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Home Distinguished Alumni Awards Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Distinguished Alumni Award

William R. Wood 36MA, 39PHD

1980 Achievement Award

Currently the mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska, Mr. Wood is a native of Jacksonville, Ill. He earned a A.B. degree from Illinois College in 1927 and was a teacher and coach in public school systems in Michigan, Iowa and Illinois from 1928-46.

From 19480-60 he served the University of Nevada in several positions, including chairman of the English Department, dean of statewide services, academic vice president and acting President.

He was president of the University of Alaska from 1960-73.

Wood has represented the United States on education missions to Libya, Liberia, Viet Nam, Colombia, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines and Northern New Zealand, Iceland, Greenland and Australia.

He has served as chairman of the Alaska American Cancer Society, vice president of the Alaska Council of the Boy Scouts of America, on the executive committee of the Association of Higher Education and the International Association of University Presidents, as a fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America and a long-time member of the Explorer's Club.

He has served as editor and author of a dozen publications.

Mr. Wood is a life member of the UI Alumni Association, and a Navy veteran of World War II, Captain, USNR (Ret.).

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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Museums around the world have exhibited the work of the famed painter, sculptor, and printmaker. Now, his art is also featured on the campus where he began to find his voice.

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

Latino-Native American Alumni Alliance

Group looks to support students and alumni and to maintain a supportive voice for their issues at the University of Iowa.

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