Alumni from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop won an exceptional number of national literary awards in this year’s awards season. The novels of three alumni in particular—Adam Haslett, Garth Greenwell, and Yaa Gyasi—received numerous honors. Workshop director Lan Samantha Chang says alumni were heavily represented in all categories of literary award.

University of Iowa President J. Bruce Harreld congratulates graduating Hawkeyes on a job well done and looks forward to their future accomplishments.

Trowbridge Hall has a new, permanent home for its meteorite collection. Professor Ingrid Ukstins worked with UI sophomore Zachary Luppen to organize the nearly 100 meteorites into a single exhibit. The collection includes a 110-pound chunk of the Tilden Meteorite, pieces of which landed in Tilden, Illinois, in 1927.

In November 2016, Ignacio Alvarez began working with his UI Wellness coach to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Seven months in, he feels younger, has more energy, and knows he’s setting a good example for his daughter. Read on to find out how UI Wellness can help you achieve your goals.

Sydney Hofferber is graduating from the UI equipped to help people get the care and assistance they need. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native is receiving a degree in health and human physiology and engaged social innovation, and she’s already designed a successful educational video about the value of breastfeeding.

“The Iowa Review,” one of the most respected literary magazines in the country, is bringing veterans’ work to a wider audience through the Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans writing contest. The contest honors Jeff Sharlet, a Vietnam veteran, anti-war activist, and founder of “Vietnam GI.”

Begun in 1909 and petering out around 1929, Frolic Day, featuring a tug-of-war, sack races, and other field-day-style games, was a way for UI students to blow off steam around final exams. The Campus Activities Board recently brought the event back to campus. UI archivist David McCartney investigates.

In her first year at the University of Iowa, Erin Maier took an astronomy class on a whim. Now, after receiving numerous grants and assembling a UI telescope in the Arizona desert, she’s graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physics and astronomy and will soon pursue a doctorate.

Sixteen University of Iowa students and alumni have been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants to conduct research, attend graduate school, undertake creative projects, or serve as English teaching assistants abroad in 2017–18, breaking the UI’s previous record of 15 set last year.

The second season in the University of Iowa’s new Hancher Auditorium also will be the organization’s 45th anniversary season. The celebratory lineup features an array of world-class performers who will contribute to the artistic conversation on the UI campus, in the community, and across the state.

Sean Seelau earned degrees in philosophy, worked for years in the telecommunications industry, then in his forties decided to return to school. Now he’s graduating from the UI with a BA in mechanical engineering and is the first graduate to receive the UI’s new Certificate in Naval Hydrodynamics.

President Bruce Harreld has announced the University of Iowa will hire an independent firm to conduct an external review of university employment practices as defined by the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This review will begin with the UI Athletics Department.