http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/ The official blog of the UI Aumni Association staffers, posting interesting tidbits about programs, events, Iowa clubs, Iowa-related stories, UI news, and other topics of interest to UI alumni. en-us Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:57:15 GMT Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:43:30 GMT CF Blogger by DayDream Inc http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss zachary-schmidt@uiowa.edu zachary-schmidt@uiowa.edu http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=EDF06AE5-DC02-EA1F-64340B90015AB5C3 "You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out, you put your right foot in, and you shake it all about."- An excerpt from one of my least favorite songs of all timeAm I the only one in Hawkeye country who thinks the hokey pokey is a little hokey?You may have heard that 7,384 Hawkeye fans gathered at FRYFest in Coralville this past Friday to break the record for the world's largest hokey pokey dance (view video of the event). It could have been a nice, round 7,385. Although I was at FRYFest at the time, I didn't participate. I instead took advantage of the diminished crowds for an optimal Hawkeye tradeshow experience that included getting my picture taken with the 2010 Orange Bowl trophy. Now THAT's what it's all about!I appreciate Coach Hayden Fry's tradition of doing the hokey pokey victory dance as much as the next Hawkeye. However, if I must be in the Guinness Book of World Records, I'd rather it be for almost anything else. Just call me a hokey pokey humbug.Your Hawkeye Hokey Pokey Party Pooper,Shelbi ThomasEditorial Associate Behind the Scenes Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:43:30 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=EDF06AE5-DC02-EA1F-64340B90015AB5C3 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=ED13A541-A465-C5BF-904C422116683D91 Big Ten Icons, a program on the Big Ten Network, is counting down the top 50 student-athletes in conference history based solely on their collegiate careers. The network unveiled Big Ten Icon 43 as Iowa's Chuck Long, the legendary football player.Long was lightly recruited out of Wheaton, Illinois, but went on to greatness as Iowa's quarterback from 1981 to 1985. He led the Hawkeyes to a memorable No. 1 vs. No. 2 victory against Michigan as a senior, and took Iowa to the Rose Bowl that year. Long was the 1985 Heisman Trophy runner-up to Bo Jackson and was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He was the first Big Ten player to pass for more than 10,000 yards in a career. In an essay for www.BigTenIcons.com, former Chicago Tribune editor sports editor Dan McGrath writes, "Long was at the forefront of big-armed quarterbacks who brought the passing game to the Big Ten and performed a total makeover on its stodgy, ground-oriented image." To read the entire essay and watch a video feature on Long, visit his Big Ten Icons locker at www.BigTenIcons.com.Icons 50 through 21 are being unveiled through September 16 at www.BigTenIcons.com. The website also features essays, video, and other key facts about each student-athletes' career. Viewers can also participate in the "Talk of the Locker Room" contest.The television show, hosted by legendary college sports broadcaster Keith Jackson, debuts September 18 on the Big Ten Network.Karissa WikertAssistant Director of Marketing Hawkeye Sports Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:42:21 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=ED13A541-A465-C5BF-904C422116683D91 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D9BAE42A-A940-BBBE-A1B9E9843A03DE48 A program on the Big Ten Network, is counting down the top 50 student-athletes in conference history based solely on their collegiate careers. The network unveiled Big Ten Icon 50 as Iowa's Tom Brands, the legendary wrestler.Brands, who wrestled for Iowa from 1989 to 1992, was a four-time all-American and three-time NCAA champion in the 134-pound division. He was named the outstanding wrestler of the 1992 NCAA Championships. The Sheldon native led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national titles and posted an individual career record of 158-7-2. In an essay for www.BigTenIcons.com, former Chicago Tribune sports editor Dan McGrath writes, Iowa wrestlers are tough, committed, disciplined people. For more than 20 years, Tom Brands has personified those traits for the Iowa Hawkeyes. To read the entire essay and watch a video feature on Brands, visit his Big Ten Icons locker at www.BigTenIcons.com.Brands is the first icon to be named in the series. Icons 50 through 21 will be unveiled between now and September 16 on the Icon website. The page will feature essays, video, and other key facts about each student-athletes' career, as well as a "Talk of the Locker Room" contest where participants have a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize or a weekly giveaway of a 55-inch Phillips HD television.The television show, hosted by legendary college sports broadcaster Keith Jackson, debuts September 18 following a Big Ten