The Together Hawkeyes campaign focuses not just on funding, but also on engagement with the university. Emily Nicol (11BSN) of St. Paul, Minnesota, shares her story of engaging with the College of Nursing. Nicol is a pediatric nurse practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in the level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Minnesota.
I became engaged as an Iowa Nursing alum after receiving an email from the College of Nursing about an Iowa football event last fall co-hosted by the Colleges of Nursing and Medicine at Surly Brewing — a favorite spot for my husband, an Iowa Physical Therapy alumnus, and me in the Twin Cities. I was thrilled at the chance to connect with other Iowa graduates in our area and learn more about staying involved.
Since then, I’ve stayed engaged by attending additional College of Nursing alumni events. This fall, we had the joy of bringing our children to their first Iowa vs. Minnesota tailgate and pep rally, followed by a [Colleges of Nursing and Medicine] game watch at The Loop. It was heartwarming to see them cheering on the Hawks alongside such an incredible alumni community. I’ve even encouraged fellow Iowa nursing friends to join us, making these gatherings even more meaningful.
The University of Iowa has given me so much — my husband, my career, my passion for community, and friendships that will last a lifetime. These alumni events are a wonderful way to give back, celebrate those connections, and keep the Hawkeye spirit alive no matter where life takes us.