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Upper Iowa Women's Basketball Made a Living in the Clutch Throughout 2024-25

Photo Courtesy of Myah Brinker (Instagram: @myah.brinker.photography)

Written by: Hayden Sathe, UIU Collegian Staff

Heading into 2024-25, Upper Iowa women’s basketball had been coming off their most successful season in recent past. In their first season in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)in 2023-24, they not only made the conference tournament, but they won the first round in an upset over McKendree, marking their first postseason win in program history. Led by third-year head coach Justin Maass, the Peacocks used the positive momentum heading into the year to capitalize on another great season in 2024-25. Mia Huberty (SR G) and Kayla Bohr (SR F) were the lone two starters returning after the 2023-24 campaign. Joining Huberty and Bohr in the lineup were Helen Staley (SR C), who returned from a surgery that took most of her 2023-24 season, Ava Privet (SO G) who contributed off the bench in her freshman season, and Anna Soler (SR G), who transferred in from the University of Maine. These five led the Peacocks to a 13-14 record and 10-10 in conference play. Late in the season, the team clinched its second consecutive birth in the GLVC Tournament, once again earning the 7th seed. 

The Peacocks started off conference play with a huge win over the Quincy Hawks in double overtime. Quincy finished third in the GLVC and won the conference tournament, but in Dorman Gym the Peacocks were able to take the Hawks down 88-84, behind 38 points from Mia Huberty to start off conference play 1-0. Close games became somewhat of a theme for the women’s basketball team as later in the season, the Peacocks beat Southwest Baptist on a game-winning shot in the final minute from Kayla Bohr, completing a comeback and stealing a much need victory out of the jaws of defeat.  

As the season wound down, the Peacocks found themselves right on the edge of the playoff picture, looking to reach the GLVC Tournament. In the second to last game of the season, the Peacocks were taking on the McKendree Bearcats on Senior Day. After a huge fourth quarter comeback, it was all tied up with two seconds left. That was before Helen Staley, who had inbounded the ball, buried a mid-range jumper on a broken play as time expired to clinch the Peacocks’ spot in the GLVC Tournament. The Peacocks made the trip down to the GLVC Tournament in St. Charles, Missouri for the second time in as many years, but fell in the first round to Drury, ending their season.  

A handful of individuals earned postseason honors for the Peacocks this season. Mia Huberty was second in the conference with 18.4 points per game, just 0.5 ppg behind the league leader. This earned her First Team All-GLVC honors as this was her second time earning all-conference honors after being named to the second team in 2023-24. Huberty also won GLVC Player of the Week during the season after the 38-point performance against Quincy. Kayla Bohr was named to the Third Team All-GLVC after her successful season which saw her average 11.7 ppg. Amelia Valentino was UIU’s honoree for the GLVC Sportsmanship Award. A special thank you goes out to our seniors, Helen Staley, Kayla Bohr, Anna Soler, Mia Huberty, Avery Fried, Lily Pepper, and Abbie Riederer, who all wore the jersey and represented the university with great pride. 

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Experienced Core Leads Upper Iowa Men's Basketball to Yet Another Successful Season

Photo Courtesy of Myah Brinker (Instagram: @myah.brinker.photography)

Written by: Hayden Sathe, UIU Collegian Staff

Heading into 2024-25, Upper Iowa men’s basketball was coming off of their most successful season in recent years, where they made it to the second round of the Division II Midwest Region Tournament. But after losing Jake Hilmer, a two-time DII All-American and the programs all-time leading scorer, how were the Peacocks going to respond?  

Well, they picked up right where they left off by going 21-9 with a conference record of 14-6 which was good enough for third place in the GLVC. The Peacocks were led by head coach Brooks McKowen, in his 12th season as head coach of Upper Iowa men’s basketball. Coach McKowen was able to retain 4 starters from the previous season. The returning starters being Nick Reid (SR F), Caleb Delzell (SR C), Noah King (R-JR G), and Kyle Hrncir (R-SO F), with the new addition of Gavin Hershberger (R-FR G) to the starting 5. With an experienced starting group, the Peacocks set themselves up for another successful season. 

This season was full of ups and downs and there were plenty of great moments throughout the season. The biggest moment of the season came when the Peacocks upset Missouri S&T at home by a score of 100-85. Missouri S&T was 19-1 and undefeated in conference play at the time, good enough to make them the #5 team in the country when they entered Dorman Gym on February 8. But the Miners were not prepared for the fight the Peacocks brought that day, leading the Peacocks to pull off their biggest upset of the year. The win over S&T was the second ranked win of the season, after the Peacocks picked up a win over #18 Southwest Minnesota State 79-78 during the Peacock Classic in late November.  

Another key moment in the season came when head coach Brooks McKowen became the program’s winningest head coach. With a win over Roosevelt University on December 19, McKowen tallied his 196th career victory, breaking a 33-year-old record, previously held by the legendary Bill Prochaska. Just a few games later, McKowen notched his 200th career win, marking another huge milestone during an illustrious tenure for Coach McKowen.

Upper Iowa went on to finish the regular season in third place in the conference standings, setting themselves up for more basketball in the GLVC tournament. The Peacocks were able to take down Truman State 80-66 in the quarterfinals before losing a nail biter in overtime to University of Missouri-St. Louis 87-80. Upper Iowa was hopeful of getting into the regional tournament, but did not get the call on Selection Sunday, ultimately ending their season.  

Along with the team’s great season, there were a handful of individual accomplishments for the Peacocks this season. Nick Reid led the GLVC with 23.8 points per game and was third in the conference with 8.3 rebounds per game. These stats were enough to name him to the First Team All-GLVC and win the GLVC Player of the Year award. Reid also won GLVC Player of the Week on three separate occasions this season, being just one of two players this season to accomplish that feat. Reid’s successful 2025 season earned him a spot on the D2CCA All-American team. Reid was also named to the Bevo Francis Top 50 watch list throughout the season and got to compete in the NABC All-Star game in late March.  

Kyle Hrncir and Noah King were also honored with postseason accomplishments, being named to the second team all-conference. Hrncir also won GLVC Player of the Week in November as the Peacocks started hot in non-conference play. Freshman guard Gavin Hershberger was UIU’s honoree for the GLVC Sportsmanship Award. A special thank you goes out to our seniors Nick Reid, Caleb Delzell, Ethan Steinbronn, Jarrett Kruse, Mason Murphy, and Junior Bodden, who all wore the jersey and represented the university with great pride.  

