Iowa State University True and Valiant Award



Owen J. Newlin

BS '51, Agronomy
MS '53, Agronomy
Des Moines, Iowa

Owen Newlin’s tireless commitment to advancing the ISU Foundation, promoting philanthropy in industry and local communities, and supporting the cause of education has distinguished him as a truly outstanding alumnus and benefactor of Iowa State University. He not only participates in advancing state, community, and higher education causes, he brings a “big picture” perspective that allows him to serve as an inspiring and commanding leader in all of his endeavors.

A College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus who as retired senior vice president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International maintains an avid interest in the agriculture industry, Newlin (’51 agronomy, MS ’53 agronomy) is committed to achieving the best for all of ISU’s colleges and departments. Newlin, who helped establish the ISU Foundation as an independent organization, has been a member of the ISU Foundation Governors since 1977. He is a member of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors and chaired Partnership for Prominence, ISU’s successful 1988-1993 fundraising campaign.

He was a member of the ISU Presidential Search and Screen Advisory Committee and has served on the College of Education Development Council. Newlin was also one of the original investors in the Gateway Hotel, which turned his vision for a first-class hotel and conference center that welcomes visitors to Ames and the university into a reality.

Newlin is perhaps best known for his service as a member and president of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. He has also served the state as chair of the Simpson College Board of Trustees, president of Des Moines Rotary Club, president and campaign fund chair for the United Way of Central Iowa, and chair of the Human Services Coordinating Board of Des Moines. He has also been extensively involved in supporting Future Farmers of America, which awarded him the Honorary Farmer Degree.

Among the many other awards and citations Newlin has received are the Distinguished Achievement Award, Alumni Merit Award, and Order of the Knoll Campanile Award from Iowa State University; the Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota; the Agri-Marketer of the Year Award from the National Agricultural Marketing Association; the VIP Citation from Future Farmers of America; and the National Corn Growers Association President’s Award. He is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America.

Newlin is a member of the Order of the Knoll, an honorary member of the American Seed Trade Association, and a life member of the ISU Alumni Association. He and his wife, D.J. (’53 household equipment), live in Des Moines.