Every winter, thousands of Iowa fans line up for this swirl of nostalgia at Iowa basketball games and wrestling matches in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Learn why this simple soft serve draws fans in droves even as outdoor temperatures plummet.

From fun at Iowa football games, to cutting-edge research, to students in their residence hall rooms — and everything in between — check out the fall 2025 semester in these 16 frames.

Hawkeye High-Five is a new recognition program that allows faculty and staff across the university to give a virtual “high-five” to a colleague for their contributions, teamwork, or extra effort. It’s a great way to show appreciation and highlight the positive work taking place on campus. Read about some of the first recipients.

John Colloton, the namesake of University of Iowa Health Care’s Colloton Pavilion, died Nov. 14 at age 94. His vision and leadership spanned more than four decades, transforming patient care and establishing UI Health Care as one of the world’s premier medical centers. Read more about his life and legacy.

Jay Holstein, emeritus professor in the Department of Religious Studies, died Nov. 14 at age 87. For more than five decades at the University of Iowa, Holstein taught tens of thousands of students and became one of the institution’s most celebrated educators.

A student exploring a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. A quiet café overlooking Budapest’s Parliament. A snow-covered University of Iowa campus, seen through the eyes of an international graduate student. These are among the winning images selected for the 2025 UI International Programs International Photo Contest.

University of Iowa biologists discovered that a New Zealand freshwater snail duplicated its entire genome, capturing a rare evolutionary transitory state. The finding shows how large-scale genetic events can generate the raw material needed to fuel significant new adaptations and innovations in animals.

The University of Iowa recognizes five exceptional Veterans and members of the UI community with the 2025 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award.

The history and African American Studies professor published her first book in June.

University of Iowa Staff Council’s service-recognition program acknowledges all professional and scientific and merit staff who have reached 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of continuous service. Awardees receive a certificate and a letter of appreciation from the Office of the Provost.