Above the Fold: Herky the Hawk's legacy

Above the Fold: Herky the Hawk’s legacy

This episode of Above the Fold features friends of Herky from over the years.

Natalie Dunlap, Assistant Digital Editor

October 4, 2023

Herky hugs a cheerleader during a football game between Iowa and Western Michigan at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Herky celebrated his 75th birthday during halftime.

Herky the Hawk has been the University of Iowa mascot for 75 years. The peppy bird has become synonymous with Iowa. He’s on the sidelines at athletics games, but Herky also visits the children’s hospital, dances at weddings, and even visits funerals of Hawkeyes who have passed.

Hear from friends of Herky who have been present for big moments in the UI’s history, including the football game following 9/11 and the first Hawkeye Wave in 2017.

Above the Fold is hosted and produced by Natalie Dunlap.

About the Contributors

Natalie Dunlap, Assistant Digital Editor

(she/her/hers)

Natalie Dunlap is the Assistant Digital Editor at The Daily Iowan. She is the host and producer of the Above the Fold news podcast. She has previously worked as a news reporter, news editor, politics reporter, politics editor, and digital producer for the DI. She is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in English and gender, women's, and sexuality studies. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting while listening to pop culture podcasts.

Cody Blissett, Visuals Editor

he/him/his

Cody Blissett is a visual editor at The Daily Iowan. He is a third year student at the University of Iowa studying cinema and screenwriting. This is his first year working for The Daily Iowan.