'Mr University of Iowa' Dies

"Mr. University of Iowa" died Thursday in Iowa City. Samuel Becker, who was given the name, has died at 89 years of age, according to an article on the Sun Times website.



Mr. Samuel Becker was a teacher and philanthropist with a long-term commitment to the University of Iowa and will be affectionately remembered. He will be missed by the University of Iowa community in addition to his family and friends.

Mr. Becker was born in Quincy, Illinois. He was originally a student in the 1940s and 1950s, earning a total of three degrees with the University of Iowa. He served during World War II before joining the University of Iowa as a faculty member.

After he was a student, he became a UI professor. He earned his Ph.D. a few years after he joined the faculty. He worked his way up to the chairman of the communication studies department at the college. He published work during his time at UI as well.

He was also avidly involved in politics and a supporter of President Obama, voicing an opinion of pleasure with the results of the election shortly before his death.

Mr. Becker was best known for wearing bow ties and suspenders.

Mr. Becker retired in 1993. That year, the Communications Studies Building was named for him. Since his retirement, he has served two interim leadership positions with the university. He was temporarily the head of the School of Art and Art History.

No memorial is planned for Mr. Becker as of yet.

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