Distinguished Alumni Award
John Martin
John Martin, M.D., earned his medical degree from Northwestern University medical School in 1935, and spent many years as a faculty member of the school. He has also served as Chief of the Department of Neurological Service at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. Now a resident of Clarinda, Dr. Martin maintains a full and active schedule of consultation and surgery as a staff member of the Clarinda Memorial Hospital. He has given nearly $300,000 to the University of Iowa, comprised mostly of rare books. The John Martin Rare Book Room in the Health Sciences Library houses more than 800 rare books contributed by Dr. Martin. These form the nucleus of one of the country's premier collections of historic medical books. In addition, Dr. Martin has given more than 700 valuable non-medical books to the University Libraries. These gifts have substantially enhanced the growing rare-book collection in the Main Library.
About Distinguished Alumni Awards
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.