Ames-area podcast features David Cook
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance's (AREA) latest podcast (No. 021) is a conversation between AREA vice president for marketing and communications Eric Smidt and President David Cook, who shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development and economic impact across the state. The length is about 55 minutes. It's available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, iHeartRadio and Podbean. A video version is on the alliance's YouTube channel.
Host families sought for homestays for Japanese youth
Iowa 4-H, part of ISU Extension and Outreach, is recruiting families to host visiting Japanese youth (ages 13-17) and two adult chaperones this summer, from July 21 to Aug. 16. Help the students experience American culture while also experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. Each host family must have a child in their home between the ages of 11 and 17; the Japanese student they host would be within three years of their child's age. To ensure a safe environment, all adults in the home must undergo a background screening and home visit, and complete child abuse awareness virtual training. The host family application is due April 30, and home visits will be completed by June 1, when youth are assigned to host families. More information about hosting is online; questions may be directed to Kara Vance or Cayla Taylor, ISU Extension and Outreach.
Results of 2026 'State of Manufacturing' survey to be shared in webinar
Join a team from the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) on Wednesday, April 22 (noon-1 p.m., virtual) for a snapshot of Iowa's manufacturing sector and insight on the results from the organization's 2026 State of Manufacturing survey. Registration is free.
Iowa youth in grades 8-12 can attend 4-H conference in June
Faculty and staff are encouraged to share a hands‑on, summer campus opportunity with youth in grades 8-12: the Iowa 4‑H Youth Conference, taking place June 23-25 on campus and open to all Iowa youth, regardless of 4‑H membership. The conference offers five immersive tracks, selected during registration: Horticulture, Mission Moon, MVP Leadership, Choose Your Adventure (build your own schedule of workshops) and Animal Science Roundup (participants choose a specific species). All participants are together for keynote speakers, campus activities and evening events. Questions may be directed to the conference planning team, Megan Carlson and Erica Holliday.
Undergraduate research symposium is April 16
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to the 20th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity on Thursday, April 16 (9 a.m.-3 p.m., multiple rooms in the Memorial Union: 3310, 3512, 3534, 3538, 3560, 3580 and Cardinal Room). The symposium is a showcase of undergraduate research across all of Iowa State's colleges. Students will present posters and oral presentations in moderated sessions. Light refreshments will be available. The Campanile Room will serve as a welcome center where guests can pick up a program and get directions.
Lawn mower service days are April 10-11
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual lawn mower service days Friday, April 10, (1-5 p.m.) and Saturday, April 11, (8 a.m.-noon) on the west side of Sukup Hall. Online sign-up is available to schedule service. Drop off a lawnmower for service ($40) or have it picked up and dropped off ($60, Ames area) Payment can be made by check or cash.
Art graduate student invites guests to "Please Touch the Art" in exhibition
The master of fine arts thesis exhibition by Parisa Keshavarziyan, integrated visual arts, invites viewers to engage physically and emotionally with the artwork, which will be exhibited April 6-9 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Gallery 181, College of Design). Here work spans photography, animation, 3D art and stop-motion to create immersive and engaging experiences. Each visitor contributes to the evolving nature of the work, making the exhibition a living, collective process. A public reception will be held Wednesday, April 8 (5:30-7 p.m., Gallery 181).
Registration is open to participate at Center of ExCYtement in August
Faculty, staff and advisors are asked to encourage the student organizations and departmental programs they advise or support to exhibit at this summer's Center of ExCYtement on Thursday evening, Aug. 20, on central campus, part of Destination Iowa State for newly arriving Cyclones. Connect with incoming first‑year and transfer students, share the group's programming and impact in a high‑visibility setting, and recruit new members and build awareness among students who may not yet be connected. The deadline for organizations to register is July 31. Questions may be directed to dfineza@iastate.edu.
