Dear Hawkeye Friend:

It's difficult to reflect individually on all of the highlights of my 15 years as the University of Iowa Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. However, what stands out most are the wonderful people and the extraordinary relationships I've enjoyed. The Iowa Hawkeyes are extremely fortunate to have such loyal fans, and your energy has made my tenure here at the UI both deeply rewarding and lots of fun.

My loyalty to the Hawkeyes stays strong, but as in every life, the time comes to try new adventures. As Candy and I watched our son Matthew graduate from the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business in May (our family's 15th degree from the UI), I recognized just how deep our Iowa roots are. Now as our youngest child, Kyle, begins classes at Iowa in the fall, Candy and I are empty-nesters. For the first time in 26 years we will be alone. The time is right to explore other opportunities.

I believe I'm leaving at a time when the UI athletics program is in solid shape. We have a wonderful group of coaches and administrators who have provided good continuity and great values for intercollegiate athletics. The program is in its best financial condition in many years, and our student-athletes are performing academically at unprecedented levels. In short, it is a good time to turn the reins over to someone else.

I thank you for your loyalty, financial support, energy, and mostly for your friendship.

Very best wishes,

Robert Bowlsby
Director of Athletics

I-Club members may order new football season tickets prior to general public
The UI Athletic Ticket Office will begin selling football season tickets on Tuesday, June 13, to National I-Club members who are not existing football season ticket holders. The date you may contact the ticket office is determined by your I-Club membership level.

Remember the June 30 deadline for making Kinnick Stadium per-seat gifts
If you ordered season football tickets for a section of Kinnick Stadium that requires a per-seat contribution, please make your gift by June 30. Season ticket holders with gifts at the Silver Hawk level ($1,000) or above (received by June 30) also will receive appropriate priority parking privileges.

Join Hawkeye fans for Kinnick Stadium's rededication!
As you plan your trip to Iowa City for the first game in the renovated Kinnick Stadium (September 2 versus the University of Montana), be sure to include in your schedule the rededication celebration at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 1, at the new Krause Family Plaza on the south side of the stadium along Melrose Avenue. Gary Dolphin will preside over the festivities, as a 12-foot-tall statue of Nile Kinnick is unveiled and a slate of distinguished speakers officially reopen the home of Iowa Hawkeye football.

Save the date: 2006 Golden Harvest
This year's Golden Harvest golf outing and banquet will be held in Iowa City on Saturday, August 5. Sign up here!

I-Club Spring Banquets and golf outings
The I-Club Spring Banquets and golf outings continue to be a success! See photos of the black-and-gold faithful joining together to have some Hawkeye fun. Watch the I-Club web site for remaining banquets and other events in your community throughout the year.

2006 football Hawkeye Huddles
Make travel plans now for the 2006 away football games and attend the free pre-game Hawkeye Huddles, sponsored by GazetteOnline.com.

Kinnick Society Dinner -- September 29
This special event is held each fall at a surprise location, such as the basketball court in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Kinnick Stadium, for I-Club members who contribute at the Kinnick Society level. Invitations for qualifying contributors will be mailed in August. This year's dinner will be held the weekend of the Ohio State game.

Passing the Hawkeye torch
Hawkeye football letterwinner Terry Mulligan and fellow UI graduate Susan Mulligan believe that the life lessons learned as a Hawkeye student-athlete, combined with the first-rate education offered by the UI, open doors for young people. With their gift establishing an endowed football scholarship, they're doing their part to keep the Iowa program competitive -- and offering a bright future to deserving Hawkeye players for generations to come.

Bring I-Club pride to the Iowa State Fair!
University Relations is inviting I-Club members to volunteer for the University's booth at the Iowa State Fair August 10-20 in Des Moines. Join fellow I-Club members and UI faculty, staff, and students at the fair -- it's a great way to represent your University and meet Iowans from around the state. Learn more and sign up for a shift!

Join the team! Join the I-Club!
The I-Club is nearing its goal of counting 12,500 members by June 30 -- if you haven't yet joined, make your gift online today and help us get over the top. Let's show the world the strength of Hawkeye pride! Remember that if your Kinnick Stadium season ticket selection requires a minimum per-seat contribution, you must make your gift by June 30.

Support the Hawkeye Marching Band
Our marching band performs before hundreds of thousands of people each year -- make your gift today to support the squad that leads Hawkeye fans in making the walls and rafters ring! (Please note that gifts supporting the Hawkeye Marching Band do not qualify toward I-Club membership.)

I-Club E-News is produced by the UI Foundation and distributed to I-Club members and friends. For more information, contact iclub@uiowa.edu.

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