Graceland University junior 165-pound wrestler Drew Sams was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Wrester of the Week Monday, Feb. 3. The former Oskaloosa High graduate earned the award after his 4-0 performance Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Sioux City Dave Edmonds Open. Sams, currently ranked #13 in the 165-pound weight class nationally, won his first match during the match by major decision and followed that up with a pin in the first period of his second match. After another win in his third match, he advanced to the next round matched up against a DI opponent from the University of Nebraska. Sams was successful in the match, winning by disqualification late, to solidify his undefeated record on the weekend. Each week, award winners are nominated by members of the Heart and selected by a voting panel of member institution Sports Information Directors.

Graceland University theatre students earned roles in "Chicago" under the direction of Graceland Associate Professor of Theatre Tracy Salter. "Set in the legendary city during the roaring 'jazz hot' 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail." -Broadway.com

Graduates from around the country and around the world were recognized for earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Graceland University in a ceremony celebrated Dec. 14, 2019, in Independence, Missouri, for degrees earned between May 31 through Dec. 14. We congratulate all graduates on their accomplishments and offer our best wishes for success in the future!

The honor roll lists for Graceland University's 2019 fall term have been announced. Students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the president's list. Graceland commends the students who have devoted their efforts and talents to their academic success!

The Graceland University esports team has been named champions of the Iowa division B esports league at the GG Leagues tournament at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, Nov. 16. Read more in this news release. Graceland Esports offers opportunities for students to participate in a competitive environment and represent their university with pride in a new and exciting way. Esports represents yet another way for a diverse range of students to connect with their university and experience even greater value from their college experience. It's about more than just playing video games. Esports students are serious about the game and must develop and hone the necessary skills to be successful as a team. Esports even has direct application in the global workforce beyond graduation.

The Graceland University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, inducted nine new members Oct. 17. Graceland's chapter, the Alpha Phi Upsilon chapter, was founded in 2017, and these nine new members are part of the third class of inductees. Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924 to confer distinction for high achievement in English language, literature and writing, and to foster literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English. With over 850 chapters across the U.S. and abroad, Sigma Tau Delta is the most active honors organization in the field and one of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Societies. Candidates for Sigma Tau Delta must have a strong interest in the study of English, an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and at least 12 credits (semester hours) in English with an average of at least a 3.0 GPA or better.

Graceland University students have been elected by their peers to the 2019-20 House Council. Graceland offers the integration of student government and residence life, allowing student leaders to impact the entire campus community. Students elected as house council leaders become the members and decision makers in the student government organizations. Learn more about the "House" system and other leadership opportunities at Graceland University HERE.

Graceland University Peer Mentors participated in mentoring first-year students during the 2018-19 academic year. Peer mentors completed a training program before the year began in order to provided essential support and leadership to the Graceland University incoming class through intentional outreach. They led class lab sessions and provided a wide range of support both in and out of the classroom.

Georgia Seagraves, a Hispanic studies major at Graceland University, co-lead a presentation/discussion with Assistant Professor of Spanish Jonathan Montalvo as part of the Marshalltown Community College Latinx Leadership Initiative in a partnership with Iowa 4-H. Their discussion centered on latinidades, experiential learning and advocacy for the Latinx/Hispanic cultures and communities.

Students in the English department at Graceland University have been recognized for their achievements and contribution to the department, and have been rewarded with scholarships for their respective talents.

Meredith Salois was recognized by the History/Political Science Department with its Area Award in International Studies at a special ceremony April 8, 2019. The department houses and administers the major in International Studies. In the Fall 2017 semester, Meredith was a full-time student at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, in partial fulfilment of the study abroad requirement of this major. Meredith is graduating this semester with majors in international studies and English, along with minors in history, communication, political science and peace studies.

Graceland University students presented at the Iowa Academy of Science 131st annual meeting held Saturday, April 27, at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Iowa Academy of Science promotes science research, science education, the public understanding of science and recognizes excellence in these endeavors.

Jake Crozier was selected as the Graceland University representative for the Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team. The Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team assists the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board in developing programs that target and enhance Iowa Corn's relationship with those individuals who are pursuing careers in agricultural production and allied industries.

Students who complete an internship partner with a faculty member and employer to augment in-class learning with on-the-job training. Students gain critical thinking, communication and professional skills while completing a minimum of 120 hours working in their chosen industry.

The following students have been admitted to Graceland University for the 2016 fall semester.

Clubs and organizations are primarily student initiated and student-driven at Graceland University and offer students the opportunity to get involved and gain college and professional experience outside the classroom. International Club offers students support and opportunities to share their cultures with the campus through events such as International Orientation, International Picnic, Coffee & Tea Talks, International Night, World Fair, Cultural Celebration and various other activities.