Filter Results

Upcoming Events


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

October 23, 2024
Funding Opportunities by Russell Sage Foundation
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (CDT)

The UI Center for Advancement and Center for Social Science Innovation are hosting a special virtual presentation by James Wilson, PhD, Program Director at the Russell Sage Foundation. Dr. Wilson will discuss the foundation´s diverse funding priorities and provide valuable insights into crafting successful proposals. (Requests for one-on-one sessions following this talk are closed).

Please register by Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. After registering, CSSI staff will send you a calendar invitation and Zoom link.

Contact: Kris Ackerson 319-467-0098

Departments: Center for Advancement, Center for Social Science Innovation

October 24, 2024 - October 26, 2024
Alumni Band Homecoming Celebration
All Day ()
Where: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA US 52244

Are you ready to step off on the next 50 years of the Iowa Alumni Marching Band? Registration is now open for the Alumni Band Homecoming Reunion, Oct. 24-26, 2024!

Register here: https://foriowa.info/3zAmClj

This year we are celebrating Kevin Kastens, director of the Hawkeye Marching Band for 20 years, who instituted the "Take Back the Field" pregame performance. He will return to Iowa City as our honored guest for the 51st Alumni Band Homecoming Reunion, which will culminate in a postgame performance of a favorite chart from the Kastens era! Hint: Zombie dance moves are required!

Registration closes Sept. 6; however, registration for Saturday´s pregame performance closes when we reach 300 registrants, which may be earlier. advan

Contact: Lindsey Koby 319-467-3351

Departments: Center for Advancement, School of Music

October 24, 2024
Osterhaus Medal for Lifetime Achievement and Alumni Awards Ceremony
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 180 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Join us as we honor the following UI College of Pharmacy award recipients during homecoming weekend:

  • Jean M. Schmidt Chair in Drug Discovery - Jill M. Kolesar, PharmD, MS
  • Osterhaus Medal for Lifetime Achievement Award - Matt Osterhaus (80BSPh) and Marilyn Osterhaus (80BSPh)
  • Distinguished Alumni Award - Barry Carter (78BSPh), Val Jensen (90BSPh), and David Miller (83BSPh)
  • Honorary Alumni Award - Judy Domer and Tim Franson (81R)
  • Genesis Alumni Award - Jessica Frank (07PharmD) and Yogita Krishnamachari (11PhD)

The ceremony is free to attend, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Contact: Holly Lauer 319-353-5626

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 25, 2024
The University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards
3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 93 East Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

From health care innovators to world-renowned researchers, University of Iowa graduates know how to go for the gold in all they do - and each year since 1963, we´ve recognized a select group of these luminaries with our prestigious University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Awards.

UI President Barbara Wilson cordially invites you and a guest to join us in celebrating our newest recipients, who have followed their dreams and helped change the world.

Register Today!

A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

This event is part of Iowa´s 2024 Homecoming festivities. For more information, contact Nici Bontrager at nici.bontrager@foriowa.org or call 319-467-3607.

2024 University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

  • Michael V. Michener, Distinguished Friend of the University Award
  • James A. "Jim" Wiese (58BBA), Distinguished Hickerson Award
  • Jon Lensing (20MD), Distinguished Recent Graduate Award
  • John A. Kundel (69BA, 74MA), Distinguished "Forevermore" Staff Award
  • John J. Callaghan (83R), Distinguished Faculty Award*
  • Morgan Jones (60BM, 61MA), Distinguished Faculty Award
  • Mary Seelman Mascher (75BA, 82MA), Distinguished Service Award
  • Kathryn M. Edwards (73MD), Distinguished Achievement Award

*2023 recipient

Learn more about our honorees.

Contact: Nici Bontrager 319-467-3607

Departments: Center for Advancement, Tippie College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Homecoming, Division of Student Life

October 25, 2024
UI College of Nursing Tailgate
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA US 52246

Join us for a free, family-friendly homecoming tailgate at the UI College of Nursing. Learn more online or by contacting Leah Koppes at 319-467-3295.

Parking will be available in the Newton Road Ramp.

Contact: Leah Koppes 319-467-3295

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 25, 2024
UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business Tailgate
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 21 East Market Street, Iowa City, IA US 52245

Celebrate with fellow alums at the annual Tippie Tailgate. Mingle with Tippie Dean Amy Kristof-Brown and enjoy free food and family-fun entertainment before the parade. Learn more online.

