Six things to do this spring

The University of Iowa’s spring semester promises to be an eventful one. Several high-profile events are scheduled for students, faculty, staff, and the community to participate in.

2016 Iowa caucuses

Since 1972, the Iowa Caucuses have been a crucial step for candidates seeking their party’s presidential nomination. If you’d like to help nominate a candidate for this year’s election, conventions will be taking place all across Iowa City, including at several locations on the UI campus.

When: Feb. 1
Where: Johnson County has dozens of designated caucus sites. Find yours here.

University of Iowa Theme Semester: Just Living

UI’s Spring 2016 Theme Semester is Just Living, which will feature events focusing on social justice. Find out more about the myriad events, and the Theme Semester in general, at the Just Living website.

In conjunction with the Theme Semester, the Old Capitol Museum’s newest exhibit, “THEM: Images of Separation,” will open Jan. 28. The exhibit strives to bring the consequences of injustice to light, and features historical pop-culture depictions of prejudice and stereotypes based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and more. You can find further information here. (Note: The exhibit has been rated appropriate for visitors age 13 and up. It is recommended that parents and guardians preview the exhibit before bringing children.)

When: The exhibit’s opening reception will be from 5–7 p.m. Jan. 28
Where: Old Capitol Museum

UI photographer Tim Schoon used a slow shutter speed to capture the movement of young patients and their families through a sea of dancers during the opening ceremony of the 2015 UI Dance Marathon, which raised more than $2 million—breaking the previous year’s record by nearly $300,000. The student organization works year-round to provide emotional and financial support to pediatric cancer patients at UI Children’s Hospital and their families, and it has raised more than $16 million since 1994.

Dance Marathon 2016: The Big Event

The Big Event is a 24-hour Dance Marathon during which students come together to celebrate child cancer survivors, remember the children who have passed away, and raise money to defeat pediatric cancer. Last year, Dance Marathon raised more than $2 million for UI Children’s Hospital. The funds are used to create and sustain special projects to provide emotional and financial support for pediatric oncology and bone-marrow transplant patients and their families. Learn more here.

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6
Where: Iowa Memorial Union

Atlanta Hawkeye Service Team members chant “Go Hawks” with 20 of the newest University of Iowa fans after a long afternoon of work on the HABESHA Urban Garden. This fully self-sustainable garden is taken care of by the students and other volunteers and helps to provide this food-desert community with fresh fruits and vegetables. Photo courtesy of the students on the trip.

Alternative Spring Break

Many Hawkeyes have signed up this spring break to participate in one of several service trips focusing on social justice and community building. The core topics of these learning opportunities will range from public health and homelessness to educational equity.

When: March 13–20
Where: Students will be heading to eight locations—Memphis, St. Louis, Houston, Indianapolis, Detroit, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta—for a variety of service projects.

Jordan Holm throws Chas Betts out of bounds during their championship match at the 2012 Olympic Wrestling Trials in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The University of Iowa will host the 2016 trials in Carver-Hawkeye as well. File photo by Tim Schoon.

U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials at Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Iowa City will host the 2016 U.S. Olympic wrestling trials. Wrestling fans can come cheer on the nation’s best as they compete for a chance to go to Rio De Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic games. Tickets are on sale here.

When: April 9–10
Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena

River Run

River Run is a 5K/10K run, walk, and wheelchair race held in Iowa City every April. This year marks the 37th annual event. Proceeds will help support Uptown Bill’s, which offers support and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Register for the race here.

When: 9 a.m. April 24
Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena