E-News - June 2026
Mark your calendar for the second annual Athletic Day of Giving
After an incredibly successful inaugural campaign, the Kohawk Athletic Day of Giving is back for its second year on Thursday, August 6. With the energy of a new athletics season on the horizon, this special day puts the ball in your court to invest in the student-athletes who represent the spirit and strength of Coe.
Every contribution made on this day fuels Kohawk student-athletes and programs to compete at the highest level, and the accolades, conference titles and individual honors earned along the way are a testament to that generosity.
You can choose to support Kohawk Athletics overall through the Kohawk Club, the central fund that benefits all of Coe's athletic programs, or designate your gift directly to the team or program that means the most to you. Watch your emails and our social media (@coeathletics & @coealumni) for more information coming soon!
From the desk of President David Hayes
We are excited to share the fourth paper in a series of reflections from the desk of President David Hayes '93. The topic of this letter is the value of a liberal arts education at Coe, and why it's as important today, 175 years after the founding of the college, as ever. Read the letter here.
Return to campus for the 2026 Coe Physics Reunion
Registration is now open for the 2026 Coe Physics Reunion. This year's theme is Physics for the Greater Good, and the weekend is packed with pHun events including a barbecue, the infamous Coe Physics Poker Tournament, a tour of the Marvin Cone art collection, a movie night, a trip to the Field of Dreams and so much more.
The Physics Reunion takes place Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28 and begins with a memorial celebration honoring Steve "Doc" Feller. See the full schedule and register here.
Celebrate the legacy of Doc Feller
Before the 2026 Physics Reunion, a Dr. Steve “Doc” Feller Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, June 25. Please join us as we gather to celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy of teaching, mentorship and progress that will forever be a part of Coe College.
The celebration of life, open to all, will begin at 2:00 PM in Cherry Auditorium. The memorial celebration will honor the life and legacy of Doc Feller, featuring speakers, video tributes and shared remembrances from colleagues, students, friends and family. An informal gathering and social hour will follow the memorial celebration in the Center for Health and Society Lobby, where attendees can continue sharing stories and connecting over light refreshments (all Doc’s favorites!). This special gathering will offer an opportunity to reflect on Doc’s enduring impact through shared stories, meaningful tributes and cherished memories. Until then, please send any photos and/or written memories that you would like to share with Doc's family and Coe to o-alumni@coe.edu.
Please register to join us as we come together to celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be a part of Coe College. RSVPs are encouraged to aid in the planning process and for future communications regarding the event.
Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch the program via livestream. For those needing accommodations, please reach out to 319.399.8555 prior to the event.
Support Coe athletics at the 44th Annual Golf Outing & Fundraiser
Grab your clubs, mark your calendars and register to join us for Coe’s 44th Annual Golf Outing & Fundraiser on July 16. This beloved event proudly supports all 29 of Coe’s men’s and women’s varsity programs and brings together our incredible community of sponsors, alumni, family and friends. Built on the generosity of our loyal supporters, participation in this event benefits the Kohawk Club, Coe’s general athletics fund that powers all of Kohawk Athletics. From equipment and uniforms to travel opportunities, your support makes it all possible for our student-athletes.
It’s a day of friendly competition, lasting connections and a shared commitment to those who represent Coe with pride. Whether you’re out on the course or supporting as a sponsor, your involvement helps fuel the next chapter of Kohawk Athletics. For more information and to register, visit our outing website.
Details:
📅 Thursday, July 16, 2026
📍 Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course | 2901 Hunters Ridge Rd, Marion, IA 52302
🏌️ 10:00 AM – Registration & Driving Range Open
🥪 11:00 AM – Boxed Lunch by Firehouse Subs
🎤 11:30 AM – Updates from Athletic Director Steve Cook
🏁 12:00 PM – Shotgun Start
🎟️ 5:30 PM – Celebration Dinner & 50/50 Raffle Drawing
Take a pit stop at the Coe tent during RAGBRAI next month
The Register's Annual Great Bike Race Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is just around the corner, and Coe's Alumni Engagement team will be on the route for College Jersey Day!
If you're riding on July 21, be sure to look for our Coe tent in the mid-day town of Perry for a pit stop. All alumni, family and friends are invited to visit our tent for water, snacks and a chance to rest with your fellow Kohawks. Let us know you'll be riding by at the link below. Best of luck to everyone riding, and we hope to see you in Perry.
Register here button https://alumni.coe.edu/e/ragbrai-pit-stop-2026/
Coe receives FAA approval for Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot authorization, accelerating career paths for student aviators
Coe College has received official authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify that eligible graduates of its flight operations concentration meet the education requirements for the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. This landmark endorsement allows Coe pilots to enter the airline industry more quickly, providing a competitive edge for Kohawk aviators.
Under this new authorization, eligible Coe College students can qualify for their R-ATP certificate with as few as 1,000 flight hours — a 500-hour reduction from the standard 1,500-hour requirement for an unrestricted ATP certificate. This accelerated pathway enables graduates to begin their careers as early as 21 years of age, compared to the standard age requirement of 23 for an unrestricted certificate.
"This approval is a game-changer for our students," said Coe College Provost Angela Ziskowski. "By meeting the FAA's rigorous academic and flight training standards, Coe is now one of a select group of institutions with an FAA-authorized R-ATP pathway."
To qualify for the 1,000-hour R-ATP, students must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Graduate with a four-year degree including the flight operations concentration from Coe College.
