Distinguished Alumni Awards

ACHIEVEMENT:

Albert Bandura, 51MA, 52PhD

The David Starr Jordan professor of social science in psychology at Stanford University, Albert Bandura ranks in the Review of General Psychology among the top psychologists of the 20th century—fourth only to B.F. Skinner, Jean Piaget, and Sigmund Freud. Adding to a long list of awards and accolades, the American Psychological Association recently honored Bandura for his work with its Outstanding Lifetime Contribution Award.
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Colleen Konicki DiIorio, 69BSN

Through her endeavors on behalf of people with epilepsy and AIDS, Colleen Konicki DiIorio has earned the respect and recognition of her peers. A professor at Emory University, this nurse scholar and researcher has $26 million of research funding, 82 published articles, and service to numerous professional organizations to her credit. An exemplar of the Iowa nurse tradition, DiIorio has brought great honor to the UI College of Nursing through her contributions to the advancement of science and the health and wellbeing of humankind.
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John Irving, 67MFA

As a novelist able to create wildly dysfunctional characters whose illusions and adventures move readers to care, John Irving has achieved critical and commercial success. Two of his novels, The World According to Garp (1978) and The Cider House Rules (1985) have been made into films. A longtime wrestler and wrestling coach, this native New Englander studied under Kurt Vonnegut at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and wrestled one afternoon with Dan Gable.
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Al Jarreau, 64MA

The only vocalist in history to win Grammy awards in three different categories—jazz, pop, and R&B—Al Jarreau earned his Iowa degree in rehabilitation counseling, an appropriate discipline for someone so dedicated to helping others. A native of Milwaukee, Jarreau began singing at the age of four and still has fun onstage. His playful vocal style communicates well with diverse audiences. A star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” commemorates his status as one of the best singers of his generation.
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Norman R. Nielsen, 86PhD

For more than 40 years, Norman Nielsen has dedicated himself to the betterment of public education in Iowa and the nation—as a teacher, high school principal, school district superintendent, administrator, and for the past 18 years, president of Kirkwood Community College. With leadership and vision, Nielsen transformed Kirkwood into a leading U.S. learning center, recognized in 2001 as “Community College of the Year.” An active volunteer on the local and national level, Nielsen has made education accessible to people from all walks of life.
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Brian Ross, 71BA

An investigative journalist, Brian Ross has reported extensively on stories that need telling. Whether covering anti-war demonstrations during the Vietnam era, exploring issues of child labor in Third World countries, breaking a story about Israeli mercenaries training Colombian assassins, or addressing the issue of campaign finance reform, Ross has worked hard to tell the American public the truth. A correspondent for NBC News for 20 years, Ross joined ABC News as chief investigative correspondent in 1994.
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James L. Watson, 65BA

From the tiny Iowa town of New Market, James Watson catapulted to fame as one of the world’s most distinguished and important anthropologists of China. Since 1989, he’s served as professor of anthropology at Harvard University and was President of the Association for Asian Studies in 2002-03. A pioneer in the study of China’s village life, family, kinship, religion, ritual, migration, and globalization—as well as one of Iowa’s first students of Chinese language—Watson has played a central role in the development of Chinese studies in the U.S.
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SERVICE:

Nolden I. Gentry, Jr., 60BA, 64JD

Deterred by the lack of opportunities for African American lawyers in Iowa in the 1960s, Nolden Gentry began his legal career as a special agent for the F.B.I. A year later, he was hired as an assistant attorney general for the State of Iowa. Since then, he has served Iowa with distinction through his private law practice and as a citizen committed to civic concerns, receiving in return the UI Hancher-Finkbine Medallion and the Human Rights Award from the Des Moines Human Rights Commission.
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Lloyd J. Palmer, 49BSC

After serving his country in World War II, Lloyd Palmer went on to earn a degree in accounting from the UI and soon climbed the corporate ranks. Following ten years with Chicago’s Ernst & Whinney, Palmer joined Nalco Chemical Company in Naperville and eventually became its chief administrative officer. Since his retirement in 1986, Palmer has generously contributed to various university causes, including the $1 million establishment of distinguished faculty fellowships in the Tippie College of Business. More >>

FACULTY:

James A. Dixon, 52BM, 56MA

A national figure in the world of music, emeritus professor James A. Dixon chose to direct the majority of his career from his position as conductor of the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for more than 35 years. Focused always on the music and showing a remarkable empathy for the musicians under his baton, Dixon added further luster to Iowa’s music school and made this region a center for American orchestral music.
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Albert B. Hood

Albert Hood’s work has brought the University of Iowa international renown in the field of student development. This emeritus professor holds the highest honors from leading organizations in psychology and college student affairs. He can also claim the gratitude and respect of numerous students, colleagues, and others inspired by his intellect and generous spirit. Even in retirement—through activities such as his work as Past-President of the UI Emeritus Faculty Council and his help in founding the popular Senior College project—Hood continues to serve others tirelessly and selflessly. More >>

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD:

Brian Hook, 99JD

Five years after graduating with distinction from the UI Law School, Brian Hook has an office in the West Wing of the White House. As Special Assistant to the President for Policy, he advises the President daily. Prior to this position, he served as an attorney at the Department of Justice, where his high-profile work included matters relating to the 9-11 Commission. Still proud to call himself a Hawkeye, Brian Hook represents his state and his alma mater with distinction in the halls of Washington.
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FRIEND:

William “Bill” Phelan

As legal counsel to the UI Foundation, William “Bill” Phelan supports the university both professionally and personally in numerous ways. Whether helping Foundation staff raise millions of dollars in major gifts, teaching a course at the law school, serving as an emeritus member of the Museum of Art Friends Development Council, or cheering on the Hawkeyes, Phelan is a true friend to the university.
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