2016 Conference

2023 Conference Attendees

The Way Up XXX Conference

"30 Years of Inspiring Excellence for Women in Higher Education"

November 3-4, 2016

For 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.

Be sure to wear your Pearls!!   The Pearl represents 30 years - and we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary at this conference.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

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

  Dr. C. Renee Romano
  Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
10:45-12:00pmContributed and Invited Sessions I
12:00-1:30pmLunch
 Recognition Awards
 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:  The University of Iowa Art Share Program.

5:30-7:00pm

Banquet

Banquet Speaker

Dr. Denise M. Douglas
Associate Dean, Executive Education;
Weatherhead School of Management at the Case Western Reserve University (OH)

Silent Auction winners announced
 

 7:00 - 9:00 pm
 
Special Event:   An Evening at the Iowa River Landing  Plan to attend this very special event planned for The Way Up attendees and friends.   It will be held at the Iowa River Landing from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Thursday, November 3.

Friday, November 4, 2016

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

Dr. Teresa Paper
President, Scott Community College
1:30pmConference Completed
  

The 2016 Way Up Conference will be held at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Coralville, 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 Coralville 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.

 

Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
300 East 9th St.
Coralville  Iowa  52241

The 2016 Way Up Conference will be held at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa.


You may wish to view the Marriott website.

A limited block of rooms is reserved at the Coralville 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  wyuwyua   to make your  reservation.

Or you can call 1-866-204-0539 to reserve your room and indicate that you are with the WAYUP Conference.

 

Rooms are only $112/night through October 19, 2016.

Note: The $112 rate is also available for Friday, November 4 for a  "Shop Til You Drop" special rate for The Way Up conference attendees.


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

Thursday, November 3, 2016
 

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

             Dr. C. Renee Romano
            Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
            University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

            "Lessons Learned on The Way Up"

Higher Education is a unique environment where women sometimes have a disadvantage in moving up in the ranks. There are many factors involved, some of which are out of our control-such as the perceptions of others about women in leadership, gender discrimination and other challenges of women in the academy. But there are things in our control, such as career decisions, people we align ourselves with, personal choices about partners and children, the nature of our work and how much we want to put into it.  Dr. Romano will reflect on her experience in higher education and give thoughts to consider for your own journey on the way up to whatever heights you choose to attain.

Dr. Renée Romano is currently Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Prior to her appointment at Illinois, she was the Vice President for Educational and Student Services at the University of Northern Iowa, where she was also an associate professor in the College of Education.  Throughout her career, Dr. Romano has been interested in the experiences and perceptions of women leaders and the unique challenges they face. She has also been a passionate advocate for diversity, creating structures to celebrate and support inclusion on campus.  She's married to Robert Sherwood and has one daughter, Angela who is expecting her first child in October. In her spare time, she refers to herself as an obsessive knitter and runner, and has enjoyed recent racing success in her age group, or as she explains it, "I didn't have to get faster; I just had to get older."


 

 

12:00-1:30 pm   Lunch

 

The Way Up Scholarship and Recognition Awards:

* Carol Rocklin Kay Memorial Scholarship
* Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship
*“Iowa Community Colleges Support The Way Up” Scholarship

* Recognition Awards - Recognizing the Founders and the Early Supporters of The Way Up


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

 

Dinner Speaker

            Dr. Denise M. Douglas
            Associate Dean, Executive Education; Weatherhead School of Management at the Case Western Reserve University (OH)

            "Mastering Authentic Leadership in the Changing Higher Education Landscape!"

The rapid pace of change in the world surrounding higher education institutions has forced leaders in higher education to emerge from a reactionary state to a proactive state to ensure higher education's relevance in the future.  But what does it take to lead in an environment that is increasingly complex, highly regulated, underfunded, diverse, global and questioned as to its value? In order for leaders to thrive in this new landscape they must skillfully lead with authenticity.  Mastering authenticity requires a deep level of self-awareness including the understanding of ones values, strengths and personal vision in order to position yourself to lead your institution to her greatest potential.  This Keynote Presentation will explore topics on vision, values, authenticity, grit and support structures such as a personal board of directors to help you imagine, embrace and excel in your leadership journey. 

