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Kelsi's Story: Turning passion into patents

April 9, 2026 | By ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app

Kelsi Ziemann 'flunked out' of ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app after the first semester, but returned after 11 years with a passion for the beauty industry. She's now the founder of two successful cosmetics companies in Des Moines.

Melissa Chavas-Miller

Melissa's Story: Using theater experience to help businesses grow Iowa’s workforce

February 19, 2026 | By ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app

Melissa Chavas-Miller blends theater, leadership and Iowa’s 260 programs to help central Iowa businesses grow through strategic workforce training with ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app Business Resources.

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Wesley’s Story: From First-Generation College Graduate to First-Gen Student Success Advocate

February 5, 2026 | By Masha Pilcevic

Wesley Harris, Coordinator of Student Access & Success, knows firsthand that no two first-generation student journeys look alike — and that access only works when it’s personal. He's committed to bringing more resources to ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app, and supporting...

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Cindy's Story: Following Curiosity Comes Full Circle

January 22, 2026 | By ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app

Cindy Neil’s path to the ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app classroom is anything but linear — and that is precisely what makes it powerful. A ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app alum, Cindy returned to college in her mid-40s and now teaches global studies courses grounded in curiosity as a discipline.

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Arturo's Story: Serving Memories Around the Dinner Table

January 15, 2026 | By Masha Pilcevic

Not every Bear Trails story begins in a classroom. Arturo Mora’s journey weaves through kitchens, communities, and moments of quiet learning — including early ESL classes and family ties to ¼ø»ÆÊ¦app. Today, his restaurant Flame Cantina stands as...