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The Daily Iowan (USPS 143-360), the student newspaper at the University of Iowa, is published by Student Publications, Inc., E131 Adler Journalism Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Published in print weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, Fridays of Hawkeye football game weekends (Pregame), and year-round on dailyiowan.com.
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Kanga’s son, in children’s literature
Corporate doings in which one’s boss may
The Divine ___ (Bette Midler)
Scratch (out)
9 Table salt, to a chemist
10 Motown great Robinson
11 Wander through the neighborhood after dinner, maybe
12 Traditional way to sign a contract
13 Seeded loaves
18 “You are ___” (map notation)
19 T. Boone Pickens, for one
22 Like lots of Insta pics
23 Word after soap or before box
24 Awareness of body position, scientifically
25 Itsy-bitsy
29 Nintendo avatar
31 Strength
32 P.D. alert
34 Justice Sotomayor
35 Work with the hands
37 Modern pastry portmanteau
38 Unassuming home
42 Mexican dish made with fried masa
44 Hullabaloo
45 Type of window — not a student who lives in a college building
46 Immediately
47 Prepared to propose, perhaps
49 Traveled like a tossed ball
50 New York’s Mario ___ Bridge
51 Poems that express approval
52 Grumpy face
55 Big Ten sch. whose main campus is in Happy Valley
56 Line near the bottom of a receipt
57 Right-angled bend
58 Common sushi roll topping
SENIOR
Goodbye to all that
Jami Martin-Trainor Executive Editor opinions@dailyiowan.com
Over my past four years working at The Daily Iowan, I have learned that more than anything, people want to be understood.
As journalists, that’s our entire goal. Through interviews and observations and research and connections, we want to get at the core of our story — to understand the people and communities we cover. We don’t always get it right, but we try our absolute hardest. And when it works, it works. There is truly nothing more intimate than
SENIOR COLUMN
I know I’m not a perfect journalist or a perfect writer or a perfect leader. But I love this place — and these people — with my entire heart, and I know that counts for a lot.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead such an ambitious and driven group of young people looking to make a change with their work. It’s undeniable that The Daily Iowan is chock-full of young people who are incredibly talented. What’s more impressive to me, however, is the sheer amount of passion and care that exists in this space.
Bruno Mars and go on mini-adventures with. You have helped make my senior year one of the best I’ve had, and in some of my darkest moments, you’ve been able to remind me there is good. It has been absolutely incredible to watch you step into your leadership role with such poise and skill, acting as the backbone for a community you built. I’m going to miss you so much, and I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you do.
being known, and journalists are hungry for that knowledge.
So, I shouldn’t be surprised that after spending the past four years in a newsroom, I have been able to know and be known by so many of my talented peers.
With that, however, comes the pain of saying goodbye.
I came into the University of Iowa entirely pessimistic about my collegiate experience. For the longest time, staying in the state I was born and raised in was my personal worst -case scenario. Now, it’s breaking my heart to leave.
This past year has been the ultimate manifestation of that. Leading The Daily Iowan has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life, and despite the late nights and stressful moments, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
More than the pages
Each year, there are stories passed on in the newsroom. I’m excited to now be a part of those stories.
I’ve been behind nearly 200 front pages for The Daily Iowan . I’ve designed hundreds of inside pages and page elements. I’ve written several daily and long-form stories, a lot of them relating to Herky the Hawk, if I’m honest. I’ve even picked up a byline on two books.
Summing-up my time at the DI with a four-sentence paragraph is insane. At the
surface? Yeah, that’s really all I did. But behind the scenes? I’d like to think I had more of an impact — maybe on the DI as a whole or just the people I’ve met along the way.
I want that impact to be my legacy. No matter what, each year, there are stories passed on in the newsroom. Stories from people who have since graduated told by upperclassmen, stories of mistakes from years past from coaches, and stories that just happened that day. I want the newsroom to tell stories about me, as weird as that is.
They don’t have to all be good; I have made countless mistakes while here. I’ve had my fair share of crashouts for the entire newsroom to see. We’re a learning lab after
To help cultivate that energy and work with people who give their whole heart to journalism and its craft is nothing short of beautiful, and it breaks my heart to say goodbye.
Now, I have a whole host of people to thank. Marandah, I would be absolutely lost without you. I know we joke there was a print paper before you and there will be a print paper after you, but there’s no world where I get through this year without you by my side. Maddie, you are one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. You give your whole heart to everything you do, and I find that one of the most admirable traits a person can have. And Kate, I can’t wait to hear all of the strange stories and situations you’ve encountered when we reunite in the future. You guys have been my day-ones, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to grow with.
Bella, this goodbye is one of the hardest. There is no one else I would rather listen to
all. But I want people to learn from what I experienced and not make the same mistakes I did.
I wouldn’t mind a few good tales sprinkled in, though.
Of course, we have to do thank-yous.
First, I have to thank my mother, sisters, aunt, uncle, and grandparents. They’ve been supporting me since I packed up to move to college. I can’t be more thankful for always having people to talk to and rant to. Even if you didn’t understand what I was talking about at the time. I wouldn’t be who I am today without that support.
Now, let’s get into the newsroom. I’ve been here for four years, and I have very little space to thank everyone I need to, but I’m going to highlight a few.
Heidi, our in-house production manager, was essentially my work mom for four years. She always put me in my place when I needed it but was there when I needed her. She constantly says she never really interacted with students before I came along. I made Matt promise to never let your office go quiet next year.
My entire support system is made up of individuals at the DI . It’s kind of hard not to since I spent more time at Adler than at my apartment. There was always someone to talk to about anything in the newsroom.
Shreya and Stella, I don’t think you guys
Grace, you are truly one of the funniest people I know. I endlessly admire your honesty and genuine connection with the people around you. This year has been far from easy, but I know you’ve managed to excel through it all.
Shreya, I couldn’t ask for a better gym buddy. Your dedication to absolutely everything you do is awe-inspiring, and I am so honored to call you one of my friends.
Matt, I will miss you and your feminist literature so much. You’re one of the most reliable friends I have, and you’re going to kill it as sports editor.
And finally, I have to give one last thank you — and “I told you so” moment — to my mom. The University of Iowa was the absolute last place I wanted to go to college, but you told me to make the most of it. Thank you for supporting me through it all.
To me, college and journalism has been all about the people. It’s an honor and a privilege that it is so hard to say goodbye to all that.
realized it, but I would’ve lost my head so many more times had you guys not been there. You’re both extremely level-headed, and having that at my back made my year so much better.
Cody, I’m sorry I spelled your name wrong that one time, but thank you for going with it and not holding a grudge.
Matt, thank you for sticking with me through the chaos of pregame. I’m grateful we have gotten to work together because you’ve both improved my writing and also graced me with random sports knowledge, like who won the World Series in 1973.
Grace and Bella, you guys aren’t afraid to speak your mind, and I think that helped me feel confident enough to share mine.
And finally, we get back to the start. Maddie and Kate, you’ve literally been there since day one. I’m thankful for you always being willing to listen. Jami, it feels like you’ve been there just as long, but as we’ve discussed, you came in a little later. It was amazing to watch you grow into being our editor and also fostering an environment where I felt safe and protected. I’m grateful to call you all my friends.
I can’t wait to see what stories are created out of this newsroom. It has fostered hundreds of journalists, but going even further, it has shaped hundreds of great people. Thank you.
Graduating into uncertainty
The current state of the economy and job market worry some University of Iowa graduates.
Kate Perez Senior Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
In less than two weeks, fourth-year University of Iowa student Grace Corcoran will go from being a Hawkeye to an alumnus. After four years at the university and holding multiple jobs and volunteer positions, she is excited about the new possibilities and change that graduation can bring.
However, that change, and the subsequent job search that comes with it, has been a point of anxiety for the student double majoring in finance and business analytics and information systems. Despite having experience in her field, Corcoran is having trouble hearing back from hiring managers and getting a job offer post-graduation.
“I feel like graduation is coming up in two weeks, and people keep asking me where I’m going to be and what my plans are, and my answer is always, ‘I would like to know as well,’” Corcoran said. “It’s kind of stressful
“I thought the fact that I had that internship and performed so well that it turned into a part-time remote job would help me obtain other jobs, but I am finding that’s not the case .”
Grace
Corcoran UI fourth-year student
not knowing where I’m going to be in the next couple months. I’d like to have a plan, but just trying to take it day by day.”
Corcoran has an accounting assistant internship at a private equity firm under her belt, along with other jobs as a student at the UI. She can go back to her home of Puerto Rico and the firm if necessary, but she said that is not exactly what she wants to do because her interests are not in accounting.
“I thought the fact that I had that internship and performed so well that it turned into a part-time remote job would help me obtain other jobs, but I am finding that’s not the case,” she said.
The job application process has been frustrating, Corcoran said. She has found
APRIL CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATES SINCE 2005
herself applying to nearly 80 jobs in the last six months, with various results in communication.
“I’ve had some where I just don’t even hear back. I have a couple where I do hear back, but it’s like five months later,” Corcoran said. “I think all businesses and all application systems are just so kind of backlogged with the hiring freezes in the mass amount of applicants this year.”
Companies across the U.S. are opting to pause hiring for positions as a result of President Donald Trump’s trade war and enforcement of tariffs on other countries. These political movements have added another layer of difficulty and uncertainty to the process, Corcoran said.
“I think stress is a common theme amongst all my friends when I talk about finding a job and their post-grad plan,” Corcoran said. “I know it’s usually a stressful process, but I think the current political and economic state of the United States right now is kind of hurting the process a lot due to so many financial institutions and other big businesses being on hiring freezes, the results to the economic uncertainty that’s taken place.”
Corcoran is not only hearing the uncertainty about the job market from her friends. She has also recently heard experts speak about the implications of the hiring freeze on television, including Bloomberg’s morning brief segment.
“One of the chief economists from the big banks was just kind of like, yeah, it’s just bad luck if you’re a 22-year-old university graduate looking for work, [it’s] very difficult right now with all the hiring freezes,” Corcoran said. “I think it’s definitely a nationwide issue for graduates.”
While the state of the economy is concerning to many, it has not yet entered a
The unemployment rate from April 2005 to April 2025 saw increases in 2010 and 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the overall high reaching 14.8 percent.
Corcoran
detrimental period. The U.S. is not in a recession, which would be a real cause for concern, said UI Professor of Economics Anne Villamil.
A recession happens when there is a major shock to the economy, like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 recession caused by a global financial crisis, or the COVID19 pandemic, she said.
For Carla Keppler LaPorta, a 2009 UI graduate who majored in journalism and mass communication and communication studies, graduating into a recession was a
direction than they originally planned. But I think in the end, we all kind of landed in a good place and moved forward,” she said.
The period, as stressful as it was, was also an opportunity for Keppler LaPorta and her peers to learn how to navigate a difficult situation. For some, it meant working a little harder or getting a little bit more creative in the job search, and for others, it meant taking a few extra steps or shifting and shuf fling before landing something, she said.
The uncertainty allowed Keppler LaPorta and her fellow students to try different jobs and roles while also adjusting to postgradu ate life. No matter the state of the economy, the likelihood that you are going to have to navigate multiple jobs and different expe riences after graduating is high, she said, especially after a temporary job like an internship, you are hoping to turn into an offer.
“No doubt there’s a certain level of pressure you feel as you’re starting to count down the days until you get your diploma. It’s just part of it.”
nerve-wracking experience that was made more intense by the economic state of the U.S.
“I think looking back, it was a combination of excitement to enter the ‘real world’ and some nerves about securing a job and the right job immediately after graduation,” Keppler LaPorta said. “No doubt there’s a certain level of pressure you feel as you’re starting to count down the days until you get your diploma. It’s just part of it.”
While Keppler LaPorta was able to secure an internship following her graduation from the UI, there was still an air of uncertainty surrounding her graduating class.
“Said simply, it was pretty gloomy,” Keppler LaPorta said. “We were in the middle of the recession, and with that, of course, comes high unemployment, historically high, I believe, at that time, so not an ideal situation for someone just hitting the job market. I also had an internship my senior year at Iowa, where I saw several tenured staff members face layoffs, and that was a tough thing to watch as someone just looking for a job themselves.”
Keppler LaPorta added it was not unusual for her peers to immediately find roles in their area of interest and that the job search came with a learning curve for many people.
“I saw a lot of my friends at this time having to take part-time roles until they were able to find something in the field they study, or some started down a different track and just kind of headed in a different
“It’s kind of like an initial wave, and then the potential for doing it again. But, you know, I think it’s the job search. You’ll probably do it, maybe again at another point in your career. So, it’s just kind of part of it.”
Keppler LaPorta said. “That’s always the hope, right, that you can land something and get in there full time.”
Keppler LaPorta’s experience is unlikely to mirror the experience of 2025 graduates, Vilamill said. Currently, the unemployment rate in the U.S. is low, but there is softness in the economy itself, and the potential for a self-induced recession from the trade war is there.
“I think the real issue is the policy uncertainty because what you want is a stable macroeconomic environment, and when you have policies that are continually changing, that makes it difficult,” Villamil said. “The trade war … is right now just characterized by massive uncertainty.”
The uncertainty around foreign and trade policies is causing firms to delay investments, she said. This impacts the costs that companies are facing, leading them to potentially lower or delay some of their hiring plans or instead offer short-term contracts until that uncertainty is resolved.
“Certainly, if you don’t know the policy rules as a firm, you’re not going to want to make large capital expenditures,” Villamil said. “The Trump administration says it
Reece Schrader | The Daily Iowan
The old capitol building is seen on May 11. University of Iowa graduates are facing an unstable job market while looking to enter the workforce after graduation in late May.
Ava Neumaier | The Daily Iowan
A carousel of stocks are seen at Henry B. Tippie College of Business on April 16. Stocks have been dropped for the last few weeks under the Trump presidency creating concern for graduating students.
Carla Keppler LaPorta 2009 UI graduate
Villamil
Keppler
LaPorta
Bijou director makes impact on Iowa City
Kat Trout-Baron will head off to Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Iowa.
Charlie Christensen Arts Reporter arts@dailyiowan.com
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, movie theaters across the U.S. have struggled to bounce back. Many people believe streaming services are the way to go, with movie tickets and concessions costing an arm and a leg. For some, this leaves a bad taste in their mouth, and they will do whatever they can to cleanse their palate.
Kat Trout-Baron is a fourth-year screenwriting and cinema major at the University of Iowa. They also serve as the executive director on the Bijou Film Board. They are graduating and heading to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting.
student at the university, which proved to be a challenge. However, they don’t see it as an extra responsibility.
“I love that all these things interact and engage with each other. It doesn’t feel like work, just feels like this is a step towards what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Trout-Baron said.
All of this work does not go unnoticed. Bijou was no stranger to the impact of COVID-19 on their events, but now attendance numbers are up. Trout-Baron has made a huge, positive difference in the local film community.
“I feel that in the past two years since they’ve been director, things have really flourished,” Lenz said. “It’s been crazy to see events going from sparse to almost every after hours being a huge deal.”
“Maybe it’s very presumptuous of me, but when I came in, one of my goals was to lead Bijou. From day one, freshman year, I wanted to be the leader of that club.”
Kat Trout-Baron UI fourth-year student
“Maybe it’s very presumptuous of me, but when I came in, one of my goals was to lead Bijou. From day one, freshman year, I wanted to be the leader of that club,” Trout-Baron said.
With this goal in mind, TroutBaron dedicated much of their time to their position by working up the ladder year after year, going from a programmer on the board to partnership director, and finally executive director in just three years. Each position came with its own set of challenges.
“They’re probably the most passionate and driven person I know. They take everything very seriously,” Caitlin Lenz, Trout-Baron’s close friend, said.
While doing all of this work, Trout-Baron still had to be a
Although it may seem like it, writing creatively, much less screenwriting, was not a goal for Trout-Baron early on. Many people in their position would say it was a passion for their whole lives, but Trout-Baron was on a different path.
“I didn’t even creatively write until I was around 18 or 19. I was really into essays and more of an academic world,” Trout-Baron said.
All of that changed when they saw Robert Eggers’ film, “The Lighthouse.” The black-and-white nature of the film drew them in, and they were hooked by the odd dialogue.
“I can’t even imagine what flipped me, but there was just something so hauntingly weird
and kind of charismatic about the movie that bewitched me,” TroutBaron said.
Through this passion, they have collaborated with a lot of people, believing collaboration is a huge part of film and what makes it the “most bountiful and beautiful artistic medium.” This collaboration of different backgrounds can make a difference in the audience’s mind.
“Collaboration is something I think we’re lacking a lot right now in society. Having the arts and showing that people can come together to support this one thing and just tell a story is really important,” Trout-Baron’s peer and
friend Delaney Waterman said.
As Trout-Baron’s time in Iowa City comes to an end, they look toward a bright future. They’ll be moving to LA in August and pursuing a screenwriting career there.
Trout-Baron said the hard work they put in at Bijou should prove effective when the time comes to start putting in the work out west.
“I want to make a professional career as a screenwriter, which obviously isn’t a one-day thing. I hope to build it over the next few years,” Trout-Baron said. “What is lovely about my time here with Bijou and the professional work I’ve done is that they helped me see what a larger, more fleshed-out
film career can be.”
Trout-Baron is fond of episodic, Jim Jarmusch-style vignettes featuring cowboys. They’re also interested in the representation of queer people in America.
“I could see them producing and creating more queer works in cinema because I do know that is an identity that they hold close to them,” Waterman said.
Trout-Baron is especially excited for their future, and is ready for the trials and tribulations of being a screenwriter in Hollywood.
“I just want to be able to write films and scripts and see them come to life. I hope to make it happen,” Trout-Baron said.
Ava Neumaier | The Daily Iowan
Kat Trout-Baron poses for a photo at the FilmScene in the Chauncey on May 7. Trout-Baron is the executive director of the Bijou Film Board, the production coordinator of Student Video Productions, and will be graduating this semester with a major in screenwriting and cinema.
College journalism is what you make of it
My
winding journey through reporting and editing has prepared me for the next three years.
Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor opinions@dailyiowan.com
Reclining on the downstairs couch of my home, ‘The Sopranos’ rolling across my screen, the stream of thoughts in my head landed on a decision to abandon journalism and pursue law school. Two years later, gearing up for three more years starting in August, I wouldn’t have had a chance without the experience journalism gave me.
My story isn’t unique in many ways, making a two-page personal statement for competitive law schools across the country difficult to stand out. But I worked closely with the law when I first joined The Daily Iowan as a crime, cops, and courts reporter.
The dark street and alley encircling the H-Bar just outside of downtown Iowa City
SENIOR COLUMN
sticks with me, just 19 years old, and standing where someone had been shot and killed days before, waiting for the bar’s owners, allegedly gang affiliated, to show face for our interview.
That became my story. I was willing to get into the weeds of crimes and the law if it meant serving the community around me. It spoke to what inspired me to go to law school and to what kind of lawyer I’d be, and I never would’ve had that story if I didn’t take the chances the DI gave me.
Reflecting on the last three years across roles as news reporter, sports reporter, all the way to sports editor, it amazes me law school didn’t catch my eye earlier.
I was quick to pursue the depths of unfair housing practices in mobile homes across Johnson County, interviewing the late Don Lund, and learning from him to simply sit still, listen, and be grateful.
I did the same alongside Jami Martin-Trainor, our executive editor and one of my good friends and frequent co-writers over the years, as we tackled it all — the explosive rise of Caitlin Clark
A learning lab like no other
The Daily Iowan taught me the importance of using my voice.
Kate Perez Senior Reporter opinions@dailyiowan.com
I can vividly remember my first pitch meeting as a news reporter for The Daily Iowan the Sunday before my first day of college. I remember being told that the DI is a learning lab, a place where you’re able to be a real journalist in a controlled environment. I was completely intimidated by working at a
place where you’re thrown into the water and you either sink or swim. With no prior journalistic experience and imposter syndrome through the roof, I thought I’d sink.
I didn’t. Four years later, I owe my many happy memories in the newsroom, over 300 bylines, and journalistic growth to that environment and the people who have shaped me since that first day.
The DI immediately gave me a place on campus that pushed me out of my comfort zone more than going to college already would. My first editors, Eleanor Hildebrandt and Sabine Martin, not only trusted me with the higher education beat but also encouraged my love for it. Their guidance and drive
and the attention that put on unequal pay between men’s and women’s college sports, the dismissal of the interim softball coach, and the House settlement’s impact on college athletics.
Of course, my work at the DI came with some fun too. Not many of even the best sports reporters got to see what my two eyes did.
I was just a few dozen feet away when Clark passed Megan Gustafson, Lynette Woodard, and Pete Maravich for their respective college basketball records. I spoke with Iowa’s biggest icons, from Kirk Ferentz to Spencer Lee.
And from Theo Von and Travis Scott to Coby White and Bo Nickal, I’ve met celebrities that frequently catch a “wow” or two from friends and family. And I’ve collected a handful of friends who inspire me every day and, namely my guy Chris Meglio, excite me to see how far they’ll all go beyond our little bubble right inside the Adler Journalism Building.
But it’s important to recognize how our experiences inform who we are today.
gave me the confidence to hold my head high and be unafraid of speaking to anyone on campus if it meant getting a story and telling the truth, and I still model myself after them. I’ve been hooked since then. The DI taught me the power that words have in shaping the view people have of the world. Journalists are responsible for sharing people’s stories and creating change, no matter the method or the seriousness of the topic. The fact that I was given the chance to do that before I had stepped foot on the University of Iowa campus and repeatedly for the next four years is a gift that I will cherish and pay forward forever.
I am grateful I have had the opportunity to write about everything from protests on campus to diversity being challenged nationally to features about inspiring Kid Captains and paintings on the Pentacrest. To anyone who has given me an interview, thank you. It has been the honor of my life to tell your stories — the people who make Iowa City the distinct place it is. I have learned as much about journalism from them as I have in the newsroom. Beyond journalistic experiences, the DI has given me wonderful friends whom I look
When most college kids hit campus and get caught up in the freedom, friends, and fun nights out above anything else, that can’t blind us from how important the opportunities we pursue in these four years determine the rest of our lives.
Too many let those very four years pass by until just weeks before graduation. By then, the resume is empty, and more importantly, the utter absence of experience has already made a clear lack of definition, drive, and guidance in what to do next.
At no point in my work with the DI was it easy. We had to ask the tough questions, confront uncomfortable sources, and tip-toe across shaky subjects. But that’s what real journalists do, and if you don’t treat yourself that way, you won’t become a real journalist anyway.
And, well, I won’t be a real journalist. But the drive to be the best writer, tell the strongest story, and absorb the most from the people around me — and everything in between — over the last three years of working like a real journalist will propel me into the greater future I envision living in.
up to and admire, admittedly too many to name in a column that I am bound to go over word count in. However, Maddie, Marandah, and Jami have been my confidants and best friends since our first year at the UI. I am not only a better journalist because they are in my life. I’m a better person.
I would not have been able to achieve half the things I did if it weren’t for my support system outside the DI , including my loved ones and friends from the flower who have listened to me be the bearer of all types of news over the last four years. Thank you especially to my parents and sister for always being my biggest cheerleaders. My parents have saved a copy of every story I’ve had in print in a filing cabinet in my childhood room, and I treasure that collection more than you know.
I have loved enriching myself in Iowa City’s stories, and I know I will carry each of them with me following my graduation from the UI. However, when it comes to my time at Iowa, I know the stories I will tell about my college days will center around The Daily Iowan and all the wonderful memories it has given me.
Amritha Selvarajaguru runs the English department
From literary magazines to the English Society, Amritha Selvarajaguru
Grant Darnell Arts Reporter arts@dailyiowan.com
Amritha Selvarajaguru’s creative writing journey began long before her time at the University of Iowa. Selvarajaguru recalls writing and education always called to her, and the UI’s acclaimed creative writing pro gram was a massive draw.
Selvarajaguru made her mark in the English department almost immedia tely upon arriving. She attended her first English Society event less than a month into her freshman year — an open mic night where attendees were encouraged to share their writing.
“It was the first time I had ever performed poetry at an open mic before,” Selvarajaguru said. “It was an exhilarating experience, and the people there were so lovely.”
Selvarajaguru continued attending English Society events, eventually getting involved in leadership positions. Today, she is the organization’s president.
Still, Selvarajaguru wasn’t satisfied with a single extracurricular. She also made the rounds in the literary magazine circuit with positions in Earthwords, Snapshots, and Cave Writing, not to mention becoming an honors writing fellow and working with the UI REACH program.
“I really enjoy reading my peers’ writing and getting to show it to the world,” Selva rajaguru said. “That’s something I didn’t realize I wanted to be a part of until I was introduced to it.”
Selvarajaguru has a particularly unique relationship with Snapshots, having been present for its conception. The magazine was born out of conversations in Stanley’s Iowa Writers’ living learning community during her freshman year that evolved into a literary magazine designed for children.
completely full of joy and very welcoming,” Lally said. “She’s the reason I kept coming back.”
“It’s such a cheesy thing to say, but I had a lot of great English teachers growing up that impacted my life and changed me for the better,” Selvarajaguru said. “But also, selfishly, I love kids. They’re so much fun to hang out with, and I love working with them.”
Next year, Selvarajaguru plans to attend the Art Institute of Chicago to work for an MFA in poetry. After that, she wants to teach high school English.
Current English Society vice president and future president Morgan Lally had nothing but good things to say about wor -
When Lally got to know Selvarajaguru as an officer later on, her appreciation only grew.
“She’s always very prepared and organized, always thinking ahead of what she can do for her community,” Lally said. “Whether it’s helping fund, helping people come back, or helping people feel like they have a place, she always brings enthusiasm to the party.”
Selvarajaguru is currently student teaching, and she often discusses this with Lally.
“Every time I ask her about it, she’s always so proud of her kids,” Lally said. “Wherever she goes after that, I’d say she’s going to be amazing.”
in the Iowa Writers’ Living Learning Community, the year the idea for the magazine
“Amritha was always a light in the room, completely full of joy and very welcoming. She’s the reason I kept coming back.”
Morgan
Lally English Society vice president
was discussed, along with Noelle Franzone and Hannah Cargo.
“She jumped right in with us, she was excited about it,” Geiger-Lee said. “She was immediately willing to come on the jour -
is heavily involved.
on a number of levels. Since the two of them are both Asian Americans, they discussed the lack of diversity that often permeates children’s literature and how they can take steps to reconcile that.
“I’ve loved seeing her illustrations,” Geiger-Lee said. “I think Amritha has always made sure to draw in a very diverse way and show that kids of color exist in children’s literature. Huge props that she thought of that.”
At a recent English honors event, GeigerLee recalls a faculty member describing Selvarajaguru as “the heart and soul of the English Department.”
“Amritha 100 percent lives up to that,” Geiger-Lee said. “She puts her heart into everything she does and is one of the most wonderful people you’ll ever talk to.”
Clara Jarecke | The Daily Iowan
Graduating senior Amritha Selvarajaguru poses for a portrait in the University of Iowa Main Library on May 7. In the fall, Selvarajaguru is attending School of the Art institute of Chicago for Creative Writing: Poetics.
It took me a while to find my footing
Three years, four positions, and in my final year, I found the role that fit.
In 2021, during the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, my parents and I were doing a self-guided tour of the University of Iowa. We entered the Becker Communication Studies Building and took the skywalk to the second floor of Adler Journalism Building. I peered down at The Daily Iowan and proudly told my parents that one day, I would work there. With a new spark to embark on the world of college journalism and make an impact with my words, I did just that.
My freshman year, I joined the DI as a general news reporter with no experience writing or reporting in a journalistic standard. To this day, I credit the DI for teaching
SENIOR COLUMN
me almost everything I know. The next year, I continued as a news reporter and began work as a digital producer. I even served as Digital Editor during the summer of 2023. After completing this role, I decided to take a year off from college journalism. Despite having great experiences, I was personally feeling unfulfilled, unworthy, and completely unknowing of where I wanted to proceed in the future.
After spending a year as a production asi-
had so much to learn from her in a position that I was much more passionate about. Jami has been nothing short of spectacular in her leadership. She is the kind of journalist I aspire to be. She can do it all. I thank her for encouraging me to get back in the saddle because I have immensely enjoyed this year. I always knew I loved to share stories; I just needed to find the proper platform.
In the last year, I have produced and conducted conversations with Iowans, Olym-
With a new spark to embark on the world of college journalism and make an impact with my words, I did just that.
sant at Iowa Public Radio, I found my spark again. When Jami Martin-Trainor invited me to come back for my senior year – in a role I spent the last year dedicating myself to – I couldn’t help but accept her offer. I knew I
I wouldn’t change a thing
The best lesson I learned over these past four years is that mistakes are beauty marks.
It’s hard to believe that three years ago I wrote my first story for the arts and culture section of The Daily Iowan: a cover of the Stanley Museum of Art’s grand opening. When I look back, there’s so much I could tell the version of myself who wrote that story, so much to help her along and make that experience go much smoother — but I wouldn’t.
The most beautiful thing about growth is often mistaken as the ugliest. It’s the messy failures and missteps that lead us to the best versions of ourselves who know better. In my case, it was a flustered series of interview questions and run-on sentences that got a little too narrative that helped me discover the voice I write in today.
When I look back on how far I’ve come, both in life and at the DI, I’m filled with pride. I began working in the newsroom because I wanted to get paid for doing what I’ve always loved: writing. I had no prior experience in journalism, and before that job interview, I had insisted I would never pursue a career in it because I was worried it would ruin my passion for creative writing.
pians, and athletes. I have learned more about sports than I would have ever dreamed to know, and I had to listen to my voice back a few too many times.
While I am not sure what the future holds
for me, I have undoubtedly enjoyed my time as a college journalist. I have made friends and memories that will last me a lifetime. It would be remiss of me not to mention the people who got me to where I am today. To my parents, my inspirations, my greatest achievement is not a level of distinction or a degree - it is making you proud.
Dad, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams. I promise not to give up until they come true. Thank you for your constant love and support. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for giving me opportunities that you weren’t fortunate enough to receive in your 20s. To my mom, thank you for being my shoulder to cry on, my guiding light, and the first person to read anything I write. Please continue to be my built-in editor for life. I love you both endlessly.
In all my work the last four years, I love to end every story with a quote, so here’s one I find comfort in as I close this chapter of my life: “It was the end of an era, but the start of an age,” from Taylor Swift.
Safe to say, it hasn’t.
If anything, working at the DI has enhanced my appreciation for all types of writing and art. I never feel more embedded within the Iowa City community than when I am attending a gallery for a local artist, covering a multicultural event, asking professors at the University of Iowa about their iconic outfit choices, or offering my opinion on the hottest new TV shows.
Thanks to my time here, I’ve learned more about what kind of future I want for myself after I graduate — one I am truly excited for. It has also been comforting to feel so grounded in my work no matter how my life has changed around me.
It’s painfully ironic that my last year at the UI and this newspaper has been by far my favorite — and it went by way too fast. My coworkers became my good friends whom I consistently admire for their amazing personalities and work ethic. My nights in and out of the newsroom have been filled with more peace and laughter than ever before.
As a shy, second-year reporter pitching stories in the rotunda, I never could have guessed I would graduate as a managing editor. The amount of responsibility I took on was ter-
rifying at first. The last thing I wanted to do was let anyone down — most of all myself. But it turned out to be as easy as looking over our newsroom desk and just having enough courage to ask my fellow editors for a little help.
It goes to show I never would have made it here without falling along the way, and there’s a lot of people I owe my thanks to for picking me up.
Along with my fellow editors at the DI, I want to recognize my parents, whose unwavering faith in me when I struggled to believe in my ability to do it all has been truly inspiring. And to all the girls I met on the sixth floor of Rienow freshman year who are still my closest friends, along with the multiverse of incredible people they introduced me to: You are everything.
All this to say, take it from me, whose own worst enemy is her perfectionism: You don’t need to know everything right away to be successful. In fact, it’s better if you know nothing because it’s more fun to figure it out as you grow, even if that means making a thousand mistakes. I know it’s cheesy, but trust me, it just makes you a thousand times more beautiful.
Ready up the real world
My reflection on where college can take you.
Madison Johnson DITV Tech Director opinions@dailyiowan.com
I was never supposed to take this job. After two years of working at a local journalism organization in Omaha, I put the industry behind me. At most, it was supposed to be something I did short-term for quick cash on my way to bigger and better things. It was never supposed to take up 3.5 years of my life and be my favorite thing I did in college.
When I applied for DITV, I applied as an editor, hoping that I would only have to edit videos, not turn any stories in. Yet when I went to my first pitch meeting, I volunteered for a story about banned books. I had surprised myself for the first time in this role, and certainly not the last time. Despite my self-proclaimed hatred for reporting, I worked diligently at my job, seeking out the stories I knew I would enjoy. Stories about what mattered to me, such as the arts and education. While I may not have enjoyed the entire process, I came to love putting together packages, seeing the end result, and coming away with something I could be proud of. Most of all, however, I loved seeing how it came together in the full newscast.
I entered the tech booth for the first time near the end of my first semester with The Daily Iowan. My news director encouraged people to try new roles, and I decided to brave the 7:30 a.m. call time and work my first morning show. Starting on Xpression, our graphics program, is the easiest role in the booth. This is a story that
I’ve told many times now as I train new people for this role, which is hopefully the beginning of training them on all of the roles within the booth. My news director told me Xpression was just two buttons, down and enter. While it’s not that complicated, it’s not exactly that sim ple either. So, of course, my first show was a disaster. As I’ve come to tell new tech staffers, your first show in a new position always will be, or at least it will feel like, a disaster once you look back on it.
I ended my first semester with DITV with a determination in mind; when I returned in the fall, I would attend morning shows more regularly, twice a week, doing graphics and audio, and eventually learning to tech direct. For the first time, I felt driven and excited about this job; I couldn’t wait to go back to school. I accomplished these goals and so much more, eventually learning to direct, and this year taking up the helm as the tech director.
Just say yes
A
quick glimpse into three years of news, sports, politics, memories, and everything in between.
Johnny Valtman DITV News Director opinions@dailyiowan.com
cer, the heart and soul of the studio lies within the people. Through three years, I’ve met friends, not connections, to use somewhere down the road.
Everyone cares for everyone. Our
Working in this position, training new tech staffers, and watching the show grow and evolve during my time at DITV has been a joy. Working with the physical set and our ambitious plans this semester, like the election show and One Day for Iowa, has been amazing.
Most of all, DITV has taught me to push forward even when things aren’t going as expected. To not stop and freeze just because you mess up. How to think on my feet, how to pivot. And above all else, how to accept failure with grace and keep going after you screw up. These skills that I’ve learned as a director are ones I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
I’ll be sure to keep in mind all the experiences I’ve had and the things I’ve learned from this job. With my time at DITV in mind, I’m ready to press take on the next part of my life.
DITV is a place that will always hold a special place in my heart.
As a freshman living on my own without many friends and with aspirations of becoming the next Al Michaels, there were a lot of things on my mind and a lot of things I didn’t know. Coming into DITV, it greeted me with opportunity.
Turn a package, you get to anchor.
Good, now what?
Do you want to go cover Iowa women’s basketball at Drake?
Yeah, now what?
How about covering a watch party for Marionette Miller-Meek’s midterm?
Yeah, what’s next?
Ambition and the ability to say yes in any way has led me to where I am now.
I’ve covered Donald Trump, Caitlin Clark, Grammy-and-Oscar-nominated artists and met Hollywood movie directors, Emmy winners, and NFL players.
These experiences cannot be found in the best classroom on the planet, but rather in the simple act of saying yes and occasionally being at the right place at the right time.
While these experiences have advanced my career to enter the workforce at a top 50 market in Louisville as a produ -
These experiences cannot be found in the best classroom on the planet, rather the simple word of saying yes and the occasional being at the right place at the right time.
studio has been filled not only with award-winning journalism but with laughs, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime. As a director, these last two years have been a task to balance being in charge and being friends with the staff.
The main component is knowing what everyone is capable of and pushing them to be the best they can be. This is a job that’s filled me with every emotion available and I walk away not only with what I accomplished, but what I was part of.
There’s always something bigger than oneself, and if you can get a group to commit to that, the sky’s the limit.
What you put into DITV is what you get out of it, and I am gladly an example of that.
Thank you to everyone part of this journey and best of luck to those who continue to carry on DITV.
Cole Abendroth
Congratulations Cole!
We are so proud of you, finished undergrad strong! Looking forward to your next three years of law school and what the future brings your way.
Love, Dad, Mom and Sis
ELIO CELENTINO
CONGRATULATIONS!
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, AND KNOW YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE HEART OF A LION. TAKE NO PRISONERS!
Love, Your Family
Cullen McDermott
So proud of our new engineer! Love, Mom, Dad, Egan, Gia, Grandma and Grandpa
Congratulations Elana Walters
We are so proud of you and of all you have achieved at the University of Iowa. The best is still to come.
Love Mom, Dad and Luke.
From commitment to graduation day, you have succeeded remarkably.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
Esperamos estés tan orgulloso de tu logro como lo estamos nosotros. Que tu extraordinaria creatividad te brinde el éxito que mereces!
Gabriel Arboleda
Ethan Lesner
Congratulations E!
We are very proud of you and can’t wait to see where your story takes you.
Fiona Watts
Congratulations!
We are so proud of all your AMAZING accomplishments! We’ve watched you grow into the brilliant, compassionate, and driven woman you are today. The future is yours—go shine! We Love You! Mama, Dad, Lila, and Luca
Holland E Larned
Congrats Holland!!
We are SUPER PROUD of YOU!!
Love, Mom and Dad
Jacob Neaves
Congratulations Jacob! Great Accomplishment!
We are all so very proud of you and looking forward to your next adventure at Law School. YOU DID IT !!!!
Love, Mom and Dad and Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents!!
Joe Schuessler & Collin Weigle
Congratulations to this amazing cousin duo on your graduations! We are so proud of you both.
To infinity and beyond!
Love, Your Family
CONGRATULATIONS
JULIA
CHRISTOPHER on your graduation.
Grace Corcoran
Congratulations on your double major in Finance and Business Analytics & Information Systems! We could not be more proud!
Love, Mom and Dad
Jordan Geroulis
Congratulations!
We are all so proud of you!
Love, Your Family
We are very proud of you and your accomplishments
Love Padres, Olivia and Ethan
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”
Vincent Van Gogh
Mykayla
Kaye Kapp
I’m SO proud of you, Mykayla Kaye. YOU did it girl! I knew you could. I love you, Gamma
Congratulations!
We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments!
Cheers to the next step in your bright future!
Love, Mom, Dad, Kayla, Khloe, and Toby
Congratulations on all of your success!! We are so very proud of you. Your opportunities are endless. We love you so much!!
Love always, Mom and Ron
Josie Rempt Kaitlyn Ann
Noah Zukowski
You did it!
We are so proud of you!
Love, Your Family
Paola Pastrana Congratulations
Pao!
We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments.
Love you, sunshine.
The sky is the limit!
Love, Mami, Papi, Ari & Family
Owain Weinert
Congratulations Owain Weinert.
It’s an honor to witness your accomplishment. It’s even more special to have been with you every step of the way and watch you overcome difficult times and embrace your good fortune. We can’t wait to see what your future holds!
Merrin O’Connor
C ongratulations on your BFA Merrin! So proud of our 4th generation Hawkeye! Love, Your Family
Laurel Preston
We are so proud of you Laurel. Congratulations! Love, Mom and Dad
SIDURI BECKMAN
Congratulations on your graduation from the College of Law!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Austin McLellan
Congratulations
Graduating Iowa Law and working for Chapman and Cutler LLC.
“Our son, the Lawyer” Love Dad, Mom, and Zach. GO HAWKS!!!
Sydney Goldberg
We are so proud of you and love you so much.
Good luck with everything that lies ahead!
With love from Mum, Paul, Lua, Bruno, and Cashew xxxxx
Congratulations Sydney! We are so proud of you! You are thoughtful, kind, strong, intelligent and a beautiful person inside and out! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Congratulations! We’re so proud of you! Look out DePaul!
Love, Mom and Dad
Claire McGinty
Congratulations!
We are very proud of you and your accomplishments!
You have a bright future ahead and can’t wait until you can buy dinner.
Love, Your family and of course River
CONGRATULATIONS
ELLE MURPHY
on your graduation f rom the Honors In English and Creative Writing program and recent initiation into Pi Beta Kappa. We are so extremely proud of you and may all your dreams come true.
With love always, Mom, Dad & Sean
Sydney Wagner
The world is lucky to have you as its future attorney. Here’s to new beginnings and a bright, bold future!
Love, Your Family
Sophia Young
Congratulations! We are so proud of you & excited for the future!
Love, Mom & Dad
“It’s your turn to choose and define what success means to you. Now, others will try to define it for you, but yours is the only voice that matters.”
Octavia Spencer
Isabella Cervantes
Congratulations Isabella on your Graduation and new job! Your hard work and determination has paid off. You did it! You have a bright future ahead. We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments!
Love, Mom and Dad
TATUM
Congratulations!
We are so proud of you!
Love, Mom and Dad
on earning your MBA with distinction. We are very proud of you and all you have accomplished!
Love, Your Family
Grace Techau
Our pride in your accomplishments can’t be measured! We know you will shine in the next steps in your life and we look forward to following your journey!
Love you, Mom & Dad
Aidan Torres
Nothing quite compares to the happiness and pride I feel upon your graduation, watching you set out for a life full of promise and possibilities.
Congratulations Brandon DePover on your graduation from the College of Engineering!
We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished.
Love, Mom, Dad and Kaelyn
Julia Zhao
Graduation and a new job! We are so proud of your accomplishments!
Congratulations!
You have a bright future ahead!
Love, Dad, Mom, and Your Family
CONGRATULATIONS BRANDI M CAMPBELL
On receiving your MBA. You have accomplished something great with all your hard work and should be very proud. We are so proud of your success in all your endeavors.
Love, Mom, Dad, MJ, Matt
Tucker Snook
We are so proud of you, Tucker! Love, Mom & Dad
Ella O’Boyle
Congratulations!
You marched, danced, and studied your way through Undergrad. Follow your dreams as you enter the Audiology program at Iowa. Love, Mom, Dad, and Justin
Hannah R.
Neary
Congratulations on your big day! Enjoy your next chapter! We are so proud of you!
Love, Your Family
Congratulations Ella on your graduation!!!
We love you and are so proud of all you have accomplished! With love, Mom, Dad, Erin, Brendan, Grandma & Grandpa
Nicholas L. Salas
Nicholas , So proud of you and your accomplishments including Executive Editor and published author of Iowa Law Review and a participant in Tulane International Baseball Salary Arbitration Competition. Best Wishes for your continued zest for Life, Love, Family, Travel and Baseball! Congratulations Iowa Law Graduate! Love, Mom, Dad, Jenna and Stephanie
Rachel Schneider
Congratulations, Bug!
We are so proud of you!
On to your next adventure in Pharmacy School at Iowa!
Love — Momma, Daddy, & Vaughn
Congratulations Sydney Andersen!!
We are so proud of you. Best wishes for your future adventures.
SEAMUS ABEL
Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Your future’s so bright, you gotta wear solar eclipse shades!
Maddie
Patterson
Congratulations Maddie!
We are very proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Here’s to the future!
Love Dad, Mom, Ellery, Creighton and Amelia
Love Mom, Dad, Connor, Mel and Grandma
SAMANTHA YOUNGREN
We are so proud of you baby girl! Love, Mom & Dad
Paige Waller
Happy Graduation! We are all so incredibly proud of you, your hard work, and determination!
Love, Mom, Mike, Drew, Grandma, and Uncle Troy
TONY COURANT
Congratulations Tony! So Proud, Love, Nana and Papap
RACHAEL UPPOLE
Congratulations Rachy!
We are all so proud of you!
Can’t wait to see you walk across the stage!
Love you bunches!
- All of us back home
WILL RONZA
We are all so proud of you! Congratulations!!
Love Mom, Dad, Nick, Drew & G’ma
Congratulations
Vyctoria Carroll!!
We are very proud of you! Keep going after your dreams! Love, Mom, Dad and Sydney
Hailey Fahey
Congratulations on your graduation from the College of Business. We are very proud of you and your accomplishments!
Love, your family
Sydney Hein
We are very proud of you and your achievements! Dream big and pursue your goals! The best is yet to come!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Love, Dad & Mom
KEEGAN BIRT
Dad and I are so proud of you
Congratulations!
TY HARMON
Congratulations!
We are so proud of how hard you worked and all your accomplishments! So excited for what lies ahead!
Love, Mom, Dad, Jack and Jilli (p.s. Hank too!)
Ashleigh Powers
We are so proud of you and your accomplishment! Can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you!
Congratulations!
Mom & Dad
“Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it and you’ll start believing in it.”
Jesse Owens
Congratulations SAM AKERMAN-KNOPF
on your graduation from the College of Engineering! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!
Love, Moms Elise and Amy and family
Jackson Lee Neary
Congratulations Jackson!
Nice Job!
Love, Your Family
Keep reaching for the stars & making your dreams come true. Nothing makes us prouder than seeing you shine!
Love always, Mom & Dad
Congratulations to all the 2025 graduates from your friends at
Emily Katherine McGruder
Jordan leaves lasting impact on UI’s political sphere
Jasmyn Jordan was the chair for UI’s YAF chapter and a chair for the national organization.
Anna Mitchell News Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
Jasmyn Jordan was unsure of her future career path until Mike Pence visited the University of Iowa campus when she was a first-year student in November 2021.
She came to the university as a double major in psychology and criminologyv from her hometown of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
“Originally, I had no interest in politics whatsoever,” Jordan said. “But then once I attended that event, I was like OK, this might be something I’m interested in.’”
She described receiving a random email from Young Americans for Freedom, or YAF, an organization fostering conservative principles on college campuses, promoting the event with Pence.
“I got there super early, and I was the first person in line, and I got to sit in the front row. And it was really awesome to be in a room of 500 to 600 people, and I thought it was just phenomenal that an event like this happened on campus,” Jordan said.
That is when she decided to join YAF, catapulting Jordan into the political science sphere. Nearly four years later, Jordan’s involvement in various campus organizations has made a lasting impact on the university.
Jordan has served as the chair of the UI YAF chapter, along with being a national chair for the organization. She said her work within the chapter has been her biggest influence on the university.
She referenced the Chloe Cole tabling event in October 2023, which promoted a speaking event hosted by YAF featuring the self-identified detransitioner Cole, as one of the biggest national impacts she made within the organization.
Detransitioners — individuals who have previously identified as transgender and began receiving medical treatment who then decide to change course — make up a small percentage of the transgender population.
A 2025 study from the National Institute of Health referenced data
on individuals who have chosen to detransition is sparse, and deciding to discontinue medical treatment used to transition does not necessarily mean the individual regrets the transition itself. The study included anywhere from a 0.8-9.8 percent rate of discontinuation among the major treatment methods.
The event caused adverse reactions among UI students. Jordan said that the event led to increased awareness around people who chose to detransition, causing YAF to pick up the topic.
“That made them realize, ‘Oh, this is a topic that held a lot of value to students.’ And so YAF has now made detransitioner visibility a national initiative, which is really cool, that we got to be the first chapter to do that,” she said. “Because that’s something I’m really passionate about, I really like that other chapters have been really successful in replicating this activity on their campuses.”
Jordan also said the YAF event hosting Matt Walsh, an anti-trans conservative commentator, and featuring a screening of his documentary “What is a Woman?” is something she is really proud of in her time at the university. It was the first campus event she hosted on her own.
“It was the largest conservative event that’s ever been held on University of Iowa’s campus,” Jordan said. “We had over 800 attendees and then thousands of live streamers via the YAF YouTube channel, and it was really awesome, especially because he was one of my favorite commentators.”
in the organization, which is reflected in the fact that most people involved have a personal connection to her.
“She’s helped keep the group very close with each other, because in some way, we’re all connected to her,” Wygle said.
Wygle said Jordan helped her gain confidence in her own political beliefs and communication skills.
“I’m a political science student, but it is still kind of scary to get out there and share your political beliefs,” she said. “That’s not something I’ve done regularly in the past, so she’s been really great helping me navigate those worlds and feel more comfortable with it.”
Outside of YAF, Jordan has made an impact through various other organizations and initiatives.
She is currently completing a fellowship program for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis, or CAMERA, a right-leaning pro-Israel media organization.
Seth Mendel, the academic campus advisor for the CAMERA fellowship program, said Jordan has been enjoyable to work with, citing her willingness to learn and openness to feedback from others. Mendel also said she has strong communication skills that will benefit her after graduation.
“She’s not afraid to have tough conversations with people who might not treat her as nicely as she treats them,” Mendel said. “She’s from, as far as I’ve gotten to know her, she’s pretty confident in herself and in her ability to
“She’s not afraid to have tough conversations with people who might not treat her as nicely as she treats them.”
Seth Mendel
Academic Campus Advisor for the CAMERA
First-year UI student and current YAF secretary Daelynn Wygle said Jordan is a great communicator, dedicated to her work, and the “heart and soul” of UI’s YAF chapter.
She saidJordan prioritized networking and increasing membership
At the end of this academic school year, Jordan will have completed her program and will be a successful fellow for CAMERA.
Jordan has extensive additional campus community involvement, including the following positions, programs, and initiatives:
• Reagan Institute and Foundation Civic Leader Fellowship
• The College Fix Student Reporter
communicate her ideas effectively.”
He said he doesn’t worry about Jordan and her ability to get work done before the deadline, even considering the rigor of being a student on top of the fellowship program and her other commitments.
• Pen Pal Program
• The New Guard Contributor
• Presidential Scholar
• Honors Writing Fellow
• Honors Outreach Ambassador
• Honors Primetime TA
• Honors Admin
• Honors Presidential Scholar
• Honors Phi Eta Sigma Society
• Political Science Honors Society
• Membership and Grassroots intern for Independent Women’s Forum
Jordan has interned for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, and a House Campaign in Illinois’s 91st District with Scott Preston.
Jordan said she is still in the process of interviewing for jobs post graduation, but she plans to do freelance journalism until she lands a job, ideally working for a conservative news outlet.
Graduating fourth-year student Jaden “JB” Bartlett came to the University of Iowa for its political atmosphere. From a fourth-generation family farm in Iowa Falls, Iowa, Bartlett was looking for a hub of political activity and a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse community.
Over the course of his four years at the UI, Bartlett placed himself at the center of campus, city, and county politics.
A double major in political science and English and creative writing, Bartlett sought out grassroots campaign organizing positions, a seat on student government, and get-out -the-vote efforts, to get involved.
Bartlett worked as a district organizer for the Johnson County Democrats during the 2024 election. He helped assist Democratic campaigns in the county, including Christina Bohannan’s fight to a congressional seat.
Bartlett took a community-based approach to this position, knocking on doors and talking with people about the county’s Democratic candidates, and recruiting volunteers to join the effort.
He has also served on Hawk The Vote as executive director, Walk It Out, Undergraduate Student Government, or USG, and as a peer mentor for the political science department.
Being active on campus during massive political moments, such as the Iowa caucuses and the 2024 presidential election, Bartlett said his two favorite political moments were seeing his hard work through Hawk The Vote shine on election night and helping Iowa City City Council Oliver Weilein’s campaign.
As executive director for Hawk The Vote, Bartlett organized an election night watch party in November, and he said the moment was a culmination of the end of his term.
“It felt very full-circle on two levels. We were at the end of this massive, consequential election cycle that is going to have really big ramifications one way or the other. And it felt very cool in the moment to be with other people who are passionate about that and sharing that space,” he said. “It also stood out personally just because here I am nearing the end of my time in Iowa, and feeling that sense of pride of what I’ve been able to involve myself in, and the change I’ve been able to enact while I’ve been here.”
UI
fourth-year
student, looks back on his political involvement.
Martini said. “I think he’s really enjoyed his time here, and I think he’s found it to be really valuable for him, and I think that he really enjoys the fact that he’s done a lot to try to make a difference.”
Bill Nelson, the USG advisor and associate dean and executive director of the Iowa Memorial Union, chairs the selection committee that awards the Hancher-Finkbine Medallions.
Nelson said the medallion is arguably one of the highest awards bestowed by the university, and Bartlett receiving the award is a testament to his leadership, academic record, and character.
Nelson met Bartlett through USG and got to know him on a personal level after the pair started to get lunches together.
“[He’s] very positive, very open to conversation, good listener, and then results -oriented,” Nelsons aid. “JB, he gets the job done in very thoughtful ways, too.”
Through USG, they worked together on several projects, including Bartlett spearheading an initiative to arrange a campus visit with the Iowa Board of Regents.
Bartlett volunteered on Weilein’s campaign for city council, who won the Iowa City City Council District C seat in a special election in March.
Weilein won by just over 60 percent of the vote, yet due to his lack of a political background was considered by many to be an underdog in the race.
“It’s not very often that you see a really young progressive voice like him be successful in races like that,” Bartlett said. “It was really neat to see a grassroots person like that rally so much support and win by the margin that he did.”
Recognized for his involvement and impact on campus and the community, Bartlett received one of the two 2025 undergraduate Hancher-Finkbine Medallions, an award used to recognize students for dedication in leadership, learning, and loyalty.
Bartlett said he was typing away at his desk at HSPS Legal Services in Coralville, where he works as a legal clerk, when he received the notification that he won the award.
He said he did a “straight out of a cartoon” double take at the notification and felt very
humbled.
“It’s obviously nice to be recognized. And I think there’s that element of it that it feels good to have visibility for the work that you’re doing,” Bartlett said. “More than anything else, what it signaled is that what I was doing was impactful, and that’s what I cared more about.”
Nicholas Martini, the UI director of undergraduate studies and political science lecturer, helped nominate Bartlett for the award.
“We had nominated him because he does so much,” Martini said. “He exemplifies the university, so we thought he would be a good fit, and we were very excited that the university felt that as well.”
Martini said Bartlett has been very focused and committed to making a positive impact on the university, and he is an amazing student-citizen for the community and campus.
Working with Bartlett during his time at the UI, Martini said he has never seen the graduating senior in a bad mood.
“Every time I see him, he’s got a smile on his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him upset,”
Bartlett made a bid for USG president his senior year and lost the race. But Nelson said having the courage to put his name in the ring and stick his neck out speaks for itself.
Nelson described Bartlett as a university citizen, which Nelson explained as having a willingness to look for the greater good in an institution.
After graduation, Bartlett will work full-time at HSPS Legal Services in Coralville and apply to law schools with the intent of attending in fall 2026.
Bartlett said he plans to work in the public policy field.
His advisors, Martini and Nelson, see a bright future for the graduate.
Martini said Bartlett has a strong profile for law schools, and he is excited to see how Bartlett will better the next community he is a part of.
Nelson said Bartlett and his peers in the graduating class are the future, and their engagement with political activity is very important.
“I have every confidence in the world that he will achieve his lifetime goals of getting a law degree, being as civically engaged in a variety of ways,” Nelson said. “I see him as a difference-maker.”
Emma Gutzman| The Daily Iowan
Jaden Bartlett (left) and Noah LeFevre (right) work on their Campaign at the Iowa Memorial Union on March 20, 2024.
Babikir’s leadership shines through at Iowa
Razan Babikir works to celebrate the multiple cultures at the University of Iowa’s campus.
Isobel Perez News Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
Within moments of entering the Old Capitol Mall, Razan Babikir received smiles and waves from people who recognized her as they were passing through the mall. The graduating senior, who always waved back or replied with a cheerful “hi,” seemed to know everyone, possibly because of her involvement in multiple student organizations throughout her time at the University of Iowa, including serving as president of Walk It Out, the university’s multicultural fashion show.
Babikir, who will be graduating this semester with a bachelor’s degree in public health and a double minor in Arabic and informatics, was a member of the Muslim Student Association, the African Student Association, Black Student Association, and the Undergraduate Public Health Organization. She also co-founded the Sudanese Student Association in her second year to help unite the Sudanese community in Iowa City with Sudanese students and strengthen the community at large.
“Walking into a PWI [predominantly white institution], it’s scary, but I’ve found a really good community and a good support system,” Babikir said. “I’m Sudanese, and there’s a big Sudanese community in this area, and I’ve been able to really create friendships through other cultural organizations. And my Arabic minor has introduced me to a lot of people I’m still friends with.”
And while Babikir didn’t remain with every student organization she joined, one she continued to participate in throughout her time at the UI was Walk It Out.
During her freshman year, Babikir joined Walk It Out as the organization’s first creative director, and continued in this position during her second year before
becoming Walk It Out’s vice president in her third year. Babikir said these executive positions required a lot of time and commitment, so she almost did not return for her senior year because she worried about balancing the workload, but because of her knowledge and experience within the organization, members continued to ask her to return as president.
“Virtually no one else, or at least no one else that had my experience with Walk It Out, was running, so everybody was like, ‘The city needs you,’” Babikir said. “And I was like, ‘OK, I guess hand me the cape.’”
Walk It Out, UI’s largest multicultural organization, and Babikir’s role as president, became especially important this past semester as the university made drastic cuts to many DEI programs and organizations that provided safe spaces and community for many at the university, including eliminating identity-based LLCs and closing the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity.
Though there were concerns that funding would be cut for this year’s Walk It Out show, Babikir said she, along with many in the organization, would do everything in her power to support the multicultural fashion show and ensure it continues, even if that means fully funding the show with fundraisers.
“Its been a lot. It’s been hard to still feel like we can celebrate and do all this stuff when everyone around us is being cut,” Babikir said. “But that’s also the importance of Walk It Out. We do have to be there and have to represent because just because we’re sad
about other people being cut, if we stop also, then there’s no one really carrying that on.”
And as president of this year’s Walk It Out, Babikir also had to make important decisions about how to address concerns about ICE potentially being on college campuses and about student visas being revoked, especially because the organization includes many international students. Babikir decided that if the need arose, the show would be canceled to protect these students.
“That’s the spirit of Walk It Out, we’re here to protect each other,” Babikir said. “At the end of the day, my job is to help people showcase their culture and themselves, but it’s also to protect them. So, it’s really important to be tuned into student government, to be tuned into local government, to be tuned into other student organizations.”
Jasmine Lee, Walk It Out’s vice president and a fourth-year global studies health studies student, said Babikir has always been a considerate leader.
“She’s a really good ‘let’s get down to business’ kind of person, and that’s what I liked about her, but she was always really really considerate,” Lee said. “A straightforward leader but very considerate of other people, which is really nice to have when your emotions are getting the best of you and tensions are high.”
Babikir dedicated time to Walk It Out beginning in summer 2024, and she continued to work with group leaders and executive members even after Walk It Out’s fashion show performance
on April 12. During this time, and outside of her time with Walk It Out, Babikir has remained dedicated to Walk It Out’s mission of showcasing people’s cultures and supporting cultural communities, as Lauren Jackson, one of Walk It Out’s hip hop group leaders, explained.
“Razan even brought back our actual mission to donate, which is
“Its been a lot. It’s been hard to still feel like we can celebrate and do all this stuff when everyone around us is being cut.”
Razan Babikir UI fourth-year student
part of what Walk It Out originally stated for,” Jackson said. „Razan brought us back to that heart of like we’re here to celebrate our cultures and raise awareness for us, but also to help our communities while we’re doing so.”
And while Babikir is done with her time as Walk It Out president, she will be continuing her studies at the UI as a part of the U2G program. But Guillermo Ng Yi, a fourth- year biomedical engineering student who connected with Babikir while helping lead international student orientation, explained Babikir has been a role model for him and a strong leader.
“Razan is someone who I would trust to lead a country,” Ng Yi said. “I would vote for her for president.”
Sourced from International Programs of Razan Babikir
Van Fosson-Roelfs finds a home at UI
Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs plans to use social work education to help young people.
Laurel Preston Arts Reporter arts@dailyiowan.com
Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs, a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa, is looking forward to graduating with a degree in social work and psychology with a certificate in leadership studies. Van Fosson-Roelfs has a large presence on campus as hospitality director for Dance Marathon, a member of PsiChi, the UI chapter of the psychology society, and orientation services.
“My mother went here and got her undergrad degree here, and I’ve always grown up a Hawkeye,” Van Fosson-Roelfs said.
Van Fosson-Roelfs is known for running around campus for one of the various Dance Marathon events, or for Orientation Services, helping families get familiar with campus life. Whether emailing people for one of her various executive roles or going out of her way to help others in her field, Van Fosson-Roelfs always ensures she provides a kind smile and a helping hand.
“I first met Olivia when she was given the philanthropy chair role for our chapter, and she was incredibly sweet. I noticed how effective she was when it came to collaborating with the team, and she has since been one of the most reliable chair members since I started as president,” Ella Litchfield, the president of PsiChi, said.
One of Van Fosson-Roelfs’ biggest endeavors on campus was Dance Marathon. From a dancer to the hospitality director, Van Fosson-Roelfs has always been a part of the organization, helping the group receive millions of dollars over the last two years for their pediatric care and research. For Van Fosson-Roelfs, it’s all about helping the kids and the community that Dance Marathon builds.
“I was involved in a lot of things in high school, and I wanted to stay involved, and it was a good cause. I have connections to cancer, not
now I’m thinking of different paths, too, because I’ve fallen in love with leadership more so than I thought,”
Van Fosson-Roelfs said.
While working with PsiChi, she established her role as a leader by taking on the philanthropy chair position while juggling her other roles outside the organization.
“Olivia is truly passionate about our initiative of creating a community of psychology students that can assist each other with classes or build friendships. She is also incredibly helpful when planning any event,” Litchfield said.
Passion for helping people keeps Van Fosson-Roelfs going throughout all of her endeavors on campus, and Litchfield credits a lot of the success of the organizations she is in to the senior.
“Olivia puts her all into everything she does, whether it be school, Dance Marathon, or Psi Chi, which is a relatively small commitment in her busy schedule. She motivates me constantly with her insane productivity and time management skills,” Litchfield said.
pediatric, but connections nonetheless. The whole thing led me to so many wonderful experiences and friendships. I’ve always held leadership positions, and people tell me I am a natural leader,” Van Fosson-Roelfs said.
She has found love for nonprofits and has shifted her view to a
new future, one that may involve helping youths with substance abuse issues and rehabilitation.
Throughout her journey here at the university, helping people has always been the goal.
Fosson-Roelfs pursued a degree in psychology, the same field her mother studied when she attended
the UI. However, in following her mother’s footsteps, Fosson-Roelfs discovered a new interest in social work.
“I’ve been able to find things that I didn’t think I would love as much, and it changed what I want to do with my professional career. I always thought of therapy, but
“I love the power the university gives students to openly talk about these things, making it a place for everybody to share their opinion and learn from each other.”
Olivia Fosson-Roelfs UI fourth-year student
Van Fosson-Roelfs’ plans for the future are to continue with the university’s master’s program in social work, graduating in 2026, and start to help people. Her plan is to do this with a nonprofit, creating a shelter house for teens and children to be able to get needed resources and have a safe place to escape to.
“I’d say the university shaped me by giving me the experiences it did but also believing in its students to do these things, like the dance marathon. That is a multi -million dollar organization being entrusted by students, which not every university would have,” Van Fosson-Roelfs said. “I love the power the university gives students to openly talk about these things, making it a place for everybody to share their opinion and learn from each other. Overall, I have genuinely enjoyed my time here, and I have very much found a home.”
John Charlson | The Daily Iowan
University of Iowa senior Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs poses for a portrait outside of the Becker Communication Studies Building in Iowa City on Thursday, May 1. Van Fosson-Roelfs is a psychology and social work double-major, and will attend graduate school at the University of Iowa for a masters in social work.
Just know everything works out in the end
The
Daily Iowan had made me respect journalism more than I already did.
Isabelle Lubguban Arts Reporter opinions@dailyiowan.com
Upon receiving the news that The Daily Iowan would take me as an arts reporter, I felt both excited and confused.
This was because I had originally gone ham on my cover letter, name-dropping graphic design softwares in the hopes of becoming a photojournalist, hoping to refine my picturetaking skills.
If I were to exaggerate I would also add “and gain some real-life experience,” but I would be lying. I simply wanted to take a ton of pictures and have fun.
I had never dabbled in journalism before, as I preferred writing fiction stories and wanted
to become an author from the start. To every writer out there who hasn’t gone viral at some point, it was too much to ask for.
I wanted to find a job before the fall semester started. Shortly after I got my new school email, an alert from the DI popped up on the top of my feed saying they were in need of new reporters in all fields alongside photojournalists.
My desire to take more photos outweighed the need for a job search. I quickly made a cover letter on Canva and sent it in, not expecting anything more to come from it. I knew the job market was a nightmare to begin with.
To my surprise, I got an email from my future arts editors, Stella Shipman and Avi Lapchick, asking to set up a time for a Zoom interview. Even though it had so many technical difficulties that caused me to relocate multiple times, I came out of it newly employed — and very grateful.
I found it interesting that I was more excited to be an arts reporter than a photographer, which was what I first applied for. At that
The Daily Iowan was
moment, I wondered if maybe the position had aligned with me more than I thought it would.
Working at the DI had pulled me out of my comfort zone one time after another, but I felt like it was for the better. The arts have been a huge part of my life ever since childhood. I got to meet so many people that did cool things, and having the privilege to tell their stories had been a wonderful experience.
I remembered how two of my sources had given me very excited and thankful texts the morning their article got published. For a second, their reactions made me forget about all the late nights spent writing, carefully piecing together their story a little at a time.
Being in a collaborative environment made me realize how much time, effort, and heart went into essentially one piece of paper — alongside the web stories of course — every Wednesday, only for it to be done all over again for next week’s edition.
A small thing that stuck with me was how
supportive my editors were with my pieces. I remember all of the feedback would be tied up with a cheerful comment, encouraging me to keep up the good work. For a novice in this field, those meant a lot.
Something that I continued to wrestle with throughout each article was time.
If I were to do any of my works over again, I would have finished them two or three days before and saved myself and my editors from rushing. I humbly apologize to my current Arts Editor, Charlie Hickman, as he knows this firsthand. Sorry, Charles.
I also want to wish future Arts Editor Riley Dunn the best, and I hope that she continues to be bright and uplifting as she was when we were both in YA Fiction class , and later got to know each other in the pitch meeting room. As graduation nears and I look back on all of the stories I got to tell, I felt like I had grown a deeper appreciation for the arts. Through each piece of work, I was led back to myself in more ways than one.
the best decision I’ve made
College hasn’t always been easy, but DITV helped me find a passion for storytelling.
I joined The Daily Iowan TV as a third-year college student, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
DITV gave me a place on campus to call home, and friends that I’d been in search of for a long time.
After graduating from high school in the small town of Guttenberg, Iowa, the size of the University of Iowa scared me. Although I grew up a Hawkeye, I decided to attend Coe College due to what I perceived to be a more accessible size. I was wrong. I never felt like I truly fit in anywhere at Coe. Part of that was my fault — I struggled to make friends and I struggled with my self-confidence. And, as a first-generation
only child college student, I didn’t feel like I had any resources to help. At the end of my first year, I decided to start over and transfer to where my heart lay initially — the UI.
I stayed away from the DI at first. I was vaguely interested, but I entered Iowa as a communications major with no clear goals or aspirations. I started working at CAMBUS — a job that’s been instrumental in my ability to afford college. It’s also an isolating affair. Not surprisingly, there are few opportunities to interact with co-workers when driving a bus.
I lived at Mayflower. Famously, Mayflower has a low student retention rate due to, you guessed it, how isolated it is from the rest of the campus. Needless to say, I didn’t exactly set myself up for success. Again.
At the end of my sophomore year, I needed a change. So, I scheduled a meeting with a career coach at the Pomerantz Center. After what felt more like a psych evaluation than a career conversation, we decided that I was going to move to the journalism major and give that a chance. At the time, it felt like this was my last
chance to find a community for me. That was the second-best decision I’ve ever made.
Before my junior year officially started, I decided to take the jump and applied to the DI. At the time, my self-confidence was at an all-time low, and my anxiety was at an all-time high, but I was hopeful. Since that first day in the DITV studio, the UI has felt like home.
I’ve grown so much these past two years. Not only have I found a passion for storytelling, but I’ve developed self-confidence I’ve never had before. When I started at DITV, calling the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center for a story filled me with anxiety. I looked down at my phone for what felt like an eternity before tapping the green call button, all to simply ask for a quick interview.
Last summer, I had a one-on-one interview with Kate Martin, which I had to set up by chasing down the Las Vegas Aces media relations director around Target Center the day of a WNBA game. The biggest thing I found, however, was a group of phenomenal people who I now get to call my friends.
I’m not going to take the time to shout out all the people who’ve impacted me these past two years. It would simply take too much time. So many people at DITV have been good friends to me, and have helped me grow as a reporter and a leader.
But I do have to thank my DITV sports staff. Since I took over as DITV sports director, they’ve been nothing but hard-workng, creative, and supportive. We started a brand new show, DITV Sports: In the Zone. We covered a little bit of everything, from women’s basketball to golf, telling impactful stories along the way. However, those aren’t the most important things they’ve done for me.
They turned editing bay G, commonly know as “the sports bay,” into a place where people feel welcome to come, hang out, and have fun. People can open custom DITV trading cards or they can get advice on a story they’re working on.
The DITV Sports team created the community I’d been searching for for two years. And I’ll always love them for that.
SENIOR COLUMN
Iowa softball’s Hannah Lindsay reflects on career
The senior spent two seasons as a Hawkeye after playing at New Mexico State.
Jack Birmingham Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Many of Iowa’s athletes have praised the school for its atmosphere, culture, and respect for athletics. For a great number of these athletes, their career as a Hawkeye starts upon eligibility, balancing academics and sports as early as their freshman year. For others, however, Iowa is a later step in their journey.
Iowa softball fourth-year Hannah Lindsay is an example of this trend. After 80 appearances and 62 starts at New Mexico State, the catcher decided to start a new chapter as a Hawkeye.
Like Kylie Feuerbach of women’s basketball who transferred from Iowa State or quarterback Mark Gronowski, who started his career at South Dakota State, Lindsay quickly acclimated to the Big Ten after transferring from the Aggies just in time to start her third year.
“I think the University of Iowa has an amazing culture and an amazing group of girls that I’ve gotten to play with the past two years,” Lindsay said. “This year has been a winning environment, do everything that we have to do as a team to put that forward.”
The fourth-year also credited Iowa’s supporters as one of her favorite aspects of her career.
“I think the alumni and the fan base at the University of Iowa are phenomenal, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Lindsay said. “I love this, seeing all the kids waiting for us to sign balls and stuff.”
Hailing from Surprise, Arizona, Lindsay’s high school career saw her lead her team to the 2021 AIA Softball State Championship semifinals, boosting her stock as a recruit significantly. Lindsay rode this momentum through a season at New Mexico State with 26 starts, totaling 88 putouts, 10 assists,
and gunned down five runners at second.
After a second season with the Aggies, this time with 36 starts, the then-rising third-year found her way from the Southwest to the Midwest.
Iowa softball’s acting head coach Karl Gollan praised Lind say’s consistency, particularly this season, where the Hawkeyes finished the regular season 35-17 overall, including 15-7 in confe rence play.
“She’s just steady, never too up, never too down,” Gollan said after Iowa’s 4-0 home win over Rutgers on May 4. “She’s willing to compete, she cares about her hitting. It’s a nice, steady, cal ming influence.”
Gollan also credited the team as a whole for their performance this season.
“A lot of times, you see teams do things a certain way to get in a position to play late in the season,” Gollan said. “Once they get there, they feel like they’ve got to change everything. We’re just going to continue to do the same thing. If we do what we do well, we’re willing to let the chips fall, wherever they lead us.”
For her part, Lindsay also recognized the efforts of the coaching staff to emphasize focusing on individual players and overall wellness.
“I think our coaches coach us as people, not as just players,” Lindsay said. “I think they care about us all around as an athlete and as a human, more so than just, ‘you’re a player with a number on your back.’ I think we’re people first.”
Third-year infielder Avery Jackson spoke highly of Iowa’s programs that allow transfer athletes to merge seamlessly.
“I think that with our team being the family that we are and
with the culture that we all bring, it’s never really hard for anyone to come and fit in,” Jackson said.
“I think [Hannah] came in and fit into our team and got along with everyone pretty well. We just mesh together.”
“I think the alumni and the fan base at the University of Iowa are phenomenal and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Hannah Lindsay Iowa softball fourth-year
Despite only playing with Lindsay these last two seasons, Jackson also praised her teammate’s hard work and grit.
“I admire her dedication,” the Illinois native said. “She’s very hardworking. She will go out of her way to do extra, to go into the cages. She helps me with hitting all the time, she works hard in any aspect, whatever role she has. She does it to her best ability and she’ll go above and beyond to make herself better for our team.”
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan Iowa catcher Hannah Lindsay warms up between innings during a women’s softball game between Iowa and St. Thomas at Bob Pearl Softball Field in Iowa City on Mar. 12. The Hawkeyes defeated St. Thomas, 1-0.
Ben Wilmes reflects on his Hawkeye career and future
The Iowa baseball player set a career-high in nearly every category this season.
Jackson Miller Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Ben Wilmes was destined to be a Hawkeye.
Growing up a mere two hours from Iowa City in Johnston, Wilmes quickly found his love for the Iowa baseball program thanks to some family ties.
“Luckily for me, I was able to experience Iowa a little earlier,” Wilmes said. “My cousin, Jake Yacinich, played here in 2013 — coach [Rick] Heller’s first years at Iowa. Every chance I got, I came up and watched him play and kind of fell in love before it was my time to come here.”
Flash-forward to 2025, and Wilmes has blossomed into a star for the Hawkeyes. The senior has earned playing time in all four years of his Iowa career, logging
“That’s why I stayed here for four years. Not many people do that these days, especially with the transfer portal and NIL that other schools may get .”
Ben Wilmes
Iowa fourth-year baseball player
20 or more starts in all four sea sons while fine-tuning his game each year.
In his first season, Wilmes hit for a .234 average with 15 runs batted in through 33 appearances. Once his second year came around, Wilmes’ role with the team shot up, as he started 42 games and appeared in 51.
Wilmes improved his aver age to .247 and drove in 24 runs during his sophomore season, which included a national tourna
a .302 average with a career-high seven homers through 47 games. The senior outfielder has also tallied 39 RBIs, also a career-high.
“I give most of the credit to my coaches,” Wilmes said. “Sticking with me and the plan for my growth as a baseball player, but at the same time, it comes from my family and helping them and helping myself be comfortable with the process, and trusting that it’ll turn out in the end. Every year I can play is a great year, so that’s how I look at it.”
