Filter Results

Upcoming Events


If you don't see the university event you are looking for, please also visit events.uiowa.edu.

September 19, 2025
Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Spring 2026)
11:59 pm (CDT)
Where: 111 Church Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

The UI Obermann Center for Advanced studies is accepting applications for Spring 2026 Obermann International Fellowships. This program offers dedicated space, time, and funding for interdisciplinary scholars to collaborate on innovative research at the University of Iowa. Up to eight international fellowships will be granted every academic year. Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists with a track record of excellence based outside of the U.S. Their area of research must have a direct equivalent at the University of Iowa. 

Obermann International Fellows will receive:

  • A $2,000 stipend to help defray the cost of travel and lodging

  • University of Iowa health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship

  • Office space at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies

  • Temporary University of Iowa affiliation, including access to UI libraries

  • Structured opportunities for scholarly exchange (seminars, lectures, introduction to UI researchers, etc.)

  • An official letter of invitation for institutional and visa purposes

  • Information about accommodations and other practical needs

Read more about the program and application process at https://obermann.uiowa.edu/obermann-international-fellowships. Applications for the Spring 2026 semester are due Oct. 24, 2025. 

Obermann International Fellowships are funded by the University of Iowa's Obermann Center for Advanced Studies with generous additional support from International Programs and the Center for Social Science Innovation.

Contact: Erin Hackathorn 319-335-4034

Departments: Obermann Center, Center for Advancement, International Programs, International Writing Program, Office of the Vice President for Research, Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures

September 20, 2025
Hawkeyes at the Orchard
10:00 am - 2:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 32835 610th Ave , Cambridge , IA US 50046

Hawkeyes at the Orchard

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

Ticket pickup 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Guests may stay until 7 p.m.

Center Grove Orchard

32835 610th Ave.

Cambridge, Iowa

Link to Register

Join us for a day of family fun, including hayrides, pedal karts, a corn maze, and more, at Center Grove Orchard! Each attendee will receive a voucher for a free apple cider donut.

Enjoy a discounted farmyard admission of $10 per person (regularly $16.95). Children age 2 and under are free, and each family may purchase up to five discounted tickets.

Attendees may pick up their tickets at the University of Iowa table near admissions anytime between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., though you´re welcome to stay until the orchard closes at 7 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you! Wear your black and gold-and spread the word to any Hawkeyes you know in the Des Moines area.

If you have any questions, email Katie Kriegel at katie.kriegel@foriowa.org.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Katie Kriegel in advance at katie.kriegel@foriowa.org.

Contact: Katie Kriegel 319-467-3540

Departments: Center for Advancement

September 23, 2025
UI Carver College of Medicine Investiture
3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA US 52246

Please join us as we celebrate faculty appointments in the UI Carver College of Medicine:

  • Kathleen Sluka, to the Roy J. Carver Chair in Neuroscience IV

  • Christopher Petkov, to the Roy J. Carver Professorship in Neuroscience

  • Seth Tomchik, to the Roy J. Carver Professorship in Neuroscience IV

We also will recognize the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for establishing these prestigious positions.

A reception will follow in the Jean and Renée Robillard Atrium.

No RSVP is necessary. Parking is available in the Newton Road Ramp. There will be no ceremonial processional, and only those participating in the ceremony will wear academic regalia.

Contact: Mackenzie Krob 319-467-3522

Departments: Neuroscience, Carver College of Medicine, Graduate College

September 25, 2025 - September 27, 2025
2025 Alumni Band Homecoming Reunion
All Day ()
Where: 225 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA US 52246

This year we are celebrating our drum majors, Golden Girls, twirlers, and flag line. We will also debut new flags featuring our Alumni Band logos!

The postgame concert tune honors all Hawkeye Marching Band members who have performed John Philip Sousa´s "The Stars and Stripes Forever" throughout the years.

Registration closes Aug. 8; however, registration for Saturday´s pregame performance closes when we reach 325 registrants, which may be earlier. Saturday morning walk-in registrations will not be accepted.

When you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from alumni.engagement@foriowa.org. Review the confirmation to make sure all information and charges are correct, then screenshot (or print) and save your confirmation for event check-in.

Be sure to follow and like the University of Iowa Alumni Band on Facebook for Iowa Homecoming updates and additional information.

