Jeffrey Parsons, 89BA, Chicago
UI degree: Theatre Arts
Hometown: Burlington
"With my rich family history, personal passion, and love for being a Hawkeye, I feel the UIAA allows me to make a difference."
Why did you decide to attend the University of Iowa?
Born a Hawkeye, I always knew I'd be an Iowa graduate. My entire family is from Iowa City, and I am the third generation to attend the UI—following in the footsteps of both parents, four uncles, and my grandmother.
What does it mean to you to be a UI graduate—a Hawkeye?
Being a Hawkeye and a UI graduate are two key elements that make me who I am. I am confident in the education I received both inside and outside the classroom; my experience and education at Iowa laid the foundation for the success I celebrate in my personal and professional life today.
Being a Hawkeye means the spirit of family, an unfaltering pride, and an immense passion that only fellow Hawkeyes can understand. One of my earliest memories was attending the annual Homecoming parade.
As the Iowa Marching Band would pass in front of us, my uncle would stand singing the fight song with tears streaming down his cheeks and I never understood why. After my first year at Iowa, I could finally understand and connect with my uncle's emotions.
What do you value most about your UI education?
I appreciate that my professors recognized my potential and created the environment for me to achieve my success. Beyond my formal education, I benefited from the self-discovery, friendships, and experiences that I still use today in all areas of my life.
What are your outstanding memories of your time at the UI?
There are so many, but some of my favorites include Hawkeye football, "No Shame Theatre," the friendships, expanding my cultural awareness, and feeling connected to my family through the campus and the shared experience.
What was your favorite class/place on campus/restaurant?
I loved sitting on the outside steps of the theatre building at the start of fall. I'd look at the river, the IMU, and the east view of the campus, all while being serenaded by the Hawkeye Marching Band warming up on the practice field. That view of campus, the smell of fall, and the sound of the band capture the essence of being a Hawkeye!
How have your UI degree, experiences, or friendships changed your life?
They enriched my life by instilling self-confidence, personal pride and passion, and the belief I can do anything I put my mind to—plus, friends who have been a part of my life for more than 20 years.
Who are some of the friends you met while at the UI?
I am blessed to have Iowa friends who live down the street, throughout the U.S., and around the world. One of the greatest parts of being a Hawkeye are the "friends" who say "Go, Hawks" to you in Switzerland, Mumbai, or Abu Dhabi because they see you in an Iowa shirt. As Hawkeyes, we are everywhere!
How often do you return to campus and for what reasons?
I've been a Hawkeye football season ticket holder for the last 20 years and come back for every home game! Additionally, I return regularly to see my family and remind myself how much I love Iowa City.
How does the UI Alumni Association help you keep in touch with your fellow alumni and your alma mater?
The UIAA has created a network that allows fellow Hawkeyes to stay connected or to make new friends. Through newsletters, networking events, and contacts across the U.S., I always I have a friend or resource I can reach out to when visiting a new city or looking for information. Through our shared experience, we are instantly connected as Hawkeyes. The UIAA's resources and events have helped me build my business, offer my support to other Hawkeyes, and make new friends.
How does your involvement with the UIAA enrich your life?
With my rich family history, personal passion, and love for being a Hawkeye, I feel the UIAA allows me to make a difference. Whether through a new networking opportunity, a lead for a new client, or sharing my experience and expertise with a fellow Hawkeye, I feel like I am giving back and paying it forward. Through the UIAA, I have the chance to share my pride with other Hawkeyes and to influence future ones. Go, Hawks!
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