Karen Ellen Skold Tow

I want to honor my daughter, Karen Ellen Skold Tow, B.S. '67, by including her name in the Plaza of Heroines. Karen has been a very important and caring person to me and to her father, Bernard H. Skold, Ph.D. '62, as well as to her own family. Through her guidance and persistence, all the members of Karen's family earned degrees from Iowa State University--her husband, Jerry Tow, B.A. ’68, M.A. '70; son, Tryg Carl Tow, B.S. '92; and daughter, Kristin Ellen Tow Meadows, B.A. '93.

Karen was born in San Francisco, California in 1945. She was a sweet and loving child. As an ambitious and cooperative teenager she set high standards and goals for herself. After graduating from Iowa State University with distinction in 1967, Karen taught English and speech at Nevada, Iowa High School.

During the 1970's Karen was a homemaker and volunteer for her children's school activities. She also was instrumental in colonizing Zeta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity at Iowa State in 1977, and she served as the first president of its house corporation board.

In 1980, Karen returned to work at Iowa State University and became associate director of the Alumni Association in 1982. There she has touched many lives. She has met with alumni groups throughout the state and has conducted alumni tours throughout the world. She was responsible for bringing James C. Wilson, composer of "The Bells of Iowa State," to the ISU campus in 1983, when he was recognized by the Alumni Association as an Honorary Alumnus.

Karen has served on many university committees and was chair of the ISU Professional and Scientific Council in 1986-87. She is a feminist and humanitarian who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all people. Karen is the most special person in my life and has been for all of her 50 years.

Submitted on 1/29/95