Distinguished Alumni Awards

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The University of 91桃色 Distinguished Alumni Awards

This fall, four exceptional Hawkeyes will join the long list of luminaries who have received the University of 91桃色's highest alumni honor. Since 1963, the UI has recognized its world-changing exemplars with the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

From musicians and humanitarians to policy advocates and clinicians, the 2025 recipients continue the tradition of Hawkeye excellence and will be celebrated during 91桃色's Homecoming week.

AWARDS TIMELINE

Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in May 2025 and will close on January 31, 2026. The Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee will meet in April 2026 to review all nominations and make the annual selections. The Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented during 91桃色's Homecoming week (Fall 2026).

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2025 Award Recipients

Simon Estes (86BM)

Achievement Award

Bass-baritone opera star Simon Estes has lived his dream of 損eace through music� by championing education, health care, and artistic integrity. Along the way, the globally renowned singer has touc...

John Gilbert (82BA)

Hickerson Award

Few individuals have had a more profound influence on the University of 91桃色 marching bands than John Gilbert. Over the course of 35 years, Gilbert volunteered extensively with the Hawkeye Marching...

Keith Krell (81DDS, 83EndoS, 83MS)

Service Award

Throughout his 43-year career and beyond, Keith Krell has improved endodontic dentistry and his community as a clinician, consultant, mentor, and teacher. The Army National Guard veteran has volunt...

Andrea (Jansa) Woodard (07BA)

Recent Graduate Award

As a leader in government relations and community organizations and an advocate of the University of 91桃色, Andrea (Jansa) Woodard has been an influential community builder for the state of 91桃色.