Once a Hawkeye...

Julian Gutierrez III, 91BBA, and
Meghan Henry-Gutierrez, 98BA
New York City

UI degree: Julian: Finance; Meghan: History
Hometown: Julian: Davenport; Meghan: Clinton

"The UIAA has helped us build lifelong relationships."

Why did you decide to attend the University of Iowa?
Julian: I always loved the University of Iowa and I knew that it was a place that would afford me the chance to accomplish anything.
Meghan: I knew that I could receive a world-class education by staying in the state and attending the UI.

What does it mean to you to be a UI graduate—a Hawkeye?
We take great pride in being University of Iowa graduates. Both personally and professionally, we try to represent the university well and always apply the lessons we learned as students and continue to learn as alums.

What do you value most about your UI education?
Julian: Apart from the quality education I received, I value the many relationships that resulted from my being part of such a great institution.
Meghan: One of the most valuable lessons I took with me from my time as a student is that learning is a lifelong activity that continues after you receive your degree.

What are your outstanding memories of your time at the UI?
Julian: My time spent in Philips Hall (the old business building), as an RA in Hillcrest, and in Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Meghan: The various student organizations I was involved with, such as Dance Marathon and the University of Iowa Student Government (UISG). Being elected UISG vice president my junior year was exciting and a great honor.

What was your favorite class/place on campus/restaurant?
Julian: My favorite class was the very first entrepreneurship course in the business school taught by John Buchanan. (It was a combined graduate/undergraduate class that was a precursor to the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.) My favorite restaurant was Pagliai's.
Meghan: Well, of course, Kinnick Stadium. I also spent a great deal of time at the Iowa Memorial Union and always enjoyed reading outside near the Iowa River.

How have your UI degree, experiences, or friendships changed your life?
While we did not meet as students, we eventually met while serving on the board of the Capitol Area IOWA Club (Washington, DC).

Who are some of the friends you met while at the UI?
In addition to the friends, faculty, and staff we met while we were students, our siblings also attended the University of Iowa, so it is something we share with them. Some of our best friends after graduation are UI alumni; we met them through the IOWA Club and UIAA activities.

How does the UI Alumni Association help you keep in touch with your fellow alumni and your alma mater?
Julian: My involvement with the UIAA Board of Directors has been a great experience. My time on the board has also allowed me to meet numerous, exceptional alumni who contribute their time and talents to growing the UIAA and serving UI alumni in Iowa and around the country.
Meghan: The UIAA website and publications keep me updated on campus life and the accomplishments of alumni across the country. At the local level, my involvement with the New York Metro Area IOWA Club keeps me connected to the university, the UIAA, and fellow alumni in New York City.

How does your involvement with the UIAA enrich your life?
The UIAA has helped us build lifelong relationships and serves as a tie that binds us to this institution and all those who came before and will come after us. Being a member shows our commitment to our alma mater and the many great things the University of Iowa represents. The UIAA helps to keep us engaged and informed of what happens on campus, even though we are far from Iowa City.