From faculty panel sessions to a student-welcome dinner flash mob, 90 University of Iowa students participated in The Iowa Edge program Aug. 13-15 on the UI campus.

The program is designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds to gain "the edge" as they start their education as Hawkeyes and teaches them about the resources available to make the most of their time on campus and succeed in achieving their goals.

Of the 90 new students, 46 percent are African-American, 34 percent are Latino, 11 percent are Asian-American, 6 percent are Native-American, and 1 percent are white. Fifty percent of these students are the first in their families to attend college. Currently, there are more than 2,000 first-generation students attending the UI.

The Kevin and Donna Gruneich Charitable Foundation funds the Iowa Edge Program, with additional support from the UI Chief Diversity Office and the Center for Diversity and Enrichment. Kevin Gruneich is an Iowa alumnus who received his bachelor's of business administration degree in 1980. The program is coordinated by a committee of staff and faculty members representing seven colleges and 12 offices and departments.

This year, Kevin Gruneich was able to visit campus and participate in the activities. He and his son helped students move in on Monday, and he attended both the family and student welcome activities.