Painting Des Moines Black and Gold--Hawkeye Caucus event takes the University to the state capitol

Yes, that was Herky you saw high-fiving his way through the corridors of Iowa’s venerable state capitol. The beloved mascot helped carry the University of Iowa banner during the April 5 Hawkeye Caucus Day in Des Moines.

Organized by the UI Office of Governmental Relations, the event emphasized the University’s statewide impact, forged connections with legislators, and helped build a new advocacy network of UI alumni and friends.

It included displays from UI colleges, primers on flood control research and other projects, and even a mini–driving simulator that let users navigate the streets of a virtual Iowa City. Legislators, staff members, and visitors lined up for portraits with Herky, and the UI Alumni Association provided free pizza.

Organizers hope to make the capitol visit an annual event—next year’s is slated for March 27.

Learn more about the Hawkeye Caucus event and advocacy network on Facebook.

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video by
Ben Hill

© The University of Iowa 2009