Robert Rienow

Robert Rienow

1872 - 1946
Achievements
  • Dean of men at the University of Iowa from 1916 to 1946
  • Known for his round-the-clock efforts to help flu victims in 1918 and worked to establish a student health division in 1919 (known today as Student Health Service)
  • Founder of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
  • Known as the founder of NASPA, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. NASPA is considered to be the leader of student personnel administrators in today's academic community

Building Information

Street Address
320 Grand Avenue
Year built
1966

Rienow Hall, a 12-story tower that was constructed in 1966 for about $2 million. The building was considered an addition to Quad but was named for Robert Rienow, who came to the UI in 1913 as the assistant dean of men and served as dean from 1914 to 1942. He was known for his round-the-clock efforts to help flu victims in 1918 and worked to establish a student health division in 1919 (known today as Student Health Service). A longtime advocate for students, Rienow arranged for accommodations on the third floor of the Field House for those students who couldn’t afford housing during the Depression. He died in 1946. The hall became coed in 1970 and now houses 477 residents.