Contact:
Cheryl Smith, program associate, College of Natural Sciences, (319) 273-6089
Gwenne Culpepper, UNI Office of Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Since 1967, the University of Northern Iowa has been host institution to the Iowa Academy of Science. The academy has created a special category — sustaining member — to recognize this long and unique relationship. In June, the academy presented UNI's president, Robert Koob, a plaque to celebrate the event.
With more than 1,100 members, the Iowa Academy represents college and university scientists, science educators, scientists in industry and government and science teachers. Its 19 interest sections range in subject area from agricultural sciences to zoology.
“The Iowa Academy of Science is recognized nationally as one of several outstanding state academies because of its professional service to the state in science, science education and science in the public interest,” said David McCalley, executive director of the academy, and UNI emeritus professor of biology and science education.
UNI has had strong ties to the academy throughout the years. A UNI faculty members has served as executive director of the academy ever since the relationship was established by William Maucker, then president of UNI; and Clifford McCollum, then dean of the College of Natural Sciences. Those directors and the years they served are Robert W. Hanson (1967-83), James Macmillan (1983-88), Paul Rider (1988-97), all of the chemistry department, and Daryl Smith (Sept.-Dec. 1997) and David McCalley (1998 to the present), both of the biology department.
Several UNI faculty members have served as president of the organization and on its board of
directors. Lynn Brant, UNI associate professor of geology, is president-elect.
The academy holds an annual meeting as well as a fall conference for Iowa science teachers. Its technical journal publishes the results of scientific research conducted by its members. A committee of the academy evaluates proposals for science projects submitted to the Iowa Science Foundation.
This year the academy is co-sponsoring the Invasive Plants and Animals Symposium at Iowa State University in October.
“Through the years,” said McCalley, “the academy and UNI have enjoyed a special relationship, one that has had many benefits for the university and has allowed the academy to thrive.”
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Contact:
Aurelia Klink, director of non-credit programs, UNI Continuing Education, (319) 273-2830
Vicki Grimes, UNI Office of Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa —The University of Northern Iowa Elderhostel workshops will be held Sunday, July 9 through Friday, July 14, at the Cedar Falls Holiday Inn.
The week-long workshops will be conducted by UNI professors. Jerome Soneson, UNI associate professor of philosophy and religion, will present a workshop on “Religion and Popular Film.” Participants will view, study and discuss religious and ethical issues in three popular films: “Cool Hand Luke,” “Contact” and “As Good As It Gets.”
Bruce Chamberlain, UNI associate professor of music, will discuss “Religion in Music: The Sacred, the Profane and the Irreverent.” This workshop will focus on music by composers, such as Handel and Bernstein. Participants will explore the origins, developments and relationships between music and religion. An emphasis will be placed on how to listen and what to listen for as they review these composers.
Sue Grosboll, director of the UNI Museum, will discuss “The Tale of the Cloth: Stories Hidden in Textiles and Artifacts of Many Cultures.” This workshop will explore how people of the world express themselves through their clothing and crafts, which silently records their history, customs and beliefs. Participants will analyze artifacts from Peru, Nigeria, Indonesia and other countries.
Other activities include: a tour of the Victorian Home and attendance at a band concert, Tuesday, July 11; a walking tour of the UNI campus, Wednesday, July 12; and a tour of the Grout Museum and Planetarium, Thursday, July 13.
Elderhostel is a non-profit organization dedicated to the educational needs of people over 55. The program began in 1975 as a summer-only program in New England and has expanded to offer over 10,000 programs year-round worldwide to over a quarter of a million people.
For more information, contact the UNI Continuing Education and Special Programs office at (319) 273-6855 or 800-782-9519.
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