Meet UI’s 2025 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipients

The University of Iowa recognizes five exceptional Veterans and members of the UI community with the 2025 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award.

The award, established in 2015, honors members of the armed forces with a strong UI connection who demonstrated exceptional service to the United States military, their communities, and the university. Their leadership, service, and continued impact exemplify the Hawkeye spirit.

This year's recipients are:

• David E. Mallot, United States Army
• Greg Clark, United States Army
• Todd Jacobus, United States Army
• Vance F. Stewart III, United States Army
• Kirk Stabler, United States Air Force
  

2025 honorees and their accomplishments

Lieutenant Colonel David E. Malott, honored posthumously, served in the United States Army for 22 years, with deployments in Germany, Venezuela, and across the U.S. He was a jumpmaster with the 82nd Airborne Division and a foreign area officer in Latin America. Malott played a key diplomatic role in strengthening U.S. military and cultural relations. His military honors include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three Meritorious Service Medals. Malott joined the UI as professor of military science from 1993 to 1997, mentoring more than 250 ROTC cadets. Known as "Counselor Dave," he supported student Veterans as an admissions counselor and assistant director of transfer relations and outreach.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Greg Clark served in the United States Army across two enlistments: Combat service in Vietnam and later as a helicopter pilot in South Korea and the U.S. His military honors include the Vietnam Service Medal and the Purple Heart. After his military service, Clark became a pioneering counselor and advocate for Veterans' mental health. He founded the Cedar Rapids Vet Center and led the creation of Iowa's first Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. He continues to support Veterans through crisis response, trauma counseling, and pro bono PTSD evaluations. Clark earned a master's degree in counseling and human development from Iowa in 1985. He stays involved with the College of Education through mentoring, guest lecturing, and establishing scholarship funds for Veteran students.

Colonel Todd Jacobus served 33 years in the United States Army and Iowa Army National Guard, with deployments to Germany, Iraq, and Kosovo. He commanded the 224th Engineer Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned multiple honors, including two Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star. In 2022, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Jacobus to the role of executive director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home. A 1989 graduate of the University of Iowa, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a secondary education teaching endorsement. He volunteers extensively, serving on civic and Veterans' boards, mentoring youths through the Boy Scouts, and leading community initiatives.

Colonel Vance F. Stewart III earned top honors during his 27 years with the United States Army, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit. He played a key role in founding the University of Iowa's first Ranger Challenge teamand helped establish the Mighty Hawkeye Battalion Alumni Association. A 1986 Tippie College of Business graduate, he continued to serve through leadership roles with KOVAR Corp., Bridges to Independence, and the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management. His efforts have supported individuals with intellectual disabilities, families experiencing homelessness, and advanced federal emergency response initiatives.

Colonel Kirk Stabler served 27 years in the United States Air Force, culminating as commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, overseeing global law enforcement and counterintelligence in 255 locations. His military honors include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Stabler remains involved with the University of Iowa through the IVETS Programand UI Health Care, and service on the UI Veterans Association Leadership Board. He also volunteered with Trail Life USA, Team Rubicon, and various church-sponsored outreach efforts. He graduated from Iowa in 1991, earning a Bachelor of Science in science education.