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Kate Perez, News Reporter/Digital Producer

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Email: [email protected]

Kate Perez is a news reporter and digital producer at The Daily Iowan. She is a first year student at the University of Iowa double majoring in journalism and mass communication and English and creative writing. This is her first year working for the DI, and she is currently covering higher education.

All content by Kate Perez
Kyle Lastine, a fourth-year student who will be graduating in May, poses for a portrait in the Chemistry Building on Monday, April 25, 2022. Lastine entered the University of Iowa at age 16 through the Bucksbaum Early Entrance Academy.

‘Speed-running college:’ Nontraditional UI students prepare to graduate ahead of their peers

May 10, 2022
Students stand outside of Mayflower Hall on Thursday night after gas smell is reported.

[Photo] Mayflower evacuated after reported gas smell, now resolved

August 26, 2021
Iowa City Police Department vehicles are seen on July 9, 2019.

Report of shots fired, subject injured near VA entrance east of Highway 6

May 8, 2022
University of Iowa freshman Volta Adovor studies at Rienow Hall at the University of Iowa on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Adovor, along with two other students in high school, were supposed to present What We Need Our Teachers to Know About Race at a conference hosted by the Iowa Department of Education in April of last year, but a bill that banned the teaching of divisive concepts from Iowas state agencies and schools postponed the event indefinitely. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

UI critical race theory course remains after ‘divisive concepts’ ban

May 5, 2022
Signs and Designs installers Tanner Lamphier (left) and Clint Wrage (right) work on installing a sign for Tap Tap in the Ped Mall on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

Past, Present, Future: Businesses and structures coming to the Pedestrian Mall soon

May 3, 2022
Contributed photo of Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and lead of the diversity, equity, and inclusion team.

University of Iowa strategic plan nears end of drafting stage

May 1, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson speaks with members of The Daily Iowan in Jesup Hall on April 20, 2022.

‘It just kind of caught us off guard:’ UI stakeholders reflect on meetings with President Wilson

April 26, 2022
Ana Rodriguez speaks to her senators after being announced as the next president of the University of Iowa Faculty Senate during a UI Faculty Senate meeting on April 26, 2022.

UI Faculty Senate elects new officers, announces 2022-23 senators, councilors

April 26, 2022
University of Iowa faculty senate president Teresa Marshall speaks during the Board of Regents meeting at the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2021. The Board of Regents looked over requests and plans from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, the Iowa school for the deaf, and the University of Iowa.

UI faculty, staff continue to struggle with burnout

April 25, 2022
University of Iowa first-year multiracial student Kate Perez poses for a portrait on the Pentacrest on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Multiracial UI students search for acceptance

April 19, 2022
Passengers exit from the Iowa City bus to the bus stop at The Quarters apartment complex in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Cambus, Iowa City, Coralville drop mask mandates on public transportation

April 19, 2022
The “Is This Heaven? No, It’s the Ped Mall” mural is seen in the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City on Friday, April 8, 2022.

Past, Present, Future: What’s unchanged and new to the Pedestrian Mall

April 12, 2022
Photo Illustration by Ayrton Breckenridge.

Extended student loan freeze means more time for UI graduates

April 12, 2022
UI distributes last round of COVID-19 relief dollars to over 9,000 undergraduate, graduate students

UI distributes last round of COVID-19 relief dollars to over 9,000 undergraduate, graduate students

April 7, 2022
Board of Regents President Mike Richards listens during a regents meeting in the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2022. The regents looked over requests and plans from the University of Northern Iowa, ISU, the Iowa school for the deaf, and the University of Iowa.

University of Iowa adds two new degree programs in fall 2022

April 7, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson speaks during a state Board of Regents meeting in the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2022.

University of Iowa to increase residence hall, meal plan rates

April 7, 2022
University of Iowa Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Rod Lehnertz speaks during a Board of Regents meeting over a livestream on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Lehnertz went over the proposed renovations for the Hardin Library for Health Sciences.

University of Iowa Health Care sees increase in total inpatient days, admissions

April 6, 2022
A student walks past the University Housing and Dining Administration Offices in Iowa City on Monday, April 4, 2022.

UI to request approval for residence hall rate increase

April 5, 2022
University of Iowa students study in the Math Tutorial Lab at MacLean Hall on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

University of Iowa math department to move to Jessup Hall during MacLean Hall modernization

April 3, 2022
Board of Regents Office member Mark Braun, President Michael Richards, and President Pro Tem Sherry Bates listen to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

University of Iowa to request approval of business analytics, translation degree programs

March 29, 2022
Rachel Young, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies, works with a group of students in her class in the Adler Journalism building on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Higher education institutions faces a new normal after two years into pandemic

March 27, 2022
Members of the House congregate in the House Chamber after the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Both the House and Senate Republican leaders said the priority of this session is to return tax funds and address workforce conditions.

