E-News - March 2, 2020

Coe College President David McInally announces plan to retire

Last month, David McInally announced to the Board of Trustees that he will retire following the 2020-2021 academic year.

Dave took office as the 15th president of Coe on July 1, 2013. His strong leadership has generated significant improvements across all areas of the college including the largest and most diverse enrollments in history, numerous enhancements to programs and facilities, a focus on community engagement and local partnerships, a significant increase in annual fundraising and an emphasis on strategic planning and financial management.

Dave and his wife, Janice, have forged a deep bond with the Coe community, including alumni around the world. "Serving as Coe's president has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. Janice and I love Coe with all of our hearts and will miss being part of the daily life of our campus,” Dave said. “We plan to stay in Iowa and look forward to continuing to be part of the Coe community. Coe is strong and growing, and there is no doubt in my mind that we are in an excellent position to recruit our new president."

“While we would have liked for Dave to continue working at Coe in this capacity for a longer period of time, we are grateful for the years we had and appreciate Dave and Janice’s service to Coe. We wish them well,” Coe Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Golder ’82 said.

The Board of Trustees is currently working to identify a search consultant, appoint a representative search committee and begin working with the Coe community on the leadership transition. Regular updates to alumni and friends of Coe will be available through the college website.

Coe College named best in Iowa and top 16 in nation for internships

For the third consecutive year, Coe College has been named a Best Value College by The Princeton Review and is included in its Top 25 Best Schools for Internships. Coe ranks 16 in the nation and remains the only Iowa school on the list. This ranking puts Coe College in the top 4% of all postsecondary schools in the nation for internships.

The Princeton Review credits Coe’s location in a thriving metropolitan area; the C3: Creativity, Careers, Community center; career and graduate school placement; rigorous academics; and dedicated faculty as catalysts for inclusion in this prestigious ranking.

Coe students benefit from the lowest unemployment rate for college graduates in the nation. Cedar Rapids offers numerous internship opportunities with local Fortune 500 companies and has been named a 2019 Best Place to Live by Money.

C3 connects students to Coe’s business partners and successful alumni located in the Cedar Rapids corridor and beyond. One example of Coe’s unique internship opportunities includes a studio programming internship exclusive to Coe students with FOX Sports Media Group. This paid position, created by alum Curt Menefee ’87, includes travel expenses to and from California, the cost of summer housing, transportation and meals. Google, Corning Incorporated, Mayo Clinic and the Chicago Board of Trade are just a few of the other businesses routinely reserving internships for Coe students.

“We are thrilled that Coe College continues to be recognized among the best colleges in the nation through our inclusion in The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges and Top 25 Schools for Internships,” Coe College President David McInally said. “We’re especially grateful to our alumni, community and business partners for the role they play in providing unique internship and career experiences for Kohawks.”

MIT AgeLab director headlines Coe’s 17th annual Contemporary Issues Forum

Joseph F. Coughlin, Ph.D., of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, provided a glimpse into the future at this year’s Contemporary Issues Forum on February 18.

Coughlin’s career research provides insights on how demographic change, technology, social trends and consumer behavior converge to drive future innovations in business and government.

Coughlin challenged the audience to create a new vision of old age. He detailed advances in technology related to transportation, home automation and health care to assist the elderly. Some of these technologies, such as autonomous cars, exist presently but are not yet perfected or widely available.

In rethinking old age, instead of creating a retirement plan, Coughlin encouraged individuals to create a longevity plan. “People are living longer — close to a century in some cases. They need to plan for an additional 25 years of life following their career,” Coughlin said.

Watch the video to see highlights from Coughlin’s speech and read more about the event in the spring issue of the Courier coming later this month.

Student Story: Jasmine Barlow

Jasmine Barlow ’21 knows Coe is a special place — and she knows it takes many supportive alumni, parents and friends to make it that way.

The atmosphere on campus drew Barlow to Coe from her hometown of Chicago. “I came to Coe because everyone is so nice. At first I couldn’t believe it, but everyone on campus really cares. I also love how peaceful campus is. Coe is very different from Chicago, and the trees, animals and quiet spaces are very important to me,” she said.

