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UI honors 2024 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipients

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Six members of the University of Iowa community who served their country in the United States Army and United States Navy are being honored with the 2024 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award. 

Veterans Week events

To honor military Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, the University of Iowa has planned events taking place from Nov. 10 — Nov. 17. 

Visit this webpage to see more details, including what will be taking place on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. 

Criteria for the award — which was established in 2015 — include a strong UI connection, honorable service to the U.S., military accomplishment or contributions, and service to the community. 

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Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipients will be honored in a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, in the Richey Ballroom at the Iowa Memorial Union. All are welcome to attend the ceremony. 

The 2024 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipients are:

Edwin “Andy” Anderson, United States Army

Howard Cowen, United States Navy

David Dierks, United States Army

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John H. Fraser, United States Navy

Robert Hedgepeth, United States Army

Zachary Graham, United States Army. Graham will receive the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans “Larry Lockwood” Student Award. 

Read more about the honorees. 

Colonel Edwin “Andy” Anderson served in the United States Army for 30 years, including 23 years as a Green Beret. During his service, he earned the Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and numerous foreign Jump Wings. After retirement, Anderson served on the Board of Directors for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for 14 years; co-founded the Soldier, Family, and Command Support Association; and serves as an ambassador for the World War II Foundation. Anderson served four years as UI assistant professor of military science with Army ROTC and established the UI’s Army ROTC inaugural “Ranger Challenge” team. 

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Lieutenant Howard Cowen served eight years in the United States Navy. As an Iowa City resident, Cowen has served as commissioner for the Iowa City Human Rights Council and the Johnson County Health Improvement Planning Committee, as well as a consultant for the Emergency Housing Project. Cowen graduated from Iowa with a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1976 and a Master of Science in dental public health in 1995. He has served as a College of Dentistry faculty member for more than 40 years. 

Master Sergeant David Dierks served 28 years in the United States Army. For his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. During his 50 years at the UI Center for Advancement, Dierks raised awareness and philanthropic support to meet the needs of Veterans in the UI community. Within the community, he served on the boards for the Iowa City Free Lunch Program and the Hoover Presidential Foundation. Dierks received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from Iowa in 1970.

Captain John H. Fraser served in the United States Navy on active duty for seven years, followed by 18 years in the Naval Air Reserve. He was awarded the Air Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and two Vietnam Service Medals. Fraser has been a member of the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club since 2012 and is a past chair and current member of Iowa City’s Iowa Climate Action Commission. Fraser graduated from Iowa in 1996 with a Master of Business Administration. He served as the Henry B. Tippie School of Management Executive MBA Program director from 1997 to 2011 and is a current board member of the Tippie College of Business Institute for International Business. 

Colonel Robert Hedgepeth served in the United States Army for 30 years. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army and Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Iowa National Guard’s Medal of Merit. Hedgepeth serves on the board of directors for Safeguard Iowa, a public private partnership for disaster response and recovery, and helped found the Army ROTC’s Mighty Hawkeye Battalion Alumni Association. He recently served on the advisory board for the university’s Iowa Technology Institute. Hedgepeth graduated from Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in engineering in 1989. 

Captain Zachary Graham served four years in the United States Army. For his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal and earned the Pathfinder and Air Assault badges. Within his community, Graham has served as president of the Tau Sigma Military Dental Club, which organizes fundraisers for dental treatments for low-income Veterans. He co-founded the Pediatric Smiles Fund, which raises money to support dental care for underinsured pediatric patients. Graham is a fourth-year student in the College of Dentistry. 

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Iowa State wrestling adds ex-Hawkeye Dru Ayala from transfer portal

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Iowa State wrestling adds ex-Hawkeye Dru Ayala from transfer portal


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Iowa State wrestling has added another lightweight through the transfer portal, earning the commitment of former Hawkeye Dru Ayala on Wednesday, May 13.

Ayala has been with the Hawkeyes for two seasons, with an 11-4 record as a true freshman and not competing in 2025-26. The 125-pounder will have at least three years of eligibility remaining.

