The University of Iowa showcases some of its notable features for the first Week of Inspiration.

By Rikki Laser  [email protected]

The University of Iowa’s first Week of Inspiration kicked off Sunday on the Pentacrest, and it will continue with open houses and other events throughout the week.

The Week of Inspiration is “a celebration of the academic year 2016-17,” said Linda Snetselaar, the associate provost for outreach and engagement.

“Essentially, the week celebrates our history of excellence and then looking into the future, so there are a number of activities where we’re trying to focus on students, staff, faculty, and the greater Iowa community throughout this entire one-week period,” she said.

Snetselaar said UI President Bruce Harreld wanted to have an entire week of events to “recognize important milestones and moments in our institution’s history and really focus on the idea that we are a top-tier public research facility today, and that will be going on into the future.”

Thirteen areas across campus will be showcased during the week.

“… what we’re trying to do … is showcase what makes the University of Iowa one of the top public research universities in the country,” she said.

The College of Education had its open house Monday.

“The purpose was really to showcase our world-class, technology-enhanced teaching and learning center [here on campus],” said Daniel Clay, the dean of the education school. “[The best part was] watching people as they saw how we use technology in the teaching and learning sciences.”

The Pharmacy Practice Lab will have its open house Wednesday. According to the College of Pharmacy website, the lab is a nationwide model in pharmacy education in which students combine all their skills to prepare for their future careers. 

At the event, people will tour the practice lab, and second- and third-year students will offer free flu shots, take vitals, and more.

Some of the UI’s newest buildings will be displayed during the week.

“We’re also going to showcase some of the buildings that are reaching finalization on our campus,” Snetselaar said. “The buildings that were destroyed in 2008 will now be showcased.”

Some of the facilities include Hancher, Voxman, and the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Another aspect of the Week of Inspiration is the “My Iowa Story,” a series of lectures regarding individual moments of UI-related inspiration. The lecturers are from the community and will be assisted by Peter Aguero, the storytelling Moth StorySLAM show host.

The week will close with programming through the UI President Office. 

“The weekend will end with a presidential reception and program and the University Alumni Tailgate Party, a pep rally, and a free public concert outside,” Snetselaar said. “The performers there will be Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.”

UI Student Government President Rachel Zuckerman will speak Saturday.

She said at this time, the UI is experiencing a ton of things most people will not see on campus again.

“We have buildings opening, numerous groundbreakings, and a new president,” Zuckerman said. “It’s an incredible time of change, and I’m excited to celebrate the University of Iowa and what the future looks like for the institution.”