Kirkwood Alumni & Friends

Congratulations to the June 2026 Kirkwood Retirees! Together, they represent 157 years of service to Kirkwood Community College. Thank you for your dedication to our students and the Kirkwood community.

"Life happens to these students. They are not just students. They are workers, they are parents, they are siblings. All of those factor into their schoolwork." - Financial Aid Advisor Bella Baldassano

Your contributions to the Student Success Fund are changing lives. See how: https://bit.ly/StudentSuccessFund.

Eagle sighting! Be on the lookout for Sammy and these fun "Future Eagle" signs popping up across Eastern Iowa!🦅

The signs celebrate students who earned Kirkwood college credit in high school and have chosen to continue at Kirkwood after graduation.

Special delivery from Sammy! 🦅

Future Eagle yard signs are making their way across Eastern Iowa to students who earned Kirkwood college credit in high school and chose to continue at Kirkwood after graduation.

Olivia was one of the students who signed up for a sign as she gets ready for her next chapter at Kirkwood this fall. We love celebrating students who got a head start and are continuing their journey with us.

🚀 Career growth starts with the right connections.
In the latest Kirkwood Career Services podcast, Career Coach Janelle Brehm chats with alum Thomas Vanwoerkom, now a product manager at Vermeer, about how Kirkwood set the foundation for his career and what he's been up to since graduation. Listen now!

Career Conversations Kirkwood Alumni at Vermeer Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

🧠 Why do we react the way we do, especially under pressure?

In the next Alumni & Friends free webinar, mindfulness coach Megan Thole will explore how emotional intelligence and inner dialogue shape our responses to stress, conflict, and self doubt. Discover practical insights to respond with more clarity and ease.

📅 May 27, 2026 | 2pm CST
🔗 REGISTER: https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/corporate-training/webinars.html

🍦Alumni Business of the Month: Wich-Uh-Waffle

Eunice Upshaw's ('16) commitment to education led her to Kirkwood's GED program and, ultimately, a degree in business management. With a passion for waffles, today she brings her delicious desserts to weddings, festivals, graduation parties, and other celebrations across the region. Learn more and discover other alumni businesses at www.kirkwood.edu/alumni/alumni-directory.

Did you know Kirkwood has an Alumni-Owned Business Directory? Support fellow alumni and discover 100+ alumni‑owned businesses (with discounts!). Browse the directory or add your business today: www.kirkwood.edu/alumni/alumni-directory

Last month, we asked Celebration of Success attendees: What three words describe your Kirkwood experience?

Community, Fun, and Opportunities rose to the top — and we're not surprised. Do you agree? What are your three words?

🎓Today marks a proud milestone in Kirkwood's nursing program: The largest nursing pinning ceremony in school history! We are proud to celebrate 88 graduates entering the health care workforce.

This achievement comes as demand for qualified nurses remains high across Iowa and the nation. See how Kirkwood is training tomorrow's healthcare professionals: https://bit.ly/HealthcareTechVideo.

The Community’s College — The Community’s Future: Healthcare Program Technology Healthcare technology is constantly evolving, requiring regular lab and equipment upgrades to prepare students for today’s medical industry. Supporting the Healthcare Simulation Center and Anatomy & Physiology Labs is critical to maintain Kirkwood’s existing commitment to academic excellence.

🎓Commencement is this Saturday! As 2,400 students prepare to receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates, we’re reminded of one powerful truth: They couldn’t do it without you.

Scholarships made a difference for nearly half of last year’s graduates. Join fellow alumni in lifting up the next generation of Eagles. Make a gift online today at www.kirkwood.edu/givenow.