Upper Iowa Students Awarded Over $500,000 in Scholarships

Upper Iowa University (UIU) celebrated academic excellence during its annual Honors & Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 11, at the Fayette Campus. More than $500,000 in scholarships were awarded through 252 individual recognitions. These funds will support students during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Scholarship recipients were selected based on a range of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and campus involvement. All eligible, actively enrolled students were considered through the Honors & Awards Program. In addition, the University continues to invest in future Peacocks by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming first-year students.

"The Banquet is truly a momentous occasion that brings together our outstanding Peacock students to celebrate their achievements," said Dr. Billie Cowley, Vice President of Academic Affairs. "Family members and dedicated faculty in attendance see firsthand the commitment, perseverance, and determination these students bring to their educational journeys."

This year's recipients represent the diversity of the University's student body, including those studying online, in self-paced programs, on the Fayette Campus, and at UIU's distance learning locations across Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

The Honors & Awards Program reflects Upper Iowa's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and ensuring higher education remains accessible and affordable. The program continues to grow each year, with several new awards introduced for the upcoming academic cycle, including the Burnell Smith Scholarship Fund, Jennifer McCoy Memorial Scholarship, Arguilez Memorial Scholarship, and the Excellence in Experiential Learning Honors Award (ExcEL).

"Establishing a new endowed or annual scholarship is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on UIU students," said Ashley Gredys, Vice President for Advancement & Alumni Engagement. "It also provides a meaningful opportunity to honor loved ones and celebrate family legacies through education."

To view highlights from the 2026 Honors & Awards Banquet, visit the online photo gallery at go.uiu.edu/HonorsAwards26.

For more information about UIU scholarship opportunities, contributing to an existing fund, or establishing a new award, visit uiu.edu/Scholarships or contact the Office of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at alumni@uiu.edu or 563-425-5388.

To view these students click here: https://uiu.meritpages.com/achievements/Upper-Iowa-Students-Awarded-Over-500-000-in-Scholarships/200882