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Upper Iowa Football Achieves Historic Success in 2024 Season

Photo Courtesy of Myah Brinker (Instagram: @myah.brinker.photography)

Written by: Hayden Sathe, UIU Collegian Staff

It was truly a phenomenal season for Upper Iowa football in 2024, as the team placed itself in the record books as one of the best teams that Upper Iowa University has seen in a long time.

In August, Upper Iowa entered its second season as a member of the GLVC after years of struggling to compete in the NSIC. Coming off a 3-8 season, Upper Iowa was picked to finish seventh in the conference in the GLVC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, placed ahead of only William Jewell and Lincoln University.

Fortunately, the Peacocks surprised many people by finishing the season 7-4 overall and going 6-2 in conference play, finishing tied for second in the conference with Truman State. While many outside of the team considered it a surprising breakout season, if you were to ask any member of the team, they would tell you that this season was no surprise at all.

Upper Iowa’s season started on Aug. 31, when the Peacocks traveled to Indianapolis to take on the Division I (FCS) Butler Bulldogs for their first-ever matchup with a Division I team. The team showed promise at first, but a rough second half led them to lose their first game 40-7.

On Sep. 7, the Peacocks came back to Fayette to face their old friends from the NSIC, Concordia St. Paul. The Peacocks took care of business, scoring two defensive touchdowns and winning their first home game 33-7. In week three, UIU traveled 12 hours to start a three-game road trip and to finish non-conference play against South Dakota School of Mines. This game was neck-and-neck from the start, but the Peacocks fell just short and lost 17-10.

Upper Iowa started off GLVC play on Sep. 21, hitting the road for a matchup in Bolivar, Missouri against Southwest Baptist. A late fourth quarter comeback propelled the Peacocks to a 21-7 victory, their first road win since October 2019. They continued their late fourth quarter success in the next game against Quincy, scoring 22 points to lead them to a 29-27 victory.

The Peacocks dropped their first conference home game against Truman State on Oct. 5 though, as their fourth quarter magic was not enough to come back against the Bulldogs, losing a close one by the score of 26-23.

The second week of October was homecoming week in Fayette and Upper Iowa’s football team was taking on the William Jewell Cardinals. The Peacocks had a strong first half, leading 24-6, before the Cardinals came marching back to take a 31-24 lead of their own. As all great homecoming games go though, it was the home team that got the last laugh in overtime, taking this one 38-31.

On Oct. 19, Upper Iowa hit the road once again to take on the newest members of the GLVC, Lincoln University (MO). The Peacocks took care of business early and coasted their way to a 31-3 victory, their third in three tries on the road in conference play.

This set up Upper Iowa for its biggest game in the school’s NCAA Division II history. Indianapolis was coming to town as the conference’s top team as the Peacocks sat just behind in second place. With just four weeks left in the regular season, there was a lot on the line in this one. Unfortunately, it was all UIndy in this game, as the visiting Greyhounds left Fayette with a 40-13 victory.

The Peacocks went into their bye week at 5-4 with two games to play and still plenty to play for. Following the bye, they hit the road for a final time to face off against the McKendree Bearcats. It took another fourth quarter comeback to win this rainy game, with the Peacocks taking the lead with 20 seconds left to win 28-24. Returning home to Fayette for Senior Day and the final gameday of the 2024 season the Peacocks played their best game of the season, dominating Missouri S&T 51-7 and outscoring the Miners 28-0 in the second half.

The Peacocks earned multiple postseason honors, with 16 players receiving All-Conference recognition. The lone Peacock named to the first-team All-Conference list was Rhett Smith (DT, Sr.). However, the second-team All-Conference list was filled with Peacocks, as Zacarius Murray (CB, Sr.), Michael Mulherin (LB, So.), Jayden Mitchell (RB, Sr.), Mante Morrow (WR, Jr.), Ben Kamara (CB, Jr.), Nathan Behne (K, Fr.), Trevor Thompson (LB, Sr.), Eddy Latanauskas (DT, Jr.), and Klay Seehase (OT, Jr.) were all honored. All-Conference honorable mentions went to Darryl Overstreet (QB, Jr.), Avery Dixon (CB, Jr.), RJ Wells (RB/P, Jr.), Nick Perry (OL, So.), Braden Powers (DL, Jr.), and Baxter Bohr (DL, Sr.). Congratulations to every member of the all-conference teams!

Several seniors concluded their Peacock football careers by leading the team to its best season as an NCAA Division II member: Tyler Owen (DB), Zacharius Murray (CB), Aboubacar Barry (RB), Jayden Mitchell (RB), Cam Williams (WR), Chris Ndushabandi (WR), Willy Camacho (WR), Connor Frasier (RB), Trevor Thompson (LB), Drake Kinney (OT), Tyler Nielsen (OL), Noah Schirmers (OT), Riley Kennow (OL), Isaiah Gray (TE), Chandler George (WR), Baxter Bohr (DL), Rhett Smith (DT), Deion Hicks (DT). Thank you, seniors, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Some key accomplishments were achieved this season by the team, including the team notching its first seven-win season in the team’s Division II era. In the school’s history, this was the first seven-win season since 1997 and only the second since 1966. In just its second year in the GLVC, Upper Iowa football finished tied for second place in the conference.

This year's team also won the program's first road game since 2019, finishing 4-2 on the road overall, including a 4-0 mark on the road in conference play. This was the first season since 2017 that the Peacocks finished with an overall record and away record of above .500. They also scored 50-plus points in a game for the first time since 2017, as they capped off this highly successful season on Senior Day with a 51-7 win.

With all of the excitement at Harms-Eischeid Stadium this past fall, it’s hard not to look forward to next season already. Upper Iowa will be back into action for their first game of the 2025 season on August 28th against Drake University in Des Moines.

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A Look Back at the Activities Across Campus from Session Two

Written by: Ava Privet, UIU Collegian Staff

The eight weeks of Session Two have flown by, but not without plenty of excitement across campus! Session Two started on Oct. 21 after a quick fall break, and not long after, campus was buzzing with activity once again.

