UI President Mason will address 2008 Joint Service Club luncheon Thursday

University of Iowa President Sally Mason will discuss ongoing flood recovery and mitigation efforts, and the university's new strategic initiatives, during the annual Joint Service Club luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Hotel Vetro in downtown Iowa City.

Tickets are sold out for the event. However, UI Television will record and broadcast the event on Monday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 4 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. Additional broadcasts are planned and will be announced later.

The Iowa City Noon Rotary Club sponsors the annual event. The group's current president, University of Iowa Community Credit Union President Jeff Disterhoff, will make opening remarks; Bob Downer, a member of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, will introduce the program; and Regents President David Miles will introduce Mason.

The annual speech by the UI president to members of area service clubs is a long-standing Iowa City tradition and is designed to strengthen the "town-gown" relationship between the university and Johnson County communities.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Reese at 319-335-3305.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A table will be set up in the back of the room for news media wishing to cover this event. Direct questions to Stephen Pradarelli, director of University News Services, at 319-384-0007.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500

MEDIA CONTACTS: Margaret Reese, University of Iowa Foundation, 319-335-3305, margaret-reese@uiowa.edu; Stephen Pradarelli, 319-384-0007, stephen-pradarelli@uiowa.edu