Ive always been a Hawkeye.

Growing up in a family where both of your parents and one set of grandparents are alumni, its difficult to convince anyone that another college would be a better choice (especially when your dad constantly wears Iowa gear and decorates his office, truck, and other surroundings with Iowa paraphernalia).

Four years ago, I never would have thought Id fall in love with Iowa City and the University of Iowa. But its impossible to stave off the charm of Iowa City and stop yourself from becoming deeply involved at the university. Because I was pursuing a dual degree in business and dance, Ive had a wide range of experiences at college with many different student groups and performance opportunities. As a student, I also gained a variety of job experiences, from being a resident assistant to working as a marketing intern at Hancher Auditorium. My work as an intern prepared me for the role Im in nowI cant believe Ive started my first real job at Hancher as their education programming director. Not only does my job allow me to use my two majors, but it also is work that I absolutely love doing.

Since my expertise is dance, I cant help but mention two of Hanchers exciting dance events this season (PR is part of my job description, trust me). Hancher is bringing Ballet West II, a classical ballet company based out of Salt Lake City, on its first multi-city tour starting in Iowa. They will do free outdoor performances in four cities across Iowa in SeptemberFairfield, Iowa City, Kalona, and Muscatine. UI Department of Dance students will get to perform in these shows along with Ballet West II. If free dance cant excite you, then how about a nationally renowned dance companys farewell tour, exclusive to only the best and most prestigious performing arts auditoriums? Merce Cunningham Dance Company will be in Iowa City in February as a part of their two-year-long legacy tour across the world. The company will disband permanently after this tour. You wont want to miss this historic event.

Im excited to be an Iowa alumna, and even more thrilled to be an employee here. Let the Hawkeye tradition continue!

Erin Donohue
Education Programming Director
Hancher Auditorium

Those of us who live in Iowa City know we've found someplace special. After all, where else than in this vibrant college town could you plausibly find someone as passionate about mid-17th century Hungarian paint-drying techniques as most alumni are about Hawkeye football?

In a fitting tribute to this UNESCO City of Literature - where everyone's a writer - Little Village hosted a roast of Iowa City earlier this month at Prairie Lights as part of the Iowa City Book Festival. Check out some humorous videos and photos from the event here. Then feel free to leave me your own roasts and toasts to the home of the Hawkeyes. Oh, say can IC?

Shelbi Thomas
Editorial Associate

Regular annual dues are $45; but, if you can offer more, please consider giving at the Old Capitol Club or Directors Club levels. Here are the financial particulars: Old Capitol Club Bronze Level$100 to $249; Old Capitol Club Silver Level$250 to $499; Old Capitol Club Gold Level$500 to $749; and Old Capitol Club Platinum Level$750 to $999. Finally, the Directors Club Honor Circle=$1,000+.

Now, why would you give at these levels? Many reasons! For instance, your name will appear on our annual Honor Roll and each December you will receive a beautiful UI-inspired calendar for the following year. But mostly it means that you have helped your alumni association in its mission to strengthen the university through alumni engagement. Alumni engagement is critical to maintaining the quality of students and education that give the University of Iowa its national reputation for excellence.

If you have any questions about membership, its benefits, and especially the support you provide the university, please give me a call at 319/335-3299.

Help the UI Alumni Association earn $10,000 for our scholarship fund by playing the Big Ten Icons Bobblethon. The school with the most "taps"; by July 31, 2010, wins the donation from the Big Ten Network. Visit www.bigtenicons.com/bobblethon to start your tapping today!

The contest is also a way to promote a new show coming this fall called Big Ten Icons, which will tell stories of the top 50 student-athletes who made the Big Ten BIG. Hosted by the legendary Keith Jackson, the countdown starts in September only on the Big Ten Network.

Karissa Wikert
Assistant Director of Marketing