ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

A $15,000 Community Ties award From Union Pacific will improve access and restore wetland habitat at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ College’s 365-acre environmental research area.

Abstract Expressionists: The Women brings together nearly 50 paintings by 32 women artists whose work helped shape one of the most influential movements in American art. On view through Jan. 2, 2027, the exhibition offers students, faculty, staff, area residents, and visitors an opportunity to encounter these works right here in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

More than 180 people gathered at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ College Museum of Art on Sept. 17 to celebrate the opening of Abstract Expressionists: The Women. Featuring nearly 50 paintings by 32 artists, the exhibition shines a light on women whose work helped shape one of the most important movements in American art.

The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Gathers series was inspired by local resident Rieslynn Goetzinger. As she wrapped up her senior year of high school, Goetzinger wanted to share the impact her involvement in the Rotary Club of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ had on her experience as a student and introduce other students and community members to places where people come together to do good.

For Sebastian Mrotzek ’28, addressing hunger means thinking about both what a community needs today and what could make that need less common tomorrow.

An economics major at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ College, Mrotzek spent the summer working with local organizations focused on food access as part of the College’s Summer of Service program. His experience has taken him from stocking the community fridge at Drake Community Library and helping with community meals to volunteering with organizations working throughout ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and Poweshiek County.

As a summer intern with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Area Arts Council (GAAC), Pruszinski's work spans nearly every aspect of the organization—from youth arts education and public programming to nonprofit administration and communications. The experience is helping her grow as an educator while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a community arts organization thriving.

Summer at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is anything but quiet. Students spent their days conducting hands-on research through Mentored Advanced Projects (MAPs), while the campus and community came together for farmers' markets, concerts in the park, Fourth of July celebrations, youth programs, and countless moments that make ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ feel like home. This photo essay offers a glimpse into a season filled with discovery, connection, and community.

As director of communications, she leads strategic communications and media relations, oversees the College's social media strategy, and enjoys highlighting partnerships that strengthen the relationship between the College and the community. Away from work, you'll usually find her at her family's cabin in northern Minnesota, traveling, shopping or chasing after Summer, her energetic chocolate Lab. We caught up with Mattia to learn more about her life on and off campus.

This summer that passion evolved through her volunteer work with ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s Civic Education & Innovation (CEI) Summer of Service program with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Fire Department and regional emergency response organizations. Rather than focusing solely on emergency response, the position introduces Trujillo to the many agencies working together to strengthen public health, emergency preparedness, and community safety throughout Poweshiek County.

The Community Mini-Grant Program is one way ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ College partners with local nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that build community strength and resilience.