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Summer at ������ý is anything but quiet. Students spent their days conducting hands-on research through Mentored Advanced Projects (MAPs), while the campus and community came together for farmers' markets, concerts in the park, Fourth of July celebrations, youth programs, and countless moments that make ������ý feel like home. This photo essay offers a glimpse into a season filled with discovery, connection, and community.

As director of communications, she leads strategic communications and media relations, oversees the College's social media strategy, and enjoys highlighting partnerships that strengthen the relationship between the College and the community. Away from work, you'll usually find her at her family's cabin in northern Minnesota, traveling, shopping or chasing after Summer, her energetic chocolate Lab. We caught up with Mattia to learn more about her life on and off campus.

This summer, ������ý College is investing more than $1.2 million to ensure students can pursue meaningful research, internships, and community-engaged learning experiences that prepare them for lives of purpose and impact.

As a summer intern with the ������ý Area Arts Council (GAAC), Pruszinski's work spans nearly every aspect of the organization—from youth arts education and public programming to nonprofit administration and communications. The experience is helping her grow as an educator while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a community arts organization thriving.

A summer Mentored Advanced Project explores the history of one of English’s most enduring words.

As part of his Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) in the Department of English, Schlimm is examining how one of the world's most popular trading card games tells stories—not just through its artwork and characters, but through the rules and mechanics that shape how the game is played. Working with Stephen Andrews, associate professor of English and director of the Center for the Humanities, Schlimm is examining what happens when a game known for its fantasy worlds ventures into new genres—and what those changes can reveal about culture and history.

This summer that passion evolved through her volunteer work with ������ý’s Civic Education & Innovation (CEI) Summer of Service program with the ������ý Fire Department and regional emergency response organizations. Rather than focusing solely on emergency response, the position introduces Trujillo to the many agencies working together to strengthen public health, emergency preparedness, and community safety throughout Poweshiek County.

Through the Exhibition Seminar, students move beyond studying exhibitions to creating one. From selecting artworks to writing catalog essays and installing the exhibition, they experience the work of museum professionals firsthand.

Each year, ������ý College awards up to three Harris Faculty Fellowships, which provide recipients with a full year to focus on research. Harris Faculty Fellowships also provide funding for recipients’ departments to hire term visiting faculty for the Fellowship year.

Physics student Christine Ko ’28 gains hands-on experience with advanced scientific instrumentation through a summer internship at the University of Iowa.

The creation of the associate vice president for people and culture position was announced in January 2026 as part of a phased leadership transition for ������ý’s Human Resources team. In this role, Pettigrew will be a key member of the College’s senior leadership team and will report to Germaine Gross, vice president for finance and chief financial officer.  

The Community Mini-Grant Program is one way ������ý College partners with local nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that build community strength and resilience.

Recent graduates and alumni were named Fulbright U.S. Student Program Grantees for the 2026–2027 academic year, selected based on their academic achievement, distinct experiences, personal attributes, and leadership potential.

A week of free performances and hands-on workshops connected ������ý families with Iowa history, storytelling, music, and creativity through a partnership between the ������ý College Museum of Art and community organizations.