To start Session Two, Cody Booker (Class of 2016) shared inspiring advice in the Virtual Alumni Speaker Series and students competed to win a Nintendo Switch during Escalation Training. Fall vibes were in full swing with a German-themed Coffee Hour and a pumpkin carving event. The weekend brought soccer and volleyball games and an academic recognition ceremony at the football game against UIndy.

Week 10 brought Halloween, which means the whole week was packed with fun. Grocery Bingo got things rolling, followed by the Halloween Drag Show and an after-party at Pete’s Bar & Grill. Students also learned professional tips at a Market Ready 101 session and enjoyed a spooky Beetle Juice-themed lunch. The month wrapped up with a showing of Night of the Living Dead at the library, perfect for Halloween night.

As the calendar moved to November, UIU was still full of exciting events, community celebrations, and opportunities for growth. From cultural presentations to Thanksgiving activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy! The activities for the month started on Nov. 4 with the Blood Drive hosted by SAAC and the Becoming Wildhearts three-mile walk/run. Students came together to help others and get active.

On Nov. 5, it was Election Day, and students had the opportunity to make their voice heard as they voted at the Fayette Community Library. The day also included a Native American Heritage Month display and a Career Readiness Workshop. Later that evening, the Glow Dodgeball Event added some fun to the night. Nov. 6 featured a Native American Heritage Month Zoom presentation, giving students more chances to learn and reflect. The women’s volleyball team rounded out a great first week of the month, hosting two GLVC matches.

The second week of November was full of learning and fun. On Nov. 12, the Resume & Cover Letter Workshop helped students get ready for their careers. The GratUIUde Day event, hosted by the Psychology Club, gave students time to relax and reflect. The T-Shirt Sales by the Psychology Club and a Karaoke Night at Pete’s Bar & Grill were other highlights of the week. Sports fans also enjoyed the women’s basketball home opener and the Senior Day for the football team against Missouri S&T on Nov. 15.

On Nov. 19, students had the opportunity to take part in mock interviews to prepare for their futures and had fun at the Student Government Association-sponsored Casino Night. It was also International Education Week, where students learned about study-abroad opportunities in different parts of the world and experienced foods from many different cultures across the globe in the cafeteria.

The Alumni Speaker Series on Nov. 21 featured Dosia Kumbe, who shared valuable career advice. Home matches for men’s wrestling and men’s basketball kept sports fans excited, while the Mall of America Trip on Nov. 23 was a great way to kick off the holiday season.

The last week of November brought Thanksgiving-themed events. On November 25th, the Thanksgiving Bake Sale helped support the Friends of the Henderson-Wilder Library. Students also gathered for Bingo Night before heading into Thanksgiving Break. The break started on Nov. 27, giving everyone a chance to relax before the busy end of the semester.

As students traveled back to Fayette at the start of December, campus was filled with fun, relaxation, and a lot of preparation for the holidays and finals. From bake sales to Christmas activities, there was no shortage of events to finish off the semester in style!

The first week of December kicked off on Dec. 2 with the BPQ Fraternity Bake Sale in the Student Center, followed by exciting basketball games that night at Dorman Gym. The women’s and men’s basketball teams both tipped off GLVC play with thrilling victories over Quincy University.

On Dec. 3, students gathered for Mr. Peacock, a fun and popular annual event hosted by SAAC in the Student Center Ballrooms. The duo of Wes Willis (UIU Football) and Jaeden Cook (UIU Volleyball) went home victorious, while half the proceeds from the event went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Dec. 5 brought the Threads and Treads Blanket Making & Winter Driving/Safety event in the Student Center Ballrooms, where students made blankets and learned tips for safe winter driving in preparation for their journeys home.

As finals approached, students had a chance to unwind with the Christmas Kickback on Dec. 9, featuring holiday activities like custom snow globe making, gingerbread house decorating, and ornament crafting. On Dec. 10, it was time for another edition of the Late-Night Breakfast, a favorite tradition where students fueled up for finals.

The week continued with final exams on Dec. 11 and 12, as students wrapped up their semester work. On Dec. 13, students had the chance to ride along on one last Walmart Trip to get everything they needed before the start of Winter Break.

After a busy week of finals, students officially began Winter Break on Dec. 13, enjoying a well-deserved rest after 16 weeks of both hard work and exciting opportunities!

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A Look Back at the Activities Across Campus from Session One

Written by: Ava Privet, UIU Collegian Staff

With the semester coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to recap everything that went down around campus this fall! Session One brought many exciting things for students to do, with plenty of school-sponsored activities both on and off campus and the start of the fall sports seasons!

As the cool fall weather arrived in Fayette, UIU came alive as students arrived to campus ahead of the start of classes on Aug. 26. Soon after the calendar moved to September, and between the start of fall sports to the many campus activities, this month was full of fun and showed off the strong Peacock spirit!

On the first week back at campus, students enjoyed a Family Feud game night and karaoke at Pete’s. Some went on a kayak trip to Volga Lake, while others had fun at the Saturday Slip and Slide event at the end of week one. The week ended with a camping trip at the Tailgate Area—a great way to enjoy the outdoors before classes got busy!

In week two, Labor Day gave students a break, but the fun continued. On Tuesday, there was a Poster Invasion on campus, and Wednesday’s Club and Organization Fair showed off all the student activities UIU has to offer. The men’s soccer team opened their season against Roosevelt on Thursday, and Fayette’s Watermelon Days brought tons of fun over the weekend. Football fans loved the home opener against Concordia-St. Paul, which featured a halftime band performance and fireworks after the game. The women’s soccer team finished the weekend with a match against Winona State.

National Suicide Prevention Week created a thoughtful and caring atmosphere during the third week of the semester. Students stayed active with Iron Peacock workout events and helped choose a name for UIU’s new signature beer at Pete’s Bar and Grill. Karaoke nights at Pete’s Bar and Grill kept everyone entertained, and the week ended with the Women’s cross-country team racing at the All-American Invite in Decorah.

As week four began, Hispanic Heritage Month started, giving students a chance to learn and celebrate Hispanic culture. Students got ready for their futures with a Career Fair Workshop and joined a Constitution Day Lunch & Learn. Women’s volleyball had an exciting home opener, and both the women’s and men’s soccer teams had great matches during their conference home openers.

