News Release Archive

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- "Telling Amy’s Story," a powerful documentary on domestic violence, will be shown at 7 p.m., Monday, March 28, in Old Central Ballroom B in Maucker Union on the University of Northern Iowa campus. A question and answer session with leaders and advocates in the domestic violence awareness community will follow.

The documentary tells the story of Amy, a mother of two who was shot and killed by her husband in 2001. The film is hosted by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay and told by detective Deirdri Fishel. It also includes comments from Amy’s parents, coworkers, law enforcement officers and court personnel about what happened to Amy prior to her death.

"Telling Amy's Story" is part of a Verizon Foundation series designed to bring the message of domestic violence prevention to college campuses across the country. The film's screening, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Center for Violence Prevention and Violence Intervention Services at UNI and Seeds of Hope. 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Those living in the Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa have been victims of mass atrocities, crimes against humanity and genocide. The University of Northern Iowa will host a presentation on bringing justice to the Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 31, in Room 109 in the Curris Business Building.

The presentation by Rwandan genocide and civil war survivor Claude Gateburke, the executive director and co-founder of the African Great Lakes Action Network, and Kambale Musavuli, a Congolese activist who serves as student coordinator and spokesperson for the Washington, D.C.-based organization Friends of the Congo, will discuss strategies for producing positive and lasting change in the heart of Africa.

There will also be a screening of the films "Fighting the Silence: Sexual Violence Against Women in Congo" and "Weapon of War: Confessions of a Rape in Congo" at 7 p.m., Wednesday April 6, in Room 115 Seerley Hall. These films discuss the use of sexual violence as a tool of war in the Congo and the efforts to combat it.

Brandon Long, president of UNI-STAND, the UNI chapter of the international student anti-genocide coalition, says, "With more casualties than any conflicts since World War II, sexual violence used on an unprecedented scale and the conscription of child soldiers at an astonishing rate, this region demands the attention of as many people as possible."

These events are funded by UNI-STAND and are co-sponsored by the UNI Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Stephen Gaies, director, UNI Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, at 319-273-3870 or stephen.gaies@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Ted Kooser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, will read from his work at 7 p.m., Monday, March 28, in the Commons Ballroom on the University of Northern Iowa campus. There will be a reception and book signing immediately following the lecture.

Following his presentation, Kooser will be interviewed by Jeremy Schraffenberger, UNI assistant professor of English language and literature, and take questions from the audience. A reception and book signing will conclude the evening.

One of the most highly regarded poets in the nation, Kooser served as the United States poet laureate from 2004 to 2006. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his book of poems, "Delights and Shadows." His works have appeared in "The Atlantic Monthly," "The New Yorker" and "The Hudson Review," among others. Kooser was born in Ames and earned a B.S. from Iowa State University in 1962, as well as an M.A. from the University of Nebraska in 1968. He currently lives near Garland, Neb. with his wife.

Kooser's presentation, which is part of the Reninger Speaker Series, is sponsored by the Department of English Language and Literature. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Julie Husband, associate professor of English language and literature, at 319-273-3849 or julie.husband@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A free screening of the 2010 film "Conviction" will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 24, in 002 Sabin Hall on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The Innocence Project of Iowa, the MacLin Institute for Psychological Science, the American Democracy Project and the UNI Graduate Program in Public Policy will co-sponsor the event.

"Conviction" chronicles the true story of Betty Anne Waters, played by actress Hilary Swank, and her 18-year effort to put herself through college and law school to challenge the wrongful conviction of her older brother, Kenny. Kenny Waters was exonerated in 2001 with assistance from the national Innocence Project after spending more than a third of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. 

The Innocence Project of Iowa is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that works to prevent and remedy wrongful convictions in the state through education, systemic reform and remedial casework. The organization was founded in 2007 by a group of attorneys, professors and students. Learn more about the Innocence Project of Iowa at www.iowainnocence.org. 

For more information, contact MacLin at 319-273-2302.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Registration is now open for the management workshop "Courageous Leadership: Strengthening Your on-the-job Assertiveness" hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Executive Development Center. The workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 5, in the Business and Community Services Building on the UNI campus. The registration deadline is March 29.

"Standing up for what's right takes courage," said Kim Recker, program manager for the UNI Executive Development Center. "Making decisions that aren't always the most popular with peers and employees can be stressful, but in this workshop participants will learn to take risks for their own good and for their organizations' future success."

Participants also will learn how to maintain good judgment and decision-making capabilities in demanding or stressful situations and how to push themselves and others to the next level without compromising their values. They will practice assertive communication and conflict management techniques with instructor Dewitt Jones.

The cost is $249 per person. UNI Alumni Association members receive a 10-percent discount. Businesses can purchase a consortium membership for $1,999, which entitles the business to 10 seats to any of the 2011 management training workshops. Half-day workshops count as a half seat. After the 10 seats are used, additional seats can be purchased at a discounted rate of $175 per seat.

For more information or to register, contact the UNI Executive Development Center at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu.

The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.    

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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa has received a gold ranking by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for its environmental focus through the use of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

STARS is the most comprehensive, transparent and meaningful framework for colleges and universities to gauge relative progress toward sustainability. It is designed to provide a framework for understanding sustainability in all sectors of higher education. STARS offers bronze, silver, gold and platinum ratings. No institutions have received a rating higher than gold.

Some of UNI's achievements that were mentioned with the gold rating are its offering of more than 190 courses related to sustainability, 25 percent of campus dinning center food purchased locally, and the diversion of 9461.61 tons of materials from the landfill during the last year. Additionally, students conducted more than 307,000 hours of community service.

Eric O'Brien, sustainability coordinator at UNI, says receiving the gold ranking is an honor and notable accomplishment. "Our gold rating validates and recognizes the dedication and leadership by our entire campus to engage actively in conservation and sustainability efforts. The STARS program and rating provides our benchmark and gives us opportunity to determine where we want to improve as a campus in the future."

Gloria Gibson, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, was very pleased with the rating. "The University has been involved in energy and environmental conservation and outreach efforts for years. The gold rating recognizes UNI's collective efforts to attain a strong foundation as our university community continues to reach the highest STARS level of a platinum rating.”  

There are 250 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, including five in Iowa that are enrolled in STARS. UNI is the only university in the Midwest to receive a gold rating.

For more information, contact Thomas Schellhardt at 319-273-2382.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Tallgrass Prairie Center will host a Seedling Identification Workshop, Thursday, May 12, at UNI's Tallgrass Prairie Center, 2412 W. 27^th St., Cedar Falls.

Attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible. There are 30 open spots in the workshop and it is expected to fill quickly. The registration fee is $60 and includes a catered lunch, a workshop reference binder, the Tallgrass Prairie Center's "Center Guide to Seed and Seedling ID" and native seedlings to take home. For more information or to register, contact Welch at rwelch@uni.edu or 319-273-3828. Registration information can also be faxed to 319-268-0668 before April 29.

