Every day, staff and students across the Division of Student Life dedicate time, energy, and creativity to supporting the Hawkeye experience. These pride points are a snapshot of some achievements during the 2025–26 academic year.

• Michele Conlon, head tennis professional in Recreational Services, was awarded the 2026 United States Tennis Association 35x35 President’s Impact Award.
   
• Marie Adams, PhD, assistant director of training, co-chair of the Suicide Prevention Coalition, and psychology practicum coordinator in University Counseling Service, was selected to receive the American Association of Suicidology’s 2026 Roger J. Tierney Service Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding service and dedication in advancing the principles, growth, and development of the association, as well as her significant contributions to the field of suicidality and crisis intervention.

• Patrick Galligan, PhD, associate director of training in University Counseling Service, was elected to a two-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies (ACCTA), the national organization for training directors in counseling centers. In this role, Patrick will help shape training standards and practices and build initiatives that enrich clinical training programs. Patrick’s election brings visibility and recognition to UCS and reinforces our commitment to excellence in training and leadership development.
   
• Tianyi Xie, associate director in University Counseling Service, has been selected by the Jordan Porco Foundation as an award winner for her incredible work in coordinating Fresh Check Day at the University of Iowa. She is also serving on the Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach organization’s executive board as elected treasurer.

2026 Staff Council Awards

• Steph Beecher, basic needs coordinator in the Office of the Dean of Students, won the University of Iowa Outstanding Staff Award in 2026. Beecher leads efforts to address food insecurity, housing stability, and other essential needs affecting student success. She oversees the UI Food Pantry and collaborates with campus and community partners to expand access to basic resources, providing thousands of meals and support to students each year.
   
• University Counseling Service’s Marie Adams, PhD, was the recipient of the 2026 Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award. As assistant training director, Adams advances clinical training, suicide prevention, and campus-wide systems that support long-term mental health and crisis resilience. As co-chair of the UI Suicide Prevention Coalition, she has expanded prevention initiatives, strengthened access to life-saving resources, and led certification of campus staff as crisis care specialists.
   
• Amanda Elkins, director of Student Legal Services, won the 2026 Lola Lopes Award for her dedication to undergraduates. She provides compassionate legal guidance, helping students navigate challenges and understand their rights.
   
• Sam Ramsey, the embedded staff therapist at the College of Law, received the Collegiate Community Committee (CCC) Staff Award. The award recognizes Ramsey’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community.
   
• The University of Iowa welcomed 5,561 first-year students (second-largest class ever!) in the 2025–26 academic year, with 6,720 students living on campus. Fall 2025 move-in saw participation from 52 faculty and staff, who served as volunteers for either move-in crew or as Hancher parking lot volunteers.
   
• On Sept. 3, 2025, the Division of Student Life held the annual Engagement Fair, featuring 312 student organizations and community partners, 763 student organization leaders, 5,800 estimated student attendees, and 32 volunteers.
   
• An article in Protect International’s Intelligence newsletter (2025, Vol. 11, Issue 1) highlights the partnership and evolution of the university’s Threat Assessment Team, as well as the creation of the Campus Threat Assessment Roundtable. “From Tragedy to Teamwork: Evolving a Multidisciplinary Model for Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment” describes the collaboration behind Iowa’s threat assessment efforts. 
   
• The Women’s Resource and Action Center Green Flag Campaign saw 256 students participate directly in person, with overall in-person touchpoints exceeding 270 when including peer educator engagement.
   
• In February 2026, the UI Retirees Association hosted a fundraiser that raised more than $5,000 for the Food Pantry at Iowa.
   
• The Campus Activities Board held over 80 events in the 2025–26 academic year.
   
• Over 5,000 Late Night Uber Vouchers were distributed to students as part of the Hawkeye Late Night Voucher Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between Division of Student Life, Student Government, Campus Safety, and UI Parent and Family Council.
   
• The Hawkeye Work Grant reached its highest number of signups and participants in the 2025–26 academic year, breaking the previous record by over 30 people. The Hawkeye Work Grant, a partnership with the Office of the Provost and University College, is a program that offers eligible students a campus job within select dining areas, plus a $1,000 grant upon successful work effort throughout the year.