The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the oldest and largest college at the University of Iowa featuring more than 35 departments, 70 majors, and nearly 15,000 students. About 80 percent of undergraduate Hawkeyes begin their studies in this college and more than 60 percent of UI undergraduate degrees are awarded here.
Many students are seeking opportunities to position themselves for careers or graduate school through internships, lab work, and practicums, in addition to conference registration, symposium participation, and travel expenses. These unique opportunities enhance the student experience and prepare Hawkeyes for their next steps after graduation, but cost can be a barrier.
That's where you can help, especially on March 26 during One Day for Iowa, the University of Iowa's 24-hour online giving day.
Opening doors for Hawkeyes
A unique three-day trip to Washington D.C.
Professional experiences, including attending conferences, meeting with alumni, and other experiential learning opportunities, can be life changing for students. These opportunities expose them to professionals and networking, and ultimately helping them land their first jobs.
Last year, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication sponsored a trip to Washington D.C. for 11 students to learn more about journalism and the First Amendment. SJMC faculty member Brett Johnson accompanied the students.
Emily Delgado, a fourth-year student, documented the experience on CLAS Instagram Stories, as well as a written story. Delgado said the trip was built on what the group learned in Johnson's class.
The students spoke with lawyers of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, visited the White House, sat in on an Federal Communications Commission open meeting, met with FCC telecommunications lawyers, and visited National Public Radio. The students also met with two professional journalists and went to the National Press Club for dinner and networking.
"The entire trip was an amazing experience," Delgado said.
Showcasing art on an international stage
In 2024, students in the School of Art, Art History, and Design's 3D design program were invited to exhibit in New York during a competitive showcase, a career-altering opportunity for up-and-coming designers. Students also gained valuable insight from a global network of designers into the skills needed to work as an artist.
Reynold Tawiah-Quashie, a graduate student who attended the showcase for a second time, presented his work "Dream."
“My previous experience was eye-opening, but going for the second time took it to a whole new level,” Tawiah-Quashie said. “It was challenging but rewarding to soak it all in. The criticism and feedback I got from industry pros, professors from other schools, and young, upcoming designers were invaluable.”
Exploring sustainability on a global scale
Students also find value in conducting coursework abroad. Last summer, students studying STEM subjects visited Switzerland and Germany to experience the applications of sustainable chemistry on a global scale, gaining a deeper understanding of how history, geography, and national policies conspire to shape sustainability practices.
During the visit to Germany, students saw firsthand the country’s sustainable policy strategies. Second-year student Ella Kuper said her only exposure before the trip had been in a textbook.
“Being able to explore and tour real-life examples expanded my knowledge to a whole new realm of sustainable practices within business and cities,” Kuper said.
The collaboration between different students of different academic backgrounds made the discussions even more meaningful, said Kuper.
“I think this is what sets the program apart from others, the inclusion of different backgrounds allows for so much personal and academic growth in a differing environment than your typical classroom setting,” Kuper said.
Your gift goes further on One Day for Iowa
Donations to the college are essential for students to participate in these often-necessary experiences to prepare them for careers or further education.
“These types of opportunities can have a life-changing or career-altering impact on our students," College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Sara Sanders said. “Not everyone has the personal funds to participate. Some of our students simply cannot accept internships, experience practicums, or attend conferences and symposiums without private support from our generous alumni and friends.”
On Wednesday, March 26, during One Day for Iowa, members of the college’s dean’s advisory council are offering to match gifts made to the CLAS development fund up to $10,000, meaning $1 becomes $2, $5 becomes $10.
Susan K. Neely, who graduated from CLAS in 1978 with a BA in French as well as Communication and Theatre Arts, is a member of the dean's council and serves on the UI Center for Advancement board of directors. She supports CLAS because she is deeply proud of its commitment to writing.
"We are the only public university ranked in the top 10 for writing," Neely said. "This is why I serve on the advisory council to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and established a graduate fellowship for creative writing."
You can support this fund and more than 40 CLAS programs participating during the giving day. This includes posting on your favorite social media using #1DayForIowa where you could win an additional $250-500 for your favorite programs.
To learn more about how you can give back during the giving day, visit 1day.uiowa.edu