College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Summer is here! We hope you’re taking some time to prioritize rest and relaxation with campus slowing down.

This summer, you might enjoy exploring the numerous free movies, performances, festivals, and events in Iowa City. If you’re looking for summer reading, consider “The Turtle House,” a debut novel from Iowa Summer Writing Festival alumna Amanda Churchill. However you spend your summer, we hope you enjoy it. If you’re inspired, it isn’t too late to sign up for the writing festival.

Thanks for all you do and for being a part of CLAS.

CLAS announcements

Staff celebrate during appreciation event

CLAS staff members gathered last month to celebrate their work during the annual staff celebration event at the Hilton Garden Inn. Enjoy the photos and learn who received collegiate awards for outstanding work and longevity. If you missed the event, you can still pick up a staff gift.

Image: An image of Schaeffer Hall in the background with flowers in the foreground

Employee updates

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating CLAS staff on their hiring, promotion, or transfer within the college. Check out this list of CLAS employee updates from last month.

Featured achievements

Forbes awarded NSF grant

Andrew Forbes, a professor in the Department of Biology, will use the $290,025 grant from the National Science Foundation to further research on eukaryotic symbionts across insect communities.

Image: A graphic that include portraits of seven graduate students

CLAS awards seven graduate assistantships

Seven doctoral students will gain valuable experience in writing, editing, communications, and community engagement. These positions are part of a five-year pilot project designed to diversify and transform graduate career preparation.

Spotlight CLAS

McGuire completes journey across Iowa on handmade bike

Earlier this month, Department of Art and Art History professor Steve McGuire and six students embarked on a 500-mile trip across the state on bicycles they made in his course. McGuire said he hopes the trip will create a route that anyone can use on their own bikepacking trips.

Image: A photo of students and faculty from the Department of Mathematics with President Barbara Wilson

Six CLAS mathematics teaching assistants honored with Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award

Last month, 30 teaching assistants were recognized for their dedication to mentoring undergraduates at the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award ceremony. Of those, 25 were from CLAS, including six from the Department of Mathematics.

Check out more CLAS stories by visiting our news section.

Upcoming events

Image: People participate in last year's BioBlitz event

Fourth annual BioBlitz

July 13
9 a.m. to noon
Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity during the fourth annual BioBlitz. Bring your family and come examine insects, learn how to identify species, and learn from leaders of the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required.

Don’t miss the Keith Haring exhibition

Now-Jan. 7
Stanley Museum of Art

The “To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City” exhibition celebrates the artist’s legacy and honors the many individuals who shaped his special visits to Iowa City during the 1980s.

For more CLAS-specific events, visit the university events calendar.