College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences

The Physics Competition (formerly known as Physics Olympics) is a series of six competitive physics events for high school students in grades 9-12. The competition stresses creativity and ingenuity as well as understanding of physics related principles and is intended to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Events include: self-propelled catapult, mousetrap car, bridge building, soda straw arm, challenge problem and material recovery facility (MRF). The MRF is sponsored by the Iowa Recycling Association.

Visiting artist Anibal Dos Santos will collaborate with UNI faculty artist Julia Bullard to present a viola recital. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Dos Santos has appeared as the principal violist of the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra and professor at the National University of Colombia. This is event is free and open to the public.

Howard Reich, arts/jazz critic for the Chicago Tribune and the child of Holocaust survivors, will show excerpts from and discuss his film, "Prisoner of Her Past," based on his book The First and Final Nightmare of Sonia Reich (recently republished as Prisoner of Her Past). The film documents his mother's late-onset PTSD resulting from her experiences during the Holocaust and Howard Reich's own journey to learn about his parents' stories of survival. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period and a book-signing and reception. Free and open to the public.

 “So Right So Smart” profiles companies on the cutting edge of more sustainable business practices that are proving that being environmentally friendly is both good for the earth and good for business. The primary focus of the film is a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of Interface Inc., a global carpet manufacturer led by Ray Anderson, one of the early pioneers of green business practices.

Since its inception in 1992, the Brentano String Quartet has appeared throughout the world to popular and critical acclaim. While they have performed in the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, they have served as the first Resident Quartet at Princeton University since 1999. During its first European tour, the Quartet was honored with the Royal Philharmonic Award for Most Outstanding Debut.  The quartet’s playing is “passionate, uninhibited, and spellbinding,” raves a critic for The Independent of London. A Philadelphia Inquirer reviewer praises the ensemble’s “seemingly infallible instincts for finding the center of gravity in every phrase and musical gesture.”

Under the direction of UNI School of Music assistant professor of horn Yu-Ting Su, the UNI Horn Choir will offer a spring recital. This event is free and open to the public.

In this comedy, Shakespeare weaves together two ancient folk myths, one involving a vengeful, greedy Jewish creditor trying to exact a pound of flesh from a Christian over an unpaid debt, the other involving a marriage suitor’s choice among three chests to win the hand of his beloved. How does one harmonize the Elizabethan anti-Semitic portrayal of Shylock with the fairy-tale romance of Portia and Bassanio? And then make this experience relevant and comedic to a contemporary audience? Join us as we celebrate the final production in our exploration of politically-themed work.

In this comedy, Shakespeare weaves together two ancient folk myths, one involving a vengeful, greedy Jewish creditor trying to exact a pound of flesh from a Christian over an unpaid debt, the other involving a marriage suitor’s choice among three chests to win the hand of his beloved. How does one harmonize the Elizabethan anti-Semitic portrayal of Shylock with the fairy-tale romance of Portia and Bassanio? And then make this experience relevant and comedic to a contemporary audience? Join us as we celebrate the final production in our exploration of politically-themed work.

The UNI Interpreters Theatre presents "Home Is Where Your Dog Is," conceived, written and directed by Jorge De Leon. 

Although home is defined as a place where one lives, for many people the idea of “home” is nothing more than a distant memory and a metaphor for survival. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there were an estimated 643,067 people who experienced homelessness in the United States in 2011. Set in modern day urban United States, this show reveals the struggles of everyday life in the streets.  By examining the relationship between Rusty and his dog Chucks, we begin to explore what happens when the social world around us begins to deconstruct itself and perhaps, create a new definition of home.  

Admission is free but seating is limited. Tickets will be available first-come, first-served beginning at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.

In this New York Times bestseller set during the Civil Rights Movement, a young girl's search for the truth about her mother leads her to three beekeeping sisters and the discovery of the real meaning of family. This Literature to Life Award winner, adapted for the stage in 2005, features a verbatim performance from the best selling contemporary novel. This masterful actress creates a setting that is intimate no matter how large the house.  She fully embodies the young protagonist, Lily, and brings us on her very personal journey for self.  Audience members will feel as if the story is being told to them alone and yet somehow it remains a community experience.