Author Dan Buettner to share healthy-living lifestyle tips

 CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner will discuss Blue Zones® –  places in the world where higher percentages of people are living longer, healthier lives. He will also discuss how cities are receiving makeovers through his Vitality City movement. Buettner will speak at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 7, in the Commons Ballroom on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

Buettner, a researcher, explorer and author, is the founder of Blue Zones®, which specializes in individual and community well-being programs. Buettner is the author of  "The Blue Zones" and "Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way." His National Geographic cover story on longevity, "The Secrets of Living Longer," was one of the top-selling issues in the magazine's history. Buettner has been featured on Oprah, CNN, "Nightline," "Late Night with David Letterman," ABC's "Good Morning America," "The Martha Stewart Show," "Primetime Live" and NBC's "Today."

Buettner's presentation is sponsored by UNI, the Cedar Falls Public Library and the Western Home Communities. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Blue Zones and Buettner, visit http://www.bluezones.com/

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Rod Library has added another piece of history to its shelves. The library recently received more than 1,200 pieces of the well-known "Pocket Book" series, one of the first popular paperback series in the United States. The collection was donated by 1978 UNI alumnus Maurice "Moe" Wadle, who put the collection together as a hobby. It includes almost all of the titles that are available and contains books from 1939 to 1960.

Gerald Peterson, special collections librarian at Rod Library, says the books include several different subjects ranging from mysteries, popular pulp fiction, reference books and classic fine literature. "The series is a great representation of what Americans were buying, reading and thinking about during those years," said Peterson. "The books are in very nice condition, especially considering their age and cheap paper composition."

The "Pocket Book" series was a cheap alternative to hardback books and often sold at newspaper stands for only a quarter. In addition to its low price, the series received much of its appeal from the flashy, colored bindings and cover art the books possessed. The designs were often drawn by well-known commercial artists. According to Peterson, the books will be useful for faculty and students who are interested in 20^th century U.S. popular culture, commercial art and graphic design.

The collection is now cataloged and available for use in the Special Collections section of Rod Library from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact Peterson at 319-273-6307.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- UNI Panther Productions will sponsor singer, songwriter and producer Mike Posner in a performance at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 21, in the West Gym on the UNI campus.

Posner will perform hits from his debut album "31 Minutes to Takeoff," which includes the songs "Cooler Than Me" and "Please Don't Go."

Tickets are $15 for UNI students (limit two) and $25 for the public. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, and can be purchased through any UNItix outlet, www.unitix.uni.edu or by calling 319-273-4TIX. Tickets will also be sold in Maucker Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, through Thursday, March 24. All seats are general admission.

For more information, contact Mike Bobeldyk, associate director Maucker Union administration, at 319-273-5888 or mike.bobeldyk@uni.edu. 

Caregiving for Aging Parents

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa Panther Speakers program will offer a free webinar "Caregiving for Aging Parents," presented by Elaine Eshbaugh, assistant professor in the School of Applied Human Sciences, from noon to 12:50 p.m., on Wednesday, March. 23.

Caring for older loved ones is a concern for many families. It's estimated that 34 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for older adult friends or family members. This webinar will discuss needs and challenges of aging families. Topics will include the decision-making process regarding issues such as nursing homes, Alzheimer's and dementia and end-of-life care.

Eshbaugh coordinates UNI's undergraduate gerontology program. Her research interests also include the resilience of older adult women who live alone.

To learn more about the UNI Panther Speakers program or to register for this free webinar, visit www.uni.edu/pantherspeakers.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Teachers seeking teaching positions can attend the UNI Teacher Fair from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 26, at Maucker Union on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

Educators from more than 40 school districts across Iowa and the U.S. will be in attendance to discuss job opportunities. A list of districts is available at www.uni.edu/careerservices/events/teacherfair.html. Educators who will be eligible to teach in the 2011-12 school year may participate.

No registration fee for teachers is required. For more information, contact Kristin Cahill, employer relations coordinator at UNI Career Services, at 319-273-6857 or kristin.cahill@uni.edu. 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Many students may wonder about what life at the University of Northern Iowa was like more than 70 years ago. Now, they can see it for themselves. Ruth Buchholz, daughter of Leroy Blumer, a former student at what was then the Iowa State Teachers College, donated a collection of pictures that her father took while he was a student.

Blumer's photos focus on his friends, with a few shots from around town and on campus. During his time on campus, the Commons was under construction. This was the first general gathering area for students, as Maucker Union had not yet been constructed. The Commons featured radios, phonographs and even a soda fountain. The College Hill business district was already thriving. Since fewer students owned cars, the Hill was a place where students could buy groceries, flowers, shoes and meals. Some restaurants even had meal plans.

During those days, in the height of the Depression, money was difficult to come by. These students survived on $10 a week. Blumer had to pay between $20 and $30 per semester for tuition. He shucked corn while attending school, earning about $1 a day. This demonstrated his commitment to attending school, despite how hard he had to work to afford it.

Individuals interested in the pictures can view them at https://www.library.uni.edu/collections/special-collections/snapshots-1933. For more information, contact Gerry Peterson, special collections librarian and archivist at Rod Library, at gerald.peterson@uni.edu or 319-273-6307.

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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Students at the University of Northern Iowa went to the polls Feb. 22 and 23 to decide who would represent them next year in the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG). With approximately 75 percent of the vote, Spencer Walrath and Ian Goldsmith were elected student body president and vice president.

"Our overall goal as president and vice president is to make UNI a welcoming, active and affordable school," said Walrath, a music and psychology major. "We want UNI to become student's home away from home."

Goldsmith, a theater and psychology major, is equally excited to begin his term. "My main goal is to really connect the student body with the student government to generate and accomplish great ideas next year."

Walrath and Goldsmith assume office April 15. During March they will transition into their new leadership roles by meeting with university officials and interviewing students to serve in their executive cabinet.

Joel Anderson, outgoing NISG president, says the biggest challenge the new administration will have is keeping the pressure on Des Moines, where education budget cuts continue to be debated in the legislature. "I've had the luxury of having a year to prepare for these budget arguments. Spencer and Ian will have a month before [current NISG vice president] Emma Hashman and I pass the baton," said Anderson. "I'll try my best to make sure they are prepared, but they're going to have to work harder than they ever have before."

In addition to electing a new president and vice president, students also selected more than 30 students to serve them in the NISG senate.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly known as American Humanics) will host the seventh annual Cedar Valley Nonprofit Awards Luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 15, in the UNI Commons Ballroom.

