UI REACH is warmly welcomed at the University of Iowa. Our 100+ community partners validate this statement daily by providing quality opportunities for student participation in campus activities, student organizations, internship sites, classroom experiences, and integrated living in the residence halls. 

In a recent presentation at the annual conference of the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP), Director Bill Loyd heralded the University of Iowa as a model of inclusion in his presentation entitled “It Still Takes A Village.” The support that we get from the university and from the College of Education has been a huge part of the success of the UI REACH program, which now celebrates 16 years of existence. Nowhere is this truer than with our university’s president, Barbara Wilson. We are so grateful to have a president who personally knows about the program and ensures that we are built into her schedule several times each year. Whether attending our commencement exercises (she hasn’t missed one yet), or speaking with our students on campus, or thanking those who have donated to UI REACH, President Wilson puts a personal touch in her messages about how the program is helping the university learn and grow as a community. Other members of the administration have also shown their support in a variety of ways.

 This brief mention is a thank you to everyone who helps UI REACH students feel welcomed, valued, and respected at the University of Iowa. We’re proud to be Hawkeyes!