Jeff Mozena is the 2018 FDPS Distinguished Hometown Alumni Honoree

DUBUQUE, IA— The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) is pleased to announce that Jeff Mozena is the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Hometown Alumni Award. The award celebrates the achievements of local public school graduates and the positive impact they make in our community. 

Jeff Mozena grew up on a farm near Sherrill, Iowa.  He was educated in the Dubuque Community School District, attending Sageville Elementary and Jefferson Middle schools, and graduating from Hempstead High School in 1972.  Mozena’s family also has strong ties to the public schools, as his wife Janet dedicated 34 years to teaching in the Dubuque Community School District, and their children, Alanna and Nicholas, are both Senior High School graduates. 

In 1998, Mozena founded Premier Bank, which now has three locations in Dubuque.  As President & CEO of Premier, he is committed to supporting the community’s civic, educational and charitable organizations.  Throughout his career, Mozena has served on numerous boards and committees, such as Finley Hospital, Finley Health Foundation, Two-by-Two, Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarke College Development Council, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, First Congregational United Church of Christ and Divine Word College.  In addition, he has assisted several local non-profits with fundraising efforts, most recently serving as a leader for the Dubuque Police Department K9 Unit fundraiser.

Inspired by the district’s students and teachers, the Mozena family and Premier Bank have given generously of their time and resources to benefit Dubuque’s public schools. Recently supported projects include the Dalzell Field revitalization, the placement of the iconic statue of Jay Berwanger – first winner of the Heisman Trophy and graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, and the installation  of an antique wood ceiling (traced back to Dubuque’s historic millwork district) as part of the  Dubuque Senior High School renovation.

“Jeff sets an example for all students to use their education, ambition, and resources to improve their community.  Dubuque’s schools are fortunate to have tremendous philanthropic support from families like the Mozenas, and businesses like Premier Bank”, said Josh Weidemann, FDPS president.

Jeff Mozena will be honored at the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools’ Sixth Annual Enhancing Excellence Luncheon on Tuesday, April 10 at the Grand River Center. Additional guests include classroom yoga students from Fulton Elementary School, and Jefferson Middle School Wind Ensembles.

The luncheon is open to the public and attendees may register online at www.dbqfoundation.org/events.  The event is a fundraiser, with a minimum $100 donation requested. Proceeds support FDPS programs and projects. For more information, contact FDPS Executive Director Jennifer Klinkhammer at Jennifer@dbqfoundation.org or 563.588.2700, or visit www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS.

 

The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) supports student academic achievement by promoting investment in the Dubuque Public Schools. FDPS board members and staff fulfill this mission by securing financial gifts and grants for school programs and projects that are not currently supported by public tax dollars. Learn more at www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS.