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March 13, 2025
Computer Science - Founders Day Celebration
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 200 South Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

On the occasion of our 60th anniversary, the Department of Computer Science at Iowa cordially invites you to attend our 3rd Annual Founders Day Celebration. This event will be held Thursday, March 13, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in 2520D UCC (On 2nd floor of Old Capitol Mall).

Please join us for ice cream sundaes as we celebrate the achievements of the extraordinary students and faculty in our department!

RSVP by Monday, March 10.

Celebrating Founders Day 3/13/25 3:30-4:30pm in 2520D UCC

Contact: Matthieu Biger 319-335-0713

Departments: Department of Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Informatics, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Center for Advancement

March 16, 2025
Sundays with the Docents | "it's a fine thing" exhibition tour
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Join us for a tour of the Stanley Museum of Art's latest exhibition, it's a fine thing. This tour is presented in conjunction with the NEA Big Read and will draw connections between the show and Toni Morrison's novel Beloved. .

This tour is part of the Sundays with the Docents program where Stanley docents create unique tours to share with our audiences throughout the year. Registration is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but tours are capped at 20 participants.

Reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/sundays-with-the-docents-its-a-fine-thing-tour/3094329

Attend a session of Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo shortly after the tour. 

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Office of the Provost, Iowa Writers' Workshop

January 19, 2025 - May 18, 2025
Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (CST)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

The Drawing Salon focuses on drawing artworks from the museum's collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their own visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery.

Pencils and sketchbooks/paper are the only artmaking materials allowed in the galleries. The museum has golf pencils with erasers and clipboards for participants to use. Stools and benches are available in the galleries.

Robert Caputo, an Iowa City-based painter and sculptor, will lead the sessions.

The Drawing Salon is limited to 20 participants. Please reserve your spot by clicking below:

January 19, 2025

February 16, 2025

March 16, 2025

April 13, 2025

May 18, 2025

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Office of the Provost, Center for Advancement, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

March 21, 2025
2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships Hawkeye Huddle
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA US 19148

Join us for the Hawkeye Huddle during the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Hosted by the I-Club-in partnership with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement´s Office of Alumni Engagement, the Swarm Collective, and the Hawkeye Wrestling Club-Hawkeye Huddles are free and open to all Iowa fans.   

Note: Pre-registration is optional and does not guarantee admittance.

Contact: Iowa Athletics Development 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement

January 26, 2025 - May 25, 2025
Write at the Stanley
2:30 pm - 4:15 pm (CST)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop is back for the Spring Semester!

Join us monthly to generate new creative writing inspired by works in the Stanley collection. Each session will be led by a different talented writer from our area, who will be offering a new prompt and a new approach to ekphrastic writing (writing inspired by visual art). Bring your own notebook and pencil or computer and leave with the beginning of a newly written piece.

Co-sponsored by Iowa City Poetry. Teen and adult writers in all genres are welcome.

Write at the Stanley meets every fourth Sunday of the month. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot by clicking the dates below:

Jan. 26 | Barbara Price 
Feb. 23 | Akwi Nji
March 23 | Caroline Clay
April 27 | Tracie Morris
May 25 | Jeneé Skinner

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Office of the Provost, Pentacrest Museums, The Writing University, Iowa Writers' Workshop, International Writing Program, Nonfiction Writing Program, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of English

March 26, 2025
One Day for Iowa!
All Day ()

Every year, thousands of Hawkeyes come together to make an important-and meaningful-impact for Iowa. All gifts made in March will count toward the One Day for Iowa total. 

Be a Hawkeye that gives back on One Day for Iowa! Support students, faculty, research, health care, and more.

Give now: https://1dayforiowa.org/41GiOdH

 

Contact: Shaina Spencer 319-467-3554

Departments: Center for Advancement, Department of Computer Science, College of Pharmacy, Carver College of Medicine, University Honors Program, Tippie College of Business, College of Engineering, International Programs

March 27, 2025
Hawkeye Night at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA US 50309

Join fellow Hawkeyes for a fun, family-friendly evening at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden! Enjoy complimentary light appetizers and refreshments while exploring the beautiful conservatory lit up after dark or put your green thumb to the test and pot your own houseplant. Learn about the UI´s new School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability from professor and chair Emily Finzel.

