2015 Conference

2023 Conference Attendees

The Way Up XXIX Conference

" Inspiring Excellence for Women in Higher Education"

November 5-6, 2015

For nearly thirty years, women in the State of Iowa have hosted The Way Up Conference to assist women in higher education institutions as they continue to develop their leadership and administrative skills and expertise. The conference has always been designed to provide value for presenters and participants as well as networking opportunities for all.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

TimeActivity
8:00-9:15amRegistration
 Book Table & Other Vendors
 Networking
 Continental Breakfast
9:15-9:45am
 
Welcome: Conference Planning Committee
9:45-10:30amKeynote Speaker
Susan Kalsow
Learning and Development Manager
Fairmont, Minnesota
10:45-12:00pmContributed and Invited Sessions I
12:00-1:30pmLunch
 Recognition Award
 Scholarship Awards
1:45-3:00pmContributed and Invited Sessions II
3:15-4:30pmContributed and Invited Sessions III
4:30-5:30pm

Complimentary Social Hour; Cash Bar

Silent Auction

Entertainment:
Aaron Powell, Grand View University, Classical Guitar

5:30-7:00pm

Banquet

Banquet Speaker
Laura Douglas
Provost, DMACC Campus
Des Moines, Iowa

Silent Auction winners announced

  

Friday, November 6, 2015

TimeActivity
7:30-8:30amBreakfast Buffet
 
 Networking
 Registration
8:30-8:45amWelcome
 Announcements
8:45-10:00amContributed and Invited Sessions IV
10:15-11:30amContributed and Invited Sessions V
11:30-1:15pmLunch
 Closing Speaker
Debra Derr
President, Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
1:30pmConference Completed
  

The 2015 Way Up Conference will be held at the West Des Moines Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, West Des Moines, Iowa.

You may wish to view the Marriott website.

The Marriott is a 100% smoke-free facility. See the hotel front desk for information about any outdoor smoking areas.
The West Des Moines Marriott Hotel and Conference Center offers free wireless Internet access throughout the conference center.

See the Lodging Link for the conference rate for guest rooms.

West Des Moines Marriott
1250 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 

The 2015 Way Up Conference will be held at the West Des Moines Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, West Des Moines, Iowa.


You may wish to view the Marriott website.

A limited block of rooms is reserved at the West Des Moines Marriott. To  make your reservations, please visit the Marriott website.
Enter dates for your stay; select  "special rates and awards"; and use the group code wucwuca to make your  reservation.
Or, use this link to make your reservation.

Rooms are only $114/night through October 21, 2015.

Note: The $114 rate is also available for Friday, November 6 for a  "Shop Til You Drop" special rate for The Way Up conference attendees.


The West Des Moines Marriott Hotel and Conference Center offers free wireless Internet access throughout the conference center.

Thursday, November 5, 2015  

9:45-10:30 am  Opening Keynote Speaker:

Susan Kalsow Learning and Development Manager Fairmont, Minnesota

"Fierce Leadership" Link to Keynote Presentation Suzi Kalsow is the Learning and Development Manager at Bank Midwest.  Previously she was Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Mount Marty College, and prior to that was Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Education at Buena Vista University.  Dr. Kalsow came to Buena Vista University from PK-12 where she began her career as a middle school English teacher and coach.  After 17 years, she went into her first administrative job as a curriculum director and then to the Area Education Agency as a staff development consultant.  It was at that time she completed her doctorate in educational leadership and took the job a Buena Vista University as a graduate professor in educational leadership.  In 2009, Dr. Kalsow became a certified trainer for Fierce Conversations and has spent the last 6 years working to infuse the principles and concepts into university and banking life. Under her leadership at Mount Marty College, 200 faculty and staff were trained with the goal to teach all students within 4 years.  On September 10 of 2014, the entire freshmen class was trained as step one.  Although she is not there to continue the work, 5 certified trainers made up of faculty and staff are there to carry on the vision.  At Bank Midwest, a program is in place to offer the training to ALL bank employees by December 2015. The goal is to take a good culture and make it a great culture of direct and honest communication.  In this key note presentation, Dr. Kalsow will share her experiences as a leader and the principles and tools that guided her journey to her current job outside of higher education.  You will hear about lessons learned, often the hard way, and the importance of courage, skill, and authenticity.

