BVU Students Earn National Recognition at e-Fest Entrepreneurship Competition
BVU stands as the only Iowa institution selected, achieving recognition through top finishes in innovation and market-ready business categories.
Read more ›
Storm Lake, Iowa · May 2026
From the newsroom and the labs of Buena Vista University.
News & Research
There's always something interesting happening around campus. Stay up to date with the Beaver community: student life, faculty research, alumni success, athletics, and institutional updates.
BVU Celebrates 135th Commencement, Honoring Nearly 600 Graduates
On May 9, Buena Vista University held its 135th Commencement Ceremony at Siebens Fieldhouse, graduating approximately 600 students and welcoming a new class of Beaver alumni. Distinguished leaders Shad Robinson '96 and Dr. Trent Grundmeyer '03 delivered the undergraduate and graduate addresses.
Latest Stories
What's happening now.
The most recent stories from across the BVU community — gathered here for you.
BVU Students Showcase Investment Skills at National Finance Conference
Students gained real-world finance experience, industry insight, and national exposure at a Miami conference.
Read more ›Faculty Research
Research with reach beyond Storm Lake.
BVU faculty and students publish scholarship and run applied research programs that influence classrooms, communities, and industries across Iowa and beyond.
Dr. Renee Fensom — School of Education
School-based intervention improves student resilience and mental health
A pilot study by Dr. Renee Fensom demonstrates that a structured school-based intervention can boost resilience, reduce stress, and support mental health among diverse student populations in high-needs schools.
Read the study ›Boettcher Raccoon River Sustainable Agriculture Center
A new center for hands-on agricultural and environmental research
Announced January 2026, the Boettcher Raccoon River Sustainable Agriculture Center supports hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that connects classroom concepts to real-world agricultural and environmental practice.
Learn more ›BVU Communication — School of Communication & Arts
27 ICMA honors — including the First Amendment Award
BVU's digital media program took home 27 recognitions at the Intercollegiate Media Association awards, including the First Amendment Award and the Overall Audio Excellence award — affirming BVU's leadership in student journalism.
See the awards ›Awards & Recognition
Honors earned this year.
A snapshot of the awards, finalist honors, and external recognition earned by BVU students, faculty, and staff in 2025–26.
Faculty · Feb 2026
2026 George Wythe Award Finalists
Award recipient receives a sabbatical and a $30,000 faculty development stipend.
Students · Apr 2026
e-Fest Entrepreneurship Competition
BVU — the only Iowa institution selected — recognized in innovation and market-ready business categories.
Staff · Apr 2026
Education for Service 2026 Nominees
Twenty-ninth recipient of this staff award to be honored at the Employee Recognition Celebration.
Alumni · Mar 2026
Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year
Nigel Horton '10 named the state's top elementary principal.
Students · Apr 2026
National & Statewide Entrepreneurship
BVU student teams advanced to prestigious competitions, strengthening the university's reputation for innovation.
Students · Feb 2026
27 ICMA Media Honors
Including the First Amendment Award and Overall Audio Excellence recognition.
BVU Magazine
The full story — twice a year, in print.
The Buena Vista University Alumni Magazine is the official publication for the Beaver community, with long-form features, alumni profiles, class notes, and faculty research deep dives. Sign up for the newsletter to get the highlights between issues.