As the landscape of college sports changes with the transfer portal, Wilmes has become a rare case of an athlete sticking with a program
for all four years. As his final season in the Black and Gold nears its end, Wilmes reflects on what the program has meant to him.
“The Iowa baseball program over the last four years have really felt like home to me,” Wilmes said. “That’s why I stayed here for four years. Not many people do that these days, especially with the transfer portal and NIL that other schools may get.”
“The opportunity that I had at Iowa was just something really
special to me,” Wilmes added. “And it felt like home, so I might as well stay there for four years.”
Wilmes plans to remain involved with baseball after his Hawkeye career, whether that’s on the field or from the dugout.
“Hopefully, I get picked up by a major league team, but if that doesn’t happen, I plan to become a coach,” Wilmes said. “Either college baseball or softball. Plan number one is to either get drafted or picked up as of now.”
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan
Iowa infielder Ben Wilmes celebrates his home run during a men’s baseball game between Iowa and Nebraska at Duane Banks Baseball Stadium in Iowa City on April 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cornhuskers, 11-6.
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan
Iowa infielder Ben Wilmes celebrates with his teammates during a men’s baseball game between Iowa and Nebraska at Duane Banks Baseball Stadium in Iowa City on April 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cornhuskers, 11-6.
Behind the Bookin-Nosbisch twins track success
From Ottumwa, Iowa, Grace and Alli Bookin-Nosbisch
Morgan Burhans Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
From the small town of Ottumwa, Iowa, mid-distance runners Grace and Alli Bookin-Nosbisch entered the University of Iowa five years ago. In that time, the twins have earned a legacy of accolades and awards in track and field — but also lifelong bonds of memories and lessons that conclude with this season.
Grace Bookin-Nosbisch holds the fifth-fastest 800-meter in program history at 2:05.49. Alli Bookin-Nosbisch claims the program record in the 800-meter at 2:02.92 along with the seventh-best 600-meter at 1:28.60. She was also a part of the sprint medley relay that claimed first in program history at 3:44.12.
The fifth-years share the second-best 4x800-meter relay in program history at 8:35.75. In 2023, the sisters secured the program record in the distance medley relay with a time of 11:15.07.
Still, those accolades are not what matters most to them.
“At the end of the day, your relationship is more important than a time, a mark, a PR, anything within sports,” Grace Bookin-Nosbisch said. “When you’re able to recognize that, it leads to so much more fulfillment.”
The Bookin-Nosbisch sisters attended Ottumwa High School where they won a state championship in the 4x800-meter relay together. Alli Bookin-Nosbisch also claimed first in the 800-meter open individually.
“We were not supposed to win,” Alli Bookin-Nosbisch said. “It was such a blast, and it was so cool doing it together.”
What meant most was winning for their high school.
“Just being able to say that we weren’t from one of those super high-income, power high schools was super cool,” Grace Bookin-Nosbisch said. “It pushed a narrative of just working hard and just being grateful for what you have.”
These state championship titles helped get their names on the map for college recruiting. The Bookin-Nosbisch twins knew they were a package deal for college. In their process of searching for colleges, the twins were certain they wanted to leave Iowa to seek somewhere warm.
“It’s funny because, going into our recruiting search, we were like, ‘We’re absolutely not staying in-state,’” Alli Bookin-Nosbisch
said. “It’s funny because we chose the closest university of our hometown, which is just ironic.”
When they arrived at the University of Iowa the two said, it felt like home.
“We didn’t know how good we had it in our backyard,” Grace Bookin-Nosbisch said. “[Coach Jason Wakenight] never grouped us either. We were individuals, which was something we kind of struggled with … It was nice to be as seen as our own person.”
Upon arrival at Iowa, Wakenight described them as quiet and reserved. As the years went on, that quickly changed.
“They tricked me. I definitely didn’t think that they were just chatty,” Wakenight said. “But they have really blossomed, and man, they are hilarious.”
The sisters describe themselves as the “Chatty Cathys” and the “personality hires” of the team. They focus on maintaining a pos itive mindset and making training fun and lighthearted.
Despite their fun personality, their work ethic and skill is recognized and appreciated at Iowa.
have left their mark at Iowa.
“Nobody works harder than them. Nobody gives more than them to be successful,” Wakenight said. “They set a really high standard, and everybody else has to adapt to them in terms of showing up and working your ass off everyday.”
Their main focus is to push and motivate each other in competition rather than strike a rivalry. Alli Bookin-Nosbisch’s most memorable moment competing together was getting to lead Grace to her personal-best.
“Alli has led me to some of my fastest times … which I am so grateful for,” Grace Bookin-Nosbisch said.
They do almost everything together as they both compete in the same distance group, live together, and are getting their masters in sports and recreation management.
“I look at it as, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s such a blessing that I get to spend so much time with my sister,’” Alli Bookin-Nosbisch said.
For anyone who is thinking about going to college with their sibling, the twins have some advice:
“It’s worth it,” Grace Bookin-Nosbisch said. “You’re more than just that athlete. You’re human beings, and your relationship is so important.”
“Do it,” Alli Bookin-Nosbisch said. “It has been the biggest blessing for me. It just creates a special bond.”
Jerod Ringwald | The Daily Iowan Iowa’s Alli Bookin-Nosbisch competes in the women’s 800-meter during the Larry Wieczorek Invitational at the Iowa Indoor Track Facility in Iowa City on Jan. 21, 2023.
Ayrton Breckenridge | The Daily Iowan Iowa runner Grace Bookin-Nosbisch competes in the Hawkeye Invite meet at the Ashton Cross Country Course on Sept. 3, 2021. Bookin-Nosbisch finished with a time of 15:35.6 in the 4K race.
Seniors see success
Payton Sandfort, Lucy Olsen, and Stephen Buchanan led their programs in their final seasons as Hawkeyes.
Chris Meglio Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Iowa saw several prominent athletes put on the black and gold this year across all sports — from football and basketball to golf and soccer. But a select few of those athletes represented something much bigger than the school and the sport in their senior seasons.
Men’s basketball’s Payton Sandfort, women’s basketball’s Lucy Olsen, and men’s wrestling’s Stephen Buchanan are among those fan favorites. Each athlete heavily contributed to their respective team’s success and will now seek individual success in the next chapter of
Several Division I offers were on the table — Iowa, Stanford, Utah, Minnesota, Drake, Air Force, Loyola-Chicago, and more. But there was something about Iowa that reeled him in.
“Ultimately, when it came down to it, this felt like home to me because of the style, the culture, and the people within the program and the people who support the program,” Sandfort said of his commitment to Iowa in December 2020. “The night Fran McCaffrey asked me to play at Iowa was incredible. I was in Kansas City for a live period event where coaches could come. The second day, I walked into the gym and heard my dad say, ‘Fran’s here, so forget everything and play your best.’ And I played really well.”
Payton Sandfort reacts to the Hawkeyes’ win during a men’s basketball game between Iowa and Penn State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Jan. 24, 2024. The Hawkeyes defeated the Nittany Lions, 76-75.
Of the three, Sandfort was the only one who was a Hawkeye for multiple years. The Waukee, Iowa, native was a basketball star in the Des Moines area, leading Waukee High School to the 2021 4A State Championship in his senior season.
Iowa guard Lucy Olsen exits the court following a basketball game between No. 11 Iowa and No. 14 Wisconsin at the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 5.
Little did he know how beloved he’d become among the Hawkeye fanbase. Going from a limited bench player, to a key reserve, to the star player, he stayed loyal to the program through all four seasons, so much so that he forwent the 2024 NBA Draft for one
“I know the team we have coming back. I didn’t want to abandon these guys with what we could build this year,” Sandfort said in October 2024. “We’ve got a ton of good pieces, and I felt really good about that — ultimately just, like I said, went with a gut [feeling].”
He got to live out his dream of playing high-level collegiate basketball and did so alongside his younger brother, Pryce, who was a Hawkeye through Payton’s last two seasons. He leaves the program as the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, a 2024 Third-Team All-Big Ten honoree, and the 2025 Chris Sandfort will graduate with a finance degree; however, a professional career hangs
Lucy Olsen
On the flip side, Olsen’s future has already been decided for her — with the 23rd overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She became the fifth Iowa women’s basketball player to be drafted since 2019, joining Megan Gustafson, Monika Czinano, Kate Martin, and Caitlin Clark. Olsen’s collegiate career began at Villanova — about 25 minutes away from her hometown of Collegevilla, Pennsylvania. By her third season, she became one of the
best guards in the country, finishing third in scoring behind Caitlin Clark and Juju Watkins with 23.3 points per game two seasons ago.
She entered the transfer portal after the season and quickly found a new home with Iowa just five days later for her final go.
“They were just the nicest ever,” Olsen said following her commitment to Iowa in April 2024. “And then when we got on campus for a visit, I was like, ‘Wow, this feels like family already.’ There was something about the culture they’ve built [that] felt so like home. That’s what sold me.”
It wasn’t just her elite play but her infectious energy that captivated the Hawkeye fanbase. Through the highs and lows, her big smile never faded. The team fully embraced her, and the energy was reciprocated.
Iowa was a team that was expected to miss the NCAA tournament. Thanks to Olsen’s contributions, the Hawkeyes earned the 11-seed for the Big Dance. Second round exit and all, the season is very well seen as a success.
“Super proud of the team, and everyone became my family. Got the best coach here,” Olsen said following the NCAA tournament loss to Oklahoma in March. “I’m just super grateful for it. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Stephen Buchanan
Buchanan’s lone year with Iowa was also one for the books. After two years at Wyoming and two years at Oklahoma, he committed to Hawkeye men’s wrestling with
A referee holds up Iowa No. 2
Buchanans hand after defeating Penn State No. 4 Josh Barr during the finals of the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championship at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on March. 22.
his eyes set on a national championship. Little did he know he’d find a family in the process.
“God has a plan, and he put me in Iowa for a reason. I never really loved the sport,” Buchanan said after his national championship victory in March 2025. “I did it because I was good at it. In Iowa, I began to start loving the sport, and that changes everything about it.”
He dominated all season long, posing as Iowa’s best chance to bring home a title. Through 27 matches, Buchanan suffered just one loss, and that was to Michigan’s Jacob Cardenas in the Big Ten 197-pound championship match — certainly a stinger ahead of the biggest stage.
But what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. And when the NCAA championships rolled around, Buchanan was at his strongest.
Not only did he secure a long-awaited title but he also earned his fourth All-American bid and was Iowa’s lone 2025 national champion. More importantly, he found the love for a sport he was extremely talented at.
Buchanan has the option of heading down the criminal justice route, but his love for wrestling gives him another option for the future as he’s signed to the Hawkeye Wrestling Club with the Olympics in mind.
“I didn’t really like wrestling until I got to Iowa, and now I started to get a passion for it,” he said. “I’m gonna leave it up to God. He has a plan for me. But all in all, I’m going to continue wrestling and continue this athletic career in mind until He gives me something else.”
