WHAT: The University of Iowa will host a dedication ceremony for the new Elizabeth Catlett Residence Hall. The 12-story residence hall is the university’s largest, housing 1,049 students when it opens this fall, and commands 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 also was the first African American woman to receive the degree.
The public is invited to join the dedication ceremony at 3 p.m., followed by self-guided tours at 4 p.m.
Media are invited to meet with Francisco Mora-Catlett, son of Elizabeth Catlett, before taking a guided tour of the building led by Von Stange, assistant vice president for student life and senior director of University Housing and Dining.
After the tour, a dedication ceremony for the UI community will take place in Catlett Market Place on the second floor of the building.
More information about Catlett’s legacy can be found here.
WHEN: Media availability with Francisco Mora-Catlett begins promptly at 2 p.m., just inside main entrance of Catlett Hall, off Madison Street.
Media tour led by Von Stange begins at 2:10 p.m.
Dedication ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and will include remarks from:
- Francisco Mora Catlett, Elizabeth Catlett’s eldest son
- Sukurat Giwa, chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority
- J. Bruce Harreld, UI president
- Melissa Shivers, UI vice president for student life
- Fredrick (Fred) Cherry Jr., student representative at Catlett Residence Hall
- Von Stange, assistant vice president for student life and senior director of University Housing and Dining
WHERE: 350 Madison St.
Map: https://housing.uiowa.edu/residence-halls/catlett-hall/location
Please note: A limited number of parking spaces will be reserved for media on the west side of the building along Madison Street. Guests also can park in the nearby North Campus Ramp.