Attending the seemingly limitless number of free, world-class concerts given by the School of Music, and now taking my kids. The arts are alive and thriving at UI!
Sue
Class of 2005
Digital Wall of Inspiration
We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.
--Winston Churchill
Over the coming months, the University of Iowa will open the doors to four exciting new buildings: Hancher Auditorium, the Voxman Music Building, the Visual Arts Building, and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. We'll also be breaking ground on new facilities for the College of Engineering and the College of Pharmacy, and inaugurating our 21st president, Bruce Harreld.
As the University of Iowa celebrates this exciting time in our beloved institution's history, we want to hear from you; the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other friends of the University of Iowa that make this school and community so incredible. Click the link below and tell us:
What about the University of Iowa inspires you? Click on the "Share Your UI Inspiration" below and tell us!
We will select a limited number of submissions as winners of either a pair of tickets to a home football game at Kinnick Stadium during the 2016 season or select events on the 2016-17 schedule for Hancher Auditorium. Winners will be selected at random on September 21, October 26, and November 16 and notified by email.
Go Hawks!
Its constant growth.
Evelyn
Class of 2012
I worked as an usher at Hancher Auditorium when I was a student at the U of I. If there were any empty seats available during intermission, we could quietly select one and watch the remainder of the show. I'll never forget sitting in the audience of Les Miserables, with tears in my eyes, overcome with emotion at being part of something so beautiful. That memory is a good representation what the University of Iowa will always be to me.
Susan
Class of 1992
Since I was hired in 1977, I have watched as the UI, in general, demonstrated constant striving for greater excellence and achievement, trying to build on the contributions of its visionary past leaders.
sue
"The University of Iowa will change you, and you will change the world." This quote can be seen in an Admission Visitor Center's video shown to potential new students and their families. In my own experience, it couldn't be more true. Everything at the University of Iowa - my classes, my professors, my friendships, my involvement, the residence halls, my part-time jobs - they all have worked together to shape me, to give me a skill set, to sharpen my passions, and to prepare me to make a difference in the world. The University of Iowa has given me far more than I bargained for.
Josh
I grew up in Mount Pleasant, which is in southeastern Iowa. Some of my earliest memories of visiting Iowa City were from the late 1970's and early 1980's. It was a time of profound change within Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus. I felt as though I had a front-row seat to these changes, since my father was a security guard at the University Hospital during this period. After moving to the Twin Cities for high school, I was inspired to return and attend the University of Iowa for my undergraduate education. I wanted to be a part of the rich history of the University of Iowa, the community of Iowa City, and the wonderful people who call this area home. I met my wife of 20 years on campus and am fortunate to be able to return to the area on a regular basis to visit her family and continue to witness the ongoing changes in town and on campus. No matter where in the world I live and work, I will always consider Iowa City my home. Go Hawks!
Travis
Class of 1998
I came from a small farm community and moved to Iowa City. I have lived here my whole adult life. I worked at the UI for 29 years. It's a Great place to have a career. Hancher has always been such a big part of the University. I took my daughter to The Joffrey Ballet, for my birthday, when she was 5. A few years later, she performed at Clapp Recital Hall, in a summer children's choral group. She graduated from City High 2002 and was the last class to have graduation at Hancher. My last memory of Hancher was when my husband and I saw B.B. King, at his last concert there. It's a very special place.
Sharon
As sorry as I was to hear that the old Hancher was being knocked down and replaced, the new one is breathtaking. I have so many wonderful memories of the old place...my ex-husband, Chris Williams, was the first Technical Director. Van Cliburn was one of the performers to open the building. Chris came out on stage just before the show in his tux to move the piano slightly and everyone applauded, thinking he was the great man. So many other fun stories to tell. I was always able to watch the show but, of course, Chris was backstage for every performance. Good times! We were both so excited to be a part of that incredible space.
Linda
Class of 1973
I lived in Iowa City for 20 years, from 1960 to 1980 and worked at the University for much of that time in the Department of Psychology. I also had an in-home typing business and typed many, many theses for graduate students. I loved the affiliation with the University and the students and especially enjoyed the opportunity to treat myself and my children to events at Hancher.
Jane
My classes at Iowa as an undergrad inspired me to see the world in so many new ways. I'll never forget the exposure I got through my classes and professors here to different world perspectives- through the eyes of an environmental scientist, a marketer, a sociologist, and a human rights activist (obviously took a few turns in my choice of major!). We're all in this together, but it's good to be taught that we don't always see and experience things in the same way. It's a lesson I hope I never forget!
Lauren
Class of 2011
I came from a rural part of Iowa to gain a world class education at the U of I and as I live out my adult life in the Creative Corridor I continue to turn to the U of I to further enrich the lives of my family. It's amazing to witness the high level of talent available on any given day of the week. Thanks for all you do!!
Lisa
Class of 2005
The University of Iowa will always hold a special place in my heart. I came from a small town in Iowa ready to explore the wonderful world we live in and U of I provide the perfect place for me to be inspired, instilled with great ideas and creative ingenuity. The excellence of the professors and various departments continue to inspire me to strive to be the best that I can in everything I do. There is a continuous cycle of rebirth, strength and growth that I find still helps fuel my creative spirit. To you the University of Iowa community Thank You!
Robert
Class of 1982
Lynette Marshall, president and CEO of the UI Foundation. Happy Anniversary on your ten years of inspirational leadership!
