Sustainability director provides unifying voice for University initiatives

	Photo by Tom Jorgensen.

Liz Christiansen is on a mission. As The University of Iowa’s first director of the Office of Sustainability, she’s working to make campus—and the larger community—a greener, more environmentally friendly place.

Of course, she’s not starting from scratch. The University signed onto the Chicago Climate Exchange in 2004, and has been working diligently to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Research that ties in with sustainability issues is happening all across campus; and the University has a long history of encouraging mass transportation and bicycling.

Christiansen says she’s excited to build on those initiatives as she develops new programs, coordinates efforts to formulate institutional goals and policies, and reaches out to the community as an advocate for sustainable practices.

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Forecast for Iowa River looks promising in 2009

As spring 2009 made its slow approach to Iowa City and The University of Iowa, people traveling along Dubuque Street were greeted with flooding in parts of lower City Park. After the devastating flooding of June 2008, it's only natural to ask questions at the first sign of high water...

fyi decided to get some answers. We asked Ken Lloyd, UI associate utilities director, to assess the current situation and talk about the forecast for flooding in summer 2009.

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News in brief

University to present Earth Week events through Friday, April 24

The University of Iowa will hold several events during Earth Week, through Friday, April 24 to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices on campus and beyond.

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AROUND CAMPUS…

• Big Ten Network features UI programming in April and May
• "Examined Life" conference explores creative writing, medicine April 29–May 1
• Nominate administrator, faculty, staff member for student advocacy award
• Recognize exceptional work of faculty, staff members with awards
• See which Learning and Development courses are right for you

(Full details)

DISCOVERIES…

• UI biologist studies ocean plant cell adaptation in climate change
• UI chemists' DNA biosynthesis discovery could lead to better antibiotics

(Full details)

Photo feature: ¡Bailamos! Having a ball at Gusto Latino

The University of Iowa International Crossroads Community held its annual Latin dance festival, Gusto Latino, April 10 in the Iowa Memorial Union. Live music was provided by Orquesta de Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz, an 11-piece Latin jazz dance band featuring local musicians. Proceeds from the event will help fund an Engineers Without Borders project to work with a health clinic in Las Mangas, Honduras.

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