Bookstore's semi-annual celebration is April 9
The University Book Store in the Memorial Union will hold its semi-annual, in-store appreciation event for the Cyclone community on Thursday, April 9 (3-6 p.m.). Local businesses and ISU groups will partner with the bookstore at tables throughout the store to offer prizes, free samples, adoptable dogs and (all-day) deals on clothing, gifts and technology. Vendors include Piece and Freedom Bakery, Cookies Etc., the ISU Hort Station Honey, Jostens, Chocolaterie Stam, Farm Story Meats, Safe Paws, Sketch Literary Journal, Savor on Main, Gaffer's Guild, ISU Creamery, Lotta-pop Popcorn, Memorial Union Workspace and artists Hope Waggoner (3D printing) and Sophie Chitty (graphic design). While supplies last, mini cherry pies will be available for $3.
Youth culinary camps scheduled for June
Human Sciences Extension and Outreach is offering two new Cyclone Kitchen weeklong camps in June for students entering fourth through seventh grade. These hands-on culinary camps give youth the chance to explore cooking, creativity and healthy living in a teaching kitchen. Each camp costs $250 and meets 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Food Sciences Building. The opportunities are:
- Restaurant Week, June 8-12. Campers work together to learn practical kitchen and food-preparation skills while designing and operating their own mock restaurant. Youth take on roles from menu planning to meal preparation, culminating in a special lunch for invited guests on the final day.
- Inspired Flavors Week, June 15-19. Campers are introduced to tastes, traditions and ingredients from Iowa and around the world through hands-on cooking and tasting experiences. Youth explore new flavors and create dishes inspired by global and local food cultures.
Register for conflict management training in June
The ombuds office is offering a training, "Constructively Managing Conflicts," over three half‑days, June 16-18 (8:30 a.m.-noon daily, 4250 Student Innovation Center), open to all staff and faculty. Registration is required, and participation is limited to 30 participants. In this highly-interactive training, participants will identify multiple possible responses to conflict, better understand their own typical response and practice managing challenging scenarios and dynamics that are recurring and uncomfortable. Participants will build their communication skills to support constructive and respectful interactions. Each day's content builds on the prior day's learning, so registration and participation in all three days is required. Questions may be directed to Kay Mwanza.
Summer, fall instructors: Confirm teaching assignments, submit course material requests
Faculty who will teach a 2026 summer session or fall semester course are asked to submit all materials needed for class -- textbooks, courseware, eBooks, course packets, subscriptions and supplies (design, lab, personal protective equipment, technology, etc.) as soon as their teaching assignment is confirmed. Include courses for which there are no textbook requirements or where library resources will be used. These lists should be submitted to your department academic coordinator or directly through the VerbaCollect adoptions portal. Instructors without a department coordinator or who aren't sure how to access VerbaCollect should contact digital resource specialist Emma Peterson, 294-0362. The bookstore team provides custom book lists to students after course registration and before classes begin.
Need help with your adoptions? The ISU Book Store has several information sites to answer questions instructors may have:
Questions or requests to set up a training session (for you or an entire department) also may be directed to Peterson.
ISU Extension and Outreach Week is April 6-11
With county extension offices, specialists and staff located in all 99 counties, ISU Extension and Outreach connects Iowans throughout the state with education and resources. County extension staff and extension council members will be showing their appreciation for both the people who participate in local educational programs and the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations and other partners who support extension work in their local communities. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.
Applications sought for term faculty learning community
The Term Faculty Learning Community is accepting applications through Monday, April 13, for its 2026-27 cohort. The program, open to term faculty at a 75% or greater appointment who have been at Iowa State at least five years, focuses on cultivating leadership skills, building connections and achieving professional goals. Offered through the office of the senior vice president and provost, it is led by teaching professors Sarah Bennett-George and Michael Bootsma.
Registration is open for two-day drone workshop in May
ISU's Digital Ag Innovation Lab, in partnership with autonomous tool maker Terraplex Ag, will host a two-day drone workshop May 27-28 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, Digital Ag Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd.). The workshop is designed to prepare participants for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam. Early registration is $449 through May 1 and $500 after. Registration closes May 22, and the workshop is limited to 30 participants.
Outstanding student employee supervisor, student employee honored
The office of student financial aid has announced its 2026 outstanding student worker and student employee supervisor for their contributions to campus:
- Student employee supervisor of the year (in partnership with university human resources): Claudia Lemper-Manahl, associate teaching professor in plant pathology, entomology and microbiology.
