Senators welcome community college students and spotlight workforce training on Community College Day
March 03, 2026 | 2026 Senate, Legislative, Iowa
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Senators across the chamber introduced and welcomed student delegations and faculty from community colleges statewide during a largely ceremonial floor session, calling attention to the institutions' role in workforce development and inviting colleagues to view exhibits in the rotunda.
Several senators took turns introducing visitors. Senator Alonzo (Woodbury) asked the body to "please give a warm welcome" to 10 students and advisor Jennifer McCune from CometClass Student Leadership at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City. Senator Warmy (Story) introduced Provost Schmidt, liaison Abigail Casey and four Phi Theta Kappa student senators from Marshalltown Community College. Senator Scribe (Webster) introduced student ambassadors from Iowa Central Community College, and Senator Reichman (Lee) highlighted Southeastern Community College's machining program and its industry partner, Stephen Meyer Welding. Senator Sires (Blackhawk) noted Hawkeye Community College's sixtieth anniversary and its track record of producing graduates who remain in Iowa.
Why it matters: senators framed the appearances as an opportunity to showcase community colleges' contribution to the state's talent pipeline and local economies, repeatedly urging colleagues to visit displays across the Capitol. Senator Evans (Cherokee) described the day as "Community College Day on the hill" and encouraged senators to meet students and faculty representing 15 community colleges.
The session’s tone was welcoming and ceremonial; senators used the floor to give brief personal accounts of alumni outcomes and local impacts. Senator Zimmer (Clinton) recounted family members who benefited from Eastern Iowa Community College programs, noting careers in engineering and firefighting as examples of the colleges' economic contributions.
The Senate recessed later in the morning for a caucus and the state government committee; the community college visits were presented without legislation or formal action tied to the appearances.
Several senators took turns introducing visitors. Senator Alonzo (Woodbury) asked the body to "please give a warm welcome" to 10 students and advisor Jennifer McCune from CometClass Student Leadership at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City. Senator Warmy (Story) introduced Provost Schmidt, liaison Abigail Casey and four Phi Theta Kappa student senators from Marshalltown Community College. Senator Scribe (Webster) introduced student ambassadors from Iowa Central Community College, and Senator Reichman (Lee) highlighted Southeastern Community College's machining program and its industry partner, Stephen Meyer Welding. Senator Sires (Blackhawk) noted Hawkeye Community College's sixtieth anniversary and its track record of producing graduates who remain in Iowa.
Why it matters: senators framed the appearances as an opportunity to showcase community colleges' contribution to the state's talent pipeline and local economies, repeatedly urging colleagues to visit displays across the Capitol. Senator Evans (Cherokee) described the day as "Community College Day on the hill" and encouraged senators to meet students and faculty representing 15 community colleges.
The session’s tone was welcoming and ceremonial; senators used the floor to give brief personal accounts of alumni outcomes and local impacts. Senator Zimmer (Clinton) recounted family members who benefited from Eastern Iowa Community College programs, noting careers in engineering and firefighting as examples of the colleges' economic contributions.
The Senate recessed later in the morning for a caucus and the state government committee; the community college visits were presented without legislation or formal action tied to the appearances.
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