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Uncommon Student Award Program
Celebrating One Million Dollars Awarded
November 14 & 15, 2025
Merry Christmas
A Million Reasons to Celebrate
Join us for a remarkable evening as we celebrate the innovation, leadership, and spirit of service demonstrated by Iowa’s outstanding high school students. This year marks an extraordinary milestone — the awarding of the one-millionth dollar through the Uncommon Student Award program!
For 28 years, the Hoover Presidential Foundation has recognized students who go beyond expectations, transforming ideas into action and creating meaningful change in their communities. This year, we are honored to not only recognize our newest class of Uncommon Students but also to welcome back and celebrate our alumni, whose achievements continue to inspire and shape the legacy of the program.
The weekend is designed to reconnect Uncommon Student Award participants across the years, foster meaningful networking opportunities, and celebrate the impact of alumni from every class. Together, we will reflect on the past, honor the present, and look ahead to the future of this extraordinary community.
Let’s come together to applaud the uncommon achievements of our students and alumni, and to celebrate a future bright with promise.
Latest Updates
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 14
USA Alumni Social, Location TBD, 6pm
Kick off the weekend with a casual alumni social at a local brewery! This is a relaxed opportunity for Uncommon Student Award alumni and family to reconnect, share stories, and network with fellow alumni from across the years. Appetizers will be provided, and USA Alumni will receive one free drink ticket.
Saturday, November 15
2025 Uncommon Student Award Presentations. The Rooftop Ballroom, Courtyard by Marriott, 9am-3:30pm.
Watch Iowa’s outstanding high school students showcase their innovative, community-changing projects as they compete for $10,000 scholarships and the prestigious Mariah Becker Volunteer Leadership Award. Presentation schedule will be released in October.
VIP Tours of Kinnick Stadium and New Wrestling Facility. Tours at 10am and 11am
Go behind the scenes with exclusive tours of two iconic University of Iowa athletic venues! Space is limited — RSVP during registration to secure your spot for this special experience.
National Park Tour and Musuem Renovation Sneak Peek, Hoover Historic Site, 11am and 2pm (tentative)
Take a guided tour of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and explore the grounds where history comes to life. You’ll also get an exclusive look at the ongoing renovation of the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the exciting updates that will shape its future.
Welcome Reception. The Bistro, Courtyard by Marriott at 5pm.
Kick off the celebration weekend with a festive welcome reception. Meet students, alumni, judges, and supporters as we gather to celebrate the program’s legacy and the remarkable people behind it.
A Million Reasons to Celebrate Banquet. The Rooftop Ballroom, Courtyard by Marriott, 6pm.
Join us for the signature event of the weekend as we mark a historic milestone — the awarding of the program’s one-millionth dollar! Celebrate this achievement alongside Uncommon Student Award honorees, alumni, families, and friends in an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration.
Weekend Logistics
November 14-November 15
Tickets
A Million Reasons to Celebrate Banquet
USA Alumni – $20/person
USA Alumni Students – $10/person
2025 USA Students – Free
Friends of the USA Program – $40/person
Kids 5 and under are free but still require registration.
All other activities are Free but require advance registration. University of Iowa tours will have limited spots.
Tickets will be available beginning July 1!
Accommodations
Courtyard Iowa City University Heights
901 Melrose Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
319-569-6777
Block Booking information coming soon.