E-News - November 2025

Thankful Thursday November 20

At Coe College, every thread of generosity strengthens the fabric of our future. On November 20, we are excited to celebrate the second year of Thankful Thursday.

This year's theme, Weaving a Stronger Coe, reflects how each gift interlaces with others to create opportunities that endure. Your contribution to the Annual Fund fuels scholarships, advances academic programs and opens doors for students to thrive. Together, we're building a tapestry of experiences that will shape generations of Kohawks.

Because of you, this tradition continues. Join us in weaving something extraordinary. Read more.

Dr. Mario Affatigato ’89 named president of the American Ceramic Society

Dr. Mario Affatigato '89 was officially appointed president of the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) on September 29, recognizing his acclaimed work in glass science and his long-standing commitment to student mentorship at Coe College. A nationally recognized physicist and long-time faculty member, he embodies the college’s dedication to research excellence and hands-on learning.

Affatigato has guided an internationally respected physics department and will now also lead ACerS in shaping strategic initiatives, fostering global collaboration and promoting the role of ceramics in addressing major challenges such as sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing. Read more.

Four Kohawks named to Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40

2025 Forty Under 40 Recipients

We are proud to celebrate four outstanding alumni named to the Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 list. Congratulations to Tyler Thompson '09, Cari Novak McCoy '08, Lauren DuBay Gilbertson '13 and Kyle Boardman '14 for their leadership, innovation and impact in the community.

Thompson graduated from Coe with his degree in business and psychology. He is currently vice president of supplier strategy and sales enablement at Van Meter in Cedar Rapids.

DuBay Gilbertson graduated from Coe with her degree in art and public relations. She is currently director of communications and project management at Clickstop in Urbana.

Novak McCoy graduated from Coe with her degree in psychology and Spanish. She is currently vice president of strategic operations at Van Meter in Cedar Rapids.

Boardman graduated from Coe with his degree in public accounting and business administration. He is currently principal at Honkamp, P.C. in Cedar Rapids.

Coe College partners with Google AI for Education Accelerator

Coe College partners with Google AI for Education Accelerator Coe College has partnered with the Google AI for Education Accelerator to provide the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools, resources and training for Kohawks, helping to prepare them for an increasingly AI-driven professional landscape. Students will be able to access Gemini Pro, NotebookLM and Veo, as well as career certificates and short courses as they integrate the technology into their education.

Students will utilize AI in Guided Learning mode, a new function within Gemini Pro that acts as a learning companion guiding them with questions and step-by-step support instead of just providing the answer. Google collaborated with students, educators, researchers and learning experts to ensure the mode is helpful for understanding new concepts and is backed by learning science to help build understanding and critical thinking.

Kohawk Stories | James Hutton '26

This past summer, James Hutton '26 got to experience a once-in-a-lifetime internship at FOX Sports, reserved by Coe alumnus Curt Menefee '87. Hutton had the opportunity to work within FOX Sports studios, learning to edit, research and create content at the professional level.

100% of Kohawks are guaranteed an internship, research opportunity or off-campus studies before graduation.

New tax law changes: What our donors need to know

On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) became law, reshaping several rules that affect charitable giving. Below is a donor-friendly summary and practical planning pointers.

The big news: Everyone can now deduct charitable gifts

Starting with 2026 tax returns, taxpayers who do not itemize may deduct cash gifts to qualified public charities up to:

$1,000 for single filers
$2,000 for married filing jointly

Important: Gifts to donor-advised funds (DAFs), supporting organizations, or private foundations don’t qualify for this new universal deduction.

Key changes by donor situation

If you take the standard deduction (about 90% of taxpayers)

Universal charitable deduction: up to $1,000/$2,000 for eligible cash gifts (2026+).
Higher standard deduction (2025): $15,750 (single) / $31,500 (married filing jointly), indexed thereafter.
New seniors’ deduction (2025-2028): an additional $6,000 per eligible person (65+). Available only if you take the standard deduction; income limits apply. This is in addition to the normal “age/blind” add-on amounts under prior law.

Smart move: If you don’t itemize, consider annual cash gifts up to your universal limit — and if you’re 65+, evaluate eligibility for the temporary $6,000 seniors’ deduction.

If you itemize your deductions

New 0.5% AGI floor (2026+): Only the portion of your charitable gifts above 0.5% of AGI is deductible.
Cap for top bracket (2026+): The value of itemized charitable deductions is capped at about 35% even if your marginal rate is higher.
60% of AGI limit for cash gifts is permanent.

Smart moves: “Bunch” multiple years of giving into one tax year to clear the 0.5% floor; consider a DAF to time large itemized gifts (note: DAF gifts don’t qualify for the universal deduction); front-load pledges in a chosen year to exceed the floor.

Three Smart Moves You Can Make Now

Plan for the universal deduction (2026): Non-itemizers can claim $1,000/$2,000 for eligible cash gifts to public charities.
Bundle bigger gifts: Combine several years (or use a DAF) to rise above the 0.5% AGI floor when itemizing.
If you’re 65+ (2025-2028): When taking the standard deduction, review eligibility for the temporary $6,000 seniors’ deduction — and still layer on the universal charitable deduction for cash gifts.

Regardless of timing, every gift to Coe College provides meaningful support that strengthens the student experience, enhances academic programs and fuels opportunities that define the Coe community. Please talk with your financial or tax advisor to explore the best approach for your situation. We remain deeply grateful for your continued investment in Coe’s mission and students.

To make a gift to Coe, please visit our donation page.

Scenes from campus

We love being on campus in the fall, and we're sure you have fond memories as well...so we're bringing you some sights and sounds of the fall season!

Fall at Coe

Coe’s campus as the leaves turn…isn’t it lovely?!

I-Club Culture Show

Experience the 52nd annual International Club Culture Show! Students from around the world share music, dance and traditions in celebration of their cultures and the global community that shapes Coe.

Jammin' through your Journey

From dynamic ensembles to one-on-one lessons with our talented faculty, Coe music students continue to shine — many earning scholarships along the way.

Order a finals pack for your Kohawk today!

Each term during finals, families and friends of current Coe students have the opportunity to send premade care packages as their students study and prepare to take their exams. These finals packs are organized by the Student Alumni Association (SAA) and are a significant fundraiser. The SAA disburses money to students on campus via their Emergency Assistance Fund, and fundraisers like this help make those efforts possible. Order yours by November 23 to guarantee your student a finals pack!

Order Finals Packs

Nominate an outstanding Kohawk for an Alumni Award!

Do you know a Coe alum or friend of the college who is “making it happen?” Someone who…

Excels in their professional field.
Gives back to Coe through student engagement, alumni events and/or financial support.
Volunteers in their community.

Each year, the Coe College Alumni Association proudly bestows the Alumni Award of Merit, Distinguished Service Award and Young Alum Award to exceptional alumni and friends of the college. If you know someone who deserves an award, or if you would like to nominate yourself, simply click on the corresponding link below.

Alumni Award of Merit Nomination Form

Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form

Young Alum Award Nomination Form

Nominations must be submitted by January 31, 2026.