Network football telecast in which Icon No. 20 will be revealed. The countdown continues at 8 p.m. Central every Tuesday night through the end of football season and into the spring. The No. 1 Big Ten Icon will be revealed around the 2011 Big Ten men's basketball tournament.Karissa WikertAssistant Director of Marketing Hawkeye Sports Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:32:38 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D9BAE42A-A940-BBBE-A1B9E9843A03DE48 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D9AE5513-933C-80ED-E2541F3BE3FB73A9 Hello from Oxford! We (myself and the UIAA alumni) are in the middle of week two here at the University of Oxford, and all is well. This past weekend, I had a free day and decided to rent a bike and head over to Woodstock, England, to see the birthplace and childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill. It was a lovely bike ride along the canals, the gardens were beautiful, and I was even treated to a classic English car show on the palace grounds. Like any festival, there were food vendors, and I couldn't resist taking a picture of this ice cream truck:I mean, how cute is this? But my first thought: This is a bit classier than your typical corn dog trailer at the state fair.I saw lots of cute cars:How cute is this Mini Cooper? I want one.Although, I guess I'd take this Jaguar,too.However, for the life of me, I cannot understand why a circa 1997 Honda Del Sol was here.I hope all is well in Iowa!See you soon,Christina WrightAssistant Director of Alumni Programs Iowa Voyagers Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:18:55 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D9AE5513-933C-80ED-E2541F3BE3FB73A9 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D36426B7-EBB1-E69E-BA8411017673886A Last night, we had our annual S.T.A.T. informational meeting. You might think that we would only have a handful attend, but you would not be taking the free Beat State Week shirt into consideration. It is amazing what one little free T-shirt can spark in a group of more than 700 students. We would love to think that 700 busy students came to learn about the benefits of S.T.A.T., but I do know better. As a result of our meeting, we had more than 100 new members join, ten new applications for the ambassadors, and handed out more than 500 free Beat State shirts.For Beat State Week, we have a great line-up. Check out the schedule here.Go, Hawks!Leslie PrideauxAssistant Director of Alumni Programs Alumni Association News Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:10 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=D36426B7-EBB1-E69E-BA8411017673886A http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CF22FAD6-C68E-7379-FE51B80E00FB4A98 If you live in the Chicago area, we would like to invite you to join fellow alumni for lunch on Wednesday, September 8, at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville. This is a career-themed networking lunch organized by the alumni associations of Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The topic is "Aligning Generational Differences In Today's Workplace," presented by Jeffrey Parsons, a 1989 graduate of the University of Iowa and president of IGC Associates. Mr. Parsons has 20 years experience as a global facilitator, coach, and consultant. Act quickly if you want to register for this lunch as the deadline is tomorrow.If September 8th doesn't work, you'll have another chance to join us in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, October 6, at Petterino's. The topic of this lunch will be "Big Thinking in Business," presented by Mary Beth Hughes Wilke, a 1977 graduate of Iowa State University. She is the co-founder of Big Thinking by the Hour, a Chicago-based company that helps organizations program their own websites with content that attracts audiences and promotes sales.The lunches are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and we'd love to see you at one or both - your career will thank you!Jane KirschPrograms Assistant What's Goin' On Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:10:30 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CF22FAD6-C68E-7379-FE51B80E00FB4A98 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CA0DA4FD-E088-48C5-268BB9221B3D0433 The Iowa Voyagers group from our 2009 Antarctica trip: Gary and Gloria McIntyre (UIAA Old Capitol Club members) of Rockwell City; Janet Bailey of Sacramento; Marilyn Wirtz (UIAA annual member) of Iowa City; Janet and Richard Vavra (UIAA annual members) of Antelope, CA; Sandra Lawrence (UIAA Old Capitol Club member) of Solon; and Jean Landon of Coronado, CA. One of the most adventurous trips offered annually by the Iowa Voyagers is the Antarctica experience. Every year, a small band of intrepid Iowa travelers brave the long flights, the infamous Drake Passage crossing, and the chilly weather of austral summer to experience firsthand the marvels of Earth's most remote continent. These adventurers are rewarded a hundred-fold when they get to interact with penguins, feel dwarfed by immense and colorful icebergs, and