Community in Action at Weingart Pavillion
March programming at the Weingart Pavilion
The Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, located in Renfrow Hall, is designed to bring people together — creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared experiences between campus and the greater ɬ community. In March, a diverse lineup of events — from personal storytelling and knitting gatherings to professional mentoring and arts education — brought that mission to life. This is just a sample of the offerings that occurred in March.
March 3: Humanities Iowa Open Book Series
The Humanities Iowa Open Book Series is a recurring event where Iowan participants are invited to share their personal and meaningful life stories. In partnership with Humanities Iowa and CultureALL, invites participants into small-group conversations centered on real Iowans sharing meaningful life stories. This facilitated program fosters empathy, understanding, and connection through listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue. Their next meeting in the pavilion is April 7 at 6:30 p.m.
March 4: Updates from the ɬ School of Music
The ɬ School of Music shared updates regarding their programming and presented on the history of the council as a part of a Bucket Course series that takes place in the Weingart Pavillion on Wednesdays. Bucket Courses are a free educational program in ɬ where topic experts teach on various topics. During their bucket course, the ɬ School of Music spoke about the principles of their vision as a non-profit—regional accessibility, financial support, and fair pay for artists. They updated the community on their core programs including lessons for all ages, Music Together (movement classes for children aged 0-5 with a caregiver), summer musical theatre camp, ɬ Children’s Choir, and more.
Erin Bustin, Executive Director of the ɬ School of Music, spoke at the session. Bustin shares, “We are working hard to meet our commitment to lifelong community music-making by developing new programs to engage different participants. We truly believe music is for everyone! Being invited to speak at the Bucket Course provided a great way of connecting with community members including those already familiar with what we do at ɬ School of Music, as well as new audiences.”
March 26: Brand Visibility on a Budget: Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace
Paula Bell, a specialist in business analysis, leadership, career, and life development, led a Bite Sized Learning session in the pavilion. Bell empowered participants to leverage creative, cost-effective strategies to build a compelling brand presence, differentiate their brand, connect with their target audience, and maximize marketing efforts without breaking the bank. Bite Sized Learning, hosted by the ɬ Area Chamber of Commerce, is a professional development series open to everyone, including interested college students, aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, community organizations, and large corporations.
Ashley Grundler, ɬ, admission data and operations administrator, said, "The ɬ Admission Marketing and Communications Team had the opportunity to attend the latest Bite Sized Learning offered by the ɬ Area Chamber of Commerce. Paula Bell shared her presentation, 'Brand Visibility on a Budget.' Bell was an energetic presenter who got the audience to really examine their company/business brand, as well as their personal brand, and how the two brands can complement each other. Our small town is lucky to have this caliber of programming so accessible and affordable. Plus, it is great to get to network with so many business professionals in ɬ."
March 27: Coffee with the College: Museum Studies Goes to Washington: Visiting Smithsonian Museums Before and After the Executive Order.
“Coffee with the College” is a recurring event that takes place in the Weingart Pavillion on Fridays, where community members, students, and faculty gather and foster connections across campus and the community.
Susan Baley, director of the ɬ Museum of Art (GCMoA), shared her experiences teaching Introduction to Museum Studies (ARH-160). Baley highlighted the class's unique course-embedded-travel experience that enabled her to bring the students to Washington D.C. for a week over Spring Break. Baley shared photos of the trip from the 2025 and 2026 trips. She discussed her own trajectory as a museum professional, and in her position, she is driven by the desire to increase access to art museums. Reflecting on her own experience, Baley talked about how she designs the class and the trip to equip her students with transferrable skills, that are not specific to museum careers. With a focus on practical experiences (such as applying for grants, writing a mission statement) and networking (through the trip, or in-class Q&As with local professionals), students walk away with skills and relationships they can apply to their post-graduate experiences.
Interested in Hosting an Event?
To host your own event at the Katherine Howell Weingart ‘61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, reservations are open to both the college and the wider community. Local community members interested in using the space can reach out to Donnette Ellis, ɬ Community Relations Coordinator, at 641-269-3900 to inquire about availability and booking. Students, faculty, and staff may reserve the Pavilion through the 25Live system or by contacting Event Coordination & Scheduling at 641-269-3178. Designed as a collaborative hub, the Pavilion welcomes gatherings that foster connection, learning, and community engagement