Written by: Deborah Kirk

In 1969, 127 students graduated from Iowa Law. After earning their JDs, the classmates went their different ways; some joined the service during the Vietnam War, while others landed positions with top law firms. But over the years, many continued to feel a deep connection to Iowa Law, and by the time they were ready to celebrate their 25th reunion, a large cohort enthusiastically came together.

“We returned to Iowa Law and had a really good time,” recalled Jeffry Jontz, an attorney with Fishback Dominick in Winter Park, Florida. “So we developed a reunion commit- tee, and I took on the job of planning most of the events. But had there not been such a strong bond between us, these reunions would not have been so successful.”

Jontz recalled a moment from an early reunion when then-dean Bill Hines observed how much the classmates genuinely liked one another.

“In law school you can have people who are very competitive and don’t play well together,” Jontz said. “But as Dean Hines noted, we all really enjoyed each other.”

In 2015, that camaraderie inspired the Class of 1969 to fund a scholarship within the College of Law. To date, there is $284,000 in the endowed fund, which provides nearly $10,000 a year for scholarship awards.

At their most recent reunion in October 2024, more than 30 classmates and spouses attended, which as Jontz said, was a record.

“It was heartwarming to see so many members of the Class of 1969 back on campus for their 55th reunion,” said Amy Kassem, director of alumni relations at Iowa Law. “Their energy, stories, and love for Iowa Law made the weekend extra special.”

In 2015, that camaraderie inspired the Class of 1969 to fund a scholarship within the College of Law. To date, there is $284,000 in the endowed fund, which provides nearly $10,000 a year for scholarship awards.