Building Across Generations: Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity names UIRA member, Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, Honoree of the 16th Women Build

Across the Iowa City community, the University of Iowa Retirement Association (UIRA) is known for staying connected, sharing knowledge, building relationships, and supporting each other long after retirement. That shows up in many ways, and this year, it's reflected through Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's (IVHFH) Women Build, honoring UIRA member Dr. Elizabeth "Liz" Swanson.

Liz's career at the University of Iowa College of Nursing reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, research, and education. As an author, editor, and contributor to the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), her work has helped shape how healthcare professionals understand and measure patient outcomes. Her impact reaches beyond the classroom, influencing practice and future nurses. That same spirit of learning from one another and growing together is at the heart of Women Build.

Led by Liz, a dedicated group of volunteers who make up IVHFH's Women Build Committee is working to raise more than $75,000 to support the construction of a Habitat home and at least two Helping Hands home repair projects. These repairs, including accessibility modifications, critical home repairs, major appliance replacements, and emergency repairs, help homeowners stay living safely in the homes they already love.

This year's project carries a special connection. The future homeowner is a single mother and a nurse with the University of Iowa Health Care. While she and Liz didn't know each other before this project, their connection feels meaningful, showing how women at different stages of life can support and learn from one another. One has spent her career teaching and advancing the nursing field. The other is caring for patients and her family. Together, they are committed to care, growth, and community.

Women Build brings people together. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and experiences, and no one needs to arrive with expert knowledge or tools in hand. People show up, learn something new, support each other, and differences strengthen the work.

There's something meaningful in seeing Liz's involvement and the broader UIRA community. The example set by women who have spent their lives teaching, leading, and mentoring, supporting not only each other but the entire community.

Through research and experience, we know home matters. Stable housing improves health, reduces the risk of injury, and creates a foundation that families need to plan ahead. For this family, and for those supported through Helping Hands, this work is about more than building; it's about stability, dignity, and the chance to move forward.

There are many ways to be involved. Donations will help reach the $75,000 goal and support both the home build and repairs. Volunteers are invited to help build this fall; no construction experience is needed. There are also ways to participate off the build site, by supporting volunteers with meals or attending construction workshops led by IVHFH's Construction Manager, Christy Shipley.

Supporters are also invited to attend Hammers & Hardhats on October 8, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's annual event that raises funds for and celebrates Women Build.

The impact will last well beyond the Home Dedication Ceremony. It will show up in the relationships built, the stability created, and in women showing up for each other and strengthening our entire community.
Together, we build across generations

---