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For the millions who will step onto the University of Iowa campus in the years to come, their visits will be made richer because of a man whose time with us was far too short. Larry Nowlan, 48, a nationally and internationally recognized sculptor, passed away Aug. 1 due to natural causes, shocking all of those who had come to know him.
Larry lived half a country away, in Windsor, Vt., but became a Hawkeye at heart when he made his first “research” visit to Kinnick Stadium in 2004, for a thrilling football victory over Purdue. A year later, the first of his four noted bronze sculptures on the UI campus was unveiled—Nile Kinnick.
Larry was invited back to campus for another relief sculpture, commemorating Iowa’s invention of the butterfly swim stroke (located at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center) and finally, for a life-sized sculpture of Hawkeye wrestling legend Dan Gable (outside Carver-Hawkeye Arena).
Larry’s notoriety was growing rapidly and additional works of art included a statue honoring Philadelphia Phillies Hall-of-Fame announcer Harry Kalas, who happened to be a UI alumnus.
Donations to an educational fund for the children of sculptor Larry Nowlan may be sent to:
People’s United Bank
FBO Heather Nowlan,
50 North Main St.,
Windsor, VT, 05089
And yet, for all of the natural talent Larry Nowlan possessed, he was a greater person. Considered a friend by anyone who had the fortune to meet him, Larry was humble, witty, and disarming in his approach to everyone he met.
Larry leaves behind a beautiful family: Heather, his wife; daughter Monet, 7; son Teelin, 4. In the midst of the great challenge for them to understand and move on, an educational fund has been established for Larry’s children.
I am honored to have called Larry a friend and join so many others in gratitude for all he gave us.
Rod Lehnertz is the University of Iowa Facilities Management director of planning, design, and construction. He is also co-author of the book The University of Iowa: Guide to Campus Architecture, published in 2006.