Student Philanthropy Council (SPC)

Hi my name is Katrina Kazluski, but I go by Kat. I am from Poplar Grove Illinois, and am on the women’s soccer team here at Upper Iowa. I’m also in the Sorority KZT and am Majoring in Biology. I wanted to join the SPC to help support the longevity of this club and provide students the opportunity to express their ideas on ways to better campus.

Hi my name is Jordan Zarate, I grew up in Hilo, Hawaii and I’m an Exercise Science & Sports Studies major with a minor in Psychology here at Upper Iowa. After graduating I plan to continue my academic career, getting my Masters in Athletic Training. Here at Upper Iowa I work in Student Life and am a Resident Assistant here on campus. Along with that, I am on the women’s soccer team as well. I chose to join the SPC to help make the school better not for just current students, but for future Peacocks as well.

Hi, my name is Marlie Delever. I’m from Grand Mound Iowa, and I am majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in Art. After graduation, I plan on going into advertising. On-campus I’m also involved in the Sorority BTQ and work in the mailroom. I’m joining SPC because I love being a student here and only want to see the campus grow!

Hello! My name is Abbie Brainard. I am from Waukon, Iowa, and am a Senior at UIU this year. I am a triple major in Art, Psychology, and Graphic Design with plans of going to grad school to become an Art Therapist. I chose to join SPC because I come from a small community and they have my whole heart, I love to help them in any way I can. Aside from SPC, I am also in BTQ (sorority), Art Club, Psychology Club, and I am an RA.

In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Upper Iowa University’s student-led Science and Environment Club is conducting a 5-year research project to evaluate the potential benefits of the 17-year Periodical Cicadas to Driftless Area stream fishes (e.g., Brook Trout). In Iowa, these cicadas are scheduled to emerge in the summer of 2024. With your support, the club can purchase stream drift nets to quantify the availability of cicadas to stream fish.

The Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) led an initiative to add more outdoor gathering areas on the Fayette Campus. This proposed project specifically includes a table + seating combo – which is a style enabling students to easily use their laptops and do homework and meet in groups, have lunch or simply enjoy the outdoors. New seating areas will be placed at gathering areas across campus. Additionally, the attractive, useful and practical seating would enhance the Upper Iowa University atmosphere, making it even more inviting for alumni, faculty, staff, and visitors to enjoy.

This space will be recognized as the LGBTQ+ Resource Center in the Henderson-Wilder Library and utilized by members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to convene safely and privately. The Resource Center will provide an inclusive and supportive college environment, which is vital for LGBTQ+ student success.

Peacocks for Progress volunteers raised funds to provide shelving, food, and other necessities to establish the pantry. Read the full story here! The Tutor Center and Writing Center received several enhancements to create an atmosphere for comfort, movement and collaboration. Items included technology upgrades, essential student focused items, active seating, and décor. The Sensory Room is a new space, repurposed within the Henderson-Wilder Library, and equipped with improved seating, lighting, décor, calming objects and more. It is intended to be tranquil and feel like a retreat on campus.