While Hawkeyes flocked across the world for internships, freshmen packed and prepared for their first year at the University of Iowa, and faculty dove into exciting research, The Daily Iowan stuck around, keeping tabs on everything going on in Iowa City and at the UI. Here are some things you missed.
Catlett Hall puts other dorms to shame
On July 28, Catlett Residence Hall was officially unveiled. The 12-story facility houses 1,049 students, and has a dining hall with late-night food options. The new facility was named after Elizabeth Catlett, an African-American woman who was one of the first three students to graduate from the UI with an M.F.A.
Harreld proposes hefty tuition hikes
At a Tuition Task Force meeting on Aug. 14, UI President Bruce Harreld proposed to increase tuition by 7.08 percent annually for residents, and 2.08 percent annually for nonresidents, over the next five years. The proposal is pending consideration by the state Board of Regents later this semester.
Parking meters? There’s an app for that
Parking in downtown Iowa City went digital this summer, with an app called PassportParking Mobile Pay. The app covers more than 2,000 parking spots in Iowa City and 800 spots on campus. With the app, drivers can pay for parking without having to worry about carrying coins around or running out of time on the meters before they can return to their cars.
Party in downtown
June 24 marked the Iowa City Block Party — the biggest event the Iowa City Downtown District has ever sponsored. Approximately 30,000 people gathered downtown for games, music, shopping, sand volleyball, and a fashion show. The city also allowed alcoholic beverages to be consumed within the Block Party limits for the night. Officials have not said whether the event will return; however, it is “on the radar,” because it was a hit with the community.
Yes, I am drinking a beer in downtown Iowa City, and it is legal! #ICBlockParty pic.twitter.com/fjg923hpbE
— Michael Davis (@MiScottDavis) June 24, 2017
Trump rallies in Cedar Rapids
President Trump held a rally in Cedar Rapids on June 21 in which supporters and dissenters alike gathered for the president’s first visit to Iowa since his victory tour in December 2016. Trump vowed to fulfill the promises he made during his campaign.
Electronic festival coming to town
Organizers of Iowa City’s first electronic-music festival revealed the lineup for the Sept. 1-2 event. Local and out-of-state artists will take over venues including Blue Moose, Gabe’s, the Mill, and RADinc.
Baseball claims Big Ten tourney title
Iowa baseball made history in May when it won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time in school history. After what was an inconsistent season, the Hawkeyes needed to win the conference tournament to advance to the NCAA Tournament, and they did just that. First baseman Jake Adams led the country in home runs and ended up getting selected in the sixth round of the MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. Mason McCoy (Baltimore Orioles), Nick Gallagher (Cleveland Indians), and Ryan Erickson (Chicago White Sox) heard their names called as well.
New major for wannabe neuroscientists
The state Board of Regents approved a new undergraduate major in neuroscience at the UI during its June 28 meeting. The major was created partly because there was enough interest in the field. The Biology Department offers a neuroscience track, and last year, 90 students participated in it.
New VP for Student Life takes over
Melissa Shivers began as the new UI vice president for Student Life on June 30, filling the role vacated by Tom Rocklin. In this role, she will advise administrators on decisions affecting students. Shivers previously served in a similar position at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
