In this installment of the Hawkeye Family series, we hear from Mitzi and Craig Lynch, who discovered Iowa during their son Devin’s college search in 2017. Their younger son Ryan is currently a fourth-year student who plans to graduate in May with degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication and Sport and Recreation Management. Read their reflections on Iowa below.
Why we chose Iowa (twice)
The college selection process for Devin was an exhausting one–in a good way. He researched, narrowed his search and visited nearly 15 universities. After several admitted student days at various schools, we strolled into the IMU for the event at Iowa. The ballroom was packed with admitted student families from all over the world. University leaders gave fun and engaging presentations and a panel of students representing STAR (Students to Assist Recruitment) offered honest answers to audience questions. The tours and small sessions that followed were equally as impressive as the morning experience. Devin decided that day to cancel all other visits and commit to Iowa.
Flash forward five years to Ryan who researched only Iowa. Based on his brother’s experience, Ryan had The University of Iowa at the top of his short list of one school but wanted to make sure it was the best place for his plan to double major in Journalism and Mass Communication and Sport and Recreation Management. Ryan will graduate this spring with that double major, the knowledge and experience he will need to succeed in his chosen field and many friends for life that he met during his four years at Iowa.
Our favorite Iowa memory
Some memories are gifts that keep on giving. In the fall of 2017, we attended our first family weekend event and our first Iowa football game as a family. The win against Minnesota secured Floyd of Rosedale’s residence in Iowa City for another year but the privilege of participating in the first season of The Wave was the greatest gift of the weekend. That one minute experience, when everyone stops to focus on the children, has been just as powerful and emotional in every game we’ve attended since that October evening. Being part of the best college sports tradition since its infancy and gaining new memories of that moment after the first quarter of every game is an honor we will always appreciate.
Our campus favorites
Our visits from North Carolina are usually short so we try to pack as much family time in as possible. Trips are not complete without meals at Basta, Bluebird, Chop House, Harry’s and Micky’s (shoutout to the ones that offer brewed sweet tea). We also enjoy finding new Iowa gear at The Hawk Shop, The Black and Gold Store, and Scheels. But our favorite thing is walking around campus and downtown Iowa City, enjoying the sights, and catching up in person.
Our advice for Hawkeye parents
You’ll often hear there’s a secret sauce at Iowa. It’s true. The university truly cares about every student. There are fits for everyone so challenge your kids to explore opportunities and get involved in the ones that suit them best. Encourage them to find their people. They will be making lifelong friends. Go there! Attend games. Eat the food. Enjoy the city. If there is an Iowa Club in your area, get involved. Football watch events in Charlotte are second only to being in Kinnick Stadium on game day. When your child attends the University of Iowa, you become part of the Hawkeye Family. Take advantage of that privilege.
How we stay connected
We communicate through the usual channels– texts, phone, and FaceTime calls. We also have an added level of communication that is the highlight of every week. Ryan is a reporter and anchor for Daily Iowan TV. Watching the live newscast is such a fun way to stay connected from a distance. If you haven’t seen these hardworking student broadcasters in action, check out the Daily Iowan channel on YouTube for a look into what’s going on in your student’s world.