VISIONS Fall 2020 by Iowa State University Alumni Association

THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION |

Fall 2020

BLACK

LIVES

An invitation to a conversation

GE T T IN G S TARTED

by Carole Gieseke

C GI E SE K E @ I A S TAT E . E DU

“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.” – Ijeoma Oluo, author of So You Want to Talk about Race

IT’S NOT ENOUGH

’ve been writing to you in this space for 23 years. I’ve tried to be entertaining, to talk about my life and to introduce you to interesting people and cool things happening on campus. I’ve tried to be mindful of not ruffling feathers and stepping on toes. That stops now. I always considered myself one of those nice, open-minded, well-meaning, liberal white people who thinks that because I’m not overtly racist, my work here is done. But, wow. There’s a lot of work to be done. On myself, and for every other nice, like-minded white person. The Black Lives Matter movement has opened my eyes WIDE. I thought I knew what was happening in America. I’m a voracious reader. I watch the news. I go to diversity and inclusion workshops. And I am embarrassed to admit that I really had no idea. For the past couple of months, I have immersed myself in learning about systemic racism and white privilege, and I am just so overwhelmed and sad and angry. How could I have been so complacent and complicit all these years? Because it’s not just about Black and brown people. It’s about us. We are the problem. It’s not enough to be “not racist” any longer. We need to take a stand, each of us. Systemic racism is a subject that’s

super easy to ignore when it doesn’t affect your day-to-day life. But, the fact is, it DOES affect my day-to-day life, just not in a negative way. I’ve benefitted from a rigged system. I grew up in a suburban, white neighborhood. I went to decent schools. I was not surrounded by poverty or crime. I was expected to go to college. Nobody in my family was ever shot, arrested, or served time in jail. I am in the majority culture for music, theatre, movies, and television. I’ve never once been discriminated against for being white. I’ve never been passed over for a job for being white. My opinions have always been taken seriously. I’ve always thought my life would be good. I never felt like I had to protect my children from racism. I’ve never been stopped by a police officer for no reason. I was able to get a house loan. My health care as an adult has been excellent. My pregnancies, delivery, and post-partum care were just fine. My life span and that of my spouse will be long. For a while now, I had been trying to educate myself about diversity issues by reading books and newspaper articles. But it’s not enough. I’ve gone to diversity workshops and lectures and webinars, and it’s not enough. I’m talking to my friends and family, and it’s not enough. I’ve reached out to alumni and faculty, and it’s not enough.

I don’t have the answers. But I am learning all the time. I’m beginning to see the other side of things that I’ve always taken for granted. Things that I just didn’t get, because I didn’t have to as a white person. I know that in the past I sometimes kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want to be controversial. I didn’t want to upset people or make them feel uncomfortable. I didn’t want to get political. I just wanted to be nice. Again: That stops now. Because racism is wrong. And it is everywhere. Everywhere. I cannot say I’m fully “woke.” I’m not even sure what that means, exactly. To alumni of color, I say: I can’t feel what you feel. I’m not you. But I’m with you. That’s easy for me to say, right? I’m white. I can just walk away. You can’t. You live with your own experiences 24/7. Walking away is not an option. We can do better. We must do more. I intend to include more voices of underrepresented alumni and students in the magazine, starting now, with this issue. I am open to your thoughts about how VISIONS can be better for ALL Iowa State alumni. Please let me hear from you. 

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COVER STORY

Let’s talk about racism Iowa State alumni and faculty raise their voices in conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

COVID-19 impact on campus Iowa State students return to campus amid COVID-19

20 Artists, 20 Parks Celebrating art and nature in your own backyard

30 32

Ellie Field zaps disease Fall honors & awards

2 4 6 34

Getting Started Letters to the Editor Around Campus Cyclones Everywhere Featuring Cyclone stories, newsmaker, fall events announcements, and more 44 Sports: CY2K 46 Calendar

On the Cover: In many ways – policing, housing, education, health care – the scales of justice are weighted against Black Americans and other people of color. Read alumni essays and conversations with Iowa Staters about the Black Lives Matter movement, beginning on page 14.

Some of Us Will Die, an illustration by Miriam Martincic, assistant professor of graphic design in Iowa State’s College of Design. Martincic has created a series of illustrations about the COVID-19 pandemic.

FALL 2020 / VOLUME 33 / NO. 3 EDITOR: Carole Gieseke PHOTOGRAPHY: Jim Heemstra, Matt Van Winkle DESIGN: Scott Thornton LOCAL PHONE 294-6525 TOLL-FREE 1-877-ISU-ALUM (478-2586) WEBSITE isualum.org

VISIONS (ISSN 1071-5886) is published quarterly for members of the Iowa State University Alumni Association by the ISU Alumni Association, 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 5001 1-1403, (515) 294-6525, FAX (515) 294-9402. Periodicals postage paid at Ames, Iowa, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VISIONS, ISU Alumni Center, 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1403. Printed with soy ink on recycled and recyclable paper.

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Copyright 2020 by the ISU Alumni Association, Jeffery W. Johnson, Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed President and CEO and publisher. The ISU Alumni Association mission: To facilitate the lifetime connection of alumni, students, and friends with the university and each other.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

A DV E R T I S I N G O P P O R T U N I T E S : T Y L E R W E I G , tweig@iastate.edu 3

2020-2021 ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Kathy A. (Sullivan) Peterson**^ Chair ’95 Speech Comm. Aurelia, Iowa Timothy R. Quick**# Chair-elect ’01 Marketing, Intl. Business Clive, Iowa Thomas A. Connop**# Immediate Past Chair ’76 History Dallas, Texas Marc Mores**# Vice Chair of Finance ’95 Exercise & Sport Science Parker, Colo. Dana (Willig) Wilkinson** Vice Chair of Records ’78 Interior Design Bettendorf, Iowa Joan Piscitello**# University Treasurer ’98 MBA Ex-officio/voting West Des Moines, Iowa

Darius Potts* ’89 Telecommunication Arts Ankeny, Iowa Dawn Refsell** ’01 Agronomy, MS ’03 Crop Production & Physiology Runnells, Iowa Cathy Schmidt**# ’88 Marketing Plymouth, Minn. Gregory Smith**# ’91 Occ. Safety, MPA ’10 Marion, Iowa Martha Smith**# ’04 Ag. Business St. Louis, Mo. Amy Burrough Tetmeyer**# ’91 Accounting Johnston, Iowa Eric Wittrock**# ’92 Mech. Engr. Urbandale, Iowa Suzanne J. Wyckoff**# ’70 English Kansas City, Mo.

Jeffery W. Johnson**# Lora and Russ Talbot ISUAA Endowed President & CEO PhD ’14 Education Ex-officio/non-voting Ames, Iowa

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

ELECTED DIRECTORS

Michele Appelgate* College Representative ’88 Journ. & Mass Comm. Ames, Iowa

Scott Bauer** ’85 Business Mgmt. Ames, Iowa Kelli Ann Cameron**# ’02 Ag. Education Janesville, Wis. Taylor Davis** ’17 Supply Chain Mgmt. Las Vegas, Nev. Marvin DeJear** ’00 Business Mgmt., MBA ’03, PhD ’16 Ed. Leadership Des Moines, Iowa

Sophia Magill** Office of the President Representative ’05 Pol. Sci. Ames, Iowa

Brad Lewis** Non-alumni Representative Bondurant, Iowa Lauren Sincebaugh*** Senior, Hospitality Mgmt./ Business Mgmt. Student Alumni Leadership Council Representative Plymouth, Minn.

Heather L. (Reid) Duncan**# ’06 Public Service & Admin. in Ag. Kansas City, Mo.

Membership Key: *Annual member **Life member ***Student member ^Business member # 2020 Sustaining Life donor

Chad Harris** ‘01 Political Science Kansas City, Mo.

To apply for the Board of Directors, go to isualum.org/ board. The deadline is Nov. 1.

Donald A. Hoy**# ’63 Ag. Business Weatherby Lake, Mo.

Meet the Board: isualum.org/about/board

Anthony Jones* ’98 Exercise & Sport Science, PhD ’10 Ed. Leadership Ames, Iowa 4

Larry Pithan** ’73 Mech. Engr. Andalusia, Ill.

Letters 

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Let us know what you think about stories in this issue – or about other topics of interest to VISIONS readers. Email your letters to: cgieseke@iastate.edu.

VISIONARY WOMEN

Dwight Coulter *

I just finished reading the latest edition of VISIONS. I was surprised to see an article about my great aunt, Dr. Margaret Sloss. My grandmother was Margaret’s sister and one of the five sisters who all earned degrees from Iowa State. I still have her diploma. [I look forward to passing the story] along to the rest of my family, especially my four granddaughters. Dave Halfpap** ’74 accounting Winterset, Iowa

’60 DVM, MS ’65 vet physiology & pharmacology, ’69 PhD Athens, Georgia

Your last VISIONS has attracted much attention. I was on the University Committee on Women years ago. I remember that one of our major efforts was to try to get more coverage of women in the university’s media. You are doing it! I’d like to correct a couple of things: In the article about Carrie [Chapman Catt], she is credited with starting military drill for women. That is not accurate. In my research on her and on the history of physical education for women at ISU, I learned that she did go to the military commandment and ask why the men had military drill and the women didn’t. So, it probably is her advocacy that resulted in it coming to be, but she did not organize it. There are some photos of three of those drill groups of 1894 and 1895. Those women went to the Board of Regents or to the faculty to ask for permission to go the Chicago World’s Fair, which they were given. They went by train, performed their drills there, and were, according to the news report, “quite the rage.” My bio is not quite accurate. At that time, 1972 and beyond, there’s no women’s physical education. As you noted in Dr. Forker’s bio, the two departments were combined. I taught history of physical education and sport in that department. Jan Beran* PhD ’76 education Ames, Iowa What a nicely written article by Jane Cox which reveals many of the significant events in the life of Dr. Margaret Sloss. I especially related to her experience of living on Lincoln Way as I, as a veterinary student, went to sleep in an open-air dorm in the ATO fraternity located on Lincoln Way listening to the trucks shifting gears. In the 1950s, when the football team was on the offense in the north part of the football field, the cheerleaders would yell, “All the way to Lincoln Way.” Dr. Sloss made it to Lincoln Way. Dr. Sloss was intelligent, ambitious, and gracious. My fellow veterinary students held Dr. Sloss in high esteem. She often met with clinical students to discuss parasite cases in her laboratory. She was a Cyclone that didn’t always have the wind at her back.

My husband, Robert Means (L)(’57 animal science, MS ’66, DVM ’64), was a member of the vet med class of 1964. Phyllis C. Beck was the first woman [of her era] to attend vet classes with the men at Iowa State. She graduated with them in 1964 and entered a dairy practice in Wisconsin, where she is still practicing today. She is now Dr. Phyllis Burch. Thank you for the article about Dr. Sloss. She was on the staff at the time. Kathleen Means** ’60 home econ ed, MS ’64 Grand Lake, Colo. There is an error in the summer 2020 VISIONS article about Dr. Margaret Sloss. The article states that the first “official” woman to graduate from the College of Veterinary Medicine was in 1967. This is not true. The first [official] woman graduate was Dr. Phyllis Beck, now Phyllis Burch, who graduated in my class of 1964. She was very much a pioneer and had to endure some trials as a woman in the vet school. Dr. Burch deserves special recognition; she has served as a solo practitioner in Wisconsin since graduation and still continues her practice. She is a true pioneer in the view of her classmates. Nolan R. Hartwig* ISU Professor Emeritus, VDPAM DVM ’64 Ames, Iowa I was a bit surprised that one of my colleagues, Kate Schwennsen (’78 architecture, MArch ’80), was not included in the article about visionary women. She had been assistant dean for the College of Design at ISU for several years and was the State Chapter AIA (American Institute of Architects) president in 1997, but her greatest achievements were yet to come. She became president of the National AIA in 2005-2006, only the second woman to achieve that in the institute’s history, AND the second Iowan; and was named chair of the Department of Architecture for Clemson University in 2010, where she remains. The significance of her achievements must be weighed against this male-dominated profession. Finally, she also has her own Wikipedia page! Way to go, Kate! Al Varney ** ’73 architecture Cedar Rapids, Iowa My wife, Sarah Jane (King) Dvorin (A) (’64 child development), passes each issue of VISIONS on to me and I enjoy reading about Iowa State news and the feature articles. This F A L L 2 0 2 0 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

issue was especially interesting because of the “On equal terms” section including “Visionary women” and the accompanying timeline. Kudos to Ms. Gieseke for preparing this important look at the many contributions women have made to ISU. With the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, many women are finally getting a long overdue recognition, but it should not have taken this long. Hal Dvorin* Palatine, IL

CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT AND RACE We are responding to Karen Kedrowski’s article in the summer issue of VISIONS. Kedrowski, the director of the Catt Center, offers the classic “product of her time” defense to Carrie Chapman Catt’s white supremacist views. Catt not only stated white supremacy would be strengthened, not weakened, by women’s suffrage, but she also used population data to argue that white women’s votes would overwhelm those of African Americans. Furthermore, in states where the Black population outnumbered white women, she advocated the use of grandfather clauses, literacy tests, and poll taxes to strip Black people of the right to vote – thereby strengthening white supremacy. To be clear, “white supremacy” is neither merely the presence of a larger number of white people compared to Black people nor an individual belief in the superiority of whites over Blacks; rather, white supremacy is a violent, oppressive system dedicated to the systemic degradation and annihilation of African Americans and other people of color. Kedrowski argues, incredulously, that treating Black people with dignity is looking at the world through a 21st century lens and that Catt had “no way to anticipate today’s mores.” This is a blatant support of white supremacy as practiced by Catt and a disservice to those brave white and Black men and women who fought racism during Catt’s time and those who opposed the enslavement of people of African descent for generations in this country. Kedrowski applauds Catt for “improving the human condition,” which we assume didn’t include African Americans since Catt argued, “If the South really wants white supremacy, it will urge the enfranchisement of women.” We will note that after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, there is not a single record of Catt fighting against the unconstitutional means used to strip Black people of their right to vote. It would take another 45 years, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for Black women and men to be fully enfranchised. Kedrowski frames white supremacy as being commonplace in the 1890s and “ensconced in the South.” As she also posits: “Context, of course, is key.” With this in mind, it is important to point out that racist notions about white supremacy have not been, and were not, limited V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG F A L L 2 0 2 0

to the South at any point in U.S. history. Indeed, a crucial aspect of truth-telling involves the recognition that anti-Black racism and white supremacy have been foundational elements of the national narrative of the United States. Whether it is refutation or sophistry, Catt’s rhetorical style doesn’t obscure her embrace of white supremacy, a violent system which terrorized and continues to terrorize Black people. The fact that Catt didn’t invent this manner of argument doesn’t excuse her use of it. She deployed it repeatedly in speeches and writings, courting southern votes by employing racism. In fact, despite Kedrowski’s erroneous assertions, the chapter on white supremacy that Catt authored does not end with her refuting the white supremacy claim; it ends with Catt quoting the Chief Justice from the Supreme Court of North Carolina: “[b]ut what I am saying is this, if the negros are readmitted by the decision of the Federal Court to suffrage, the votes of 260,000 white women of the State will be one solid obstacle to any measure that will impair either for them or their children the continuance of white supremacy.” We assume Kedrowski would also offer a similar apologia to Catt’s repeated statements that she has never advocated for marriage between “the white and negro races” and that she believes such a union to be “an absolute crime against nature.” (The Oregon Daily Journal, Aug. 15, 1920.) It seems that Karen and other white feminists have chosen to overlook all manner of sins committed by Catt in her quest to deliver the 19th Amendment, including Catt’s full-throated assertion that African Americans aren’t human – a clear tenet of white supremacy. We hope that Kedrowski won’t equivocate as much in declaring at least that assertion – that the marriage of whites with African Americans is an absolute crime against nature – is as racist today as it was when Catt uttered them in 1920. Meron Wondwosen ’98 French & political science Co-founder of the September 29th Movement Washington, D.C. Celia E. Naylor Professor of Africana studies and history at Barnard College of Columbia University; former director of ISU’s Sloss Women’s Center (1993-97)

THANKS FOR THE SUMMER ISSUE In these crazy, crazy, uncertain times, flipping through the current issue of VISIONS before work today brought out so many of those amazing ISU-alumni feelings. I think there was something on every page that I could relate to ... every page. The VISIONS magazine features Con E folks, notable women, fellow Facilities people, and many more. Even young noteworthy alum Heide Becker, who shares hometown Gladbrook roots, was featured. Well done. I cannot wait for the first issue of

VISIONS to be published post-COVID-19. Mike Parsons**

ISU construction manager ’82 constr engr Ames, Iowa

MEMORIES OF HELSER The mention of Helser Hall in the latest edition of VISIONS (In Brief, summer 2020) caught my attention because I thought Helser Hall had been demolished many years ago. I enrolled in ISC in the fall of 1957 and lived in Helser Hall the first year it was open. The original part of Helser was located east of the Men’s Gym and west of the north arch of Friley Hall. We had 39 freshmen out of 51 total residents in Halstead House, which was located in the center wing. On home football Saturdays I could walk out of the west door at 1:15 and be seated on the 50-yard-line in Clyde Williams Field (capacity 11,500) before the 1:30 kickoff. That all changed when the “Dirty Thirty” (so named after a muddy victory at Drake) won some games. Then the good seats would be filled by 11:30. The highlight of my freshman year was playing on an intramural basketball team that won the MRA [Men’s Residence Association] championship; we defeated a fraternity in the semifinals but lost to the married guys from Pammel Court in the campus championship game. Norm Merriam* ’61 chem engr Laramie, Wyoming Iowa State University values communication with alumni and other audiences, and VISIONS welcomes letters from readers about topics in the magazine. Letters must be signed and include address and daytime phone number. Letters chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity. The editor may decide to publish a representative sample of letters on a subject or limit the number of issues devoted to a particular topic. While universities are places of open discussion, letters deemed potentially libelous or that malign a person or group will not be published. Letters express the views of the readers and not Iowa State University nor the ISU Alumni Association. Send letters to VISIONS Editor, ISU Alumni Center, 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1403 or email cgieseke@iastate. edu. *Annual member of the ISU Alumni Association **Life member of the ISU Alumni Association

Throughout this magazine: (L) indicates life member of the ISU Alumni Association (A) indicates annual member of the ISU Alumni Association

FALL 2020 ENROLLMENT

This fall, ISU Learning Communities program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 1995, Learning Communities has grown from a program serving 407 students in 12 learning communities to today serving 6,000+ students annually via 90+ learning community options. To date, the program has served 87,056 students. “The fundamentals of the Learning Communities program remain unchanged,” Jen Leptien, the program’s director, said. Learning Communities consist of a small group of students who typically take two or more courses together, share similar academic interests, interact with peer mentors, participate in out-of-class activities, and often live in the same residence hall. The program includes activities that enable students to engage more closely with faculty and staff, explore career options, participate in service-learning or community service, and to connect and network with their student peers through social activities. “The program is critical to helping our students develop a sense of belonging, make academic connections, deepen learning experiences, and increase interactions among students, faculty and staff,” Leptien said. “It is a highly effective, long-standing student success initiative at ISU that continues to support our campus community. The program exemplifies the strong, sustained part-

Total Iowa State enrollment Undergraduate students Graduate students Professional/veterinary medicine students

3.71 Average freshman GPA 88.5% Student retention between first and second years 17.2% Percentage of U.S. multicultural students in freshman class

COURTESY ZLR IGNITION

Around Campus

31,825 26,846 4,352 627

LEARNING COMMUNITIES BY THE NUMBERS 87,056 Total students participating in learning communities since 1995 6,293 Students participating in a learning community, fall 2019 88% Percentage of first-year students of color participating in a learning community, fall 2019 91 Learning communities during the 2019-20 academic year 242 Study groups or exam prep sessions during the first 8 weeks of fall 2019 600+ Peer mentors providing leadership in learning communities in 2019-20

nership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at ISU.” The majority of Iowa State’s learning

communities serve the first-year-student population, but some communities are designed to support transfer students, and a few support students at the upper-division level. Examples of the variety of learning community options include interdisciplinary options such as Entrepreneurship and Innovation; the Leadership through Engineering Academic Diversity (LEAD) learning community, which serves multicultural engineering students; Food Science & Human Nutrition, a discipline-based option with a service-learning and residential component; and Sky is the Limit, designed for open-option students interested in exploring majors and careers in STEM.

“Police officers who’ve graduated from college are almost 40 percent less likely to use force.”

– From “Five reasons police officers should have college degrees,” co-authored by Leana Bouffard, professor and chair of ISU Department of Sociology

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FIVE COOL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SHARE ABOUT ISU 1. ISU is listed among the top 100 worldwide universities granted U.S. patents during a calendar year; Iowa State is No. 77 on the list. 2. ISU President Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD ’88 entomology) has received the prestigious National Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national honor society for extension professionals. 3. The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $3 million grant to scientists at Iowa State working on a human

immune model in pigs. 4. ISU Recreation Services will unveil its new southeast rec complex this fall; facilities provide spaces for intramural volleyball, flag football, soccer, and softball. 5. A $10 million federal grant will power a research team led by Iowa State, Penn State, and Roeslein Alternative Energy to develop new methods of turning biomass and manure into fuel.

ISU Creamery recently announced the winners in its ice cream flavors summer contest. Each of the yummy-sounding flavors pays homage to Iowa State’s colleges: • Alma Mater Baklava from the Graduate College, inspired by the “Bells of Iowa State” • Lunar Lavender from the College of Design, with honey sourced by the ISU Bee Lab • Business Brew from Ivy College of Business, an espresso and vanilla ice cream with chocolate-covered almonds and fudge swirls

• Lemon Berry bLASt from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences • Marston Mash, a sea salt caramel ice cream with brownie bits and fudge swirls from the College of Engineering • White Chocolate Squirrel from the College of Veterinary Medicine, with swirls of hazelnut spread and hazelnut pieces • Human Sci Sweet Cherry Pie from the College of Human Sciences The Creamery opened in August.

MATT VAN WINKLE

We all scream

New leadership in student affairs Toyia Younger, vice president for leadership development and partnerships for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, has been named the next senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State, replacing Martino Harmon. “I am thrilled to be returning to my Midwest roots and joining the Iowa State family,” Younger said. “It is my desire to become an integral part of the university’s unwavering commitment to preparing students for the future and serving the needs of the Ames community.”

A new state-of-the-art egg conveyor system will transport eggs at ISU’s new poultry teaching and research farm. The system, donated by Lubing Systems, LP, of Cleveland, Tenn., assures the eggs safely arrive in the packing area soon after being laid. The Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm was dedicated March 5 and was populated with its first laying flock shortly after. The nearly $7 million facility was made possible through private funding and in-kind contributions of equipment, technology, and supplies.

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BIG WIND

When a huge thunderstorm called a derecho packing 80-mile-an-hour winds blew through Ames on Aug. 10, the Iowa State campus took a direct hit. More than 40 trees were lost, and an additional 100-plus trees were damaged. Power was lost on campus for several hours, and some households in Ames were without electricity for more than a week.

MATT VAN WINKLE

Which came first?

COVID PLANNING FOR THE FALL

Iowa State prepares for students to return to campus amid the continuing COVID-19 outbreak

Who’s involved in planning for the fall semester? (Spoiler alert: It’s everyone) When Iowa State transitioned classes to online learning back in March, it was an abrupt, necessary decision with little time to plan. By late April, the writing was already on the wall that returning to campus, even four months later, would be complex. On April 28, ISU President Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD ’88) announced the formation of an Executive Committee for Fall Planning. She assigned John Lawrence (L)(’84 animal sci, MS ’86 ag econ), vice president for extension and outreach, to be the group’s chair. The group has met daily since the first of May, Lawrence said, with the health and safety of bringing students, faculty, and staff back to campus as its primary goal. Work groups coming out of the main committee were tasked with academic continuity, public information, worker health and safety, research continuity, and more. In all, literally hundreds of administrators and staff have worked on fall planning, and faculty – though many were not on campus during the summer – also worked hard to prepare for the fall. “The faculty are really kind of doing double time,” Lawrence said in late July. “They’re preparing for a normal class, but they might be teaching a hybrid class, so they have to have an online option [ready]. Some of their students will end up in quarantine, so they have to capture their lectures if students have to watch it at a later date. It’s a tremendous load we’re putting on our faculty. It’s a lot of extra effort, and I’ve been very proud

of the way faculty and staff have stepped up.” Lawrence said the comprehensive plan for the fall return to campus had three parts: 1. Identify and isolate quickly, with follow-up monitoring. ISU is conducting its own COVID-19 testing, its own test John Lawrence analysis at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and expecting results in 24 hours. 2. Reduce the footprint. About half of ISU classes are expected to be online, and for the classes being held in person, there will be lower density in the classroom, required face coverings, and fewer people on sidewalks and in CyRide. 3. Ingrain healthy habits (wear a face covering, stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands, and physically distance). “It’s important to our success that we get people to buy in and do what they need to do to protect the entire community if we want to be back in the fall,” Lawrence said. “That continues to be one of our challenges. We know that if we don’t wear the face coverings and stay home if you’re sick, whether it’s here on campus or across the street in Campustown, we could still have the spread of the disease that would threaten our fall.”

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-19

As we prepared this fall issue of VISIONS for you in August, changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were still being made at Iowa State on a daily basis. For up-to-the-minute information, go to Iowa State’s COVID-10 Response website: https://web.iastate.edu/safety/updates/ covid19/planning

IMPACT ON CAMPUS

SWITCHING UP THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR The fall semester began one week earlier than usual, on Aug. 17, and the semester’s overall length will be shortened by four days of instruction. ISU President Wendy Wintersteen announced the new academic calendar on June 10. In order to reduce travel to and from campus, classes were held on Labor Day, and the semester will end on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Coronavirus research ramps up Chemists at ISU are developing a paper-strip urine test to detect infection by the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It’s a little like a home pregnancy test, said Robbyn Anand, an Iowa State assistant professor of chemistry and leader of the project. But it’s a little more complicated than that. The test, designed to detect the presence of a coronavirus protein in a urine sample, will have to be 10 to 1,000 times more sensitive than a pregnancy test.