Iowa House Republicans propose $12 million in scholarships for students in high demand fields, no direct regents funding increase

March 24, 2022
The Old Capitol is seen on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.

UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to incorporate faculty voices in 2025 vision

March 22, 2022
New benches in the Ped Mall mark the completion of Phase 1 of the downtown renovation project on Oct. 28, 1998. (Brian Moore/The Daily Iowan)

Past, Present, Future: Origin of the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall

March 20, 2022
Cambus Personell supervisor Alyson Holevoet poses for a portrait on March 10, 2022.

UI Cambus celebrates 50 years of student-run service

March 20, 2022
Senior Director of University of Iowa Wellness, Megan Hammes, gives an updates about LiveWELL to the UI Staff Council on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

University of Iowa report shows increased productivity barriers, health risk behaviors for faculty and staff

March 9, 2022
The 2022-23 Daily Iowan executive editor Hannah Pinski poses for a portrait on Monday, March 7, 2022.

Hannah Pinski named as The Daily Iowan’s 2022-23 executive editor

March 7, 2022
A parking meter is seen outside of the University of Iowa West Campus Transportation Center in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

University of Iowa puts in place new parking rates, violations

March 6, 2022
UI General Counsel Carroll Reasoner answers questions from members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee during a panel on the sale of the universitys Jackson Pollock painting the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday morning, Feb. 16, 2011. After reviewing letters from Guggenheim, Reasoner stated that if lawmakers force the university to sell the painting, the Guggenheim foundation or the family could bring litigation potentially causing the UI to lose the painting before sale. She also stated that Guggenheim had originally given the painting to Yale but retracted the gift after Yale refused to display the painting for students.

UI Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Carroll Reasoner to retire

March 3, 2022
University of Iowa changes phrasing regarding masking on campus

University of Iowa changes phrasing regarding masking on campus

March 3, 2022
Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house is seen in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The fraternity is suspended until 2026 after not complying with the University of Iowas Code of Student Life policies.

University of Iowa’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity suspended until 2026

March 2, 2022
The Iowa City Community School District is seen on Wednesday, March 3, 2022.

Iowa City Community School District leaders say funding increase for K-12 schools isn’t enough

March 2, 2022
Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards announces Barbara Wilson as the new University of Iowa President at a press conference in the Levitt Center for University Advancement on April 30, 2021.

Retention slips, graduation increases at Iowa’s public universities

February 23, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Regent institutions’ total financial aid distribution drops for a third straight year

February 23, 2022
Board member David Barker asks a question to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

Board of Regents approve wrestling training facility, State Hygienic Laboratory project, among others

February 23, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Board of Regents approve addition of two new academic programs, disability research center at UI

February 23, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson sits down in an interview with The Daily Iowan reporters on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

UI President Barbara Wilson to be installed at Hancher Auditorium

February 22, 2022
Rodney Lehnertz, the senior vice president for Finance and Operations at the University of Iowa, poses for a portrait on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.

University of Iowa 10-year master plan includes razing Halsey Hall, Westlawn

February 20, 2022
The Roy J. And Lucille A. Carver Biomedical Research Building captured on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.

UI to propose new Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center

February 20, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

UI to propose two new academic programs to the state Board of Regents

February 20, 2022
Kevin Kregel, the Executive Vice President and Provost for the University of Iowa, poses for a portrait on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

High Impact Hiring Initiative spends millions to recruit, retain UI faculty

February 15, 2022
Calvin Hall, where the Office of Admissions for the University of Iowa is located, sits in the sun on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

Scholarships remain available for prospective UI students with or without ACT/SAT scores

February 14, 2022
Bill Nye signs event posters for an after-show VIP meeting before Extreme Weather: A Conversation with Bill Nye at the U.S. Cellular Center on April 1, 2019. (Angeli Wright/awright@citizen-times.com)

Bill Nye the Science Guy’s lecture rescheduled for April 26

February 9, 2022
Photo Illustration by Braden Ernst.

University of Iowa students study abroad despite COVID-19 restrictions

February 8, 2022
Director of the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art Lauren Lessing gives updates and a sneak peek on Iowa City’s under construction art museum on February 8, 2022. The museum is set to open its doors on September 2, 2022.

Stanley Museum of Art to open early on Aug. 26

February 8, 2022
The Old Capitol Building is seen on Monday, March 1, 2021.

University of Iowa creates more programs to strengthen faculty recruitment, retention efforts

February 9, 2022
University of Iowa Counseling Services Director Barry Schreier is seen in his office at the Westlawn Building on December 12, 2019. Schreier recently was awarded the Association of University and College Counseling Center’s President’s Award for Meritorious Service in the National Field of Campus Mental Health.

