Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile

Dr. Milton E. Barrent is a native of Sioux City and a graduate of Central High School there. After receiving his medical degree, he served with the Army medical Corps until 1946, attaining the rank of major.

In 1946, Dr. Barrent returned to finish a surgical residency at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

He began his medical practice in Clinton in 1950. from 1953-55, he served as Clinton's City Health Officer and, in addition to his surgical practice there, he is the surgical consultant to the DeWitt, Iowa; Morrison, Ill., and Savanna, Ill., hospitals.

He has served as president of the staff at both the Jane Lamb and Mercy Hospitals in Clinton, and has been president of the Clinton County Medical Society. He continues to be active on the medical staffs and, in addition, he serves as medical director at the Clinton County Care Facility in Charlotte.

Dr. Barrent helped start the School of Nursing at the Clinton Community College and serves on the advisory board for that program

As a member of the Paul B. Sharer Foundation, he helps to select worthy students for scholarships at Clinton Community College.

Dr. Barrent has been active in the American Cancer Society, the board of directors of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and served as president of the Clinton Art Association, helping to establish Clinton's first art gallery.

In 1979, Dr. Barrent was honored by the Iowa Football Coaches' Association for 29 years of service to high school athletes in Clinton. He continues as Clinton High School's official team physician, attending all football and basketball games, as well as being on call for all other athletic events.

In May, 1979, Dr. Barrent was named Man of the Year by radio station KROS, during the Gateway Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards ceremonies, for his many years of service to the Clinton Community.

In August, 1979, he was appointed to serve on the Divisional Board of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Clinton.

Dr. Barrent resides at 214 Lawrence St., with his wife, Vivian, who is a graduate of the UI College of Nursing. They have four children: Molly Holstein, Clinton; Rebecca Komp, Hartford, Wis; Elizabeth Carlson, Iowa City, and Richard Barrent, a student at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb.

He is a life member of the Alumni Association.