The University of Iowa is excited to announce that the dedication of the new Elizabeth Catlett Residence Hall will be Friday, July 28. The 12-story residence hall will be the university’s largest, housing 1,049 students and commanding an impressive view of the Iowa River.

Elizabeth Catlett was a renowned sculptor and printmaker and one of three UI students to earn the first Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in the United States in 1940. She was also the first African American woman to receive the degree. 

The opening of Catlett Hall will allow University Housing and Dining to temporarily close Parklawn Hall for renovations. Parklawn, the university’s smallest residence hall, is located on the north end of campus and offers apartment-style space for up to 98 students. University Housing and Dining plans to reopen Parklawn in the fall of 2018.

Assignment coordinators are working with the 51 returning students who had selected Parklawn Hall as their residence of choice for this fall. Students can select apartment-style space available in other buildings and in most cases will pay less, although some may choose a room at a higher rate.

University Housing and Dining is an auxiliary enterprise that does not receive tax dollars or General Education Fund dollars. Revenue generated from room and board is used to support and maintain the 11 residence halls on campus.