The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award


Jerre Stead (65BA, 11LHD) and Mary Joy Stead

Jerre and Mary Joy Stead are dedicated to impacting others through philanthropy, volunteering, and leadership.

After Jerre’s graduation from Iowa in 1965, the high school sweethearts and Maquoketa, Iowa, natives set off for a life of achievements and adventures. While Jerre led numerous organizations as CEO and chairman, Mary Joy cared for their family and established community connections in locations ranging from Minneapolis to Brussels, Belgium.

No matter where they lived, the Steads never forgot about Iowa. Their visionary generosity and transformative gifts helped build the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and elevated the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, offering pediatric patients the highest level of care, comfort, and compassion. Most recently, they made a significant gift to create the Stead Family Scholars program, which funds research grants to outstanding early career scholars in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

In addition, through their commitment to volunteerism and engagement, the Steads have chaired 16 campaigns for nonprofit organizations, including at Iowa, and are founding donors of community organizations Healthy LifeStars and Community 43. The Steads are also ardent supporters of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, Salk Institute, and the Garrett Evangelical Seminary.

Today, Jerre is chair emeritus at Clarivate and is chairman of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Garret Evangelical Seminary. Mary Joy has served on the UI Center for Advancement board since 1999.

Related Content

Coralville?s Xtream Arena will play host to the growing sport?s first NCAA championships in March.

Approaching graduation this spring, a student looks back on her University of Iowa experience.

From the music and fanfare of the homecoming parade, to a ride on the Hawkeye Express before the big Iowa football game, there is plenty for kids to enjoy during homecoming at Iowa. There is fun to be had for Iowa fans of all ages?including the youngest of the Hawkeye flock?during University of Iowa Homecoming. Dress the family in black and gold, and book it to Iowa City for these kid-friendly homecoming festivities on October 18-19, 2019. Children line the Iowa Homecoming parade route in downtown Iowa City to collect candy, see Herky, listen to the Hawkeye Marching Band, and more. IOWA HOMECOMING PARADE Kids won't want to miss the annual Iowa homecoming parade. From floats and freebies to Herky and the Hawkeye Marching Band, this is the ultimate kid-approved homecoming event. The parade begins at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, but arrive early to park and pinpoint the perfect spectating spot. The parade draws an estimated 15,000 Hawkeyes from around the world?including alumni and friends, fans, and families. Everyone is invited to stop by the Alumni Engagement Tent before the parade for Hawkeye freebies and information about how to stay connected to the University of Iowa. The tent will be open from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on the Pentacrest. Homecoming Parade Parking and Travel Expect road closures along and around the parade route, located in the heart of downtown Iowa City. Paid parking is available in nearby parking ramps. To avoid tricky travel, park on campus and ride the free CAMBUS into downtown Iowa City. Young children will also love riding a big, black and gold bus. Grab-And-Go Dinners Iowa City is an oasis for any foodie family. Skip the waits before and after the parade, and instead feast on a grab-and-go dinner from more than a dozen downtown restaurants. From pizza to froyo, savor the local flavor while watching the Hawkeye fanfare. See the list of participating restaurants on the homecoming parade webpage. The Iowa Memorial Union will host a free family open house after the parade. Parking may be available in the IMU ramp located across the street. IMU FAMILY OPEN HOUSE Why sit in parade traffic when you can play instead? After the parade, swing by the Iowa Memorial Union's Family Open House at 125 N. Madison St. This family-friendly frenzy features live music, a black-and-gold balloon play area, coloring, snacks, and more. This event is free and open to all families, but an adult must attend with children. With appearances by Herky and the Iowa Spirit Squads, including the iconic I-O-W-A flags, the Iowa Homecoming football game is sure to be a hit with kids in your family. IOWA HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME The Iowa Hawkeyes will face the Purdue Boilermakers in the 2019 Homecoming game. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, inside historic Kinnick Stadium. Youth tickets are available at a discounted rate. All fans, regardless of age, need a ticket to enter Kinnick Stadium. Experience one of many family-friendly Hawkeye game day amenities: Hawkeye Express Hop aboard the Hawkeye Express, and ride a black and gold train straight to Kinnick Stadium. Round-trip tickets are $15 (cash only) with children 12 and younger riding for free. Pregame Hawkeye Marching Band Concert Fans and their families can enjoy a free pre-show from the Hawkeye Marching Band in the renovated recreation building across from the stadium. The homecoming show starts at 9:45 a.m. Krause Family Plaza Tailgate This is the ultimate family-friendly tailgate with a kid zone, photo booth, and giveaways. Families can eat, shop, and dance. It's all here. Come early to see the Hawk Walk (when football player enter Kinnick Stadium) and snag autographs with coaches and athletes. For more details, including parking, travel, and stadium information, visit the Iowa football game day website. Don't miss any of the 2019 homecoming festivities! Check out Iowa Magazine's University of Iowa Homecoming Guide to learn about Hawkeye homecoming traditions and review local recommendations for things to see, eat, and do while in Iowa City.

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.