Contact: Amanda Remington 319-467-3505

Departments: School of Music, Center for Advancement

September 25, 2025
University of Iowa Alumni Industry Leader Panel Discussion
9:00 am - 10:00 am (CDT)
Where: 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Brought to you by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Join University of Iowa Alumni Senior Vice Presidents, a Managing Partner, a Captain, and Director and learn the extra edge to be successful in your full-time and internship search. This panel discussion will focus on career fair guidance, interviewing tips and networking. They hire, build teams and know what it takes to not only land the job, but excel.

Featured alumni

  1. Mark Gamis

    1993 | MBA

    Title:Senior Vice President, Strategy, Growth, and Cybersecurity

    Company:FedTec, LLC

    Mark Gamis is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT modernization initiatives across the U.S. federal government. Currently serving as Senior Vice President at FedTec, LLC, Mark drives company-wide growth, innovation, and operational excellence through strategic planning, capture leadership, and executive delivery oversight.

  2. Robert "Bob" S. Gallagher

    1991 | BA Communication Studies and BA Psychology

    Title:Managing Partner

    Company:Gallagher, Millage and Gallagher, PLC

    Robert "Bob" Gallagher is a seasoned attorney and civic leader with more than 30 years of experience representing a diverse range of clients in state and federal courts. As Managing Partner at Gallagher, Millage and Gallagher, PLC, he leads the firm´s litigation practice with a deep commitment to client advocacy and legal excellence.

  3. Mark Benjaminson

    1990 | BA Psychology

    Title:Captain

    Company:UPS Airlines

    Mark Benjaminson is a veteran international airline captain with more than 30 years of experience in commercial aviation and over 18,800 flight hours logged. As a Captain with UPS Airlines, he operates the Boeing 747-400 and 747-8F on long-haul international cargo routes, ensuring the safe, efficient transport of critical freight across the globe.

  4. Dan Brooks

    1992 | BBA

    Title:Director, New Building and Modernization Solutions

    Company:KONE Americas

    Dan Brooks is an executive sales leader with more than 30 years of experience in the elevator and escalator industry, specializing in strategic growth and high-profile construction projects in all market segments across North and South America. He currently serves as Director of New Building and Modernization Solutions at KONE Americas, a global leader in vertical transportation and smart building systems.

  5. Howard Fisher

    1990 | BBA

    Title:Chief Executive Officer

    Company:Hantarra

    Howard Fisher is a senior executive, attorney, and sales leader with more than 30 years of experience aligning strategy-driven solutions with complex business challenges to drive financial and operational performance. He currently serves as Founder and CEO of Hantarra, powered by Sales Xceleration, where he partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to strengthen their business development ecosystems and accelerate growth.

Notes

Contact: Kelley Krueger 319-331-1121

Departments: Center for Advancement, Pomerantz Career Center

September 26, 2025
IMU Open House
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Join us at the Iowa Memorial Union before the Homecoming parade as we kick off our centennial celebration! With the IMU undergoing an $81.4 million renovation project, we'll have building tours, activities, free food, and student organization updates with Dance Marathon, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), and Undergraduate Student Government (USG)! Food trucks, caricature artist, photo booth, therapy dog Finn, popcorn bar. Free food samples and giveaways on Ground Floor at Union Station and the Iowa Hawk Shop Cafe and Market!

Guided building tours: 2, 3, and 4 p.m.

  • Meet at the Welcome Center

Alumni updates: 2 and 3 p.m.

  • Dance Marathon (North Room)

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life (Divine Nine Room #335)

  • Undergraduate Student Government (MGC Room #337)

Contact: Jocelyn Mueller 319-335-1162

Departments: Fraternity/Sorority Life, Homecoming, Leadership and Engagement, Undergraduate Student Government, Center for Advancement, Division of Student Life

September 26, 2025
The Tippie of Tomorrow - insights on the Tippie College's building expansion
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm (CDT)
Where: 21 East Market Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Tippie Dean Amy Kristof-Brown will highlight the Tippie College's building expansion plans. Attendees will learn about plans to add on to the Pappajohn Business Building as well as plans to renovate Gilmore Hall and attach it to the business building. Open to the public.

Contact: Barbara Thomas 319-335-2188

Departments: Graduate Management Programs, Undergraduate Program, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Iowa MBA, Graduate Program, Department of Marketing, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Department of Economics, Department of Business Analytics

August 31, 2025 - November 23, 2025
Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop
2:30 pm - 4:15 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop is back for the Fall Semester!

