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The University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards

This fall, eight outstanding Hawkeyes will join the long list of luminaries who have received the University of Iowa's highest alumni honor. Since 1963, the UI has recognized its world-changing graduates with the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

From health care innovators to world-renowned researchers, this year's recipients continue the tradition of Hawkeye excellence.

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2024 Award Recipients

John A. Kundel (69BA, 74MA)

"Forevermore" Staff Award

With a career that began and ended at the University of Iowa, John Kundel has acted with a spirit of service in everything he does. The inspiring higher education professional help...

James A. Wiese (58BBA)

Hickerson Award

Jim Wiese has exemplified a “can-do” work ethic throughout a lifetime of service and leadership with the University of Iowa, most notably for the UI Alumni Association and the Henr...

Morgan Jones (60BM, 61MA)

Faculty Award

Morgan Jones, associate director of bands and director of the Hawkeye Marching Band from 1973 to 1990, encouraged leadership and musicianship in thousands of students. Through the ...

Jon Lensing (20MD)

Recent Graduate Award

Jon Lensing co-founded OpenLoop in 2019, when he was a medical student at the University of Iowa. As CEO of the telehealth company, he has applied his leadership, research, and tec...

Kathryn M. Edwards (73MD)

Achievement Award

Kathy Edwards is a world-renowned physician, teacher, mentor, and researcher who has made significant contributions to life-saving advances in vaccines. Throughout her career, she ...

Mary Seelman Mascher (75BA, 82MA)

Service Award

Throughout the past four decades as an educator and Iowa legislator, Mary Mascher has aspired to make her community and state a better place. She has left an indelible legacy of ad...

Michael V. Michener

Friend Award

Mike Michener has had an extraordinary career in foreign relations and global food security. The Iowa native generously shares his extensive knowledge and unwavering support with t...

John J. Callaghan (83R)

Faculty Award

John Callaghan is a leading expert in hip and knee surgery with hundreds of research and grant credits. Driven by a continual pursuit of knowledge at the University of Iowa Roy J. ...

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Top 10 Iowa Magazine Stories of 2018

With the start of a new year upon us, it's time to look back at your favorite University of Iowa stories from 2018. Here are Iowa Magazine's top 10 most-read articles of the year: The Nomadic Life (spring 2018) Hawkeye football favorite Paki O'Meara (10BA) finds ultimate freedom in backpacking around the world, taking photos that inspire a sense of wonder. PHOTO COURTESY PAKI O'MEARA Kinnick at 100 (summer 2018) This past summer marked two historically significant dates for Hawkeye fans: the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nile Kinnick (40BA), and the 75th anniversary of his tragic death. In memory of Iowa's favorite son, scholar, and Ironman, we look back on his life and legacy. Ahead of the Game (spring 2018) The Iowa football team becomes the first in the nation to equip the majority of its players with a state-of-the-art new helmet designed to improve player safety. PHOTO: MARK STASTNY Hollywood U (fall 2018) Alumni success in TV and film shines the spotlight on Iowa's? flourishing screenwriting program. ILLUSTRATION: FABIEN GILBERT / ARTISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL Mountain Roots (spring 2018) Nearly 80 years ago, an unlikely UI mountain-climbing club emerged from the cornfields of Iowa to become one of the most active in the world. Now the next generation of outdoorsmen continue in their Hawkeye family's footsteps. PHOTO COURTESY EBERT FAMILY The Secrets of Sleep (fall 2018) UI doctors and researchers work to shine light on the third of our lives we spend in the dark. Illustration: John Emigh Fry's Dream Team (fall 2018) FRYFest honors Hayden Fry's legendary 1983 coaching tree. PHOTO: UI ATHLETICS Going the Distance (spring 2018) UI-trained dentist Deb Carneol (92DDS) completes seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. PHOTO: MARK CONLON/WORLDMARATHONCHALLENGE.COM At 105, Our Oldest Hawkeye? (spring 2018) Catherine Shaw Shors (35BSC), who earned her business degree from Iowa more than eight decades ago, celebrated a milestone birthday in May. 1936 HAWKEYE YEARBOOK A Heroic Homecoming (spring 2018) Avengers: Infinity War director Joe Russo (92BA) receives a superhero's welcome at his alma mater. PHOTOS: Justin Torner

Dance Marathon Alumni Group (DMAG)

Past Dance Marathon participants who spent 24 hours on their feet For The Kids (FTK) are invited to join the Dance Marathon Alumni Group (DMAG).

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