In the 1970s, Bill and Rick may have enjoyed a friendly rivalry between their social clubs—the SOBs and the FOXES—but nearly five decades later, they’ve joined forces in remarkable fashion to support UIU.

Five years ago, they approached the University with a simple but impactful idea: a Homecoming golf outing where Peacocks of all ages could reconnect, make friends, and have fun. That idea grew into the Annual Homecoming Golf Fundraiser. Since then, Bill and Rick have managed every facet with passion—from promotion and pairings to hospitality and logistics with Big Rock Country Club. Rain or shine, their leadership and determination have helped raise more than $20,000 for the Peacock Athletic Fund, directly supporting student-athletes.

What sets them apart is their thoughtful, inclusive approach. While the entry fee began at $250, they’ve since offered flexible pricing so everyone can participate—welcoming younger alumni while encouraging others to give generously. This dynamic duo returns for the 5th Annual Homecoming Golf Outing on September 26, 2025—this year dedicated to honoring the lives and legacy of their dear friends, Steve & Diane Harms, class of 1973.

What began as a simple idea fueled by friendship and school spirit has grown into an impactful tradition for Upper Iowa. Bill and Rick exemplify what it means to be proud, lifelong Peacocks. Their dedication, generosity, and love for UIU are an inspiration to all of us.

Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and physical education. When he wasn’t hitting the books, he was hitting the mat with the Peacock wrestling team. After graduation, he was a coach, referee (earning UIU Hall of Fame recognition), and taught third and fifth grade until transitioning into banking, where he would invest 41 years, retiring as the Vice President of State Bank & Trust Company in Waverly, IA. Bill and his wife, Mary, reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa; they have two daughters, Nicole and Emily, and two grandsons.

Rick earned his Bachelor of Science in physical education. Baseball was life for Rick, and he was touted as being a four-year letter-winner and starting catcher. He earned the accolades of team captain, most valuable player, and Honorable Mention All-American honors (3rd Team), among others. In 1985, Rick was inducted into the UIU Hall of Fame. His entrepreneurial career was centered on business management, owning a lawn service, printing and computer companies, real estate, and a Burger King franchise. Rick and his wife, Jane, reside in Iowa City, IA, and have three children, Kyle, Mike, and Kristen, and nine grandchildren.

Josie Kidd entered the neuroscience industry in 2006, building nearly two decades of experience that ultimately brought her into co-ownership of NSA Labs, headquartered in Knoxville, TN. Today, she leads an exceptional team of dedicated professionals committed to providing world-class, high-throughput neurohistology services, with a focus on brain and spinal cord tissue to support researchers worldwide in advancing Central Nervous System science and discoveries.

Josie chose to pursue her higher education in the self-paced program at Upper Iowa University later in her life. Simultaneously balancing coursework with the responsibilities of running a business is a challenge for anyone, and Josie demonstrated that education can be transformative at any stage of life and that growth does not stop once a career begins.

Josie’s commitment to service extends well beyond her professional work, volunteering in a variety of capacities over the years. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Team 4Moe, a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives through community outreach and support. As a Little Free Library steward, she actively promotes literacy and the joy of reading in her local community. In addition, she served as a hospice volunteer for several years within her community, offering compassion and support to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Through these roles — and countless others — Josie demonstrates that the importance of leadership is as much about service as it is about achievement.

Although Josie’s career began on a different path, Upper Iowa University became the place where her direction aligned with her purpose. Her decision to attend UIU expanded her vision, shaped her values, and inspired her commitment to making a difference. As a Peacock for life, she embodies UIU’s mission of lifelong growth and meaningful impact within the community.

In 2025, Josie earned her Associate’s Degree in liberal arts and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in psychology. Josie and her husband, Jim, reside in Louisville, TN.

Dr. Keith Freesemann graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education. As a student, he dedicated four years as a student athletic trainer for all men’s sports, preparing athletes for practices, competition, and recovery. He was also a proud member of Acacia Fraternity, where he embraced service and fellowship.

Following his time at UIU, Keith earned a Master of Arts in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Doctor of Education in Higher and Adult Education from the University of Southern California. His friends at UIU once called him “Doctor Keith”—a lighthearted nickname that became reality as his career and passion for education flourished.

Keith began his professional journey at UNI before joining California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he built a distinguished 45-year career. For 35 years, he served as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, directing the Athletic Training Program and mentoring countless students. Under his leadership, CSULB’s undergraduate athletic training program achieved national accreditation.