Join us monthly to generate new creative writing inspired by works in the Stanley collection. Each session will be led by a different talented writer from our area, who will be offering a new prompt and a new approach to ekphrastic writing (writing inspired by visual art). Bring your own notebook and pencil or computer and leave with the beginning of a newly written piece.

Co-sponsored by Iowa City Poetry. Teen and adult writers in all genres are welcome.

Write at the Stanley meets every fourth Sunday of the month. 

Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot by clicking the dates below:

August 31

September 28

October 26

November 23

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: Iowa Writers' Workshop, Center for Advancement, International Writing Program, Office of the Provost, University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, The Writing University

September 29, 2025
Boone-Story I-Club Golf Outing
9:00 am (CDT)
Where: 106 S. Cedar St., Boone, IA US 50036

You´re invited to the seventh annual Boone-Story I-Club Golf Outing!

Registration: 9 a.m.

Shotgun start: 10 a.m.

Team Registration Options:

· Register prior to Aug. 31-$80 per person or $320 per foursome

· Register after Aug. 31-$360 per foursome

Entry fee includes greens fees, cart, and lunch for each team member. Space is limited, and early sign-ups are encouraged.

Register today by contacting Nate Nerem with the Boone-Story I-Club at neremn@gmail.com or 515-314-3099.

For information about other Hawkeye outings, visit jointheiclub.com/events. To learn how you can support Hawkeye student-athletes, visit jointheiclub.com.

Contact: Nate Nerem 515-314-3099

Departments: Center for Advancement

August 2, 2024 - December 4, 2025
Art & Write Night
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 39-53 East Jefferson Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and will sometimes move about the Museum but we'll always start in Bird Hall on the third Floor of Macbride Hall. Join anytime between 6-8 p.m. and feel free to participate in a themed creation challenge or work on your own project with our exhibits as inspiration. We'll save the last 15-30 minutes of each session to share what we've been working on, connecting with others (optional, of course!).

Please note, the Museum is typically closed during this time, meaning the main entrance to Iowa Hall (atop the large staircase outside on the east side of Macbride Hall) will be closed and locked. All other building doors will be open, offering access to the Ground Floor of Macbride Hall, restrooms, stairs and elevator to the third floor galleries where this program takes place. Bird Hall is located on the third floor of Macbride Hall and can be reached by stairs or by taking the elevator to the third floor of the building.

Special thanks to Blick Art Materials for supplying extra art materials. Make sure to check in with us in Bird Hall to check out a variety of special art tools and supplies.

Contact: Jessica Smith 319-335-3591

Departments: Department of Biology, Department of English, Division of Interdisciplinary Programs, Iowa Writers' Workshop, Iowa Youth Writing Project, Leadership and Engagement, Magid Center for Writing, School of Art, Art History, and Design, Museum of Natural History

October 4, 2025
Extra Life Charity Challenge: College Football 26
10:00 am - 4:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 825 Stadium Dr, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Register today to test your college football video game skills in a double-elimination charity tournament at Kinnick Stadium, with proceeds benefiting University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children´s Hospital!

  • Registration is $25 with a $200 fundraising minimum.

  • Participants must be 16 or older. All games will be played on PlayStation 5.

  • Prizes will be awarded to the top three individual fundraisers and the tournament champion and runner-up.

  • Registrants who raise at least $200 will gain access to Duke Slater Field.

  • Registrants who raise at least $500 will get to tour the Hawkeyes´ locker room and tunnel.

The top fundraiser and tournament champion will each win two tickets to a Hawkeye football home game.

On-site donations can be made via credit card, cash, or check to pay the difference to reach the $200 mark for tournament entry and field access or the $500 mark for locker room tours.

Spectators who pay the $25 registration fee may:

  • Enjoy event festivities at the Ted Pacha Family Club.

  • Hear a patient story from a family whose child was treated at Stead Family Children´s Hospital.

  • Try College Football 26 in the free-play area.

  • Watch the tournament, including the championship game on the Kinnick jumbotron.

For any questions, contact Tyler Adams at tyler.adams@foriowa.org.

Contact: Tyler Adams 319-335-3305

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 4, 2025
Hawk Watch & Hike
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 3980 E Skyline Parkway , Duluth , MN US 55804

Hawk Watch & Hike

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Noon-1:30 p.m. | Experience Hawk Ridge Session

2 p.m. | Hawkeye Social or Public Hike (optional)

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

3980 E. Skyline Parkway

Duluth, Minnesota

Link to Register

Join fellow University of Iowa alumni and friends to experience the fall raptor migration from one of the best vantage points in the country.