During the luncheon, leaders of local nonprofits will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. Award categories include Business Partner of the Year, Nonprofit Staff Leader of the Year, Nonprofit Board Member of the Year, Koob Award for Collaboration, Gordon Mack Award for Student Leadership, Legacy Award, New Nonprofit Employee of the Year and Exceptional Nonprofit of the Year.

Anyone can submit a nomination, and there is no limit to the number of nominations that may be submitted. Nominations are due Friday, March 25.

For more information on the nomination process, contact Julianne Gassman, assistant professor, health physical education and leisure services, at 319-273-2264 or visit www.uni-nonprofit.org.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art and the UNI Department of Art will present the "Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition" from March 21 through April 17.

This year's exhibition showcases outstanding works of art by students in the UNI Department of Art. The juror for this year's competition is Kansas City-based gallery owner and director Sherry Leedy. From nearly 400 entries, Leedy will choose 100 to be exhibited, along with a number of merit awards and honorable mentions. A juror's lecture will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, in the auditorium at the Kamerick Art Building (KAB).

An awards ceremony and reception for the exhibition will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, March 21, in the KAB Art Auditorium.

All events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is located at the corner of Hudson Road and West 27^th Street on the main floor of KAB South.

For more information, call 319-273-3095 or visit www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery.

Winners to be announced at the Iowa Entrepreneurs Conference and Venture Forum on Oct. 25

CEDAR FALLS -- The John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition will accept entries for the 2011 competition beginning March 1. New and start-up businesses (in business for less than four years) are eligible to enter the competition for the chance to win up to $25,000. The deadline to enter is April 30.

Applicants are required to submit business plan information via AngelSoft. A link to the AngelSoft submission page is available at the competition website, www.IowaBusinessPlanCompetition.com.

After several rounds of reviews and interviews, the three winning business plans will be announced at the Iowa Entrepreneurs Conference and Venture Forum on Oct. 25 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition is designed to stimulate business development and provide support for outstanding business plans. This year a total of $50,000 will be awarded to the top three submitted business plans: $25,000 for first prize, $15,000 for second and $10,000 for third. Honorable mention and $1,000 will be awarded to additional companies.

Assistance with business plan entries is available at the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa; the Small Business Development Centers throughout the state; and the business accelerators in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, Red Oak and Mason City.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers provide entrepreneurial education and business support, partnering with agencies like the Small Business Development Center, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Entrepreneurial Development Centers and local entrepreneurs to assist with funding and other business needs.

Rules, eligibility, timelines and assistance information are available at the competition website, www.IowaBusinessPlanCompetition.com.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- In honor of Women's History Month, the University of Northern Iowa will host a series of events throughout March. All events are free and open to the public.

To kick off Women's History Month, there will be an open house from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 3, in Room 225, Sabin Hall. The film "The Codes of Gender: Identity & Performance in Pop Culture" will be shown at 5 p.m. in Room 324, Rod Library. 

The Center for Multicultural Education (CME) will sponsor two lectures. Susan Douglas, author, columnist, cultural critic and professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan, will present a lecture on feminism and sexism of women in the media at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, in the Maucker Union Ballroom.

Joann Faung Jean Lee will present the lecture "Reflections on Evolving Asian American Images Along the Road to the American Dream" at 3:30 p.m., Monday, March 28, in Room 109A, CME. Lee is a former television journalist for CNN and author of the book "Asian Americans in the Twenty-First Century: Oral Histories of First to Fourth Generation Americans from China, the Philippines, Japan, India, the Pacific Islands, Vietnam and Cambodia."

The Women's History Month Panel will hold two discussions. The first is "The Truth About Feminism," from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, March 21, in Room 109A, CME. Young feminists will address how and why they see themselves as feminists and what feminism is in the 21^st century. Those attending are encouraged to bring their lunch. The second discussion is "Women, Men and Wrestling in Iowa," from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, in the Oak Room, Maucker Union. Panelists will discuss the recent refusal of a male high school wrestler to face his female opponent in the Iowa state wrestling tournament, as well as general gender issues in the sport of wrestling.

The Hearst Lecture Series will sponsor Courtney E. Martin, senior correspondent for "The American Prospect," in her discussion about her book "Do It Anyway: The New Generation of Activists," in which she profiles eight young people who are doing social justice work. The discussion will be held at 7:30 p.m., March 28, in Lang Hall Auditorium. Amandajean Freking Nolte, communications studies, will facilitate a reading group in conjunction with Martin's discussion. There are a limited number of texts available. To get a copy, contact Nolte at amandajean.nolte@uni.edu.

Guerilla Girls On Tour will present "Feminists are Funny" from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, in Lang Hall Auditorium. "Feminists are Funny" is a combination of works from women in the 20th century, visual works, street theatre actions and excerpts from the current comedies of the Guerrilla Girls On Tour.

Related events in March include the Women's and Gender Studies Program's CROW Forum lecture with Phyllis Baker, UNI Women's and Gender Studies, and Kevin Leicht, University of Iowa professor of sociology. They will present their research, titled "Economic Development and Women's Life Chances," at noon, Monday, March 7, in the CME. 

UNI Proud will sponsor a performance by Kate Bornstein at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, in the Ballroom, Maucker Union. Bornstein is a transgender activist, performance artist and author of "Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation."

For more information about Women's History Month, contact Phyllis Baker, director and professor of women's and gender studies, at 319-273-7102 or phyllis.baker@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Priya Shahani, program coordinator of the Monarch Joint Venture at the University of Minnesota, will speak at 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, at the University of Northern Iowa's Tallgrass Prairie Center. Her lecture, titled "Monarch Biology, Conservation Needs, and the Monarch Joint Venture" is part of the Natural Resources Research and Management Seminar Series, sponsored by the Tallgrass Prairie Center.

Over the past few decades, monarch butterflies have become the focus of increasing conservation concern. Recently, a number of agencies and organizations teamed together to form the Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), a partnership effort to conserve the monarch and its migration across the nation. Shahani will introduce the basics of monarch biology and their migration, as well as the conservation challenges that face monarchs. She will also discuss recent efforts of the MJV to understand monarch population trends using citizen science data.

Shahani is the national program coordinator for the MJV. Previously, she worked as a natural areas ecologist for a system of conservation lands managed by Washington state's Department of Natural Resources, designing habitat restoration projects and conducting research focused on protecting the endangered species and ecosystems of Eastern Washington. She holds a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California-Santa Cruz, where her research focused on pollination and population biology of rare and sensitive plants.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ryan Welch, outreach coordinator at the Tallgrass Prairie Center, at 319-273-3828 or rwelch@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Susan Douglas, prize-winning author, columnist, cultural critic and the author of the book "Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message that Feminism's Work is Done," will speak at the University of Northern Iowa at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, in the Maucker Union Ballroom. Her lecture will focus on her analysis of the mixed messages surrounding women and the struggle she has seen in the media between embedded feminism and enlightened sexism. Prior to the lecture, Douglas will offer an hour-long book discussion at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, in the Center for Multicultural Education (CME) in Maucker Union. There will also be a reception with the author at 2:30 p.m. in the CME.

