Greetings from Iowa City! Spring is in the air, and as I see the world start to green up around me, I think about the parallels between nature’s glorious spring rebirth and our Sport and Recreation Management program. In the same way that the flowers and trees around my house will thrive this spring thanks to the warming temperatures, rainfall and gardener’s care (my wife has the green thumb at our house), our students are blossoming thanks to the nurturing environment and faculty efforts that bring them along during their years in the UISRM program.

Offered for the tenth straight school year, the Fans First guided field experience is preparing UISRM students for a range of sport and recreation careers. Not only is Fans First instructor Kate Wakenight teaching students what successful event delivery is, she is also empowering students to turn first-time Hawkeye fans into life-long Hawkeye fans.

Each of us has been asked to complete assignments or put in situations we’d rather avoid. Elio Celentino (ex. BS 2025) is no different. However, his mindset helps him find opportunity in everything that comes his way. Learn about Elio’s journey to Iowa City, his time on campus, and the successes he’s earned.

Sports-business professionals from around the globe descended on Boston to participate in the 2025 National Sports Forum. Four UISRM graduate students were among the attendees because of their participation in the NSF Case Cup Competition. Led by Packy Moran, the team competed against the best and used attendance at NSF as a head start toward success in their professional careers.

Spring semester is when UISRM shares the generosity of its community through the UI Center for Advancement with students. The program is pleased to announce its 2025 scholarship recipients and calls you to participate in One Day for Iowa on Wednesday, March 26 to grow the number and size of awards in 2026 and beyond.

During the 2024 fall and winter sessions, over 100 students earned course credit and strengthened their experience portfolio through guided field experience practicums. Learn who completed practicums, what organizations they worked with, and about their experiences.

Current students, recent graduates, and UISRM alumni have been busy earning their way into and moving up within the sport and recreation industry. See the accomplishments that the UISRM program is aware of and let us know of any achievements, updates, or news that you would like to share.