Missing home is a normal part of the college transition. Whether it's your family, friends, routines, pets, or simply the familiarity of home, many students experience homesickness at some point during their first year.

Samuel D. Hunter has been selected as the 2026 University of Iowa Homecoming Grand Marshal. A 2007 Master of Fine Arts graduate of the university’s Playwrights Workshop, Hunter is one of the nation's most celebrated contemporary playwrights. Hunter embodies the Hawkeye spirit through his pursuit of excellence, his commitment to mentorship, and his continued engagement with the institution that helped launch his career.