Kirkwood Respiratory Therapist Program

Over the last couple of weeks, we have had the privilege of celebrating the Respiratory Therapy graduating Class of 2026 and all of their incredible accomplishments.

We are proud to recognize Sidney Gruntmeir for receiving the Outstanding Leader Award for RT Club representation. The RT Club was also honored with the Spring Community Service Award, and Program Director Lily Hoffnagle received the Advisor Impact Award.

We also celebrated many special traditions and achievements, including the RT Graduation Event, Pinning Ceremony, Sputum Bowl competitions, and commencement. A special congratulations to Anna Kopel, the second recipient of the ALT Award, presented by Tamara Alt in honor of this meaningful recognition.

It has been an amazing journey watching these students grow, succeed, and reach this milestone. Seeing our graduates walk across the stage and fulfill their dreams was a proud and memorable moment. We cannot wait to see all the wonderful things they will accomplish in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

As we wrap up the spring semester and prepare to integrate the senior class, it’s been exciting to see all they’ve accomplished. They’ve been hard at work preparing for their board exams through the Lindsey Jones University Seminar, and have also represented the program by attending the Mayo Clinic RT Challenge Event and the IaSRC Lung Conference in Ankeny.

The students had the opportunity to meet the CEO of the NBRC, which was a great moment for professional growth and connection. We are especially proud of our own Sidney Gruntmeir, who presented on her experience at the AARC House of Delegates meeting. Sidney was also recognized today with the Outstanding Student Award, an incredible achievement.

Congratulations, Sidney, and well done to the entire class! 🫁

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Kirkwood Graduating Class of 2025! We will miss them. But they will do amazing things. 💜

What an incredible day we had in Iowa Hall celebrating the RT Class of 2025! The day kicked off with Kirkwood Trivia featuring special guests Dr. Jennifer Bradley, VP, and Colette Atkins, AVP. Thank you for joining the fun. Then the Sputum Bowl, first and second year students battled it out. This year’s winners were The Snot Shots. We were honored to present the first annual ALT Award to Kathleen Curtis. Congratulations, Kathleen! This meaningful award helps the students pay towards their board exam. The award was dedicated and presented by Tamara Alt, Dean of Business and IT. Proud educator and respiratory therapist advocate. Other highlights: Beyond the Stethoscope Award, Maddy Harland and the Outstanding Student Award, Dharma Bruce. We’re so proud of the graduates. Congratulations to the RT Class of 2025. You’ve worked hard, and you’re ready to shine as an RRT.

Kirkwood Respiratory Therapy Club at Kinnick Stadium for CF Walk 2025 🫁 💜

First year students Poster Symposium winners: Amelia, Maddison and Myrna. Great work ladies!