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Colloton has left us a great legacy

Dave Nagle

Iowa City Press-Citizen

January 27, 2007

[Note: This material is copyright by the Press-Citizen, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of the Iowa City Press-Citizen.]


It was with considerable dismay that I read the recent articles attacking John Colloton, the former head of University Hospitals. Calls for his private correspondence have been ruled, as they should be, unobtainable by Iowa’s Attorney General.

But far worse than this or singling John out for example when 48 others have the same emeritus status was overlooking the reason for the university’s policy. By allowing older executives and faculty to move to senior status, the university insures that experience remains on campus while opening up positions for new and younger leadership.

John’s service to the university is unmatched. His ability to secure federal funding while I was in Congress was amazing. It was the best record of any institution of this classification. In addition, under his leadership, the university established itself as a worldwide resource.

What makes these attacks even more annoying is that many of us are aware that John has contributed over 1.3 million dollars of his own money back to the university.

A great man has left us a great legacy. His example should be honored, not diminished.

Dave Nagle
Cedar Falls