Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile

Edwin B. Green is a dear friend to many departments at the University of Iowa. Although he received his B.A. in journalism from the UI in 1929, Eddie Green's generosity and support have been too large to be confined to a single department. He is a long-time supporter of the arts, of the medical community, and of his own field, journalism.

During his time at Iowa, Green worked as an editorial and advertising staff member of the Daily Iowan. After graduating from the UI, Green joined The Iowa City Press-Citizen, later serving as managing editor for 32 years until his retirement in 1966.

Over the years, Green has been an exceptional friend of the UI Museum of Art. On many occasions, he has lent works from his collection of Grant Wood's art. He has also helped the museum acquire several important pieces, including Eugene Berman's L'Orage, Emerson Woelffer's Max Ernst, Ulfert Wilke's Red was the Beginning, and James Rosenquist's Off the Continental Divide.

Last year, contributions from Green made it possible for the museum to acquire two major Grant Wood works. He made an outright donation of Sketch for Herbert Hoover's Birthplace (which has been called one of the most important Wood Drawings in existence), and, through his efforts, the Wood painting Plaid Sweater was donated to the University.

Eddie Green has also extended his generosity to the University's Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, including the Lewis E. January Learning Resources Unit, and to the School of Journalism. He helped in a campaign to establish a distinguished lectureship series in tribute to long-time School of Journalism Director Les Moeller, as well as generously supporting the renovation of a seminar room in the school.

His support in all areas has, in the words of Ken Starck, current director of the School of Journalism, "helped to make that critical difference between adequate and exceptional." Eddie Green is truly an exceptional alumnus.

Green is a member of the Alumni Association's Old Capitol Club and is also a member of the UI Foundation's Presidents Club.