UNI’s Heritage Honours award recipients
Bradley Block
Young Alumnus Award
Bradley Block came to the University of Northern Iowa to pursue a business degree and “wanted badly” to play football for the Panthers. Neither happened, but it all worked out.
“All of the defensive back positions were covered, at least two-deep,” said Block.
He did, however, discover opportunity as UNI’s first four-year resident assistant and the entry point to his avocation, thanks to associate professor Lynn Brant’s physical geology class.
“He made geology interesting with his antics, humor and laid-back atmosphere,” Block said. “My true passion was geared toward the outdoors and educating the public about our natural and cultural resources within park settings.”
Read more about Block’s path to Jewel Cave National Monument and his campus and community involvement at
www.unialum.org/heritagehonours.shtml.
Guang Jin
Young Alumna Award
 Traveling thousands of miles from home to attend a college in a country far different from your own can be daunting—different culture, different language, different customs and different social mores.
Guang Jin knows how it feels. Twenty years ago, she came from Jiamusi, China, to the University of Northern Iowa to pursue graduate degrees in industrial technology. Breaking through the language and culture barriers seemed impossible at first, but the patience of UNI faculty and staff allowed her to find success.
Since graduating from UNI, Jin has worked at Deere & Co. in leadership roles that include quality management, project management, global supply management, operations management and manufacturing engineering.
Read more about how Jin has used her success to be a positive influence at UNI by visiting
www.unialum.org/heritagehonours.shtml.
Len Froyen
Alumni Service Award
When Len Froyen was an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa in the 1950s, he and his wife-to-be, Gail, spent many hours dancing in the Commons Ballroom. He never imagined that the place would hold significance some 50 years later as a venue in which to honor him for his service to the university.
As UNI emeritus professor of educational psychology and foundations, Froyen cites four projects of which he is particularly proud: chairing his class’s 40th reunion, the inaugural teacher education convocation, coordinating the Stadium Hall Reunion and spearheading the campaign to renovate the Lang Hall Auditorium.
Read more about these projects and Froyen’s many community contributions at www.unialum.org/heritagehonours.shtml.
Sally Carbaugh Frudden
Alumni Achievement Award
In 2003, Sally Frudden was named Woman of the Year by the Charles City (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce, but if you look at her list of accomplishments, perhaps her award should be renamed “Woman of the Years.” Since 1970, Frudden has generously worked to improve education, as well as worked on economic development and social issues.
At the University of Northern Iowa, Frudden served on the UNI Foundation board, chaired the Long-Range Planning Committee, and helped with outreach and programs for in-service and continuing education. Frudden has served on statewide boards and commissions, including the Iowa State Board of Education from 1993 to 2006; the Coordinating Council on Post High School Education; the Community College Coordinating Council; Reading Recovery to improve reading proficiency and student achievement; and the AEA Education Design Team.
Read more about what’s behind Frudden’s drive and passion at www.unialum.org/heritagehonours.shtml.
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