Contact: Tippie College of Business 319-335-0862

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 25, 2024
Homecoming Parade
5:45 pm - 7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 1 North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Join us for the 2024 Homecoming Parade! Special thanks to our parade sponsor, City of Iowa City!

Contact: Matt McDonnell 630-870-6109

Departments: Homecoming, Division of Student Life

October 25, 2024
University of Iowa Celebration in Tokyo
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CDT)

Connect with fellow Hawkeyes, hear about current happenings at the University of Iowa, and learn about the future of the Japan Iowa Club.

2024 October 25 (Friday)
6 p.m. (18:00)

Tokyo American Club
2-1-2 Azabudai
Minato-ku Tokyo
106-8649 Japan

Register here: https://foriowa.info/3yoOFUw

Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. Katharine Lasansky, executive director of development at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, will be your host for the evening.

Registration is $30 and will help the Japan Iowa Club create student and scholarship support opportunities.

Contact: Katharine Lasansky 319-541-0471

Departments: Center for Advancement, International Studies Program, International Writing Program, Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

October 25, 2024
UI College of Engineering Party After the Parade
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 103 South Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Stop by after the parade to learn about the exciting things happening at the UI College of Engineering. The party features STEM-based activities led by our student organizations. Herky the Hawk and the Hawkeye Marching Band will also make an appearance.

Pre-registration has ended. Visitors are welcome to stop without pre-registering but will be asked to register upon entry. Contact Brian Morelli at brian-morelli@uiowa.edu with questions.

Contact: Brian Morelli 319-467-3017

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 25, 2024
UI College of Pharmacy Alumni, Family, and Friends Celebration
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Join alumni, friends, faculty, and staff for a family-friendly event following the homecoming parade. We´ll honor the 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 classes. Food will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

Pre-registration is required. Adults are $15, children ages 6-12 years old are $8, and children 5-and-under are free.

Contact: Holly Lauer 319-356-5626

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 26, 2024
UI Medicine Alumni and Friends Tailgate
9:00 am - 11:00 am (CDT)

We hope you will join us for the medicine alumni and friends breakfast tailgate. Reserve your spot online, and join us as you will have the wonderful chance to connect with alumni, current students, and faculty and staff. We´ll also have medical campus tours and STEM-related activities.

Parking will be available in the Newton Road Parking Ramp.

Contact: UI Health Care Outreach and Engagement 319-335-8886

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 26, 2024
UI College of Education Alumni and Friends Tailgate
11:00 am - 1:00 pm (CDT)
Where: 240 South Madison Street, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Enjoy free boxed picnic lunches, gifts, prize drawings, and musical entertainment provided by the Silver Swing Band. The Iowa Raptor Project will also provide an opportunity to meet one of the hawks in the courtyard. Register online!

Contact: Lois Gray 319-335-5347

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 26, 2024
UI College of Public Health Alumni and Friends Lunch
11:30 am - 1:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 145 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA US 52246

Join fellow alumni, students, faculty, and staff for a free pregame lunch provided by area food trucks. We´ll also have live music by Ingrid Streitz. Learn more online or by contacting Tara McKee at tara-mckee@uiowa.edu or 319-384-4277.

Contact: Tara McKee 319-384-4277

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 26, 2024
Iowa Football vs. Northwestern
2:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 825 Stadium Dr, Iowa City, IA US 52240

Cheer on the Hawkeyes as they face off against Northwestern.

Contact: Department of Athletics 319-335-9327

Departments: Center for Advancement

October 26, 2024
University of Iowa Celebration in Seoul
6:00 pm (CDT)

Connect with fellow Hawkeyes, hear about current happenings at the University of Iowa, and learn about the future of the Korea Iowa Club.

2024 Oct. 26 (Saturday)
6 p.m. (18:00)

Register here: https://foriowa.info/4e5IILe

Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
23 Jangmun-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
04392 South Korea

Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. Katharine Lasansky, executive director of development at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, will be your host for the evening.

Contact: Katharine Lasansky 319-541-0471

Departments: Center for Advancement, International Studies Program, International Writing Program, Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

September 22, 2024 - November 24, 2024
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:

Sept. 22 | Alisha Jeddeloh

Oct. 27 | Blueberry Morningsnow

Nov. 24 | Barbara Price

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Pentacrest Museums, International Writing Program, The Writing University, Office of the Provost, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Advancement

October 31, 2024
School's Out at the Stanley | Spooky Clay Magnet
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Get ready for a spook-tacular time in our children´s art program where creativity meets Halloween fun! In this engaging workshop, kids will craft their very own spooky clay magnets. This program is perfect for young artists who love to get their hands dirty and create something unique and festive.

Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/schools-out-at-the-stanley-spooky-clay-magnet/3066982

Please arrive in time for children to settle in and begin the project at 2 p.m.

School's Out at the Stanley is offered on days when Iowa City Community Schools Districts have no classes. Art projects are developed with school-aged children in mind. All abilities and experience levels are welcome. Caregivers must remain with children during the program.

Program led by Debra Marqusee.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Pentacrest Museums, Office of the Provost, Center for Advancement

October 31, 2024
Halloween Tour at the Stanley
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

Put on your favorite costume and join us for Terrifically Terrifying Treasures, a special Halloween tour on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The tour will highlight the eerie side of some favorites from the Stanley collection, and also be an opportunity to view special items pried from the darkest corners of our storage vault! Artwork featured on this tour will cover a variety of mediums that depict haunting landscapes, traditions of burial, ghostly apparitions, witchy abstractions, mythical monsters, and iconic Halloween imagery.

This tour will cover sensitive subjects and is recommended for ages 15 years old and up.

Terrifically Terrifying Treasures will be led by Jessica Moore, an Iowa City native, who joined the docent program in 2022. Jessica began crafting the tour while visiting the Berkshires last winter on an historic ghost tour of Ventfort Hall, a gilded age mansion. Moore thought the combination of historic facts and spooky stories were a fun twist for a traditional tour.

This tour is part of the Sundays with the Docents program, where Stanley docents create unique tours to share with audiences throughout the year.. Walk-ins are welcome on the tour, but using the sign up is strongly recommended as tours are capped at 20 participants. We also encourage tour participants to wear costume to join in the festivities.

Registration for this event is now closed, we are fully booked.

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Pentacrest Museums, Office of the Provost, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

August 2, 2024 - December 5, 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 the Hageboeck Hall of Birds (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. 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 and crossing the auditorium to the north side of the building. 

Contact: Carolina Kaufman 319-467-3130

Departments: Pentacrest Museums, Museum of Natural History, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Student Life, Leadership and Engagement, Department of Biology, University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, University Libraries, Department of English

November 7, 2024
Iowa Alumni and Friends Group Tours of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
All Day ()
Where: 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA US 90301

Join University of Iowa alumni and friends as we tour SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers and future host of the 2028 Summer Olympics´ opening and closing ceremonies. 

All guide-led tours include access to patio spaces, owners club premium areas, 50-yard line club seats, locker rooms, and the field (sideline only on Saturday). Field activities include a 40-yard dash, passing stations, and field goal kicking (only on Thursday). 

Registration link: SoFi Stadium Tour Registration Form

For questions, please contact Molly Torchia (molly.torchia@foriowa.org) or Aamir Walton (aamir.walton@foriowa.org). 

Contact: Molly Torchia 319-467-3749

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 8, 2024
Hawkeye Game Day Tailgate at UCLA
9:00 am - 6:00 pm (CST)
Where: 99 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA US 91105

Join Hawkeye fans at Barney's Beanery in Pasadena! Iowa football classics will be aired, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.  

Contact: Molly Torchia 319-467-3749

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 8, 2024
Football Hawkeye Huddle: UCLA
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CST)
Where: 119 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA US 91105

Iowa football season is almost here! In addition to our seven home games, we hope you can join us at one of our Hawkeye Huddles this season when the Iowa football team is on the road.

Hawkeye Huddles are free, pregame pep rallies that feature cash refreshments and snacks, door prizes, a Hawkeye DJ, Herky the Hawk, and the Iowa Spirit Squads. 

Register today: https://foriowa.info/UCLA24

Pre-registration is optional. For Hawkeye Huddles that do not have game times set, these events will begin three hours prior to game time or no earlier than 9 a.m.

For more information and additional details on 2024 Hawkeye Huddles, visit the I-Club website at www.jointheiclub.com or email hawkeyeevents@foriowa.org.

Contact: Hawkeye Events 319-467-3410

Departments: Center for Advancement, Department of Athletics, Dentistry Alumni, Division of Student Life

November 9, 2024
Iowa Alumni and Friends Group Tours of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
All Day ()
Where: 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA US 90301

Join University of Iowa alumni and friends as we tour SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers and future host of the 2028 Summer Olympics´ opening and closing ceremonies. 