bond with one of nature's most spectacular and fragile ecosystems.Travelers should book early: our 2011 trip is sold out already. If Antarctica is on your life list of places to experience, mark your calendar for January/February 2012 when we will once again take a handful of Iowa Voyagers to this phenomenal place. For more detail or to put your name on an advance notice list, e-mail diane-baker@uiowa.edu.Diane BakerDirector, Iowa Voyagers Iowa Voyagers Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:29:06 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CA0DA4FD-E088-48C5-268BB9221B3D0433 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CA085649-DA87-B029-8A5ECBD1B3D8E0A3 I recently made a new friend who asked me how we come up with story ideas for Iowa Alumni Magazine. I told her that inspiration can strike anywhere - and at any time.For example, last Friday, I attended the Landlocked Film Festival in downtown Iowa City. I was watching a documentary called From the Badlands to Alcatraz (which followed a group of Lakota youth challenged to swim from Alcatraz to the San Francisco shore) when I realized the director and doctor who mentored the young adults graduated from the Carver College of Medicine. Immediately, I knew I'd love to do this story for readers of Iowa Alumni Magazine.How and where do you find your muse?Shelbi ThomasEditorial Associate Behind the Scenes Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:23:18 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=CA085649-DA87-B029-8A5ECBD1B3D8E0A3 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=C489FD52-9A69-79DB-B323D6AAD8FA2DC3 Hawkeye spirit is in the air, and all roads lead to Iowa City! In just five days, Kinnick Stadium will be rockin' for Iowa's season opener against Eastern Illinois. Thousands of fans will head to town a day early to celebrate the second annual FryFest at the Iowa River Landing on Friday, September 3. This year, FryFest attendees are invited to help break the Guinness World Record for the largest organized Hokey Pokey Dance - we just need 4,431 Iowa fans to 'put your left foot in...Go Hawks! Beat Eastern Illinois! Susan GriffithDirector of Alumni Programs Hawkeye Sports Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:47:11 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=C489FD52-9A69-79DB-B323D6AAD8FA2DC3 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=B5501186-A7BC-A1B3-2D33B36DB810B3F0 One week from Saturday marks the start of the much-anticipated 2010 Hawkeye football season. At my house, we're experiencing a different kind of countdown. One week from Saturday could be the day our third child makes her way into the world. My actual due date is September 10 - but I have a feeling there's no way I'm going to make it until then. I'm the office pot who looks like she's going to boil over any second; we even have a baby pool going to see when this kid will arrive.Although September 4 (Iowa vs. Eastern Illinois) sounds like a great day to have a baby, I'd prefer to avoid football Saturday. I can't imagine trying to get to UI Hospitals & Clinics on game day. No, Sunday sounds much better.I'd also prefer to hang around the Levitt Center these next few days, just to wrap up my final stories for our October issue of Iowa Alumni Magazine (including a special feature on - what else? - Iowa tailgating) and other UIAA-related projects. I aim to serve.So, I'm shooting this baby a memo now:Dear Baby Girl, I've given this a lot of thought and feel it's in our best interest to go for Labor Day (September 6). I mean, how appropriate is that? Now is as good a time as any to start listening to your mother.Are you with me? Can't wait to meet you, MomKathryn HoweAssociate Editor Behind the Scenes Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:49:37 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=B5501186-A7BC-A1B3-2D33B36DB810B3F0 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=AF6248FC-F85E-6489-C8CF05E5B68657CE This past weekend, I had the joy of working with my co-chair, Ryan McFadden of Res Life, to put on the first event of Welcome Week called the Hawkeye Bash. It was a smashing success with more than 1,000 students attending. We had a Casino Night (not with real money) with 20 tables of blackjack and poker, a karaoke room packed to the brim with students giving their vocal chords a workout, a rave where students danced and were entertained by Intersection, a men's a cappella group, and a drag show, and a V.I.P. section where students were able to meet some of the administration, deans, and presidents. The Bijou also presented the movie Fight Club, and students had the opportunity to take a shuttle to Target to shop after hours.All in all, I can't think of a better way to welcome the largest first-year class to the University of Iowa.Leslie PrideauxAssistant Director of Alumni Programs What's Goin' On Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:11:48 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=AF6248FC-F85E-6489-C8CF05E5B68657CE http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=AA4BB2F3-DABA-3A66-2856D003824EA9BA