Be green, be there

This year's sustainability symposium (Feb. 24-25)  includes a best-selling author, campus leaders discussing successes and challenges and green-it-yourself demonstrations.

Competition is keen for lecture-capture classrooms

Growing student enrollments and evolving technologies have created a high demand for classrooms equipped to record or "capture" lectures. Faculty who need to use these rooms are asked to request them early.

Leath makes appropriations request

"We try to be very good stewards of your money," President Steven Leath told members of the Legislature's Education Appropriations Subcommittee last Thursday. Iowa State's general appropriations request is a 4 percent increase.   

Moving to southern pastures

More than a dozen horses were moved to the new Equine Learning Center last week. The facility adds 23+ stalls and additional learning space for the animal science department's equine teaching program.

The following announcements were added this week:

• ISCORE session: Forming faculty/staff affinity groups

• Nominations sought for annual Memorial Union awards

• Funds available to help bring national academy members to campus

• Plant Sciences Institute vision is focus of series

• March 6 hearing on campus precedes regents Iowa City meeting

• Nominations due March 15 for 2014-15 Emerging Leaders Academy

Music department welcomes composer in residence this weekend

American composer George Tsontakis will present a public lecture on the future of classical music (Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m.) and provide commentary during a recital of three of his works by the Amara Piano Quartet and guest clarinetist and ISU faculty member Greg Oakes (Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.). Both events are in the Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall, and admission is free.

Varieties performances are this weekend

ISU students will showcase their talents this weekend during the 2014 Varieties Sweepstakes. Performances are Friday, Feb. 21, (6 and 9 p.m.) and Saturday, Feb. 22, (8 p.m.) in the MU Great Hall. An awards program follows the Saturday show. Tickets are $10 ($8 for students and kids 6 to 12; free for kids 5 and under) and available at the Maintenance Shop box office (11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or through midwestix.com. Prices increase $2 per ticket the day of the show.

Cyclone gymnasts host faculty, staff and student night

Bring your Iowa State ID card to receive free admission to the Cyclones' gymnastics meet with the University of Minnesota Friday, Feb. 21 (6:30 p.m., Hilton, doors open at 5:30 p.m.). Junior Cyclone Club members always receive free admission to gymnastics meets.

Enjoy the night sky

Bring your questions about space to the ISU Planetarium show Feb. 21 (6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m., lower level, Physics Hall). The early show is geared toward kids; the others show are suitable for all ages. Tickets for the free shows are available at the door beginning at 6:15 p.m. Seating is limited.

Ames High musicians perform Sunday at Reiman Gardens

Vocal and instrumental groups and soloists from Ames High School will perform at Reiman Gardens Sunday, Feb. 23 (1-4 p.m.). Enjoy classical, jazz and folk selections. All admission receipts will benefit the school's Academic and Arts Booster Club. Garden admission rates apply, but high school and younger students will be admitted free.