Students not only ones enjoying University of Iowa's alternative spring break options

	UI president Sally Mason, shown here during the flood relief efforts on the UI campus in June 2008, will be joining members of the UI community in a cleanup effort in another flood-ravaged city, Cedar Rapids, over spring break. Photo by Kirk Murray.

Although Iowans often associate “spring break” with travels to warmer climates, many members of the University of Iowa community will be staying closer to home this year in order to participate in a Cedar Rapids flood-recovery project that will help aid those still in need of post-flood cleanup.

The cleanup effort is a recent addition to the University’s spring break alternatives program, which also includes service learning and academic credit opportunities. And the rewards are not just for students—UI faculty and staff have the unique opportunity to do what they love, help others, and help students participate in a productive break.

The University hopes alumni, faculty, staff, students, and individuals from the UI area will get involved with the Cedar Rapids project—any level of participation will be appreciated.

“We are trying to make this a UI effort,” says Scott Ketelsen, associate director for marketing communications, who’s one of many University affiliates promoting this event.

UI president Sally Mason and her husband, Ken, plan to assist in the cleanup, as does Tom Rocklin, interim vice president for student services and dean of students.

“My husband and I very much look forward to helping out neighbors in Cedar Rapids who were affected by last year’s flood,” Mason says. “I encourage members of the UI community to spend a little or a lot of time over spring break helping people get back on their feet in this important way.

“I was amazed—but not surprised—by how the University and Iowa City communities came together locally as we battled the flood last summer, and I hope as many of us as possible can extend that spirit of mutual support to those in need in Cedar Rapids,” Mason added. “It’s a great and caring way to spend some time off of work or school.”

Volunteer days for the flood cleanup effort run from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 20. Volunteers can help the entire week or on individual days. Shifts for the cleanup run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and transportation to and from Cedar Rapids will be provided if necessary.

The UI effort started after John Laverty, associate director in the Office of Admissions, contacted the Civic Engagement Program and later the Office of Student Life to form a group of interested UI staff and students to organize the project.

“I remembered hearing about UI students going on spring break to help victims of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, and wondered if there were any efforts under way to do something to help the local flood victims this spring break,” says Laverty, who as a Cedar Rapids resident saw the flood devastation firsthand.

Laverty says faculty and staff may register through Friday, March 6; early registration is encouraged. Those interested can fill out an application at http://osl.webtest.iowa.uiowa.edu/springbreak09. For more information about the Cedar Rapids flood cleanup, contact the Office of Student Life at 319-335-3059.

Sharing love of recreation

Even though school is not in session during spring break, that doesn’t mean students can’t learn a thing or two.

Thanks to courses offered through UI Recreational Services, UI students will find themselves scuba diving in Florida, mountain biking in Utah, backpacking through national and state parks, becoming acquainted with bouldering, and dancing up a storm in ballroom and salsa styles.

The students certainly do not have a monopoly on the enjoyment derived from these activities and travels.

“We enjoy diving as a way of being part of a world that many people never get to enjoy,” says James Haack, adjunct assistant in instruction in UI Recreational Services and instructor for the Advanced Open Water SCUBA course. “My teaching allows me to share that very special place—the underwater world—with others who likely will share that passion.”

Haack’s greatest sense of enjoyment from the spring break course comes from seeing his students go from being slightly apprehensive about being underwater to opening their eyes to the many wonders that surround them.

“We want the students to become better divers and experience new and interesting types of diving, but we also hope the students come away with an awareness of our place in that ecosystem,” Haack says.

Diane Demarco, director of the UI Recreation Services ballroom dance lesson program, will be teaching ballroom and Latin dance styles on the UI campus during the University's spring break. Photo by Tom Jorgensen.

For those more comfortable on land, a backpacking course will give students the opportunity to venture through national and state parks, where they will have the chance to see natural wonders.

Chad Swope, another adjunct instructor in UI Recreational Services, will be leading the backpacking course, and can't hide his enthusiasm when asked about the trip. “I know I am very excited about the trip—I get to go to the Grand Canyon,” Swope says. “It’s an incredible opportunity, one I couldn't pass up.”

Diane Demarco isn’t traveling to faraway places this spring, but she will have just as much fun teaching ballroom and Latin dance styles on the UI campus.

“Learning to dance and becoming proficient is one of the most joyful, rewarding, and positive experiences anyone can give themselves,” says Demarco, who serves as director of the UI Recreation Services ballroom dance lesson program. “It’s a privilege to be part of my students’ journey. Seeing them have fun and laugh as their skills develop and their confidence grows is an incredible experience.”

Students helping school, mentoring students in Chicago

The University is initiating a service-learning project in Chicago as well. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with children in a Chicago elementary school, as they help organize the school’s understaffed library system.

“Chalmers does not have a full-time librarian on staff,” says Erin Bloomquist, director of the University of Iowa Chicago Center. “The students who participate in this organization project will be able to make a tremendous and lasting impact on this vital school resource.”

UI students can serve as role models to youth in Chicago, help organize a school library, and earn college credit all at the same time.

“This spring break project helps raise awareness of both the Chicago Center and The University of Iowa while at the same time giving back to a community that is very important to us,” says Doug Lee, associate dean of the Division of Continuing Education.

by Megan McIntyre