Enjoy a guided hawk watch and learn about the Iowa Raptor Project from director David Conrads. Afterward, connect with fellow Hawkeyes or join a public hike around Hawk Ridge.

Come solo, bring a friend, or bring your family; all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

Note: This event will take place outdoors and will include walking. We encourage you to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camping chair for a relaxed viewing experience. Binoculars will be available, but you´re welcome to bring your own.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Annabelle Vinson in advance at annabelle.vinson@foriowa.org.

Contact: Annabelle Vinson annabelle.vinson@foriowa.org

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 11, 2025
Football Hawkeye Huddle-Wisconsin
All Day ()
Where: 330 N. Orchard St. , Madison, WI US 53713

Join your fellow Hawkeyes at Hawkeye Huddles during the 2025 football season! Hosted by the I-Club, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, Hawkeye Huddles are free, pregame pep rallies. Registration is required.

Contact: Iowa Athletics Development 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 11, 2025
Hawk Watch at Macbride
9:00 am - 11:00 am (CDT)
Where: 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE , Solon , IA US 52253

Hawk Watch at Macbride

Saturday, October 11, 2025

9-11 a.m. | Morning session

Noon-2 p.m. | Afternoon session

Macbride Nature Recreation Area (Falcon Shelter)

2095 Mehaffey Bridge Road NE

Solon, Iowa

Join fellow University of Iowa alumni and friends to experience the fall raptor migration!

Enjoy a hawk watch guided by Iowa Raptor Project staff and interact with raptors up close. Additionally, Tiffany Adrain from the UI Paleontology Repository will share a display of Lake Macbride fossils and help identify any fossils you may find that day. Come solo, bring a friend, or bring your family; all are welcome.

Note: Both sessions will feature the same programming. This event will be held outdoors and may involve walking. We encourage you to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camping chair or blanket for a relaxed viewing experience. Binoculars will be available, but you´re welcome to bring your own.

Contact: Katie Kriegel 319-467-3540

Department: UI Center for Advancement

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Katie Kriegel in advance at katie.kriegel@foriowa.org.

Contact: Katie Kriegel 319-467-3540

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 12, 2025
Hawkeyes at the Farm
11:00 am - 2:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 1N318 Watson Road , Maple Park , IL US 60151

Hawkeyes at the Farm

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Ticket pickup 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Guests may stay until 6 p.m.

Kuipers Family Farm

1N318 Watson Road

Maple Park, Illinois

Link to Register

Join us for a day of family fun, including hayrides, slides, a corn maze, and more, at Kuipers Family Farm!

Enjoy discounted Pumpkin FunFarm admission of $10 per person (regularly $26.99). Children age 2 and under are free, and each family may purchase up to five discounted tickets. Each attendee will receive a free apple cider donut.

Attendees may pick up their tickets at the University of Iowa table near admissions anytime between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., though you´re welcome to stay until the farm closes at 6 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you! Wear your black and gold-and spread the word to any Hawkeyes you know in the area. If you have any questions, email Annabelle Vinson at annabelle.vinson@foriowa.org.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Annabelle Vinson in advance at annabelle.vinson@foriowa.org.

Department: Center for Advancement

Contact: Annabelle Vinson 319-467-3895

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 19, 2025
Big Ten on Hilton Head Picnic
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 101 Berwick Drive , Hilton Head Island , SC US 29926

Big Ten on Hilton Head Picnic
Sunday, October 19, 2025
4-6 p.m.

The Golf Club at Indigo Run

101 Berwick Drive

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Register Today!

Join fellow Big Ten alumni, fans, and friends for our annual Big Ten tailgate picnic! The meal is $40 per person and will feature a whole roasted pig carving station, along with rolls and two sauces. We´ll also serve fried chicken tenders, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. For dessert, enjoy ice cream, sauces, and toppings from our sweet station.

Hear from special guest speaker Phillip Zeeck, assistant general counsel at the Big Ten Conference, who is helping ensure equity among Big Ten universities and student-athletes. Zeeck has 11 years of legal service experience at Polsinelli PC in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was vice chair of class action litigation. In addition, he represented multiple collegiate sports conferences in federal court proceedings. Zeeck´s role is key at this pivotal time as universities devise policies, procedures, and pathways to move athletic programs forward.