Nigel Reuel, an assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, is leading development of a no-touch, mail-in, fast-scan test that could be used to quickly test for COVID-19 or other outbreaks.

Robbyn Anand

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa State’s Office of the Vice President for Research has selected seven high-impact projects to receive institutional funding through a new seed-grant program. Research projects will look at treatment

for the disease, vaccine development, disease screening, testing, and more.

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“As a campus, while we cannot eliminate all risks associated with the pandemic, we are basing decisions on science and public health guidance, and our plans may be refined as new information becomes available and/or circumstances change.” – ISU President Wendy Wintersteen, from a June 17 memo to faculty and staff in the division of academic affairs

IMPACT ON CAMPUS

WANT THIS? WEAR THIS.

A “Cyclones Care” campaign was launched late this summer to educate the campus community about the importance of wearing face coverings to improve the likelihood that in-person classes will continue. Beginning July 1, face coverings were required to be worn in classrooms, work spaces, and other areas where physical distancing is not possible. The university provided two Iowa State-branded cloth face coverings free to all students, faculty, and staff. “Face coverings are a key element of our ‘new normal,’” ISU President Wendy Wintersteen wrote in a June 24 memo. “Modeling this requirement and educating our campus with care and compassion are how we can help everyone understand the importance of this and other mitigation efforts.” She added, “We do not want face coverings to become a source of conflict on our campus.” Proactive planning tips have been provided to faculty and staff who may encounter students who are not willing to wear a face covering.

“We interviewed students after spring semester, and while they told us they understood why we went online, they also said they can’t wait to be back on campus.” – Jonathan Wickert, ISU senior vice president and provost

10 ways Iowa State prepared for students to return to campus this fall 1. Fall classes are being offered three ways: traditional face-to-face classes, with physical distance between seats, enhanced cleaning, and required face coverings; online classes; and blended or hybrid courses, using a combination of face-to-face and online teaching. 2. Large lecture-based classes are generally online and supplemented by smaller in-person learning opportunities. Medium and small lecture-based classes, studios, capstone, and team-based learning courses are taught in person or in blended formats as appropriate. Laboratory courses with fixed spaces and specialized equipment are being offered in person. 3. A modification of class scheduling has allowed more time between classes in order to reduce congestion during class changes. 4. Classroom density has been reduced to limiting in-person class sizes to 50 percent of a classroom’s normal instructional capacity. 5. Residence halls this fall offered single and double occupancy rooms and apartment-style living, and the move-in process was spread out over a two-week period (Aug. 3-16) to allow for physical distancing. Designated spaces have been reserved in case residence hall students need to self-isolate during the semester. Campus dining modified dining services

to expand get-and-go options and locations, and contactless payment will be offered. 6. The Office of Admissions transitioned to online orientation over the summer. But “reimagined” Destination Iowa State activities were held in person Aug. 13-15, with face coverings, social distancing, smaller groups, and some virtual events. 7. At its June 4 meeting, the state Board of Regents voted not to increase tuition and mandatory fees for students during the 2020-21 academic year. 8. Students living in on-campus housing were required to be tested for COVID-19 before move-in. Tests were conducted at Lied Rec Center. During the semester, testing is available through Thielen Student Health Center and at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum. 9. Students are required to have their own laptops. Computer labs will not be open this fall in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus between students sharing computers. The university is providing a laptop loaner program for students with financial need. 10. Students at higher risk to develop severe illness from COVID-19 were given preference for placement in online courses.

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CHRISTOPHER GANNON

Miriam Martincic

Miriam Martincic is drawn to relatable, meaningful imagery work in hopes that these images can have a positive effect for others – bringing them a sense of connection in a time of isolation, helping to give form to difficult experience.” Martincic says the “Social Distance” image is significant because it represents the loss of connectivity for many people. Another of her illustrations, “Til We Meet Again…,” represents the angst of not being able to dance or create through other performing arts. “We definitely have a really big economic loss and loss of life, but for people who can’t do their art, for dancers, for musicians, for performers, there’s a big loss there, too. It’s a really deep loss,” Martincic said.

“SOCIAL DISTANCING” BY MIRIAM MARTINCIC

When forced into self-isolation last spring, some people baked bread. Others played the saxophone on their front porch. Miriam Martincic, an ISU assistant teaching professor of graphic design, made art. Her illustrations, created on an iPad, form a COVID19 series that graphically represents the full gamut of the pandemic, from social distancing, hand-washing, and online teaching to health-care workers, loneliness, and even death. “Making images regarding the current public health crisis centers and grounds me personally,” she said. “It actually makes me feel less alone. In uncertain time such as this, it’s easy to feel ‘nowhere.’ I share my

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IMPACT ON CAMPUS

News Kristen Obbink, a veterinary specialist at the Center for Security and Public Health located in the College of Veterinary Medicine, will serve as the university’s COVID-19 public health coordinator through the fall semester. ISU’s public health plan outlines processes such as testing students for the virus, contact tracing and case investigation, mental health support, and administering vaccines when one becomes available. Kristen Obbink

Innovation Center pivots When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Iowa State community to migrate online for the remainder of spring semester, the Student Innovation Center’s April grand opening was put on the back burner. However, construction, landscaping, and equipment installation pushed forward. This summer, students, faculty, and staff were working to ensure the building would be ready to open on Aug. 17. To comply with physical distancing and 50 percent capacity requirements, a few areas of the building will not be used as intended this fall. Two areas on the ground floor – the exhibit and “makerspace” areas – have been repurposed into classrooms to help the university’s room scheduling staff find instructional spaces. Innovative classrooms – such as a “learningin-the-round” room – that were initially to be assigned through a competitive application process are, for now, being used as traditional classrooms.

In a survey sent to 2,180 faculty and staff to assess the spring semester’s transition learning, 82 percent of respondents had converted at least one course to virtual delivery, though 57 percent said they had never taught an online or hybrid course before; instructors said the percentage of students who were actively engaged in their classes dropped from 75 percent to 42 percent after going online; and 77 percent said they developed new teaching skills as a result of the transition. Finally, asked to write one word about how they were feeling, respondents most often said “overwhelmed,” “stressed,” “exhausted,” and “tired.”

Innovative projects: Members of the Cyclone engineering community made and donated face shields, cloth masks, gowns, scrub caps, and desk shields to share with health care professionals and others who needed personal protective gear; staff in the College of Design created “ear savers” to alleviate discomfort for hospital staff who have to wear face masks all day; faculty and staff in the Theatre Department produced more than 400 face masks made of material in ISU’s costume shop; ISU Extension and Outreach staff created online learning communities, “grab and go” materials, and 4-H curricula that families could pick up at Extension county offices; and a teaching lab coordinator in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department created plexiglass desk shields for use on campus.

“Some people have incorrectly framed the [fall sports] issue as safety versus revenue generation. The simple fact is that reality lies somewhere in the middle.”

– ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard, in a July 13 letter to Cyclone fans

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Iowa State’s fall 2020 commencement ceremonies and college convocations will be held in a virtual format on Saturday, Nov. 28. To view the celebration, go to https://virtual.graduation.iastate.edu

Early testing offers a snapshot in time A total of 8,094 students were tested on campus for COVID-19 from July 31 to Aug. 16 during the move-in process. ISU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory processed the samples and provided results within 24 hours. Of those tested, 175 were positive, for a positive percentage of 2.2 percent. Students who tested positive were required to isolate for 10 days, either at home or in isolation rooms provided by the Department of Residence. Students disregard health and safety guidelines Hundreds of ISU students ignored social distance and face-covering guidelines on Aug. 15, the Saturday before classes began. Students gathered in large groups around bars in Campustown and for parties at private residences throughout Ames. In a joint statement, Toyia Younger, senior

vice president for student affairs, and Sharron Evans, dean of students, said: “Disregarding … health and safety policies jeopardizes the university’s ability to provide in-person experiences and increases the chance that all classes will move online. If students want to complete the fall semester on campus, this disregard must stop. “Gathering in large groups and not wearing face coverings puts the health and safety of our community at risk. Iowa State will continue to work closely with community partners to remind students of their responsibility, and if needed, enforce policies for nuisance parties. The university is committed to the goal of providing an on-campus experience, and we implore all students to do their part in keeping our community healthy and campus open.” On Aug. 21, ISU enacted a COVID-19 safety

policy for student social gatherings, stating that all on- and off-campus gatherings must comply with the university face-covering mandate and physical distancing guidelines. Students violating the policy are subject to university discipline. Through testing conducted on campus during the month of August (not including move-in testing), 655 students were found to be positive for the coronavirus, along with 10 faculty and staff members. In late August, Ames was cited as having one of the highest numbers of new coronavirus cases per 1,000 people of any metro area in the nation.

PHOTOS ABOVE: MATT VAN WINKLE

AS CLASSWORK BEGINS…

The 2020 football season: An unprecedented timeline • May: ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard (L) announces that football will be played, but attendance in Jack Trice Stadium would be limited to approximately 50 percent capacity, or about 30,000 spectators. Only season ticketholders would be allowed to attend the games. • June 3: The ISU Athletics Department announces its first positive COVID-19 test results. • June 22: The Story County Board of Health recommends that Iowa State prohibit fans in the stands during fall sporting events. The recommendation comes after a surge of positive coronavirus cases in Story County. “We cannot think of any way these events can be made even remotely safe with the masses of people from all over the state who routinely attend these events,” the statement reads in part. • Summer: All student athletes are tested for COVID-19 upon returning to campus. Any student athlete testing positive is isolated from all team activities and community members. • July 13: In a letter to fans, Pollard writes, in part: “As leaders, we remain committed to safety first…. We must also be cognizant of the absolute need to generate revenues to sustain our long-term operations…This is why we are so committed to trying to find a solution to safely play college sports.” • Aug. 3: The Big 12 presidents vote to limit nonconference schedules to one game this season. V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG F A L L 2 0 2 0

• Aug. 11: The Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences cancel their fall 2020 football seasons. • Aug. 11: The Big 12 Conference reworks the league’s 2020 football schedule. Iowa State’s first game is moved to Sept. 12; Oct. 17, previously selected for the Homecoming game, is no longer a gameday. • Aug. 14: Pollard sends a message to fans stipulating that face coverings are required at all times for fans attending games in Jack Trice Stadium, no tailgating will be allowed, and parking lots open just two hours before game time. • Aug. 31: Seats for the first game are reassigned, with a maximum of 25,000 fans allowed in the stadium. • Sept. 2: The decision to allow fans at the first game is reversed. No fans would be allowed. • Sept. 4: Projecting a $30M deficit for athletics, Pollard recommends additional pay reductions for coaches and staff, possible layoffs, eliminating sports, and closing Stephens Auditorium. • Sept. 9: Following a public outcry, ISU President Wendy Wintersteen releases a statement saying that “the university and the athletics department are committed to working together to develop a plan for how Stephens will operate into the future for the benefit of campus and the Ames community.” • Stay tuned for additional changes: https:// cyclones.com

In August, the university was addressing unprecedented revenue losses due to COVID-19, projected enrollment declines, reduced state appropriations, reduced indirect cost recovery, and the increased costs of preparations necessary to enhance healthy outcomes for the fall semester. The revenue loss for FY21 for Iowa State’s educational fund is more than $41 million.

LET’S TALK ABOUT Iowa State alumni and faculty raise their voices in conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement

During a summer that saw peaceful protesters of all colors march for racial justice, and less-than-peaceful demonstrations in many cities in the U.S., it is abundantly clear that there is much work to be done. The place to start? Understanding. Followed by education and conversation. And then, at long last, change.

A message of ‘Hi’

n light of the senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others, painful reminders of the bigotry and injustices we wrestle with in our nation are upon us…again. These incidents have led to an incredible amount of public unrest. The public killing of Mr. Floyd, in broad daylight, by a Minneapolis policeman while his colleagues observed it, has left many of us frozen, shocked, and downright angry. All of this is happening simultaneously with the COVID-19 pandemic. The coupling of these two realities has led to peaceful and not-so-peaceful protests, additional loss of jobs, greater food insecurity issues, and further acknowledgment of known and unknown inequalities. It also has made it hard to ask a very common – and I feel at times – very narrow and hollow question: How are YOU doing? Really? Yes. How ARE you doing? This is now a BIG question. For many Cyclones, it can be taken personally, and can be answered simply. For some, it can be a very emotional question that might conjure up thoughts of stress related to COVID-19, loss of a loved one, jobs, finances, and protests.