Douglas received her B.A. from Elmira College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Brown University. She has lectured around the country and is currently a professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan. She is the author of the column "Back Talk," which appears monthly in the publication "These Times." Among others, she has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The CBS Early Show" and National Public Radio's "Fresh Air."

"Enlightened Sexism," her newest book, is a follow up to "Where the Girls Are" and was released in March 2010. The book discusses the widening gap between the portrayal of women in the mass media and the everyday lives of girls and women in the United States. Other books she has written include "The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How it Undermines Women," "Listening In: Radio and the American Imagination" and "Inventing American Broadcasting, 1899-1922."

The event, sponsored by the CME is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kolby Knupp, graduate assistant at the CME, at 319-273-2250 or kolby@uni.edu.

Enrollment deadline is March 18 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Registration is now open for the management workshop "Conflict Brings Clarity: Conflict Resolution Achieved" hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Executive Development Center. The workshop is 12:30 to 4 p.m., March 25, in the Business and Community Services Building on the UNI campus. The registration deadline is March 18.

Debra Salz, workshop instructor, will conduct active dialogue sessions and skill practices to help participants become more familiar with conflict and how to reach resolutions. Participants will learn and practice steps to take when conflicts arise and discuss how conflict can be a positive aspect of their organizations that pushes them to the next level.

The cost is $175 per person. UNI Alumni Association members receive a 10-percent discount. Businesses can purchase a consortium membership for $1,999, which entitles the business to 10 seats to any of the 2011 management training workshops. Half-day workshops count as a half seat. After the 10 seats are used, additional seats can be purchased at a discounted rate of $175 per seat.

For more information or to register, contact the UNI Executive Development Center at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu.

The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.     

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- E. Patrick Johnson will be at the University of Northern Iowa as part of the Hearst Lecture Series at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, in the Interpreter's Theatre in Lang Hall, Room 040. This event is rescheduled from its earlier date of Feb. 3 that was cancelled due to weather. He will perform "Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Tales," a solo performance based on the narratives in his book "Sweet Tea" (University of North Carolina Press, 2008).

Johnson has published widely in the areas of race, class and gender, and performance. His first book, "Appropriating Blackness: Performance and the Politics of Authenticity," published in 2003, dealt with cultural, social and political battles over origin, ownership, circulation and performance. The book won several awards. In addition to his published work, Johnson is also a performing artist. He toured his one-man show, "Strange Fruit," around the country between 1999 and 2004.

Johnson is a professor and chair of the Department of Performance Studies and a professor in the Department of African American Studies at Northwestern University. Along with touring "Pouring Tea," he is working on an anthology of black queer performance texts and researching queer sexuality and performance in the black church.

Admission to the performance is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and advanced reservations are suggested. For more information on Johnson, visit www.epatrickjohnson.com, or contact Christopher Martin, professor of communication studies, at 319-273-6188 or christopher.martin@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --The performances of the Blue Man Group at the University of Northern Iowa's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center originally scheduled for Jan. 25, 26 and 27 have been rescheduled for Sept. 6, 7 and 8. An additional performance has been added for Sept. 9.

Tickets for Tuesday, Jan. 25, will be valid for Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Wednesday, Jan. 26, will be valid for Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Thursday, Jan. 27, will be valid for Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The fourth performance will be Friday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

If patrons have a conflict with the date their tickets are valid, they'll be able to exchange them for the fourth performance, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 24. They'll have until 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 28, to exchange tickets. Please come to any UNItix outlet or call 319-273-4TIX.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., Friday, March 11, available seats will be offered to ticket holders on the waiting list. The general public will be able to order tickets for any open seats beginning at 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 21.

For more information, call 319-273-4TIX.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Julie Dash, an acclaimed African-American movie director, was to speak at the University of Northern Iowa from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, as part of the Hearst Lecture Series. Her visit had to be canceled due to weather causing flight cancelation.  The talk will be rescheduled.

For more information, contact Christopher Martin, professor of communication studies, at 319-273-6188 or christopher.martin@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Women's & Gender Studies program will celebrate Women's History Month with an open house and tours of its new facility.  The event will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, in Sabin Hall 225.

The program will commemorate Susan Allbee, a UNI professor of sociology and women's and gender studies from 1989 to 2007. Allbee passed away Feb. 5. A memorial fund has been established in her name to purchase diversity and gender studies materials for UNI's Rod Library.

Speakers for the program include Alice Swensen, UNI professor emeritus and former director of the UNI Women's Studies program; Ron Roberts, UNI professor emeritus of sociology; and Martha Reineke, former director of the UNI Women's Studies program.

For more information, contact Carol Squires at 319-273-7102.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will host a Service-Learning conference titled "Linking Civic Literacy and Service-Learning with the Iowa Core." The workshop begins at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, in the University Room in the lower level of Maucker Union. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 for registration and refreshments. Attendees will receive a complimentary parking pass for the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center parking lot at the entrance to the lot.

Throughout the six-hour workshop, there will be five sessions. From 9:20 to 10 a.m., Dwight Watson, dean of the College of Education, will present "Linking Service-Learning with Diverse Student Populations." From 10:10 to 11 a.m., Nadene Davidson, interim director of the Department of Teaching, will present "Linking Civic Literacy and Service-Learning with the Iowa Core." Kathy Lockard, the congressional coordinator for Green Hills Area Education Agency, will present "Project Citizen Awareness" from 1 to 2 p.m. Gayle Olson, state coordinator, will present "Representative Democracy in America" from 1 to 3 p.m. The final session of the day will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Lee Weber, the congressional coordinator for Malcolm Price Laboratory School, will present "We the People, The Citizen and the Constitution."

Co-sponsors of the event include Area Education Agency 267 Educational Services, the Iowa Department ComServ Grants, the UNI College of Education, the American Democracy Project and the UNI Provost's Office.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, March 2, and while there is no registration fee, pre-registration is required for lunch, parking and handouts. For more information, contact Sarah Montgomery, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, at 319-273-2167 or sarah.montgomery@uni.edu; or Linda Martin, educational consultant at Area Education Agency 267, at 319-273-8215 or lmartin@aea267.k12.ia.us.

IOWA CITY, Iowa --The results of voluntary groundwater testing beneath a quarry where the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa deposit coal and biomass ash have shown levels of the sampled constituents all well below state and federal standards.

Levels for many constituents were so low that laboratory equipment had difficulty detecting anything but trace and statistically insignificant amounts.

In 2003, the universities received a permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to begin depositing the ash as fill in the Basics Materials Corporation limestone quarry south of Waterloo. The ash is a combustion byproduct of power plants that help cool, heat and generate electricity at the three universities.

