Former UI professor Gronbeck, renowned media expert, dies at 73
Bruce Gronbeck, a former University of Iowa professor described as one of the most prominent scholars of rhetoric and media in the world, died Wednesday. He was 73.
In the last 30 years, Gronbeck has been interviewed by local, national and international media on issues related to political rhetoric and social movements. Topics he addressed included the effects of new media on political campaigns, image management during media crises and how political advertising affects citizens' perceptions of the U.S.
Gronbeck resided in Longmont, Colo., and died in Iowa City, where we was honored at various alumni functions this week. He spoke Tuesday at an alumni celebration at the Old Capitol Museum and was given a dinner in his honor by the Department of Communication Studies later that evening. He was scheduled to receive an award Thursday at an alumni fellows celebration.
His wife, Wendy Gronbeck, addressed Gronbeck's return to Iowa City in a letter sent Thursday.
"Bruce loved the University of Iowa and was grateful for all the support offered to him over the years. It was obvious to me that this honor meant the world to him, but in no way did Bruce miss out on receiving this award; he just collected it a little early," Wendy Gronbeck wrote.
Wendy Gronbeck said her husband on Tuesday reiterated his love of teaching and dedication to helping students "succeed in what they found interesting and do it their way."
"Nothing mattered more to him than his flock of students, whom he considered colleagues from day one. He loved hearing about their careers and successes. He followed them closely and with immense pleasure," she wrote.
Gronbeck received a master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1965 and a doctoral degree in 1970 from what was then the Department of Speech and Dramatic Art. He began teaching at UI in 1978, and following positions at several universities including University of Michigan, eventually retired from UI in 2008.
Walid Afifi, UI professor and chairman of The Department of Communication Studies, said he was an undergraduate when he first met Gronbeck about 1989 while doing his thesis on media coverage of the Middle East.
Afifi said he maintained contact with Gronbeck ever since and was always struck by Gronbeck's generosity and humility.
"He was extremely caring about others, and that got reflected not only in how he interacted with colleagues," Afifi said.
Kristine Muñoz, a professor at UI and director of undergraduate studies, worked with Gronbeck from the time she arrived in 1995.
"Although I had heard from many people that he was a thoroughly nice man and very down to earth, I shook in my boots to think I was down the hall from one of the field's truly legendary figures," Muñoz wrote in a letter nominating Gronbeck as an alumni fellow in 2013. "I quickly found out that he was quick to laugh, always ready to listen and had a sure hand with reassurance to junior colleagues ... (H)e was never too busy to chat, gossip, advise or guest lecture to my class."
Gronbeck chaired the University of Iowa Department of Communications Studies for six years and served on UI's Faculty Senate and the CLAS Executive Committee.
In 2002, Gronbeck received the National Communication Association Mentor Award, and in 2006, received the University of Iowa Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award. He also was a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Norway and Finland. He delivered lectures in Sweden and was invited to speak in Italy and Slovenia, in addition to various addresses throughout the U.S.
As of 2008, Gronbeck authored or edited four scholarly books and eight textbooks and more than 60 articles.
"There are very few academics who can show the record of achievement that Bruce Gronbeck has, and the impact of his work both inside and outside the academy surely distinguish him as one of the University of Iowa's most accomplished alumni," Muñoz said.
In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Gronbeck was a volunteer at Iowa City Hospice, a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a caucus convener and poll watcher.
An online notice from Lensing Funeral & Cremation Services said a memorial service in Iowa City is being planned. Online condolences can be left at www.lensingfuneral.com.
Reach Chase Castle at ccastle@press-citizen.com or 887-5412.