For others, it can be a question that conjures up a set of painful memories of feeling invisible, unheard, and disrespected because of one’s race, politics, religion, or sexual orientation. But many Cyclones may simply respond, “You don’t really want to know or truly care how I’m doing.” Some may say, “Since you asked, please know that I am tired, angry, exhausted, hurt, and in pain.” And others say, “While I am proud to have earned my degree from Iowa State, I have not yet resolved the experiences I had to endure as a student of color on campus.” Many of these Cyclones have told me that they are still trying to find their way back to Iowa State. Their pain is real, and so were their experiences. It’s time to lay it all out on the table and learn what it is really like to be Black in America and to have been an African American student at Iowa State. Have any of us really thought about this? Or are we just asking, blindly, “How are you doing?” For me, as a 21-year Cyclone, I remain hopeful, optimistic, and prayerful. The ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors and staff have been on an internal journey trying to find our way through these very tough and unpleasant questions. It’s been painful at times, but it’s

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RACISM Creating a welcoming environment also brought us closer and given us greater empathy for each other. Our journey to date has been extremely rewarding and insightful, but we still have work to do. As we move forward, may we do so together, recognizing that love and understanding cannot be legislated. For me, I acknowledge daily when I am in the presence of another human being, whether they look like me or we share anything in common, I’ve dropped the “How are you doing” phrase. I simply say, “Hi,” with a smile. We need to start seeing each other and stop walking past each other. We’re not ships. We are human beings, coexisting in a very beautiful yet painful moment. Let’s seize this moment to better ourselves and be better to each other. Hi, Jeff Johnson Jeffery W. Johnson (L)(PhD ’14) is the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed President and CEO of the ISU Alumni Association To read the full message sent to ISU alumni and friends, go to isualum.org/message-of-hi-from-Jeff

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Iowa State University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Here are a few of the programs and initiatives that advance racial equity: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs programs, including the George Washington Carver program (100 full-tuition scholarships annually), the Multicultural Vision Program (100 full-tuition scholarships), and the Academic Program for EXcellence (APEX), an eight-week academic summer program designed for incoming multicultural first-year students Multicultural liaison officers in each college, supporting and serving as advocates for multicultural students Learning communities for students of diverse backgrounds Cultural centers, including the George A. Jackson Black Cultural Center and the Memorial Union Multicultural Center

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20 years of ISCORE, the Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity “Campus Conversation” events, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to discuss timely issues Partnering with the Ames community to create a more welcoming and inclusive living and working environment for citizens of color Partnering with the group Students Against Racism to address racism and improve the campus climate Bias training for Iowa State University Police Inclusive classroom training for faculty, through the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching A Campus Climate Reporting System that collects and assesses bias incidents and provides resources and support for those impacted

Sharron Evans is passionate about student engagement, and she brings a fresh perspective to the Iowa State campus. Evans, a former private practice attorney and higher education consultant, began in May as associate vice president in the ISU Student Affairs Division and dean of students. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education student affairs, most recently at Roosevelt University, Chicago. VISIONS caught up with her during the busy first weeks of students’ arrival on campus to discuss some of the issues most important to her: diversity, inclusion, and equity. T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N H A S B E E N E D I T E D F O R L E N G T H .

“There are numerous programs and initiatives across the university that

“One of biggest things that we address as a university is looking at opportunity

specifically target our students of color. I think one of the more innovative steps that the university took was that they developed directors of multicultural student success that reside in each college. These particular directors are responsible for advancing our inclusion initiatives, which include supporting students of color. [There are] opportunities and collaboration between them and our chief diversity officer, as well as student affairs. There’s plenty of opportunity there. Part of being a student of color on a predominantly white campus is ensuring that there is space and that there’s opportunity for students to gather and engage socially and in discussions. We have those spaces across campus.

gaps that exist for our students of color, and how we close those gaps. And that is a collaboration between enrollment management, academic affairs, and student affairs. We’re starting down that path to look at what more can we do. I think when we look at how we train our staff in reference to inclusion and campus climate, we have to train them in a manner that they understand how to engage with our students and how we support them. And when that individual engagement is successful, it helps our students be successful. Our chief diversity officer and his team put out a training on managing bias. I can’t express how important that training is, because we all as humans come to the table with bias, and we need to understand that it is there and how we overcome it. And so, that’s our commitment… so that we can serve the university as a whole, including our students of color.

“[Iowa State has scholarship programs for students of color that] go

beyond just the financial support. You’re talking about providing students with interpersonal support, engagement, learning their own development, and a sense of community. There are also a number of learning communities in our residence halls that focus on these things. When it comes down to it, as the dean of students, part of my responsibility is to go out there to reach out to students and engage. I’m responsible for understanding the dynamics of our students.

ESSAYS

Understanding the dynamics

“It’s a very passionate area for me!

It’s one of my passions, dealing with underrepresented populations. I can’t imagine a university being successful if their dean of students was not committed to that.”

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Liberty and justice for all

BY DARRYL V. SAMUE LS

“America is woven of many strands. I would recognize them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many. This is not prophecy, but description.” Author Ralph Ellison was talking about our country’s diversity. His profound, poignant words are indicative of my sentiments about the new retro American Revolution 2020 as we as a nation battle systematic racism. It took a pandemic to bring America’s original sin toward African Americans to the forefront for resolution, so let’s talk about it. Recently, Ellison’s strands stretched when Breonna Taylor was killed senselessly in her own home by overzealous police officers; unraveled when Ahmaud Arbery was brutally attacked and killed by white vigilantes while on a morning run; and torn when callous Minneapolis police officers unmercifully snuffed out George Floyd’s life while he was in custody. Amy’s reaction in the park did not help when she attempted to weaponized her white privilege to frame an innocent man of color because she thought she could. This is wrong. Racism is wrong, and capitulating to racism is problematic.

We need to start the conversation BY B E C K Y S TADL M AN

I grew up on a farm in rural northern Iowa. The concept of racial justice was unknown to me. There wasn’t a person of color in the entire county. I didn’t meet anyone who was Black until I went away to college. I considered myself open-minded and certainly not a racist. In the 1990s I was working for a federal agency, and my boss asked me to be a diversity consultant, the same role he was taking on. He was Black and grew up in Detroit. I learned what I didn’t know very quickly. I’m still learning. We are a product of our experiences. Those experiences we have not yet had give us room to grow. I have learned that my whiteness has given me opportunities that I took for granted. And that people of color don’t

We cannot afford to wait another 50 years BY M A RV IN DE J E A R

This latest push for African Americans seeking equality in America has been re-energizing, and at the same time a stern reminder of the centuries of pain for African Americans. It has been re-energizing to see so many young people united across all races and ethnicities throughout the world protesting that Black Lives Matter

BLACK LIVES MATTER. Racism is a tool that frail, greedy, and selfish people use to denigrate Black people that must be disarmed and dismantled, which is not easy. Bad habits die hard. However, like the search for a vaccine for COVID-19, these are steps needed to eradicate this disease: First, systematic racism is not a problem for Black people to solve. Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston said, “We must learn to be honest with ourselves and know our shortcomings, but we will pay dearly for being a slow pupil.” For some reason, meritocracy is not working in our democracy. Anglos need to take a hard look and recognize the world is becoming more colorful and ask themselves how to adapt in this new world order. Make sincere amends for the past by removing the barriers, obstacles, and reminders of our nation’s racist past, and move forward with a new directive by befriending and helping a Black person achieve the American Dream alongside you. Second, create a sense of hope by protecting everyone’s rights. We live in the greatest country in the world, and I agree with Hurston when she wrote, “I will fight for my country, but I will not lie for her.” Although my ancestors built this country with no pay and did not have a part in writing the U.S. Constitution,

we adopted it and believe in maintaining our unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness without it being derailed or snuffed out by callous, greedy, frail, selfish people. Finally, you must turn empathy into action. Do what you need to do to make it happen. Read Black literature, make a friend who happens to be Black, and have tough conversations about race with that friend; educate yourself and white friends about the inappropriateness of racial jokes, their micro-aggressions, or full aggression toward people of color; lead the charge. Make that change. Hope springs eternal. I really want to see this happen in my lifetime. My dream is to stand next to my white counterparts to pledge allegiance to the American flag with my hand over my heart and feel comfortable and confident saying, “One nation, under God, with LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL” with conviction.

have those same opportunities as easily as I have. We need to start the conversation, as uncomfortable as it might be. And we need to continue to do that. We need to seek to understand, and acknowledge what we don’t know. We need to ask questions, seek new experiences, and educate ourselves. Until we do this, we will never end the systemic racism we have in our country. How can we personally have an impact? We need to understand our own explicit and implicit biases. Yes, we all have them. And we can work to influence all the activities and institutions and organizations we are involved in: schools, churches, workplaces, friends, and family. We cannot be afraid to speak up. Different people will be in different places in this journey. That’s OK. We are on that journey, too. But we cannot become complacent! We need to educate ourselves about our federal and state and local governments. We need to know about

policy and candidates. We need to participate. And most of all, we need to vote – an informed vote! Voting is the most important thing we do as citizens. It impacts our communities, our schools, our jobs, our environment, and our society. It determines who will lead us now and into the future. And it holds those leaders accountable. The ISU Alumni Association has a diversity statement as part of its culture statement. In part, it says that everyone should feel safe, welcomed, supported, included, and valued. That pretty much sums up what our country and our world need to become.

and standing in unity! It has been hopeful to see so many adults have their eyes opened, even if for the first time, to the racial injustices that African Americans have endured for centuries. As the months begin to pass and the news stories change to the next major story, I want to make sure we all keep this in the forefront of priorities and action items, even when it is no longer the main story on TV! I want to make sure we all stay committed to this being the final chapter of this story. Black People cannot afford to wait another 50 years

for this to be an important issue. I ask that everyone who still may not think this is a big issue or something real, to please do the research. Read more than what was in your high school history class and what your everyday environment has taught you along the way. Read the 1619 Project, watch the movie “13th,” look at all the lists of suggestions on social media. Allow the new information to help you to make an informed decision of what side of history you want to be remembered for during this historical moment in time.

Darryl Samuels (L)(’88 political science, ’90 master of community planning) is the managing partner of D. Samuels & Associates, LLC, of Pearland, Texas. He is a former member of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Becky Stadlman (L)(’74 journ & mass comm) is a retired global human resources manager for Danfoss. A former member of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors, Stadlman lives in Ankeny, Iowa.

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CONTINUED

When they look back at this historical moment and analyze America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, historians will say that even in the midst of a global pandemic America took the steps to create the final chapter in a 400-year-old story of pain and hurt for Black People? Alternatively, will they say America continued to treat the Black People of America as their commodity? I am optimistic enough to think there are enough people who have seen the true narrative of this century-old story.

That there is a real catalyst for change, and even though history suggests violence is next, that we can and will come together to end this story. I will end with a quote from Representative John Lewis’s last opinion piece in the New York Times: “When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression, and war.

So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.” Marvin DeJear (A)(’00 business management, MBA ’03, PhD ’16 ed leadership) is the director of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families at Des Moines Area Community College. He is a current elected member of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

A conversation with Taylor Davis Taylor Davis is a 2017 ISU graduate of the Ivy College of Business with a degree in supply chain management. Davis is the business development representative for D. Samuels & Associates and is the former assistant manager of strategic sourcing for MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas. As a student at Iowa State, she was involved with Black Campus Ministry, Multicultural Business Network, and other organizations. She is a current member of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors and is planning to begin law school this fall. T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N H A S B E E N E D I T E D F O R L E N G T H .

What do white Americans need to do to educate themselves on the issues of race and racism?

For a simple answer, I would really say listen. Everybody should really be listening right now. It is not that you have to feel the pain or understand, because unless you are Black in America you could never, but be educated once and for all. Once you are fully aware of the true injustices, that is when you can take a stand. Why do you think this moment has become so powerful?

Question everyone is asking! First, this is nothing new – Google “Rodney King;” the only difference is the iPhone and social media. The pandemic has been some kind of poetic justice. When millions of people are not working, and you’re now on your cellphone or watching the news 80 to 90 percent of the time, all generations of people, of course,

are like, “OH MY GOSH! Has this really been going on? I’ve been clocking in to work every day and I didn’t even know this was happening to this degree in 2020.” These are statements I’ve heard my colleagues say over the last few weeks. While, I, a Black woman, have endured racial injustice from birth, and experienced it right there in the Ames community. So, at this point people are angry. “Oh, wait a minute, you took our jobs, and now you are killing someone on the street?” We don’t care what color he is; now is not the time. We’re already pretty stressed! It was like you kicked America when it was down. COVID was already taking lives, so you’re already in mourning, and then this happens? It’s just too much. It’s too much. You’re a recent graduate of Iowa State. What must the university do to

improve the lives of its students of color?

