The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Awards
The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award honors Iowa alumni, age 80 and over, who embody the Hawkeye spirit of achievement and continue to help others. The University of Iowa Center for Advancement and its co-presenter, the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, would like to congratulate our 2026 Eight Over 80 Award Winners:
The 2026 Eight Over 80 Award Winners
John Diehl (64BBA, 69JD)
Professionally and personally, John Diehl has made an indelible impact while working for the common good. He pioneered the field of health law and health care legislation and further demonstrates his impassioned leadership through his service to the University of Iowa, his municipality, and nonprofits.
Audrey Henry (57MA)
At 93 years young, Audrey Henry has a passion for literature and journalism that has kept her deeply involved in her community of Newberry, South Carolina, for more than 50 years. Henry is a leading volunteer and fundraiser for local organizations, including as a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes with the Iowa Club in Columbia, South Carolina.
Carolyn Lukensmeyer (67BA, 67SE)
Few individuals have put as much heart, soul, and effort into promoting nonpartisan civil discourse as Carolyn Lukensmeyer. A leader in the field of deliberative democracy, she continues her work in retirement as an author, film producer, and board member of organizations that support democratic ideals.
Frank Pechacek Jr. (69JD)
At age 82, Frank Pechacek is the managing partner of Willson & Pechacek, PLC, the Council Bluffs, Iowa, firm he co-founded in 1994. Throughout his 57-year career, he has served and supported the University of Iowa and numerous nonprofits, paying it forward to his community.
Bill Scott (59BA, 62MS, 64MD, 70R)
Playing football and basketball for the Hawkeyes as a Kinnick Scholar, Bill E. Scott understood that college is first and foremost about education. He earned four degrees at the University of Iowa and became one of its most valued ophthalmology instructors, researchers, and mentors and a valued leader in children’s eye care.
Billie Townsend (95MA)
Billie Townsend has been an active community servant all of her 80 years. Throughout her 25-year career at the University of Iowa, she was a catalyst for diversity. Her final role exemplified her dedication to inclusiveness as program director for the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences (the Math Alliance).
Peter Wallace (69MD, 74R)
Dedicated and community-driven, Peter Wallace is following a distinguished career as a pediatrician with extensive leadership in health care initiatives. He is intentional in giving his time and talent to local, state, and international organizations that focus on improving the lives of children.
We will celebrate our recipients during Older American Month.
Learn more about our past winners.