Amy Kassem joined the University of Iowa College of Law in September as the new director of alumni relations. 

Kassem came to Iowa Law from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where she managed clinical research trials. Before that, she spent seven years at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, focusing on alumni and donor engagement. Kassem also dedicated two years to the Peace Corps, serving in Agbangnizoun, Benin, West Africa as a rural community health advisor.

Kassem graduated from the University of Iowa, earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Tippie College of Business.

Kassem’s background in alumni engagement and philanthropy equips her well to lead the alumni relations team. Her experience in building connections, both locally and internationally, will be instrumental in strengthening the college’s alumni network.

Kassem shared more with us about the professional and personal experiences that shape her.

Tell us about your experiences prior to Iowa Law.

After graduating from the University of Iowa I interned at the United States Senate and then moved to West Africa as a Rural Community Health Advisor for the United States Peace Corps. I came back to Iowa to be around family and worked at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement working in donor and alumni engagement. During my time at UICA, I managed programming for our international alumni as well as the Iowa Voyagers travel program. It was fun connecting with alumni all over the world! 

What about this new role excites you? 

I’m looking forward to getting to know the College of Law community. I can already tell that the alumni of this college are highly engaged and excited to maintain a connection with their alma mater. Reunion weekend sounds like such a special time! 

As an Iowa alum, what are some of your favorite memories? 

I have so many great memories of my time as a student at the University of Iowa. I enjoyed going to football games, volunteering at the hospital and Big Brother’s Big Sisters, I was very involved in Dance Marathon, and also loved the opportunity I had to work in athletics.  

What do you enjoy doing when not engaging with alumni? 

I enjoy spending time with my family – I have two young kids who keep me busy. We like to go on walks to the park. I also enjoy playing tennis when I get the chance (which isn’t very often these days).