UI renames street, welcomes visitors to campus with Hawkeye Wave Way

Monday, September 16, 2024

The University of Iowa announced Monday that For The Kids Way, a road that runs east-west through University of Iowa Health Care's university campus, will be renamed Hawkeye Wave Way.

The new name reflects the relationship between the greatest tradition in college athletics and UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital, which sits north of Hawkeye Wave Way between John Pappajohn Pavilion and Pomerantz Family Pavilion (see map).

The Hawkeye Wave was introduced seven years ago and immediately became a tradition celebrated by the entire country. At every Iowa football home game since 2017, fans, student-athletes, and coaches take a break between the first and second quarters at Kinnick Stadium to exchange waves with patients and families inside Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Those patients and families will now be welcomed to campus with a familiar greeting when they arrive at Hawkeye Wave Way.

History of the street

Originally named South Hospital Drive, the east-west street began at Hawkins Drive and led to the north entrance of Hospital Parking Ramp 4 before ending at the Field House. After renovations to the Field House in 2015, the road was extended to merge with South Grand Avenue, alleviating congestion on Melrose Avenue, improving traffic flow, and accommodating patients and visitors to UI Health Care Medical Center.

The street was renamed For The Kids Way in 2019 to recognize the dedication and philanthropic impact Dance Marathon programs across the state have made on the patients and families at Stead Family Children's Hospital. As Dance Marathon programs across the country move away from using "For The Kids" due to trademark restrictions, the university is using the opportunity to rename the street Hawkeye Wave Way to recognize the connection between all Hawkeyes, patients, and community supporters of Stead Family Children's Hospital.