The University of Iowa College of Education

Education at Iowa

Fall 2005

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Around the College

Challenging the Mind and the Body
The College of Education's Ironwomen

Imagine swimming, biking, and running long enough to watch the sun rise and then set.

Seifert bikes the New Zealand Irondistance Triathlon with energy to spare.
Seifert bikes the New Zealand Irondistance Triathlon with energy to spare.

That’s what Tricia Seifert did last March when she ran her first Ironman® triathlon in New Zealand.

What would lead an SAAR (Student Affairs Administration and Research) doctoral student from Oregon to such extremes?

“When there were no mountains to climb, I found other ways to physically challenge myself,” said Seifert, who finished the race in just under 14 hours.

Challenge indeed. An Ironman ® triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 26.2-mile marathon run.

But Seifert’s motivation was more than just exercise. Through her passion for increasing college access for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity, she raised scholarship money for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation and the American Indian College Fund.

“I liked the idea of while doing something good for myself I could do something good for others,” she said.

Seifert isn’t the College’s only compassionate triathlete.

Lowe finishes the 1991 Vineman Irondistance Triathlon in record time.
Lowe finishes the 1991 Vineman Irondistance Triathlon in record time.

Social Foundations doctoral candidate Laura Lowe (MA ’01) has been participating and competing in triathlons for over 20 years. She went from being called ‘Slow Lowe’ in high school, to not only conquering the Hawaiian Ironman® Triathlon four times, but repeatedly excelling at the extreme endurance race.

Her race accomplishments include placing 20 th overall in the Hawaiian World Triathlon Championships in 1990; finishing as women’s champion and record holder at the Vineman Irondistance Triathlon in 1991; beating her record time in ’95—which still stands; and finishing the Maui Irondistance Triathlon as Women’s World Champion in ‘94, ‘95, and ’96. At 43, the race endeavors continue as Lowe engages in her 12 th irondistance triathlon this October in Kona, Hawaii.

A teacher at heart, Lowe says it’s the “ah-ha” moment that’s her pinnacle when she sees an epiphany of enlightenment in her student’s eyes.

“That moment gives me as much of an endorphin high as training for and competing in triathlons,” she said.

Lowe’s raising money through her racing to educate and raise awareness on issues important to today’s educational system and public educational policies, such as Title IX, through the UI Foundation.

Associate Professor Scott McNabb says he is continually inspired by Lowe’s incredible work ethic, her honesty, and her ability to connect with others.

“While many of us may give lip-service to the idea of living life to the fullest, Laura Lowe actually does it,” he said.

Professor David Bills says Lowe is disciplined and tireless, not only in her academic endeavors, but also in her demanding and rigorous athletics commitments.

“She is pretty amazing, isn’t she?” Bills asked. “I’d call it a very unusual mix of very, very high technical skill and an extraordinary willingness and generosity to share that expertise with faculty and students.”

Professor Ernest Pascarella says the same about Seifert.

A sea of 1,200 triathletes take to the open water in New Zealand before sunrise.
A sea of 1,200 triathletes take to the open water in New Zealand before sunrise.

“Tricia has an incredible capacity for work, does her work extremely well, and has become indispensable to me,” he said. “She’s an absolute treasure.”

Professor Elizabeth Whitt agrees.

“Tricia is as dedicated to her academic life as she is to her physical training,” she said. “Her energy, commitment, and passion are there in everything she does.”

These two women not only demonstrate tremendous strength and commitment, but also an intellect, creativity, dedication, and drive that sets them apart as amazing athletes, academic role models, and exceptional people. –by Jill Fishbaugh

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