News
Winter weather controversy: Winter weather controversy
By Josh Heilskov, News Editor
- Recharge and refocus at Midterm MarathonOnce again, the Sundberg Library in Benton Hall and the Learning Commons in Cedar Hall are joining together the week before midterms to offer a week of academic support and stress relief to help you be successful in your upcoming midterms – and beyond. Stop by each day [Continue Reading »]
- Custodian’s support leaves long lasting impact
The Honorary Student Award is presented to a Kirkwood Community College employee selected by students who believe the recipient goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities to provide meaningful support. This year, Austin Hutchcroft, custodian, received the award. “It was surreal,” Hutchcroft said. “I didn’t think I would [Continue Reading »] - AI promises companionship
“It’s here to stay,” said Rachelle Biderman, assistant professor of communication studies, about artificial intelligence during the Feb. 5 lecture at Kirkwood Community College. Biderman took initiative in the discussion and gave a nuanced and informative lecture about a specific aspect of AI — empathy and companionship [Continue Reading »] - Kirkwood media clubs shine at awards show
Kirkwood’s student media clubs made a strong showing at the Iowa College Media Association’s annual awards ceremony Feb. 5 in Des Moines, bringing home 13 awards. Kirkwood Student Productions earned four honors, while the Communiqué captured nine. The achievement is notable because Kirkwood competes primarily against four-year institutions [Continue Reading »]
Feature
- Inside Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control
On any given day, Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control may be home to stray dogs, surrendered cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and even the occasional goat or bearded dragon. But beyond the kennels and adoption rooms lie a mission rooted not just in animal care but in public [Continue Reading »] - Library prepares for spring seed plantingFebruary is a great time to begin thinking about what you want to plant. A great place to start is at the Sundberg Library at Kirkwood where the Seed Library offers free seeds for check out. The seeds provided are saved from local gardens as well as [Continue Reading »]
- Student Ambassadors connect with campus visitorsWhat’s the club called? Student Ambassadors How did it all begin? Our Student Ambassador program has been part of Admissions for many years. The goal was, and still is, to help prospective students and their families experience campus through the voices of current students. The program [Continue Reading »]
- TPUSA encourages students to speak up and engage“I think free speech is the bedrock of democracy, and I think it’s very important that people are able to express their ideas freely.” Gabe Christianson On Sept. 10, 2025, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University while debating students. Following [Continue Reading »]
- Hispanic Horizons showcases diversityHispanic Horizons will host a bake sale Feb. 12 featuring traditional Hispanic treats, giving students an opportunity to sample cultural desserts while supporting the organization. Hispanic Horizons was a small club created by international student Andres Vidal in 2025 and was mostly membered by international students. In the [Continue Reading »]
Inside Kirkwood’s diesel technology program
By Waterz Yidana, Campus Outreach Coordinator
Sports
Eagles soar to All-American selections
By Gibson Lowenberg, Web Editor
- Eagles Weekly (Feb. 9 – Feb. 16)This week was an interesting one for the Eagles. The softball team played just two games, going 1-1. Even though both the basketball teams saw game action only in Johnson Hall, the teams went a combined 3-1 while maintaining their excellence. Men’s Basketball: Feb. 11 Iowa Central 68 [Continue Reading »]
- Eagles Weekly (Feb. 2-Feb. 8)The first week of February was an exciting one for Kirkwood as the baseball and softball teams began their season. The baseball team started the season off hot offensively, while the softball team commenced with a learning curb. The basketball teams combine for a 3-1 record on the [Continue Reading »]
- Catching up on the latest Kirkwood sportsThe most recent Communiqué issue was published Dec. 4, leaving a two-month gap in newspaper coverage. During that time, basketball has been the only sport in season, and both teams are now entering a critical point in their schedules. Men’s Basketball: The Eagles started their first five games [Continue Reading »]
- New faces in the Athletics Hall of Fame
On Jan. 24, five members were inducted into the Kirkwood Athletics Hall of Fame. They were recognized during a double-header against NIACC in Johnson Hall as the basketball teams went a combined 1-1. “It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year,” said Todd Rima, athletic director. “To [Continue Reading »] - Eagles soar to All-American selections
