This lecture traces Professor Trachsel's studies on cross-species communication from analyses of ape language research in the early 2000’s to investigation of other interspecies language types, such as horse whispering and the telepathy professed by animal communicators. Her current research on human-wild animal relationships has entailed wolf-tracking in Yellowstone, a “women and wolves” workshop in the Boundary Waters, observation of feral horses out west, and visits to wildlife "encounter"...

Post-event follow-up: Watch a video of the Feb 11 event.  Clark Buelt, wealth management advisor with TIAA Financial Services, will talk with us about financial decisions retirees make, some of the options open to us, and considerations that might influence our choices. He will draw on his experience working with university retirees, but his remarks will also have a general application. There will be time for questions toward the end of the presentation. Clark would also welcome questions...

View slides from the event. Dr. Barbara J. Wilson is the 22nd president of the University of Iowa. She earned a BA in journalism and MA and PhD degrees in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She came to Iowa having served as the executive vice president/vice president for academic affairs of the University of Illinois System. Prior to that, she served in several administrative positions, including interim chancellor, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign...

Post-event follow-up: Watch a video of the Nov 21 event.  Earlier this year, the Stanley Museum of Art became the first museum in North America to return objects in its permanent collection looted by the British from the Benin Kingdom in 1897, directly to the Oba of Benin. The formal restitution took place on July 15, 2024, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, Nigeria. Museum Director Lauren Lessing and Curator of African Art Cory Gundlach will discuss the ethical, cultural, and practical...

The internet mews, barks, growls, and hisses with alleged evidence of cross-species attachment. These stories — from Genesis to Victorian animal painter Edwin Landseer’s narrative paintings to the latest videos and memes — entice audiences with the promise that we can bridge and bond across species difference. But they also document what it costs animals for humans to be near them. 

The holidays are approaching quickly! UIRA members with children on their gift lists may be wondering what books those children might enjoy. Angela Pilkington of the Iowa City Public Library and Molly Roberts of Prairie Lights Books will discuss what’s new, what’s popular, and what’s exciting now in children’s literature. Angela Pilkington has served as the Children’s Services coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library since June 2015 and is responsible for the Children’s Room, including...

This talk will give an overview of three research initiatives that use VR technology.

Post-event follow-up: Watch a video of the Oct 17 event. Sonatina Fernandes, senior UI HR specialist, Rebecca Olson, senior director of Benefits, and Anne Thurston, client consultant with Health Alliance Medical Plans, will present an overview of the 2024-25 UI health care enrollment options available to UI retirees.

Post-event follow-up: Watch a video of the Oct 8 event.   Slides from the event. Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor Kevin Ward will clarify the distinction between traditional Medicare with Medigap and prescription drug supplements, in contrast to the all-inclusive Medicare Advantage plans. Kevin is beginning his third year as a SHIIP counselor. He is trained to clearly present enrollment guidelines, premium costs, and benefits for Medicare A, B, C, D, and...

Connect with fellow retirees old and new at our Welcome to Fall Barn Party. This fun, fall event will again be held in the 100-year-old barn at the home of Steve Scheckel & Pam Terrill (previously the O’Mara Homestead). The acreage is just two miles from downtown Iowa City. Food and beverages will be provided. Our special guest and speaker this year will be Ron Clark, who co-founded Riverside Theater four decades ago with his wife, Jody Hovland and Professor Bruce Wheaton. In his role as...