Storytime: I was at the game Trump attended [in 2016], and I saw my Latino students of color and my fellow Black students who were standing in solidarity with them, when Trump supporters and ISU fans attacked their race and culture. I witnessed a 40- to 50-yearold Caucasian woman throw a full, unopened beer can at a student simply because of the color of her skin. It wrecks my heart to even know some of the stories that I do know and some things that have been swept under the rug. I believe Iowa State, just like America, needs to no longer tolerate [racism] when it is reported. It needs to be taken just as seriously as the next student [infraction]. That’s just the bottom line. Iowa State is a very huge passion of mine. Being an alumna with a rapidly growing career that I attribute almost 100 percent

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A dialogue with two Black activists in central Iowa Julian Neely and Justyn Lewis are two ISU alumni working for change in central Iowa

to my Iowa State education and experience, I wonder sometimes: Where are the students who fit the same demographic as me? The students who didn’t have grandparents* who were pillars of the community, who didn’t have a father, Tommy Davis (L), who played football for Iowa State? Where are those students? How are they managing? Who are their allies? What resources do they have? And why are there so few NON-ATHLETIC African American students? These are major concerns. To the students, faculty, and staff who agree these are concerns: VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! And use your current platform within the community to foster change. *Davis’s grandparents are Wayne Clinton (L), a former Ames High School coach and member of the Story County board of supervisors for 16 years, and Edna Young Clinton (L)(’87 distributed studies, MS ’90 industrial relations).

THESE INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED AND EDITED BY CAROLE GIESEKE, VISIONS EDITOR

Justyn Lewis (’12 political science) founded Des Moines’ Selma, an organization that advocates for civil rights, equality, equity, justice, and government accountability. Lewis works as an office professional, is married and has two children, and runs his own landscaping business. Julian Neely (’19 journalism & mass comm) is an organizer with the Des Moines Black Lives Matter group. Following graduation from ISU, where he served as Student Government president in 2018-19, Neely attended Syracuse University. He returned to Iowa State in the fall to pursue a master’s degree, and he holds an internship with Flynn Wright advertising agency. VISIONS: The response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis was swift and broad, encompassing all 50 states and people of all races. This current push for eliminating systemic racism seems different to me than most of the movements from the recent past. But that’s my perspective as a white person. What’s your perspective on this? Are you optimistic that there will be meaningful change? Julian Neely: I think movements are

going to be different in general. Social media is a big tool for a lot of these movements, and we’re also attracting younger folks. I think we can see some drastic changes. For us, as younger folks, we’re tired. We’ve spoken with our families, our parents, our grandparents, who have said, “Why is it still going on?” It’s been going on for 200 years, and we’re still in the same predicament. We are just tired. Enough is enough. It’s time to create change. We can no longer work within these systems. Justyn Lewis: It’s hard not to step into the fight and push for such an effort when we saw George Floyd beg for his life and cry for his mother. George Floyd is the peak of the mountain that led to the outcry, but there have been countless other stories. The issues of systematic, systemic, and institutional racism have been going on in our community for hundreds of years. We’re all normally distracted by other things in life, but COVID has put a pause on the whole world. We were all on our phones and watched him being murdered. That event woke something up spiritually and spoke to the souls of every human that’s alive here. People are doing the research on

police brutality and over-policing and finally waking up to the problem. Talk about the work you’re doing organizing marches and events in Des Moines. Lewis: Des Moines’ Selma is an organi-

zation named to mirror what MLK and other civil rights activists did: nonviolent protest, sit-ins, speaking truth to power, and working with leadership. We are willing to work within the system to get the change that is needed, but we want our message to be heard and acted upon. If not, we will call forth the next generation to take those leadership seats. We will run for those positions, and we will be the leaders that America needs. Neely: I work directly with Des Moines BLM [Black Lives Matter] with 10 other Des Moines residents, young folks age 19-24. We’ve been organizing different protest rallies and demonstrations around town to be able to bring to life an awareness to a lot of different issues and problems within the city, the state, and the county. We’re pushing for policies, holding our public officials and law enforcement and other leaders accountable for things that they should be doing, to make sure they’re serving all people. Specifically, Black and brown people have been left out of a lot of things. We are not considered when a lot of these policies are made. We need to create policies that also include us. What are some of the key issues? Lewis: We’ve always known our public

schools were underfunded, and the current curriculum does us a disservice when it comes to Black history. A lot of my white friends are like, “I just didn’t C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PAG E

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CONTINUED

Julian, you’ve been vocal in promoting Iowa State’s renaming of Catt Hall. Walk me through the issues and the demands. Neely: Catt Hall has been an issue since

the September 29 Movement [in 1995]. The leaders showed proof from letters and literature that Catt contributed to the women’s suffrage movement for white women, and that was it. She supported white supremacy. The language was troubling. We need to recognize this is a woman who was racist. By ISU maintaining her name on a building that thousands of students go through, students that are folks of color, that is disrespectful. If we are pushing principles

of community, and diversity and inclusion, we should name the building for a powerful woman; that would be a correct approach for Iowa State. In dodging the conversation [about renaming the building], it shows that ISU is not invested in diversity, inclusion, and equity. What do white Americans need to do to educate themselves and truly create systems of justice for all? Lewis: It’s not good enough to not

be racist; we need white people to be anti-racist, actively doing the work every day to break down systems that have been put in place by your ancestors. You didn’t make the decisions, but now you have the power to dismantle [the system]. Get hold of resources; watch videos that are outside of your sphere of influence. We are all stuck in spheres that make us comfortable. Start having real conversations with your friends and colleagues that are Black. Allow them to be vulnerable. Allow yourself to be open to experiences different than your own. For years, people have refuted our experiences, saying we are playing the race and victim card. Ask those same friends and colleagues, “How can I help you specifically? How can I help this movement? How can I help within our organization?” When you see a wrong, you can no longer be silent. Silence implies your consent. Silence is agreeing with the structure of racism that has been a part of this country from the very beginning. What I really want people to do is listen to Black voices that are speaking about our history in context. Listening to Black voices and learning about those experiences will teach you how to respond in moments where you should no longer be silent. We need white people to join this movement to help amplify our voices and concerns.

Neely: Teach your children not to be racist! That’s the biggest thing! Teach your children the actual history of the United States and how this nation was stolen from indigenous people, and how white people literally took Africans from their homeland to build the nation we see today. Look at the educational system, how flawed it is, how whitewashed it is, and how it does not teach adequate or truthful history about this nation. Look at who is running these institutions: Who are your leaders of school boards and city councils who are making decisions? What are policies that need to be revised? Look at defunding the

JUSTYN LEWIS

know.” We’re educating people, doing implicit bias training. We’re organizing and mobilizing to amplify Black voices to create needed change. I’ve also been bridging the gap between organizations and individuals wanting to support the Black community. I want to make this clear: This is a movement about government accountability. I think we can all support this movement. Neely: We need to make sure we are supporting and uplifting the Black community within the city of Des Moines. Our organization has brought attention to the need to review current policies that are in place that are inadequate or outdated and to hold our leaders accountable. When it comes to police misconduct, we endure a lot of those experiences where police use excessive force or they brutalize us. We’ve made people recognize that they have a lot of things to unlearn. Folks in power can no longer just sit on these issues. Awareness is where it starts, but it cannot end there. Actions will solidify whether people are for the cause or if it’s there as a marketing piece.

police and reallocating those resources to Black and brown communities, to [support] educational opportunities and mental health and leadership and professional development opportunities. Erase inconsistencies in property values. It’s about having folks that truly represent us sitting at the table, holding seats in the State Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Governor’s suite. You’re fairly recent graduates of Iowa State; what must the university do to

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J U L I A N N E E LY, I N 2 0 1 8 improve the lives of its students of color? Neely: There’s a lot. Really assess the

names of certain buildings, and then rename them. Representation not only within the administration but within the faculty and staff is extremely important. Also, within our current faculty and staff and advisers, do bias training to assess cultural bias working with folks of color. We’ve heard stories of Black women, Latinx women, whose advisers don’t think they’re adequate to take a specific course or major, and professors who use the N word. There needs to be a level of consequences for folks who engage in hate speech. Lewis: It was a dream of mine as a little boy to go to Iowa State. I was a recipient of the MVP [multicultural vision program] scholarship. I’m very thankful and blessed to be an alum of Iowa State, and I’m proud to be part of the Cyclone alumni. Iowa State has completely changed my life. The faculty is strong, conscious, and socially aware. I had faculty members who picked me up when I was falling and nearly failed out of Iowa State. I owe them so much. But I

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still experienced racism on the campus as a student, and there is still work to be done. It’s important for faculty to continue to listen to Black voices. If students bring up issues, you need to listen and take action. We are very aware when people are dragging their feet. We know when something’s racist; we know when something’s wrong. We need people to know why it’s happening and make the change so that it doesn’t happen again. What else would you like to talk about? Neely: We have to challenge each other.

Conversations are great, but things cannot end at the conversation level. Things need to elevate to actionable steps, and then actions need to be completed, so we can see actual change. There’s so much as a Black community that we’re recovering from, from these oppressive systems that have been in place for so long. Bring the conversation to your workspace, and look at your own leadership and say, “What can change here?” When we’re hiring, do we look at Black and brown people? LGBT people? These are folks who are qualified people to effectively

do the job. Are we uncomfortable hiring them because we have a bias? Lewis: I always wanted to get into the political arena and bridge the gap between the things that divide us as a nation. Iowa State opened my mind to politics and to understanding the needs of the people. I have spent the last several years working with organizations such as NAACP and Iowa CCI [Citizens for Community Improvement] on issues in my community at a local level. And then the murder of George Floyd took place and those issues were magnified on a national level. I went to my first march. I saw police show up in riot gear. I was trying to be a voice of reason and give direction. From that, I received a lot of support. I want the betterment of my people, but I also want to be a leader for everyone. I think people know my heart. I’ve been mindfully watching leadership and learning. I’ve always had a desire to run for an elected seat and I’m eyeing a run in 2022.

‘It’s up to us to fix the systems’ A campus conversation on white action and accountability to combat systems-based racism During an online campus conversation presented in June by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and open to the university community, panelists discussed the topic “What should I do? White action and accountability to combat anti-Blackness and systems-based racism.” The following is an excerpt of that conversation, featuring Brad Dell, director of ISU Theatre, and Katy Swalwell, associate professor, School of Education. What is the difference between “not racist” and “anti-racist”? Katy Swalwell: Racism is not the

same thing as prejudice. Racism is when prejudice is institutionalized. It’s not always intentional, but letting systems of white supremacy or anti-Blackness work through us is how racism endures. And we’re either anti-racist or participating in racism. People think they should be in the middle, but that’s not really an option. Being anti-racist is possible, but people can’t be non-racist. Brad Dell: White people created the

systems, and it’s up to us to fix the systems. We are complicit to the system; the systems protect the power white people hold. We must confess our past injustice. We must work to undo unjust policies. I’m no expert in these areas, but I know I have contributed to racist systems, and I recognize a critical part of this work is to listen and acknowledge our wrong and to be better. Shame and guilt are not helpful, but action is.

Swalwell: People within the category of “white” get to set rules and distribute resources. Even if you are generous and welcoming, you still have the control. You are the determiner of who gets in and who stays out or what is seen as “normal” or “professional.”

educate myself; I’m reading, watching, listening, reflecting, and reckoning how I’ve been complicit in white systems. I’m using my position of privilege to donate, educate, write to local representatives, and confront institutional systems to advocate for anti-racism.

How do people perpetuate racism on this campus? Swalwell: I’ve seen these “pearl-clutching

We are drafting an anti-racism accountability document for the ISU Theatre. We will strive to lead with empathy and justice. The well-being of faculty, staff, and students is the number-one priority. You have to recognize that budgets are moral documents and interrogate the allocation of resources. I feel called to use my position of privilege to agitate administrators and those in power; this is not comfortable for me, but I’m trying to use this time to confront systemic and institutional racism.

moments” where people [on campus] are shocked when something happens. [They say] “That doesn’t happen here! Ames is so friendly.” No, it happens here. Racism and whiteness are in the air all the time. What are you doing to address racism and inequity in areas you hold power and what pushback have you received? Dell: As a member of the LGBTQ

community and a theatre artist, equity, diversity, inclusion, and representation is an important part of my work. Lately I’ve recognized it’s not enough; I must be actively anti-racist. I have to personally

Swalwell: There’s a quote [from a recent essay by Tre Johnson], “When black people are in pain, white people join book clubs.” We can’t just keep learning. We have to take action and respond to

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BRAD DELL K AT Y S WA LW E L L

“ You cannot have ego in this work. Don’t seek compliments for doing something anti-racist. We don’t deserve a sticker.” – Katy Swalwell

requests to take action. As white people, our fear of what might happen if we try to build something new or rabble-rouse is that we will face some horrible retribution. [As a white person,] I have so far to go to actually risk anything. We think we’re out here on this tiny branch of risk, but it’s really 13 feet wide. How can we prepare our students in the fall? Dell: It’s important to acknowledge this

is in no way a normal time. Our overall goal as an institution should in no way be a return to normal. The previous normal wasn’t working. It was unjust and unequitable. We need to make new systems that are just for all. We need to lead with empathy and justice always. We need to provide space for discussion, rage, conversation, and growth. Equity is the concept of ensuring that everyone has what they need to succeed. We have to identify what those needs are for each individual in our campus community and make sure they are addressed.

Swalwell: I agree that we don’t go back to normal. Education scholar Bettina Love recently wrote an article called “We cannot go back to the way things were.” The way things have been for BIPOC* students has not been good.

