Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson – She was a contributor of the best-selling Nancy Drew detective series. She wrote 23 of the first 30 mystery novels under the pseudo name Carolyn Keene. During her time studying at The University of Iowa, she became an editor for the college newspaper, The Daily Iowan, as well as, for the Hawkeye Yearbook. After just 3 years, she graduated with a degree in English and later became the first person to receive a master’s in journalism from the University.

Jewel Prestage – She was an educator, author, citizen activist and political scientist referred to as ‘the Mother of Black Political Science’. In 1952 she received a master’s degree at the University of Iowa and in 1954, at the age of 22, she became the first African American woman to complete a doctorate in political science in the US.

Tennessee Williams – He received his bachelor’s degree in English from the University Of Iowa then went on to become one of the greatest playwrights in American History. One of his most famous plays, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, was produced on Broadway among many other successful works. Before his death, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall Of Fame. He was a homosexual author who was also honored for his contributions to the LGBTQ community. In 1994, the post office recognized Williams by featuring him on a stamp for their literary arts sequence.

Tom Arnold – He is a famous TV actor and comedian who was briefly married to Roseanne Barr of the TV sitcom, Roseanne, after she hired him as a writer for her show. He costarred as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sidekick in True Lies. Among other films and shows, he acted in General Hospital, The Simpsons, Fairly OddParents, Law & Order, My Big Redneck Wedding, and NCIS: New Orleans. He is a host of the talk show Best Damn Sports Show Period on the Fox Sports Networks. Arnold studied business administration and writing at the University of Iowa.  

Don Hall – A University of Iowa fine arts graduate with a focus on drawing and painting is now a famous voice actor, writer and film director for Walt Disney Animation Studios. He’s worked on Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, Brother Bear, Chicken Little, Meet The Robinsons, Tinker Bell, The Princess and the Frog, Winnie The Pooh, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, and Ralph Breaks The Internet.

Ashton Kutcher – While attending the University of Iowa, he was approached by a model scout at the popular Airliner Bar in Iowa City and kicked off his career by modeling in New York, Paris and Milan. He made his acting debut in 1998 on That ‘70s Show. He’s starred in several famous movies and TV shows since then.