Thank you to the more than 140 UI alumni and friends from around the world who submitted Iowa-themed short stories during February's contest.

We asked participants to create a story of 1,000 words or less using one of two sets of prompts: a drama set in the UI Main Library incorporating a goldfish, or an adventure set in the Iowa Memorial Union incorporating a ladder.

Our judges have been working diligently this past month to read submissions that poured in from 26 states and as far away as France and Australia.

Without further ado, here's our winning story—which will be published in the summer issue of Iowa Magazine—and nine other finalists. The winner also receives a unique pen made from the wood of a Pentacrest tree, a $100 gift certificate to the Iowa Hawk Shop, and a selection of three books by Iowa Writers' Workshop alumni.

• Lorie Leo, "Ethereal"

(listed alphabetically by last name)

• Alice Duncanson (02BA), "The Worst"
• Kristen Formanek (06BA), "Greenfish Forever"
• Christian Haunton (06MA, 17PhD), "SF458.G6 K54 1935"
• Anne Jackson (99BA), "Good Grief"
• Jane Jemmi (19BA), "Fishing for a Date"
• Tim Johnson, "Streets Bill"
• Maureen Lewis, "The Yearbook Editor Magic"
• Daniel Waters, "Hard to Swallow"
• Sarah Wheelock, "Kunsi's Feather"

Thanks to all who participated, and be on the lookout for the contest again next year. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading these amazing tales from your fellow Hawkeyes as much as we did! You can also read stories from our past winners.