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Two University of Iowa parents were the center of attention at halftime of the Oct. 15 Hawkeye football game, when they were honored as Iowa’s Mom and Dad of the Year.
Mom of the Year is Elizabeth Knudson of Marcus, Iowa, whose son Matt Knudson, a third-year medical student, nominated her. Elizabeth Knudson graduated from the UI College of Nursing in 1956, and she has worked as a nurse and a bookkeeper. In addition to raising six children—all UI alumni—she has served on the local school board and on several church boards, organized fund drives for the American Heart Association and Cancer Fund, and worked with Meals on Wheels and Girl Scouts.
Dad of the Year is Richard Bender of Iowa City, who was nominated by his daughter Julie Bender, a senior majoring in speech and hearing science. Richard Bender has been active in the Iowa City Music Auxiliary, where he has served as board member, treasurer, vice president, and president, and in the First United Methodist Church. As a cancer survivor and an involved father, he has long been a source of inspiration to his three daughters.
The Mom of the Year honoree is selected by Mortar Board, a national honor society that recognizes college seniors. The Dad of the Year honoree is selected by Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society for upper-level students. The Parents Association also supports the awards program.
All UI students can nominate their parents for the annual awards, which have been an Iowa tradition for more than 50 years. The application includes a list of the parent’s occupational achievements, community activities, volunteer work, and personal accomplishments and honors. In addition, students write essays describing their parents’ personal characteristics, what they’ve done for the students or others, and why their parents should represent all Iowa parents.