Registration is $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, and closes on Thursday, March 20.

Please note: Houseplant potting will be do-it-yourself (recommended for ages 5+) and available while supplies last.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Rhonda Roskos in advance at rhonda.roskos@foriowa.org.

Contact: Katie Kriegel 319-467-3540

Departments: Center for Advancement

March 27, 2025
An Artist's Life (Before, During and After Iowa): Artist Talk by Bruce Dorfman
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Join us at the Stanley Museum of Art for a talk featuring artist and UIowa alumnus, Bruce Dorfman. Three works by Dorfman will be on view in the Visual Classroom.

About the artist: 
Bruce Dorfman has had 60 solo exhibitions in New York, across the U.S.and abroad. He is represented by: June Kelly Gallery, NYC; Carrie Chen Gallery, Great Barrington,
MA; and Elizabeth Clement Fine Art, Boston/Miami/NYC, where he will continue to have solo exhibitions during 2025.

His very first solo exhibition was at the University of Iowa, in 1956, as an undergraduate in the Art Building. It was arranged for, and set up by, the Graduate art students, who brought the work from NY to the University, at the instance of Mauricio Lasansky.

His most recent exhibitions have also included:

Carrie Chen Gallery: Exhibition,Taipei/Taiwan, 2023

American Fine Arts Society Gallery, NYC Retrospective,(2018-19)

Monmouth University, NJ, Retrospective Exhibition (September - December, 2016)

Dorfmans work is in Permanent Collections worldwide, the very most recent acquisitions of which now include:

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (3 works)

The Norton Museum of Art

The Woodstock Artists Association Museum

The Art Students League of New York

Bruce Dorfman has taught both at The Art Students League since 1964, as well as the League in Woodstock, NY, summers 1964-1972. He also taught at the New School, Syracuse University, the Everson Museum and was Artist-in-Residence at the Norton Museum1962-1964. Dorfman was Guest Artist at museums in Venezuela, Portugal and France from 1993-1996. Frequently noted among his many recognized students over the years have been Ai Wei-Wei, Bob Dylan, Gary Hill and Ku-Lim Kim.

Bruce Dorfman studied at the Art Students League with Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Arnold Blanch and Charles H. Alston. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he studied with Mauricio Lasansky, Stuart Edie and art historian Roy Seiber.

He has received two Pollock-Krasner Award/Grants, a Fulbright Fellowship, and Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, among many others. He currently holds a major grant for Assemblage and Mixed Media at The Art Students League of New York.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Center for Advancement, School of Art, Art History, and Design

March 27, 2025
An Artist's Life (Before, During and After Iowa) | Artist Talk by Bruce Dorfman
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Join us at the Stanley Museum of Art for a talk featuring artist and UIowa alumnus, Bruce Dorfman. Three works by Dorfman will be on view in the Visual Classroom.

About the artist: 
Bruce Dorfman has had 60 solo exhibitions in New York, across the U.S.and abroad. He is represented by: June Kelly Gallery, NYC; Carrie Chen Gallery, Great Barrington,
MA; and Elizabeth Clement Fine Art, Boston/Miami/NYC, where he will continue to have solo exhibitions during 2025.

His very first solo exhibition was at the University of Iowa, in 1956, as an undergraduate in the Art Building. It was arranged for, and set up by, the Graduate art students, who brought the work from NY to the University, at the instance of Mauricio Lasansky.

His most recent exhibitions have also included:

  • Carrie Chen Gallery: Exhibition,Taipei/Taiwan, 2023
  • American Fine Arts Society Gallery, NYC Retrospective,(2018-19)
  • Monmouth University, NJ, Retrospective Exhibition (September - December, 2016)

Dorfmans work is in Permanent Collections worldwide, the very most recent acquisitions of which now include:

  • The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (3 works)
  • The Norton Museum of Art
  • The Woodstock Artists Association Museum
  • The Art Students League of New York

Bruce Dorfman has taught both at The Art Students League since 1964, as well as the League in Woodstock, NY, summers 1964-1972. He also taught at the New School, Syracuse University, the Everson Museum and was Artist-in-Residence at the Norton Museum1962-1964. Dorfman was Guest Artist at museums in Venezuela, Portugal and France from 1993-1996. Frequently noted among his many recognized students over the years have been Ai Wei-Wei, Bob Dylan, Gary Hill and Ku-Lim Kim.

