May 3, 2024 was another special day in UI REACH history. Twenty-five students completed graduation requirements for either a four, three, or two-year certificate from the program and joined with family, staff, and guests in the Pappajohn Business Building’s Buchanan Auditorium for another memorable event. The ceremony included music from Joshua McKinnon (2nd-year student) and the Heavenly Hawkeyes, featuring UI REACH students and students from the School of Music. University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson and Associate Dean Mark McDermott with the College of Education’s Office of Student Services provided remarks that noted how UI REACH is an integral part of the University of Iowa. Special guests included Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, members of the UI REACH Advisory Board, and many of our campus and community partners. The highlights of the day were the student speeches and introductions, which were all amazing!
Our Graduates
Year 2 graduates
Year 3 and 4 graduates
Updates from a few graduates
Sebastien Janelle
During his time in the program, Janelle served as student council president, participated in the Dream Fellowship program, participated in the Special Olympics in five categories, received a Diversity Inclusion Award from the Campus Activities Board, and served in the Homecoming Royalty Court. He is engaged to UI REACH classmate Mia Able and plans to relocate to California this summer to start a new life there with Able.
Connor Muston
During his time in the program, Muston earned two certifications in welding from Kirkwood Community College.
Meghan Boyle
Boyle will enroll as a non-degree candidate at the UI College of Education and plans to earn a paraeducator certification.
Ethan Jones
During his time in the program, Jones completed studies in the IowaLEND program as a self-advocate trainee and traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak to legislators about the need for college funding for persons with disabilities.
#AlwaysAHawkeye: The following students will relocate to Iowa City this fall to live and work here: Meg Barinka, Sam Crowe, Connor Muston, Charlie Streicher, Janson Turner, Casey Ursich, Evan Wallace, Meghan Boyle, Morgan Haake, and Jon Ringler.