Donna Loewen
Education Coordinator
“Imagine how different the world would be if we were all more ‘other-centered’ than ‘self-centered!’”
A former school principal, Donna has a unique insight into how education changes lives. Her experiences in the realm of education culminate in her work at the Foundation: From her early love of learning, to support that prompted her to attend college as a "first gen" student, to serving schools for over 42 years.
Donna convenes a cross-sector leadership team of partners who support efforts to increase high school graduates' enrollment in postsecondary education or training, work to address challenges faced by low-income, minority and first-generation college students, and enhance overall career and college readiness in Dubuque.
She says the best part of her job is partnering with others to make a difference for our youth -- the future leaders and servants for our world! Donna remains a lifelong learner committed to helping youth realize their potential and supporting their success, just as a past mentor did for her. She’s inspired by a Johann von Goethe quote: "Nothing is worth more than this day." It reminds her of the daily opportunity to help someone, to learn something new, to affirm or enrich another person's experience.
The third of seven siblings, Donna enjoys hiking in nature, puzzles and word games, and reading and writing cards, letters and poetry. She and her husband Roger have a daughter, Beatrix (“Bea”), and a 10-year-old African gray Congo parrot named Bentley.
Fun Fact
Q. If a theme song could be played every time you walk into a room, what would it be?
A. "Let's Work Together" by Canned Heat captures the spirit of my life's purpose. I like its inclusive reference to "every boy, girl, woman and man" and "together we stand, divided we fall." It alludes to how we must apply effort to overcome challenges.
