Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in education

My dad, Wilbur, was an Iowa football fanatic. When I was 12 years old, I went to my first of many football games. I relished the opportunity to spend time with my father, and I remember him gazing over to the student section during one game and telling me: “Marigail, you could be one of those students, too.”

I couldn’t wait.

After graduating from Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln High School, I headed off to the University of Iowa, where I eventually earned a medical technology degree. I worked for UI Hospitals & Clinics for four years, and after moving to Colorado, I was offered a job with DuPont in Delaware. After 29 years, I retired in 2009 after a successful career in global customer training and quality management.

I really feel that it was my good fortunate to go to the University of Iowa, because my professional life wouldn’t have been possible without a great education. My time as a Hawkeye was formative. Iowa shaped me into who I am today, and what I believe now is that I should be a good steward.

When my significant other of 30 years, Subhash Narula (69MS, 71PhD), passed away suddenly in 2013, I wanted to honor him through my giving. Subhash was a mathematics professor and went all around the world to teach and work with students. He was dedicated to making their lives better, and I wanted to do the same by investing in our country and world.

I’m proud to support the UI College of Education’s REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) program and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the college. Because of UI REACH, students are more independent and have a greater likelihood of contributing to their communities. They really become self-sufficient adults, and that’s so outstanding! I’m also a firm believer in equity in education, and the UI College of Education is working to recruit more students into the field of education and teaching—especially students of color—which makes education better for everyone.

I’m so happy that I can play a small role in the lives of fellow Hawkeyes.

Marigail Jury (70MEDT, 71BS)
Loveland, Colorado

Read more from the Annual Report 2021.