Once a Hawkeye...
What's Happening:
Justin McBride, 96BS, Cape Coral, FL
UI degree: Geography and environmental studies
Hometown: Iowa City
"No matter where Hawkeyes ultimately land, they work to make their community a better place."
What does it mean to you to be a UI graduate—a Hawkeye?
Born and raised in Iowa, I have a strong family connection to the UI—my father is a professor, and many of my relatives graduated from the UI. I am proud that I received a world-class education here. Iowa is not the largest or most famous school, but Hawkeyes continually set themselves apart from the crowd. When you see someone wearing a Tigerhawk, you know it's not simply a fashion statement or trend, as at some larger schools. It means that person has a connection to the university and realizes it's special to be a Hawkeye.
What was your favorite class?
Outside of my major, the classes I enjoyed most were those taught by Jay Holstein. I learned more about the bible in two semesters of "Old Testament Survey" than I did in 18 years of going to church. Plus, Jay's teaching style is second to none. There's nothing like being in a 400+ person lecture where the professor is able to call people by name.
Within my major, I was fortunate to have many gifted and dedicated professors. Two of my favorite classes were biogeography taught by George Malanson and water quality science/technology/policy taught by Raj Rajagopol.
How have your UI degree, experiences, or friendships changed your life?
My UI degree has allowed me to work in a field that I find continually rewarding. Currently, I am employed as an environmental specialist with Lee County, Florida. Never in a million years would I have thought that, as a graduate of the University of Iowa, I would make a living by scuba diving and working to protect manatees in Florida.
The University of Iowa and Iowa City could not be a more perfect place for students to experience the most profound intellectual, academic, and personal growth. The resources of the university, the culture inherent in the community, and the warmth of the people combine to create an experience I have not witnessed anywhere else.
The friendships that I made while attending Iowa are some of my strongest and most valuable. I still talk regularly with many of my "college" friends, even though we live thousands of miles apart. We try to plan vacations with our families and make it back for Homecoming together.
How does the UI Alumni Association help you keep in touch with your fellow alumni and your alma mater?
As a member of the UIAA, I get updates on all aspects of the university. From academics to construction, to sports, to student life, to alumni achievement, the UIAA does a really great job of letting me know what's happening on campus. As a result, I feel more connected to the university.
The system of IOWA Clubs supported by the UIAA provides me with a network of Hawkeyes with which to connect. Through my local club, I have connected with other alumni on a host of levels. That's one of the beauties of IOWA Clubs: no matter where you live, you can almost always find one.
How does your involvement with the UIAA, particularly through the Ft. Myers/Paradise IOWA Club, enrich your life?
Being able to connect with other Hawkeyes is like coming home to family, bringing together a group of people who share a similar set of values.
Plus, I love being able to act as a representative for the University of Iowa. My experience at Iowa instilled in me a strong sense of social responsibility—the idea that every person is responsible for making the world a better place. When people see Paradise IOWA Club members dressed in black and gold with the unmistakable Tigerhawk logo as they walk to support cancer research, help with a food drive for the local food bank, raise funds for school children, or volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, it gives them a taste of Iowa. It shows that no matter where Hawkeyes ultimately land, they work to make their community a better place.
