We caught up with a few new faces from the Class of 2022 as they began their academic journeys at Iowa. Learn about their interests, ambitions, and what made them choose to join the Hawkeye family.

Some 4,800 students arrived in Iowa City this fall to take the next step in their academic journeys. Members of the Class of 2022 came to Iowa from 96 of the state’s 99 counties, from 43 U.S. states, and from 42 nations aside from the United States.

We caught up with a few new faces from the Class of 2022 to learn about their interests, ambitions, and what prompted them to join the Hawkeye family.

Derek Randolph

Derek Randolph

Hometown: Davenport, Iowa

Why did you choose the University of Iowa? I chose the University of Iowa for the distance away from home and because of the opportunities the school gives for success and the future.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Iowa? I’m looking forward to meeting a ton of new people and making a lot of friends.

What is a fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is I like strategy games.

Hannah McCreight

Hannah McCreight

Hometown: Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Area of Study: Majoring in business management with a minor in graphic design

Why did you choose the University of Iowa? My entire family has attended the U of Iowa. I have grown up with this campus and attended football games since I was a little kid. I came here in November for my visit and knew I wanted to come here.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Iowa? I’m really excited to get involved in clubs, start learning something I’m interested in, and meet a lot of new people.

What’s a fun fact about you? I played volleyball as a libero (defensive specialist) and once in a game I made a perfect pass with my head.

Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy

Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa

Area of Study: Computer science

Why did you choose the University of Iowa? From two of my brothers being University of Iowa alumni, I know that the university is dedicated to providing the skills and knowledge necessary to build some of the most well-rounded and educated professionals that are ready to go into the workforce. I also wanted to be closer to my family after seven years in the U.S. Navy.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Iowa? Getting to know my fellow students, getting involved in campus organizations, and of course football on Saturdays.

What’s a fun fact about you? I’ve sailed across the Pacific and Indian oceans. 

Olivia Nurre moving in

Olivia “Liv” Nurre

Hometown: Fairfax, Iowa

Area of Study: Double-majoring in finance and management and pursuing an international business certificate

Why did you choose the University of Iowa? I chose the University of Iowa because I feel the most at home here. Since I am from the area, I have spent a lot of time in Iowa City. The Tippie College of Business is a great business school, and Iowa is my parents’ alma mater. 

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Iowa? I am the most excited about making new friends, becoming more independent, and learning about my future career.

What’s a fun fact about you? I did my first half marathon this spring.

Hieu Nguyen

Hieu Nguyen

Hometown: Coralville, Iowa (born in Tam Ky, Vietnam)

Area of Study: Industrial engineering

Why did you choose the University of Iowa? I grew up in this area, so I’ve always wanted to go to this school. My parents also attended the University of Iowa.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Iowa? Participating in various clubs and intramurals.

What’s a fun fact about you? I don’t know what my first language is because I learned both Vietnamese and English growing up and moved to the United States when I was six months old. I speak both languages equally with my parents at home. 

Check out statistics on incoming students joining the Hawkeye family.