When Dalton Boess arrived at the University of Iowa, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study or where his college experience might lead. Like many students, he began by exploring his interests and considering his options.

“I decided to study marketing because I figured that I wanted to go into business,” Boess said.

Over time, Boess began to connect his academic interests with his personal passion for sports. This realization led him to explore sport and recreation management, adding a new dimension to his studies and helping him envision a future he had not previously considered.

Dalton’s journey reflects a central focus of the Division of Student Life: helping students explore their passions and discover their purpose through meaningful engagement. Students engage in experiences that can animate their academic learning and shape their futures.

A turning point came in spring 2025, when Boess learned about opportunities with Recreational Services. After hearing about an internship and connecting with staff, he decided to apply — and was selected for a role that would expand well beyond his expectations.

“[The internship] experience ended up being exactly what I was looking for. Initially I thought it was kind of just going to be putting together slideshows. Obviously, it was a lot more than that,” he says.

Boess worked closely with staff to support a digital signage project across campus recreation facilities. He collaborated with colleagues to identify program needs, helped install a new platform across multiple locations, and gathered data to better understand how and when different audiences engaged with content. His work also included coordinating with Division of Student Life communications staff to ensure the project aligned with broader brand standards.

Dalton’s contributions made a meaningful impact on the success of the project.

“The timing for Dalton to reach out could not have been more ideal as we upgraded to a new digital signage software for our facilities. Having a student who understood marketing concepts help us develop the framework, and install the software, was incredibly helpful for the overall success of the project,” shared Mallory Valentine, associate director of strategic initiatives for Recreational Services and Boess’ supervisor.

The experience allowed Boess to directly apply what he was learning in the classroom — bringing theory into practice in a real-world setting.

“One thing that they talk about in a lot of my marketing classes is targeting and segmenting for different people. This was the first time I actually put that into practice. So that was cool for me to see,” Boess said.

“Having a student who understood marketing concepts help us develop the framework, and install the software, was incredibly helpful for the overall success of the project.” - Mallory Valentine, associate director of strategic initiatives, Recreational Services

These types of opportunities exemplify Student Life’s commitment to enhancing the student experience through meaningful engagement and high-impact practices. By aligning resources, partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities, we create pathways for students to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

For Dalton, the impact was significant. Through his internship, he gained confidence, developed practical skills, and clarified his career goals. What began as uncertainty evolved into a clear path toward a career in collegiate recreation — an option he had not considered before coming to Iowa.

By creating opportunities for students to engage deeply and explore meaningfully, the Division helps students find their path — and move forward with confidence and purpose.