Dr. Denise Douglas has over 18 years of leadership experience in both private and public higher education institutions.  Currently, Douglas serves as the associate dean of Weatherhead Executive Education with the prior position of senior associate dean for the School of Graduate Studies and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Case Western Reserve University. Douglas is also the president of Career Spark, LLC a leadership development, coaching, and educational practice.  She is certified to deliver and interpret the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI), as well as other leadership and career development assessments.  Her specialty area is women's leadership development.  Douglas has received many awards including being selected to attend the ACE National Women's Leadership Forum and being awarded Case Western Reserve University's President's Distinguished Service Award.  Other awards and recognitions include the YWCA of Cleveland Woman of Professional Excellence, Kaleidoscope Magazine's 40-40 Club and selection to attend the prestigious HERS Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education.  Douglas currently serves on the board of Dress for Success Cleveland, a non-profit that helps economically disadvantaged women overcome barriers to employment.


 

Friday, November 4, 2016

11:30 - 1:15 pm Lunch

Closing Speaker:

                Dr. Teresa Paper
                President, Scott Community College

               "Life and Leadership:  It's a Balancing Act"

Dr. Teresa Paper is currently President of Scott Community College in Bettendorf,Iowa.  Prior to this appointment, she was Dean of Instruction at Allen Community College in Iola, Kansas and the Dean of the College at Scott Community College.  Teresa has obtained many awards and accolades throughout her career as both an instructor and institutional leader. These honors include the Phi Theta Kappa Administrator Award, the Instructional Leadership Award for Instructional Administrators, and an Honorable Mention Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. Teresa was also a Math Scholar through the National Science Foundation. Teresa is an active Rotarian, where she has served as the North Scott Rotary Foundation Committee Chair for several years.  Outside of work, Teresa spends her free time with her husband, Nyle Paper, and their four children.  She enjoys baking, sewing, gardening, and spending time outdoors on her farm in northwest Scott County.
 
Dr. Paper's Keynote presentation will focus on learning from past experiences and using them to develop the next generations of leaders. You will hear about how to achieve work-life balance and the role this plays in developing great leaders, as well as how to establish valuable connections with other women in leadership roles.

Thursday, November 3


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

Turning More Data into Better Outcomes: Analytics at Iowa

    Nick Street, Henry B. Tippie Research Professor of Management Sciences, University of Iowa;
    Samuel Van Horne, ITS Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology & The Office of Assessment, University of Iowa;
    Russell Larsen, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, University of Iowa

In this session we will discuss analytics and predictive modeling in different programs at the University of Iowa. We will first introduce analytics as a field of study and highlight the pioneering programs in Business Analytics programs at the University of Iowa. We will describe our keys to student success in the field, focusing on experiential learning projects, many of which involve the analysis of educational data. The second half of the presentation will zoom in on a current application of learning analytics within the context of a large enrollment, first-year chemistry course.  The panelists will discuss their strategies and share their experiences in developing data tools that can be used to gain insight and drive action at the institutional, course, and student levels.  Session participants will be encouraged to ask questions and to share their own perspectives on the emerging use of analytics in higher education.


How can men promote female leadership: A Men's Panel of Leaders

    Dr. Christopher Duree, Chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College District;
    Dr. Larry Ebbers, Iowa State University Professor Emeritus
    Lon Moeller Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education and Dean, University of Iowa

This panel is made up of three influential male leaders who are committed to encouraging females in higher education to move up through the ranks.  According to the American Council on Education's Center for Policy Research and Strategy (2016), women make up more than half of all college students with approximately a quarter of all full professors are women.  Additionally, less than 15% of the presidents at doctoral degree granting intuitions are women.  It also documented that "female faculty members have not made progress in closing the salary gap-women made 83% of what male faculty made in 1972 and only 82% of what male faculty made in 2009."  So, what are some Iowa colleges doing to change this negative projection?  Learn from this panel of experts on what they are doing differently to change the stigma around hiring women in leadership positions.  They will share their ideas about what makes a good female leader, what characteristics they look for when promoting a female to leadership, and why it is important to have women in leadership positions in higher education?  These men have demonstrated throughout their careers that promotion of great leader goes beyond gender.     Click here for Lon Moeller's Presentation


Serving Military Students 101

    Jathan Chicione, Iowa State University, Military Relations;
    Julia M.H. Rose, MSW, LMSW;
    Kacey R. Webster, M.Ed.; Kaplan University, Des Moines

Attend this session and learn about the demographic nuances of military students, to include veterans, active military, military spouses and children. Learn more about best practices here in Iowa that support this deserving group of students.


When Online, Keep It In Line: Diplomatic Dialogue in Cyberspace

    Dr. Jayne Morgan, Workplace Oasis

In today's world of emails, texts, posts, and tweets, it is easier than ever for people to avoid face-to-face confrontation when expressing their views. When it comes to interpersonal conflict, however, making technology the messenger only makes matters worse. The absence of vocal and visual cues leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and escalated exchanges. In this session, learn how to open and maintain a productive dialogue during difficult conversations--online and off!

