National Small Business Month is a time to celebrate the creators and risk-takers who build our economy from the ground up. But moving from a startup phase to sustainable growth requires more than just a great idea—it demands a strategic mindset and a community of support. To truly scale your impact, you must master the pivot from working in your business to working on your business.
In this session, we’re bringing together some of the brightest minds from the Tippie alumni community to share how they turned small ventures into significant success stories. Bob Walker, associate professor of instruction for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurship Center, will be joined by a panel of special guests to discuss the practical hurdles of entrepreneurship. You will hear firsthand accounts of navigating growth, managing talent, and building a brand that endures.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a seasoned business owner, or someone who believes in the power of small businesses to shape communities, this conversation will provide the insights and inspiration needed to level up your small business—or appreciate the strategy behind the ones you support.
The Hawkeyes are headed to Muscatine! Don´t miss your chance to meet your favorite coaches and staff as we tour the Hawkeye State.
Joining us in Muscatine will be Iowa men´s basketball head coach Ben McCollum, Iowa women´s wrestling head coach Clarissa Chun, Iowa gymnastics head coach Jen Llewellyn, Iowa soccer head coach Dean Ward, and Iowa assistant head football coach Seth Wallace.
The event will include a program with remarks and door prizes. Complimentary appetizers and cash refreshments will be available throughout the evening.
Piece together new connections at a social gathering and puzzle competition for University of Iowa alumni and friends in the Indianapolis area. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages while catching up with fellow Hawkeyes. Then at 6 p.m., we´ll form teams of four to race to complete a 500-piece Hawkeye-themed puzzle.
Join us for the Tippie Graduate & Professional Programs Knapp Speaker Series featuring ICF-accredited executive coach and co-author of The Core Career Dials Sarah Rourke. Sarah has coached hundreds of professionals and established leaders at all stages of their career development.
Sarah's keynote will focus on proactive career management—what steps you can take now, even if you aren't actively searching the job market, that will help ready yourself when an opportunity presents itself.
Those who attend this event will be entered into a drawing to win one of three Tippie merchandise bundles.
Hawkeyes are trailblazers-forging new paths, driving innovation, and shaping the future. This spring, we´re bringing that Hawkeye spirit to Chicago, and you´re invited to an unforgettable evening of black-and-gold pride.
You'll gain insights into the Together Hawkeyes campaign and plans to expand programming to support student success. You´ll also learn about other university happenings as you hear from Barbara Wilson, University of Iowa President; Sheila Baldwin, the newly appointed UI Center for Advancement President and CEO; and Riley Braksiek (25BBA), a recent UI graduate working as an incoming Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore.
Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided.
Out to Lunch is a free event that is open to the public, designed with the goal of creating a unique and fun opportunity for Downtown Des Moines (DSM) employees, residents and visitors to socialize with others in a vibrant, outdoor Downtown DSM setting with local food trucks and live music on select days throughout the summer.
June 10, 2026 Out to Lunch location and vendor schedule:
Site Sponsor: University of Iowa | Tippie College of Business
Location: 12th Street from Grand to Locust
Entertainer: Day Ashworth
Food Vendors: Bahn May Food Truck, Jambo African Cuisine, Main Street Café & Bakery, Naturally Juiced, Peggy O’s Food Truck, Roadside Tacos, Tarboosh, The Toasted Cone
Enter to win a Tippie branded gift and let us know if you'll be stopping by!