Dear CSD Alumni and Friends,
As we reflect on the 2024–25 academic year, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for all that our community has accomplished. From honoring the legacy of pioneers in our field to celebrating the achievements of current students and the ongoing impact of our alumni, this year has been a powerful reminder of the strength and continuity of our department—past, present, and future. Through it all, our shared commitment to service—whether to our local community, the state of Iowa, or the broader discipline—remains central to who we are and how Iowa CSD leads.
In this edition, we highlight the return of Distinguished Alumna Dr. Ida J. Stockman, ASHA’s centennial celebration with national leadership here in Iowa City, national recognitions earned by our faculty, and the inspiring paths our alumni continue to forge in research, practice, and advocacy.
I hope you enjoy these stories and feel a continued connection to our CSD community.
Eric Hunter
Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Harriet B. and Harold S. Brady Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Celebrate the lasting impact of the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center
Join us in Iowa City on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, as we celebrate and honor the lasting impact of the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center. As the department and its clinic prepare to move into the new Health Sciences Academic Building this summer, come celebrate our proud history, share your favorite memories, and RSVP to help us look forward to an exciting future during our commemorative event.
Stay connected
No matter where you are, you're always a Hawkeye. Learn how you can stay connected to CSD and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Read the stories of fellow alumni and find out how you can volunteer and hire students. Please also update your contact information so we have your most recent mail and email address so we can stay in touch!
CSD graduate program ranked among nation’s best
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings placed Iowa’s audiology program #2 nationally, and the speech-language pathology #5, affirming the Iowa CSD among the top programs in the country. As part of our nationally recognized clinical training, the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic offers personalized, evidence-based care that integrates graduate student training with direct involvement from expert faculty and researchers. Visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment.
ASHA returns to Iowa City for centennial celebration
To mark ASHA’s 100th anniversary, CSD welcomed current and past board members and association presidents for a two-day visit that included a student roundtable, professional development seminar, and a tribute to the association’s Iowa City origins. Alumni joined in reflecting on this historic milestone, as students and faculty engaged with national leaders to explore the past, present, and future of the field.
CSD faculty and students provide early screenings for young children
In April 2025, CSD faculty and students conducted developmental screenings for young children at a local preschool, offering early identification of speech, language, and hearing concerns. Graduate students gained hands-on experience and insight into how their work can positively impact a child’s trajectory.
Ida J. Stockman named 2024-25 distinguished alumna
Dr. Ida J. Stockman (65MA), honored 2024–25 Distinguished Alumna, returned to Iowa City in April to deliver the Distinguished Alumni Lecture. In her talk, she reflected on her time as a graduate student at Iowa and her influential career advancing language development in children with disabilities.
Honoring the legacy of CSD graduate Bob Quesal
Quesal (84PhD) was a dedicated advocate for people who stutter and co-developer of the OASES assessment tool. His impactful career, compassionate mentorship, and involvement in the department left a lasting impact.
CSD prepares for 2025 move to new Health Sciences Academic Building
The department is set to move into the new Health Sciences Academic Building this summer 2025. The state-of-the-art facility will feature cutting-edge research and teaching spaces that will foster new opportunities for collaboration, clinical services, and experiential learning. Check out the progress being made!