AMES, Iowa -- A native of small town Iowa, Dwight Ink graduated from Iowa State University in 1947 with a double major degree in history and government. He used that education to eventually serve in executive positions for seven U.S. presidents, from Dwight Eisenhower to Ronald Reagan.
His accomplishments were featured prominently in a 2009 book, "If We Can Put a Man on the Moon...Getting Big Things Done in Government," by William D. Eggers and John O'Leary (Harvard Business Press, Boston). And the magazine Government Executive, in consultation with the National Academy for Public Administration and others, recently named Ink one of the 20 all-time federal civil service leaders.
During a recent visit back to campus, he shared some memories of his distinguished career and Iowa State experiences.
What was your reaction to being one of Government Executive Magazine's 20 all-time greatest civil service leaders?
What were some of the memories you had of working for seven U.S. presidents?
Was there a most memorable moment with a president?
What was it like being kidnapped in Bolivia?
How did a boy from small town Iowa eventually go on to serve seven presidents?