Inspiring Future Ge Where cranes, backhoes, and scaffolding now stand, Craig (75JD) and Nancy Willis (77BA, 80JD) see a future Iowa landmark that will inspire new generations of art lovers.
organizations. This past fall, the UI presented the Willises with its top honor—a Distinguished Alumni Award for their outstanding contributions to he university.
The longtime university benefactors and Iowa City community leaders have committed $1 million toward the building campaign for the forthcoming University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, which is set to open in 2022. The project broke ground in 2019 near the corner of Burlington and Front streets, adjacent to the UI Main Library and Gibson Square. In recognition of the Willises’ support, the plaza entrance of the museum will be named for the couple. “We’ve really developed an appreciation for art as a result of our relationship with the institution, the collection, and the people at the museum,” says Nancy Willis. “This is an opportunity for us to express our appreciation for that enrichment.” The Willises have become two of the museum’s most steadfast supporters since first getting involved with the organization in the 1970s. The couple, who work as real estate attorneys, have served prominent roles on numerous boards and committees for the museum, in addition to showing support for Hancher, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and UI Health Care, among many other university and community
16
S TANLEY M U S E U M O F A RT