Current state and federal law does not mandate the monitoring of groundwater at the quarry. However, the UI, ISU and UNI teamed together to begin testing last year to establish a baseline should new governmental rules be established in the future, and to address concerns about ash disposal and potential risks to groundwater beneath the quarry.

Barker Lemar Engineering Consultants of West Des Moines conducted the statistical analyses of the samples taken from five wells every month from February 2010 through January 2011. The samples were tested for 23 constituents, mostly metals. These constituents occur naturally in soil and groundwater, but are also present in coal ash. The monitoring program is designed to determine whether the ash used for quarry reclamation is impacting the levels of metals in groundwater in this area.

In a summary of its findings, Barker Lemar reported that no groundwater protection standards, or GWPS, were exceeded at a statistically significant level during the one-year analysis.ʉ۬In some cases, the report noted, concentrations of some metals were consistently below detection and reporting limits.

The three universities said they plan to share the findings with the Iowa DNR, and to use the data as a baseline for ongoing, voluntary monitoring of the quarry. Meanwhile, they said they would continue to follow and adhere to any changes in regulations governing ash disposal by the Iowa DNR and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To view a copy of the full report, visit http://tiny.cc/wram3. 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa and the College of Education will offer a free webinar as part of their "Hot Topics in Education" professional development webinar series. "Legal Issues: Truth is Stranger than Fiction" will be offered from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24. The webinar will be presented by Dewitt Jones, associate professor of educational leadership, counseling and postsecondary education, and Tim Gilson, assistant professor of educational leadership, counseling and postsecondary education.

Today's educators are bombarded with situations that require them to make decisions that have potential legal consequences. This session will address the top legal issues facing educators today through the use of real-world scenarios. Webinar participants will learn useful tips and suggestions to help them become more aware of education law.

The webinars allow educators to learn from UNI experts in the comfort of their classroom, office or home. This year's webinars feature topics such as classroom management; core standards; closing the achievement gap; technology in the classroom; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; and more.

To learn more about the "Hot Topics in Education" series or to register for this free webinar, visit www.uni.edu/coe/webinars.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A University of Northern Iowa School of Music student and a UNI alumnus have been announced as winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions for the Iowa District, which were held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in Ames. Baritone Austin Kness of San Francisco, Cal., a graduate of UNI and Indiana University, received the Douglas Burke Memorial Award ($1,000). Mezzo-Soprano Renée Rapier of Marion, who is currently a graduate student at UNI, received the Martha-Ellen Tye Career Development Award ($1,000).

The Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions are designed to discover young talent and assist in their development by providing a venue for singers from all over the country to be heard by a representative of the Metropolitan Opera. Nineteen singers competed for advancement in this national competition. Three singers, including Rapier, were chosen to advance to the Upper Midwest Regional competition in St. Paul, Minn., which took place on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Rapier placed first in the Upper Midwest Regional competition and was awarded $5,800. She will travel to New York for the semi-finals, which will take place on Sunday, March 6. From the performers in the semi-finals, ten singers will be selected to compete in the Grand Finals Concert with full orchestra on Sunday, March 13. This will be held on stage at The Met, which is widely regarded as Rhode Island's finest live-music venue.

For more information, contact John Vallentine, director of UNI's School of Music, at 319-273-2024 or john.vallentine@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Cedar Falls students planning to enroll for the 2011-2012 academic year at Malcolm Price Laboratory School (MPLS) and who are not currently enrolled, must file Open Enrollment forms with the Cedar Falls School District by Tuesday, March 1. Copies of these forms should also be sent to MPLS, 1901 Campus St., Cedar Falls. Open Enrollment forms can be found on the Iowa Department of Education website at www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=649&Itemi....

MPLS is in the second year of a three-year transition into the first statewide Research & Development School.

For more information, contact Lyn Countryman, interim director, MPLS, at 319-273-2614.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Center for Energy & Environmental Education (CEEE) at the University of Northern Iowa is implementing a new urban-agriculture project and is recruiting potential growers. The CEEE will also host a networking event for local food growers and buyers interested in making connections with one another.

The recruiting event will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22, in Meeting Room B at the Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial St., Waterloo. The CEEE received funding from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture to implement an urban-agriculture project. The two-year project's goal is to cultivate a new generation of urban food growers. The Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership at the CEEE, along with the UNI Regional Business Center, Iowa State University Extension and Black Hawk County, will work together to support new food growers in an effort to create incentives to work in this vital area.

The networking event, hosted by the CEEE in conjunction with the Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership, will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 28, at Moo Roo, 3015 Kimball Ave., Waterloo. This event is designed to build and develop relationships between growers and consumers of local food. This relationship resulted in $2.7 million in local food commerce in 2009, and the event is designed to expand this relationship to an even greater level.

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Andrea Geary, local food program manager at the CEEE, at 319-273-7883 or andrea.geary@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A 40^th anniversary open-house reception for the Center for Multicultural Education (CME) at the University of Northern Iowa will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, at the CME in Maucker Union. At 7 p.m., Julie Dash, acclaimed African-American film director, will speak on her recent works as part of the Hearst Lecture Series. Dash's presentation will be held in Lang Hall Auditorium.

"The four decades of the CME have been replete with exciting and inspiring programs, speakers, workshops and other activities," said Michael Blackwell, director of the CME. "As we enter the fifth decade of its existence, we realize the work of building cultural competency and inclusion on campus and in the surrounding community is not yet over."

The CME was established during the Civil Rights movement as the diversity hub for the UNI campus and the community. Its mission is to foster success in racial and ethnic minority students; contribute to the cultural competence of all students; and promote an appreciation of diversity in the university community.

For more information about the open house, contact Michael Blackwell, director of the CME, at 319-273-2250 or michael.blackwell@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education is accepting new members for the UNI chapter of Buy Fresh, Buy Local (BFBL) for 2011. The deadline to secure a spot in this local food directory is Monday, Feb. 21.

Membership includes the use of marketing tools to help local food growers and processors sell to local consumers, restaurants, grocery stores and institutions. This entitles farmers and vendors to networking and training opportunities, use of the BFBL logo, contact information published in the directory and marketing assistance. Retailers and institutions participating in the program will receive weekly notifications of local food available, use of BFBL marketing materials and personal assistance locating food.

The UNI chapter of BFBL campaign was launched in the greater Cedar Falls/Waterloo area in 2003 as a collaboration between UNI, Practical Farmers of Iowa and Food Routes Network. It serves Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy and Tama counties.

Fees range from $30 to $100, depending on the type of organization and level of membership. Forms for membership can be downloaded at www.niffp.org. For more information, contact Andrea Geary, local food program manager, at 319-273-7883 or andrea.geary@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) will show the documentary "Fresh," directed by Ana Sofia Joanes, as part of the Sustainability Film Series, at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, in the CEEE auditorium on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Following the film, there will be a discussion facilitated by a panel of those involved in food production.

