In the midst of a historic year, including the opening of a number of new buildings and spaces, the University of Iowa is celebrating a Week of Inspiration with many activities for students, staff, faculty, and the greater UI community.
The festivities, which take place from Sunday, Sept. 11, to Saturday, Sept. 17, kick off with a student-centered event on the Pentacrest.
From Monday, Sept. 12, through Thursday, Sept. 15, 12 areas of campus will hold open houses for the public in order to showcase a small part of what makes the UI a top public research university. Each evening, the My Iowa Story series will feature storytellers from the UI community who will share an important moment in their lives with the help of Peter Aguero, host of The Moth Radio Hour heard on public radio stations across the country.
The week will culminate in a presidential reception and program that officially welcomes President Bruce Harreld to the UI. The UI Alumni Association tailgate party and pep rally, and a free public concert outside Hancher Auditorium, will follow.
“Instead of focusing on a single event, President Harreld wanted to use the week as an opportunity to celebrate the UI in a larger sense by recognizing important milestones and moments while turning our attention to what it means to be a top-tier public research university today and into the future,” says Linda Snetselaar, associate provost for outreach and engagement and member of the Week of Inspiration planning committee. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful week filled with many moments of inspiration.”
Week of Inspiration: A celebration of milestones and momentum
Sept. 11–17, 2016
Student kickoff event
Sunday, Sept. 11, 4–6:30 p.m., Pentacrest
Enjoy performances by the UI’s Intersection, Hawkapellas, Iowa Agni, and UI Old Gold Acappella, as well as spoken word by B.A.R.S. (Black Art; Real Stories). There will be free burritos and ice cream while supplies last.
My Iowa Story
Monday–Thursday, Sept. 12–15
5–5:30 p.m. (reception)
5:30–7 p.m. (program)
Join The Moth Radio Hour host Peter Aguero and speakers from the UI community as they share stories of transformation from their lives.
Locations:
- Monday, Sept. 12: Levitt Center for University Advancement
- Tuesday, Sept. 13: Kirkwood Regional Center
- Wednesday, Sept. 14: Brechler Press Box, Kinnick Stadium
- Thursday, Sept. 15: Voxman Music Building (in partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District)
For a complete My Iowa Story session schedule, visit inspire.uiowa.edu/my-iowa-story.
Open houses
Monday–Thursday, Sept. 12–15
Grab a donut and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the UI’s most impressive facilities. These events are free and open to the public. For a full list of featured buildings, visit inspire.uiowa.edu/open-houses.
Presidential program and reception
Friday, Sept. 16, 3–5 p.m., Hancher Auditorium
Join us in officially welcoming President Bruce Harreld to the University of Iowa.
Tailgate and public concert
Friday, Sept. 16
The University of Iowa Alumni Association tailgate will take place from 6–7 p.m. in the Hancher parking lots. At 7:30 p.m., Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform on Hancher Green. Both the tailgate and concert are free and open to the public.
See complete event information at inspire.uiowa.edu/inspiration-week.