 


 


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

Inclusive Instruction and Engaging Environments for LGBTQA Learners

    Erica L. Spiller, Des Moines Area Community College and Kaplan University

As student bodies continue the positive change toward increased diversification, faculty and other institutional stakeholders must stay current and comfortable with how to provide an inclusive and engaging learning environment and campus community for LGBTQA learners. As instructors work to create these environments, they must do so while also managing many classroom formats (such as face-to-face, online, distance, or blended) which often means the diversity of the student body might not be easily known to the professor. Faculty can employ a number of techniques to work toward creating a productive classroom environment and gaining personal growth in their own support and understanding of LGBTQA students.


You Do You (Better): How to Create, Present, and Promote Your Authentic Self in Higher Education

    Garry Klein, Director, Career Coaching, The University of Iowa

In this interactive and fun-filled workshop, you will have the opportunity to create or improve your personal brand, use the "collective hive" to test and practice presenting it, and receive feedback to make your personal story more impactful to those whose attention you seek. You will also learn about some social media tools that can help you to promote yourself in the field of Higher Education. You are encouraged to keep your smartphones out to participate fully in the workshop.


What's Next: Planning and Preparing for Your Next Job/Career Move

    Nancy Hauserman, Professor Emeritus, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa;
    Naomi DeWinter, President, Muscatine Community College, Ed.D.;
    Paula L. O'Loughlin, Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Coe College

Three leaders in Iowa higher education share their insights on planning and preparing for careers in higher education leadership. Their insights range from how they planned their trajectories (or fell into their trajectories) of administrative positions at various levels as well as positions of influence across career life-spans. Consideration is also given on planning careers and the timing of retirement as an optimal decision. The ultimate goal is to share insights about issues and ways in which we may chart our course for leadership roles we hope to achieve on our Way Up. Come learn from the experience from these dynamic leaders.


Why Women's Leadership Matters

    Dianne Bystrom, Director, Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Iowa State University

This presentation will begin with an overview of the current status of women in leadership positions in business, higher education and politics nationally and in Iowa. Next, I will discuss the barriers to women's leadership in the public and private sectors. Finally, I will review the results of research that underscore why having more women in leadership positions is good for government, business and public policy.    Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.

 


 


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

Weaving Diversity into the Fabric of Education

    Dr. Natalia Cherjovsky, Kirkwood Community College
    Jacki Brucher Moore, Kirkwood Community College

While some institutions offer specific courses in diversity, there are many opportunities and tremendous value in taking a more integrated approach. In much the same way that institutions approach writing across the curriculum, students gain a richer understanding of diversity when it is not compartmentalized as a requirement on a graduation check list. This session will help participants think about ways to weave diversity education into the fabric of their own curriculum so it becomes much more entrenched in how students think. The presenters will share some best practices for including different voices and experiences into any subject or course. Participants will also engage in activities designed to help them create a diversity connection within their own courses or programs.


Changing the Academy: Engaging Women as Leaders and Creating Supportive Cultures

    Sarah Fisher Gardial, Dean, Henry B. Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa;
    Lisa Larson, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Fellow for the ADVANCE program, Iowa State University

Evidence across industries increasingly validates the efficacy of practicing diverse and inclusive decision making. While we value participatory decision making and shared governance in higher education, we continue to struggle with the challenges of realizing and sustaining the diverse and inclusive environments which are necessary to that end. This session will explore two factors that shape our ability to achieve that goal: 1) our ability to engage the unique leadership skills and strengths of women and 2) our employment of "best practice" evidence for building supportive and engaged organizational cultures. In this facilitated discussion, we will draw on research both within and beyond higher education to explore what we can do individually and collectively to realize our aspirations.


Using an Appreciative Approach in Your Own Career Development

    Chrystal Stanley, PhD, Drake University

The Appreciative Inquiry (AI) model is based on the assumption that the questions we ask will help focus our attention in a particular direction. Many methods of assessing and evaluating our potential are based upon a deficiency model; asking questions such as "What skills do I lack?", "What am I missing?" or "What needs to be fixed?" Appreciative Inquiry takes an alternative approach. AI asserts an "asset-based approach", beginning with the belief that every person has positive aspects that can be enhanced. This session will use an AI model to approach personal career development including networking, resume building and interview skills.   Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


New Implications of Title IX

    Georgina Dodge, Title IX Coordinator, University of Iowa

Since 1972, Title IX has impacted the roles and status of women in higher education in ever-changing ways. This session will provide a brief overview of Title IX and its historical application, then focus on recent changes and their implications. Participants will discuss their perceptions of how Title IX operates on their campuses, the intersection of Title IX and politics, and what the future of women in higher education looks like in light of Title IX. Led by questions and prompts, participants will engage in work groups that will weigh the impact of new policies and guidance on all members of the campus community with the purpose of contributing to their institutions' observances of Title IX.

