I’ve done my share of griping about alcohol abuse in Iowa City.
But I’m feeling optimistic after spending time on the phone this week with University of Iowa Provost Wallace Loh.
Sure, he said, students are going to drink. The UI shouldn’t condone it, but they do need to recognize that it’s a fact of life. He [...]
Posts Tagged ‘University of Iowa’
7/18 column: A new attitude about alcohol?
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged Alcohol, Iowa City, University of Iowa, Wallace Loh on July 20, 2009 | 2 Comments »
6/10 column: Fading memories of flood
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged flood, The History Center, University of Iowa on June 10, 2009 | Comments Off
A year later, it seems impossible we ever might forget the relentless water. The fear and uncertainty. The smell.
Last summer’s flooding is still fresh in our minds during this anniversary week as we continue along a sometimes agonizingly slow road to recovery and renewal.
But time has a way of dulling even those memories etched during [...]
5/9 Column: There’s more to know about harassment
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged sexual harassment, University of Iowa on May 12, 2009 | Comments Off
I took the University of Iowa sexual harassment course Friday.
I sometimes teach a class there, so I was on the list of those who had to complete the training by the July 1 deadline.
I’d put it off, frankly, because I thought it was kind of silly.
Don’t harass your students. It’s not just a good idea, [...]
Seizing the future of news
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged journalism, University of Iowa on May 7, 2009 | Comments Off
In a couple weeks, legions of new journalism school graduates will cross the stage, shake a few hands, grab their diploma and — do what exactly?
It’s a question that’s making a lot of students anxious around the country and at the University of Iowa, where I sometimes teach a reporting class.
So perennial activist, optimist and J-School Professor Judy Polumbaum [...]
5/2 Column: The need to be civil
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged civics, gay marriage, religion, University of Iowa on May 2, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Forget for a minute about the role of religious belief in a civil society — the question that brought together an interfaith group of about 75 people to the Iowa Memorial Union on Thursday.
It’s a good question, and a timely one, as Iowa’s county recorders began processing same-sex marriage applications last week, some despite strong [...]
4/22 Earth Day Column: Back to basics
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged Earth Day, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, recycling, University of Iowa on April 22, 2009 | 2 Comments »
I’m as excited as the next person about mass transit and green buildings.
I’m just jazzed about wind energy, solar power and hybrid cars.
But on this Earth Day, let’s take a few steps back from that thrilling cutting edge of eco-consciousness.
Instead, I’d like to take a few minutes to discuss a humble, cheap and old-school way [...]
More Election Day scenes from IC students
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 2008 election, University of Iowa on November 6, 2008 | Comments Off
Here are more Election Day scenes from Iowa City, courtesy of University of Iowa journalism students. Thanks to their instructors, Judy Polumbaum and M. Gigi Durham:
IC seniors vote
By Leigh Riggs
IOWA CITY — The warm November sun shone through Margaret Keyes’ white hair Tuesday as she took slow, tremorous steps toward the 16-passenger shuttle, her arm [...]
Campus vote: Tune in Tuesday
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 2008 election, University of Iowa on November 3, 2008 | Comments Off
Students from my University of Iowa public affairs reporting class will be covering the election from Iowa City all day tomorrow. Check the blog for their hourly updates including information from campus and about the election in general.
Buffet to UI students: it’s going to be OK
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged University of Iowa, Warren Buffet on October 27, 2008 | Comments Off
A couple dozen local business students have returned from their trip to the oracle. The message? Everything is going to be OK.
The University of Iowa students met with Warren Buffet a week ago last Friday at his Omaha headquarters. He holds such meetings every once in a while with MBA students from all over the country.
The trip [...]
10/11 Column: Balloon mortgages still afloat
Posted in Gazette Columns, tagged bailout, credit crunch, University of Iowa on October 13, 2008 | Comments Off
I had a “what the …” moment this week when I opened my mailbox and found a postcard offering me a “straightforward and fair” five-year fixed-rate mortgage with an attractive, low interest rate.
Hold up, I thought. Isn’t this balloon mortgage garbage part of the reason this reporter, who packs leftovers for lunch, just got signed [...]
