Bacon Receives Special Retirement Message from Senator Harkin

August 14, 2017

On July 17, 2017, Robert Bacon, MA retired from Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) after 19 years as director. Bob joined the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa in 1979, initially hired as the Coordinator of the Instructional Technology Unit back when the University of Iowa housed the University Hospital School. At a time when institutionalization of people with disabilities was more commonly the norm, Bob's passion and leadership around promoting and advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities in Iowa were quickly recognized. It is in this regard that Bob continued to push the envelope during his 37 year tenure. Bob was appointed Deputy Director of the Iowa UCEDD in 1988. In 1997, Bob became a Joseph P. Kennedy Congressional Fellow, serving on the Committee on Education and Workforce in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following this year of fellowship in Washington, DC, Bob returned to Iowa to assume the role of Director of the Iowa UCEDD. Bob's leadership and commitment to the vision of "a life in the community for everyone" has been at the forefront of the work of the Iowa UCEDD, and the impact is felt across the state.

Colleagues from across the state gathered on July 17 to celebrate Bob's career. While unable to attend in person, former Senator Tom Harkin pre-recorded a special message to Bob. Check out the video at: https://youtu.be/Mp75RrXO7T8.