Not long after, the calendar flipped to October, a month full of exciting events at Upper Iowa that brought everyone together for fun, learning, and Halloween spirit. From homecoming celebrations to spooky activities, there was something for everyone!

The month started with Homecoming Week and Mental Illness Awareness Week. Students decorated campus with window painting, raced in a VR car race inside the student center, and gathered for the Coronation Bonfire at the tailgating area. Midweek brought career workshops, free haircuts from a visiting ClipDart barber, and the Powder Puff Game at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. The week ended with the Homecoming Ball, the Alumni Awards & Honor Class brunch, the Homecoming Parade, and an Upper Iowa victory in the homecoming football game against William Jewell College. Soccer fans also enjoyed exciting matches over the weekend from both the women’s and men’s teams.

As finals week for Session One approached, students smashed stress at the Smash-a-Car Event and warmed up with cocoa at the library’s Finals Week Hot Cocoa Bar. The Late-Night Breakfast, hosted in the cafeteria was a fun and tasty break before exams began midweek, keeping spirits high during study time. After Session One finals concluded on Oct. 17, students got a chance for a long weekend break before the start of Session Two!

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A Trip to US Bank Stadium for Upper Iowa University Students

(Upper Iowa students outside U.S. Bank Stadium - Image via @whatshappeninuiu on Instagram)

Written by: Waylon Bolibaugh, UIU Collegian Staff

This past September, Upper Iowa University gave students an unforgettable opportunity to spend a long weekend in Minneapolis, combining fun, exploration, and sports. The highlight of the trip was attending the highly anticipated game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium.  

For many, it was their first time experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of an NFL game, and the excitement in the stadium was unmatched as fans cheered for their teams. But the weekend wasn’t just about football, as students also had the chance to visit the iconic Mall of America, one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the country. Whether it was exploring the countless shops, enjoying the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, or experiencing a taste from one of the many restaurants, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Following the trip, Upper Iowa University student Genevieve Chenoweth spoke about her experience: “It was a fun and amazing experience, I really enjoyed getting to hang out with everyone who went and experience an NFL game. As a student it was a great opportunity to get out and do something since campus is so remote. It wasn’t my first NFL game - I grew up watching the Steelers play in Pittsburgh - but it was my first Vikings game and my first time visiting U.S. Bank Stadium. It was a great time!”

This trip is just one example of the incredible opportunities UIU offers to enrich the college experience. For those who joined, it was a weekend they won’t soon forget filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

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Upper Iowa University Students Uplifted by Motivational Speaker Jordan Green-Ellis

Written by: Waylon Bolibaugh, UIU Collegian Staff

On Oct. 23, Upper Iowa University had the honor of hosting Jordan Green-Ellis, a renowned, award-winning motivational speaker, who delivered an inspiring talk to the students. The event was organized as part of the university’s commitment to providing students with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Green-Ellis' visit was met with great enthusiasm, and he certainly lived up to expectations. During his speech, he focused on themes of resilience, self-belief, and the importance of setting and pursuing personal goals. His dynamic delivery and relatable anecdotes captivated the audience, making his message both powerful and memorable. Green-Ellis emphasized the significance of overcoming challenges and staying committed to one's dreams.

Green-Ellis shared his own experiences and success stories, encouraging students to embrace their potential and strive for excellence. His words left a lasting impact on the attendees, motivating them to take proactive steps towards achieving their aspirations. The feedback from students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how Green-Ellis' talk inspired them to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes.

The event was a testament to Jordan Green-Ellis’ talent as a speaker and Upper Iowa University's dedication to fostering an environment of growth and inspiration. Overall, Jordan Green-Ellis’ visit to Upper Iowa University was a resounding success. His motivational speech not only uplifted the spirits of the students but also reinforced the university's mission to support and empower its community.

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Building Bridges through Best Buddies

Written by: Maria Winter, UIU Collegian Staff

Everyone deserves to feel included, loved, and respected. Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”  

Here at Upper Iowa University (UIU), the student-led chapter of Best Buddies strives to help the people in and around the Fayette community feel this acceptance. Every month, the club holds one or two events to connect students with people in the community who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.  Best Buddies at UIU partners with Full Circle, which is an organization in West Union that focuses on helping people with these disabilities live independently. Best Buddies often volunteer at events held by Full Circle, such as scavenger hunts and carnivals! 

Kailey Porter is a sophomore at UIU, and an active member of Best Buddies. The mission of the club has a special place in her heart, as her younger brother Grant was diagnosed with ATRX (Alpha thalassemia mental retardation X-linked syndrome) at a very early age. This is an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems of the human body, and there are only a few hundred known cases in the medical world at this time. Because of ATRX, Grant is unable to walk or talk, and he also has underlying health conditions because of the effects of the condition.  

Kailey has been an integral part of Grant’s life from day one and has gone along to his doctor’s appointments starting in first grade. Like any big sister does, she also acted as a babysitter for Grant when her parents were away. However, unlike typical older siblings’ duty, Kailey was knowledgeable on level caretaking skills, such as learning how to give Grant his medications (which she learned to do at age 9), how to properly transport him, safely clean and feed him, etc. Throughout it all, Kailey has unconditionally and fiercely loved her brother, just as any sister would. 

I asked Kailey what message she would want the world to know about Grant – and she replied with “He is like any other kid. He understands everything and what people say to him, he’s just not able to verbalize his thoughts.”

So often, we avoid situations or interactions that we may be unknowledgeable about or uncomfortable around, just because they are new. But our lack of comfort is an absolutely unjustifiable excuse to treat people who are a little different than ourselves in a way that excludes them. Kailey said that “even though Grant cannot verbally communicate his thoughts, he should still be treated just as any other little kid and given the amount of respect and care that other children receive.”  

Best Buddies provides the opportunity for students to make that connection with people in our community who have disabilities and work to bridge the gap to inclusion. For Kailey, Best Buddies is a place where she can use her life experience and help her “buddies” on another level – she is able to know when things are actually wrong, when something is needed, or just simply have a normal conversation.

For others in the club, it is a place where they are growing their circle of inclusion for the first time and seeing how truly amazing a connected community can be.  

