Samuel D. Hunter has been selected as the 2026 University of Iowa Homecoming Grand Marshal. A 2007 Master of Fine Arts graduate of the university’s Playwrights Workshop, Hunter is one of the nation's most celebrated contemporary playwrights.

“Hail Mary,” written and directed by local playwright Zoe Senese-Grossberg, explored women’s right to their bodies and connections with friendship and religion. “Hail Mary” follows Mary, a young trans woman struggling with her identity and changes in her life and centers around her bizarre dreams. It dives into her relationship with her best friend from college and the ways they navigate life. Ro Kivett, a UI theater arts major who played Mary and University of Iowa theatre arts and communication double major, Vivian Bonde, played Olivia.

Backed by country music stars, alumnus Nickolas Rhodes builds upon an outdoor media brand’s ecosystem - while still traveling back to Iowa City for football games.