COLUMN: My Hawkeye alumnus

     Over the course of my small writing career I have mostly focused on sports, more specifically the Cubs, Hawkeyes and Packers. I’ve mixed in some hunting stuff, a little NASCAR, some high school accolades and just about anything sports related.

     For the most part I have tried not to write about my kids, grandkids and family stuff too often.

     But I think today would be a good time to acknowledge one of my kids and her accomplishments. Macey, the youngest, is officially done with college. She is my one and only to graduate from the University of Iowa.

     The other kids chose institutions that fit them better and all three made excellent choices.

     Iowa City was a perfect fit for Macey. It’s a campus where you can be whomever you want to be. Iowa City is accepting. You can have a voice. You can have an opinion. You can stand up for those you feel are not getting treated correctly.

     At Iowa you can get involved in many different causes. And you will more than likely hear from others standing on the other side of those fences. Peacefully.

     In a nutshell, Iowa City is as liberal as any college campus in America. And that fits my Macey to a “t”.

     That is one of the things I most admire about her. I may not agree with everything my youngest stands up for but that is how we raised her and all our kids. Be free thinkers, have your own opinions, care for others.

     Lend a hand, help when help is needed. Volunteer. Give back to your community. Be a leader, have a voice. Make a difference.

     Macey graduated with a journalism and English degree. She will soon find herself writing for a career. She will get to share her voice with others (which she has been for the past three years) and get paid to do it.

     Her voice will be heard and maybe she will someday make a difference with her words. Nothing my youngest does will ever surprise me. Go make that difference Macey!