Julie Games of West Union, Iowa, presented the Martin & Julie Games Cheer and Dance Scholarship to 2025 recipient Madelyn Wolf of Atkins, Iowa. A dedicated member of the Peacock Cheer and Dance team, Madelyn is entering her senior year and is pursuing business administration, marketing, and public relations
FAYETTE, IOWA (May 20, 2025) — Upper Iowa University (UIU) celebrated academic excellence during its annual Honors and Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 12, at the Fayette Campus. More than $432,000 in scholarships were awarded through 212 individual recognitions. Financial support will be distributed to students during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Scholarship recipients were selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, leadership, and student involvement. Over 4,000 currently enrolled undergraduate students who meet the Honors and Awards Program criteria were considered. In addition, UIU offers several scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen, helping future Peacock students get a strong start in their academic journey.
“This special occasion formally recognized the academic achievements of our deserving students,” said Ashley Gredys, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “It was a privilege to celebrate alongside their families and the dedicated members of our faculty and staff.”
The banquet also honored the generosity of UIU’s scholarship donors and representatives. Many had the opportunity to present their awards in person, fostering a memorable and meaningful connection to their recipients.
“The Honors and Awards Program reflects our commitment to academic excellence and the long-term success of our students,” Gredys added. “These scholarships help make higher education more accessible and affordable for all.”
To view highlights from the event, visit the online photo gallery at go.uiu.edu/HonorsAwards25. For more information on scholarship opportunities or how to contribute, visit uiu.edu/Scholarships or contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at alumni@uiu.edu or 563-425-5388.
Collin Altensey of Port Byron (Illinois) was awarded the Roger and Alice Mangan Wrestling Scholarship and The Herz Scholarship Fund and Zecha-McCauley Scholarship.
Jessica Carter of Bettendorf (Iowa) was awarded the Babcock Scholarship.
Lindsay Curtis of Davenport (Iowa) was awarded the May (Cliff) Davig Endowed Scholarship.
Lucero Torres of Davenport (Iowa) was awarded the The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship.
Marwa Karoumia of Moline (Illinois) was awarded the Chalena Marie McCoy Memorial Scholarship.
Taylor Sedam of Milan (Illinois) was awarded the Thomas Parker Goebel and Helen Goebel Scholarship.
Tessa McIntyre of Davenport (Iowa) was awarded the The Hoyt R and Winifred Appelman Young Scholarship Fund.
Trisha Irish of Davenport (Iowa) was awarded the William F and La Vonne I Gutches Student Scholarship.
About Upper Iowa University:
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit university providing undergraduate- and graduate-degree programs to roughly 5,500 students — nationally and internationally — at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus, and education centers through the US. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, affordable, and quality programs through flexible, multiple-delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual-enrollment programs for high-school students as well as continuing-education and professional-development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit uiu.edu.
Michael Helke
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“We’re the River Cities’ Reader, and we’ve kept the Quad Cities’ only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.
So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage.” – Todd McGreevy, Publisher
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