"The Polk County Banquet was a great chance for the seniors
to meet with some of the state's elite business people and network for employment
opportunities. The event was done in a first class manner, giving us a great
impression of the Iowa business atmosphere. The chance to meet so many individuals
from so many different areas of work gives us the chance to find multiple possibilities
for a future employer. Even if you weren't looking for a job, the networking
available is a huge asset to future plans. Overall, I was very impressed with
the night and would definitely recommend the event to future seniors"
Jason Smith, Basketball
"The Polk County Banquet is an excellent chance for seniors
to meet and make connections with many prominent business people in Iowa. This
banquet is not only fun, but also extremely beneficial in furthering career
opportunities for the future. Even if students may not be interested in staying
in the state of iowa, many of the business people in attendance work for large
companies with offices around the United States or even the world. This is a
great opportunity to see your senior classmates one more time before your departure
from the University of Iowa, make some business contacts and also have a lot
of fun."
Megan Kearney, Tennis
"A student-athlete's senior year at the University of
Iowa is filled with several emotions. There is the joy of success in completing
one of the biggest challenges of our lives and there is the sadness of leaving
something that has been such a big part of our lives. One of the big highlights
of the year is attending the Polk County Dinner in Des Moines. In addition to
providing us with the opportunity to be recognized for our achievements on the
playing field, it gives us the opportunity to present ourselves to the community
away from our respective sports. It is an honor to be recognized and commended
on the work it took to complete the grueling task of being a student and an
athlete. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to market ourselves to the
business people of Iowa while reuniting one last time with men and women that
we have known and grown with over the last four years."
Gina Shannon, Track
"…I also think that overall it was great practice for
me and fellow graduates talking and networking with professionals. It made me
feel more at east and confident in terms of future interviews and conversations
with potential employers. It was a useful and realistic setting for the future"
Ellen Thompson, Soccer
"I think that the Polk County dinner was a great opportunity for the graduating
Hawkeye athletes. I made several contacts and got an interview through the dinner…I
have friends who are athletes at another Big Ten University and when I told
them about the Polk County Dinner, they both agreed that it sounded like something
they would appreciate at their school."
Becca Schwartz, Swimming
"…This dinner, an Iowa tradition, is part of the wider
philosophy of Iowa's athletic department to ensure positive development both
on the field and in the always looming 'real world.'"
Kevin Agnew, Gymnastics