MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (May 6, 2026) — After a career spent raising funds for major strategic initiatives, Kellie Kohler Esters, a 1986 graduate of Monmouth College, felt it was only fitting that her alma mater was included.

"I think it's important to lead by example and inspire other alumni to consider supporting initiatives that are important to them," said Esters, who has retired after a 37-year career and lives in Sun City West, Arizona.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (May 6, 2026) — At Coe College, hands-on research starts on day one, and the 2026 Student Research and Discovery Symposium is the moment to deliver the results. Kohawks shared ideas, challenged perspectives, and learned from one another in a space built for discovery.

Nearly eighty Coe College students gathered to present research and perform creative works during the 2026 Student Research and Discovery Symposium, including:

Sarah Giese of Bettendorf

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (May 4, 2026) — The 46th annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival kicks off Tuesday, May 5, and runs through Saturday, May 9, bringing together Knox College, the Galesburg community, and local and renowned performers. Faculty, alumni, students, and guest artists perform daily at various community venues.

DUBUQUE, IOWA (May 4, 2026) — Five University of Dubuque students connected by an English major or minor shared their unique perspectives at the Sigma Tau Delta 2026 Convention during a roundtable session about the convention’s common reader, Salvage the Bones.