Alumni Events

This month, we are joined by Jackie (Jellings) Cooper, a 2015 Fayette Campus alum, on Tuesday, March 25th, virtually at 6 p.m. central as she presents “Success Isn’t a Straight Line”. Jackie is a lifelong learner with a desire to make an impact on those around her. Now raising her family in northeast Iowa, she has a career spanning several fields that all tie back to using her graphic design, marketing, and management background obtained at Upper Iowa. With each new role comes its own challenges but also the opportunity to learn something new and make an impact in the community she is serving. Tune in while Jackie talks about her experiences at UIU and how they translated to her career today.

To join the virtual session, visit UIU’s Facebook page at facebook.com/upperiowauniversity.

All previous Speaker Series sessions are posted at uiu.edu/alumnispeakerseries.

Over the years, this awesome tradition has raised over $875,000 to support students and emerging needs of the University. Let’s roll up our sleeves once again, Peacocks, and see what we can do for our students and the University. Early gifts are welcome and will be proudly acknowledged during the event at uiu.edu/GivingDays.

Adding to the excitement, this year’s Giving Days coincides with National Peacock Day on March 25—a perfect time to showcase your peacock pride!

Want to make an even bigger statement? Become a Challenge Leader and inspire others to give. Learn more by contacting Daryl Grove, Director of Annual Giving at [email protected] or 563-425-5330.

Online Fundraiser

Upper Iowa is pleased to offer scholarships to students who meet the criteria established by UIU and its generous donors. Last year, over $425,000 was distributed among 209 students. All are invited to the Honors & Awards Banquet so we may recognize our deserving students and thank scholarship donors who made these awards possible.

Check in begins at 4:15 p.m. and the dinner program will begin at 5 p.m. Advance registration is required. Student recipients and scholarship donors are complimentary. For all other guests, adult tickets are $20 and children are $10 each.

Fayette Campus
Student Center Ballroom

The Alumni Association Board of Directors is proud to offer a second chance to alums who were unable to attend their own Commencement ceremony – no matter the reason! Those who take advantage of this unique opportunity will be recognized alongside the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 3 during UIU’s Commencement on Fayette Campus. (1:30 p.m. ceremony)

Advanced registration is required and the participation fee is $40 for those who need regalia; if you already have regalia, the cost is $15. The registration deadline is March 14, 2025. To sign up, click the registration link below to provide necessary details and payment. Questions may be directed to the Alumni Office at 563-425-5238.

The culmination of our student’s degree journey is celebrated on this very special day. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend our two ceremonies on the beautiful Fayette Campus. More details will be shared as the event nears.

Fayette Campus

This annual event has become an alumni-favorite! Join us once again and let’s “play ball” (or watch!) and enjoy the company among your Peacock family. As a special treat this year, we’ve booked a brand new space at Veterans Memorial Stadium – the Grand Slam Suite! Guests may enjoy all-you-can eat and drink inside a beautiful, climate-controlled space, with some bonus exterior  while cheering on the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Discounted tickets are $30 per person (a $50 value!) and RSVPs are required by May 8.

Veterans Memorial Stadium
950 Rockford Rd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

The Golf Classic is an opportunity to come back to Fayette for a day of golf and Peacock comradery. Parents, friends and alumni of the Upper Iowa Athletics Program can visit with the current coaches and staff of the department, as well as the university’s leadership to celebrate all great things from the 2024-2025 season. Many more details regarding registration and sponsorship will be shared soon!

Big Rock Country Club
9684 146th St
Fayette, IA 52142

Is there really anything better than than being at the ballpark on a summer day? There is, if you add Father’s Day celebration to the fun! Des Moines area alumni, join us for an Iowa Cubs baseball game.

Our VIP indoor lounge includes an all-you-can-eat buffet complete with bacon cheeseburgers, Chicago hot dogs, chips, and potato salad. Endless snacks are also included – popcorn, peanuts, kettle chips & ranch, soda and water. A cash bar is available in the suite.

Plan to arrive at 12 p.m. for the pre-game social; the first pitch is at 1:08 p.m.

Discounted tickets are $30 per person (a $50 value!) and RSVPs are required by June 1.

Principal Park
1 Line Dr
Des Moines, IA 50309

Team Peacock is gearing up to celebrate its 21st year in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI)—the world’s oldest, largest, and longest bicycle touring event! Since 2005, our dedicated riders have raised over $1 million to support UIU students.

This year, we’re embarking on a three-day journey across Iowa, and we want YOU to join us! Get ready to “Take Flight” with Team Peacock starting Wednesday, July 23, and finish strong with the traditional Mississippi River tire dip on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Major stops include Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, Oelwein, Guttenberg, and tons of awesome communities in between.

Register registration deadline is February 28. Please contact Daryl Grove, Director of Annual Giving at [email protected] or 563-425-5330.

If you’re not a cyclist, support the team by becoming a sponsor! Tons of opportunities are still available ranging from Juice Sponsor ($60) to Team Peacock Signature Sponsor ($2,500).

Our booth at the Iowa State Fair has become a beloved Peacock tradition! It’s an incredible opportunity for the University to connect with potential students—and even change lives. Each year, two lucky students win FREE TUITION for the Fayette Campus! Plus, every day of the fair, we draw 11 more winners who receive a free class.

Fairgoers can also browse Peacock gear and gifts, and we always love catching up with our amazing alumni. In fact, over 500 alumni stop by our booth each year! If you’re visiting the fair this summer, be sure to stop by—we’ll have a special free gift just for you. See you there!

Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317

UIU Football takes on Drake University on Thursday, August 28. Alumni and friends are invited to join us for a tailgate party located in the Roger Knapp Tennis Center lot. We’ll bring the munches, you bring your Peacock spirit, and BYOB. All tailgaters will receive a free gift and don’t miss a special appearance from Pete the Peacock. Many more details coming soon.

Roger Knapp Tennis Center lot
2421 Clark Street
Des Moines, IA 50311

Homecoming is a time to reunite, reminisce and be prideful for Upper Iowa University. If you’re Peacock Proud then there’s no better time to get together and celebrate with your Peacock family. Mark your calendars for Homecoming Week set for September 22-28, 2025 and stay tuned for many more details.

If you have a theme idea or suggestion for the weekend, feel free to reach out to the Alumni Office at [email protected] or 563-425-5388.