Once a Hawkeye...
What's Happening:
Levi Franzen, 09MBA, Clive
UI Degree: Master of Business Administration
Hometown: Elkader
"I take great pride in being a University of Iowa graduate."
Why did you decide to attend the University of Iowa?
The reputation of Iowa's M.B.A. for Professionals and Managers Program set it apart from similar programs offered in the Des Moines Metro area.
What does it mean to you to be a UI graduate—a Hawkeye?
I take great pride in being a University of Iowa graduate because the university and its M.B.A.-P.M. program are nationally known and respected. I know that people and employers inside and outside the state of Iowa have an understanding of the quality of education provided by the University of Iowa.
What do you value most about your UI education?
The friendships I made while I was earning my degree.
What are your outstanding memories of your time at the UI?
I will always remember the great times we had during the lunch breaks at La Bamba during the Friday and Saturday classes.
What was your favorite class?
I really enjoyed taking classes in leadership and personal development, management through constructive persuasion, and maximizing team performance. These courses required me to take an inward look to learn my personal strengths and weaknesses; also, they taught me how to work and interact with co-workers from different generations and of different personality types.
How have your UI degree, experiences, or friendships changed your life?
The education and experiences I gained while in the program gave me the confidence to speak up when I have ideas that can help improve projects or tasks an organization is working on.
How often do you return to campus and for what reasons?
I have been a football season ticket holder since 2002, so I make it back to campus every fall for the home football games. I also try to make it back for a basketball game or two each year.
What are your favorite places to visit when you return to Iowa City?
Nothing beats tailgating on a Saturday morning in the fall before a game.
How does the UI Alumni Association help you keep in touch with your fellow alumni and your alma mater?
The alumni association organizes excellent networking events, such as the Alumni Lunch and Learn meetings scheduled with the Iowa State and University of Northern Iowa alumni associations.
How does your involvement with the UIAA enrich your life?
Their networking events provide me with opportunities to see the friends I made while taking classes. In addition, the UIAA provides me an opportunity to give back to the university by speaking to potential incoming M.B.A.-P.M. students.
