Allin W. Dakin, '26BA, '27MA, not only served as Administrative Dean at the University of Iowa for over 33 years,; but at the same time became involved in an impressive number of organizations, extending his influence well beyond the campus.
When he first served as Administrative Dean, under President Virgil M. Hancher, he was the only other member of the central administration. Yet he found time to become involved with such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, the Unitarian Church, as a trustee in the University of Iowa School of Religion and the Iowa Partners of the Alliance for Progress, with the Governor's Commission on International Cooperation, and as president of the Iowa Division of the United Nations Association of the USA. He is a life member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association and the University of Iowa Presidents Club.
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.