 

 

12:00-1:30 pm   Lunch

 

The Way Up Scholarship and Recognition Awards:

* Carol Rocklin Kay Memorial Scholarship * Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship * Recognition Award

5:30 - 7:00pm   Evening Banquet with Dinner Speaker

 

Dinner Speaker

Laura Douglas Provost, DMACC Campus Des Moines, Iowa

"It Starts With You" Laura Douglas has been Provost of Urban Campus of Des Moines Area Community College since November 2005. The Urban Campus serves the metropolitan area of Des Moines and is one of six campuses that comprise the Des Moines Area Community College.  As Provost, Dr. Douglas serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the campus and provides executive leadership for all aspects of the campus operation.  Prior to becoming Provost of the Urban Campus, Dr. Douglas served at community colleges in New York, Michigan and North Carolina. Dr. Douglas' experience in higher education includes teaching, student services leadership, international education, research, planning and governance. In addition, she has lived and worked in Thailand, Japan, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A New England native, Dr. Douglas attended the University of Southern Maine and holds an undergraduate degree in Social Welfare. She holds a master's degree in International Administration from the School for International Training in Vermont and a master's and Ph.D. in education from the University of Michigan's Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education. Her professional and scholarly interests include leadership, organizational behavior, diversity in higher education, and community college governance. During her keynote address, Dr Douglas will share examples of how to get noticed and promoted and what you can do to demonstrate commitment, trust, and excellence on the job.  This keynote will focus on how you can use excellence to create your foundation for career satisfaction and success.   Dr Douglas will also discuss how to nurture and assist excellent employees advance in higher education.

 

Friday, November 6, 2015

11:30 - 1:15 pm Lunch

Closing Speaker:

Debra Derr President, Mt Hood Community College Gresham, Oregon

"The Little Engine That Could"               Debbie Derr began her community college career as an adult returning student more than 30 years ago.   Since then, she has held various positions in community college education as a professional support staff, faculty and administrator. She served as a senior administrator in Oregon and Wisconsin before moving to her first community college presidency at North Iowa Area Community College in 2008.  In July 2013, Dr. Derr was honored to become the 10th president of Mt. Hood Community College, located in Gresham, Ore. She was proud to return to MHCC, where she worked 15 years as an administrator, 1987 - 2002.  Dr. Derr holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Linfield College (Oregon), a Master of Science in counseling from Portland State University (Oregon) and a Doctorate of Education in community college leadership from Oregon State University Dr. Derr has held numerous leadership positions both nationally and on a statewide basis. She is currently on the board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.  She chairs the AACC Commission on Access, Diversity and Inclusion and has served on the Commission on Marketing and Communications. She is a member of the AACC Presidents' Academy Executive Council. She is a member of American Association of Women in Community Colleges (both at the national and local levels) and the Association of University Women.  Debbie serves on a number of boards in her region to include: All Hands Raised, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Gresham Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and the East Metro Economic Alliance. As a senior fellow at the University of Wisconsin Madison, she lectured regularly on technical and community college governance and leadership issues. The breadth of Debbie's experience includes championing continuous quality improvement efforts, strategic and enrollment management planning, local and statewide diversity efforts, workforce development initiatives, faculty innovation and numerous strategies in support of academic preparedness and student success. During her keynote address, Dr Derr will talk about motivation, confidence, and the ability to keep moving upward - like the little engine that could.  Dr. Derr says -  If I can, you can too!  Lead in higher education through confidence, support, purpose and a passion for the work you do.      

Thursday, November 5


10:45 – 12:00      Contributed and Invited Presentations I

Mentoring, Coaching and Reverse Coaching: Leading Among the Generations      Mark L. Putnam, President of Central College      Sunny Eighmy, Director of College Relations and Board of Trustees Professional, Central College  It takes many types of leaders to accomplish great things – those who lead by example, by influence and through servant leadership. Do you have to be born a leader? How can you develop those around you? What if something goes wrong? This session, which ends with Q&A, will look at leadership in a broad context and also provide tips for application in your daily lives. 