Bruce Dorfman studied at the Art Students League with Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Arnold Blanch and Charles H.Alston. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he studied with Mauricio Lasansky, Stuart Edie and art historian Roy Seiber.

He has received two Pollock-Krasner Award/Grants, a Fulbright Fellowship, and Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, among many others. He currently holds a major grant for Assemblage and Mixed Media at The Art Students League of New York.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: Center for Advancement, Office of the Provost, Office of Community Engagement

March 28, 2025
Iowa Symphony Band and Iowa State University Wind Ensemble at Orchestra Hall, Chicago
7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 20 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL US 60604

The Iowa Symphony Band will once again appear in one of the finest concert halls in the world when they perform in Orchestra Hall in Chicago. The Symphony Band, under the direction of Director of Bands Mark Heidel, will join the Iowa State University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Director of Bands Michael Golemo to present a unique collaborative performance. 

These ensembles have never collaborated, and the March performance will be a thrilling experience for the performers as well as a proud moment for the State of Iowa. Alongside the 2008 Carnegie Hall concert, the 2025 Orchestra Hall concert will rank among the most noteworthy achievements in the rich history of Iowa Bands.

Tickets:
General Admission - $20
Discounted group rates are available for groups of 10 or more
Get your tickets through the Chicago Symphony Orchestra website

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/943840

Contact: UI School of Music 319-335-1603

Departments: Center for Advancement, School of Music

March 29, 2025
Stanley Creates | Zany Trees
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Let your imagination run wild as you create your very own zany tree in bloom! In this hands-on workshop, children will use air-dry clay, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and other colorful materials to design and assemble unique and whimsical trees. From towering giants to tiny saplings, the possibilities are endless!

Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/stanley-creates-zany-trees-in-bloom/3087875

Please arrive in time for children to settle in and begin the project at 2 p.m.

Stanley Creates is an interactive program for children and teens to learn artmaking techniques. Taking inspiration from the museum´s collection, participants will play with materials to create unique artworks. An art education graduate student leads each workshop. They will demonstrate the process and provide feedback and support to participants as they make their artwork.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Office of the Provost

April 2, 2025
Quad Cities Together Hawkeyes Tour
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 25500 Valley Dr, Pleasant Valley, IA US 52767

Together, Hawkeyes continue to blaze new trails and fuel discoveries. This spring, we are headed to the Quad Cities-and we hope you will join us for a special night celebrating all things black and gold.

Together Hawkeyes Tour
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
6-7:30 p.m. | Program at 6:45 p.m.

You'll gain insights into the Together Hawkeyes campaign and plans to expand programming to support our first-generation students. You´ll also learn about other university happenings as you hear from:

  • Barbara Wilson, University of Iowa president
  • Lynette Marshall, UI Center for Advancement president and chief executive officer
  • Meliana Anderson, a first-generation college student from Davenport who is studying nursing at Iowa

Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided.

We hope to see you in the Quad Cities!

Contact: Laurel Hall 319-467-3518

Departments: Center for Advancement, Office of the President

August 2, 2024 - December 5, 2025
Art & Write Night
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 39-53 East Jefferson Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and will sometimes move about the Museum but we'll always start in Mammal Hall on the third Floor of Macbride Hall. Join anytime between 6-8 p.m. and feel free to participate in a themed creation challenge or work on your own project with our exhibits as inspiration. We'll save the last 15-30 minutes of each session to share what we've been working on, connecting with others (optional, of course!).


Please note, the Museum is typically closed during this time, meaning the main entrance to Iowa Hall (atop the large staircase outside on the east side of Macbride Hall) will be closed and locked. All other building doors will be open, offering access to the Ground Floor of Macbride Hall. Mammal Hall is located on the third floor of Macbride Hall and can be reached by stairs or by taking the elevator to the third floor of the building.