Webinar is short for Web-based seminar, a presentation that is transmitted over the Internet. It is an interactive seminar that merges a conference call and a Web presentation.The UI Alumni Association is teaming up with the Pomerantz Career Center to host monthly webinars on a variety of subjects. No travel is involved to participate in these professional development webinars - just a computer and an Internet connection with speakers or a headset. Registration is free for UIAA members and $5 (per webinar) for nonmembers.During the webinar, you'll be able to hear the presenter, see a slideshow, type in questions to the presenter for a live response, and take online polls to see how your opinions compare to the other virtual attendees. After the webinar, the presentation will be archived and accessible exclusively to registered attendees for up to 30 days.The webinar topics will range from making a good first impression to tips on using social media. Times will alternate between the lunch hour and evening to accommodate different personal schedules.In preparation for the upcoming webinars, staff at the alumni association (including myself) and Pomerantz Career Center participated in a practice webinar a few weeks ago. It was very interesting, a lot of fun, and I especially liked the online polls.To learn more about participating in the webinars or to register, go to: www.iowalum.com/career/webinars.Jane KirschPrograms Assistant Alumni Association News Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:29:01 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=AA4BB2F3-DABA-3A66-2856D003824EA9BA http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A61774A3-C81E-0AE5-0BF3C857E5BCA87A Today is day three of my UIAA trip to Oxford with our UI alumni and friends from the Michigan State University Alumni Association. The weather today was wonderful, the sun was shining, and there wasn't any rain. A success on all accounts!I've traveled to England before, but I still always smile when I see such typical "English sensibilities." This includes cute little bins to collect litter (not trash, mind you), and this sign on the bathroom door near the courtyard in our housing facilities on Oxford's campus:In the U.S., our reminders in bathrooms to wash our hands (Employees MUST wash their hands immediately!) usually feels like an old, grouchy school marm that's about to swat us across the knuckles with a ruler. But this sign? I feel like a kind, little grandmother with a kitten lapel pin on her shirt collar is going to say this with a tray of freshly baked cookies in her hand.Christina WrightAssistant Director of Alumni Programs Iowa Voyagers Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:53:29 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A61774A3-C81E-0AE5-0BF3C857E5BCA87A http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A4CAD6DA-9BFD-1D76-08F7E93DEC7853A8 As I see all the kids going back to classes, from tiny ones with backpacks twice their size to young adults in college, it seems very odd not having a child in school this fall. My daughter graduated with her B.A. from the University of Iowa in May and is, for the first time in 20 years, a non-student. There's always been school of some sort: Good Shepherd preschool beginning at age two-and-a-half, kindergarten through sixth grade at Shimek Elementary, junior high at South East, City High for four years, and finally four years at the UI. She was always so involved in school activities at every level. Though she plans to attend law school next fall 2011, we're both feeling a bit of a void right now. The other day she said, "Mom, now I'm just an ordinary working person and that's not very exciting."Diane Baker Director, Iowa Voyagers Behind the Scenes Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:50:10 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A4CAD6DA-9BFD-1D76-08F7E93DEC7853A8 http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A4B91DFC-922A-B17E-2EA61C2C251BB59F Aasif MandviIt's 6 o'clock on a weekday evening. Do you know where your college student is?Chances are your Hawkeye is in front of the TV watching the Daily Show, a satirical look at the day's news. When I lived in the dorms, I'd walk down the hall at that time and find more TVs tuned into Jon Stewart than Peter Jennings. Many of my journalism professors enjoyed the Comedy Central show, too. They not only liked the humor, but also the guest list, which read like a who's who of Capitol Hill.The UI has had its share of guests on the show. Earlier this summer, the whole campus tuned in to see Iowa Writers' Workshop professor Marilynne Robinson plug her new book, Absence of Mind (here's the episode).Tonight, UI Daily Show lovers are in for a real treat. As part of Welcome Week, Daily Show correspondent Aasif Mandvi will share "The Real Story Behind the Fake News." Check it out with me tonight at 7:30 at the Englert.Shelbi ThomasEditorial Associate Campus News Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:30:49 GMT http://www.iowalum.com/magazine/blog/display_blog.cfm?bid=A4B91DFC-922A-B17E-2EA61C2C251BB59F