The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award
Dr. Martha "Marty" Craft-Rosenberg (70BSN, 78MA, 85PhD)
Following decades of dedication to the University of Iowa College of Nursing, Martha "Marty" Craft-Rosenberg continues her legacy of caring and thoughtful leadership. The former dean and prolific author now volunteers to nourish her community literally and figuratively.
Craft-Rosenberg was a longtime instructor, researcher, leader, and mentor at Iowa. She retired from the Department of Human Illness, Child, and Family Services as interim dean in 2007. She treasures her UI connections, which include the college’s retiree group, and she’s proud to provide annual support for liberal arts and nursing education, athletics programs, and alumni activities.
Craft-Rosenberg has been active in her senior living community of Meth-Wick Manor in Cedar Rapids. Understanding the connection between health and social engagement, she is a community catalyst. As president of the Manor Resident Assembly, she coordinates efforts to improve the quality of life for residents. In recent years, she encouraged the revitalization of social activities, including coffee clubs, concerts, and volunteer programs. She loves to play the piano, which enriches her life and her neighbors' lives.
With an interest in helping vulnerable families and individuals, Craft-Rosenberg chaired two food pantries in North Liberty and Coralville, Iowa. She also collaborated with the Take Away Hunger program and Meth-Wick to bring neighbors together to assemble food bags for Willis Dady Homeless Services.
Craft-Rosenberg is a shining example of continuing a legacy of purpose-driven involvement well into retirement. Her reassuring enthusiasm ripples outward, elevating the quality of life in her community.