Every day, staff and students across the Division of Student Life dedicate time, energy, and creativity to supporting the Hawkeye experience. Much of this work happens quietly — behind the scenes — but it makes a lasting difference in the lives of students. The recognitions below highlight a few moments from the past year when that commitment was recognized.
 

• Homecoming Council, Leadership and Engagement, Student Life Communications, and University of Iowa Surplus held an auction for the 100th year of Homecoming buttons raising $16,078.18 in auction sales. Funds went directly back to Homecoming Council to support next year’s event.
   
• Benjamin Michael Dadzie, Daum Hall coordinator, received the ACUHO-I Outstanding Graduate Student award for his time at Clemson University. This award recognizes an exceptional graduate assistant working in the campus housing profession.
   
• Unified Intramurals was recognized as the Outstanding Unified Champion School of the Year by Special Olympics. This award is presented to the Unified Champion School® that has made exceptional efforts to bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together through education, sports and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect.
   
• Marie Adams and Colette Norris, University Counseling Service, are now certified trainers of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
   
• Laurie Haag was a recipient of the 2025 Staff Award for Welcoming and Respectful Environment. The award recognizes staff members who work toward achieving a welcoming and supportive working environment.
   
• Two Residence Education staff members were recognized at the 2024 Upper Midwest Region (UMR) - Association of College and University Housing Officers (ACUHO) meeting:
  • Spencer Owen was the winner of the Case Study Competition.
  • Becky Wilson was awarded the Bob Mosier Professional Enrichment Award for service to the growth of professionals in the region.
     
• Kathleen Staley, PhD, received the InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship (IVGCF) Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is presented to the individual who has served most frequently as a speaker throughout the history of IVGCF, generously offering her time, energy, and insight to the community.
   
• Adam Walsh was presented the NIRSA Region V Award of Merit at the national conference in April 2025. The NIRSA Regional Awards of Merit recognizes an outstanding professional from each NIRSA region who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication to NIRSA and the field of collegiate recreation.
   
• Anna Holbrook and Finn (therapy animal) have earned the following certifications through the American Kennel Club (AKC):
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy (Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility)
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban
  • The team also earned its Pet Partners therapy animal certificate by completing a handler’s course and a team evaluation.
     
• The Student Life Communications team were recognized in several categories in the 2025 ACUI Steal This Idea Contest. They placed in the top 3 in seven categories:
  • First place: Logo/Brand Identity: Old Gold Creamery Logo
  • Second place: Cards/Invitations: President’s Holiday Card
  • Logo/Brand Identity: MISSE Brand
  • Miscellaneous: Harold Bradley Exhibit Design
  • Third Place: Interior/Wall Art: Food Pantry and Clothing Closet at Iowa Space Design
  • Logo/Branding Identity: Hawkeye Community Rowing Logo
  • Promotional Products: Herky on Parade Sculpture