Iowa Lions Donor Memorial
Commemorative Opportunities Program

(Click on image to view enlargement)

View Pictures of the Spring Dedication Ceremony (May, 2008)

View Pictures of the Dedication Ceremony (October, 2005)

Overview of Program

For 50 years, the Iowa Lions Eye Bank has enjoyed a special relationship with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, in helping to provide the gift of sight for Iowans. To mark the 50th Anniversary, the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial has been created at the new front entrance of UIHC. The theme of the memorial is Hope, Renewal, Transformation. Designed by Lisbon Artist Tim Ellsworth and Country Landscapes Designer, Alex Schmidt, the donor memorial and healing garden commemorates donors who have transformed lives through their generosity as well as Iowa Lions and others who have supported the work of donation.

Besides serving as a tribute to donors, the memorial carries a message of hope and renewal through academic medicine and the promise of research at UIHC. The memorial is intended to serve as a place of reflection for visitors, patients, staff, and students that will inspire all who go there. Finally, the tribute is meant to inform and encourage future donors who may one day also choose to give the gift of sight and life, and whose selflessness will mean a brighter future for many Iowans.

A variety of areas and structures are available for "naming" in the garden. Opportunities to commemorate and "name" garden features include the following:

The Water Feature (A)

On the north side of the garden, at the main entrance, there is a bubbling stream running the length of the garden.

The Bridge (B)

The hogback style bridge is at the main entrance to the memorial and healing garden, leading visitors over the flowing water into the main structure of the memorial.

Flower Beds (C)

Three flower beds are available, one in between the benches on the east side of the garden, and two on the south side of the memorial.


All photographs taken by Stefani Karakas

The Healing Circle (D)

A quiet semi-circle of stones, a place of rest and reflection, is available.

Benches (E)

Eight benches are available both inside the garden and on the north sidewalk leading to the garden.

Iowa Lions Donor Memorial Commemorative Limestone Pavers.

Limestone Pavers measuring 1' x 2' will be available for families to further honor their loved ones and the work of donation. Limestone pavers will be placed

in the path leading into the donor memorial ($1,500)
from the donor memorial to the Healing Circle ($1,500)
from the Healing Circle leading out of the garden. ($1,000)

All pavers will have the persons name and city inscribed according to the wishes of the family purchasing the paver. The following are the only options for paver inscriptions:

In memory of "John Smith, Iowa City, Iowa" (suggested for those who want to commemorate a loved one who has passed on but was unable or did not donate)
In honor of "John Smith, Iowa City, Iowa" (suggested for those who want to commemorate an eye, tissue or organ donor)
In support of donation, "The John Smith Family, Iowa City, Iowa" (suggested for those who want to support donation through buying a limestone paver)

When purchasing a paver, please choose the general location, and indicate your choice on the paver schematic. Then fill out the attached form and the University of Iowa Foundation Pledge Form. Return both of these with your paver location choice to:

Limestone Pavers
Iowa Lions Eye Bank
2346 Mormon Trek Blvd Suite 1500
Iowa City , IA 52246-4368

Please contact Cindy Reed at 1.866.HELP.SEE or locally in Iowa City at 356.2871 if you are interested in more information or if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration in supporting the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial.

Iowa Lions Donor Memorial
Commemorative Opportunities Program