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“Grateful for where I’ve been, excited for where I’m going. Go Cyclones,” Ayala said in an Instagram post.

Before his time in Iowa, Ayala was a four-time state medalist with Fort Dodge. He made the state semifinals all four years and had a 153-16 record. He is the brother of former Hawkeye wrestler Drake Ayala, who recently accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Cyclones.

Iowa State has had multiple major departures with Anthony Echemendia, Christian Castillo, Daniel Herrera and others heading to the transfer portal. As a result, the Cyclones have been busy adding to the roster, with Dru Ayala joining Ayden Smith (Rutgers), Brayden Thompson (Oklahoma State) and Rin Sakamoto (Oklahoma State).

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

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Candidates for Warren County’s Iowa House District 22 tackle issues

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Candidates for Warren County’s Iowa House District 22 tackle issues


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Two candidates are running for the Iowa House District 22 seat encompassing Norwalk, Carlisle, Cumming and Martensdale.

First-term Republican Rep. Samantha Fett faces a challenge from Democrat Rory Taylor, who she defeated in 2024 to fill the open seat.

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Both candidates are unopposed for their party’s nomination.

To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, statewide and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The primary election is scheduled for June 2.

Click below to see learn more about the candidates and where they stand on key issues:

| Bios | Top issue | Education | Taxes | Cancer rates | Eminent domain | Budget deficits |

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  • Political party: Republican.
  • Age: 46.
  • Residence: Carlisle.
  • Occupation: Marketing and communications director for Inspired Life Inc.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Drake University.
  • Political experience: Moms for Liberty – Warren County, Carlisle School Board member 2019-2021, Warren County Central Committee member, Capitol Region Republican Women, Iowa Federation of Republican Women, National Federation of Republican Women.

Who is Rory Taylor?

  • Political party: Democrat.
  • Age: 65.
  • Residence: Norwalk.
  • Occupation: Retired.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, minor in political science, Iowa State University.
  • Political experience: Bevington City Council.

Fett (R): My top issue is strengthening Iowa’s education system. I believe parents should have a leading voice in their children’s education because families want meaningful options. I support high academic standards, safe learning environments and policies that protect children while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work on policies that continue to focus on all students reaching their potential through measurable, objective achievements and by expanding and enhancing the supply of creative education. Education shapes the next generation, and it remains my highest priority.

Taylor (D): Water quality in our state. We need to increase monitoring the water sources we use for our drinking water. Our nitrate levels are in direct correlation to our cancer rates in the state. We need to work with our farmers to mitigate the problem, not blame them for it!

Taylor (D): We need to restructure the voucher program. Students with financial needs could be accommodated, but not the wealthiest of our population. We need to provide more funding for our AEAs and improvement in teacher pay. Bring back our industrial arts programs.

Fett (R): I support policies that put students and families first. That includes strengthening parental rights, expanding educational options and making sure all education models — public schools, homeschool, private and public charter schools — can succeed. I also support a balanced approach to digital learning, since excessive screen time can affect attention and academic progress. I believe Iowa should set developmentally appropriate limits on digital instruction and prioritize strong foundational skills like reading, writing and real classroom connection so every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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Fett (R): I support Iowa’s recent tax changes because the state was collecting far more than it needed. With full reserves, a $2 billion ending balance, and over $4 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund, returning money to Iowans is the responsible choice. The 3.8% rate keeps Iowa competitive, and temporary revenue dips were planned for. Looking ahead, I would support additional tax law changes that continue this philosophy: keeping government efficient, ensuring strong reserves and returning excess dollars to taxpayers.

Taylor (D): I do not support all the tax changes. I believe moving Iowa’s tax structure for both corporate and income to be more progressive. This would raise taxes on corporations, higher-income individuals and lower taxes on lower-income individuals.

Taylor (D): Water quality standards: Strengthen, enforce and monitor water quality standards to reduce carcinogens like nitrates and PFAS from agricultural runoff.

