Marilynne Robinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author and faculty member in the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, will join UI Nonfiction Writing Program alumna Eula Biss for a literary benefit at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City.

The discovery this year of fossil remains of two different kinds of mammoths in rural Mahaska County, Iowa, has surprised and delighted paleontologists and archaeologists at the University of Iowa. Some of those fossils will be on public display Wednesday, Oct. 17, as UI researchers discuss their importance.

Dance Gala 2012, the University of Iowa dance department's major annual event, will feature the early signature piece by legendary choreographer Jennifer Muller, as well as new and reimagined works by dance faculty Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barragán, Deanna Carter, Armando Duarte, Jennifer Kayle, and Alan Sener. The first performance is set for 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25.

James E. Ashton will present a seminar on business ethics as part of the "Grabbing the Globe" seminar series. In 1982, Ashton was dismissed from his position as vice president of engineering in the General Dynamics submarine division when he refused to allow waste and mismanagement to continue.

The University of Iowa International Writing Program will present two free events—a film screening and a reading—on the UI campus Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 16-17.

Writer, translator, and academic Laird Hunt will read from Kind One at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in a free Prairie Lights reading streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

Kyle Garlett will read from his inspiring memoir, "Heart of Iron," at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, in a free Prairie Lights reading streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website, www.writinguniversity.org.

Anthony Stoops, associate professor of double bass at the University of Oklahoma and an alumnus of the University of Iowa, will perform at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the University Capitol Centre Recital Hall.

Kantorei and the University Choir will present a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, in the Second Floor Ballroom of the Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa campus.

The 2012 Samuel L. Becker Distinguished Lecture in Communication Studies brings to campus distinguished scholar Celeste Condit.

Charles D’Ambrosio and Joyelle McSweeney will present a free reading at 8:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the Frank Conroy Reading Room of the Glenn Schaeffer Library, adjacent to the Dey House.

Oglala Vice President Tom Poor Bear will speak at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in Room S401 of the Pappajohn Business Building, to share why the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline is a threat to the Oglala Lakota Nation and other native peoples and native lands.