- Complete at least 60 credit hours of FAA-recognized aviation-related coursework that includes Part 141 instrumental and commercial training.
- Pass the required FAA written and practical ATP exams.
Professor of Business Administration & Economics and Academic Coordinator of Aviation Programs Pam Carstens notes that regional airlines and smaller cargo carriers often hire R-ATP pilots.
“R-ATP pilots are sometimes hired as second-in-command pilots or sometimes into training programs to build more hours before assuming a piloting role. Either way, the R-ATP allows students to enter the job market and start gaining airline experience more quickly. This can lead to an earlier start on seniority, which is critical for long-term career advancement in the aviation industry,” Carstens said.
This milestone builds on Coe’s Part 141 ground certification, further solidifying the college’s position as a premier destination for professional pilot training. Students in the aviation management & flight operations concentration train at Coe’s Aeronautical Field Station at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), providing valuable experience at an airport with air an traffic control tower and a full commercial flight schedule. All Kohawk aviation students are guaranteed to fly in their first term.
Kohawks can earn three degrees in six years with the 3+3 engineering dual degree program
Two powerhouses in the physics and engineering fields have entered into a dual degree agreement. Coe College students can now pursue an additional bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in engineering with Washington University in St. Louis at an accelerated pace.
The 3+3 engineering dual degree program will pave the path for Kohawks to earn three degrees in six years when a student would normally earn two degrees in the same time period.
Students who choose the dual degree program will spend their first three years at Coe completing general education coursework along with courses in the college’s engineering physics major. Then, if the student meets coursework, GPA and review requirements, they can transfer into the James McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University to pursue degrees in a specific engineering field.
“Our engineering physics program provides the science foundation for nearly any 
engineering field,” explained Fran Allison and Francis Halpin Professor of Physics Mario Affatigato ’89. “This dual degree agreement is particularly helpful to students who know the specific engineering field they want to join. They can move directly into the 3+3 program at Washington University in St. Louis and earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from Coe, a bachelor’s degree in their specific engineering field from Washington University and then a master’s degree in that engineering field.”
Admission into the McKelvey School of Engineering is guaranteed under the agreement if students meet the specific criteria.
“This is two powerhouse schools joining forces,” said Interim Vice President for Enrollment Josh Kite. “Both have incredible reputations in the science and engineering realms, so if you want an incredible engineering education, high-level connections and to stand out among job candidates because you have three degrees, starting your engineering degree at Coe is your best bet.”
The engineering physics program at Coe focuses on the science behind key engineering principles, creating well-rounded engineers and a pathway to a number of master’s programs. The program is led by internationally recognized physics faculty, including Affatigato who is the current president of the American Ceramics Society. It is a research-rich academic environment, which lays groundwork for master’s level coursework.
Since 1986, the department has received continuous research grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Additional funding has come from NASA, Department of Energy, the National Institute of Health and Fortune 500 companies. Coe is also a host site for the NSF’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program — one of only a few small schools in the country to serve as a member of this prestigious program.
Coe adds three new academic concentrations to meet workforce needs
Beginning this fall, Coe College will offer programs in healthcare administration, nutrition and supply chain management. The healthcare administration and supply chain management programs will be concentrations within the college’s business administration major, while the nutrition program will be a concentration within the college’s kinesiology major.
The three concentrations provide an education for growing career fields, and students within each concentration will take up to six courses online, with remaining coursework in the core curriculum completed in person on campus. The hybrid model combines a robust campus life and in-person learning experience with the flexibility of some online learning.
The new hybrid learning programs will be offered in partnership with Rize Education. Rize will allow Coe to tap into industry expertise and curriculum designed specifically for workforce preparation.
Each of the new concentrations is designed to prepare students for fast-growing careers while leveraging the college’s built-in benefits.
- Healthcare administration will combine economics, management, communication and analytical skills with healthcare-specific expertise to prepare students for leadership roles in administration, consulting, operations, human resources or a pathway to future graduate study. Coe’s location in the MedQuarter Regional Medical District creates a multitude of opportunities for job shadowing, internships and eventually employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for medical and health services managers is growing by 23%.
- Nutrition will integrate a strong science foundation from Coe’s broad offerings across its STEM programs with specialized training and lab work in nutritional science. Students in nutrition will also be able to take advantage of Coe’s MedQuarter location for hands-on field experience.
- Supply chain management at Coe will be grounded in the human-to-human skills that are essential for success with practical preparation for the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) exam and credential. Coe students will have the distinct advantage of their close proximity to manufacturing industries in Cedar Rapids reliant on efficient and effective supply chain management. According to the BLS, the job outlook for logisticians is growing by 17%.
College officials are excited to add more programs that are in demand from both the student and industry perspectives.
“It is our goal to continue to open up more opportunities for our students and simultaneously serve workforce needs, so we’re ecstatic about the possibilities these concentrations create,” said Coe College Provost Angela Ziskowski. “The demand for professionals in these areas is growing and we’re in a unique position to equip our students with the necessary technical skills while doubling down on vital skills like critical thinking, problem solving and communication into the curriculum that will be needed to keep pace with evolving needs after graduation.”
Students in the concentrations will have access to all of Coe’s support services including the #11 Best Career Services, #14 Student Support & Counseling and #18 Most Accessible Professors as ranked by The Princeton Review. For more than a decade, nearly 100% of reporting Coe graduates have been employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.