It seems like a mess just waiting to happen, but Larissa Samuelson, UI associate professor of psychology, is demonstrating that playing with one's food might be a beneficial part of the learning process.

Writers’ Workshop graduate Bob Shacochis on Monday was named a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Shacochis was nominated for his work "The Woman Who Lost Her Soul." The 2014 prize went to Donna Tartt, for her best-selling novel "The Goldfinch." Pulitzer winners and finalists are announced simultaneously.

Ann C. Gunter, professor of art history, classics, and humanities at Northwestern University, will give a free, public lecture at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, in Room 116 of Art Building West.

University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate Zach Savich and Hannah Brooks-Motl will read from their new books of poetry at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

The School of Art and Art History will hold its biennial Grant Wood Symposium, “Revolt Against the City: Midwestern Culture in Hard Times,” April 25 and 26 at Art Building West. The symposium will feature an exhibition by Grant Wood Art Colony Fellows and much more.

Visiting artist Dennis Farber's public lecture scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in Room 116 of Art Building West has been canceled.

The UI Department of Communication Studies held a community summit to raise awareness about rape culture: "People need to understand that it does take all of us within the community to get some traction on this," said UI Chief Diversity Officer Georgina Dodge.

An estimated 400 students are enrolled in the recreation and sport business program this semester, with the majority focusing on sports management: “There is no question that sports and recreation management has boomed,” says Mike Teague, a professor of health and human services.

UI alumnus Michael Mast and his brother and business partner returned to the UI to share their story of success in the craft chocolate business and to help the Friends of the University Libraries celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Dave Bein, a third-year mechanical engineering major originally from Silvis, Ill., has been named the State of Iowa student employee of the year, one of seven University of Iowa students recognized for exemplary performance in campus jobs.

The University of Iowa School of Music will present a free performance by the UI Latin Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, in Riverside Recital Hall on the UI campus.

The UI Chief Diversity Office invites members of the campus and community to celebrate distinctive and innovative diversity contributions at the 15th annual Diversity Catalyst Award Reception Tuesday, April 15, in the Second Floor Ballroom of the Iowa Memorial Union.