From the Nominator

Iowa Magazine builds on the University of Iowa’s reputation as "The Writing University," using strong storytelling and visual craft to keep alumni invested in campus life. Through exceptional writing and design, the magazine honors the university’s literary heritage, while keeping each issue accessible and fun. Our audience is alumni and friends of the university, and our goal is to make them feel like part of the Hawkeye family. We think about readers first, translating even institutional messages into creative, story-driven experiences. Beyond attracting readers, Iowa Magazine supports the UI Center for Advancement’s engagement and philanthropy efforts. For our fall issue, we commissioned Iowa Writers’ Workshop alumnus Red Danielson to both write and paint the cover story, centered on the creative process. The assignment was deceptively simple. We had an incredibly talented writer, poet, and painter, and our job was to set a clear intention, trust the process, and get out of the way. The results were beyond our expectations. As one development officer shared, “Our alumni really love the publication. Because of it, they feel more connected and have a stronger affinity to their alma mater.”

From the Judges

This Iowa Magazine cover feels special, like a keepsake, and it ties to the storytelling in a meaningful way. It's not only a beautiful painting, it's a painting with a beautiful story. Judges note: "I love how this draws on the school's identity and centers a community hero. At the same time, this offers a story about an IU alum who is inspiring in his own right—reinforcing Iowa's reputation as a writing university."