Please note: If you are purchasing only one ticket, you must input `0´ or `NA´ in the spaces of the other ticket holders´ places to continue. If you are purchasing multiple tickets, you will need to enter `0´ in the space for tickets three through five. When you confirm your reservation, you may be asked to create an account on Converge. You do not need to do this. Once you purchase tickets, you'll receive an email confirmation from Big 10 Hilton Head noreply@elavon.com.

If you have any difficulty registering, call Joan Apple Lemoine at 843-422-1442

or Ron Trawinski at 484-719-0387.

Join the Big Ten Conference on Hilton Head Facebook group.

We hope to see you in October!

Contact: Nici Bontrager 319-467-3607

Department: Center for Advancement

Contact: Nici Bontrager 319-467-3607

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 7, 2025
Swing Fore Stead
10:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
Where: 1515 Andersen Place, Tiffin, IA US 52340

Grab your clubs-and your competitive spirit-and join us for a fun-filled day benefitting University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children´s Hospital, powered by PinSeekers.

Whether you´re a passionate golfer or just looking to get involved and give back, our inaugural charitable golf outing promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Throughout the day, you can expect to:

  • Compete in an 18-hole, four-person best shot-with winners being crowned at the conclusion of the event.

  • Enjoy lunch served between the front and back nines.

  • Meet Hawkeye legends who will make guest appearances.

  • Bid on silent auction items that will benefit Stead Family Children´s Hospital.

Registration fees for four golfers is $1,000, which includes golf, lunch, and golf gifts. There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available. We hope you will join us for a day of community, camaraderie, and giving back-with all proceeds going to Stead Family Children´s Hospital to support dedicated care teams, cutting-edge research, and the patients and families who rely on them every day.

Contact: Daniel Beitelspacher (319) 335-3305

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 7, 2025
2025 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award Ceremony
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (CST)
Where: 125 North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Join us in honoring our Veteran and Military-connected faculty, staff, students, and alumni at the 2025 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award ceremony on Friday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the IMU Richey Ballroom.

Contact: Jocelyn Mueller 319-335-1162

Departments: Iowa Memorial Union, Center for Advancement

November 15, 2025
Football Hawkeye Huddle-USC
All Day ()
Where: 3939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA US 90037

Join your fellow Hawkeyes at Hawkeye Huddles during the 2025 football season! Hosted by the I-Club, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, Hawkeye Huddles are free, pregame pep rallies. Registration is required.

Contact: Iowa Athletics Development 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 28, 2025
Football Hawkeye Huddle-Nebraska
9:00 am - 10:30 am (CST)
Where: 1040 P St., Lincoln , NE US 68508

Join your fellow Hawkeyes at Hawkeye Huddles during the 2025 football season! Hosted by the I-Club, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, Hawkeye Huddles are free, pregame pep rallies. Registration is required.

Contact: Iowa Athletics Development 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement

December 2, 2025
Student Impact Grant Presentations
4:00 pm (CST)

Hear from the eight 2025 Student Impact Grant recipients and learn how private support enhanced their Iowa experience. Student Impact Grants are made possible by generous gifts from alumni and friends who provide unrestricted support to the university.

About Student Impact Grants

The University of Iowa Office of the President and the Student Advancement Network have partnered to create Student Impact Grants, which provide funding for undergraduate and graduate student activities outside of the classroom-including research, travel, and service projects. These grants enable students to pursue opportunities that might not otherwise be possible without financial assistance.

Contact: Holly Jones 319-467-3377

Departments: Carver College of Medicine, Center for Advancement, University Honors Program

Related Content

The lecture series connects students with experts on the Israel-Palestine conflict and other current events.

