Jay Holstein, Influential Iowa Professor, Remembered by Generations of Students

He was probably the greatest influence on my studies at Iowa. I took Quest for Human Destiny, Quest II, and Hollywood and the Bible. I gained quite a bit of confidence in college studying because of him, and because I “got” him. Everyone who ever took one of his classes is truly blessed. The UI lost a legend, and my heart is saddened.
Christopher Lavenz (03BA)

I took his class in the ’70s when the official name was Religion and the Quest for Human Destiny: Eden to 2001. I became friends with Jay, used to run with him, and was able to maintain a friendship all these years, going out to dinner every year on homecoming weekends. He truly made a huge impact on my life and gave me great advice about how to live.
Thomas Johnson (76BA, 80MD)

He was hands down my favorite professor. I took every one of his classes, and I still have all the required reading from Quest for Human Destiny. He’s truly one of the great ones. I’m honored to have been his student.
Joan Van Why-Donohoe (88BS)

Some of the most thoughtful and provocative conversations were had in his class. He was a one-of-a-kind professor who fostered healthy debates about impossible questions. Thanks for the life lessons, Professor Holstein! You will be missed.
Tyler Scheppmann (07BBA)

Jay Holstein still influences how I think about the world almost 40 years after I sat in his lecture hall the first time. Like so many here, I altered my educational plans because of his excellence in the classroom. RIP Dr. Holstein, I'll always associate you with “YHWH”—IYKYK.
Cameron S. Torstenson (11BLS, 21MBA)

When it came to the test, I was able to remember every word Holstein had said during the lecture. He was just so incredibly engaging. Never had another teacher who compared!
Kevin Weiskircher (94BA)

He was truly an amazing professor, incredibly engaging, and his ability to captivate an entire lecture hall was astounding. I reflect often on his words. We were all so fortunate to have been in the presence of greatness. RIP.
Michelle Camerer (94BA)

Dr. Holstein was one of my favorite professors. His Judeo-Christian Tradition course had a profound impact on me and really changed my views about religion. He was an amazing speaker and teacher. He will be missed!
Sally Donaubauer (99BS)

I sat in on some of his lectures in the late ’80s! It changed my direction in spirituality.
Katherine Ballensky

I took Quest for Human Destiny in spring of ’92. My wife took it in ’97. Our daughter took it a couple of years ago. He was a great teacher.
Mike Horning (95BA)

My favorite professor at Iowa. He left a lifelong impression. May his memory be a blessing.
Brooke Hessel Cline (98BA)

Greatest speaker I’ve ever seen in person and the only lectures I ever wanted to attend. RIP, Professor Holstein.
Jeremy Hogan (96BSE)

He married my husband and me. I always have fond memories of him.
Maria Witt (01BA)

He was the best professor I ever had, with lessons that have stuck with me for 30 years. RIP, Professor Holstein.
Heather Herbst

One of the best classes I have ever taken! Changed my life!
Gina Fontanini Powell

I just took his Quest for Human Destiny class last spring. One of the most passionate professors I’ve ever had. My older brother had him as well, and he was a big influence.
Aaron Majerus (25BA)

Dr. Holstein was the first college lecture I ever attended. I walked into his Quest for Human Destiny course at 18 years old and proceeded to take every class he taught. The world is darker without his light and intelligence. Rest in peace, Dr. Holstein, you made a difference.
Andrea Schmidt (10DDS)

What an amazing professor. I took every class I could with him in the early ’90s. He will be missed.
Sara Jayne Swanson (92BA, 98BS)

I ended up with a minor in religion because I kept taking his classes.
Nathan Wulff (00BA)

He was passionate. Fierce. Committed to learning and to student success—with a healthy dose of high expectations for personal accountability! My Judeo-Christian Tradition lecture was my very first class on my very first day of college in fall 1983. I’ll never forget it. And I’ll never forget him. Rest well, Professor.
Eric Craver (87BA, 91MA)

Professor Holstein made such an impact on me at Iowa. Without a doubt, my favorite. After taking his Quest class, I took as many of his classes as I could, including a Holocaust class and Judeo-Christian Tradition. I'm so grateful to have experienced his wonderful teaching style.
Sarah Ralston Van Dorpe (86BGS)

I took his class in the late ’70s. Incredible professor. He helped me get excited about being an independent thinker.
Kathy Lighthall (81BGS)

I took his classes throughout college. He called me out in class during my senior year to offer a letter of recommendation, and it was my proudest moment at Iowa!
Andrea Covington (10BA)

The GOAT of Iowa’s professors. I saved all my notes and study materials for the last 30-plus years. Godspeed, Professor Holstein. You changed lives for the better with every lecture!
Todd Mizener (88BA)

Best professor ever. Ethical, engaging, and passionate. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations.
Ginger Hahn (09BA, 13MSW)

Holstein was definitely one of my favorite professors back in the 1980s. So animated and full of energy, intellect, and emotion. He captivated every student that took one of his classes.
Randy Dickson (87BGS)