Special thanks to Blick Art Materials for supplying extra art materials. Make sure to check in with us in Mammal Hall to check out a variety of special art tools and supplies.

Contact: Jessica Smith 319-335-3591

Departments: Pentacrest Museums, Museum of Natural History, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Student Life, Leadership and Engagement, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, University Libraries, Department of English

April 9, 2025
Together Hawkeyes Tour | Des Moines
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 711 High St, Des Moines, IA US 50392

Together, Hawkeyes continue to blaze new trails and fuel discoveries. This spring, we are headed to Des Moines-and we hope you will join us for a special night celebrating all things black and gold.

Together Hawkeyes Tour
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
6-7:30 p.m. | Program at 6:45 p.m.

Principal Financial Group
Third Level Atrium
711 High St.
Des Moines

Register here: https://foriowa.info/4henjAD

You'll gain insights into the Together Hawkeyes campaign and plans to expand programming to support our first-generation students. You´ll also learn about other university happenings as you hear from:

oBarbara Wilson, University of Iowa president
oLynette Marshall, UI Center for Advancement president and chief executive officer

Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided.

We hope to see you in Des Moines!

Contact: Laurel Hall 319-467-3518

Departments: Center for Advancement, Tippie College of Business

April 10, 2025
Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center Dedication Ceremony
3:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 2811 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City, IA US 52246

Join us for the dedication ceremony for the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center!

This dedication ceremony will take place outdoors. Self-guided tours and refreshments will be available following brief remarks.

Your RSVP is appreciated! Please share your attendance plans by April 3.

Parking will be available in Lots 35, 45, and 71. Parking restrictions will be lifted starting at 2:30 p.m. Parking in the Sports Medicine Clinic Lot is prohibited.

In the case of inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will be held at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, which is located at 2820 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City.

Contact: Iowa Athletics Development 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement, Department of Athletics

April 11, 2025
University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business Investiture Ceremony
3:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 1 Park Road, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Please join us as we celebrate faculty appointments in the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business:   

  • Tong Yao to the Keith L. Cook Professorship 
  • Richard Peter to the Nationwide Insurance Professorship

 

We also will recognize the generous donors who established these prestigious positions within the college:

  • The late Keith L. Cook (49BSC) and Sharon Kress
  • Nationwide Insurance 

 

A reception will follow on the first-floor rotunda. No RSVP is necessary. 

Contact: Kerry Cheverton 319-467-3353

Departments: Center for Advancement, Tippie College of Business

April 16, 2025
GradFest 2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Students planning to graduate in the spring 2025 semester are encouraged to pick up their cap and gown at GradFest 2025 in the IMU´s Main Lounge.

Enjoy free snacks and fun activities, snag exclusive freebies and discounts, learn about alumni resources, and catch up on your graduation checklist!

Diploma frames, graduation announcements, class rings, and other items will be available on-site.

Contact: Lynn Rider 319-467-3344

Departments: Center for Advancement, Commencement, Carver College of Medicine, Graduate College, Pomerantz Career Center

April 16, 2025
Tippie Webinar - Open for Business: Launching and Growing Your Startup
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (CDT)

Establishing a business provides many challenges - from launch, to expansion, to selling the business or even closing the doors. Our panel of experts will share experiences from their entrepreneurial journeys that will provide insight and ideas for attendees. Moderator: Kurt Heiar (BA83), Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship Panelists: Tom Cardella (MBA95) Founder and CEO of TLCx, Eric Engelmann (BBA97), General Partner at ISA Ventures, Partner at Novy, and Board Chair of the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo), and Frances Johnson, Chief Innovation Officer at Perspective Therapeutics.

Contact: Barbara Thomas 319-335-2188

Departments: Tippie College of Business, Undergraduate Program, Graduate Management Programs, Center for Advancement, Graduate Program

April 16, 2025
University of Iowa Libraries Investiture Ceremony
4:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 21 North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Join Us on April 16 to Recognize Staff, Generous Alumni, and Friends

We will celebrate the appointment of Kate Orazem to the position of Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women´s Archives Women in Politics Archivist.

We will also recognize Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch, whose philanthropic support established this prestigious position within the UI Libraries.