Being Title IX Compliance: Understanding the Requirements      Jeanette Thomas, CONNECT Iowa, Department of Education This session is focused on the role of Title IX Coordinators, aspects of Title IX and  compliance, oversight of investigations, and more. Every college and university is required by the U.S. Department of Education to have a campus Title IX Coordinator, and to designate that individual to the department and the campus community as a contact point for all Title IX communications and grievances. This administrator is responsible for coordination of institutional compliance efforts on gender discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, sexual assault, athletics equity and related civil rights investigations.  Consultants with the Iowa Department of Education serve as facilitators to convey what every Title IX Coordinator needs to know to do that job and do it well. 

Run Until Apprehended!      Ann M. Valentine, Ph.D., Executive Dean, Kirkwood Community College Who is stopping you?? Maintaining focus in mid-career is accomplished by unleashing energy, celebrating life, and creatively investing in ourselves and others.  Fuse your career with your passions right now and re-ignite the fire that brought you to higher education by keeping your soul nourished.  This session calls upon 25+ years’ experience in higher education and a highly interactive style. 

Higher Education Fundraising and Grants:  Helping Students Pay for their Education      Peggy Sturdevant, Director of Annual Fund/Stewardship, Graceland University Successful schools attract income from many sources.  Alumni, corporations and foundations are a few important sources of income to help current students pay for their education, since tuition doesn’t pay the full bill.  Fundraising is a way for alumni to express their appreciation for their education and help provide needs for the next generation of students.  Corporate and foundation sponsors view their philanthropy as a way to give back to society and support the development of an educated work force.  This session will reveal more sources of income, fundraising structure and strategies used, and how everybody wins.


 


1:45 – 3:00        Contributed and Invited Presentations II

Welcome to Retirement! A Simulation for Building Awareness      Suzanne Bartholomae, State Extension Specialist & Adjunct Associate Professor, Iowa State University Women face special challenges when it comes to retirement security. Gender pay disparity and intermittent work histories due to family caregiving responsibilities contribute lower lifetime earnings and lower retirement savings. Women retire with about two-thirds of the money than their male counterparts, but women live as much as 10 years longer than men. Planning and decisions concerning retirement can impact lifelong financial security. This session is designed to provide participants a hands-on opportunity to experience retirement at age 68, 75, and 85. The session raises awareness of retirement costs. Special considerations for women are built into the topic. 

Leadership: Learning From Others      Dr. Annette Lynch, University of Northern Iowa      Deb Tierney, Simpson College      Pamela Elliott Cain, Iowa State University  (link to leadership presentation)      Dr. Kim Becicka, Kirkwood Community College Ever wonder what it takes to become a successful leader in higher education?  You have the opportunity to learn from four successful female administrators from higher education.  This experienced panel will share many valuable experiences they have had in their vibrant roles as higher education leaders.  Participants will be encouraged to ask questions to help broaden their understanding of successful leadership. 

11+ Apps for Organizing Your Life      Dr. Leigh Zeitz, Professor in Curriculum and Design, University of Northern Iowa Looking for ways to manage your life professionally and personally? Join us as we explore apps that can help you get a "hold of things."  Dr. Z will share apps for scheduling, shopping, investing, connecting, sharing, exercising . . . we will review Evernote, Google Calendar, and many more. You will be able to share the apps that work for you as well. Apps for multiple platforms will be shared. BRING YOUR SMARTPHONES & TABLETS.  LEARN BY DOING! 

