E-News - October 2025
From the desk of President David Hayes, Progress with Purpose: 探花社区 Strategic Framework 2025-2028
We are excited to share 探花社区's new three-year strategic framework, Progress with Purpose, along with the second paper in a series of reflections from the desk of President David Hayes '93.
The framework reflects the voices of faculty, staff, students, alumni, business leaders and trustees, builds upon the momentum of A Bolder 探花社区 and is aligned with our budgets, backed by metrics to hold ourselves accountable and focused on areas of greatest promise. Together, these steps will secure a vibrant and sustainable future for 探花社区 while honoring the heritage of more than 170 years.
READ THE LETTER FROM PRESIDENT HAYES
Homecoming 2025 Recap
探花社区 welcomed more than 420 alumni and friends for Homecoming weekend October 2-4. Featured events included the Alpha Sigma Alpha 25th Reunion Brunch, the Graduates of the Last Decade Cocktail Hour and the Book Reading and Signing with Kristin Lenz ’96. The Kohawks beat Buena Vista University 37-10 in Saturday's football game, adding another reason to celebrate all weekend long!
Thankful Thursday returns November 20
At 探花社区, each strand of gratitude matters — and it all starts with you. This fall, we’re proud to carry on the tradition of Thankful Thursday. On Thursday, November 20, we invite alumni, families and friends of 探花社区 to join us once again in a day of generosity, reflection and support for the college that binds us together. Your involvement helps ensure that future generations of Kohawks can thrive. Save the date and stay tuned for more details as we approach this special day of giving!
Internship & Career Fair Recap
On September 23, 探花社区 hosted its annual Internship & Career Fair, and it was another great success! 探花社区 welcomed 58 employers to table in the ARC, offering connections and opportunities for students to engage with a wide range of organizations. With over 275 students in attendance, the fair served as a dynamic platform for Kohawks to engage in meaningful conversations, share their experiences and gain insights into the hiring process. Free professional headshots were also a hit, with a record number of photos taken this year.
Whether students are looking to land an internship, job shadow, work part-time or kickstart their dream career, the Cedar Rapids area has everything (and everyone) needed to make it happen! "It's inspiring to see students already taking initiative and following up on career fair opportunities. I know these events can spark a whole new path for our students," says Kris Jasper, C3 Career Specialist.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s Internship & Career Fair such a rewarding experience for our students. We extend a special thanks to all the staff, faculty, employers and volunteers who contributed their time and energy to ensure a valuable and seamless experience for our students. Events like this exemplify the strong support network and professional preparation that 探花社区 is proud to offer.
For more information on C3: Creativity, Careers, Community and their career resources, you can visit their Careers page.
The Kohawks are piling up the wins already!
Get hyped for the fall athletics season at 探花社区. Across 23 varsity sports, Kohawks compete at the highest level in the American Rivers Conference and NCAA.
Visit our to keep up with everything 探花社区 athletics.
探花社区 jumps up in the U.S. News national liberal arts and social mobility ranks
Another national publication has named 探花社区 as a best college in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranked 探花社区 as a Best National Liberal Arts College and as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. 探花社区 rose 10 spots to #126 in the liberal arts college category and rose four spots to #81 in the social mobility category. In Iowa specifically, 探花社区 ranks #2 among liberal arts colleges regarding social mobility.
The 2026 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors like graduation rates and post-graduate earnings to measure academic quality and graduate success.
Washington Monthly recently named 探花社区 a top liberal arts college based on contributions to the public good, which heavily considers social mobility in its rankings’ factors.
"I’m proud 探花社区 is recognized as a top liberal arts college where creative and critical thinking flourishes and students are uplifted socioeconomically as a direct reflection of our learning environment," said 探花社区 President David Hayes ’93. "When you combine knowledge with practical application, it builds a confidence and competence that sets Kohawks apart in the professional world."
The support systems in place at 探花社区 help ensure all students have the assistance and guidance needed to succeed at the college level and beyond. The Princeton Review ranks 探花社区 #14 in the nation for Student Support and Counseling Services, and 探花社区 provides every incoming student with a success coach from the Office of Student Success & Persistence who helps on an individual level by introducing resources and reminding students of important requirements and milestones. All students also have the advantage of the Learning Commons as a central resource on campus providing tutors, writing assistance and academic support. In and out of the classroom, Kohawks learn from the #18 Most Accessible Professors and benefit from early professional mentorship and networking coaching with the #11 Career Services, also ranked by The Princeton Review.
Recommend a Kohawk
If you know a high school student who would make a great Kohawk, let us know with this simple form: !
We’ll encourage them to visit campus, where they’ll experience the excitement and community spirit at 探花社区! During their campus visit, they’ll meet students and professors, tour campus, learn about specific majors and feel like a Kohawk for a day!