Derby Grange College Night Kicks Off 2024-2025 YOU can be great here Community of Colleges Event Series
On Wednesday, September 18, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation kicked off another season of the successful YOU can be great here Community of Colleges series with the Derby Grange College Night. The evening was filled with energy and fun as 160 college students from institutions of higher education across the Greater Dubuque region gathered for free walking tacos, mini-golf, the driving range, and batting cages. The goal was simple: to bring students together in a relaxed, engaging environment where they could connect, enjoy a great time, and get to know the Greater Dubuque region.
The event provided not only an opportunity for students to unwind from their academic schedules but also underscored Greater Dubuque Development’s commitment to making college students feel welcomed and valued within the community. As the future workforce, innovators, and community leaders of the Greater Dubuque region, these students represent the key to the region’s continued growth and success.
Greater Dubuque Development greatly appreciates the student life staff at participating institutions who promoted the event and encouraged student involvement. Our gratitude goes to Kim Walsh at Loras College, Kara Popp at Northeast Iowa Community College, Callie Clark at Clarke University, Joel Kuruvilla at Emmaus Bible College, and Jaclyn Esqueda at the University of Dubuque. Their collective efforts ensured the event's success by bringing students together to build new friendships and experience the Greater Dubuque region in a fresh, exciting way.
Looking ahead, Greater Dubuque Development will continue to engage college students with three more events to come in the 2024-2025 YOU can be great here Community of Colleges series. On November 8, students will enjoy College Hockey Night with free admission to a Dubuque Fighting Saints game that includes early access, free pizza and beverages, and time to socialize with other students and regional employers.
On February 5, 2025, we’ll host an Island Social Night on Schmitt Island, giving students exclusive access to the new event and entertainment space at the Q Casino + Resort with fun activities like digital axe throwing, arcade games, and duckpin bowling. The upcoming AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair on March 26, 2025, will provide yet another opportunity for students to connect with regional employers, exploring internship and career opportunities in the Greater Dubuque region, while also having the chance to get a complimentary professional headshot taken.
These events are all part of the ongoing efforts to demonstrate to the next generation of talent that YOU can be great here in the Greater Dubuque region.
For more information about upcoming YOU can be great here Community of Colleges events, contact Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention with Greater Dubuque Development Corporation at 563-557-9049 or mandid@greaterdubuque.org.