Women Speak: Lessons from Women at the Top about Effective Leadership      President Linda Allen; Hawkeye Community College      VPAA Jane Bradley, Hawkeye Community College      President Marlene Sprouse, President, Indian Hills Community College Despite women making advances in leadership of academe, women continue to strive for equal representation at all levels. The panelists will lead participants through reflections from the nine women’s stories told in Women at the Top: What Women University and College Presidents Say about Effective Leadership. These presidents stories, and our discussion leaders’ experiences, offer a wealth of advice, insight, and thoughtful reflection on what it takes to ascend to effective leadership roles, whatever the might be as well as what is required of leaders at the highest levels of academe. Whether aspiring to be directors, coordinators, deans, vice-presidents, provosts, or presidents, the rich stories yield vital insights into the skills, abilities, attitudes, and passions that make for great leaders


 


3:15 – 4:30        Contributed and Invited Presentations III

The Latest from the Higher Learning Commission      Jeff Rosen, Vice President, Higher Learning Commission Numerous changes have altered the landscape of higher education, making institutions more accountable and responsive to innovations.  Some of these initiatives have come from legislators (e.g., performance-based funding, dual credit or concurrent enrollment); from foundations (e.g., the “Completion Agenda”); from private enterprise (e.g., prior learning assessments); from educational reformers (e.g., competency-based education); and from accreditors (e.g., the new Pathways system in the Higher Learning Commission).  This session will examine these large trends and discuss how Iowa colleges and universities can best manage the accreditation relationship given the renewed focus on innovation. 

Excellence in Technology: Transforming Teaching, Training, and Team Building      Laura Newhouse, Online Academic and Program Development Director, Buena Vista University      Jill Rhea, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Ph.D. Buena Vista University Do you love technology? Do you fear technology? Are you frustrated or excited about implementing technology into your work environment? Leaders today must embrace technology in various ways.  In this interactive session, we will address best practices, share real-world examples, and provide technology ideas and solutions for teaching, training, and team building. Focus will be given to telepresence, web conferencing, and collaboration tools. 

You Don't Have to Drive a Prius to Teach a Hybrid Class      Jacki Brucher Moore, Professor, Kirkwood Community College      Natalia Cherjovsky, Professor, Kirkwood Community College More and more institutions are attempting to meet the diverse educational needs of students by offering courses in a variety of formats including hybrid/blended courses that are partially taught face-to-face and partially taught online. This presentation will provide a framework for understanding how blended teaching and learning looks and feels different compared with traditional face-to-face formats. Participants will gain some valuable strategies and techniques for successfully shifting to a blended instructional format. 

Barriers and Opportunities: Female Pathways to Leadership      Annique Kiel,  Drake University      Cris Wildermuth, Drake University Female leaders may face unique leadership barriers and opportunities. This highly interactive session invites women to have an open and honest dialogue about their leadership journey. Participants will build a three-dimensional Lego® model that serves as a metaphor for the female perspective, share the models with one another, and search for common meanings and themes. During the ensuing discussion, we may consider additional questions such as: 1) How does gender impact our leadership experiences and opportunities? 2) What core competencies do women need to advance in leadership roles? 3) What initiatives or programs might best support female leadership experiences?  


Friday, November 6


8:45 – 10:00       Contributed and Invited Presentations IV

What’s Next?  Planning and Preparing for Your Next Job or Career Move      Lynne Sebille-White, Senior Director, Career Advancement, University of Iowa Don’t leave your future to chance!  Join this interactive session to learn strategies to intentionally gain the skills and garner professional relationships to help you move forward with your career. Create, enhance, and market your unique, personal brand. 

Breaking the Mold:  Stories of Trials and Errors on the Way to Administration      Brenda Bass, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Iowa      Nancy Cobb, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, University of Northern Iowa      Vickie Robinson, Interim Dean of the College of Education,  University of Northern Iowa      Julie Husband, Head, Department of Languages & Literatures, University of Northern Iowa Four administrators from the University of Northern Iowa (department head, dean, and associate Provost), share anecdotes and advice to those who want to break the mold and change attitudes towards women in positions of academic leadership.  Though the road is not easy, it is possible for more women to succeed in positions of leadership.  And, more importantly, it is important that women step up and be willing to be leaders.  Each administrator will make a 10-minute presentation and then the floor will be opened up to questions, comments from those attending. 

How to do it all and still have time for coffee: Time Management Strategies      Dr. Brooke Strahn-Koller, Dean of Social Sciences, Kirkwood Community College In today’s changing society we find ourselves expected to do more with less time and less resources both at work and at home.   The fact is that there are still only 24 hours in a day so we need to find ways to be more efficient.  This session will help you learn ways to prioritize, get organized, and avoid distractions.  Participants are encouraged to bring resources and ideas to share with others.  