Over winter break, the NJCAA announced the volleyball All-American teams. Featured on the teams were setter Kaci Johnson and hitter Carly Wazac of the Kirkwood Eagles. Johnson was featured on the first team for the second consecutive season, while Wazac made the second team. “It feels pretty good,” [Continue Reading »] - Eagles Weekly (1/26/26-2/1/26)The Eagles ended the month of January with an exclamation point. Both basketball teams were up for a road trip, traveling to Creston, Iowa, where they would both play Southwestern Community College. Then, after a quick turn-around, they headed to Grand Island, Nebraska, where they took on Central [Continue Reading »]
- Communiqué Sports Recap (1/19/26-1/25/26)It was a busy week for Kirkwood Community College’s athletics. The basketball teams went a combined 3-1 and went on a four-hour road trip to Estherville. In the middle of the doubleheader on Saturday, there was the Kirkwood Athletic Hall of Fame recognition. Men’s Basketball: Kirkwood 67 at [Continue Reading »]
Art & Life
- It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lightsForty years ago, the late great Jim Henson’s creation dominated pop culture. In recent years, however, the once most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational Muppets have become a forgotten ghost amongst a slew of IP acquisitions made by the Walt Disney Company. There was once a time when Muppets [Continue Reading »]
- Students bring jazz to life on campus
Between classes and conversations, jazz filled the air at Iowa Hall as students came together for the first Jazz Jam of the semester on Jan. 27, blending creativity with community. The event gave students the opportunity to learn and practice jazz pieces before performing them for the Kirkwood [Continue Reading »] - Mentalist Brian Imbus captivates crowd: Students witness mind-bending performanceBrian Imbus, a professional mentalist and hypnotist, recently performed in front of a small crowd at Kirkwood Community College’s Iowa Hall stage on Jan. 29. His act included numerous mind-bending tricks, with one being able to seemingly read the minds of students, amazing his audience from start [Continue Reading »]
- Insight from a student-musician
The student musicians of Kirkwood Community College are often practicing their instruments, collaborating with fellow musicians, or performing in a campus event. Santiago Kaiz-Vera took time away from his artistry to provide insight into what drives him as a student musician. Can you tell me your name, year [Continue Reading »] - The cast of ‘Urinetown’ rehearses for anticipated musical
Insight from a student-musician
By Jack Groth, Staff Writer
Capture Kirkwood
Newscast
Opinion
- Stop hiding negative emotions In a culture that constantly pushes students to “live, laugh, love,” negative emotions are often stigmatized. Social media feeds overflow with positivity and perfection, creating pressure to appear happy and unbothered. But according to the American Psychological Association, suppressing emotions, especially anger or frustration, can lead to increased [Continue Reading »]
- Kirkwood needs a live mascotWhat do the University of Georgia, University of Texas and LSU have in common? They all have live mascots: Georgia has Uga the Bulldog, Texas has Bevo the Longhorn and LSU has Mike the Tiger. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Why can’t Kirkwood have a real Sammy [Continue Reading »]
- Bringing new life to old dressesKirkwood students from the Sustainability in the Apparel and Textiles Industry class made an exhibit on the second floor of Iowa Hall called “The Light They Left Behind,” highlighting the creation process and importance of angel gowns. Angel gowns are dresses upcycled from donated wedding dresses for infants [Continue Reading »]
- Networking builds lifeline in collegeHave you ever seen a sign advertising a club or meet-up and thought, “I’m not really a social person?” While many people may not actively seek out socializing opportunities, the importance of joining different groups and attending a variety of events while in school can’t be overlooked. Most [Continue Reading »]
- U.S. immigration policies are cruel and inhumaneOver the past few months, it’s become exceptionally clear that the current “conservative” presidential administration doesn’t care about the average U.S. citizen and considers immigrants and non-U.S. citizens as beneath them. Their continued public demonstrations of “force” and the unqualified actions of their roaming gang of masked military [Continue Reading »]
- Kirkwood needs an international versus U.S. student matchAt Kirkwood Community College, we talk a lot about diversity, inclusion and community. These words appear in brochures, orientation speeches, and official statements. But beyond the language, the real question is simple: How often do we actually meet each other halfway? One practical, powerful, and genuinely joyful way [Continue Reading »]
Kirkwood Student Productions
Images courtesy of Mayah Anderson, Waterz Yidana | Kirkwood Communiqué, Kota Winterboer | Kirkwood Communiqué, Jack Groth | Kirkwood Communiqué and KCCK