Hello from Honors Publications!
On behalf of the Spring 2025 semester’s group of 12 student writers, as well as us three TAs, we are excited to present you the Spring Newsletter! Featuring 12 works, this newsletter is one of our most diverse yet. Among the articles, you’ll find personal profiles, first-person narratives, and a colorful description of downtown Iowa City from Ashlyn Solinsky.
Our writers explored a wide range of topics — anything from the Iowa Rowing Team to the career of a beloved professor. Indeed, Abby Jager took an in-depth look at Dave Gould’s journey through education leading up to his retirement this summer, and Isaac Branch explored the rowing program’s operations and honors student-athletes in a uniquely artistic writing style.
Some writers looked at what the honors program itself offers: Niya Shaul talked to honors faculty about how the program differentiates itself; Lauren Wessling explored life as a resident assistant in the Honors Living Learning Community on campus; and Nic Cazin detailed the benefits for honors students in Hawkeye Service Breaks. Jill Neid compared the experiences of honors students coming to the program from within Iowa with those of students from across the world.
A handful of writers examined the honors student experience beyond the program. Charlie Moretta and Alexa Justice profiled students in both Greek life and the honors program, describing how involvement in one informed the other. From a first-person perspective, Jack Racki described his own benefit from membership in a fraternity and in the honors program. Ava Neumaier interviewed three honors students working in jobs that will inform their prospective careers, and LeeAnn Mills spoke to honors student Ellie Wojcikowski about receiving the Excellence in Undergraduate Research award.
As TAs, we’re tremendously proud of this group of students for their hard work, many of whom have never written journalistically before. They were never afraid to take a risk with their writing and ask the right questions along the way. This newsletter is the result, and we hope you enjoy everything they’ve put into it.
Sincerely,
Hannah Cargo (BA25)
Colin Votzmeyer (BA25)
Riley Dunn (BA27)
Journey of Gould: How One Faculty Member Changed Education
Thousands of students have been impacted by his ingenuity. For over 20 years, he has worked to uplift lives. This is the story of how Dave Gould became a dreamer and a trailblazer.
A Reflective Honors Program: How the UIHP works to stand out from others across the country
Picking the college that’s the best fit can be a lot of pressure for prospective students. There are many important factors to consider, and one that is on a lot of students’ minds is the different honors programs. What makes Iowa’s honors program unique? UI Honors Program Associate Director Emily Hill shared why prospective Hawkeyes can be excited about Honors at Iowa.
Iowa City Magic: Is this heaven?
Thousands of Iowa City locals stroll through the Pedestrian Mall in downtown every day, talking on the phone, distracted by friends, or keeping entirely to themselves. But a look around at the artwork across the mall — murals, sculptures, and poetry — begs the question, “Is this heaven?”
Honors on the Job: From Class to Career
Working honors students Roxy Ekberg, Carson Bantz, and Olivia Bishop balance advanced classes and burgeoning careers at the University of Iowa. Ekberg works in journalism, Bantz as part of a small business, and Bishop in social work. All three discuss their hands-on experiences pursuing their goals.
Full Steam Ahead: How Honors and Rowing Instill Dedication, Ambition, and Teamwork
Walking onto a Division I team is a jagged path for many, especially while pursuing honors. However, Kendall Doerr’s journey from H-Town to Iowa City gives inspiration and insight into these enriching opportunities.
Choosing Iowa: A global and local perspective on the University of Iowa
Aishani Kundu traveled across the globe to attend the writing university, otherwise known as the University of Iowa. For Kate Schlawin, the UI is practically in her backyard. Despite their vastly different hometowns, both Kundu and Schlawin’s stories share surprising similarities, especially in how well the university is preparing them for their future careers.
The Ultimate Spring Break: How Hawkeye Service Breaks Provide Meaningful Experiences
The University of Iowa’s Hawkeye Service Break program provides students a unique spring break opportunity to contribute to communities across the country in meaningful ways. Sponsored by the university, honors students engage in community service that informs their living in their own areas.
Best of Both Worlds: Honors and Sorority Life
Sisters Chloe and Rylie Ovel gave insights into their experiences as members of both a sorority and the University of Iowa Honors Program. They provided tips for time management and shared the benefits, complements, and challenges of each.
It’s Mice to Meet You, Ellie! An Honors Student’s Research History
University of Iowa honors student Ellie Wojcikowski received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award — but now she’s going to make her own way with her own research study.
A Combination of Commitments: Balancing Brotherhood, Academics, and Service
Where balancing membership in multiple groups tests the time management, University of Iowa honors student and Pi Kappa Phi member Ian Stortz proves one group can inform the other. In fact, Stortz believes his participation in both makes him a well-rounded individual and has “filled my cup.”
A Close-up Look at Honors and Greek Life: Finding Enrichment in the Mix
Greek life taught Jack Racki the value of community and the importance of giving back. The honors program nurtured a passion for knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning. Together, they are providing the third year honors student with a holistic college experience that continues to nurture both his personal and intellectual growth.
The Honors Living-Learning Community: The Perspective of an Honors Resident Assistant
The Honors Living-Learning Community is an option for first year honors students at the University of Iowa to live on the same floor together. Sophomore Krishna Bharadwaj details his experience as a resident assistant for the honors floor and how he aims to create a positive living experience for honors students.