Contact: Kerry Cheverton 319-467-3353

Departments: Center for Advancement, Library and Information Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, Graduate College

April 17, 2025
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine Investiture
3:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA US 52246

Please join us as we celebrate a faculty appointment in the UI Carver College of Medicine:

  • Megan Samuelson (06MD, 11F, 12F) to the Jo Ann Benda Surgical Pathology Professorship

 

We also will recognize the generous donors who established this prestigious position:

  • Charles Platz and Jo Ann Benda (75MD, 82R)

 

A reception will follow in the Jean and Renée Robillard Atrium

No RSVP is necessary. Parking is available in the Newton Road Ramp. There will be no ceremonial processional, and only those participating in the ceremony will wear academic regalia.

Contact: Mackenzie Krob 319-467-3522

Departments: Center for Advancement, Carver College of Medicine

April 18, 2025
Schools Out at the Stanley | Bunny Buddies
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Hop to it! In this fun and creative workshop, children will transform ordinary socks into adorable bunny friends. Using rice to fill their bodies and buttons for eyes and noses, kids will design and create their own unique and cuddly companions.

Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/schools-out-at-the-stanley-april-18/3...

Please arrive in time for children to settle in and begin the project at 2 p.m.

School's Out at the Stanley is offered on days when Iowa City Community School District has no classes. Art projects are developed with school-aged children in mind. All abilities and experience levels are welcome. Caregivers must remain with children during the program.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Office of the Provost

May 8, 2025
Eight Over 80 Awards
11:00 am (CDT)

As Hawkeyes, we give back throughout our lives.

We're leaders in our professions. We're generous with our time and talent. We're passionate about things we love - especially anything black and gold. And some Hawkeyes continue to make an impact well beyond retirement.

That's why we are honoring Iowa alumni, age 80 and over, who carry the Hawkeye spirit of achievement and continue to help others.

Nominate a Hawkeye for this award: https://www.foriowa.org/eight-over-80/

Contact: Erin Brokel 319-467-3668

Departments: Center for Advancement, Office of Community Engagement, UI Retirees Association, Office of the Provost

May 8, 2025
Wide Lens: LISTENING
5:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 93 East Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

In a world full of noise, we often try listening to something: conversations with colleagues and family, music in our headphones, videos blasting from our smartphones. We hear all these things daily, but what does it mean to truly listen? In what sense do devices also listen to us? What is the role of silence in listening? How has listening changed over time? Can political tensions be solved through "listening"? How is listening both an art and a science? This Wide Lens event brings together researchers from science, social sciences, the humanities, and the arts to investigate what it means to listen deeply and thoughtfully.

Note: The event will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the Herald Stark Opera Studio at Voxman Music Building. It is tentatively scheduled to begin at 5:30, but this may change. Please check back closer to the event.

Presenters:

  • Gerta Bardhoshi, Counseling (College of Education)
  • Brittany Bettendorf, Rheumatology (Carver College of Medicine)
  • Eric Hunter, Communication Sciences and Disorders (CLAS)
  • Julianna Pacheco, Political Science (CLAS)
  • Damani Phillips, Jazz Studies, School of Music (CLAS)
  • Morten Schlütter, Religious Studies (CLAS)

Hosts: Luis Martín-Estudillo, Director, Obermann Center for Advanced Studies; Roland Racevskis, Associate Dean for the Arts and Humanities, CLAS; and Kristy Nabhan-Warren, Associate Vice President for Research in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Free and open to all.

About the series:

The Wide Lens series, a joint initiative of the UI College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and the Office of the Vice President for Research, aims to inspire and connect the University of Iowa community across the disciplines. For each Wide Lens event, researchers, scholars, and artists from across the university briefly present their work on a shared topic of interest pecha kucha-style. Then, we open the floor to questions and conviviality over hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Wide Lens is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and the Office of the Vice President for Research. 

Contact: Erin Hackathorn 319-335-4034

Departments: Obermann Center, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Carver College of Medicine, College of Education, Department of Political Science, Department of Religious Studies, Center for Advancement, Office of the Vice President for Research, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

December 2, 2025
Student Impact Grant Presentations
4:00 pm (CST)

Hear from the eight 2025 Student Impact Grant recipients and learn how private support enhanced their Iowa experience. Student Impact Grants are made possible by generous gifts from alumni and friends who provide unrestricted support to the university.

