In the heart of Iowa, three women, Doris Kelley, Cathy Young and the late Joy Cole Corning, ’54, have spent decades shaping their communities. Through bipartisan collaboration and deep personal commitment, they have shown that leadership rooted in service can transcend politics and create a lasting impact.

The University of Northern Iowa shares strong ties with all three — through education, mentorship and their creation of scholarships that provide financial support and encouragement to students pursuing careers in public service. Their efforts have helped students graduate with greater confidence, less debt and a stronger commitment to leadership and community service.

This is the story of three friends and colleagues who used their experience, influence and dedication to make lasting change, shaping generations of leaders and leaving an enduring impact on their communities.

Doris Kelley: Championing Public Service and Education

Former Iowa Rep. Doris Kelley has dedicated her life to civic engagement, education and public service. Serving in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, Kelley represented more than 30,000 constituents in Cedar Falls, Hudson and Waterloo. Her career has been defined by a focus on “people over party” and the belief that community leadership is about service, not status.

“Right after graduating from high school, I served as administrative assistant and accountant for the City of Hoopeston, Illinois,” Kelley said. “Right then and there I could see how serving the citizens was more rewarding than anything I got paid to do.”

Throughout her tenure in public office, Kelley was known for her bipartisan leadership. “I was more of a centrist and moderate legislator,” she said. “We were at the Capitol not to represent the party but each of our 30,000 constituents who elected us to office.”

Her balanced approach earned recognition from groups across the political spectrum, including the Iowa Bankers Association, the Associated General Contractors of Iowa and the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities. After leaving the legislature, she was appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad to serve as vice chair and later chair of the Iowa Board of Parole.

Kelley’s work has always been guided by one principle: “By keeping one’s head down, staying focused, looking at the big picture and thinking of others more so than oneself is a great way to make a meaningful contribution.”

Her dedication to UNI was recognized in 2024 when she received the Honorary Alumni Award, underscoring the university’s appreciation for her contributions to students, public service and the broader community.

Rev. Cathy Young: Nurturing Faith and Leadership

Rev. Cathy Young’s journey to UNI began not as a student, but as a mother seeking care for her son. “My first memorable experience at the University of Northern Iowa was bringing one of our preschool sons to the Speech & Hearing Clinic at UNI,” she said. “Their services were superb and, as a young mother, I was very grateful.”

Born and raised in Michigan, Young moved to Waterloo in 1970 with her husband, Rick, a Waterloo native. After teaching elementary school and raising four children, she was called to ministry, eventually serving as senior pastor at Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls.

Her leadership in the community extended far beyond the pulpit. “I give the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls credit for superb volunteer and leadership training,” she said. “My first major leadership role was as a League representative who reached out to other community leaders to form the first child abuse prevention organization. The Family & Children’s Council did wonderful work in the Cedar Valley for almost 50 years.”

Young also helped found the Waterloo Schools Foundation in 2010, which has since gifted and pledged more than $3 million to enhance education. Her deep belief in collaboration and service continues to shape her legacy. “I firmly believe that all of us are created to do what we can to make the world a better place,” she said. “Collaborative efforts are so much stronger than ‘lone ranger’ leadership.”

Shared Legacy: Service, Perseverance and Paying It Forward

It was through shared commitment to civic responsibility that Kelley and Young came together with Joy Cole Corning, a trailblazer who made history as Iowa’s 43rd lieutenant governor. Corning served two terms from 1991 to 1999 and was known for her advocacy in education, women’s rights and social justice. Her impact on UNI also endures through the Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series, which brings nationally recognized leaders to campus to discuss ethics, leadership and civic engagement.

While Corning passed away in 2017, her legacy through this event, and through the scholarship she helped create, remains strong. Her vision for empowering the next generation of women leaders continues to guide Kelley and Young’s ongoing work.

“We decided wouldn’t it be nice to hold the first bipartisan scholarship at UNI,” Kelley recalled. “At the inaugural 2010 scholarship benefit, we raised a total of $950 for our first scholarship.” Fifteen years later, that initiative has grown exponentially, awarding more than awarding more than $127,000 in support to 34 students.

The scholarship and annual benefit have had a particularly meaningful impact within UNI’s Department of Political Science. “The leadership, mentorship and scholarship support provided by Doris, Cathy and Joy have transformed the experiences of our students and inspired countless young leaders in public service,” said Scott Peters, department head.

The three women also collaborated on initiatives that strengthened Iowa’s political and civic landscape. Corning and Kelley served on Iowa's 50-50 in 2020 Board and Kelley worked with UNI to form a 50-50 in 2020 Collegiate Chapter. Young’s experience in community outreach brought practical tools for mentorship and program development. Together, they show students that leadership is less about titles and more about integrity, collaboration and the courage to act.

“I think all three of us try to live by Helen Keller’s advice,” Young said. “‘I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something.’”

Their influence stretches across generations of UNI students. Many scholarship recipients have gone on to careers in law, public administration and community leadership. Kelley points to the enduring impact, saying, “Perseverance is needed when one is chasing either their dream or an opportunity to serve humanity.” She added that she’s often reminded of a quote attributed to former Harvard University President James Bryant Conant: “Behold the turtle; it only makes progress by sticking its neck out.” Young adds that encouraging students to explore their passions and serve their communities is perhaps the most lasting legacy they can offer.

Kelley, Young and Corning’s shared story reflects the very mission of UNI. Through mentorship, scholarship programs and leadership by example, they remind us that one person’s commitment to service, multiplied through collaboration, can transform communities and lift countless others. Their lives stand as a testament to the enduring power of integrity, compassion and perseverance in shaping Iowa’s future leaders.