- Student employee of the year: senior Casen Legreid, undergraduate research assistant, department of materials science and engineering, selected from more than 50 nominees.
Annual Hertz lecture looks at Pioneer's early role in shaping the seed industry
Three Corteva Agriscience senior leaders will discuss the historic role Pioneer has played in shaping the seed industry during the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' 2026 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture on Tuesday, April 14 (4:30 p.m., 127 Curtiss). The leaders, Geoff Graham, vice president of seed product development; Mark Deterding, vice president of integrated seed operations; and Jeremy Dirks, president of North America business, each will introduce one dimension of Pioneer's early leadership in hybrid corn -- creating, producing and bringing hybrid seed to market -- and reflect on how these evolved over the past century. Corteva is Pioneer's parent company. CALS dean Dan Robison will moderate the discussion, which is free and open to the public.
Pohlman to retire from University Museums this summer
Lynette Pohlman, Warren and Beverly Madden Endowed Director and chief curator of University Museums and adjunct associate professor in the College of Design, will retire June 3. Pohlman is the founding staff member of University Museums, joining as a student employee in the early 1970s before the Farm House Museum opened. She has served as director since 1980 (46 years), making her among the longest-serving museum directors in the United States. Under her leadership, University Museums grew to five entities: the Brunnier Art Museum, Christian Petersen Art Museum, Farm House Museum, Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden and the Art on Campus collection, and the permanent collections reached 30,000 objects. The museums earned four consecutive accreditations from the American Alliance of Museums, most recently in 2024.
Information about the search for her successor will be shared when available.
At Lynette's request, no retirement event will be held. Those wishing to honor her legacy may make a gift to University Museums at isu.foundation/PohlmanRetirement.
Program explores family recipes as living history
Every recipe tells a story. Join University Museums and Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences (history) Pamela Riney-Kehrberg on Thursday, April 16 (5:30-6:30 p.m., via Zoom) for a free virtual program on what family recipes reveal about cultural identity, memory and tradition. Riney-Kehrberg will share highlights from a student cookbook assignment in her "America Eats" course, a collection tracing family traditions such as those from Italian, Swedish and Mexican grandmothers to childhood memories of lunch lady cinnamon rolls. All are welcome; questions may be directed to Allison Sheridan, University Museums.
Mid-career retirement checkup is April 16
A free workshop, "Mid-Career Retirement Checkup," will be held on Thursday, April 16 (3:30-5 p.m., via Zoom, limited to 40 participants, register by April 13). Piloted by ISU Extension and Outreach, it's designed for people ages 35-50 who want to see if they're on track for a financially comfortable retirement. It will include an overview of factors to consider in working toward retirement, tools to project your current financial readiness for retirement, potential pitfalls to avoid and opportunities to ask questions. Questions about the workshop may be directed to Barb Wollan, Extension health and human sciences educator, 515-832-9597.
Spring research innovation roundtable is set for May 18
The office of the vice president for research will hold its spring Research Innovation Roundtable on Monday, May 18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Gateway Hotel) with a focus on "Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Through Collaborative Research." The roundtable will be held in tandem with the annual conference May 19-21 of the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education (of which Iowa State is a member) in the same location, but conference participation is not required to take part in the roundtable. Roundtable registration closes on May 4.
A second research roundtable, intended to help position the ISU research community and regional partners for anticipated federal opportunities inspired by the White House's Genesis Mission, a national effort to accelerate scientific discovery through advanced AI, has been added on May 4.
Spring classes for retirees begin April 6
Spring classes in the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Iowa State program begin Monday, April 6. More information is online.
Visitation, memorial service set for Marty Martinez
A visitation for retired university employee Marty Martinez will be held Thursday, April 9 (4:30-7 p.m.), and a memorial service is set for Friday, April 10 (10 a.m.), both at Christ Community Church, 5501 George Washington Carver Ave. Martinez died March 22 at the age of 71 years. He was a sports psychologist in student counseling services (1992-2021). His family invites all attendees to wear Hawaiian attire to honor him. Condolences and memories can be mailed to the family at 4116 Aldrin Ave., Ames 50014. Obituary.
