For this column, I was asked to talk about leadership in education. But as I put my thoughts to paper, I couldn’t help but think of Jacqueline Blank. To me, Jackie stood for everything good in education—she was the leader, showing an absolute commitment to helping gifted and talented students, and ensuring that they received real opportunities to develop their unique abilities.

While Jackie and her husband, Myron, gave very generously to programs for these gifted children and their teachers, she was much more than that, serving as a true leader in education, giving freely of her time, and caring deeply for each of the students who passed through the Belin-Blank Center’s doors.

State budget cuts, tuition increases, and an uncertain economic future have put certain pressures on each of us at The University of Iowa. But it’s important to know that we are all still deeply committed to caring for and educating tomorrow’s leaders—in much the same way Jacqueline Blank cared for and led those she came in contact with.

Since her passing in April, 2002, we’ve come to miss the incredible impact Jackie had on the Belin-Blank Center and The University of Iowa, but the precedent she set and the bar she raised have given us all a goal to reach for. One only need look at the students and faculty members within the College of Education to see that Jackie’s hopes, dreams, and passion for education are very much alive.

If you have recently made a gift to the UI College of Education, are thinking of doing so, or have simply shared your time and talents with us, you, too, are a part of that passion…your private support makes you a leader in education.

For more information:
The University of Iowa Foundation
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Iowa City, IA 52244-4550
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