2008 Woodie Awards
Eagles commit $25 million to UI diabetes research
Briana Byrd - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: Metro
Two years ago at a state convention in Nebraska, Bill Loffer heard a story he'd never forget. He spoke with a man whose two children, ages 9 and 11, were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
The father told Loffer of the pain that accompanies watching his young sons inject insulin.
Now Loffer, along with the other members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international nonprofit organization, has committed to donating $25 million for diabetes research at the UI. The gift is one of the top-five largest one-time donations in its history.
On Tuesday, the group gathered alongside local and UI officials to celebrate the partnership and plan for the UI's Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center. The building is expected to be completed in three years, said John Stokes, a UI professor of internal medicine helping to spearhead the project.
"I think it's a fabulous experience to be down here for this celebration," said Ron Hansen, a Cedar Rapids Eagle. "This is a charity the Eagles has backed for a number of years. I have friends with diabetes, and I'm glad this is one of the charities the Eagles has chosen to support."
( Daily Iowan TV video feature )
The ceremony featured speeches from UI officials, members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and state officials.
"The governor and I are very alarmed about the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes, particularly in our children," said Lt. Gov. Patty Judge. "To keep Iowans healthy, it takes partnerships like the one we're celebrating today."
At the ceremony, the Eagles received special recognition from UI President Sally Mason, who said the university was "absolutely thrilled and humbled" by the order's commitment.
The father told Loffer of the pain that accompanies watching his young sons inject insulin.
Now Loffer, along with the other members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international nonprofit organization, has committed to donating $25 million for diabetes research at the UI. The gift is one of the top-five largest one-time donations in its history.
On Tuesday, the group gathered alongside local and UI officials to celebrate the partnership and plan for the UI's Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center. The building is expected to be completed in three years, said John Stokes, a UI professor of internal medicine helping to spearhead the project.
"I think it's a fabulous experience to be down here for this celebration," said Ron Hansen, a Cedar Rapids Eagle. "This is a charity the Eagles has backed for a number of years. I have friends with diabetes, and I'm glad this is one of the charities the Eagles has chosen to support."
( Daily Iowan TV video feature )
Video in QuickTime format, click here for free player download
The ceremony featured speeches from UI officials, members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and state officials.
"The governor and I are very alarmed about the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes, particularly in our children," said Lt. Gov. Patty Judge. "To keep Iowans healthy, it takes partnerships like the one we're celebrating today."
At the ceremony, the Eagles received special recognition from UI President Sally Mason, who said the university was "absolutely thrilled and humbled" by the order's commitment.
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