Work resumes on U.S. Highway 30 in southeast Ames
For university commuters who arrive from the southeast, the Iowa DOT is resuming work on a U.S. Highway 30 project at the South Skunk River the week of March 30. This year's project will replace the eastbound bridge over the river and construct an additional eastbound lane between the Duff and Dayton avenue interchanges. While this work is being completed (through the remainder of the 2026 construction season):
- Eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the previously constructed pavement.
- Eastbound exit ramp to Dayton Avenue will be closed, beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2. For drivers who need to get to Dayton Avenue, a signed detour route at the Duff Avenue exit will direct drivers north on Duff and east on SE 16th Street to Dayton Avenue.
- Eastbound U.S. 30 on-ramp from northbound Duff Avenue will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2.
During nighttime (10 p.m.-5 a.m.) lane closures Sunday, Monday and Wednesday (March 29-April 2), crews will install road barriers and complete temporary lane painting.
Friday is Admitted Student Day
The admissions office's fifth spring Admitted Student Day is Friday, March 27 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). About 1,000 prospective students still in the process of selecting a college and their guests will connect with the Iowa State community, be introduced to valuable resources and learn about student organizations. All Cyclones can play a part by welcoming guests and providing assistance as needed.
Pork barbecuing workshop is April 25
The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Meats Laboratory are partnering to offer a pork barbecue class to share the basics of barbecuing and grilling pork. The hands-on course will meet Saturday, April 25 (9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kildee Hall, limited to 30 participants). The fee is $20 and includes all supplies; online registration is required by April 17.
Reminder: Accreditation forums are next week
As shared in Inside earlier this month, a review team from the Higher Learning Commission will hold three open forums Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31, to solicit feedback from the campus community as part of Iowa State's 10-year reaccreditation process.
The review team also will hold two drop-in sessions:
- March 30, 2:15-3 p.m., room 3534, Memorial Union
- March 31, 10:40-11:15 a.m., room 2630, Memorial Union
Travel and event services showcase is April 8
Procurement services will hold its Travel and Event Services Showcase on Wednesday, April 8 (1:30-3:30 p.m., Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall). Connect with representatives from both external suppliers and internal resources who can assist with your travel and event planning needs, including travel expense reimbursement, event rentals, materials, signage and space. The full list of participating vendors and resources is online. Bring your ISUCard for check-in and a chance to win exciting door prizes.
Workshops look at the role of cloud-powered AI in research
Join fellow ISU researchers for a two-day, in-person event April 23-24 (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily) to discover through use cases, expert-led demos and hands-on workshops how Amazon Web Services' (AWS) cloud-powered AI and data platforms can accelerate your research. It's open to anyone at Iowa State who is curious about applying cloud and AI technologies to research; no prior experience with AWS is required. Day 1 will be held in the Hach Hall atrium, Day 2 at the Digital Ag Innovation Lab in the ISU Research Park (bring your laptop on day two; you'll be building and experimenting throughout the day). It's free; register online.
Innovative student work sought for IGNITE showcase in May
The Student Innovation Center is looking for group or courses and individuals to showcase their innovative student work at the IGNITE Innovation Showcase May 5-8. Exhibits, presentations, activities or celebrations are welcome in this showcase of the innovative work of Iowa State students. The priority deadline for submissions for group/course work is April 6 and April 24 for individuals. Group/course and individual submission forms are online.
Voorhees Supply Chain Conference is April 14
Get ready for Supply Chain 5.0 at the 33rd annual Voorhees Supply Chain Conference. Learn from industry leaders and network with other supply chain professionals as the discussion focuses on making supply chains more human-centric, sustainable and resilient. Hosted by the Ivy College of Business, the Voorhees conference is designed for professionals involved in planning, sourcing, manufacturing and delivering products. Registration ends April 7.