UI University Counseling Service Director Barry Schreier to leave position, become full-time faculty member

February 9, 2022
Photo illustration by Grace Smith.

N95s, KN95s best mask for protecting against COVID-19 on campus, experts say

February 6, 2022
SAT and ACT books are shown in the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, 31, 2022. (Larry Phan/The Daily Iowan)

Regents’ new ACT/SAT policy aim to give prospective students flexibility

February 1, 2022
The Old Capitol building is seen on March, 6, 2021.

State Board of Regents to announce required free speech training

February 1, 2022
The Old Capitol Dome is seen on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. Bids for the Old Capitol’s gold leaf dome to be redone will be accepted on Feb. 8 and will cost an estimated $505,000.

The Old Capitol building to be regilded in summer 2022

January 25, 2022
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies.

Vaccinations to be required for UI staff in health care settings, Faculty Senate president says

January 25, 2022
Members of COGS protest the lack of mask mandates on campus at the Pentacrest on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.

COGS to continue promoting classroom “e-pivot”

January 23, 2022
The Old Capitol Mall is seen in Iowa City on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. (Lillie Hawker/The Daily Iowan)

UI to purchase remainder of the Old Capitol Town Center in 2025

January 20, 2022
Signs encouraging students to wear masks in classrooms are seen on the doors of the English-Philosophy Building at the University of Iowa on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

UI Student Wellness requires students, staff to wear masks for all appointments

January 18, 2022
Photo illustration by Jerod Ringwald.

Some Big Ten universities move online, UI remains in person

January 17, 2022
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are seen on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Regents approve UI and UIHC 10-year master plan for facility renovations

January 12, 2022
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is drawn up on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020.

Status of vaccine mandates for UI employees remains on hold

December 14, 2021
The construction of the Stanley Museum is shown on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.

Stanley Museum of Art set to be completed on Dec. 23

December 8, 2021
Old Capital as seen on April 13, 2020.

UI ordered to pay nearly $2 million after lawsuit over deregistering two religious student organizations

December 7, 2021
Syringes for the COVID-19 vaccine lay on a counter at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. The center received the Moderna vaccine for its employees.

Federal vaccine mandate on hold as UI awaits result of lawsuits

December 7, 2021
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies. (Jake Wicks/The Daily Iowan)

UI Office of the Ombudsperson sees decline in number of visitors from 2020 to 2021

December 7, 2021
Lucas Oil Stadium is shown in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, July 22. The Big Ten switched locations from Chicago, Illinois, to Indianapolis this year.

Over 2,000 UI students to receive Big Ten Championship football tickets

December 1, 2021
A horse named Kid sits in a stable at Wind Reach Farms in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Wind Reach Farms rides, trains, and boards horses in eastern Iowa.

UI students, faculty find stress relief boarding horses at local ranches

November 30, 2021
The outside of the University of Iowa International Programs office as seen on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

UI sees continued drop in international student enrollment for the fifth year

November 18, 2021
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies.

Federal deadline for vaccine mandate applies to UI departments

November 17, 2021
Portrait of Keith Keahna (Contributed)

Keith Keahna: sharing Native American experiences in track and field through Speak Your Truth Committee

November 16, 2021
Photo illustration by Grace Kreber.

UI students, staff work to accommodate absences as non-COVID-19 illnesses tick up on campus

November 11, 2021
The first Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipient Staff Sergeant Dr. Maria Guadalupe Bruno of the U.S. Air Force and Illinois National Guard. The annual Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award was given to five recipients on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2021, in the Iowa Memorial Union main lounge at 5 p.m.

Five UI alumni and veterans recognized at the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Awards

November 11, 2021
Regent Jim Lindenmayer clasps his hands at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

State Board of Regents to allow religious exemption to vaccine mandates, still undecided on federal mandate’s impact

November 4, 2021
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Iowa state Board of Regent-governed universities report five-year enrollment drop

November 4, 2021
The UIHC is seen on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

UI Hospitals and Clinics see improvements in COVID-19 cases while still struggling with capacity

November 3, 2021
Board of Regents Office member Mark Braun, President Michael Richards, and President Pro Tem Sherry Bates listen to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

UI reports more total revenue in general education fund than expected in fiscal year 2021

November 3, 2021
The Stead Family Childrens Hospital is seen on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (Tate Hildyard/The Daily Iowan)

State Board of Regents approves additional $770,000 for UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital windows

November 3, 2021
Board of Regents Office member Mark Braun, President Michael Richards, and President Pro Tem Sherry Bates listen to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

Request for new Iowa Center for Neurodegeneration at the University of Iowa approved by the state Board of Regents

November 3, 2021
A cop car and police officers can be seen at the scene where a skateboarder was hit by a car on West Jefferson Street near the Pappajohn Business Building Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021.

