Posted August 9, 2000

IOWA CITY -- To kick off the upcoming University of Iowa athletic year, more than 500 I-Club members from Iowa and nationwide met in Iowa City for the 34th annual Golden Harvest event on July 29.

The day-long Golden Harvest program began with golf at the UI's Finkbine Golf Course and concluded with dinner at the Radisson on Highlander Plaza in Iowa City. Gary Dolphin, the Hawkeye play-by-play announcer, emceed the evening program, and Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz was the featured speaker.

Larry Bergdale of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Bob Rasley of North Liberty, Iowa, jointly received the Hawk-of-the-Year award. In another joint recognition, the Johnson County I-Club and Southeast Iowa I-Club received the I-Club-of-the-Year award. The special commendation award went to the Clinton/Jackson County I-Club.

David Hamilton of Grinnell, Iowa, was honored with the I-Club Volunteer-of-the-Year award. In addition, Gary Hughes of Iowa City was recognized as the National I-Club Board President for 2000-2001.

"Throughout the U.S., I-Club members help build enthusiasm and private support for our Hawkeye teams," said Mark Jennings, assistant athletic director/development and I-Club executive director. "The Golden Harvest event is an opportunity for us to thank these special supporters and recognize their dedication as we prepare for an exciting season of UI athletics."

I-Club members are Hawkeye fans who contribute $40 or more annually to UI men's and/or women's intercollegiate athletic programs. More than 11,000 friends and alumni of the University are I-Club members, representing every state in the nation.

The I-Club is administered through The University of Iowa Foundation. For information about becoming a member of the I-Club, contact Matt Henderson, associate director of development, Intercollegiate Athletics, at the UI Foundation.

The UI Foundation is the preferred channel for private contributions to all areas of the university. Foundation staff work with alumni and friends to generate funds for scholarships, professorships, facilities improvements, equipment purchases, research and other UI initiatives.

Contact Information

Matt Henderson
Associate Director of Development, Intercollegiate Athletics
(319) 335-3305 or (800) 648-6973

Additional information about supporting Hawkeye Intercollegiate Athletics also is available on this site.