Fred Newell graduated from the School of Social Work in 2012 and began launching his non-profit organization. Over the last twelve years, his hard work has landed recognition, including being named a 2025 Person to Watch by the Iowa City Press-Citizen.

MSW graduate Melanie Reed returns to the University of Iowa as the new program specialist for the School of Social Work in Des Moines, bringing her extensive experience in student support, medical social work, and mental health advocacy to support the next generation of social workers.