Fett (R): I support practical, targeted actions that reduce known risks and strengthen research. Iowa is a major radon hotspot, and radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. House File 2297 is an important step requiring passive radon mitigation. A cost-effective protection helps ensure families aren’t unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels. I support the pediatric cancer research bill, which provides dedicated funding to advance research and improve outcomes for Iowa children. This investment and reducing environmental risks give Iowa a stronger and more effective path to lowering cancer rates. Chemical regulation: Improve monitoring of pesticides and fertilizer application, ensuring public health is central to agricultural policy. Radon mitigation: Fund widespread radon testing. Protect Medicaid expansion, which supports cancer screening and care for over 180,000 Iowans. HPV vaccine access: Protect access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to prevent future cancer.

Fett (R): Protecting private property rights is essential. Based on that standard, I do not support using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, as these projects do not meet the threshold of traditional public use infrastructure and raise significant concerns for landowners. I have consistently opposed the misuse of eminent domain and will continue standing with Iowa landowners on this issue.

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Taylor (D): Public projects, such as infrastructure (highways, bridges) and utilities. And as long as there is fair compensation and due process.

Taylor (D): Voucher program would be a start. And the tax cuts that have been made haven’t stimulated the economy as the Republican Party has suggested they would. I don’t see any other cuts I would suggest. The key is tax revenue, and what we have in place now isn’t working!

Fett (R): Iowa’s recent revenue dip was fully expected when income taxes were reduced. I support a disciplined, responsible approach to budgeting that ensures we fund key priorities like public schools, nursing homes and public safety while still allowing Iowans to keep more of what they earn. The Taxpayer Relief Fund was created specifically to manage temporary revenue decreases during tax reform, providing stability without jeopardizing essential services. My focus is on maintaining disciplined budgeting so Iowa continues meeting its obligations without over taxing families.

Read more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa adds 87-year-old Tom Moore as senior consultant and offensive adviser

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Iowa adds 87-year-old Tom Moore as senior consultant and offensive adviser


IOWA CITY, Iowa — After a 65-year football coaching career, longtime NFL offensive coordinator Tom Moore’s most recent stop comes full circle — the University of Iowa.

Before Moore coached Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth to Super Bowl titles in the late 1970s or guided quarterback Peyton Manning to multiple MVP awards, he played quarterback at Iowa in the 1950s and became a graduate assistant in 1961-62. Now, the 87-year-old Moore will work as a senior consultant to coach Kirk Ferentz and as an offensive adviser.

“I have known Tom Moore for over a decade and am thrilled that he has agreed to join our program in an advisory role,” Ferentz said in a statement. “Coach Moore has had a long and very successful career in football. He was a player at Iowa, coached at the collegiate level and spent many years working alongside Hall of Fame coaches in the National Football League. I am grateful that a four-time Super Bowl champion will share his wisdom and perspectives with us — coaches and players.”

Moore played for Hall of Fame coach Forest Evashevski and was a backup on the 1960 team that tied for the Big Ten title and was named national champion by three different outlets. Following his time as a graduate assistant, Moore spent two years in the United States Army before working for more than a decade as a college assistant. He moved to the NFL in 1977 as the Pittsburgh Steelers receivers coach and later as offensive coordinator under Chuck Noll.

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Following stints with the Vikings, Lions and Saints, Moore became the Colts’ offensive coordinator in 1998, where he worked with Manning and helped Indianapolis reach two Super Bowls, winning one title. After stops with the Jets, Titans and Cardinals, Moore spent the last seven years as an offensive consultant with Tampa Bay, where he worked with Tom Brady to win another Super Bowl following the 2020 season.

Moore, who was an honorary team captain at Iowa for a game in 2018, has frequently spent time with the Iowa program and offered recommendations when attending practice. When current New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, at the time a wide receiver, carried the ball on the scout team, Moore suggested Tracy make a permanent position switch. Tracy declined the move until his final year at Purdue, and he has since led the Giants in rushing in his first two seasons in the NFL.

At Iowa, Moore will join his former Colts protégé, Jay Norvell, who coaches running backs. Norvell worked under Moore as wide receivers coach from 1998 until 2001.

“You talk about a guy that’s forgot more football than most people know,” Norvell said about Moore. “It’s just a complete blessing.”



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