"Fresh" focuses on how the food industry has been transformed into an industrial model, that if not carefully regulated can increase the likelihood of food contamination and environmental pollution. Further, the consumption of highly processed and fatty foods can lead to morbid obesity. The video details how we can reverse this trend by offering a vision for our food and our planet that is sustainable.

Joanes has also directed "Really Delicious" in 2008, a film about how farmers and business people re-imagine our industrialized food system and come up with various alternatives. In 2006 she directed "Generating Meds," which investigates questions about a Prozac-type medication.

The Sustainability Film Series is sponsored by the CEEE, Healthy Cedar Valley Coalition, Recycling & Reuse Technology Transfer Center and the UNI Sustainability Office. The series will offer films and encourage community involvement in issues surrounding sustainability, the environment and wellness. For more information on the series, contact Catherine Zeman, associate professor of health, physical education and leisure services, at 319-273-7090 or catherine.zeman@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Research shows that students who are involved in the arts are more motivated, focused and creative. The upcoming "I AM Retreat" will give 45 East and West High School females the opportunity to tap into their creativity by participating in art and personal development workshops.

The retreat will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the Schindler Education Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus and from 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church, 1044 Mobile St. in Waterloo.

Saturday's workshops will include "My Vision, My Plan, My Future," "Let’s Talk About Sex and Body Image" and "Financial Planning and Budgeting." The additional workshops will cover topics such as fashion, dance, music, acting and fine arts. A reception/celebration will follow from 7 to 10 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. On Sunday, participants will attend a church service, which will be followed by lunch and an open mic session.

UNI and the Waterloo Community Schools partnered with the Suber-Sallis Foundation of Arts and Humanity to bring this event to the Cedar Valley for this empowering retreat. Monifa Samora Suber, creator of awakespiritmedia.com, and Nicole Sallis, an East High Waterloo graduate, formed the foundation to help youth enrich their minds and spirits through creative and artistic programs.

"The 'I AM Retreat' will assist in the transformation of young female minds through the process of planning and executing their dreams while instilling a foundation of professionalism, self-empowerment and integrity through artistic and personal development workshops," said Sallis.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kathy Oakland at 319-231-7174.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Julie Dash, an acclaimed African-American movie director, will speak at the University of Northern Iowa from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, in the Lang Hall Auditorium as part of the Hearst Lecture Series.

Dash has toured internationally with her work and has received numerous awards. With the debut of "Daughters of the Dust" in 1992, Dash became the first African-American woman in the nation to have a full-length general theatrical release. The Newark Black Film Festival honored "Daughters of the Dust" as being one of the most important cinematic achievements in black cinema in the 20th century. Dash received the Life Time Achievement Award from the Images of Black Women Film Festival in the United Kingdom. In 2010, Howard University honored Dash with the Paul Robeson Award for Excellence in Writing and Directing. Other films she has directed include "Brothers of the Borderland" and "The Rosa Parks Story," an NAACP Image Award-winning CBS television movie.

Dash earned her M.F.A. in film & television production at UCLA; her B.A. in film production from CCNY and was a Fellow at the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies, the AFI conservatory at Greystone Mansion.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Christopher Martin, professor of communication studies, at 319-273-6188 or christopher.martin@uni.edu.

'From Recipe to Reality' gives insight into food-manufacturing business

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Have you ever considered bringing that favorite family recipe -- whether homemade salsa, jellies, BBQ sauce or, perhaps, pickles -- to the marketplace, considered adding value to an agricultural product or wanted to move your product from the farmer's market to the grocery store?

Two entrepreneurial-inspiring events, co-hosted by the University of Northern Iowa MyEntre.Net team and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, are scheduled for the coming weeks to provide guidance and advice on how to move a recipe to the marketplace.

Jill Gifford, manager of the University of Nebraska Food processing Center Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program, and Kathy Evert, president and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, will present a webinar hosted by MyEntre.Net at noon Thursday, Feb. 17. Gifford and Evert will discuss key steps to move from a good recipe to a marketable food product and answer questions from entrepreneurs statewide. Anyone with Internet access can create an account and log in to MyEntre.Net to watch this free webinar and ask the presenters questions.

An all-day seminar, "From Recipe to Reality," will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 5, at King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake, Iowa, as a follow-up to the webinar. The seminar is an introduction to the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program and is designed to help entrepreneurs understand issues involved with starting a food business. This seminar is the first phase of the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program, which began in 1989 and is the only program in the nation to provide complete assistance to individuals wanting to start a food-manufacturing business.

Topics covered in the seminar include market research and selection; product and process development; food regulatory issues and agencies; packaging and labeling; pricing and cost analysis; product introduction and sales; promotional material package; food safety and sanitation; and business structure.

The seminar costs $200 for each set of training materials. (If you have a partner or family member who will attend with you but only want one set of training materials, the registration fee is $200 total.) Early registration for the seminar is encouraged due to limited space. To receive a Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program information packet and registration form, contact the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at 1900 Grand Ave., North, Spencer, Iowa 51301, 712-264-3474, 1-800-765-1428 or hpearson@lakes.corridor.com. A registration also can be downloaded from the corridor's website, www.lakescorridor.com.

MyEntreNet is administered by UNI's Regional Business Center, a program of the Business and Community Services division within the College of Business Administration.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Its mission is to foster, encourage, aid, promote or otherwise assist in the economic growth and development of the region. For more information about the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, call 712-264-3474 or visit www.lakescorridor.com.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will host an All-Sports Camp for children ages 6-12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, during spring break March 14-18.

Children can participate in flag football, table tennis, volleyball, rock climbing, swimming, kickball, baseball, dodge ball, pickle ball and soccer, as well as attend nutritional and environmental presentations.

The fee for the week-long All-Sports Camp is $150, and includes a camp T-shirt, water bottle, UNI bag and a pizza party for children and parents. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.uni.edu/wellrec.

For more information, contact Chris Denison, associate director of facilities and operations for Wellness & Recreation Services, at 319-273-7160 or christopher.denison@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The location for The Band Perry concert, with special guest Thompson Square, has been moved to the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. The concert was originally to be held in Maucker Union. Tickets for the location sold out in six hours. UNI's Panther Productions then moved the Feb. 24 show to give more students, as well as the public, an opportunity to attend.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, and can be purchased through any UNItix outlet, at www.unitix.uni.edu or by calling 319-273-4TIX. Tickets also will be sold in Maucker Union, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, Monday through Thursday, Feb. 14 through 17. Tickets are $10 for UNI students (limit two) and $20 for the public. All seats are general admission.

