The telephone rang, and with four words, writer Ayana Mathis was transported from a Paris vacation to a whole new world: “This is Oprah Winfrey.” The Writers' Workshop alumna's first novel was selected for Oprah's Book Club 2.0; her interview with Winfrey will air on Super Bowl Sunday.

Edgar Folk, Ph.D., UI professor emeritus of molecular physiology and biophysics, has published his memoir, "Science on the Far Horizon," which chronicles his more than seven decade scientific career. Folk pineered the field of environmental physiology and has been an influential member of the UI Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics since 1953.

Lynn Koos, a curator from the African American Museum of Iowa, will speak about African Americans during the Civil War and the Underground Railroad at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum.

A unique course at the University of Iowa is giving students interested in recreation and sport business an opportunity to gain significant hands-on experience over the summer.

Josipa Roksa, co-author of "Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on Campuses," suggests college students may not be learning much during their years on campus. Roksa will speak about her book at the University of Iowa College of Education Thursday, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Jones Commons, room N300 Lindquist Center.

The University of Iowa has created a map showing foreclosures, county by county, spanning the recession. The data are made available for the first time free to Iowans.

University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop alumna Marjorie Celona will read from her first novel, "Y," at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 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.

Karen Thompson Walker will read from her latest book, "The Age of Miracles," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 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.

Dailey & Vincent has quickly become one of the most popular and honored bands in bluegrass. On Feb. 16, the band brings that winning sound to the Englert in a concert presented by Hancher.

On Iowa!—the five-day welcome and orientation program for first-year students—is recruiting experienced students who can serve as mentors, facilitators, and guides.

Taking down one of four parking ramps in preparation for a new Children's Hospital has meant many changes in parking for both patients and staff at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Sasha Kuebel was the Hawkeye's best pitcher in 2012 as a freshman but he struggled while playing in the renowned Cape Cod League during the summer. He plans to learn from his mistakes and have an even better sophomore season.