Local alumni graduate from University of Iowa

More than 5,700 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students graduated this spring under extraordinary circumstances.

The month of May usually finds the UI's beautiful campus teeming with families and students in their caps and gowns. They pose in front of Old Capitol, they walk along the Iowa River, and they visit the haunts and hangouts that have been a big part of their time on campus. However, the effects of COVID-19 forced these important celebrations to take place elsewhere. Shouts of joy and pride happened in homes all around the world, where students and their families are safe.

During this worldwide pandemic, the university supported commencement celebrations despite being unable to host them in person. Members of the Hawkeye community filmed short videos of encouragement, and each college produced a virtual livestream ceremony. Packages containing commemorative programs and other celebratory items were sent to graduating Hawkeyes everywhere, and those students who want to walk across a graduation stage in person will be able to do so at a future ceremony.

The local graduates of the university are:

John Boyer of Farmington [Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration; Major: Management]

Jansen Heckenberg of Stockport [Degree: Master of Science; Major: Teaching and Learning]

Emily Jester of Keosauqua [Degree: Bachelor of Science; Major: Human Physiology]

Jonah Marks of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering; Major: Chemical Engineering]

Zachary Martin of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Science; Major: Human Physiology]

Christopher Mettenburg of Bonaparte, IA 52620 [Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering; Major: Industrial Engineering]

Taryn Mottet of Fairfield [Degree: Master of Arts; Major: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies]

Chase Murphy of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Major: Psychology]

Christina Nedbalek of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Science; Major: Environmental Sciences]

Jessica Orne of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Major: Art]

Alexis Overstreet of Bonaparte [Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration; Major: Business Analytics and Information Systems]

Jordan Reid of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Science; Major: Sport and Recreation Management]

Tanner Smith of Cantril, IA 52542 [Degree: Master of Social Work; Major: Social Work]

Terrell Smith of Fairfield [Degree: Master of Fine Arts; Major: Art]

Sarah Swanson of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Major: Health and Human Physiology]

Alexandria Tate of Batavia [Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration; Major: Management]

Leah Vance of Bonaparte [Degree: Master of Social Work; Major: Social Work]

Erica Winslow of Fairfield [Degree: Bachelor of Science; Major: Radiation Sciences]