One thing we can do is to check in with students of color we have relationships with. White people worry that if they inquire about how people are doing, we’ll somehow remind them of racism, but that’s their existence. [Checking in] validates what they’re going through. We also need to seek feedback. You cannot have ego in this work. Don’t seek compliments for doing something anti-racist. We don’t deserve a sticker. And don’t be defeatist. I hear people say how hard it is to recruit people of color to Iowa. But we cannot hide out in the bureaucracy or excuses.

built our institutions. We have to be accomplices in dismantling that. The work of racial justice is collaborative. It’s about relationship-building. Find people to connect with and hold you accountable. Don’t try to do it by yourself; it’s exhausting and dangerous. It’s tempting to declare you’re an ally, but you can’t give yourself that title – only people of color can give it to you. White people telling other white people how anti-racist they are doesn’t mean anything. You know what you need to do. It’s exhausting, but don’t give up. It’s taken us 400 years to get here, but the urgency is here. It’s real. *Black, Indigenous, People of Color

Talk about the concept of allyship Swalwell: “Accomplice” may be a better

word than “ally.” White supremacy has

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‘Work still needs to be done’

BY WENDY WINTERSTEEN

ighteen years ago, Iowa legislation was signed that established Juneteenth, known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, as a state holiday. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, dating back to the final period of the Civil War, June 19, 1865. On June 19 of this year, Juneteenth was not only a day of celebration, it was a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done here at Iowa State University and across the nation to address the racism and prejudice experienced by the Black community, particularly in light of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others. Back in June, I encouraged everyone to educate themselves about issues of racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement, then use that understanding to help improve our campus and community. Even thinking about the

message from a protester’s poster might help shed some light: “We said, Black Lives Matter. Never said, Only Black Lives Matter. We know, all lives matter. We just need your help with #BlackLivesMatter for Black Lives are in Danger.” In the days leading up to Juneteenth, our campus and community was provided with a set of opportunities to reflect, listen and learn:

• ISU’s Student Government hosted a social justice forum centering on social justice issues and the Black experience. I participated as part of a panel with Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Reg Stewart (A); Dean of Students Sharron Evans; Chief of Police Michael Newton; Student Government President Morgan Fritz, a junior in political science; and Black Student Alliance President India Robinson, a sophomore in English. • Vice President Stewart moderated a panel discussion on policing and justice with Chief Newton and Ames Police Chief Charles Cychosz (A)(PhD ’94). The panel was hosted by the Ames chapter of the NAACP. • Nearly 400 faculty and staff participated in a Campus Conversation, organized by our Office of Diversity and Inclusion, on the topic “What should I do? White action and accountability to combat anti-blackness and systems-based racism.” The candid, insightful comments created a space in which to take an introspective look at how we can and must do better.

“ The great obstacle to all reform is prejudice.”

– Adonijah Welch, Iowa State’s first president, from his installation address

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“Being welcoming and inclusive is built into the DNA of this university from its founding moments. As president, I will work to serve this ideal, and strive to make ISU set the standard among the land-grant universities as a leader in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.” – Wendy Wintersteen, (L)(PhD ’88 entomology), current ISU president, from her installation address

Back in March, we had marked the 20th anniversary of the Thomas L. Hill Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity, or ISCORE, with more than 1,200 attending. Under the 20 years of leadership provided by director Japannah Kellogg (A), ISCORE has become our premier event for students, faculty and staff to engage in constructive dialogue and enhance understanding of racial and ethnic issues on campus, in our community, and across the country. We know racism, discrimination, and bigotry exist and are causing hurt and harm on our campus and in society. ISCORE is one important way we raise awareness and understanding of these issues and work together to take action to create a more welcoming and inclusive university and community. Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion continues to add educational resources for our campus community to learn and develop new skills. Because this kind of work is not “one size fits all,” numerous options are available to explore how to confront racism, talk openly about race, participate in campus offerings, and open dialogues that are an important step towards deepening one’s understanding of our issues, biases, and shared values. It’s these kinds of conversations that reflect and help us uphold the six pillars of Iowa State University’s Principles of Community – Respect. Purpose. Cooperation. Richness of diversity. Freedom from discrimination. Honest and respectful expression of ideas.

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Going back more than 160 years ago, Iowa State University was founded with the ideal to offer educational opportunities to students of any race, gender, or social class – a bold and revolutionary idea at that time. Iowa State continues to champion that ideal and works toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive community for all our students, faculty, and staff. Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD ’88 entomology) is the president of Iowa State University

What’s in a name? Surrounded by national discussions on how places and people are remembered, ISU leaders have formed a committee charged with developing a policy to evaluate historical naming and honors. The committee’s formation occurs in tandem with calls to rename Catt Hall on campus and the interim removal of a plaque recognizing W.T. Hornaday, a former director of the Bronx City Zoo and creator of a racist exhibit during his time as a director. The Committee to Establish Principles on Renaming is being led by Carol Faber (MA ’90 art & design, MFA ’04), Faculty Senate president, and Reg Stewart, vice president for diversity and inclusion.

C E L E B R AT I N G

IN YOUR OWN

B A C K YA R D

20 ISU artists collaborate to showcase Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state parks BY CAROLE GIESEKE

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STONE BRIDGE by Nancy Thompson, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Keosauqua

highly anticipated artistic celebration of the 100th anniversary of Iowa’s state parks came at exactly the wrong time. The creations of 20 Iowa State University artists were installed in Des Moines’ Polk County Heritage Gallery on March 13, only to have the exhibit hall shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. CONTINUED ›

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Nancy Thompson (’01 art & design, MFA ’08 integrated visual arts) was the show’s coordinator. Her passion for the state parks project started a decade ago, after she received her master’s degree. “Thinking back to what excites me as being an artist, it’s always been landscape,” she said. “I started visiting some of the national parks, and I also realized I live here in Iowa so wanted to start in my own backyard. I started thinking about Iowa parks and how many of them there were and how few of them I’d ever visited.” She visited more than two dozen state parks and exhibited her resulting artwork throughout the state. Then, in 2016 she began to work on a new project showcasing Ledges State Park near Boone. She collaborated with a number of colleagues on the project and then, looking toward the state’s 100th anniversary of its parks, proposed a larger showcase. An associate teaching professor of art and visual culture in the College of Design, Thompson worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Arts Council to create an artistic centennial celebration titled “20 Artists, 20 Parks.” Twenty artists from Iowa State’s Colleges of Design, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Agriculture and Life Sciences were matched with 20 state parks. Each artist spent time in their chosen park during the summer of 2019, working closely with park rangers to learn about the parks’ histories and ecosystems. The traveling exhibition was to have been on public display at the Heritage Gallery last spring, followed by the Dubuque Museum of Art during the summer. Both exhibits were canceled. The show is still tentatively scheduled for the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum Sept. 30 through Jan. 8 and at the Sioux City Art Center Jan. 30 through May 9, though the possibility remains that the exhibitions will be canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. Artists were also originally scheduled to present public programs in their selected state parks during the summer and fall, but most of these were also canceled. Thompson was looking forward to inviting other Iowa artists to paint with her this fall in LaceyKeosauqua in southeast Iowa, a park she’d never visited before beginning 28

this project. “I was so glad I got that park,” she said. “It met all my expectations and more.” As many Iowans sheltered in place at their homes during the spring and summer, the importance of both art and nature were heightened.

“Being out in nature is so important for us, especially with this pandemic with people cooped up,” Thompson said. “We need the sun; it’s very healing. We’re living beings, and we’re part of this world. Everything is interconnected. We can’t exist without the other.”

LAKE OF THREE FIRES quilt by Amy Harris, Lake of Three Fires State Park, Bedford

DOCKSIDE by Jennifer Drinkwater, Pine Lake State Park, Eldora

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BACKBONE UNEARTHED by Kim Moss, Backbone State Park, Dundee

Artist spotlight: Kim Moss

or “20 Artists, 20 Parks,” Kim Moss, ISU assistant professor of art and visual culture, created a 2-by-3-foot centerpiece wood panel flanked by four smaller square-foot panels with isolines – used to denote elevations on a topographic map – burned into the surface. She cut windows into the wood and placed inside them images of organisms and objects created with watercolor, colored pencil, and digital rendering. She attached pegs to the window coverings to allow visitors to lift each one away from the landscape, revealing what is often unseen. On the back of each cover is a poem Moss wrote related to the image. “Iowa has these pockets that are really amazing vessels for what has happened in the landscape over time,” Moss said. “Backbone and northeast Iowa have interesting topography where glaciers have carved some of the land and waterways and left other areas untouched. “When people visit these special places in Iowa, I want them to slow down and notice all the elements – something really small like a beetle on the ground or looking overhead and seeing an owl. If you really look, you can discover an entire world within a square foot.” Moss is the coordinator of Iowa State’s biological and premedical illustration program. – From spring 2020 Inspire alumni newsletter, by Heather Sauer, College of Design communications specialist

THE BEAUTY WITHIN by Rob Wallace, Lake Darling State Park, Brighton

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Ellie Field zaps disease By Lindsey Giardino

llie Field never gave much thought to the insects around her as a child. Now, as a doctoral student in entomology at Iowa State, she’s definitely “the odd one out in the field,” she said, because of her childhood indifference. But she was always curious about pathogen transmission and disease ecology – two lofty areas for an adolescent – which helped her unearth a passion for public health. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington College in 2014, Field was in the midst of her master’s program in global health at Georgetown University when she conducted research on dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, in India. “I loved working with mosquitoes, learning how to identify them and find their breeding habitats,” Field said. “It wasn’t until my coursework at Iowa State that I was exposed to true entomology and developed a respect and love of insects beyond mosquitoes.” Her future career goal couldn’t be more timely: She hopes to eventually work for the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization, helping to create and train surveillance teams around the world, work with mosquito control districts, and respond to outbreaks, which are on the rise around the world due to warming temperatures. “Working for one of these organizations would enable me to better understand mosquitoes and the risks some pose to human health, ultimately reducing disease and improving human lives,” Field said. A recipient of the Wayne A. Rowley Scholarship in Entomology, Field benefitted from the financial freedom the fund provided this past spring (prior to the pandemic) as she traveled to a mosquito identification workshop in Florida. There, she made professional connections and focused on mosquito taxonomy and ecology. “Florida has such diverse mosquito populations and many active mosquito control districts,

Ellie Field

“I loved working with mosquitoes, learning how to identify them and find their breeding habitats. It wasn’t until my coursework at Iowa State that I was exposed to true entomology and developed a respect and love of insects beyond mosquitoes.” — Ellie Field so it was really vital to have this experience,” Field said. Armed with the knowledge she gained at the workshop, Field continues to work on her dissertation on the Culex pipiens mosquito. This requires her to maintain a colony of mosquitoes under different conditions, conduct research in Iowa State’s Medical Entomology Lab and help with general surveillance efforts, among other tasks. The lab provides Field with a unique learning opportunity, as it partners with the Iowa Department of Public Health to set mosquito traps across the state and identify and record samples. “A subset of these samples are sent off for

viral testing so that we can monitor what species are carrying what pathogens, and when we start to see these infections and how that relates to human infections,” Field explained. “I have been given a very well-rounded exposure to my field!” Moving forward, Field plans to continue participating in science communication – she currently serves as an administrator for two of the largest science-based entomology groups on Facebook – and working to eradicate mosquito-borne diseases. “Resources may be heavily concentrated on the recently-emerged infectious disease, but malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, and others are still very real dangers,” Field warned. “It is critical that vector species and disease monitoring continues, as lapses in these programs result in lost data, which hampers the ability to understand long-term population trends.” If there is anyone up to such a tall task, it’s Ellie Field.  Lindsey Giardino (’17 journ/mass comm & English) is a writer for donor relations and communications at the Iowa State University Foundation

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TOGETHER, WE ARE

COVID-19 and the economic recession have impacted all of us in some way. This global crisis is unlike anything weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever faced. Uncertain weeks and months may lie ahead. What is certain is that many students will need extra support. The Cyclone Strong Fund provides critical support for Iowa State students and other immediate needs on campus. To make a gift toward this vital effort, please go to www.fundisu.com.

fundisu.com | 866.419.6768

Honors& Awards Celebrate these extraordinary alumni and friends who enhance our pride in Iowa State

This year’s awards ceremony has been postponed until 2021.

NOMINATE Iowa State University alumni for Homecoming 2021 awards! Deadline is Feb. 15. www.isualum.org/honorsandawards

ISU A LUMNI ASSOCI ATION Alumni Medal

George Burnet** and Martha Anderson** George: ’48, MS ’49, PhD ’51 chem engr; retired ISU Anson Marston Distinguished Professor Martha: ’48 home management Ames, Iowa Ruby Trice** ’87 management Chief of staff / future experience officer, National GeospatialIntelligence Agency Maryland Heights, Mo.

Alumni Humanitarian Award (formerly Alumni Merit Award) T. Robert Bashara DVM ’63 veterinary medicine Veterinarian, Mapleview Animal Clinic Bennington, Neb.

