Aaron Nibaur (BBA21)
Principal Specialist, Corporate Development
Collins Aerospace
Q1 What are you reading? Sports have always been my passion. I love reading the stories behind legendary athletes and coaches. I enjoyed reading Tony Dungy’s books about this year’s leading NFL teams, so I recently picked up Vince Lombardi’s biography, which has been great. I’ve also had my nose in a couple pregnancy/parenting books so I am as ready as I can be when our first arrives this summer!
Q2 Who is inspiring you? My parents are a huge inspiration to me. Growing up, they were always at every sporting event, concert, etc. for me and my three siblings, all while building a great career in their respective fields (father in engineering and mother in HR benefits consulting). I hope to emulate that impressive balance of family/career in my own life.
Q3 What is the best part of your day? The best part of my day is that post-dinner moment where the cleanup is done, work is wrapped up, and I can sit down on the couch with my wife and puppy to watch a show (or Iowa game if the Hawks are playing). It’s a great time to be present and enjoy each other’s company, as well as reflect on our accomplishments for the day.
Maris Jensen
Assistant Professor of Finance
Tippie College of Business
Q1 What are you reading? The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It’s a thousand pages about the construction of a cathedral in the mid-12th century, but it’s surprisingly addictive. Not what I expected going in!
Q2 Who is inspiring you? My neighbor, Elizabeth. She’s one of the most curious, open-minded, and energetic people I’ve ever met—and also one of the funniest. Her dinner parties are legendary. And she’s 80!
Q3 What is the best part of your day? Working up a sweat running my daily 20 miles. (wink, wink)
Charlie Bullen (BBA08)
Outside Linebackers Coach
New York Giants
Q1 What are you reading? Celebration of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster.
Q2 Who is inspiring you? All of my mentors who have gone before me, given me opportunities, and helped develop me along the way. I feel a personal responsibility to positively represent them in the job that I do.
Q3 What is the best part of your day? The best part of my day is in the meeting room with my players. Experiencing the highs and lows, struggles and successes with them as human beings--because that is where personal growth occurs and relationships deepen.
This article appeared in the 2025 issue of Exchange magazine.