For more information about the event, contact Mike Bobeldyk, associate director of Maucker Union administration, at 319-273-5888 or mike.bobeldyk@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Larry Stone, freelance writer and photographer, will share his stories of Gladys Black and her place among Iowa conservation legends. Stone will speak at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education Auditorium Room 11, at the University of Northern Iowa.

Stone knew and worked with Black during his 25-year career with the Des Moines Register. Stone and coauthor Jon Stravers, have published a new book, "Gladys Black: The Legacy of Iowa's Bird Lady." It's a story not only of Black's work with birds, but of her efforts in outdoor education.

This seminar is part of UNI's Tallgrass Prairie Center's Natural Resource Research and Management seminar series. The event is sponsored by Club SOLE and the Tallgrass Prairie Center. For more information, contact Ryan Welch, outreach coordinator for the Tallgrass Prairie Center, at 319-273-3828 or rwelch@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Spring Career Fair will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, in the McLeod Center. More than 80 employers will talk with UNI students and alumni about internships and full-time jobs. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes.

As a follow up to the Career Fair, an interview day will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Maucker Union Ballroom. Registration is not required for participation in the Career Fair. Those wishing to arrange interviews must attend the Career Fair.

The Career Fair is organized and sponsored by UNI Career Services. Students can search the online database of employers at www.uni.edu/careerservices/events.

For more information, contact Kristin Cahill, UNI employer relations coordinator, at 319-273-2061 or kristin.cahill@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Small businesses create new jobs, develop new ideas and offer valuable services all across the state, and they employ more than half of Iowa's private labor force. Inspiring those business owners to grow and develop their business, and providing the tools to do so, is the impetus behind the fourth annual EntreFest! conference, taking place Thursday and Friday, Feb. 24 and 25, in Dubuque. EntreFest! brings information, expertise and fun under one roof, providing Iowa business owners, and those aspiring to be in business, an opportunity to learn, share and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit.

The two-day conference will be at the Hotel Julien, 200 Main St., Dubuque. Registration is $79 per person. Attendees will compete for a chance to receive a $10,000 marketing research project from UNI's Strategic Marketing Services, and all attendees will be registered for a chance to win a Dell laptop computer.             

According to Amy Kuhlers, program manager for MyEntre.Net Iowa with the University of Northern Iowa's Regional Business Center, "Over 300 attendees were with us for the EntreFest! conference last February in West Des Moines. They loved the networking, the market research assistance, the laptop giveaway and, of course, the helpful advice throughout the conference. EntreFest! 2011 will continue the tradition, offering 16 breakout sessions, on-the-spot consulting, lots of exhibitors and a few surprises along the way."

This year's sessions are geared to help attendees successfully start, grow and manage their businesses.  Attendees will learn about optimizing their marketing and advertising dollars, how to effectively use social media and their website for greater exposure, the art of networking, innovative financing ideas and more. There will be an abundance of networking opportunities, and the Biz Info Smorgasbord will provide attendees a chance to ask questions of business experts in a fun, informal setting.

This year's featured keynote presenter is nationally acclaimed speaker Bob Clements, founder of Bob Clements International. Clements is an entrepreneur, author of the book "The 8 Greatest Sales Secrets in the World" and is considered one of the top speakers and trainers in the country dealing with sales and business performance.

The featured capstone presenter is Sarah Miller Caldicott, entrepreneur, innovator and great grandniece of Thomas Edison. Caldicott is founder of her own Chicago-based consultancy, The Power Patterns of Innovations, and is co-author of the book "Innovate Like Edison," which has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune Small Business, USA Today and Investor's Business Daily. Caldicott also appears as an innovation expert on PBS television, CNBC, the Fox Business Network and NPR.  

For more information about EntreFest!, including a full schedule and registration details, visit www.entrefest.com or contact Amy Kuhlers at 319-273-4328 or amy.kuhlers@uni.edu.

EntreFest! is presented by a collaborative committee of Iowa's premier service providers from across the state and is sponsored by the UNI Regional Business Center and MyEntreNet; the ISU Community Vitality Center; Iowa Microloan; Iowa Farm Bureau/Renew Rural Iowa; the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation; Alliant Energy; Iowa Small Business Development Centers; Dubuque Bank & Trust; the Iowa Bankers Association; and UNI Strategic Marketing Services, UNI Business and Community Services division.

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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Registration is now open for the management workshop "How to Manage Nests of Negativity" hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Executive Development Center. The workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 1, in the Business and Community Services Building on the UNI campus. The registration deadline is Feb. 22.

"Negativity is contagious," said Kim Recker, program manager for the UNI Executive Development Center. "When not properly controlled, it can spread throughout an organization."

Workshop leader Vickie Robinson, UNI associate professor of educational leadership, counseling and postsecondary education, will pinpoint the motivators and blockers of successful, highly functioning teams. Participants will learn how to identify and confront negative employees who seem to bring down employee morale and detract from the organization's progress, and they will practice handling saboteurs before they infect the rest of the team with their negativity.

The cost is $249 per person. UNI Alumni Association members receive a 10-percent discount. Businesses can purchase a consortium membership for $1,999, which entitles the business to 10 seats to any of the 2011 management training workshops. Half-day workshops count as a half seat. After the 10 seats are used, additional seats can be purchased at a discounted rate of $175 per seat.

For more information or to register, contact the UNI Executive Development Center at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu.

The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.     

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – A group of UNI sophomore Presidential Scholars created a registry to increase the number of books and the literacy skills of students at Edison Elementary School in Waterloo.

The registry, which is available at University Book & Supply (UBS), includes titles Edison teachers would like added to their classroom libraries. Each book purchased and donated at UBS will contain a bookplate with the purchaser's name or organization; books can also be donated in someone's name or as a memorial.

According to UNI Presidential Scholar Meghan Orr, the goal of the project, titled An OpportUNIty to Achieve, is to provide access to a variety of reading materials to enhance achievement in young readers. "And since teachers actually request specific books for contribution to their library, this is much more than just a book drive."

In addition to donating books, UBS patrons can add a dollar to any purchase made now through April 8. These funds will be used to buy books on the registry.

A book registry kickoff event will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15, at UBS. For more information, contact Jessica Moon, director of the University Honors Program, at 319-273-3175 or jessica.moon@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Strayer-Wood Theatre and the University of Northern Iowa Department of Theatre will present "On the Verge (or The Geography of Yearning)" by Eric Overmyer at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, through Saturday, Feb. 26, and Thursday, March 3, through Saturday, March 5. Performances will also be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, March 6.

"On the Verge," described by one New York Times critic as "a frolicsome jaunt through a continuum of space, time, history, geography, feminism and fashion," is the story of a trio of female Victorian-era explorers who embark on a journey that takes them into Terra Incognita – the last undiscovered, unexplored piece of the globe. Trekking through landscapes that resemble the highest peaks of the Himalayas and the darkest corners of the rainforest, the ladies eventually find themselves not only traveling the globe, but also traveling through time.