Making It Stick!  Classroom Take-Aways to Maximize Learning from the Classroom      Celina Peerman, Ph.D., Adjunct Graduate Instructor, Mount Mercy University Helping students connect theory to real life is critical in adult learning strategies.  This interactive session will examine a range of techniques to get students at all levels to apply material in and outside of the classroom.  Finding new ways to engage students helps reinforce the learning even more.  Come recharge your batteries, share some ideas and pick up new ones to take back out to your classroom.



10:15 – 11:30      Contributed and Invited Presentations V

"Through the eyes of the student"- Multicultural Engagement: a closer look at educational policy and course delivery.      Ilima M. Young-Dunn, Professor, Human Services, Urban Campus, DMACC      Jeanice A. McCarville, Professor, Human Services, Ankeny Campus, DMACC This interactive presentation will allow participants to experience the impact of classroom guidelines and educational policy on multicultural students.  This presentation is intended to encourage dialogue and better consideration on how educational leaders can better engage diverse students in the classroom. 

Retirement: Living Your Dream or Just Dreaming?      DJ Corson, CLO of Visions Unlimited Do you find yourself thinking about retirement within the next 5 years?There are many right answers for how to enjoy a retirement that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Participants of this session will do some thinking about 4 considerations that will help them envision and develop their picture-perfect retirement. 

She Matters: 2015 Issues and Action      Diane Ramsey; Iowa Women Lead Change      Dawn Oliver Wiand; Iowa Women's Foundation      Linda Bisgaard; Friends Board Iowa Commission on the Status of Women      Becky Greenwald; NEXUS      San Wong; Iowa Department of Human Rights      Ann Gale; AAUW Two years ago, the Iowa Women's Leadership Project (IWLP) provided an overview of our state in presenting SHE MATTERS: 2012 Status of Iowa Women and Girls report.  In 2011, over fifteen different organizations around the state of Iowa embarked on SHE MATTERS to update and inform all Iowans about the current status of women and girls in Iowa, their challenges and their achievements. IWLP has now launched Phase III of the SHE MATTERS project, and will present their latest work - SHE MATTERS; 2015 ISSUES AND ACTIONS.   This report focuses on 6 areas - Economic self-sufficiency; Leadership; Pay equity; STEM Careers; Safety from violence; and Women-owned businesses. Did you know:   -  70% of Iowa female headed households are struggling.   -  The wage gap has fallen from 79 to 77 cents in the last two years.   -  Women account for only 22.7% of our state legislators and hold only 16% of corporate board  positions. Join this panel of 6 women as they discuss this important report and the challenges facing women in Iowa in those six areas. 

Become an Architect of Faculty Success      Marla Cartwright, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Kaplan University      Erica Spiller, Associate  Academic Dean, Des Moines Campus, Kaplan University As the demand for online learning increases, higher education administrators are often on the front lines, leading their faculty through the transition from exclusively teaching on-ground to either the hybrid or online instruction delivery formats. During this transformative experience, administrators can guide faculty by implementing a number of techniques including establishing consistent communication, ensuring faculty are involved in the process as well as evaluating and leveraging the best technological tools for the job. Crafting a plan which includes many, if not all, of these facets will help ensure that faculty training administrators ultimately inspire excellence among all faculty members within an institution.  

The following four scholarships and awards will be presented at The Way Up Conference.  Click the links for more details about each recognition:

The Way Up Conference Thanks You for your Sponsorship!

 

Kaplan University

Kaplan University

Kaplan University's Mission Statement:  Kaplan University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in today’s diverse global society. The University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. 
Iowa campuses are located:  Des Moines (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/des-moines-iowa.aspx); Davenport (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/davenport-iowa.aspx); Cedar Falls (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/cedar-falls-iowa.aspx); Cedar Rapids (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/cedar-rapids-iowa.aspx); Mason City (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/mason-city-iowa.aspx)
Nebraska Campuses are located:
Lincoln (www.kaplanuniversity.edu/lincoln-nebraska.aspx); and Omaha ( www.kaplanuniversity.edu/Omaha-nebraska.aspx)

Buena Vista University Logo

Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University's Mission Statement: We develop students for life long success through innovation and imaginative academic and professional preparation.
http://www.bvu.edu/

Allen College

Allen College

Allen College is committed to preparing competent healthcare professionals through educational programs of excellence, to developing a diverse community of learners and faculty, and to promoting community service, scholarship, and lifelong learning.