James A. Hopson Alumni Volunteer Award Bryan Schmidt* ’13 architecture Associate, architecture / designer III, Populous Overland Park, Kan.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award Kelly Howard* ’08 journalism & mass comm CEO, EightSixtySouth Los Angeles, Calif.

Impact Award Tin-Shi Tam Charles T. & Ivadelle Cobb Cownie professor of music / university carillonneur, Iowa State University Ankeny, Iowa

Alumni Service Award Barry Peterson** ’90 industrial ed & technology Principal engineer, Verizon McKinney, Texas Iowa State Daily Ames, Iowa

COLLEGE AWA R DS AGR ICU LTU R E A ND LIFE SCIENCE S Floyd Andre Award Jeff Plagge** ’78 ag business Superintendent of banking, Iowa Division of Banking; COO, Northwest Financial Corp Spirit Lake, Iowa George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award Dewayne Goldmon PhD ’91 agronomy Diversity outreach / university relationship manager, Bayer; exec director, National Black Growers Association Pine Bluff, Ark. 32

Henry A. Wallace Award Roger Carlsson ’78 ag business Chairman, FCT Group of Companies London, United Kingdom Betsy Freese** ’84 ag journalism Executive editor, Meredith Agrimedia Indianola, Iowa Outstanding Young Professional Award Colin Hurd ’13 ag studies Business dev mgr, Raven Autonomy Ames, Iowa

I V Y BUSINE SS John D. DeVries Service Award Sheri Bandle** ’78 accounting Hedge room manager, Cargill, Inc. Eden Prairie, Minn. Citation of Achievement Craig Hart* ’78 accounting Chief financial officer, PSSI Food Service Solutions Peosta, Iowa Tina Freese Decker** ’00 finance President & CEO, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids, Mich.

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Paula Norby** ’78 accounting Owner / controller, Norby Distributing Co. Dubuque, Iowa Russ and Ann Gerdin Award Dean Hunziker* Ames, Iowa DE SIGN Christian Petersen Design Award Ann and King Au Ann: ’81 craft design; jewelry designer/gallery owner, 2 AU Limited King: ’82 architecture, MArch ’85; photographer/owner, Studio AU Inc. Des Moines, Iowa Design Achievement Award Susan Hoffman** ’73 interior design Lead designer/owner, Susan Hoffman Interior Design (DBA: DESIGNS!) Wayzata, Minn. Rod Kruse** ’74 architecture Principal, BNIM Des Moines, Iowa Outstanding Young Professional Award Johnny G. Alcivar ’10 pol sci & intl studies; ’14 master of comm & reg planning Director of workforce programs, Proteus, Inc Des Moines, Iowa Adrienne Nelson ’09 interior design, MArch ’13 Associate, Pickard Chilton New Haven, Conn. ENGINEER ING Marston Medal Lori Ryerkerk** ’83 chem engr CEO, Celanese Corporation Dallas, Texas

Jeff Ver Heul ’80 comp engr Senior VP, Micron Technology Austin, Texas Young Alumni Award Gretchen Kinsella ’02 constr engr Business unit leader, DPR Construction Phoenix, Ariz. HUM A N SCIENCE S Alumni Achievement Award Marsha A. Goetting PhD ’96 human dev & family studies Professor / extension family economics specialist, Montana State University Bozeman, Mont. Theron J. Schutte* PhD ’03 education Superintendent of Schools, Marshalltown Community School District Marshalltown, Iowa Outstanding Young Professional Award Jennifer J. Suchan PhD ’16 education University registrar, Iowa State University Ankeny, Iowa Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award Shouan Pann* PhD ’93 education Chancellor, Seattle Colleges Seattle, Wash. Helen LeBaron Hilton Award Nancy Rygg Armbrust** ’73 food & nutrition Retired VP, education and community relations, Schreiber Foods, Inc. Green Bay, Wisc. LIBER A L A RTS & SCIENCE S

Za-Chieh Moh* MS ’55 civil engr Chair and co-founder, MAA Group Taipei, Taiwan

Citation of Merit Award Lynette S. Hornung** ’93 political science, MA ’97, MS ’04 information assurance Principle security & privacy architect, Dell Technologies Annapolis, Md.

Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering (PACE) Edward Maginn** ’87 chem engr Chemical engr professor / dept chair, University of Notre Dame South Bend, Ind.

Carrie Chapman Catt Public Engagement Award David C. Wheelock** ’82 economics Group VP / deputy director of research, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Clayton, Mo.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award Justin K. Hines* ’82 economics Group VP / deputy director of research, / Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Clayton, Mo. Distinguished Service Award Richard R. Phillips ’78 journ & mass comm Retired chief comm officer, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Des Moines, Iowa John V. Atanasoff Discovery Award Carla M. Koehler** ’86 biochemistry, MS ’89, PhD ’95 Professor, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Calif. V ETER INA RY MEDICINE William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine Charles Lemme** DVM ’75 Retired veterinarian Cedar Rapids, Iowa Stange Award for Meritorious Service Gary L. Borkowski** ’83 dairy science / agricultural & life sciences ed, DVM ’87 Global director, AAALAC International Wildwood, Mo. Laura Molgaard ’88 distributed studies, DVM ’91 Interim dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minn. Outstanding Young Alumni Award Sherry Johnson ’08 Spanish & animal science, DVM ’12 Co-founder/partner, Equine Core, Inc.; partner, Equine Sports Medicine & Rehab Ft. Collins, Colo. Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award Michael Roof** ’87 microbiology, MS ’89, PhD ’91 Exec dir Bio-R&D, Boehringer Ingelheim Ames, Iowa MEMOR I A L U NION Harold Pride Service Medallion Kathy Svec* ’70 art education Retired marketing coordinator, Memorial Union Ames, Iowa

*ISU Alumni Association Annual Member **ISU Alumni Association Life Member Only ISU degrees are listed V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG F A L L 2 0 2 0

 FROM THE PRESIDENT

The 19 women who influenced my life – Part 2 In the summer 2020 issue of VISIONS, I introduced you to the first 10 of the 19 women who have influenced my personal and professional growth as part of our nation’s centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment. Here is the second part: Tara Odom and I worked as colleagues at my undergraduate alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She exemplified the power of collaboration. As a female colleague in a profession, at the time, dominated by white males, Tara never refused the opportunity to draw people in. She collaborated even when she could have done it alone. To do our best work, she believed we needed partners. And Tara found and engaged those collaborators. Collaboration fueled Tara, it inspired us as coworkers, and it has been transitioned into my life ever since. Many of you know that my wife, Peggy, and I love to entertain by sharing food, our home, our financial resources, and our gardens. Mrs. Bobbie Anderson, our office manager at the USM Office of Recruitment where I used to work, always felt every space, every person, every event, and every opportunity deserved a special, personal touch and never at a cost to the organization. I unknowingly picked up that trait. Mrs. Anderson spent her money to serve and honor us and our patrons without ever asking for recognition or repayment. And by the way, her husband, Harold, supported her spoiling all of us at their expense. I’ve adopted Mrs. Anderson’s trait of special, personal touches, and Peggy has ghosted Harold’s attitude of quiet support. I really believe that Mrs. Anderson saw her work as an extension of her personal self. She never left her authentic self at home. I liked that about her. Things don’t define a person; one’s roots do. Peggy and I were blessed during our time at the University of Kansas (KU) to build a relationship with Dru Sampson and her husband, Bill. The Sampsons were KU donors, and Peggy and I were from the other side of town. But for whatever reason, a special friendship was forged out of service to KU and the Lawrence community. We’re still friends today. I later learned that Dru grew up in Malvern, Iowa. I call our friendship destiny, as I now reflect on Dru’s character. She embodies that Iowa humility defined by grace and work ethic, not 34

belongings. Befriending Dru in Kansas was my first introduction (unknowingly) to a true Iowan! Mary Liay entered my life in 1996 when I left KU to become the campus alumni director at the University of Illinois. She taught me to respect my spouse’s independence. She was not her husband Lou’s property, she was his partner. Lou was the rah-rah University of Illinois Alumni Association president and CEO. She was a housewife, community volunteer, and “alumni anointed” first lady of the association. Peggy and I saw our lives turning into that of CEO and spouse. It really scared us, as neither of us came from such backgrounds. We couldn’t afford for Peggy to be a stay-at-home mom, nor did we know it could be done for a Black family. Mary, who, by the way, is white, never set out to inform or change our limited views. She was just Mary…consistently. Many unspoken lessons and insights found their way into our spirits and eventually into our new way of life. Coming to Iowa State in September 1999 involved a number of people, lots of research, and weeks of soul searching. One takeaway from the search process was the involvement of ISU alumna Ann Jennings of Des Moines. Ann taught me that you sometimes need to speak to the elephant in the room. I encourage all readers to not take this in the wrong way, as it was defining for me. I can still hear the question Ann asked during the public forum of my interview: “Jeff, you are young. You are Black. You are not a Midwesterner. And, you are not a graduate of Iowa State University. What makes you feel you can do this job?” Some may find my response here strange, but Ann, to me, showed courage. Her question could have been on the minds of many others in the room. In asking it, the elephant was unveiled and addressed. Thanks, Ann. (P.S. That next year, Ann was elected as a director to the ISUAA Board!) She and her husband Al, to this day, are among our best friends and supporters. All of us, at some point in our lives, will be called upon to give a little extra. Jamie Lucas Elliot and Martha Gleason (along with ISUAA Board officer colleagues Les Omotani and Glen Mente) were called on to give an additional year of service to the Association as officers, as a result of the leadership transition – from Jim Hopson’s leadership to mine. Neither blinked an eye. The loyalty, commitment, and selflessness they exhibited sticks with me to this day. They became the organization’s new foundation. We have built on

that foundation ever since. Affirming others isn’t required, but it’s important. Carole Gieseke, current editor of VISIONS and the Association’s assistant vice president for communications, will forever hold a special place in my heart as someone who affirmed something in me that I’ve deeply feared and never revealed. You see, my great English teachers – Mrs. McCann and Mrs. Barnes – loved making us write essays and weekly citizenship reports. I was a speaker, not a writer. One day, here at the Association, Carole convinced me that I was a good writer. She told me that I wrote the same way I spoke. While folksy, it was endearing, authentic, and engaging, she said. Now, with her assistance and encouragement, I have penned more than 80 VISIONS columns and countless speeches, letters, recognitions, etc. Thanks for slaying that fear in me, Carole, by being affirming! Last, but surely not least, is my granddaughter, Emmy Marie Martin. Emmy, who will turn 2 on Oct. 22 (along with her big brother, Tony Wayne Martin, who turned 5 in July), is teaching me the true meaning of every day is a new day. This little girl doesn’t define today by what happened yesterday, good or bad, or what could happen tomorrow. She is truly living in the moment. She’s about love, grace, playfulness, learning, discovering, appreciation, and, OK, sneaking a snack! When do we lose that innocence? When do we start taking ourselves too seriously? When do we see others’ differences and make those differences qualifiers? Emmy has awakened a new sense of peace, rest, and hopefulness in me. Thanks again for journeying with me through this wonderful opportunity of reflection, gratitude, and growth. I’ve enjoyed sharing the names and stories of these 19 special women and the impacts they’ve had on my life. Please continue to stay safe and healthy. I can’t wait to see you at future events. Yours for Iowa State,

Jeff Johnson Lora and Russ Talbot ISUAA Endowed President and CEO PhD ’14 education

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 I S U A A C A M PA I G N P R I O R I T I E S

As part of the university’s $1.5 billion Forever True, For Iowa State historic campaign, the Iowa State University Alumni Association is nearing its goal of $12.5 million. Before the campaign ends on June 30, 2021, the Alumni Association needs to secure $2.5 million. “With your help, we can do this, Association members,” Jeff Johnson (L)(PhD ’14), Lora and Russ Talbot ISU Alumni Association Endowed President and CEO, said. A gift to the Alumni Association makes the following possible: • Helps increase the Association’s innovation as new programs are created and existing program adapted to an ever-changing environment, especially in the areas designed to support student leadership and new graduates/young alumni outreach and programming. • Extends the Association’s reach and strengthen its ability to share information and opportunities to help Iowa State and its alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends make Iowa, their communities, and the world a better place. To show their personal commitment to the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign, Peggy and Jeff Johnson are pledging annual cash gifts to the following four Association endowments: VISIONS Magazine Endowment, Student Leadership Programs Endowment, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

current Association donors in this giving opportunity to invest in your Alumni Association and its priorities. Johnson said, “It is time, NOW, for us to rally together to support the many Iowa State programs that may be a passion for you and of benefit to others.” Jamie Stowe (L)(’97 exercise & sport sci, MEd ’05), ISUAA director of development, echoed Johnson’s request. “Please consider making an impactful gift to the Association, or other areas of the university in which you are passionate, in this last year of the campaign,” he said. “If you would like to utilize a payment plan to amplify your impact, as Peggy and Jeff did, we can help you design such a plan.”

Jeff and Peggy Johnson

“It is time, NOW, for us to

rally together to support the many Iowa State programs that may be a passion for you and of benefit to others.”

