E-News - October 2024

Homecoming recap

September 26-28, Coe welcomed over 450 alumni and friends for Homecoming weekend. New events included the 50th Championship Football Team Dinner, the President's Reception at Pleasant Hill, the All-Alumni Celebration and the College District Bar Crawl. The Kohawks beat the University of Dubuque 27-10 in Saturday's football game, adding another reason to celebrate all weekend long. 

All-Alumni Recognition Awards: Anna Hegland '13 received the Young Alum Award, Kenneth McMartin '73 received the Alumni Award of Merit and Tony Patterson, Jr. '70 received the Distinguished Service Award.

Althletic Hall of Fame inductees: Emily Schultz Smith '98, Kyle Kuenstling '08, Ashley Leonard Holland '09, Brad Boyle '12 and John Chandler.

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In Memory of Janice McInally

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Janice McInally, beloved wife of Coe College's 15th president, Dr. David McInally. Her strength, resilience and spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her. Janice's kindness, empathy and enduring commitment to Dave, Will and Susannah was always evident to everyone she met. Janice bravely fought a long and heroic battle against cancer and was surrounded by her family when she passed on October 5, 2024. Her strength, resilience and spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.

In 2013, Janice and Dave moved to Cedar Rapids, where she served as the "First Spouse" of Coe College. Janice made the role her own, dedicating herself to many forms of service to Coe and the local community. She served countless local organizations and brought joy everywhere she went. In recognition of her constant, cheerful devotion, Coe dedicated the David and Janice McInally Center for Health & Society in September 2022.

While her presence will be dearly missed, her memory and the impact she made on the lives of so many will live on forever.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life for Janice will take place at Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, IA on November 2 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to make gifts in honor of Janice consider donating to Coe College, Heartland Presbyterian Church or another organization of your choice dedicated to serving others in a spirit of love, happiness and community. That's what Janice did. May our families and world be filled with hearts as pure as hers.

If you wish to make a gift to Coe in Janice’s memory, please click here. The family has identified the Annual Fund as their preferred designation to provide the maximum benefit and impact for Coe. On the online giving form, please check the box "I would like to make this gift in tribute of:" and complete the ensuing prompts.

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Young Alumni Trustee nominations now open!

Have you ever thought about giving back to your alma mater by being part of the Coe College Board of Trustees? Do you know someone who would be great for this role? If you are a member of the classes of 2022, 2023 or 2024, now is your time! Our first Young Alumni Trustee will conclude their term in the fall of 2025, which means we are again seeking nominations for this role. This position will serve a two-year term beginning in fall 2025. If you are nominated during our first round, you MUST be nominated again to be considered for the upcoming term. The Young Alumni Trustee must meet the following criteria and be:

• a Coe College alumni from one of the past three graduating classes,
• able to demonstrate active participation in the campus community during their time as a student,
• demonstrate a collaborative spirit and willingness to serve and work for the good of the college.

Nominations close November 15 at 12:00 AM. All nominated candidates will be invited to fill out an application for the position. Candidate review and selection will occur during the coming months to appoint the Young Alumni Trustee by June 2025. Please share the names of deserving individuals with us today by completing this nomination form.

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Coe College remains nationally ranked for Most Accessible Professors and Best Career Services

Coe College continues to earn national accolades for accessible professors and career services. The Princeton Review released updated 2025 rankings Tuesday and Coe remains the only college or university in Iowa to land on the publication’s Best Career Services (No. 8 nationally) and Most Accessible Professors (No. 22 nationally) lists. Read more here.

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Coe College announces new scholarship initiative for Illinois residents

Coe College is pleased to announce a new scholarship program designed to provide significant financial support to qualified students from Illinois. Eligible first-time students enrolling at Coe in Fall 2025 will receive an Illinois Kohawk Award matching the amount of the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. This grant offers $8,400 per year in additional scholarships to eligible Illinois residents on top of Trustee Scholarships already valued at up to $40,000. Read more here.

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Coe College earns national recognition from Washington Monthly as a Top 100 liberal arts college

Coe College is a top 100 liberal arts college in the nation, according to a recently released list from Washington Monthly. This set of rankings is unique, in that they measure what the college does for the country based on contributions to the public good across three categories — social mobility, research and promoting public service.

In the realm of promoting public service, Coe continues to perform particularly well, coming in at No. 41 in the nation. Coe was ranked No. 110 for research and No. 119 for creating social mobility, leading to a No. 100 ranking overall. 

In Iowa, Coe was consistently among the top three colleges across all the categories, underscoring the college’s all-encompassing approach to ensuring students of all backgrounds and interests are able to obtain an education that leads to an impactful life. Read more here.

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Thankful Thursday: giving back to move forward

At Coe College, we believe that the future is built on the generosity of those who cherish their past. This November, we are excited to introduce a new giving tradition: Thankful Thursday. On Thursday, November 21, 2024, we invite alumni, guardians and friends of Coe to come together in a celebration of gratitude and support for the college we all love. Keep an eye out for updates on this day of giving as we get closer to Thankful Thursday.

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Career Fair 2024 & C3 Events

On September 18, C3 held the annual Career Fair in Kohawk Arena. Over 300 students of all majors attended the event to meet with employers and discuss career opportunities for their futures. 

Their upcoming event is an alumni/student networking social on Wednesday, November 13 from 4:30-6:00 PM in the Alumni House. For local alumni who would like to sign up, you can find more information and register here.

To learn more about all of the career planning opportunities C3 offers, visit their page.

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New Alumni Advancement team members

Director of Alumni Engagement: Claire Tupper Sagers '18

Gifts Specialist: Steve Berg

Advancement Communications Coordinator: Haley Weideman

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Share your life updates online

Class Notes have historically been a feature in the Courier. Now, you can keep up with fellow Kohawks online and in (almost) real time through Coe’s digital Class News on Coe Connect! If you have a life update of your own, share it with the alumni community.

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