Iowa Coordinating Council

The Iowa Coordinating Council for Post High School Education is composed of representatives of the Presidents and Trustees of public and private colleges and universities in the State of Iowa. In addition, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, the Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Public Television are members.
http://www.regents.iowa.gov/HigherEd/highered.htm

UIOWA logo

University of Iowa

Mission: In pursuing its missions of teaching, research, and service, the University seeks to advance scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; to use this research and creativity to enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, health care, and other services provided to the people of Iowa, the nation, and the world; and to educate students for success and personal fulfillment in a diverse world.
http://www.uiowa.edu/

ISU logo

Iowa State University

Mission: Create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. We must prepare the leaders of our nation and the world. To make the world a better place, Iowa State will call upon its great strengths in student-centered education, global collaboration, and transformational basic and applied research. Iowa State will lead in developing more sustainable ways to produce and deliver safe and nutritious food, water, materials, and energy; integrate the protection of plant, animal, and human health; and care for our environment. We will design tools and infrastructure that will create entrepreneurial opportunities. The major changes sweeping the world are creating extraordinary opportunities for Iowa State to capitalize on its land-grant mission and be at the forefront in addressing our common, global challenges.
http://www.iastate.edu/

UNI logo

University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa provides transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society.
http://www.uni.edu/

St. Ambrose logo

St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University — independent, diocesan, and Catholic — enables its students to develop intellectually, spiritually, ethically, socially, artistically and physically to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.
http://www.sau.edu

Central College

Central College

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to helping students discover and develop their greatest potential. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence.  The College nurtures the development of the mind, while fostering spiritual and emotional maturity and physical well-being. Central integrates career preparation with the development of values essential to responsible citizenship, empowering graduates for effective service in local, national and international communities.
https://www.central.edu/

Grinnell College

Grinnell College

When Grinnell College framed its charter in the Iowa Territory of the United States in 1846, it set forth a mission to educate its students "for the different professions and for the honorable discharge of the duties of life." The College pursues that mission by providing an education in the liberal arts through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas. As a teaching and learning community, the College holds that knowledge is a good to be pursued both for its own sake and for the intellectual, moral, and physical well-being of individuals and of society at large. The College exists to provide a lively academic community of students and teachers of high scholarly qualifications from diverse social and cultural circumstances. The College aims to graduate individuals who can think clearly, who can speak and write persuasively and even eloquently, who can evaluate critically both their own and others' ideas, who can acquire new knowledge, and who are prepared in life and work to use their knowledge and their abilities to serve the common good.
http://www.grinnell.edu/

Morningside College logo

Morningside College

The Morningside College experience cultivates a passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
morningside.edu

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community by integrating its core values with a professional and liberal arts and sciences education.
www.mchs.edu

Waldorf University

Waldorf University

Waldorf University seeks to be an engaging community of learning and faith where relationships are formed and opportunities for learning and service abound. Our mission is to educate the whole person emphasizing integrity and equipping students to succeed and to serve the communities where they live and work.
http://www.waldorf.edu/

DMACC Logo

Des Moines Area Community College

DMACC provides quality, affordable, student-centered education and training to empower Iowans of all ages and backgrounds to pursue life's opportunities and achieve their career dreams.
http://www.dmacc.edu

EICC

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges deliver high-quality education and training that prepare a skilled workforce, provide affordable access to higher education, and build and strengthen our communities.  The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges will be the first choice for education, training, and partnerships that strengthen Eastern Iowa.
http://www.eicc.edu

HCC logo

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College is a globally informed community of successful lifelong learners.  Hawkeye Community College will be recognized for educational excellence, exceptional student services, and responsiveness to diverse communities.
http://www.hawkeyecollege.edu

IHCC logo

Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills Community College changes lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment, and regional economic advancement.

