Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile
Susan Hancher
Susan Hancher has been actively involved in the life of the University of Iowa for many years. As the wife of University President Virgil M. Hancher, she first came to the campus in 1940. She served as First Lady of the University until her husband's retirement in 1964. At that time, the Hanchers went to New Delhi, India, where he was employed as an education consultant by the Ford Foundation. After his death in India, Mrs. Hancher returned to Iowa City.
In 1970, she was named by President Willard L. Boyd of the University of Iowa to chair a committee to restore Old Capitol.
Mrs. Hancher attended Ferry Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, and graduated from Northwestern University in 1924. She is active in the United Nations Association, Alphi Phi sorority, PEO, Zeta Phi Eta sorority and the Pan American Club of Iowa City.
The Hanchers have two children, Virgil, Jr., of Evanston, Illinois and Mary Susan Hockmuth of Iowa City.
About Distinguished Alumni Awards
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.