On One Day for Iowa, support experiential learning for Hawkeyes

Donating to CLAS is an investment in Hawkeye students. Every gift makes a difference, and yours could be matched during the giving day.
Friday, March 22, 2024

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 27 during One Day for Iowa, the University of Iowa's 24-hour online giving day. 

Opening doors for Hawkeyes 

A unique conference opportunity 

Professional experiences, including attending symposiums and conferences, can be life changing for students, allowing them to present research and creative work, exposing them to professionals and networking, and ultimately helping them land their first jobs.   A CLAS student presents at a conference for women studying physics.

Last year, the Department of Physics and Astronomy hosted a conference for undergraduate women in physics. Mary Haag, a second-year student, showed her work there. She says in addition to the career development opportunities, she was grateful to hear from professional women working in physics.  

“I really liked learning from their experiences and hearing what they went through because they have trail blazed in the industry and have given us motivation as the next generation of scientists,” Haag said.  

Showcasing art on an international stage 

In 2023, students in the School of Art and Art History’s 3D design program were invited to exhibit in New York during a competitive showcase, a career-altering opportunity for up-and-coming designers. Reynold Tawiah-Quashie, a graduate student, displayed a lounge chair he created during his studies.  3D design students showcase work in New York City

“It [the show] gave me an inside look at the furniture industry and valuable insights into the commercial aspect of furniture and design,” Tawiah-Quashie explains.   

Exploring sustainability on a global scale 

Students also find value in conducting coursework abroad. Last summer, students studying STEM subjects visited France, 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. Students participate in a course in Europe
 
“It was cool to see chemistry humanized by the people working at the pharmaceutical companies we visited,” says Kodi Dailey, a student studying chemistry, English, and creative writing with a certificate in sustainability. “This was the first time in my entire life that I felt like maybe I could work in a lab someday — prior to this visit, I always thought I didn't have what it takes.” 

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 says. “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 27, during One Day for Iowa, members of the college’s dean’s advisory board are offering to match more than $10,000 in gifts made to the CLAS development fund, meaning $1 becomes $2, $5 becomes $10. 

You can support this fund and more than 50 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 

The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers about 70 majors across the humanities; fine, performing and literary arts; natural and mathematical sciences; social and behavioral sciences; and communication disciplines. About 15,000 undergraduate and nearly 2,000 graduate students study each year in the college’s 37 departments, led by faculty at the forefront of teaching and research in their disciplines. The college teaches all Iowa undergraduates through the college's general education program, CLAS CORE. About 80 percent of all Iowa undergraduates begin their academic journey in CLAS. The college confers about 60 percent of the university's bachelor's degrees each academic year.