The University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards


Dream Big. Dream Gold.

This fall, six groundbreaking graduates will join the long list of Hawkeye luminaries who have received the University of Iowa's highest alumni honor. Since 1963, the UI has recognized its world-changing graduates with the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

From visionaries in health care and the performing arts to dedicated volunteers, this year's recipients continue the tradition of Hawkeye excellence.


2023 Award recipients

Louis Crist (60BA, 81MA)

Hickerson Recognition Award

For more than 40 years, Lou Crist’s unmistakable voice has echoed across Kinnick Stadium and at bowl games, parades, and other events.

As the inspiring voice of the Hawkeye...

Chad Greenway (05BA)
Jenni Capista Greenway (05BBA)

Recent Graduate Award

Chad Greenway and Jenni Capista Greenway have translated their leadership as top Hawkeye student-athletes into a legacy of community service. The couple is passion...

Thomas James Johnsrud (66BSPh)

Achievement Award

Thomas “T.J.” Johnsrud is a visionary in health care, business, and service to others. For the past 50 years, he has cultivated a pharmacy in Conrad, Iowa, into a multifaceted orga...

Robert Mitchell (62BA)

Service Award

Bob Mitchell is renowned across Iowa for his human resources expertise as well as a lifetime of volunteerism to UI alumni organizations, Kiwanis, and other endeavors near and dear ...

Charles Swanson (75BBA, 76MBA)

Distinguished Forevermore Staff Award

Chuck Swanson, retired executive director of Hancher Auditorium, has had a remarkable influence on the University of Iowa. His 37 years with Hancher elevated it to new heights, eve...

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Artists visit the University of Iowa for a multidisciplinary exploration of the American story.

The UI student-founded nonprofit has launched endeavors like the 10,000 Hours Show, Mission Creek Festival, and Quire.

With the start of a new year upon us, it's time to look back at your favorite University of Iowa stories from 2018. Here are Iowa Magazine's top 10 most-read articles of the year: The Nomadic Life (spring 2018) Hawkeye football favorite Paki O'Meara (10BA) finds ultimate freedom in backpacking around the world, taking photos that inspire a sense of wonder. PHOTO COURTESY PAKI O'MEARA Kinnick at 100 (summer 2018) This past summer marked two historically significant dates for Hawkeye fans: the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nile Kinnick (40BA), and the 75th anniversary of his tragic death. In memory of Iowa's favorite son, scholar, and Ironman, we look back on his life and legacy. Ahead of the Game (spring 2018) The Iowa football team becomes the first in the nation to equip the majority of its players with a state-of-the-art new helmet designed to improve player safety. PHOTO: MARK STASTNY Hollywood U (fall 2018) Alumni success in TV and film shines the spotlight on Iowa's? flourishing screenwriting program. ILLUSTRATION: FABIEN GILBERT / ARTISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL Mountain Roots (spring 2018) Nearly 80 years ago, an unlikely UI mountain-climbing club emerged from the cornfields of Iowa to become one of the most active in the world. Now the next generation of outdoorsmen continue in their Hawkeye family's footsteps. PHOTO COURTESY EBERT FAMILY The Secrets of Sleep (fall 2018) UI doctors and researchers work to shine light on the third of our lives we spend in the dark. Illustration: John Emigh Fry's Dream Team (fall 2018) FRYFest honors Hayden Fry's legendary 1983 coaching tree. PHOTO: UI ATHLETICS Going the Distance (spring 2018) UI-trained dentist Deb Carneol (92DDS) completes seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. PHOTO: MARK CONLON/WORLDMARATHONCHALLENGE.COM At 105, Our Oldest Hawkeye? (spring 2018) Catherine Shaw Shors (35BSC), who earned her business degree from Iowa more than eight decades ago, celebrated a milestone birthday in May. 1936 HAWKEYE YEARBOOK A Heroic Homecoming (spring 2018) Avengers: Infinity War director Joe Russo (92BA) receives a superhero's welcome at his alma mater. PHOTOS: Justin Torner

The Graduates of the Last Decade ("GOLD") Leadership Group advocates for the interests of recent graduates of the University of Iowa (alumni who earned a UI degree within the past 10 years).

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