Quilt show runs three days at Reiman Gardens
In partnership with the Iowa Quilters Guild, Reiman Gardens will host a three-day event March 20-22 celebrating the art of quilting with displays featuring more than 150 quilts highlighting the connection between textile art and nature. Several quilts will compete for awards sponsored by central Iowa organizations. The show also features daily classes and demonstrations. On Saturday, guests can enjoy local food trucks on site, including The Outside Scoop, Magoo's Pizza and The Bellbottom Cafe. On Sunday, a "Quilt of Valor" ceremony will honor selected veterans with a quilt.
Greenlee majors will receive an Adobe Creative Cloud license
Beginning in fall 2026, all student majors in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication's five primary programs will be provided a license for the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which includes industry-standard software such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Firefly and After Effects, essential for modern media production. Previously, access to Adobe Creative Cloud was limited to computer labs and certain course enrollments. The change is possible with philanthropic support from alumni and friends of the Greenlee School and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
ISU is partially closed on March 16
Due to blizzard conditions across the state, Iowa State University is partially closed on Monday, March 16. Classes are recessed for spring break. Supervisors should provide maximum flexibility for employees to work remotely or take leave, and employees who can't make it to campus should contact their supervisors.
During the partial closure, all campus buildings will be locked. Contact the ISU department of public safety at 515-294-4428 for help with building access. Thielen Student Health Center and Rec Services are closed, and the Student Counseling Center will move to virtual appointments. Dining centers are closed for spring break. The Roasterie in the Hub and Clyde's are closed on Monday and will reopen Tuesday with spring break hours.
Information and updates will be posted on the ISU Alert page.
Drivers of university vehicles: Use campus fuel pumps to keep costs down
As fuel prices rise incrementally, transportation services extends a reminder to university vehicle users in the Ames area to use the gas pumps at transportation services' home base on Haber Road in order to keep costs as low as possible for everyone. Transportation services offers E10 and diesel fuels at the front pumps and E15 at the pumps in back (formerly E85 pumps). E15 is the more economical option and can be used in all university vehicles except those with diesel engines. Transportation services also operates two remote fueling locations: Digital Ag Alliant Energy Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd.; and at the BioCentury Research Farm,1327 U Ave., Boone. Only vehicles that are owned by the university are allowed to fuel at campus fuel pumps, which require either the Wex card supplied with the vehicle or a fuel fob issued by transportation services.
Save the date: Faculty night at University Museums is May 6
Network with other faculty and enjoy a "field trip" to the museum. Faculty are invited to the Brunnier Art Museum on Wednesday, May 6 (4-5:30 p.m., Scheman Building) for a free, faculty-exclusive event. Join museum staff and faculty speakers to find fresh ideas for integrating museum resources into your courses. From art and artifacts to science and history, see how collections and exhibitions are used across campus to spark creativity and deepen learning. Experience the current exhibitions at the Brunnier and preview upcoming exhibitions at all University Museums locations. Bring questions and ideas. Questions may be directed to Caitlin Patton.
Healthcare management program joins short list of certified programs
The undergraduate healthcare management program in the Ivy College of Business has received full undergraduate certification with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, the only undergraduate program in Iowa and one of fewer than 50 nationwide to achieve this certification. It is the program's inaugural certification and covers a four-year term.
Promotional products showcase is March 25
Procurement services will hold its Promotional Products Showcase on Wednesday, March 25 (1:30-3:30 p.m., Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall). Its partner, Staples, will bring five suppliers to campus to highlight the latest trends in promotional items. Attendees can explore new products, gather creative ideas and handouts for upcoming events, and connect directly with supplier representatives. Enjoy pizza and a chance to win door prizes. Questions may be emailed to procurement services.
Resilience training is scheduled for April 6
The ombuds office is offering a training, "Developing Resilience," on Monday, April 6 (9-10 a.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center), open to all staff and faculty. Registration is required, and participation is limited to 30 participants. Resilience is the confidence and ability to tackle difficult situations. It is an attitude cultivated throughout your life. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to practice and leverage resilience.
