Instead of refusing a meeting, Nelson Mandela ran out the clock on the U.S. Secretary of State by making small talk and serving cookies to a U.S. delegation.

The UI Health Alliance announced today, Friday, Dec. 6, that it will make a $1 million commitment over several years to help fund the Iowa Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program during an event on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and other elected officials were on hand to celebrate the announcement.

The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is known for many things—its research enterprise, its curriculum and learning opportunities, and its faculty—but one of the hallmarks of the college is its success and commitment in the area of primary care.

Santa will be bringing the sounds of the season to the University of Iowa with the help of Collegium Tubum. The group will hold its annual Holiday Tubas concert on the steps of the Old Capitol Museum from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Toys for Tots will be collecting new, unwrapped toys.

University of Iowa adjunct professor Jessica Anthony brings dance to displaced and incarcerated youth at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. Her workshop, Hope in Motion, draws upon the narratives of its participants to create expressive movements and empower young girls and women.

The University of Iowa Health Alliance will announce a major commitment over several years to help fund the Iowa Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6 in the Medical Education and Research Facility atrium on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

A new study from University of Iowa researcher Ning Li finds that sometimes, leaders don’t need to be transformational to lead a highly productive group. Sometimes, it might even be better for a solid, stable manager who is seen as just one of the gang.

The Iowa Board of Regents on Wednesday, Dec. 4 approved a tuition reduction of 16.4 percent for students in the University of Iowa College of Law’s J.D. program. The new rates, which take effect in fall 2014, will apply to new and continuing resident students and to entering nonresident students.

Iowa Writers’ Workshop alumni Kate Christiansen and D.A. Powell will give a free reading at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Frank Conroy Reading Room of the Glenn Schaeffer Library, adjacent to the Dey House on the University of Iowa campus.

The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, voted today (Wednesday, Dec. 4) to approve the naming of the Voxman Music Building, the University of Iowa School of Music facility slated for completion in 2016, in honor of longtime director and faculty member Himie Voxman.

Leonard A. Hadley and Manny Villafana will receive honorary University of Iowa degrees in recognition of their contributions to industry, civic involvement, and support for UI students and programs. The Iowa Board of Regents approved the degrees during its Dec. 4 meeting.

The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, today (Wednesday, Dec. 4) approved a request from the University of Iowa to re-name the UI Cardiovascular Research Center in honor of its founder, Francois Abboud, M.D.