Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Former Hawkeye football offensive lineman and Iowa graduate Malcolm Christie (97BA) shares stories about his time as a student-athlete for legendary coaches Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. He talks about his unlikely journey full of pitfalls and redemption, with a fair share of humor — a candid and provocative conversation. Christie also discusses an endowment he created in Fry’s honor.
Christie is a current board member and alumni liaison for the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Professional Advisory Board. He’s had an extensive career in corporate leadership and fundraising and has worked for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Way, and most recently, as development director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Southern California.
Through all of Christie’s professional accomplishments, never lost was his adoration for the state and University of Iowa along with his profound love for both Fry and Ferentz. Before leaving UNCF, Christie decided to pay tribute to Fry and show his unwavering respect by creating the UNCF Hayden Fry Endowment, which will provide support for students of color to attend the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Iowa—the three schools where Fry coached.
"I wouldn't be who I am today without the University of Iowa," says Christie, "All the liabilities I had became assets for me. That's why it's important for me to give back to Iowa—not just with my money, but with my time. I'm proud I was born and raised in Jersey City, but I truly grew up in Iowa."
Fellow Professional Advisory Board member and former Iowa student, Isaiah Scales hosts this discussion. Scales currently works as a creative services manager for Disney in Los Angeles.
Chat From the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
Former Hawkeye football offensive lineman and Iowa graduate Malcolm Christie (97BA) shares stories about his time as a student-athlete for legendary coaches Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. He talks about his unlikely journey full of pitfalls and redemption, with a fair share of humor — a candid and provocative conversation. Christie also discusses an endowment he created in Fry’s honor.
Christie is a current board member and alumni liaison for the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Professional Advisory Board. He’s had an extensive career in corporate leadership and fundraising and has worked for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Way, and most recently, as development director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Southern California.
Through all of Christie’s professional accomplishments, never lost was his adoration for the state and University of Iowa along with his profound love for both Fry and Ferentz. Before leaving UNCF, Christie decided to pay tribute to Fry and show his unwavering respect by creating the UNCF Hayden Fry Endowment, which will provide support for students of color to attend the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Iowa—the three schools where Fry coached.
"I wouldn't be who I am today without the University of Iowa," says Christie, "All the liabilities I had became assets for me. That's why it's important for me to give back to Iowa—not just with my money, but with my time. I'm proud I was born and raised in Jersey City, but I truly grew up in Iowa."
Fellow Professional Advisory Board member and former Iowa student, Isaiah Scales hosts this discussion. Scales currently works as a creative services manager for Disney in Los Angeles.
Chat From the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