Benefit concert features International Blues Challenge musicians
Ames Community Radio KHOI will hold its spring fundraising concert, Celebrate the Blues, on Saturday, March 28 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The Weary Ramblers, the duo of Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox and winners at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, will headline. Opening will be The Other Brothers, semifinalists at the same challenge. Tickets can only be purchased online: General admission tickets are $20, VIP (reserved, first 11 rows) tickets are $40, and just 25 premium VIP tickets ($100) also include a pass to Songwriting Stories Session with The Weary Ramblers and an autographed show poster.
Feedback still sought on three survey platform options
Procurement services extends a thank you to everyone who has participated in its survey platform RFP process so far. The evaluation of survey platform options continues, and faculty and staff who haven't shared their input are invited to review recordings of the three supplier demos, available in a CyBox folder, and then submit their feedback by April 1 via via the link in the same CyBox folder. Faculty and staff insights are essential to ensuring a thorough and consistent review of each supplier and helping the procurement team move forward in the selection process. Questions may be emailed to procurement services.
Faculty: Did you complete the COACHE survey yet?
Faculty recently received a personalized email to complete the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) survey. Administered by Harvard Graduate School of Education, COACHE provides a snapshot of faculty satisfaction in nine broad areas and compares the ISU results to more than 250 peer universities nationally. Faculty feedback helps the academic affairs division enhance the faculty experience in areas like promotion, advancement, onboarding, mentoring and policies. Faculty are encouraged to take time to complete the COACHE survey by March 27.
Food pantry volunteers needed during spring break
Library has spring break staycation offer for staff, faculty
The University Library team invites faculty and staff to experience the student wellness activities it provides during its Spring Break Staycation on Wednesday, March 18 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cyclone Support Central, 140 Parks Library). Options include a hydration and snack bar, Barks@Parks-style pet therapy, five-minute chair massages (sign up for a time upon arrival), and other wellness activities.
P&S Council election is March 10-14
The election to fill 24 vacancies on the Professional and Scientific Council will be held March 10-14. Ballots, created using Microsoft Forms, are specific to divisions. Each employee's ballot will be emailed to them, and P&S staff who didn't receive their ballot should email pands-g@iastate.edu to receive their link to vote. All four university divisions have at least one seat vacating on council this spring (academic affairs, 17; student affairs and president's division, 3 each; and operations and finance, 1).
Learn to make queso fresco cheese at ISU Creamery workshop
The ISU Creamery staff is hosting a queso fresco workshop on Friday, March 20 (12:30-3:30 p.m., Culinary Discovery Lab, 2379 Food Sciences Building). Learn how to make this soft white cheese from scratch. Each participant will season and take home approximately a half-pound portion of queso fresco. Registration is $35 and closes at 8 a.m. March 18.
Register now for March 25 Digital Scholarship Symposium
Registration is open through March 23 for the third annual Digital Scholarship Symposium on Wednesday, March 25 (9:15 a.m.-3 p.m., the Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). The event will feature a series of lightning talks by undergraduate and graduate students and two panel discussions:
- Public Digital Arts and Humanities: Community Impact through Digital Projects
- Digital Pedagogy: Expanding Digital Literacy and Creativity in the Classroom
The symposium is hosted by the library's digital scholarship and initiatives department and the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, and partners at Grinnell College and the University of Iowa.
Enjoy the Anderson Sculpture Garden before art is covered
Many of the sculptures in the Anderson Sculpture Garden on central campus will be covered with protective enclosures starting Monday, March 9, in advance of tunnel utility work that's expected to begin in the area during spring break. The project will continue through summer, with a reopening of the sculpture garden anticipated in the fall. The sidewalk south of the Hub and Morrill Hall will remain open throughout the utility work.
Workshop for aspiring business owners is March 28
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center and Ames Regional Economic Alliance will co-host a free Smart Start workshop for anyone who is considering starting a business, on Saturday, March 28 (9 a.m.-4 p.m., lunch is provided, ISU Research Park Core Facility). During this "crash course" day, local business professionals will present and answer questions on topics such as insurance, patent applications, business organization, business loans/grants, registration and operations. Register online.
Daylight saving time returns Sunday morning
Reminder: Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, when the time "springs" forward one hour.