 


Friday, November 4


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

Beyond Compliance: Floors to Ceilings and Everything in Between - Creating a Climate of Access for Students With Disabilities Attending Post-Secondary Institutions

    Jan Weis, M.ED., Scott Community College

During this interactive session, attendees will have an opportunity to explore their own ideas of what "access" means with regards to students with disabilities, what the ADAAA means by "access" and what their institutions regards as "access." Open forum discussion will feature creative ways to build a climate of access and methods to reduce the barriers to the educational programs at higher education institutions. Come with your out-of-the box thinking caps on!


The EPIC Corporate Challenge: Iowa's Commitment to Promoting Women into Leadership

    Becky Greenwald, Past President Nexus Executive Women's Alliance and Regional Advocate for IA, MO, NE, KS, Office of Advocacy, U.S. SBA;
    Diane Ramsey, CEO, Iowa Women Lead Change

Does your educational institution do all they can to promote women into leadership positions? Did you know that Iowa is one of three states in the nation that is asking educational institutions and businesses statewide to sign on to a partnership that commits to set voluntary measurable goals tracking women in all levels of leadership in their institutions? Attend this session to find out if your institution has joined this partnership; what you can expect when an educational institution does become a partner; or how you can help convince your institution to join this leadership challenge.    Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


In Case You Are Wondering and Wandering: You are Enough

    Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp, Ph.D., Counseling Program Coordinator, Drake University

Life is all about overcoming obstacles. Our desire to overcome and to achieve is at the core of our journey for excellence. In academia, however, where one's competence is constantly under scrutiny, the basic motivation to overcome may turn into constant questioning of one's abilities and competence. Our desire to be perfect paradoxically creates self-doubt. We trick ourselves by believing that we have to be better to be good enough. This belief starts a never ending downward spiral. The purpose of this session is to discover our beliefs and patterns that hold us back to reach our true potential and to inspire excellence within ourselves and in others. We will explore a tool box of strategies to nurture ourselves. Participants will develop the courage to be imperfect through exploring self-compassion, self-encouragement, unconditional self-acceptance, and self- nurturing strategies.


Educating Our Nation's Minority and Immigrant Populations: "It Takes a Village"

    Jennifer Wilson, Ph.D., Director of Business and Workforce Education, Rochester Community and Technical College

Today, colleges are seeing a spike in enrollment from immigrant and refugee students seeking postsecondary opportunities. During this session, Dr. Wilson will discuss specific barriers and innovative solutions to use when working with and assisting refugee students. Come prepared for an open and candid session over innovative and structured approaches various college personnel can use when working with diverse populations.   Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation

 


 


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


She's Got It: A Woman's Guide to Saving and Investing

    Paige Cook, Sr. Financial Consultant with TIAA

Learn how to make your future flourish. Join us for a revealing trip through successful investing and saving strategies developed especially for women like you.  Your money shouldn't be sitting around doing nothing - and at this workshop, you won't be either. TIAA's workshop leader will show you the simple secrets to saving more:  a) Learn the core concepts that guide all investing, get motivated, build a plan and take action; b) Find ways to take on life's challenges without damaging future financial well-being; c) Discover more about yourself with the Financial Personality Type Quiz; d) Break down what your real goals are and learn how to help reach them via group activities.


Knock It Off 101: Gaining Confidence to Address Inappropriate Behavior

    Kacy R. Webster, M.Ed.; Kaplan University, Des Moines

Learning how to confidently communicate with others about the behaviors that negatively impact you and negatively impact your organization's success takes skill. Come learn more about the SBI technique and let's practice. Whether it is Peer-to-Peer, Supervisor-to-Employee; Employee-to-Supervisor or Faculty-to-Student, this technique will help you begin to master the art of interpersonal communication while minimizing conflict. Come prepared to engage, laugh and address this serious topic!


Social Networking Do's and Don'ts - The Art of Conversation and How to Network

    Rachael Holland, Regional Director of Business Development, Kaplan University

Let's be honest with one another, most of us have a slight addiction to social media. Don't let this guilty pleasure have harmful effects on your professional career. Learn how to balance your personal and professional presence online and network effectively.