About Student Impact Grants

The University of Iowa Office of the President and the Student Advancement Network have partnered to create Student Impact Grants, which provide funding for undergraduate and graduate student activities outside of the classroom-including research, travel, and service projects. These grants enable students to pursue opportunities that might not otherwise be possible without financial assistance.

Contact: Holly Jones 319-467-3377

Departments: Center for Advancement, University Honors Program, Carver College of Medicine

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Iowa couple Will and Renee Moon make a transformative donation to endow the head football coaching position and create a new athletics excellence fund. Will Moon (83BBA) arrived in Iowa City at the perfect moment for a football fan. In fall 1979, Moon?s freshman year at the University of Iowa, Coach Hayden Fry was just beginning his revival of the Hawkeye program. Moon was captivated by the daring brand of football Fry brought to Kinnick Stadium. ?From that point on, Iowa football was fun again,? Moon says. Similarly, some of the fondest college memories for Renee Breckenridge Moon (84BS, 88DDS) revolved around Hawkeye sports. That includes the night she camped out with her sister and friends to secure men?s basketball season tickets following Iowa?s 1980 magical Final Four season. ?We had pizza delivered to the front steps of the Field House,? Renee recalls. Today, the Moons are two of UI Athletics? most generous supporters, and they?re committed to ensuring future generations of players, coaches, and fans can make their own lasting Hawkeye memories. The Bettendorf, Iowa, couple recently made one of the most significant gifts in the history of Iowa Athletics, the impact of which will be threefold: The creation of a new endowment fund that will support the needs and advancement of the Hawkeye football program. The establishment of the Will and Renee Moon Excellence Fund, which will provide unrestricted support for Iowa football and other athletics initiatives, as determined by the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. Support for the Kinnick Edge Campaign, which revitalized Kinnick Stadium?s north end zone seating and concourse. In recognition of the Moons? support, Kirk Ferentz and all future UI head football coaches will hold the title of Moon Family Head Football Coach. "As we have become better acquainted with Will and Renee, it has become very clear they embody a true spirit of generosity," says Ferentz, the winningest coach in Iowa history and longest tenured football coach in the nation. "Their commitment in making this gift, in the midst of a pandemic, is a remarkable commitment to their belief in our programs and student-athletes. "Renee and Will are dedicated to the betterment of Iowa athletics. Their gift of this magnitude will prove beneficial for Iowa student-athletes for years and years to come. I am so appreciative of their generosity, and their continued dedication and commitment to the University of Iowa and Iowa Athletics. More importantly, we value their friendship and appreciate their unwavering support of our football program." By creating an endowment, a portion of the Moons? donation will be invested into a fund that will generate a steady stream of income for Iowa Athletics and the football program in perpetuity. "Will and Renee are passionate about the university, they?re passionate about Iowa athletics, and specifically they?ve been very supportive of Hawkeye football," says Gary Barta, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. "They understand the importance of private contributions to Hawkeye athletics, and even more so during the challenging times related to the pandemic. They?re supporting the program for today?s needs, but also, by creating an endowment, they?re providing a way of supporting Hawkeye football forever." An Iowa-Made Success Story Just as Kinnick Stadium has drawn generations of fans, visitors have long flocked to another Iowa landmark about 45 minutes east of Iowa City. Frequented by about 5,000 travelers each day, including plenty of UI students and fans traveling to and from campus, the World?s Largest Truckstop has grown into a regional attraction along Interstate 80. Will Moon?s parents, Bill and Carolyn, opened the original Iowa 80 Truckstop for Standard Oil in the 1960s near Walcott, Iowa. Bill eventually passed the ownership reins to Will Moon and his two sisters, Delia Moon-Meier (87BBA) and Carolyn Jill Moon (89BA). Today, the World?s Largest Truckstop is home to eight restaurants, a Super Truck Showroom, gift shop, convenience store, movie theater, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, and a long list of other amenities for truckers and travelers. As a teenager working at the truck stop over the summers, Will became interested in the family business and its operation. With an aptitude for math, Will choose to attend the UI to study accounting?an education he