All guide-led tours include access to patio spaces, owners club premium areas, 50-yard line club seats, locker rooms, and the field (sideline only on Saturday). Field activities include a 40-yard dash, passing stations, and field goal kicking (only on Thursday). 

Registration link: SoFi Stadium Tour Registration Form

For questions, please contact Molly Torchia (molly.torchia@foriowa.org) or Aamir Walton (aamir.walton@foriowa.org). 

Contact: Molly Torchia 319-467-3749

Departments: Center for Advancement

November 10, 2024
Charlotte Hawkeye Pregame Social
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm (CST)
Where: 620 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC US 28202

Join us for a pregame social before the Iowa women´s basketball team takes on Virginia Tech!  

Register here: https://foriowa.info/3BH1x9N

Appetizers and beverages will be provided. The Hawkeyes and Hokies tip off at 5:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Center, which is less than a mile away.

We hope to see you in Charlotte!


Thank you to our event sponsors, Craig and Mitzi Lynch and Parker Poe Attorneys & Counselors at Law.

Contact: Holly Jones 319-467-3377

Departments: Center for Advancement

September 15, 2024 - December 15, 2024
Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA US 52242

The Drawing Salon focuses on drawing artworks from the museum's collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their own visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery.

Pencils and sketchbooks/paper are the only artmaking materials allowed in the galleries. The museum has golf pencils with erasers and clipboards for participants to use. Stools and benches are available in the galleries.

Robert Caputo, an Iowa City-based painter and sculptor, will lead the Drawing Salons.

The drawing salon is limited to 15 participants. Please reserve your spot by clicking below:

Sept. 15, 2024

Oct. 20, 2024

Nov. 17, 2024

Dec. 15, 2024

Contact: Stanley Museum of Art 319-335-1727

Departments: University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Pentacrest Museums, Center for Advancement, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

November 19, 2024
Denver: Together Hawkeyes Tour
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CST)
Where: 3563 Wazee Street, Denver, CO US 80216

Together, Hawkeyes continue to blaze new trails and fuel discoveries. This fall, we are headed to Denver-and we hope you will join us for a special night celebrating all things black and gold.

RSVP here: https://foriowa.info/4f9OA6J

You'll gain insights into the Together Hawkeyes campaign and plans to expand programming to support our first-generation students. You´ll also learn about other university happenings as you hear from:

  • Barbara Wilson, University of Iowa president
  • Lynette Marshall, UI Center for Advancement president and CEO
  • Jessica Valois, a fourth-year marketing major who will talk about her experiences as a first-generation college student in the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business
     

Hors d´oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided, including Bigsby´s wine and local craft beers.

We hope to see you in Denver!

Please note: Parking is available in the Zeppelin Station Parking Garage, which is located next door to Bigsby´s Folly. Guests will receive a validation sticker upon arrival. Free parking is also available on Wazee Street between 36th and 38th streets, as well as other surrounding streets.

Contact: Laurel Hall 319-467-3518

Departments: Center for Advancement

March 28, 2025
Iowa Symphony Band and Iowa State University Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 pm (CDT)
Where: 20 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL US 60604

The Iowa Symphony Band will once again appear in one of the finest concert halls in the world when they perform in Orchestra Hall in Chicago. The Symphony Band, under the direction of Director of Bands Mark Heidel, will join the Iowa State University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Director of Bands Michael Golemo to present a unique collaborative performance. 

These ensembles have never collaborated, and the March performance will be a thrilling experience for the performers as well as a proud moment for the State of Iowa. Alongside the 2008 Carnegie Hall concert, the 2025 Orchestra Hall concert will rank among the most noteworthy achievements in the rich history of Iowa Bands.

Contact: UI School of Music 319-335-1603

Departments: Center for Advancement

May 8, 2025
Eight Over 80 Awards
11:00 am (CDT)

As Hawkeyes, we give back throughout our lives.

We're leaders in our professions. We're generous with our time and talent. We're passionate about things we love - especially anything black and gold. And some Hawkeyes continue to make an impact well beyond retirement.

That's why we are honoring Iowa alumni, age 80 and over, who carry the Hawkeye spirit of achievement and continue to help others.