L.A.-based artist Charles Ray to receive CLAS Alumni Fellow award, give talks this month. Unpainted sculpture by Charles Ray, 1997, fiberglass and paint, 60x78x171 inches. Photograph by Josh White and courtesy of the Matthew Marks Gallery. Charles Ray (75BFA) was walking through the UI physics and astronomy department one day when he came across an inspiring scene. Ray, an art student whose curiosity extended far beyond the studio, hoped to hitch a ride out to the observatory for some evening stargazing. Instead, he found a group of students constructing a satellite bound for a space mission. "It just blew my mind," recalls Ray. Just as mind-blowing were the sculptures Ray was creating across the river, years before he would establish himself as one of the world's most important artists. For one physics-defying piece, he fashioned a 2,000-pound slab of concrete atop a slender tree trunk. For another, he dropped a massive wrecking ball onto a crumpled steel plate, as if Sputnik had just crashed outside the old Art Building. Charles Ray "It was such a formative experience for me," the Los Angeles-based sculptor says of his time in Iowa City. "It did something to my soul and my brain. Even though I was young, the university and my mentors gave me a great deal of independence. My curiosity was endless." A professor emeritus at the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Ray returns to campus this month to speak and receive the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Alumni Fellow award. Rather than just waxing nostalgic about his time at Iowa, Ray has organized a three-day lecture series April 16-18 with two fellow art scholars. Iowa native Graham Harman, a philosophy professor at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, will open the series by discussing his theory of aesthetics known as object-oriented ontology. On the second day, Ray will speak about the nature of sculptural objects. And Richard Neer, an art historian at the University of Chicago, will bookend the series by lecturing on the question of provenance, or art's origin. Ray will also give a separate public lecture April 17 in Art Building West titled "My Soul is an Object." Recognized as one of the leading artists of his generation, Ray is known for his strange and enigmatic sculptures so loaded with nods to the past that they've been called "catnip for art historians." His 2014 Horse and Rider, for example, is a 10-ton solid stainless steel work in the tradition of a war memorial, but depicts the artist slouch-shouldered atop a weary nag. Ray is also famous for his wry re-imaginings of familiar objects, like the 47-foot-long replica of a red toy fire truck that he parked in front of New York's Whitney Museum of American Art for a 1993 biennial exhibition. Ray and his studio team often spend years working on a given piece, which can fetch as much as seven figures at auction. His sculptures can be found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other major U.S. museums. Ray is currently preparing for a retrospective show in Paris next year?one of several upcoming international exhibitions. Isabel Barbuzza, UI associate professor of sculpture, describes Ray's work as beautiful and witty, while using scale in unexpected ways. Ray's 8-foot-tall Boy with Frog?commissioned for a prominent spot in Venice, Italy, then removed after some controversy (a version now stands outside the Getty Museum in Los Angeles)?is among Barbuzza's favorites. "His sculptures have a presence you can only see when you're in front of the work," she says. "They're very moving, and to me it's interesting what happens with scale?the viewer relates to the piece in a very profound way." Steve McGuire (83MA, 90PhD), director of the School of Art and Art History, says few others have contributed more to contemporary art than Ray. "This is a big deal for us to be able to celebrate his career," McGuire says of presenting Ray with the alumni fellow award. "I think it's pretty meaningful to him, and of course it's really meaningful for our school." A Chicago native, Ray arrived at Iowa as a gifted artist but hardly a model student. Ray's dyslexia made schoolwork a chore, and his parents had sent him to military school with the hopes of straightening out his academics. It was at the UI, however, where he finally found his language in the studio and, in turn, his footing in the classroom. "Through the syntax of sculpture, I could express myself intellectually for the first time," Ray says. "That gave me a kind of confidence." Ray studied under UI art school pillars like Wallace Tomasini, Julius Schmidt, and Hans Breder. But it was his bond with Roland Brenner?a South African professor and former pupil of sculptor Anthony Caro?that proved to be the most influential. Ray still remembers his first sculpture in Brenner's class, a steel configuration with long stems and discs at the end. Its bouquet-like resemblance didn't sit well with Brenner. "That showed me you made something, but didn't want to discover something," Ray recalls Brenner telling him. "Don't ever do that in my class again." The two would become lifelong friends. Iowa City is a different place today than the 1970s, particularly the transformation of the arts campus after the flood of 2008, Ray says. Still, his visits back to campus over the years always remind him of those crisp and clear Iowa nights at the observatory and gazing out the studio window while exploring the frontiers of sculpture. "It feels like you can see right through the galaxy when you look up," Ray says. Handheld bird by Charles Ray, 2006, painted steel, 2x4x3 inches The UI is home to six pieces by Ray, all found in the Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building and displayed through the university's Art on Campus program. Among them is Handheld bird, a tiny but ornate piece depicting a creature in an embryonic state. Lunchtime Lecture Series What: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences fellow Charles Ray and two guest art scholars?Graham Harman and Richard Neer?will deliver a series of public lectures this month at the UI. When, where: 12:20 p.m. April 16?18 at Art Building West, room 240, 141 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City More information: events.uiowa.edu/26915 My Soul is an Object: Artist Talk with Charles Ray What: A public lecture by renowned sculptor and UI alumnus Charles Ray When, where: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, at Art Building West, room 240, 141 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City More about Ray: charlesraysculpture.com/ Support the UI School of Art and Art History

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.