2026 Year in Focus
Year in Focus was conceived as a visual time capsule for the University of Iowa community on campus and beyond.
The following pages showcase more than just the best photography from the past year; the project explores some of the most important issues facing Gen Z. Students from The Daily Iowan and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) collaborated to highlight the people, places, and events that contribute to our vibrant culture. Our goal is to share the power and potential of visual storytelling with our community.
Explore the DI’s first photo magazine by clicking on the images below to view the full photo projects.
Fast Times at the University of Iowa
Many students that attend the University of Iowa don’t just spend their time in the lecture hall. From working at their jobs to pumping iron in the gym, from making art to grabbing a drink with their friends after hours, the college experience at Iowa is so much more than overpriced textbooks and assignments due at 11:59 p.m. The college years are about defining your future self.
People Make the Place
Iowa City is more than a college town. It’s a hub of vibrancy, made brighter by the residents who work hard each and every day to create a community of passion, intellect, and connection.
A Love Letter to Immigrant Daughters
By Kabedi Mutamba
Getsy Hernandez, the daughter of U.S. immigrants from Mexico, learned how to navigate systems in America on her own. She’s been translating for her parents since she was around 6 years old. At the age of 12, Hernandez became a big sister. Hernandez’s parents’ busy work schedule made her into a “second mom” for her three younger siblings. Now a graduate student in Iowa City, Hernandez uses what she learned taking care of her family and navigating systems in America to empower other immigrant families as an organizer with immigrant advocacy group Escucha Mi Voz.
Unbroken
By Reece Schrader
As the final buzzer rang throughout Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio, the world went silent for University of Iowa sophomore Gabe Arnold. Arnold, wrestling two weight-classes above his competition weight, became an All-American in the 197-pounds bout and was deemed the lowest seed ever to All-American in NCAA Tournament history. Arnold’s journey unveils the hidden struggles facing young male athletes today, as his story sheds light on the truths behind the absence of mental health awareness among men.
Feminine Impunity
By Jolie Archer
As young women move out of their parents’ homes and hometowns to begin their college careers, there is fear and excitement about having a newfound sense of freedom. This freedom allows for changes and experiences that come with little consequence from authority. This essay looks at how women in college are using this time to find themselves and their individuality without anyone telling them “no.” Through messy rooms, wielding weapons, late nights, and sisterhood, the women of the University of Iowa are expressing themselves in ways only they know how.
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
By Isabella Tisdale
The Iowa powwow returned on April 18, 2026, following a one-year hiatus due to federal funding cuts. The leading force behind the event was two students, Joe Maxwell and Sophie Shuckahosse, who are part of the Native American Student Association. The students planned community events around Iowa City and Coralville to educate community members about the Powwow and Native American tradition. The events garnered heavy turnout and interest from locals.
Making A Drag Path
By Ava Neumaier
Once a week for the past year, third-year University of Iowa student Cecil Campbell said he becomes a cartoon character for the night. His drag persona Cyprus Cosmos is ever-evolving: one night, he’s a mad scientist; another, a goth cowboy or creepy clown. In Iowa, where gender identity was removed as a protected class and drag show restrictions have been hotly contested, a drag performer and transgender man like Campbell breaks boundaries by continuing to do what he loves with a supportive community of friends and family.
Between Rounds
By Samantha DeFily
Samson Diener, a criminal justice major at the University of Iowa, balances college life with his time in the ring as an amateur boxer. He first fought in October 2025 at Xtream Arena, representing his fraternity at an amateur boxing event after just five weeks of training. While most participants stopped after that night, Diener was one of the few who continued, and since then, boxing has become a steady part of his routine.
Photos of the Year: News
Children climb onto the State Fair globe during the Iowa State Fair at the Iowa state fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Photos of the Year: Sports
Iowa linebacker Jayden Montgomery tackles Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence during a football game between Iowa and No. 14 Vanderbilt at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Hawkeyes defeated the Commodores 34-27. (Emma Calabro/The Daily Iowan)
Photos of the Year: Arts
The royalty and citizens of Arcadia run across the stage at rehearsal for the production of Head Over Heels in the Mabie Theater in Iowa City on Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026. This rendition of the James Magruder’s adaptation of Head over Heels is lead by Director and Choreographer Michael C. Flores. (Travis Crabb / The Daily Iowan)