Martha Pace is the president of UIU’s Best Buddies chapter and has been for the past several years. According to her, the mission of the chapter is to “spread inclusion and form lasting friendships with members of the IDD (intellectually and developmentally disabled) community.” That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

At the end of the day, here at UIU and past campus lines, we want to live in an interconnected, supported, and engaged community where everyone feels valued, respected, and loved.  

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Upper Iowa University's Men's Mental Health Panel Tackles Men’s Mental Health Stigma

Written by: Waylon Bolibaugh, UIU Collegian Staff

Upper Iowa University (UIU) recently hosted a men's mental health panel on Oct. 1, addressing a crucial and often overlooked aspect of well-being. The event aimed to shed light on the unique mental health challenges faced by men and to provide practical strategies for coping and thriving.

The panel featured a diverse group of speakers, including Isaiah Gray, a UIU football graduate student, Matt Vargas, UIU’s head strength and conditioning coach, Brennan Sefrit, a UIU baseball graduate student, Aubrey Honeycutt, UIU’s softball head coach and Kyle Honeycutt, the UIU softball associate head coach. Each panelist brought their own experiences and expertise to the discussion, offering valuable insights into the importance of mental health and how to manage it effectively.

One of the key points highlighted during the panel was the significance of sleep and rest in maintaining mental health. The speakers emphasized that adequate rest is essential for overall well-being and can help alleviate stress and anxiety. They also encouraged attendees to socialize and meet new people, as building a support network can be a powerful tool in managing mental health.

The panelists discussed the importance of recognizing key signs of mental health struggles, such as changes in behavior, increased irritability, and prolonged stress. They stressed the need for self-compassion and urged men to be kinder to themselves, especially when dealing with mistakes or setbacks. Vargas, in particular, highlighted the danger of unrealistic expectations and the importance of talking to oneself positively to stay motivated and focused.

Creating a routine and schedule was another practical tip shared by the panelists. They suggested that having a structured plan can help individuals stay on track and better prepare for challenging days. Additionally, the speakers advised against comparing oneself to others, advocating for self-acceptance and authenticity instead.

Overall, the men's mental health panel at Upper Iowa University was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable tools and perspectives to improve their mental health. The event underscored the importance of open conversations about mental health and the need for ongoing support and education in this critical area.

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Meet the 2024 Upper Iowa Football Captains

Written by: Hayden Sathe, UIU Collegian Staff

Written on 11/11/2024

Get to know your 2024 football team captains and the impact they have on and off the field! The five captains, voted for by the players, are Tyler Owen, Zacarius Murray, Rhett Smith, Darryl Overstreet, and Connor Andresen. These players have earned the trust and respect of all their teammates and coaches through their contributions on and off the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, and as a teammate.

The first captain being introduced is senior defensive back Tyler Owen (#0). This was Owen’s second time being voted team captain, a vocal leader and someone who always leads by example. Owen is from Madison, Wisconsin where he attended Madison East High School, arriving to Upper Iowa in 2020 and currently majoring in Business Administration. Owen was voted Mr. Peacock and was gifted the number 0 to wear before the start of his junior season. Now in 2024, Owen is going into his fifth season with the Peacocks and his fourth year playing. In his five years with the team, Owen has appeared in 38 games, starting in 31 of them. Owen has recorded 143 total tackles, four tackles for loss. Owen has also broken up 15 passes, intercepted six passes and forced one fumble. Owen has been a great leader off the field, setting a great example in the weightroom and in the classroom. He has shown himself to be a good representative of Peacock football, and this led him to being named captain and Mr. Peacock. Tyler Owen looks to finish out his Peacock career strong in his fifth and final season, one which has already seen him notch two interceptions.

The next captain is fellow senior defensive back Zacarius Murray (#1). Murray comes to Upper Iowa from Waco, Texas where he attended Midway High School and is currently undecided on a major. Murray is also going into his fifth season with the Peacocks and his fourth year playing. Murray has appeared in 43 games, starting in all of them. In Murray’s career so far, he has racked up 147 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Murray also has 25 pass break ups with four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Murray’s enthusiasm has made a name for himself to the rest of the team. He is always the one leading the way on gamedays and in practice. Murray’s love for football is what drives him every day to get better and help the people around him get better. Murray’s goal this season is to finish out his career as the best player he can be, giving it his all with every snap. Murray has been a staple for Peacock football for years now. This was also Murray’s second straight year being voted team captain.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball is senior defensive lineman Rhett Smith (#92). Smith is from Wapello, Iowa where he attended Wapello high school, he is majoring in business administration. Smith is going into his fourth and final season with the Peacocks. Throughout his Peacock career, Smith appeared in 35 games, making 32 starts at defensive tackle. Smith has 70 career tackles with 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. Smith has been a great example of Peacock football, and it goes past the four years he has been here. Smith's older brother also played defensive tackle at Upper Iowa, and Rhett got the opportunity to play with his brother during his freshman year. He has carried on the Smith legacy from his brother well, being one of the standouts in the weight room. Coach Vargas has always looked at Rhett as being the captain in the weight room with the rest of the team. Smith has always been willing to help with recruiting, he was the first person I met when I came on my visit, and he made me feel welcome right away. Smith’s work ethic and willingness to help is what helped earn him team captain.

Flipping to the offensive side of the ball, our first offensive captain is junior quarterback Darryl Overstreet (#2). Overstreet is from Grayslake, Illinois where he attended Grayslake Central High School. Overstreet comes to Upper Iowa majoring in business administration. Overstreet enters his third season with the Peacocks playing in every season. Overstreet started his freshman year as QB2 before getting the starting nod as a true freshman midway through the season. Overstreet has appeared in 27 games starting in 25 of them. Through nearly three full seasons with the Peacocks, Overstreet has gone 419-708 (59.2% completion percentage), with 4,739 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, eight rushing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Overstreet has done an excellent job being the quarterback on and off the field, making sure everyone is doing their job correctly and helping lead this team to success. Overstreet is finishing off his second full season as QB1, and this is his second year being voted team captain. Overstreet’s success in 2023 earned him All-GLVC honorable mention.

