Hawkeyes make a difference all along RAGBRAI route (and beyond)

From the west to the east, the University of Iowa and its alumni provide expertise in areas as varied as health care, education, and law.

Story: Office of Strategic Communication
Photography: Tim Schoon
Published: July 15, 2026

As RAGBRAI riders travel across the Hawkeye State in 2026 (July 19–25), it’s common for them to see plenty of black and gold. Hawkeye pride often takes center stage, whether displayed on the gear of cyclists or adorned on homes and vehicles along the route.

The University of Iowa’s holistic impact on the communities along the route — which spans Onawa to Dubuque this year — isn’t always made obvious by visual cues or color schemes. But what is known is that Iowa alumni are creating a positive social and economic impact within these towns and across the state.

the 2026 ragbrai route, showing a path from Onawa, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa, with stars indicating the towns of Harlan, Guthrie Center, Boone, Marshalltown, Independence, and Dyersville

While the students stay on campus only for a short period, the influence they have back in their communities lasts a lifetime. These are the doctors, nurses, librarians, lawyers, pharmacists, and much more whom you interact with every day.

Here is a breakdown of University of Iowa alumni and students affiliated with the 14 counties that contain the RAGBRAI 2026 route…

14,153

alumni living in the 14 counties

2,945

current students from the 14 counties

Great stories with roots in RAGBRAI communities

Curiosity and collaboration, leading to excellence

Michael Welsh’s research changed understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis. The Marshalltown, Iowa, native’s drive to learn and forward-looking approach exemplifies teamwork and shared success at Iowa.

Twins survive and thrive after premature birth

Thanks to neonatal expertise at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, an Independence, Iowa, couple has been able to celebrate key milestones after their babies were born in 2020 at just 27 weeks’ gestation.

a medical student standing on the university of iowa medical campus

Hometown beginnings inspire future family physician

MD candidate Kara Rueschenberg hopes to be the kind of family medicine physician she saw growing up in Harlan, Iowa: a community leader and trusted confidant across generations.

Iowa has myriad health care connections throughout the state as well. University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center serves thousands of Iowans from near and far. The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa identifies infants at risk for more than 50 inherited conditions, while also monitoring water, air, soil, and food for contaminants of public health concern.

Here’s a yearly snapshot of numbers from the 14 RAGBRAI-route counties in 2026:

89,549

patient visits to UI Health Care Medical Center

12,726

clinical tests

20,191

environmental tests

62,016

newborn screenings

The University of Iowa's impact is not limited to the communities along the RAGBRAI route. Hawkeyes can be found throughout the state of Iowa, across the United States, and all over the world.

Some notable facts and figures...

# 1

hospital in Iowa (UI Health Care Medical Center, for 36 years and counting)

4,300 +

employers have hired Iowa graduates in the past four years

310,000

University of Iowa alumni around the world

Great stories happen at Iowa

a roadway model that had been built originally to evaluate stormwater inlets

IIHR solves stormwater challenges for Iowa and the world

IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa has partnered with Iowa towns and major cities in the nation and world to manage their stormwater challenges, with the goal to efficiently discharge excess flows that can harm the environment and endanger people.

UI Health Care hosts 'All-Iowa' career fair aimed at keeping more physicians in the state

As leaders look to address the state's physician workforce needs, the event showcases job opportunities at Iowa-based health systems for residents and fellows.

a young girl interacts with a simulated patient while an AirCare staff member looks on at a Teens Go STEM event

New STEM event hosted by UI Health Care attracts Iowa high school students

Nearly 100 Iowa high school students attended the first-ever Teens Go STEM event on the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine campus, exploring health care careers, participating in hands-on medical simulations, and more.