Longtime UNI Supporter Provides Pathway to Success

Joan Duea

Guest speakers and musical performances drew Joan Duea, B.A. ’59, M.A. ’64, to the University of Northern Iowa campus more than six decades ago. As a student, faculty member and now an emeritus, Joan has been a strong voice for the university over the past 65 years.

During Joan’s sophomore year, she was selected by faculty to travel the state and encourage students to attend Iowa State Teachers College, now UNI. During her junior and senior years, she served as a dorm counselor.

“That’s when I developed a love for helping younger students,” Joan says.

More recently, Joan’s passion for helping students led to the creation of the Duea Endowed Scholarship. Her passion will resound for generations through an estate gift. Joan also mentors elementary education majors, serves on the Robert Eller Scholarship Review Board for International Studies and lends a listening ear.

When Joan was asked to do things that took her out of her comfort zone, she told herself, “Failure isn’t fatal. Success isn’t final.” With that in mind, she always did her best, then reflected on her actions to determine failure and success by her own standards.

“It’s my privilege to hear about students’ involvement in classes, assignments and volunteer time they give to student organizations. I’m amazed at the demands placed on students today.”
– Joan Duea

“It’s not your age that is important; it is your willingness to continue learning throughout your life,” she says.

Joan’s wish for UNI students: “May our students use their college time to find their passion and live their lives loving to awake every day with a sense of optimism and go to bed at night with a sense of accomplishment.”

Like Joan, you can help students reach their goals by creating a scholarship through the UNI Foundation. To start a conversation, contact Jane Halverson at jane.halverson@uni.edu or (319) 273-4665.