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Two University of Iowa parents were the center of attention at halftime of the Nov. 4 Hawkeye football game, when they were honored as Iowa’s Mom and Dad of the Year.
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| Nicole Alexander and Laura Millen | |
Mom of the Year is Laura Millen of Chicago, nominated by her daughter, Nicole Alexander, a junior majoring in international studies with an interest in pre-med. Because of her experiences with homelessness and single parenthood, Millen is dedicated to helping others in similar situations, and has mentored teenage girls, finding them a safe place to live and helping them overcome drug addiction. In addition to being an outstanding mother who attended every sporting event her daughter participated in, she volunteers at her community church, running support groups and workshops.
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| Charles Knudson and Matt Knudson | |
Dad of the Year is Charles Knudson of Marcus, Iowa, nominated by his son Matt Knudson, a fourth-year medical student. Charles Knudson graduated from Iowa in 1954 and from the UI College of Law in 1957. The father of six children—all UI alumni—volunteers his time and energy extensively in his hometown. He and his wife, Elizabeth, last year’s Mom of the Year, have attended almost every Iowa football game over the past 50 years.
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 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.
