Spartans of UD - Hayden Warner

Hayden Warner is a senior accounting, human resource management, marketing, and communication quadruple major from Cantonment, Florida. A leader on and off campus, she was honored with the 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award and will receive $3,5000 upon graduation.

The Alliant Energy Foundation established an endowment with the Iowa College Foundation in 2006 to provide the award, which honors the remarkable legacy of Erroll B. Davis Jr., former president and chair of the board of Alliant Energy. Davis devoted 30 years to the company and its customers. A passionate advocate for students and education, Davis served eight years on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents and six years as chancellor of the University System of Georgia. He was also the first African American to lead a BusinessWeek 1,000 company.

The Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award recognizes and supports students who have overcome challenges, demonstrated perseverance and personal achievement, and led by example. A luncheon was held April 17, 2026, in the Welch Dining Room on campus in celebration of Hayden's academic accomplishments with representatives from UD, Alliant Energy, and the Iowa College Foundation.

What does it mean to you to receive the 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Student Achievement Award?

"It is an incredible honor to have been considered for the 2026 Alliant Energy/Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award, let alone selected. This award inspires students to value resilience, adaptability, passion, and leadership, all skills that I feel I have developed during my time at the University of Dubuque. This award motivates me to continue striving for goals beyond the classroom, giving back, and using my skills to make a meaningful impact on my profession and community."

You are a quadruple major who will graduate this spring with a bachelor of business administration and a bachelor of arts. What inspired you to pursue four majors?

"I always knew I was interested in business, watching my father lead a family company as I was growing up. I wanted to challenge myself to learn each discipline and really dig deep, thinking about a problem from both an analytical and people-oriented perspective, while considering a business' growth and foundation - blending the lines between numbers and people. I feel like I built genuine connections with each of my professors and want to continue learning about their respective fields, so the goal of learning each discipline was achievable within four years."

How have faculty and staff helped you overcome challenges during your time as a student?

"There is not just one faculty or staff member that I can specifically cite who has helped make my time at UD as influential as it has been. Each faculty and staff member I have crossed paths with has taught me something new about my career and personal beliefs or were a breath of fresh air on a day that seemed never-ending. Whether it was through one-on-one mentorships with professors in the Department of Business and Accounting and Department of Communication or a simple passing conversation with the security team, each person on this campus brings a spark of light to the community and has pushed me to be a better person, personally and professionally."

What activities are you involved with on campus and in the community?

"I have had the privilege of engaging in a variety of campus and community activities. I played on the women's tennis team and served as a board member of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for my first two years. I have been a peer tutor at the Academic Success Center for the past two years and an officer/board member of the Accounting Club. I also had the opportunity to be one of the inaugural members of the UD sales team under Professor Sullivan, and I have now become a captain of the sales team for this year. Lastly, being involved with VITA through my tax class with Professor McGarry, gaining hands-on experience alongside my peers and giving back to the community have been amazing experiences. UD has also opened doors to two internships I have completed: one as a co-op with Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa, and another as a tax intern with Honkamp in town!"

What lessons have you learned from your time at UD will help you achieve your career aspirations?

"During my studies and on-campus work, I strengthened my love of teaching and my passion for accounting. My experience at UD helped clarify my goals of pursuing doctoral studies, working in the tax field, and making a meaningful impact in both professions!"

What are your plans after graduation?

"After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a master of science in accountancy and business analytics. This summer, I plan to obtain my enrolled agent license and start studying for the CPA exams! Ultimately, after gaining experience in the tax profession, I hope to go back to school, earn my doctorate, and return to the classroom as an accounting professor!"

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"I think what makes the University of Dubuque unique is the amazing culture and community created on campus. From the first time I stepped foot on campus, my Dad pointed out how nice the students were, holding doors for peers, smiling when crossing paths. Over the past four years, I have really seen that culture shine through. The students, faculty, and professors create a very welcoming environment, and they all genuinely want to see you learn and succeed post-college."