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Home Distinguished Alumni Awards Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Distinguished Alumni Award

Herbert A. Wilson

1995 Friend Award

Herbert A. Wilson, an Iowa City entrepreneur, has worked tirelessly during the past 20 years to benefit both Iowa City and the University of Iowa community.

Truly a self-made man, Wilson has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the movers and shakers in the local business community. A Chicago native, he studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. Wilson gained his early work experience in the steel and printing industries. He moved his family to Iowa City in 1973, when he was named chief executive officer of Iowa Steel Mill (now North Star Steel) in Wilton. In 1980, Wilson purchased Micro-Surface Finishing Products, Inc., an abrasive specialty company, where he currently serves as president and CEO. In January 1994, Wilson established Startups Unlimited, Inc., a Coralville consulting company devoted to fostering unique entrepreneurial business opportunities.

Since moving to Iowa City, Wilson has proven himself an outstanding volunteer and contributor in a variety of arenas. Giving freely of his time and talents, Wilson's volunteer efforts and financial contributions extend to numerous community organizations, including Rotary, Riverside Theatre, the Iowa City Public Library, Preucil School of Music, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association, and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Wilson has also been generous to the University of Iowa through his major contributions to Iowa's performing arts programs, Old Capital, athletics, the College of Business Administration, the School of Music, and the Iowa Women's Archives. He and his wife, Janice Wilson, are members of the UI Alumni Association and the Foundation's Presidents Club.

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.

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An Iowa Writers' Workshop alumna uncovers a colorful piece of local history when she renovates her 19th century home.

Iowa Alumna Draws Up Plays for Nike's Winning Team

The Tippie College of Business graduate is vice president of consumer creation strategy at the sportswear company's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

Top 10 Iowa Magazine Stories of 2018

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

Dance Marathon Alumni Group (DMAG)

Past Dance Marathon participants who spent 24 hours on their feet For The Kids (FTK) are invited to join the Dance Marathon Alumni Group (DMAG).

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