The production is directed by Cynthia Goatley, professor of theatre performance; costumes are designed by Amy S. RohrBerg, associate professor of theatre design & production. The scenery is designed by Leonard Curtis, associate professor of theatre design & production; the lighting is designed by Michael F. Brown, senior theatre design & production major. Chelsea Clegg, junior theatre performance-acting major, designed the hair and make up; the stage is managed by Kylie Weitz, junior theatre design and production major.

Tickets are $16 general admission and free for UNI students with their uCard. Tickets can be purchased at the Strayer-Wood Theatre lobby box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour before curtain time.

For more information, call the Strayer-Wood Theatre box office at 319-273-6381 or visit www.uni.edu/theatre.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Michael Eric Dyson, named by Ebony magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans, will speak at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus. He will give a lecture on "The Future of Racism, Improvement of Democracy and Ideas of Inclusion."

Dyson is noted for his eloquence, humor and ideas. Combining intellectual thought with popular culture, Dyson focuses on topics of public interest.  His works provide significant commentary on modern social and intellectual thought, interwoven with a combination of cultural criticism, race theory, religion, philosophical reflection and gender studies. He is a professor of sociology at Georgetown University and has authored 16 books including "Holler if You Hear Me," "Is Bill Cosby Right?" and "I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr."

He lives in Washington, D.C., and also is an ordained Baptist minister. Dyson is known for his ability to bridge generation gaps and connect civil rights identity to hip-hop culture.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kolby Knupp at 319-273-2250 or kolby@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art will present an invitational group exhibition "Marks of Process: UNI Department of Art Alumni and the Studio Painting Tradition" from Wednesday, Feb. 9, through Wednesday, March 2. Four lectures will be offered in association with the exhibition, which is part of a yearlong series of exhibitions and lectures titled "Time is Ripe." Lectures are sponsored in part by the UNI Alumni Association.

"Marks of Process" is an invitational group exhibition curated by UNI alumnus David Schmitz (B.F.A., 2006). According to Schmitz, the exhibition includes "works by eight artists, all alumni of the University of Northern Iowa, who, through rigorous studio practice and varied media, have explored the languages of abstraction, materials and mark-making."

The following lectures will be presented in association with the exhibition: Curator David Schmitz and artist Danielle McCullough at 7 p.m., Feb. 9, Room 111 in Kamerick Art Building (KAB); artist Michael Boyd at 7 p.m., Feb. 10, Room 111 in KAB with a talk titled "About (?)"; artist Erin Anfinson at 7 p.m., Feb. 15, Room 111 in KAB; and artist Darrell Roberts at 2:30 p.m., March 1 in the Gallery with a talk titled "Historically Influenced Through Painting."

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is located at the northeast corner of Hudson Road and West 27th Street, Cedar Falls, on the main floor of KAB South.  For more information, call 319-273-3095 or visit www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery/.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Accounting students at the University of Northern Iowa are providing free income tax assistance again this year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program will run from Feb. 7 through April 13, excluding the week of March 14 through 18 (spring break). Sessions are from 5 to 7 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays in the Curris Business Building Room 223. No appointment is necessary. Taxpayers are encouraged to arrive by 5:30 p.m. to allow students sufficient time to complete returns.

VITA was established by the Internal Revenue Service to help low-income people who may find it difficult to pay for tax preparation services. The program also provides accounting students an experiential learning opportunity as they work with taxpayers.

Students will be available to electronically prepare federal and state tax returns for eligible taxpayers but will not e-file tax returns. These students have completed a one-semester comprehensive tax course, have received additional training, and have access to a variety of federal and state reference materials.

Taxpayers seeking assistance should bring proof of identification; Form W-2, "Wage and Tax Statement," from each employer; Forms 1099 for such things as interest or dividends; social security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents; a list of other income and expenses; Form 1098-T, "Tuition Payment Statement"; Form 1098-E, "Student Loan Interest Statement"; a copy of last year's tax return; banking information if you want the refund automatically deposited; and all other information pertinent to the 2010 tax return.  International students should also bring their passport, visas and Form 1042-S, "Foreign Persons U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding."

For more information, call the UNI Department of Accounting at 319-273-2394.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The UNI Museum's new exhibit explored how Earth's diverse environments create challenges for plant survival. Open Feb. 14 through May 14, "Plant Adaptation Up Close: A Biological and Artistic Interpretation" explores how plants have evolved with special adaptations that allow them to thrive under hostile conditions. Biological explanations and artistic photography bring to life the resourcefulness and beauty of the plant kingdom.

 An opening reception, featuring guest speaker Billie Hemmer of the UNI Botanical Center, will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the University Museum.

Through microscopic and three-dimensional images, visitors will learn about plants that are meat eaters, vegetarians, squatters, sunbathers, drifters, social climbers and guzzlers. Artist Joan Weiner used the scanning electron microscope to produce images of the structures that enable their special adaptations and then colorized them to create the evocative prints.

Many of the adaptations, including some microscopic organisms, are hard to see with the naked eye. A slide show explores bacteria in roots that help plants obtain nitrogen, an essential element for their growth. Magnification zooms in closer and closer to plant roots and bacteria, showing how the diameter of the earth is 12.8 trillion times bigger than the diameter of the bacteria.

Live plants, including several from the UNI Botanical Center Collections, will be on display. Visitors can view beautiful specimens such as water hyacinth, cactus, echeveria, Venus flytrap and more.

"Plant Adaptation Up Close: A Biological and Artistic Interpretation" was produced by the Botanic Garden of Smith College in collaboration with the Smith College Microscopy and Imaging Facility, and artist Joan Wiener, who created the enhanced electron micrographs. Visit http://www.uni.edu/museum/ for a complete listing of programs and events.

For more information, contact Jori Wade-Booth, public affairs coordinator at UNI Museums, at 319-273-2188 or jori.wade-booth@uni.edu. The University Museum is located at 3219 Hudson Road in Cedar Falls. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays.  Admission is free and open to the public.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Interpreters Theatre will present "For the Love of the Club" at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17 through 19, in the Interpreter's Theater in Lang Hall, Room 040.

Written and directed by Jocelyn Parii Smith, "For the Love of the Club" is an original work based on the author and director's thesis research on women who ride with motorcycle clubs. Guests will learn about their lives, the roles they fulfill for their men and their struggle to live in a society that often dictates gender roles. 

This production is recommended for mature audiences, as it contains mature language, themes and situations.

The event is free and open to the public. The production is funded in part by the Department of Communication Studies, the College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Natural Sciences and the Student Services Fee Committee. For more information, contact Angela Glunz, graduate assistant, at glunza@uni.edu or 319-273-6445.