credits for paving the way for a successful business career. "Accounting is really communication; you?re communicating the results of your efforts in a business to other people," says Will. "I really picked that up at Iowa, and I think that?s helped me immensely in business. I?m not a practicing accountant and I never was; but I certainly used my training to be a better manager. I can?t imagine a better foundation for my career." An Ottumwa, Iowa, native, Renee Moon comes from a family steeped in Hawkeye tradition. Her older brother and twin sister graduated from the UI, and Renee?s oldest daughter later followed in her mother?s footsteps to Iowa City. After studying math and education as an undergraduate in the 1980s, Renee stayed put at Iowa for dental school. That UI College of Dentistry training laid the groundwork for a long career in family practice in Cedar Rapids. Even more, it was Will and Renee?s love for the university that helped bring them together. Their first date was in 2009 at The Airliner in downtown Iowa City, where they watched the Hawkeye football team defeat Penn State. Since then, they?ve cheered on countless more Iowa wins inside Kinnick Stadium and while following the team on the road and to bowl games. In recent years, the Moons have even purchased a condo close to Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena for game days. "Some people have a second home in Florida; we have one 45 minutes west of us," laughs Renee. "But it makes tailgating a little easier." A History of Hawkeye Philanthropy The creation of the coaching endowment and excellence fund, along with the support for the Kinnick Edge campaign, are just the latest chapter in the Moons' long record of philanthropy. Their generosity has elevated the experiences for Hawkeye student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Will?s support of UI Athletics as a donor began more than 20 years ago, when he joined a group of Hawkeye backers called the Davenport Quarterback Club at the invitation of former Hawkeye Jim Hilgenberg (77BBA). Will soon became a loyal I-Club member and has provided financial support to a number of UI athletics projects, including the Kinnick Stadium renovation completed in 2006, the Carver-Hawkeye Arena expansion and refurbishment completed in 2011, and construction of the Hansen Football Performance Center completed in 2014. For many years, Will has purchased blocks of tickets for football and basketball that he?s given away to employees and friends. But after receiving more bottles of wine as thank-yous than he knew what to do with, he established the Will and Renee Moon Athletic Scholarship in 2019 with an initial donation. He now redirects those thank-you gifts?and Christmas gifts?to support student-athletes. "I'll just say, 'Why don?t you just make a donation to the scholarship fund?'" says Will. The Moons hope their latest gift fortifies the future of the Hawkeye football program by addressing short-term needs through the discretionary fund, while also providing lasting stability through the coaching endowment. ?Obviously I hope it helps the program, but the program, to me, is not just about winning the games,? says Will. "What I?ve been impressed with over the years is the quality of coaches and the student-athletes. Whenever we have had occasion to meet a Hawkeye student-athlete, current or former, I?ve always been impressed with how thoughtful they are?certainly much more than I was at that age." Adds Renee: "Coach Ferentz and Mary Ferentz are both just wonderful people. It?s an honor to be able to help them continue the job they?ve been doing. We don?t need our name to be out there; we?re doing this because we enjoy the Hawkeye football program, and we are doing it for them." Barta says the endowment will make the position even more attractive to future coaching candidates by demonstrating the commitment of Iowans like the Moons to the program. "They?re not anxious for publicity in sharing the information about this gift, but they?re willing to do it because they hope it encourages others to follow their lead," Barta says. "They?re just great people, and this is an incredible gift. I can?t say how much we appreciate it and how thankful we are they made this decision." While fans had to cheer from home this past season because of the pandemic, the Moons hope their gift demonstrates Iowans' continued commitment to the program during this challenging year financially for college athletics. ?Everybody wants to support when things are going good; it?s easier to do that,? says Will. "But in more difficult times, that?s the time you really need to step up. And it won?t be difficult forever." The Moons look forward to the day when they can once again cheer for the Hawkeyes as they swarm from the Kinnick Stadium tunnel. Until then, their gift will help ensure the program remains on firm financial footing. Says Renee: ?When we can do ?Back in Black? again, I want to be there.?

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