David
Class of 1972
My career has led far from Iowa City where I trained over 40 years ago. Nonetheless, my work continues in the extended shadow of University Hospital’s old Gothic tower. Hurrah for UIHC’s bright new Stead Children’s Hospital! There is an ancient and all-telling African greeting upon entering a new village, “so, how are your children?” As if in reply, our University is proclaiming its commitment to the wellbeing of its newest and future generations.
chur
Class of 1977
Growing up in Iowa City and in the midst of the University of Iowa, I took many aspects for granted: An incredibly welcome campus community open to any race, gender, or sexual orientation. A vibrant arts and entertainment scene that rivals cities and towns much larger. Incredible Big Ten sports. And above all, a willingness by the campus and community to lend a helping hand. It wasn't until I began touring colleges in the summer of 2011 that I realized the "hidden treasures" that the UI and Iowa City are. Being an undergrad at the UI gave me lifelong fraternity brothers, a renewed sense of morality and strength in UI Dance Marathon and a can-do attitude as a reporter and editor at The Daily Iowan. There is no campus I'd rather be a proud alumni of and I feel fortunate to be able to still call Iowa City home.
Quentin
Class of 2016
It has been 43 years since I graduated from the University of Iowa and every time I pull off interstate 80 into Iowa city I feel as though I have returned home. The University and I was city became home to me those very many years ago when I first step foot on the campus. It was at Iowa that I met the people who still these very many years later are my best and dearest friends. It was at Iowa where I learned about political awareness, becoming involved in causes in which you believe, and it was at Iowa where I was encouraged to think independently and to question. Without doubt, it was at the University of Iowa where I grew up. I could not have asked or wished for a better College experience than what I had at the University of Iowa. Go Hawks!
Barbara
Class of 1973
I remember coming to campus for orientation with parents. They fell in love with the campus and the people. I saw what they loved about Iowa a great school and the people on campus helping you to reach for stars. Nothing compares to the canoe rides in the river or visiting McBride Hall. My time at Iowa was one of happiest times of my life.
Barbara
I draw a huge amount of inspiration from the professors in the department of computer science. Their talents in research and teaching have impacted me ever since graduation. Now as an assistant professor of computer science myself they are who I inspire to be.
Without UI I would not be where I am today.
Harley
Class of 2009
The past. The present. What will be. It is all at your feet at the University of Iowa.
Mason
From my first day on campus at Iowa I knew I was home. The Hawkeye Experience is something that stays with you forever because it inspires you to be the absolute best you can be. The school spirit is contagious, the love for fellow Hawkeyes runs deep, and the pride we take in our school is rivaled by none. Iowa gives everyone the freedom to become who they want to be, to explore the world in a different way, and changes you for the better every day you're on campus. Iowa City might be a small dot on the map but it holds a big place in every graduates hearts.
Lauren
Class of 2015
From the first moment I set foot on the U of I campus during my senior year of high school, I knew I was home. Everything about this new life was inspiring. The new friends I would make, the amazing teachers and professors, and the feel of a campus alive with learning and exploring. Whether it was the excitement of fall and the start of a new school year, or the laid back and intimate feel of summer classes, every season was a chance to challenge yourself in a way that would irrevocably change your view of the world. Iowa City was a small town but it prepared me to tackle a big world. I will forever be grateful.
Jeff
Class of 1985
I love working at the University of Iowa, and being an ambassador, taking Hancher artists to communities across the state. Watching the Hancher artists connect with young families in Iowa communities is a real joy!
Chuck
Class of 1976
I remember attending the Nutcracker every time it was at Hancher with my grandmother and the experience was so magical. She has since passed away, but I look forward to taking my two boys to continue her legacy and love of the performing arts.
Bridget
Class of 2001
Hancher. I remember attending shows there when I was little and being in awe of the performers, the space, the spectacle. The new Hancher promises to bring that magic back to campus and to the community in spectacular fashion.
Madelynn
Class of 2010
Tom Brands. I've worked alongside many, but none as special as Tom. He says what he's going to do and then goes about the business of doing it.
Rick
The walkers, bikers, and joggers on the river walk motivate me to stay active!
Laura
Hayden Fry. I arrived on campus the same year he arrived. So I watched him -- and 1980s Kirk Ferentz -- build our football program into the program it is today. I also had an equally great experience in the business school.
Steve
The river. As wicked as it can be -- and it's been wicked, as we all know -- it's serenity on a warm summer evening is so unbelievably inspiring to me.
Allison
Class of 2003
Fireworks over Old Cap on July 4th. Those are always pretty cool, pretty inspirational.
Adam
Class of 1996
That's an easy one. It's our students. They inspire me every single day!
Cindy
Class of 1979
None of what I’ve done could have happened without (my wife) Susan. She has been much better at her end of the business than I have been at my end, including her role as a patient representative at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, as a writer, and, most importantly, as a UI friend-maker.
Williard "Sandy" Boyd
I think that experience better prepares us for the kinds of team-based projects we'll be doing following graduation. It's not about competition here; it's about working together to achieve the best results. I'm excited that the new Engineering Annex will encourage even more cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Yashila Permeswaran
We believe the people of UI Health Care set Iowa apart in children’s medicine. With the new UI Children’s Hospital building, the doctors, nurses, staff, and researchers at UI Health Care will be able to continue to deliver the highest level of teaching, care, and research. Our family is honored to be a part of this hospital and this university.
Jerre and Mary Joy Stead
Class of 1965
Is there anything more cool than building your own bike from scratch? I don't think so!
Joe
The organ in the original Voxman. Is there anything more lovely than the beautiful music that is created by that organ?
Jane
Class of 1998
Our daughter and her dance mates' performances at Hancher are some of our greatest memories. She's the only member of our family who can say she's danced on the Hancher stage!
Susan
Class of 2012
I was in attendance for the premiere of the first "Nutcracker." Can't wait to do the same in December!
Rick