Understanding Introverts and Extroverts - Bring Out the Best in Yourself and Your Team

    Maureen Schafer, University of Iowa

Do you dread group brainstorming sessions or get frustrated when leading others and they aren't as engaged as you would like? Understanding the practical implications of the introversion-extroversion continuum can help us create conditions where we work at our best, and lead in ways that draw out the best in our colleagues as well. In this session, we will discuss the different ways that people draw energy, process information, and approach group interactions. Participants will engage with this topic through writing brief personal reflections and sharing experiences and tips in small groups. Deeper understanding of this topic delivers insight into the ways introverts and extroverts navigate their responsibilities at work, and will allow each of us to develop a leadership style that inspires everyone to thrive.   Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.

 

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)

TIAA

TIAA

TIAA's Mission Statement:
    Put the Customer First.
    Value our People.
    Act with Integrity.
    Deliver Excellence.
    Take Personal Accountability.
    Operate as One Team.
    www.tiaa.org

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/

Delta Dental Logo

Delta Dental

Delta Dental of Iowa is dedicated to improving the health and smiles of the people we serve.
Deltadentalia.com

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/

Coe College

Coe College

It is the mission of Coe College to provide students an education of superior quality that aims at preparing them for life following graduation. Our reason to exist as an institution is to ready students intellectually, professionally, and socially to lead productive and satisfying lives in the global society of the 21st century. As such, our success as a College will be measured according to the success of our graduates.
http://www.coe.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/

Loras College

Loras College

Our commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition - Loras College is a Catholic, diocesan college explicitly oriented to promote service of both church and world through encouraging all members of the community in development of their “diverse professional, social and religious roles.” The college strives to be a community demonstrating the highest standards of the Catholic intellectual tradition and welcoming all people into a dialogue to promote core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence and service.
http://www.loras.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


Attractions

Coral Ridge Mall
http://www.coralridgemall.com/ 

Lindale Mall
http://www.mallseeker.com/lindale-mall.aspx

The Amana Colonies
http://www.amanacolonies.com/ 

The Old Creamery Theatre
http://www.oldcreamery.com/

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch
http://hoover.archives.gov/

Cedar Rapids Museum of Arts
http://www.crma.org/Default.aspx 

African American Museum
http://www.blackiowa.org/ 

Czech Village
http://www.ncsml.org/

New Bohemia
http://crmainstreet.org/

New Bohemia City Market
http://www.newbocitymarket.com

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
http://www.ncsml.org

Brucemore Historical Site
http://www.brucemore.org/ 

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center
http://www.historycenter.org/  

Indian Creek Nature Center  (Cedar Rapids)
http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org
       
Iowa Veterans Affairs Health Care System
http://www.iowacity.va.gov/

University of Iowa
https:///www.uiowa.edu/homepage/calendars

Hancher Auditorium - University of Iowa
http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/

Iowa City/Coralville
http://www.iowacitycoralville.org/calendar.aspx 

Cedar Rapids
http://www.discoverourtown.com/IA/Cedar%20Rapids/Lodging-683.html

Cornell College
http://cornellcollege.edu/

Kirkwood Community College
http://www.kirkwood.edu/

The Hotel at Kirkwood
http://www.thehotelatkirkwood.com/home

Mt Mercy University
http://www.mtmercy.edu/

Other Attractions like these may be found at
http://www.culturalcorridor.org/

 

Events

Multi-Day Events:

Brucemore Mansion Tours

2160 Linden Drive SE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 

Explore over a century of Cedar Rapids history through the lives of the three families who called Brucemore home-the Sinclairs, the Douglases, and the Halls. They were business and community leaders during a century of evolution in the Midwest. An investigation of the mansion's Queen Anne architecture, 1925 Grant Wood Porch, 1929 Skinner pipe organ, and 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room reflect the history of remarkable people. The changes they made to their estate, the impact they had on their community, and the stories they left behind shape our understanding of modern Cedar Rapids, eastern Iowa, and the American Midwest.
Website:

 

Nana's Naughty Knickers

October 13– November 6, 2016
The Old Creamery Theatre
 A young law student moves in with her sweet and innocent grandmother only to learn that Granny is running a lingerie business for sexy seniors out of her New York apartment. It’s two hours of non-stop laughs as granny and her pals try to sidestep the law, a greedy landlord, and a shipment of merchandise gone awry! Rated PG.
Website:


Devonian Fossil Gorge

Coralville Lake Visitor Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE; Coralville, IA 52240
The Coralville Lake Visitor Center features exhibits on the history and natural resources of the Coralville Lake area. Visitors will find actual fossil specimens from the Devonian Fossil Gorge (removed for preservation) and other exhibits depicting the local plant and animal life of the area on display.   A 15 minute movie about the Devonian Fossil Gorge and the Floods of 1993 and 2008 is available for viewing upon request.
Website