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Home Distinguished Alumni Awards Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Distinguished Alumni Award

James A. Michener

1983 Friend Award

James A. Michener, who established the James A. Michener Awards for graduates of the UI Writers' Workshop in 1980, is one of the world's most popular authors. Since 1947, starting with the Pulitzer Prize-wining Tales of the South Pacific he has written 30 books, including many novels about different cultures, and texts for five art books. His work has been translated into most major languages of the world, with a readership in the many millions.

Mr. Michener has also devoted much time to public service. In 1968 he served as secretary of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention; from 1970-74 he worked in 47 foreign nations as part of a commission for the U.S. Information Agency. He has also been a cultural ambassador to many countries. In 1982, at the request of the state department, he participated in a United Nations-sponsored cultural exchange in Mexico City, and in the UNISPACE Conference in Vienna. Since 1979 he has served on the NASA Advisory Council.

Mr. Michener has received honorary doctorates in five fields from more than 20 universities as well as the United States' highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. He is a life member of the UI 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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This fall is a big season for book lovers in the University of Iowa community. Take a look at some of the upcoming author events, new releases, and reading opportunities here.

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

GOLD Leadership Group

The Graduates of the Last Decade ("GOLD") Leadership Group advocates for the interests of recent graduates of the University of Iowa (alumni who earned a UI degree within the past 10 years).

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