The fifth and final captain comes from the front lines, senior offensive lineman Connor Andresen (#68). Standing at 6’3 and weighing 285 lbs., the big man up front comes from Anamosa where he attended Anamosa High School. Andresen comes to Upper Iowa majoring in agricultural business. Andresen is entering his fourth season with the Peacocks, and it will be his third season on the field. Through nearly three full seasons, Andresen has started all 32 games, flipping between center and right guard. In his freshman year, Andresen was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. Andresen was also named to the school's President's team for his excellence in the classroom as the football team’s representative. Andresen has been known as the team's iron man, due to injuries and lack of personnel, taking every rep during practice whether it is in fall or spring. It has been hard to take him off the field due to his hard work and his versatility along the line. Andresen has also been a leader in the weight room. This guy is fun to watch when it comes to lifting weights, he is constantly working to get better and stronger everyday while encouraging his teammates to do the same. Andresen's great work ethic and attitude towards the game is what earned him team captain.

There are your 2024 football team captains. I’m sure you have all heard of them before, but they mean a lot more to the football team than people may realize. Some fans may just see them as good football players, but to the players and coaches, they are much more than that. They represent the football program well, both on and off the field. It is more than just being a good football player that earns them this title. We have a great group of players representing our team this season. The Upper Iowa football team finishes out their regular season at Harms-Eischeid Stadium this Saturday (Nov. 16) against Missouri S&T at 12:00 p.m. for Senior Day, do your best to get down to Fayette and cheer on these five and the rest of the team one final time this fall!

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A Unique Opportunity for Upper Iowa Football

Written by: Hayden Sathe, UIU Collegian Staff

Written on 9/5/2024

294 days since Peacock football but the long wait is over and gameday has finally arrived. On Friday morning, the Peacocks hit the road for an 8-hour bus ride to Indianapolis for their season opener versus the Butler Bulldogs. Looking to be the first team in program history to beat a Division 1 football team. This is a fun trip for the whole team, traveling to a big city and getting to play in a Division 1 stadium. During the season, road trips are the only time that players can get out of Fayette, enjoy a trip, be able to walk to different restaurants, and play football.

The Upper Iowa University Peacocks are coming off a 3-8 season, going 1-6 in Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play. Led by 4th-year head coach Jason Hoskins, the Peacocks have high hopes heading into their second season in the GLVC. The offense is led by junior tight end Eddie Burgess. In 2023, Burgess started all 11 games and had 43 receptions for 616 yards with 8 touchdowns. Burgess was named first team all-conference and was an All-American honorable mention. He was ranked the #2 tight end in Division 2 football and is on the elite top 100 watch list. The defense is led by senior defensive back Zacharius Murray. Murray has appeared in 33 games for the Peacocks in his career, racking in 2 interceptions. Last season, Murray was named second team all-conference.

The Butler Bulldogs are led by head coach Mike Uremovich, entering his 3rd season at the university. Butler is coming off a winning season, going 7-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play. The Bulldogs are looking to start their season strong before going into conference play.

Both teams took the field at 1:00 p.m. for kickoff. The Peacocks were getting the ball first led by their junior quarterback and team captain Darryl Overstreet, starting in his second season opening. The game got off to a slow start as in the second possession, the Peacocks were picked off by Butler’s senior defensive back Nick Bafia. Butler started on the Peacocks eight-yard line and three plays later, quarterback Nick Howard ran in it from one yard out to give the Bulldogs an early 6-0 lead. Late in the first quarter, senior defensive back Zacharius Murray intercepts a Butler pass and gets the peacock good field position. Only two plays later, a pass goes through the wide receivers' hands and into the hands of a Butler defender, giving them the ball right back.

Midway through the second quarter the Bulldogs were able to string together some big plays ending with quarterback Andrew Reagan finding wide receiver William Enneking in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 13-0. After a great defensive stop late in the second quarter, Peacocks were getting the ball with two minutes left in the half. With one minute to go in the first half, quarterback Darryl Overstreet finds tight end Eddie Burgess for a Peacock touchdown. A 23-yard score is just what the Peacocks needed to jumpstart their team and get the momentum on their side. The score is now 13-7 with a minute left in the half. Bulldogs were looking to run the clock down and take it to halftime but after a Peacock penalty, Butler wide receiver Luke Wooten found a hole in the defense and was left wide open for a 70-yard catch and run touchdown. A tough blow for the Peacocks going into the half, especially with Butler receiving the ball and leading 19-7.

The second half picked up right where it left off. The Bulldogs' second possession was only two plays long ending with a 58-yard passing touchdown to put them up 26-7. The Bulldogs’ next possession was similar to the last one, two plays long and ending with a QB scramble for a 22-yard touchdown run, pushing the score up to 33-7 in favor of the Bulldogs, without much action from the Peacocks’ offense in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs tacked on another touchdown, making the score 40-7. Both teams would exchange interceptions before the ending. The Bulldogs defended their home turf and beat the Peacocks 40-7.

It was a rough first game for the Peacocks to begin their 2024 campaign. Coach Jason Hoskins spoke to the team after the game and said, “They made fewer mistakes than we did, and that is what helped them win this game. I believe we are the more talented team but today they were the better team.” The Bulldogs put up 27 unanswered points to blow out the Peacocks. Quarterback Darryl Overstreet finished with 121 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The Peacocks offense rushed for 208 yards, the bulk of that coming from RJ Wells and Jayden Mitchell who has 85 yards each. Mante Morrow led the team in receiving, racking in three catches with 46 yards. The Peacocks look to bounce back at home on Saturday, September 7th against Concordia St. Paul.

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Photo courtesy of Carlee Dove (pictured back right)

Dove studies art, explores cuisine in magnifica study trip to Italy

“I have always had a passion for traveling and wanted to go to Europe,” Carlee Dove, student-athlete of Upper Iowa University, said. Through the Academic Programs International, or API, Carlee Dove enjoyed a study abroad trip to Florence, Italy during the summer of 2022. For eight weeks, Dove visited multiple, incredible cities in Italy and took part in fun activities towards her art degree. 

For eight weeks in Italy, Dove took tours to various, respected cities such as Rome, Venice, Capri, Milan, Pompeii, and more. Additionally, Dove participated in cooking classes and wine tastings, explored many art museums and traveled via train to the beach. 

Along with traveling to beautiful cities in Italy and partaking in fun activities, Dove was joined by other students from other states who were also part of the API program. They were grouped into an apartment based on their personalities, and quickly bonded with one another. “I am so thankful to have the roommates I did,” Dove said. 

