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IOWA Magazine | 07-28-2023

Iowa's Grandparents U Sparks Curiosity Across Generations

By IM Staff
1 minute read
The first-ever University of Iowa program brings learners of all ages to campus.

Grandparents and grandchildren created lasting memories while learning about everything from bird banding to earthquakes during a new University of Iowa program this past July. 

The university’s first-ever Grandparents University® invited children ages 8-14 to experience a day on campus with their grandparents while engaging in fun and educational activities. UI experts led classes about falconry, digital music creation, earthquake engineering, playground physics, and other hands-on topics. 

Here are a few of our favorite moments from the fun-filled day. 

David Conrads PHOTO: JASON SMITH David Conrads, director of UI WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development), leads an Introduction to Bird Banding course.
David Conrads PHOTO: JASON SMITH Conrads teaches participants about bird banding during his Grandparents U program.
grandmother and granddaughter PHOTO: JASON SMITH A grandmother and granddaughter learn about the Stanley Museum of Art’s collection during a program titled “What Makes a Picture a Portrait?“
Children learn to fly fishing PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH Children learn to fly fish at the pond outside Art Building West.
Dan Clay PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH UI College of Education Dean Dan Clay teaches families the finer points of fly fishing during a Grandparents U session.
Ryan Anthony PHOTO: JASON SMITH Ryan Anthony, director of the Iowa Raptor Project, leads an Introduction to Falconry session at Kinnick Stadium.
Hooded falcon PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH A hooded falcon perches near participants during a presentation at Kinnick Stadium.
Rod Lehnertz PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH Rod Lehnertz (02MBA), UI senior vice president for finance and operations, gives a presentation about the university’s architectural history at Art Building West.
Herky PHOTO: JOHN EMIGH A day of activities wrapped up at the Iowa Memorial Union, where Herky joined in the fun during a social hour.
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