Barlow also appreciates how much Coe allows her to explore her interests. She is majoring in psychology with minors in creative writing and French, and taking courses from these different areas has helped her develop a variety of skills. “I couldn’t survive with just one major!” she said. Barlow plans to pursue a career in educational psychology and also dreams of writing a New York Times bestselling novel.

What truly makes Coe special for Barlow is the incredible support system on campus. Professors and staff members always have been dependable sources of guidance and encouragement, and she has made lasting friendships as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. “If I am struggling with things, I know people on campus will help me,” she said.

In order to attend Coe and get the education she needs to achieve her goals, Barlow relies on scholarships funded by generous donors. “I would not be where I am without kind and generous people who give to make my life better,” she said. “To spend the money they have earned to help people have a better future is amazing.” Inspired by that generosity, Barlow plans to give back to Coe students when she becomes a Kohawk alumna.

To help Barlow and many other students achieve their dreams at Coe, click here to make a gift.

#KohawkDay is April 2!

The countdown is on! #KohawkDay will be here before we know it, and there are many ways you can get involved.

Make a gift. (Busy on April 2? Make your gift early and it will count toward goals and challenges on #KohawkDay.)
Sign up to be a Challenge Leader or Social Ambassador.
Track our progress throughout the day.
Follow along on social media and share your Kohawk pride.

Visit alumni.coe.edu/kohawkday for unfolding details as the big day approaches.

New Marquis Series event added on March 6

The Coe College Marquis Series presents internationally known jazz vocalist, pianist and composer Sarah McKenzie.

Originally from Australia, McKenzie now resides in the U.S. and tours internationally, performing throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, Korea and Japan. McKenzie is known for her brilliance interpreting 20th century jazz standards for the 21st century. Her global following multiplied with the success of her 2017 disc “Paris in the Rain.'' McKenzie will perform her new disc “Secrets of My Heart” (Normandy Lane) for the audience of Coe College and the surrounding community.

Free for Coe faculty, staff and students. $15 for the general public. $10 for seniors and non-Coe students. Tickets available at the door or Coe Box Office (www.coe.edu/box-office).

A taste of international cuisine

The International Club held its 46th annual banquet on February 16. Dishes were prepared by Kohawks from around the world for Coe and the surrounding community to sample. This video provides a small “taste” of the fun had by all.

Courier Class Notes deadline is March 15

Do you have news you would like printed in the Summer Courier? Send us your submission by March 15 using the Update Your Info form or by sending an email to courier@coe.edu.

Refer a Kohawk

Your time at Coe included some of the best years of your life, right? Help someone else have an amazing experience as a Kohawk, too!

If you know a student who might benefit from Coe's unique opportunities, please tell us: www.coe.edu/recommend_a_student.
Children of alumni receive an annual $1,000 Legacy Award.

Upcoming Alumni Events

March 13-14 — DIII Wrestling Championships — The Coe College wrestling team invites you to join them as Cedar Rapids hosts the Division III Wrestling Championships at the U.S. Cellular Center. Following the evening session on Saturday, all Coe fans are welcome to attend a Kohawk social in downtown Cedar Rapids.

March 15-16 — Coe Externship Networking Receptions — The Coe College Alumni Office and C3: Creativity, Careers, Community center are bringing a group of Kohawks to St. Louis for the fourth annual externship program. This trip is a chance for students to visit various companies and learn what it's like to work in a variety of industries. Join us on Sunday, March 15, and/or Monday, March 16, to meet current Kohawks, share your career path and highlight everything St. Louis has to offer!

March 15-19 — Kent Herron Aspen Reunion — Kent Herron is looking forward to meeting up with old friends and making some new ones on this ski trip reunion in Aspen! All friends and family of Coe are welcome to come.

March 31 — Remembering WWII: Celebrating the 75th Anniversary — In honor and remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, Coe College will recognize Chuck Elias '50 — one of just eleven surviving veterans of Iwo Jima — and other living World War II veterans including George Henry '49. The college also will commemorate alumni who lost their lives serving in World War II, and all family members are invited to join us as we honor the sacrifices they made for our nation.