thought of him as a star student and had a lot of respect for his analytical abilities. Clifford always felt a lot of gratitude to Iowa State for what turned out to be life-changing opportunities.”

In 1947, the couple founded the Hach Chemical Company. Clifford handled the chemistry side and Kitty managed the business and marketing aspects — making them a highly successful team. As they worked to increase visibility of the company and its products, Kitty, a licensed pilot, would fly her own plane around the country to meet with customers.

“We went to every state meeting with clients and attended conventions. Eventually our company had its own pilots and planes, but I flew for 50 years and had 7,000 hours,” said Kitty.

As the company grew, so did their family. Over the years, the couple had three children; a daughter, Mary; and two sons, Bruce and Paul. With an expanding household and a booming business, the Hachs began looking for ways to support rising young chemists.

“Clifford was so anxious to help young people wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry,” said Kitty. “We started the Hach Scientific Foundation to provide students with scholarships. After many years and branching out to several schools, we had helped 441 students graduate. We were thrilled.”

The Hach family experienced much success in business and with their foundation. Clifford passed away in 1990 and nine years later, Kitty sold the Hach Chemical Company. Today, she’s semiretired and married to Don Darrow, a retired American Airlines captain. Kitty can often be found at the golf course — with her clubs donning Cyclone head covers — or spending time with her family and friends. Serving as the CEO of the Hach Scientific Foundation, she still works diligently to advance her family’s philanthropic goals and continue Clifford’s legacy.

“Supporting chemistry students and faculty has always been important to us,” said Kitty.

“We have two scholarships at Iowa State set up in Clifford’s honor and when I learned about the new chemical sciences building at Iowa State, I was really excited. Iowa State is one of the most outstanding chemistry universities in the United States and I wanted be a part of it.”

With Kitty’s recent $10 million pledge, the chemistry facility project at Iowa State was set in motion. The groundbreaking was held on Sept. 6 for the three-story, 135,000-square-foot building which will be the newest Department of Chemistry facility on campus. The construction has an estimated completion date of 2010 and will be aptly named Hach Hall.

“This gift will help us recruit and retain the best faculty and students and provide essential infrastructure to perform cutting-edge research,” said Jacob Petrich, professor and chair of the department. “It’s also an honor for us to have the facility’s name associated with the Hach family. Clifford Hach and Kathryn Hach Darrow are beacons of inspiration who have shown what hard work and dedication can accomplish.”

“It’s very exciting for our family,” explained Kitty. “It’s thrilling for sure. I’m humbled and proud to be able to do it.”