State legislators attend UIU reception
FAYETTE, IOWA (February 22, 2007) – It’s not an uncommon occurrence this time of year for special interest groups to hold meet-and-greet receptions for their legislators. Upper Iowa University hosted its first such reception at the Des Moines Botanical Center on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The objective of the event was to heighten awareness of Upper Iowa’s unique profile and the role the University plays in support of the state’s economy, workforce development, providing affordable access to quality higher education, and as a portal to international markets. 
“I am pleased to report our event was well attended, especially in lieu of the fact three other such receptions were planned for the same evening,” said UIU President Dr. Alan Walker. “In addition, a number of the elected officials in attendance were also graduates of Upper Iowa University.”
Walker added, “More important, we had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with many of these legislators and tell them specifics about Upper Iowa University. For example, UIU serves over 1,000 working adults in Iowa with opportunities for furthering their education at centers in Waterloo, Des Moines and Ankeny, and through its online and external degree programs. UIU students graduate with some of the lowest levels of debt among all Iowa private and public four-year institutions, has a long tradition of serving first-generation students, and offers one of the most diverse higher education learning environments among its peer institutions in Iowa.”
The key legislators in attendance from the Iowa House and Senate included the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, President of the Senate, President Pro Tempore, Chair of the Senate’s Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the Vice Chair and a ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, Chair and Vice Chair of the House Economic Growth Committee, and several members from the House Ways and Means.
Additional guests included UIU alumni, staff, and board members. To find out more about Upper Iowa University and its degree programs, go to www.uiu.edu.