Dove plays volleyball at Upper Iowa University and is double majoring in art and graphic design with a double minor in communication studies and marketing. When it came to picking the program that was best for her, Dove looked into various programs and highlighted all the events and trips each program planned for the students. “I chose Italy due to its renaissance art movement,” Dove said.

Eventually, Dove picked API due to the length of trip and opportunities it opened for her: eight weeks for cooking classes, free museum tickets and multiple weekend trips. Being eight weeks, the API program allowed Dove to take two credit classes towards her art major. Then, Dove made sure she monitored how much she was spending on groceries every week to help her budget for the trip. 

Along with a passion for traveling, especially to Europe, Dove wanted to further her education and learn more about her major through studying abroad. Due to her being a student-athlete during the school year, the best time Dove had to study abroad was during the summer, so she took on the adventure. When she did, studying abroad in Italy helped expand her knowledge about various art styles and which art style suited her best. 

In Italy, transportation for Dove was a lot easier than she thought it would be. She traveled via taxi, bus or train if she needed to go to another town or city. Her favorite way to travel was by using the train as it moved her across the country fast, and her favorite place she traveled to was Elba, an island that did not have many English speakers and where she went snorkeling at, rode a boat, and walked to get to a beach. 

Dove met multiple people who did not speak English, but it was not as difficult for her. She was able to use the Google translate app or ask one of her program friends who spoke Italian to translate. Though Dove said she wishes she would have taken time to learn more of the Italian language to communicate with those she met in Italy more. 

When it came to communicating to her family and friends from back home in the United States, Dove bought an Italian SIM card which allowed her to receive service in places she went using the Italian phone number it came with. Additionally, there was also WiFi in their apartment. 

With these, Dove was able to make Facetime calls with her family and friends in the United States. There was one adjustment she had trouble with: there was not always air conditioning in their apartment, restaurants, shops and classrooms due to how expensive electricity is in Italy. This became hard for Dove and her roommates as the temperature in Italy got very hot during the summer. 

“There is not one thing I would change about my trip,” Dove said. “I loved every single part of it and wished I was still there.” 

Though there were communication barriers and problems with the air conditioning, studying abroad in Italy became a trip to remember for Dove. She was able to expand her knowledge with art, learn more about herself as an individual, build communication skills with another culture, strengthen her skills as a leader and made memories that will stay with her forever. 

[theuiucollegian]

Opinion: Live music is thriving the Midwest

By Hunter Goltz/Collegian Staff

The Midwestern section of the United States is often considered bland and boring, but this isn’t necessarily true. There are many activities and events that exist, even in areas near Fayette.

For music lovers, the Midwest is an exceptional area for attending concerts and festivals. Some would even say they prefer music shows in this area to performances in states like Texas or California. Though these states have a lot to offer, there is something more authentic feeling about the atmosphere in the Midwest.

Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis are popular cities in the area that offer amazing music concerts and festivals. Cities like these create a great interest for music lovers everywhere, especially in neighboring cities and states. 

The Midwest offers the best music festivals in the United States. The absolute biggest music festival in the United States is Summerfest, which happens to be in Milwaukee. Since Milwaukee is less than four hours away from Upper Iowa University, it would be a mistake to miss the biggest music festival in the U.S.

The city of Chicago is without a doubt the most popular area for concertgoers. The Windy City is only four and a half hours away and offers the biggest surplus of musical entertainment in the Midwest. Chicago is home to huge music festivals such as Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, Pitchfork Music Festival and a popular rap festival known as Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash. 

Some recently ended tours of artists who have traveled through the Midwest include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Yes, Darrel Hall, JID, Smino and more.

Midwesterners shouldn’t be discouraged by the state of their location. Music lovers in the area should instead be celebrating the great number of talents that travels to the area to perform. Some of the best music festivals and performances to ever exist can still be seen in places like the Midwest.

Students at Upper Iowa University should broaden their horizons of the live music scene and explore the wonders of near musical entertainment. 

First-time concertgoers should be prepared and in control of themselves at a live show. Students that want to go to live music performances in the future should be aware of parking, hotel booking and protecting all personal belongings as some people may try to pickpocket personal belongings.

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Peacocks’ match vs #5 Saginaw Valley goes down to wire

The Upper Iowa men’s soccer team hosted Saginaw Valley State on October 16. The Cardinals had got the best of the Peacocks in their first matchup back in September and came into Sunday’s game ranked as the fifth-ranked Division II team in the country.

The Peacocks (1-11-2) put up a valiant effort Saginaw Valley (10-0-4), but ultimately came up short, losing 2-1 at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. 

Saginaw struck first, opening the game’s scoring inside the first minute. A long throw-in was flicked on into the middle of the penalty area, and the ball was eventually finished into the net by Jason Squeo. 

The Cardinals continued to control the first half, and 20 minutes later would score their second goal of the contest. Anthony Waller took control of the ball inside the Peacocks defensive half and would lay the ball off to the GLIAC-leading goal scorer Jonathan Monney who rounded goalkeeper Archie Watts and slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

After a first half dominated by the Cardinals, the Peacocks came to play in the second half. The Peacocks would end up cutting the Saginaw lead in half with about 18 minutes to play, when Leart Wunsch fired in his first collegiate goal. 

The play started from a long ball into the box by Daniel Pranger, which Alex Arriola kept out of the goalkeeper’s grasp and played the ball to Wunsch. Wunsch then played a give and go with Jonathan Baylon and finished the chance into the top of the Cardinals’ net, giving Baylon his first career assist. 

The Peacocks kept the pressure on for the last 18 minutes, including a free kick opportunity in the final minute of the game. The Peacocks sent all 11 players into the Cardinals’ defensive half, including goalkeeper Watts, but the ball sent in from Noah Gjervik ended up in the hands of the Saginaw keeper, effectively ending the match.

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Winner, winner, chicken dinner: McDuel parlays free President's Ball tickets into $1,500

By Guinevere Calpito/Collegian Staff

The day before performing at his first home football game, Darryl McDuel won nearly $1,500. On October 7, McDuel attended Upper Iowa University’s 10th President’s Fundraising Ball, to which he also won free tickets, the night before the Homecoming football game. Needless to say, luck is right by McDuel’s side this year. 

