Iowa Valley creates alumni awards

MARENGO — The Iowa Valley Alumni Association will recognize two charter members for the Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Service Awards July 5 at the Iowa Valley High School Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. after an alumni and community breakfast at 9 a.m.

Rick Wanamaker, class of 1966, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Wanamaker was an outstanding high school athlete in track and basketball who then excelled at Drake University in both sports in the decathlon and as a member of the Drake Bulldogs basketball team that went to the Final Four in 1969.

Wanamaker won the gold medal in the Decathlon at the 1971 Pan American Games.

After athletics, Wanamaker began a very successful career in real estate. He has been recognized multiple times for excellence.

Wanamaker is also an active supporter of the Drake University Foundation, Des Moines area organizations and the Iowa Valley Community School District.

Wanamaker and his wife and business partner, Marcia, live in in Des Moines.

Charles R. (Bob) Dillin, class of 1936, will be honored posthumously with the Outstanding Service Award.

Dillin began a life of service soon after graduating from high school by first serving in the United States Army during World War II when he participated in the liberation of Pilzen, Czechoslovakia.

Dillin’s service to Marengo and Iowa Valley Schools began in 1947 when he began serving as the public address announcer for varsity football games and track meets, which he continued until 1987. He also served on the school board for 19 years, raised money for student scholarships and administered student loans local college students through his work as Vice President at Iowa County Savings Banks.

Dillin passed away in 1998. Accepting the award on his behalf will be his daughter, Rebecca Dillin Stockman, and sons Rollie, Larry and Bobby Dillin.

The Iowa Valley Alumni Association is a non-profit organization founded in 2022.