The University of Iowa recognized exceptional students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the 109th Hancher-Finkbine Anniversary Dinner Celebration on Tuesday, April 7. The dinner brings together individuals to establish meaningful connections that will assist in their careers, volunteer experiences, and daily lives. Sara Sanders, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, hosted the program, and President Barbara Wilson presented the awards, including the Hancher-Finkbine Medallions and Distinguished Student Leader Certificates.

The prestigious Hancher-Finkbine Medallions are presented each year to students, faculty, staff, and an alumnus or alumna of the University of Iowa. The medallions, first awarded in 1964, are inscribed with the words “learning, leadership, and loyalty,” summarizing the award’s criteria. 

Undergraduate recipients

Ava Bayless

Bayless is a senior majoring in human physiology on the pre‑medicine track and a member of the UI Honors Program. She balances academic excellence with competing on the Iowa women’s wrestling team and serving in student‑athlete leadership roles at the campus and Big Ten levels. Bayless also participates in global and community service, including teaching and coaching in Vietnam through Coach for College and becoming Iowa’s first Team IMPACT fellow. Her commitment to service, mentorship, and her teammates reflects her broad impact on the university community.

Thomas Knudsen

Knudsen is a senior double‑majoring in political science and ethics and public policy. His academic work includes policy research completed during a congressional internship and a marketing project that drew interest from a major tool manufacturer. As president of Undergraduate Student Government, he represents more than 22,000 students and advances initiatives supporting mental health, affordability, and engagement. Knudsen’s leadership across student governance and his fraternity demonstrates his focus on long‑term institutional success.

Graduate/professional recipients

Abigail Crabtree

Crabtree is a third‑year law student focusing on environmental and administrative law. She represents the College of Law nationally through the Environmental Moot Court Team and serves as a Notes and Comments editor for the Journal of Corporation Law. As a past president of Graduate and Professional Student Government, Crabtree strengthened partnerships across campus and expanded student advocacy. She has championed initiatives supporting student well‑being, transportation access, and campus legal education.

Akalanka B. Ekanayake

Ekanayake is a PhD candidate in chemistry whose research bridges chemistry with cancer and Alzheimer’s studies. He has maintained a near‑perfect academic record, published extensively, and earned recognition for scientific communication. Ekanayake’s leadership includes serving on the International Student Advisory Board, directing the Sri Lankan Student Association, and supporting campus mental health efforts. He also mentors students at multiple levels, strengthening the pipeline for future student researchers.

Faculty recipient

Larry J. Weber

Weber is the Edwin B. Green Chair in Hydraulics and professor of civil and environmental engineering, as well as director of IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the Iowa Flood Center. His internationally recognized research and leadership have advanced flood‑related science and statewide flood resilience efforts. Weber co‑founded the Iowa Flood Center and has helped secure major funding for water‑quality and flood‑mitigation research. His sustained engagement with communities and policymakers has made him a trusted public voice on water issues.

Staff recipient

Stephanie Burnett

Burnett is a Secretary III in the Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education in the Carver College of Medicine. Over more than 20 years at Iowa, she has expanded her expertise in academic program administration, data management, and instructional technologies. Burnett led the office’s first strategic planning survey, built a comprehensive data repository for the Master’s in Medical Education program, and coordinates key faculty development programs. Her professionalism, judgment, and commitment to the university have earned broad trust across campus.

Alumni recipient

Casey D. Mahon

Mahon (BA ’73, JD ’76) is a distinguished alumna known for her leadership in legal scholarship, university administration, and public service. As former associate vice president for finance and university services at Iowa, she guided budgeting, legislative strategy, and major institutional initiatives. She also played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s and men’s athletics at Iowa, and the development of key athletics facilities. Mahon’s decades of civic engagement, board service, and philanthropy reflect her enduring commitment to the University of Iowa.

Distinguished Student Leader Certificates

Veronica Miller

Miller is a third‑year law student who is positioned to graduate in the top 20% of her class. She serves as editor‑in‑chief of the Journal of Gender, Race, and Justice and has earned multiple accolades for academic excellence and moot‑court competition. Miller fosters respectful dialogue through Across the Aisle and mentors first‑year students as a Writing Center tutor. She also provides pro bono legal support through Iowa Legal Aid, serving immigrant and Veteran communities.

Airiana Mohr

Mohr is pursuing dual master’s degrees in public affairs and strategic communication. Her capstone work includes developing a communication strategy to broaden Graduate and Professional Student Government engagement and creating a tool to improve health service access in southeast Iowa. As GPSG vice president, she helped lead advocacy efforts that resulted in a $1 million request for expanded mental health funding. Mohr also serves as a Graduate College writer, elevating graduate and professional student voices across campus.

DeAndre Steger

Steger is a senior majoring in psychology whose academic work includes graduate‑level analysis, original research on rights and remedial justice, and contributions to the Health, Brain, and Cognition Lab at Iowa. As an Undergraduate Student Government senator and academic affairs co‑chair, he has authored USG legislation supporting mental health, housing, and food security. Steger also holds leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. His long‑term service at the Food Pantry at Iowa underscores his commitment to student well‑being.

Campbell Wood

Wood is a senior majoring in journalism on the strategic communication track with a record of academic excellence. She serves as executive director of Dance Marathon, leading more than 1,000 students in supporting pediatric cancer patients and families. Wood also participates in shared governance through several university committees that guide funding and campus resources. As a campus tour guide, she shares her enthusiasm for Iowa with prospective students and their families.

Photos of all recipients are available in this gallery.