The week before Upper Iowa’s Homecoming game against Augustana University, Upper Iowa Student Activities partnered with the Upper Iowa Alumni House to host a giveaway. The giveaway was open for all UIU students and staff members to win the free, last ticket for the UIU President’s Fundraising Ball. On the day of announcing the winner, McDuel luckily won the last ticket and was able to attend the Ball for free. 

McDuel dressed in an all-black suit with matching black pants paired with a white collared undershirt, white shoes, and silver and gold jewelry for the Ball. At the Ball, McDuel met with many UIU alumni and sponsors, was treated with respect and was served some of the best foods UIU has to offer. 

Ten years ago, Dr. William Duffy, president of Upper Iowa University, and his First Lady, Sharon, founded the UIU President’s Fundraising Ball and have continued to be one of top sponsors each year. 

More luck came McDuel’s way at the Ball in the game heads-or-tails. In order to play, attendees of the ball had to buy beads. McDuel met a friend who purchased McDuel and others beads for them to play. Luckily, during heads-or-tails, McDuel chose the right answer. By the end of the night, McDuel won nearly $1,500. Surely, this made McDuel’s week. 

“I was completely shocked,” McDuel said. “When I heard that I won, I will forever be grateful and thankful for those who sponsored the money.” 

The next day, McDuel enjoyed his first performance as an Upper Iowa cheerleader at the Homecoming football game against Augustana. McDuel just began his cheerleading career when he tried out for the team a few weeks before Homecoming week. 

One of his happiest achievements, McDuel was accepted as a cheerleader and quickly learned cheer choreography, stunts and dances. Needless to say, McDuel achieves his goals and brings his luck wherever he goes this school year. 

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From across the pond, Garrett at home on pitch for UIU

By Luke Hanson/Collegian Staff

Dexter Garrett made the 4,000-mile trip across the Atlantic Ocean from England this summer to play soccer in Fayette for Upper Iowa University. 

Garrett has had a bright start to his collegiate career, scoring his first goal in just his fifth collegiate game, and has logged the third most minutes on team through 14 games. He has played and started in 13 of the first 14 games, while playing through a broken wrist for the last five games. 

“The opportunity to play Division II soccer in the U.S.” is what brought Garrett to Fayette this summer, who was accompanied by his former club teammate Edward Stephens-Truman. Garrett and Stephens-Truman are two of five English players on the team this season, and having a couple of teammates who he can share the experience with have helped ease him into the change. 

Garrett’s favorite part about his time in the United States so far has been meeting new people and hanging out with the new friends he has made. Over 4,000 miles from home, the hardest part of the transition to the United States for Garrett has been, “leaving (his) friends and family for a long period of time.” 

Before coming to Fayette, Garrett played for seven clubs in England, among those were Fulham, Chelsea, Portsmouth, and most recently, Aldershot Town. Reflecting back on his moves across soccer clubs in England, Garrett said, “Everything happens for a reason, and if you focus on the negatives, you’ll never see how great things are.” 

Finding the right fit can be hard at some points, especially when it comes to highly competitive teams in England. Though there were many ups and downs, Garrett’s experience from playing at multiple high-level clubs in previous years is shown through his work on the pitch. 

Garrett was able to make his first start in a Division II match as a freshman, having come to a new country and a life on his own just less than three weeks prior. His motivation for coming across the pond to play collegiate soccer came from, “the chance to play the game (he) loves while getting a degree.”

“The freedom and competitiveness” were two characteristics Garrett used to describe the reason he fell in love with the sport of soccer. His own competitiveness has come to fruition this season, as after he suffered a broken wrist in a match versus Purdue-Northwest, Garrett missed just one match and has played 88 or more minutes in every match since, a staple point of the Peacocks’ backline. 

Garrett says his best quality on the pitch is his heading ability. He has backed up that statement this season, winning many aerial duels and smashing in a thunderous header off a corner kick in a rainy September match against UW-Parkside, a header that gave the Peacocks the lead early in the first half of that match. As for leading up to games, Garrett’s pre-game rituals consist of two tuck jumps just before kickoff. 

Throughout his time here as a Peacock, Garrett hopes to “continue to play every game and help the team do well in the playoffs.” While it has been a tough first season, the freshman has a bright future ahead of him and can help to turn the Peacocks back to winning ways. 

Alongside soccer aspirations here at Upper Iowa, Garrett is pursuing a major in business and has dreams of starting his own one day. Like most college students, Garrett loves spending his free time outside of soccer hanging out with his friends, or in English terms, “chilling with (his) mates.”

[theuiucollegian]

Editorial: Mental health matters

By Hunter Goltz/Collegian Staff

Mental health matters. Whether in the workplace or school, taking the time to focus on mental health is important. 

Like any college, Upper Iowa University has its fair share of stressful situations. These issues must be carefully dealt with through stress management and an increased focus on the mental stability of students.

Some of the biggest stressors for college students at Upper Iowa University may be large amounts of homework, overwhelming classes, personal struggles with relationships on campus or even finding a job to gain a little extra money.

How can college students find ways in their own life to manage these stressors? The answer is a lot more difficult than one may think.

There is no absolute answer for solving mental health challenges. The tactics for resolving mental strain vary from person to person. Though everyone copes differently, it is important to take some basic steps to regain mental clarity. 

A common practice of any student is to take a mental health day. This is a type of sick day for students who simply need a break from class or socializing. Students often spend their mental health days recuperating and collecting their thoughts. Students may also use mental health days to step completely away from their tasks and focus on something they enjoy more. 

Some students, though, may already be conditioned with a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Some serious forms of these illnesses can put students at risk of hurting themselves or others.

In their interpersonal relationships, patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety tend to push away from important life factors. People with depression or anxiety can lose friends through their poor judgment of a situation. 

Mental health issues can be a big reason why a college student may drop out of school or miss out on school opportunities. Some students may spend less time with their friends or less time entertaining their hobbies because of their mental health. Some students may see the opposite effect and end up avoiding school or work instead.

In severe cases, a student may feel like there is nothing worth living for and might want to commit suicide. When the mental struggle is this serious, individuals should seek help from a professional.

Upper Iowa University offers its students free counseling and therapy on campus. It is important for students to seek help when they notice a significant decline in their mental health. Upper Iowa University is eager to help manage the issues of daily life in college.