Lifelong Learning Past Events
Past Events
Here are some Lifelong Learning events the UIAA has held in the past:
Hydraulics Wave Basin Facility Tour
UI professor of mechanical and industrial engineering Fred Stern led an exclusive tour of the IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering's state-of-the-art facility for ship hydrodynamics research for UIAA members. Attendees were treated to a simulated demonstration in the 40x20x3-meter wave basin used to test captive or radio-controlled model navy ships under different oceanic conditions.
Autumn Star Party
Local Alumni Association members were treated to a presentation by astronomy professor Randall McEntaffer on celestial objects found in the November sky including planets, star clusters and galaxies at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center in Mount Vernon.
Skin Fitness: Keep Your Skin in Shape
Alumni and friends gathered at Infinity Skin Care and Spa in Coralville to hear UI College of Medicine graduate Dr. Kimberly Schulz discuss the importance of taking good care of your skin—including treatments for spider and varicose veins and how to protect skin in the summer sun.
National Advanced Driving Simulator Tour
Forty guests attended the Lifelong Learning program presented by National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) director, Herm Reininga. NADS is affiliated with the University of Iowa and the United States Department of Transportation and conducts research in collaboration with government, military, and industry partners that saves lives, reduces property loss, and improves the efficiency and productivity of the vehicle manufacturing sector.
Long Way Home Reading with UI Graduate Laura Caldwell
Sixty attendees gathered at Prairie Lights in Iowa City to hear author Laura Caldwell read from her nonfiction book. The story chronicles Laura's efforts to free a Chicago man, who awaited trial for six years in a Cook County holding cell, for a murder he did not commit.
Healthcare Changes: How Will They Affect You?
UI Law Professor Sheldon Kurtz presented a slideshow on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama, which significantly expands the number of Americans with health insurance. The presentation was held at The Fountains senior living community in Bettendorf.
Iowa Flood Center Tour
UI civil engineering professor and Iowa Flood Center (IFC) director Witold Krajewski gave an informative presentation about the 2008 flood at the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory in Iowa City. He also explained the need for the creation of the Iowa Flood Center—a model for a subsequent proposed National Flood Center—which engages in projects to help Iowans better prepare for, predict, and monitor flooding.
Social Media and Your Professional Brand: How Are You Marketing Yourself?
Dr. David Perlmutter, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication discussed the impact of social media on your personal and professional brand, as well as on the job search process at Django Restaurant in downtown Des Moines. Alumni and friends of the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication were invited to a special reception prior to the social media and marketing presentation, to network, receive School of Journalism updates, and discuss ways to connect with the school.
A Night at the Iowa Women’s Archives
Kären Mason, Iowa Women’s Archives curator, hosted an exclusive tour of the history of Iowa women collection, where participants examined photos, diaries, letters, scrapbooks, and other items. The tour and presentation took place at the Main Library on the UI Campus in Iowa City.
Health Care: The Changing Landscape for Aging Populations
Dr. Brian Kaskie gave an informative conversation regarding healthcare reform and how it impacts aging populations at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community.
A Delicious Night in Urbandale—Making Healthy Decisions
In Urbandale, UI professor Teresa Marshall led a discussion on oral health, diet, and healthy eating, while Chef Terrie Kohl of the Country Club Market demonstrated "healthy alternative" recipes for dinner party foods. Attendees sampled the fare and enjoyed wine provided by Ador Kitchens.
An Evening at Jasper Winery
UIAA members were treated to a tour of Jasper Winery in Des Moines. Participants indulged in a variety of good food and wines, heard about the growing Iowa viticulture industry, and learned proper wine etiquette and terms.
Alumni Networking Lunch and Roundtable Discussion
In Omaha, a diverse panel of UI alumni discussed how to be a leader at work, at home, and in the community—plus maintain a well-rounded personal and professional portfolio.
Career Networking Event and Happy Hour
Don Davidson, a 2002 UI graduate and social media guru, gave a presentation in Omaha on how to use social media to cultivate relationships, which was followed by a networking hour.
Finding a Great fit: In Your Profession and the Workplace
In Des Moines, UI business professor Amy Kristof-Brown offered practical advice on how to improve your next job interview and achieve success in the workplace. In addition, fellow alumni in the human resource and recruiting fields shared tips on making a good impression on paper and setting yourself apart from the competition.
Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Dubuque Museum of Art
In partnership with Iowa Art Share, The University of Iowa's Latin Jazz Ensemble performed a free concert for the public at the Dubuque Museum of Art. This event featured faculty, staff, and student members of the UI School of Music. Directly following the performance, the UI Alumni Association hosted a reception with the Jazz Ensemble and James Dreier, 00MA, UI associate professor of music, who answered questions and discussed upcoming plans for the department—including the relocation of Hancher Auditorium.
Modern Love: Negotiating Legitimacy and Recognition for Same-Sex Couples
Dr. Ellen Lewin discussed issues and research exploring community and morality in same-sex commitment ceremonies. Copies of Dr. Lewin's books, Gay Fatherhood and Recognizing Ourselves, were available for purchase at the event in Iowa City.





