2026-2027 Art Gallery Exhibitions

"Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming"
Photographer: Hannah Bauch (C'25), Coordinator of Creative Media, Marketing, and Fan Engagement

September 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026

RECEPTION: OCTOBER 9, 2026 - 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

"Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming" takes a closer look at the student-athletes behind the performances, exploring the stories beyond the jerseys. Through action photography and personal narratives, the exhibition captures University of Dubuque student-athletes both in competition and in the moments that shape who they are beyond athletics. Their stories highlight ambition, perseverance, academic pursuits, and careers, offering a deeper look at the individuals behind the performance. Ultimately, "Beyond the Game: A UD Athletic Homecoming" reveals the full picture of the student-athlete and reminds us that every jersey carries a story that extends far beyond the game.

Artist Statement
Hannah Bauch (C'25)

"Beyond the Game" explores the multifaceted identities of student-athletes and the many layers that exist beyond their roles in competition. By combining action-oriented imagery with glimpses into the lives and personalities of the individuals featured, the series aims to provide a deeper understanding of the person behind the performance.

The photographs span across 2023 to 2026. During that time, UD Athletics has evolved and the quality of Hannah Bauch's work and the stories she seeks to tell have evolved. For her, there is also something beyond the game in photography itself: the privilege of freezing a moment in time. Looking back at these photographs, she remembers capturing the image and recalls the game as if it was yesterday. Her goal is to give the viewer a glimpse of the experience - to allow them to feel the energy of the moment. Her sports photography is rooted in capturing the combination of action and emotionally charged imagery, highlighting the intensity, joy, and physical connections, or a high-impact yell. There is nothing more fulfilling than capturing raw emotion and genuine reaction. The vulnerability athletes display when they compete is admirable, and I believe those moments deserve to be documented as well.

Bauch's photography journey began in the fall of 2022, when she was given the opportunity to work for athletics as a student, managing the athletic department's social media accounts, and continued to work as an intern with the athletics department until graduating in April 2025. Hannah Bauch is now the coordinator of creative media, marketing, and fan engagement for the University of Dubuque Department of Athletics. She never imagined that what began as a hobby in high school would eventually become a career. She is incredibly grateful to the athletes, coaches, parents, and peers who have trusted her in documenting these moments and sharing them.

With the Class of 2027, Hannah Bauch has had the opportunity to watch these student-athletes arrive as freshmen and now prepare to walk across the stage as they earn their degrees. It is bittersweet to watch them move on, but there is something comforting in knowing that an invisible string will always connect them back to UD. Creating this gallery has given us an even deeper perspective on who these student-athletes are beyond the field, court, track, ice, or mat. They are teammates, friends, students, leaders, competitors, and individuals with stories that extend far beyond the moments captured in competition.

Each athlete has a story to tell. This is a glimpse into those stories - "Beyond the Game."