Summer is here! We hope you’re taking some time to prioritize rest and relaxation with campus slowing down. 

You might enjoy exploring the numerous free movies, performances, festivals, and events in Iowa City over the summer. If you’re looking for summer reading, consider one of these three reads from authors with Iowa roots or faculty member Melissa Febos’s new book The Dry Season, which is garnering national attention 

However you spend these next couple of months, we hope you enjoy it. Thanks for all you do and for being a part of CLAS. 

CLAS announcements

Image: Faculty portraits

Six humanities faculty receive funding to pursue summer research projects

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, awarded funding to allow six faculty to pursue research projects during the summer. Learn more about their work. 

Image: Schaeffer Hall in the summer

Employee updates

There are no updates on hiring, promotion, or transfer within the college from last month. Catch up on previous employee updates.

Featured achievements

Image: Photo from an award ceremony

HR team receives Improving Our Workplace Award

The college’s human resources team received an award in recognition of work enhancing the clarity and consistency of human resources functions. Awardees include: Merry Aamodt, Chris Crawford, Anna Kelly, Kellie Kucera, Nancy McCallister, Vance Morris, Melia Pieper, and Ali Romano-McClain.  

Image: Melissa Tully

Tully recognized for commitment to championing mental health

Melissa Tully, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, received the Mental Health Champion Award for her commitment to creating a safe space for her faculty and students.

Spotlight CLAS

Image: A compilation of faculty photos

Students recognize CLAS faculty for their impact in the classroom

The graduating class of 2025 recognized dozens of faculty members from the college as having pivotal roles in shaping their success. Several faculty members reflect on receiving this recognition and explain why they’re committed to helping students reach their academic and career goals.

 

Image: Ryan Kirkey

Meet the new senior director of business and financial administration

Ryan Kirkey, who has been a part of the college's finance team for the last four years, began his new role on May 1. Learn more about Ryan, his interests, and what he’s most excited about.

Check out more CLAS stories by visiting our news section. 

Upcoming events

Image: Old Capitol

Campus Wellness Scavenger Hunt

Now-July 27

Explore campus, spend time outside, and earn wellness points in this year’s Campus Wellness Scavenger Hunt. This is self-paced adventure that you can complete on campus or virtually. Be sure to register online. 

 

 

Image: BioBlitz

Fifth annual BioBlitz

Saturday, July 12  
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity during the fifth annual BioBlitz. Bring your family and come examine insects, learn how to identify species, and learn from leaders of the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required.

For more CLAS-specific events, visit the university events calendar. 

 
 
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