ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

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 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community.

Downtown ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ was filled with warmth and sweetness on Feb. 6 as the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Sweet Stroll.

From the start, the meal stood out for its collaborative spirit. Different community organizations took turns cooking and serving each week, creating a shared effort that, over time, fed thousands of community members and reflected the generosity of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ itself.

The College awarded over $14,000 in Community Mini-Grants to support efforts by local non-profits.

Food has long been a place where culture, memory, and community meet—and in small towns across Iowa, Chinese American restaurants have played a quiet but powerful role in shaping local life.

For Jeff Smith, basketball in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has never just been about the game—it’s been about family, community, and the places that shape you long before you realize it. Smith’s journey reflects a story ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ knows well: roots that run deep, a willingness to explore beyond them, and a return driven by connection, service, and community.

The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community gathered for a truly special performance of The Nutcracker, made possible through a collaboration between ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ College, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ School of Music, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Area Arts Council, and Ballet Des Moines. Photos were provided by Jennifer Weinman Photography.

The College, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ School of Music, and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Area Arts Council worked together to bring the Ballet Des Moines’ professional production of The Nutcracker to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Notably, this performance also brought together 30 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ area young dancers to collaborate with the professional ballerinas. Leading up to the performance, the Des Moines Ballet collaborated with these students to gracefully integrate them into the production.

These student leaders offer meaningful perspectives on community engagement, showcasing their lived experience, their academic interests, and their identities in the work of strengthening community through service, leadership, and collaboration.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s annual Jingle Bell Holiday celebration once again lit up downtown on Friday, Nov. 21, drawing crowds of students, families, and community members for an evening filled with connection, tradition, and festive cheer.