IACCC Logo

Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College promotes intellectual discovery, physical development, social and ethical awareness, and economic opportunities for all through an education that transforms lives, strengthens community, and inspires progress.
http://www.iowacentral.edu

ILCC logo

Iowa Lakes Community College

Mission Statement: To provide opportunities for quality lifelong learning and promote economic development for our communities. Campuses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake.
http://www.iowalakes.edu

IVCCD

Iowa Valley Community College District

Iowa Valley Community College District is committed to providing quality learning experiences, ensuring student success, responding to diverse community needs, and building community partnerships.
http://www.iavalley.edu    

Kirkwood Logo

Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning 
http://www.kirkwood.edu

Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and training to meet the needs of our communities.
http://www.nicc.edu

Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa Community College is a progressive learning college rapidly responding to the changing needs of our global community.
http://www.nwicc.edu

SEICC Logo

Southeastern Community College

Southeastern Community College provides accessible, quality programs and services which promote student success and economic vitality.   Southeastern Community College, a visionary leader in lifelong learning, embraces diversity, transforms lives, strengthens communities, and inspires individuals to excellence.
http://www.scciowa.edu/

SWCC Logo

Southwestern Community College

Southwestern Community College exists in order that Area XIV community members have opportunities to gain skills and knowledge sufficient for successful employment, higher education achievement, or adult and continuing education.
http://www.swcciowa.edu 

Western Iowa Tech Community College

As a comprehensive community college, our mission is to provide quality education and to economically enhance the communities we serve.
http://www.witcc.edu

Events


Art on the Prairie, Perry, Iowa
 

Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 - Sunday, Nov 15, 2015
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday;  10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Free

Want to enjoy a remarkable weekend filled with art and culture? Take a drive to Perry, Iowa for the 4th annual Art on the Prairie festival.  The Festival is a nonprofit event, free to the public and facilitated by a dedicated volunteer team. The festival is located in seven buildings brimming with art, music and poetry, all within walking distance in downtown Perry.  Over 100 artists, musicians, poets, authors, and performers will gather to present their work. All participants are from Iowa and display a wealth of different talents and wares. Art on the Prairie is a collaboration of creativity that layers art, music, and words from a foundation of small town community spirit and ingenuity. The unique setting of historical and contemporary buildings encourages people to explore and seek a new experience around every corner. Art on the Prairie hosts artists of a variety of media: pottery, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, letterpress, glass, and more.  Over 70 hours of live acoustic unplugged music will fill our venues for the two day event.

A full schedule and detailed information regarding artists, musicians, youth activities, speakers, and performers are available at www.artontheprairie.org.

 


 

Pilobolus
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center

November 10, 2015, Tuesday
7:30 pm
Admission: TBD

Pilobolus—named after a barnyard fungus that propels its spores with extraordinary speed, accuracy and strength—is a dance company founded by a group of Dartmouth College students in 1971. Pilobolus continually forms diverse collaborations that break down barriers between disciplines and challenge the way we think about dance. Physically and intellectually, the company engages and inspires audiences around the world man.

Click on this link to the show's website.


PJ Walsh at the Funny Bones Comedy Club

West Des Moines
Nov 4, 2015 - Nov 7, 2015


PJ Walsh’s comedy has carried him around the globe, from the Olympic Games, to overseas tours for troops in countries including Iraq and Afghanistan. His one-man show “OVER THERE: Comedy Is His Best Weapon” was called “Fantastic, heartfelt & hilarious” by NYTheatre.com and won “Best” at Hollywood and San Francisco Fringe Festivals!


 





Other Des Moines Area Events

Stage West Theatre Company
Olsen-Larsen Art Gallery Exhibit
Sunday Tunes @ Summerset Winery
Swing Dancing
West Des Moines Funny Bone Comedy Club

 



Attractions

Prairie Meadows Casino
Iowa State Capitol
Science Center of Iowa
State Historical Museum
Jordan Creek Town Center

Other Attractions like these may be found at:
http://www.catchdesmoines.com/