Distinguished Alumni Award
Helen L. Reich 30BA, 35MA
Ms. Reich's association with the UI spanned 43 years. A native of Moravia, she enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1928 after tow years at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant. She earned two UI degrees, a B.A. in English literature in 1930 and a M.A. in psychology and journalism in 1935.
From 1933-42 she was director of student activities in the Iowa Memorial Union. From 1942-68 , Ms.Reich was assistant director in the UI Office of Student Affairs, except for a two-year period from 1944-46, when she served with the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard.
In 1968, Ms. Reich assumed the position of associate dean of students in the Office of Student Affairs, which she held until her retirement in 1971.
She has been active in the National Council of Mortar Board, the American Association of University Women, the National Association of Women Deans and Counselors and the Iowa State Association of Deans of Women.
She served two terms on the Governor's Status of Women Commission and was the corporate delegate for the University of Iowa to the American Association of University Women.
A scholarship is awarded annually to a UI senior woman who is judged as best exemplifying Ms.Reich's qualities. The scholarship is funded by the Women's Panhellenic Association. A second scholarship is given annually in Reich's name at the UI, funded by the foundation of Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity. She served on the executive board of the foundation from its inception in 1954, being responsible for the review of all applicants.
At the time of Ms. Reich's retirement, Zeta Tau Alpha commissioned Mrs. James Kent, Iowa City artist, to do a portrait of her, which was presented to the University.
She is life member of the UI Alumni Association.
About Distinguished Alumni Awards
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.