This May, 14 students received their UI REACH certificates at the 2026 UI REACH Convocation Ceremony.

2026 UI REACH graduates stand on the steps of the Old Capitol Building, holding balloons.

 The ceremony included piano from graduating student Josh McKinnon and a performance from the Music Experience Choir. In addition to Director Bill Lloyd’s opening speech, remarks were given by University of Iowa Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel, College of Education Dean Daniel Clay, and University of Iowa Hospitals’ Assistant Manager of Food & Nutrition Services Edwin West. Several graduating students also delivered introductions and speeches, including Kristina Brinck, Kael Anderson, Abigail Searer, Gavin Carlson, and Desmond Kapayou. In his farewell speech, Des encouraged his fellow graduates to, “believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams!” At UI REACH, we echo this sentiment: We are so proud of each of you for your success in the program and the bright futures that lie ahead of you!

UI REACH Ceremony Video

Convocation Ceremony

A choir performing on stage at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Bill Lloyd stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Kristi Brinck stands at a podium and delivers a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Kael Anderson stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation ceremony. Dean Dan Clay stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation ceremony. A photo of three graduating students wearing decorative graduation caps. Des stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Abby Searer stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Edwin West stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation Kevin Kregel stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Gavin Carlson stands at a podium, delivering a speech at the 2026 UI REACH graduation. Graduates and their friends and family socialize near the Old Capitol Building.

Year Two Graduate

A headshot of Lukas Guetzko in his cap and gown.

Lukas Guetzko from West Branch, IA

Year Three Graduates

A headshot of Sammy Ball in his cap and gown.

Sammy Ball from Knoxville, IA 

A headshot of Olivia Postman in her cap and gown.

Olivia Postman from Coralville, IA

A headshot of Caitlyn Bergman in her cap and gown.

Caitlyn Bergman from Naperville, IL

A headshot of Ben Roseman in his cap and gown.

Ben Roseman from Bettendorf, IA

A headshot of Kristi Brinck in her cap and gown.

Kristi Brinck from Sioux City, IA

A headshot of Abby Searer in her cap and gown.

Abby Searer from Hermosa Beach, CA

A headshot of Lea Hendrickson in her cap and gown.

Lea Hendrickson from Hamburg, IA

Year Four Graduates

A headshot of Kael Anderson in his cap and gown.

Kael Anderson from Winnetka, IL

A headshot of Jack Kostal in his cap and gown.

Jack Kostal from Naperville, IL

A headshot of Josh McKinnon in his cap and gown.

Josh McKinnon from Clarinda, IA

A headshot of Desmond Kapayou in his cap and gown.

Desmond Kapayou from Tama, IA

A headshot of Gavin Carlson in his cap and gown.

Gavin Carlson from Newcastle, ME

A headshot of Blake Stewart in his cap and gown.

Blake Stewart from Monmouth, IL