Nominate a Hawkeye for this award: https://www.foriowa.org/eight-over-80/

Contact: Erin Brokel 319-467-3668

Departments: Center for Advancement, Office of Community Engagement, Office of the Provost

Related Content

Lester, a former collegiate quarterback, hopes to use his more than two decades of coaching experience to jumpstart Iowa?s offense

Thanks to a network of Lions Club volunteers, the University of Iowa-based program identifies eye problems early in toddlers and preschoolers. PHOTO COURTESY WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION From left, Lori Short, program manager of Iowa KidSight; Leon, Brady, and Heather Hospodarsky; and Doug Mechaelsen, director of operations at Whirlpool-Amana Division, are pictured at the annual Whirlpool Suppliers Golf Tournament earlier this year in Amana. The fundraising tournament raised more than $23,000 for Iowa KidSight. Heather and Leon Hospodarsky?s son, Brady, was 2 years old when he brought home a manila envelope from daycare. Inside were the results of a vision screening conducted by local Lions Club volunteers through Iowa KidSight, a statewide program based at the University of Iowa.? The test identified a potential deficiency in Brady?s vision and recommended a follow-up with an eye care professional. A local eye doctor soon confirmed their son had amblyopia, a condition commonly known as ?lazy eye,? which can occur in young children when their neural pathways fail to develop.? Brady was legally blind in his left eye, limiting his depth perception and peripheral vision. Yet his parents were unaware until the KidSight screening. For the next several years, Brady?s doctor had him wear a patch periodically over his stronger eye to force his left eye to strengthen.? PHOTO COURTESY IOWA KIDSIGHT Ellie Naaf of Fort Dodge is among the many Iowa children who have been benefited from a vision screening by Iowa KidSight, which led to her new pair of eyeglasses. The Fort Dodge Lions Club is home to some of Iowa KidSight?s most active volunteers, who screen thousands of children each year across three counties. ?With amblyopia, you have a window of time to correct the vision while the nerve pathways are developing,? Heather Hospodarsky says. ?Brady was given time to correct his vision through KidSight that he wouldn?t have had otherwise.?? Since 2000, Iowa KidSight volunteers have helped thousands of children like Brady in each of the state?s 99 counties through a partnership between Lions Club of Iowa and the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. Lions Club volunteers visit local daycares and preschools where they perform the free, voluntary vision screenings using specialized digital cameras. The images are then interpreted by a UI ophthalmology specialist for issues like farsightedness, nearsightedness, cataracts, muscle imbalances, and astigmatisms.?? Of the 50,000 Iowa children that KidSight screens on average per year, about 5 percent are flagged for potential vision problems and referred to an eye doctor. The program has identified nearly 40,000 children with vision issues over the past 22 years. In some cases, it has detected problems that?if left untreated?could result in permanent vision loss, says Lori Short, program manager for Iowa KidSight.? ?The great thing about this program is that it helps asymptomatic kids,? says Short. ?Almost every single letter we get back from parents starts with, ?I had no idea that my kid wasn?t seeing that well.??? John Stoll, an Iowa City Noon Lions Club member who coordinates the KidSight program for Johnson County, estimates he?s screened nearly 10,000 children to date. One of the first kids he tested was his own grandson at a daycare in North Liberty. ?That?s all they needed to do to get me hooked on it,? says Stoll, a retired loan officer who jokes that he now works for high fives and hugs from the kids.? Stoll still remembers one combative boy whom he chased around a daycare room during a screening with his camera. When the boy hid under a table, Stoll laid on the floor to snap a quick image. He was glad he did?the results showed that the child?s vision was poor, and he was eventually fitted for glasses. The next year when Stoll returned to the daycare, the director told him the difference in the boy?s behavior was night and day.? ?They were literally days away from kicking the kid out of daycare because they couldn?t control him,? Stoll says. ?He couldn?t see anything without putting it to his face?that?s the reason he was fighting anybody and everybody. He got his glasses and became the model daycare child.?? The Hospodarskys likewise count themselves among KidSight?s many success stories thanks to early intervention. Today, Brady is a high school freshman who, with the help of his contacts, has near-perfect vision. He enjoys golfing with his father and grandpa, and he plans to play for his high school golf team this spring in Alburnett, Iowa. This past fall, the family participated in the annual Whirlpool Suppliers Tournament in Amana?a golf fundraiser that brought in more than $23,000 for Iowa KidSight.? ?We?re incredibly grateful for the KidSight program, the volunteers who make it happen, and those who contribute financially,? Heather Hospodarsky says. ?We want to help give back too and spread the word about the program.?

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.