University of Iowa student hit by car outside Macbride Hall

November 3, 2021
City Councilwoman Janice Weiner accepts a ballet from a voter during early voting polls at the Old Capitol Mall on Oct. 26, 2021. The opportunity to vote early and in person started on Oct. 13, 2021.

Satellite voting sees changes as result of new Iowa voting legislature

October 31, 2021
University of Iowa Professor David Ryfe poses for a portrait in the Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

UI schools and departments release COVID-19 statements encouraging mask and vaccine mandates

October 31, 2021
A new University of Iowa Merchandise store is seen on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021. The store is located at 30 S Clinton St.

New store selling Hawkeye merchandise opens on Clinton Street

October 31, 2021
The Old Capitol building is seen on March, 6, 2021.

UI Faculty Senate says vaccine, mask mandates could be coming for employees in response to federal requirements

October 27, 2021
University of Iowa faculty convene virtually for a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

UI Faculty Senate discusses revisions to UI operations manual policies

October 26, 2021
Iowa Military Hero of the Game Adam Vranek is honored on the field during a football game between No. 2 Iowa and Purdue at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.

UI alum Adam Vranek returns as Hawkeye Football Military Hero

October 25, 2021
The University Counseling Services office is seen in the Old Capital Mall on Monday, February 17, 2020.

Demand for counseling services increasing at Iowa universities

October 17, 2021
The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid is seen at the Old Capitol Mall on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

COVID-19 relief funds now available for international students

October 14, 2021
Photo illustration by Cecilia Shearon.

UI faces shrinking talent pool, significant market challenges as the pandemic continues

October 13, 2021
A University of Iowa faculty council meeting is held at the University Capitol Centre in the Old Capitol Mall on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021.

Executive order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, workplace safety protocols could impact UI faculty

October 13, 2021
The CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank is seen on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Formerly known as the Crisis Center of Johnson County, the food bank rebranded in order to emphasize the importance of community.

University of Iowa debuts 24-hour Mental Health Support Line for UI students

October 7, 2021
University of Iowa graduate student Hadley Galbraith poses for a portrait at the Scott Boulevard UI Urgent Care on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Galbraith plans to get the covid booster shot later this year.

University of Iowa faculty, teaching assistants eligible for COVID-19 booster shots

October 6, 2021
A masked visitor picks out a book at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Iowa City’s ‘pumping heart of literature’ sees some pre-pandemic normalcy

September 28, 2021
6-year graduation rate across Iowas regent universities. Graphic by Caleb McCullough.

UI’s lack of diversity presents barrier to some students of color

September 26, 2021
Johnson County farmer Darrell Schulte combining corn on Wednesday, Sept.15,.2021. Schulte began his corn harvest early this year.

Fluctuating weather concerns Johnson County farmers

September 19, 2021
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson speaks during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. (Grace Smith/The Daily Iowan)

University of Iowa requests a $7 million budget increase from regents

September 16, 2021
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are seen on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

UI Hospitals and Clinics continue to struggle with inpatient increase, lack of beds

September 15, 2021
University of Iowa faculty convene virtually for a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

UI President Barbara Wilson discusses proposed budget requests at Faculty Senate meeting

September 14, 2021
Undergraduate Student Government President Regan Smock speaks to the state Board of Regents on June 24.

Student governments ask regents to approve Juneteenth as official holiday

September 13, 2021
A sign for the Iowa City Community School District is seen outside the districts administration building on Tuesday, April 28.

Iowa City school district likely to require face masks in schools after federal judge’s order pausing ban

September 13, 2021
The Old Capitol building is seen on March, 6, 2021.

UI jumps in national university rankings

September 12, 2021
Protesters stood outside the Johnson County Attorney office on Thursday Sept. 9th 2021. The small group of protesters gathered to show support for Makéna after sexual assault allegations against the University of Iowas chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. (Grace Kreber/The Daily Iowan)

Protesters call on Johnson County attorney to revisit 2020 sexual assault case

September 9, 2021
Fans watch a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 17 Indiana at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. The Hawkeyes defeated the Hoosiers 34-6. It has been 651 days since fans were allowed into Kinnick.

Concerns rise over COVID-19 risk at Kinnick

September 8, 2021
A schematic of the planned UIHC facility in North Liberty is seen. The state Board of Regents approved the project on Tuesday.

Board of Regents approve construction of new UIHC hospital in North Liberty

September 7, 2021
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