All of us who love the University of Iowa want to stay connected, and creating opportunities for everyone to stay engaged is at the core of the university’s commitment to our alumni, faculty, staff, fans, patients, arts patrons, students, parents, and friends.

I am happy to announce the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, formed from the merging of the UI Alumni Association and the UI Foundation. The board of directors of each organization voted to create a unified organization that would better serve our alumni and friends. The UI Center for Advancement draws on the expertise of alumni engagement and fundraising staff while investing in new staff and programs to serve all alumni and friends in the state and the region, across the country, and around the world. While what we’re doing isn’t new—a 2016 survey showed that of nearly 500 U.S. schools, 68 percent have a combined alumni engagement and fundraising organization—we are doing it in a uniquely Iowa way.

An important component of our commitment to advancement is enhancing educational programming that aligns with the core academic mission of the university. That includes expanding opportunities for alumni to contribute to the UI’s academic mission and aid in the career success of Iowa students and fellow alumni by sharing career experiences. We want more alumni to meaningfully interact with UI faculty, staff, and students by participating in classes, providing real-world experiences, supporting internship and mentoring initiatives, and expanding the impact of Iowa research and ideas.

We are excited to build on existing programs and offer new opportunities, and we hope to enrich lives by building closer connections with the UI.