Announcing our 2026–2027 YOU can be great here Community of Colleges Series

Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 YOU can be great here Community of Colleges event series, offering students from higher education institutions across the Greater Dubuque region opportunities to connect with one another, experience the community, and explore career opportunities close to campus.

This year’s series kicks off in September with a new event celebrating the worldwide connections represented across our regional college campuses, followed by opportunities throughout the academic year to connect with employers and experience some of what makes the Greater Dubuque region a great place to live, work, and build a future.

This year’s series includes:

Community of Colleges Kickoff: Celebrating Our Worldwide Connections
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium | 350 East 3rd St., Dubuque

Kick off the new school year with college students from across the region and around the world while celebrating our international students. Enjoy food trucks with complimentary meal vouchers, a DJ spinning tunes in the Boatyard, and access to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. This event is open to all college students in the Greater Dubuque region.

AccessDubuqueJobs.com Career Fair
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Grand River Center | 500 Bell St., Dubuque

Held at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque, the AccessDubuqueJobs.com Career Fair offers students the opportunity to meet face-to-face with area employers. Learn about an array of internship, part-time, and full-time opportunities to jump-start your career in the Greater Dubuque region.

College Bowling Night
Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cherry Lanes Bowling at Diamond Jo Casino | 301 Bell St., Dubuque

Let the good times roll with cosmic bowling at Cherry Lanes — the Diamond Jo Casino’s dazzling 30-lane alley — featuring free bowling and shoe rental under neon lights and pulsing beats.

College Hockey Night
Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | Game time, 7:05 p.m.
ImOn Arena | 1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr., Dubuque

Cheer on the Dubuque Fighting Saints with classmates as they take on the Madison Capitols at ImOn Arena! Students receive free admission to the game.

YOU can be great here Community of Colleges events are offered at no cost to students currently enrolled at higher education institutions in the Greater Dubuque region. Registration will be required for the Community of Colleges Kickoff, the College Bowling Night, and the College Hockey Night. Look for registration information to be released later this month and available through student life staff.

Questions about the YOU can be great here Community of Colleges event series? Contact Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Solutions, at mandid@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.