Featured Fathers

"Doing things together" could be Greg's family motto. He and wife, Kathy, are nearing the "empty nest" stage with their 4 children. Susan, 27, is a nurse in Minnesota; Janet, 25, is a software programmer in New York; David, 22, is working in Washington DC, while Michael, 17, will graduate from high school in May. Greg fulfills his duties as president of Iowa State University while Kathy and Michael are still in Maryland. After graduation they will move to Iowa.

Hiking or mountain biking might be what they do together when Dad commutes home once a month. Phone calls every night keeps them in touch. "I miss them," says Greg, "Even though I am working so much, it is hard when they are not here when I have bits of free time."

Like other working fathers, Greg struggles to balance work and family. "You have to carve out the time, schedule it. Be intentional," says Greg. "We have several weekends scheduled for family time." He looks forward to time when he and Kathy can be together at University functions.

Reflecting on his earlier days as a father, Greg says, "It was hard to meet the demands of tenure and be with family. I wish I had had more time when Susan was little. When you are driven to be the best in your field, there is always another paper to write, always another meeting, obligation. It is difficult to keep things in balance."

Greg's example of important values such as hard work, honesty and integrity as well as having fun in life are evident in his children. "I am proud of them. It makes me smile when they find success in what they are doing. When they enjoy each other and life."

Raised by his grandparents, Greg remembers taking care of the chickens and fixing things around the house with his grandfather. He appreciates how his grandfather loved and cared for him. "I hope to be someone that my future grandchildren will like to be with."

White-water rafting and international travel with family members is on the agenda for this father. Until then, e-mail, phone calls, and gatherings for holidays, graduations and weddings will keep this "nearly grown-up" family connected.