Slezak Retires, Recieves Lukehart Award
After 43 years with the University of Iowa , including the last 31 years with the Institute of Public Affairs, Judy Slezak has decided to retire effective December 3. Judy is currently Program Assistant with the Institute. Judy started with the University in 1963 as a Registration Clerk in the Registrar's office. In 1966, she moved to Hawaii, where she served as a Credit Clerk with Diversified Credit of Hawaii in Honolulu.
In 1968, she returned to Iowa and the University, serving as Secretary in the Bureau of Business and Economic Research with the College of Business Administration . In 1976, she made the fateful move to the Institute of Public Affairs where she first held the position of Program Clerk. At that time, the Institute was located on Clinton Street (in the building now housing the Writers' Workshop). |
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| Judy Slezak and Willard "Sandy" Boyd, |
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| In 1980, she was promoted to the position of Program Assistant.Judy has seen a lot of changes in her years with the Institute.During her tenure with the Institute, Judy was involved in four moves – from Clinton Street to the Oakdale campus, then to 130 Grand Avenue Court (sharing space with the Larned C. Waterman Iowa Non-Profit resource Center , and then this Fall to the Bergmann House at 124 Grand Avenue Court. When she first started with the Institute, Clayton Ringgenberg was the Director and the program had over 20 employees, including a full staff of researchers. In 1979, a young fellow named Tim Shields started at the Institute as Assistant Director. Tim was promoted to Director in 1980 and worked together with Judy for 25 years until Tim's untimely passing in 2004.During this time, the Institute developed the Iowa Municipal Management Institute (IMMI), with the first conference taking place in 1988. Judy was actively involved in the first and all subsequent IMMI conferences. She has been the primary staff person responsible for all program logistics, registrations, meals, lodging, hospitality, and all the other key elements necessary to making IMMI one of the foremost professional development programs for city managers in the U.S. Judy has also been instrumental in the preparation of the numerous Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders Handbooks which the Institute has prepared over the years, as well as many of the other Institute's publications over the last 30 years. Judy has also been very active in working with other groups of local government officials. She has assisted the Iowa League of Cities with their annual conferences and Municipal Leadership Academies. She has participated in programs of the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association. Judy has also been involved with the Larned C. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center, especially in supporting their “Principles and Practices” workshops throughout the state. Judy has especially treasured the relationships she has developed with the Iowa City/County Management Association and its members. She knows almost all of its members and has developed long-lasting friendships with many city managers/administrators throughout the state and around the country. Upon retirement, Judy plans on wintering in Florida with her daughters Laura and Angela (and son-in-law Brandon) and her three grandchildren Blake, Austin, and Colton . Judy's other daughter Kathleen and husband Kevin live in North Liberty . Judy will also continue to root for her beloved Hawkeye football team. Institute Program Director Jeff Schott commented: “Judy and the Institute have been together for a very long time. Judy has been the “go-to” person for IMMI since its inception. We are of course happy for her retirement but we will really miss her conviviality, dedication and institutional memory.” Willard L. Boyd, Director of the Institute and of the Larned C. Waterman Iowa Non-Profit Resource Center (and former President of the University of Iowa ) stated: “Judy has been a wonderful ambassador for the University of Iowa through the Institute. In addition to always being ready to serve others, Judy has been pivotal in assuring the quality and continuity of the Institute. We will miss her both as a colleague and friend.” Lukehart Award In recognition of Slezak's dedication to the IPA and IMMI the IaMCA Board of Directors voted to award her the Joe Lukehart Award at her retirement reception. Normally the award is given at IMMI, but Slezak will be in warmer climate enjoying her grand children when IMMI is held. The Joe Lukehart Award is presented to individuals who have promoted or enhanced the city/county management profession in Iowa , and who have made outstanding contributions to the Iowa City/County Management Association. Additionally, the award is given to individuals responsible for promoting the professional development of Iowa 's City/County Management Association, and is presented during the Iowa Municipal Management Institute. The Joe Lukehart Professional Service award is not presented on an annual basis since it is designed to recognize exceptional contributions to the development of the city/county management profession and the state association. Judy Slezak receives a plaque from Willard L. Boyd for her service to the Institute for Public Affairs |