In the later years of his career, Keith served as the University’s Ombudsman, a role in which he guided conflict resolution, mediation, and student advocacy. His ability to listen, lead, and resolve challenges reflected his lifelong commitment to supporting others. He also contributed significantly through service on numerous university committees, program reviews, and leadership councils.

A respected scholar and practitioner, Keith authored research articles in national athletic training and physical education journals. His professional impact has been widely recognized, including induction into the UNI School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services Hall of Excellence in 2009, the CSULB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, and the Long Beach State Athletic Training Hall of Fame in 2016.

Dr. Keith Freesemann’s career is a testament to the values of dedication, mentorship, and service. From his early days as a student trainer at UIU to shaping the next generation of health professionals and educators, he has left a profound mark on the field and the institutions he served.

Keith and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Yorba Linda, California. They have one son, Max.

Robert Culbertson graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1975 with a double major in history and religion. On campus, he was actively involved in Acacia Fraternity, the Religion Club, and several service organizations. One of his earliest contributions was helping to establish a chapel in Maltbie-McCosh Hall—an accomplishment that reflected both his leadership and his dedication to creating spaces for faith and fellowship on campus.

Robert went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and was ordained as a United Methodist minister in 1979. Over the next three decades, he faithfully served congregations across Iowa, including Boone, Dallas Center, Urbandale, and Des Moines. In each appointment, he was known for his compassion, steady leadership, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Robert served as Chaplain at the Door of Faith Mission, a recovery center, where he offered encouragement, pastoral care, and hope to those most in need. His experiences during that decade inspired his book, Tough Love: My Ten Years as a Chaplain for the Homeless, a heartfelt reflection on faith in action.

Even after retirement from full-time ministry, Rev. Culbertson has continued to serve tirelessly. He volunteers with The FreeStore, a nonprofit, volunteer organization located in West Des Moines that has furnished more than 540 homes for families and individuals overcoming homelessness, domestic violence, or other trauma. He leads youth mission trips to communities impacted by natural disasters throughout the United States and Mexico, where young people gain firsthand experience in service and compassion. He also gives his time to meal programs for low-income families and supports people participating in prison work-release programs—always guided by a belief in dignity, second chances, and God’s call to love one another.

Through his lifelong ministry and countless hours of volunteer service, Rev. Culbertson lives out the words of Jesus: “What you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” Whether in Church, at a homeless shelter, or helping families rebuild their lives, he has embodied faith in action and inspired those around him to do the same.

Robert remains connected to UIU, occasionally returning to campus and supporting its mission of service and leadership. He and his wife, Julia, reside in Windsor Heights, Iowa. They have three children, Jeniece, Chris, and Elizabeth.

Michael Salmons ’76 earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy at Upper Iowa University, where he was also recognized as a distinguished Military Graduate through the Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps—launching a distinguished 21-year career.

Throughout his service, Michael held a variety of leadership and operational roles. He instructed at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston, completed the Rotary Wing Aviation Course at Fort Rucker, and spent a decade as a medevac pilot with assignments in Alabama, Germany, Florida, and South Carolina. He later served as a Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic Program Officer, completed the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and assumed leadership positions as Program Manager for the Office of the Surgeon General and Medical Advisor for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded soldiers, flew lifesaving missions, and shaped future Army leaders.

Even in retirement, Michael’s commitment to protecting others did not waver. In 2001, he became Director of Security and Emergency Operations at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. On September 11 of that year, he was on the rooftop of Walter Reed scanning the skies for United Flight 93, prepared to act should the hospital need to be evacuated or protected. He led the Pentagon Rapid Response Team, supporting recovery efforts after Flight 77 struck the Pentagon—a tragedy that claimed the lives of several of his friends and colleagues.

In 2007, Michael transitioned to the Library of Congress as Emergency Management Program Officer. For nearly 13 years, he directed a staff of more than 100, safeguarding priceless national documents, overseeing the safety of thousands of daily visitors, and providing security briefings to heads of state, members of Congress, celebrities, and distinguished guests. He retired from federal service in 2020 and has since worked as an Emergency Management Consultant in Washington, D.C.

Alongside his professional accomplishments, Michael has been a loyal member of the UIU community. A longtime leader in the Tri-State Alumni Chapter, he served as chapter president, Maryland Peacock Ambassador, and vice president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2018–2020. After nearly a decade of service on the Alumni Advisory Committee, he stepped down in 2023, leaving a legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and support for his alma mater.

Michael and his wife, fellow alumna Teri (Vanderheiden) Salmons ’76, reside in Columbia, Maryland.