Jamie Stowe

TO MAKE A GIFT:

Endowment, and LegaCY Club Endowment. They also have signed on to further their commitment by documenting with the ISU Foundation an estate gift to the Association. “As members of the Cyclone family for more than 20 years now, this is one more way we are demonstrating how much you – our alumni, students, and friends – have made an impact on our lives,” Johnson said. “We’re thrilled to be in a position to make these cash gifts and this estate commitment.” Today, Peggy and Jeff ask you to join them and all

Make your gift today! To make a gift, discuss your estate plans, or to have a gifting conversation, please call Jamie Stowe, ISUAA director of development, toll-free at 1-877-ISU-ALUM (478-2586) or locally at 294-7441, email jstowe@foundation.iastate. edu, or go to www.foundation.iastate.edu/ givetoisu. For Iowa State campaign priorities at isualum.org/giving

Campaign gifts support your Association Forever True, For Iowa State campaign gifts have made notable impacts on the Alumni Association and the constituents it serves. Here are a few: • The Lora and Russ Talbot Endowment has supported professional development opportunities for Jeff Johnson and his staff. • The Talbot Endowment has allowed the Association to hire and invest in students through the Talbot Intern and Talbot Fellows programs to directly provide students with practical opportunities related to their majors. • The Don and Glenda Eggerling Endowment has ensured staff development opportunities

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no longer are on the chopping block when budget dollars just aren’t there. • The Bev and Warren Madden Technology Endowment has ensured new and existing technology upgrades, replacements, and new purchases are now an option. • Last fall, the Student Alumni Leadership Council’s Homecoming Committee was able to produce one of the best Homecoming celebrations to date, themed “Cy’s the Limit.” With more than 3,000 attending the pep rally and 8,800 people taking advantage of the food on campus program, 32 student leaders led the work that made it possible for all events and

activities to run smoothly. • Resources were invested in a staff member who has since been certified as a Career Services Coach and is gearing up to offer much-needed career services to alumni this fall. • Support has also helped the Association remain active during the current pandemic. In support of families, for example, the LegaCY Club had a record number of participants last year and was able to provide Iowa State-related activities for kids and parents during stay-athome directives.

 NEWSMAKERS

ALUMNI HONORS Eric Chadwick (’91 indust engr) has been recognized as a top patent practitioner for 2020. Chadwick works for the law firm DeWitt LLP in Minnesota.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Linda Thoennes Farr (L)(’73 dietetics) has been elected president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Farr is the owner of Nutrition Associates of San Antonio; she is a certified specialist in obesity and weight management, providing medical nutrition therapy to teens and adults.

Denise Drake (’85 psychology) has been recognized as one of Kansas City Business Journal’s top 25 businesswomen through induction into its 2020 class of “Women Who Mean Business.” Drake is chair of Polsinelli law firm’s Labor & Employment Department. Seth Serhienko (’15 accounting) was one of just 30 CPAs honored by the American Institute of CPAs as a member of the Leadership Academy’s 12th graduating class. Serhienko is a manager of the audit department of Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm in Fargo, N.D. Sharon Juon (L)(’69 sociology) was honored at the 2020 OVATION unveiling ceremony for the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. OVATION provides a way to pay tribute to women and girls. Each year, the publication contains personal tributes to

outstanding women and girls from around Iowa, sponsored by family members, friends, colleagues, or community members. Other ISU alumnae honored at the event were Kristen Corey (’05 sociology/environ studies, MS ’07 sustain ag/rural soc), Deborah Huffman (’79 dairy sci/animal sci), Karla McHenry (L)(’80 psychology), and Carol Rowland (’91 business admin, MS ’93 trans log). George Everett (’72 zoology) has been named governor of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the national organization of internists. Dr. Everett is the founding program director and the current academic chair of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at AdventHealth Hospital in Orlando. TOP JOBS Deborah Turner (L)(’73 distributed studies) is the 20th national board president of the League of Women Voters of the United States and chair of the Board of Trustees of the League of Women Voters Educational Fund. Turner practiced gynecological oncology for 35 years.

Joel Montalbano: Three ... two ... one!

hen you think of NASA’s International Space Station Program, think permanent human residency in space, spaceflight, and global cooperation. And of course, remember the Cyclone engineer at the helm. Joel Montalbano (’88 aerospace eng) was recently named acting manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. Montalbano has served as deputy program manager since 2012. Prior to becoming deputy program manager, he was the director of NASA’s Human Space Flight Program in Russia from 2008 to 2012. He was a NASA flight director from 2000 to 2008. Montalbano began his career at NASA in January 1989, after earning his degree from Iowa State. Montalbano has earned multiple NASA awards, including the Distinguished Service and Exceptional Service medals. He also was awarded the Astronauts’ Silver Snoopy Award and the American Astronomical Society’s Advancement of International Cooperation Award.  READ MORE CYCLONE STORIES AT ISUALUM.ORG/ CYCLONESEVERYWHERE

JOEL MONTALBANO Houston, Texas

#CyclonesEverywhere

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 NEWSMAKERS

She has participated in a dozen medical missions to Tanzania and holds a juris doctorate from Drake University.

Stephen H. Kolison, Jr. (A) (MS ’86 forestry, PhD ’90) has been named president of the State University of New York at Fredonia. He is the former executive vice president and provost at the University of Indianapolis.

Matthew Thompson (A)(’03 history, PhD ’10 ed leadership) has been named president of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. In recognition of early career achievements, Thompson was named an Iowa STATEment Maker by the ISU Alumni Association in 2010 and an Outstanding Young Professional by the College of Human Sciences in 2013. He had served as dean of students and executive director of institutional advancement at Southwestern Community College in Creston before joining Indian Hills, where he has been executive vice president. ALUMNI BOOKSHELF “More than a game” takes on a new meaning when you're speaking to Austin McBeth (’12 psychology). The former Iowa State

student-athlete coaches basketball at Truman State University. He also has some words for fellow coaches when it comes to treating players with respect on and off the field or court. It’s all summed up in his latest book, The Sweet Sixteen: A Coach’s Guide to Leadership. John Heithoff (A) (’77 psychology) has published a children’s book, Heather Boots, about two sisters playing dress-up in their mother’s closet. Heithoff lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar: Supporting education in new ways…at the Smithsonian

hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., temporarily making in-person schooling a thing of the past, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar (MFA ’03 graphic design) sprang into action. NeuholdRavikumar is the acting undersecretary for education at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where she’s responsible for defining the Smithsonian’s educational priorities. “Teachers were overwhelmed and needed a lot of support for teaching in new ways to connect to their students from afar,” NeuholdRavikumar told the ISUAA’s Matt Van Winkle on his LIVE from Cy’s Lounge program this summer. “We had parents who were turning dining room tables into home offices and schools and didn’t really feel equipped to be teaching full time. As time passed, we found that people got past the binge-watching habits and really wanted to do something more productive with their time. And what better place

to learn with than the Smithsonian?” Neuhold-Ravikumar previously served as the Smithsonian’s interim associate provost for education and access. Prior to that, she was director of education at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, where she continues to contribute to the museum’s education program. NeuholdRavikumar draws from her international experiences as a designer and educator to inform her human-centered approach to reimagining education at the Smithsonian. A native of Chennai, India, NeuholdRavikumar came to the U.S. to study graphic design at Iowa State. Her parents were creative, she said. “I grew up in a household exposed to arts and creative thinking and looking at the world in interesting ways. I really have an amazing job. My playground and my workplace are the same thing.”

RUKI NEUHOLD-RAVIKUMAR Harrison, N.J.

#CyclonesEverywhere

 READ MORE CYCLONE STORIES AT ISUALUM.ORG/CYCLONESEVERYWHERE

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See how we can help protect your life’s many sides. Visit nationwide.com/ISU or call 1-855-550-9215 for more information.

*Savings compared to stand-alone price of each policy, based on national sample customer data from 2017. Discount amounts do not apply to all coverage or premium elements; actual savings will vary based on policy coverage selections and rating factors. Nationwide has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members. Products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2019 Nationwide AFO-1106AO (06/18) 9731213

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 NEWSMAKERS

Tina Akinyi: Education is emancipation

ina Akinyi (’16 chem engr, ME ’19 mechanical engr) knows that there is power in a degree. That's why helping students – all students – attain a college education is so important to her, and why she's dedicating herself to decreasing the gap between those who have easy access to educational opportunities and those who don’t. ”A college degree should not be something that is reserved only for white, middle-class Americans,” Akinyi says. “We should prioritize diversity in higher ed. Research shows that family stability, economic success, social connections, and holistic wellbeing are strongly

correlated to the presence of a college education.” Akinyi is the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Coordinator for GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Iowa. In her role, she helps students build academic skills, encourages scholarship, tailors advising to students’ needs, checks in on physical and emotional wellbeing, and acts as an advocate. When people ask her to describe her role as DMACC’s GEAR UP Iowa coordinator, Akinyi doesn’t blink. “It is honestly my dream job!” she says.

 READ MORE CYCLONE STORIES AT ISUALUM.ORG/ CYCLONESEVERYWHERE

CYCLONES ON THE FRONT LINES OF COVID-19 Paul Mundy (MS ’89 journ/mass comm) reached out to Iowa State back in May to let us know that he is running a coronavirus news service for refugees in Kürten, Germany. He distributes information in simple German via Whatsapp to a list of 254 refugees. Topics include health advice, government restrictions, places to get help, food resources, and government service. The news also goes to the volunteers in Kürten and nearby Bergisch Gladbach. He challenges fellow alumni to “think of a group of people near you that you can help with reliable, easily understood information, then work out how you can reach them.”

TINA AKINYI Des Moines, Iowa

#CyclonesEverywhere

SEE YOU AT THE ALUMNI CENTER! Are you ready to plan an event, but don’t know where to begin? Let the ISU Alumni Center events team assist with all the details! Our event coordinators have been working diligently to provide a healthy and safe environment for you and your guests. We have implemented new health and safety-related measures aimed at reducing the transmission of COVID-19, including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, physical distancing and face covering requirements, and partnerships with caterers to provide safe food service options. Whether you are planning a retirement gathering, business meeting, holiday party, or wedding, the ISU Alumni Center staff can help! For more information or to make a reservation, please call 515-294-4625 or email alumnicenter@iastate.edu.

Sam Schulte (’17 biochemistry) is in year 4 of the prestigious 8-year medical scientist training program at UCLA-Caltech, where he has received a grant to develop a rapid test for COVID-19. Schulte comes from a long line of Cyclones, including his mom, Kari Schulte (L)(’85 marketing), his dad, Rich Schulte (L)(’86 mech engr, MS ’90), and his sister, Kelli Schulte (’18 event mgmt).

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TELL YOUR CYCLONE STORY Iowa State University Alumni Association 2021 oral history publication Share YOUR stories with Cyclones everywhere! The Iowa State University Alumni Association has partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. to collect stories from alumni to create a unique oral history archive. The CYCLONE STORIES publication will unite Iowa State alumni across generations, careers, geography, and life experiences. By sharing memories of how your ISU degree has helped make Iowa, your community, or the world a better place, you’ll ensure that the rich history of Iowa State will be preserved for generations to come. Publishing Concepts, Inc. will soon be contacting you by mail, phone, and email asking you to participate. Thanks for telling your Cyclone stories!

WRITE A BRIGHT FUTURE When you’re a Cyclone for life, the adventure never ends

SHOW YOUR CYCLONE SPIRIT – SUPPORT THESE CYCLONE-FRIENDLY ISUAA BUSINESS MEMBERS Roseland, Mackey, Harris Architects, PC

Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ+Brew

Barefoot Campus Outfitter

Sam’s Club

Wilbur-Ellis Company

Best Western University Inn & Suites

Sleep Inn & Suites

WPS Health Insurance

Story City Dental

1+1 Restaurant & Tea

Bethany Life Communities

STUDIO192

Accord Architecture Company

Burchland Manufacturing, Inc.

Tailgate Clothing, Co.

Make every school year an Iowa State adventure for the future Cyclones in your life. The ISU LegaCY Club is designed to connect children of all ages to Iowa State and keep them dreaming of what their futures could be with an Iowa State education. If you’re an ISU Alumni Association member, treating the special child in your family to regular gifts, annual birthday cards, and exclusive opportunities is just one $35 enrollment away. Enroll your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew for a one-time fee and continue the Iowa State tradition in your family! Learn more and enroll today: www.isualum.org/legaCY

Technology Association of Iowa The Café The Foundry Ubreakifix University Bookstore US Bank Vermeer Corporation Vintage Cooperatives

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Accura Healthcare of Ames AES Corporation AmericInn Hotel & Suites Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Ames Economic Development Commission Ankeny Chamber of Commerce Bank of America Corporation

For more information on these businesses or to become a business member, go to www.isualum.org/ business 41

 A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S A N D E V E N T S

Welcome, Tyler

Homecoming 2020: Bold changes

Tyler Weig (A)(’05 community health education) joined the Alumni Association staff in July 2020 as the new membership and business partnership manager. He leads the Association’s life membership initiatives and business partner relationships. Prior to joining the Association, Tyler worked with non-profit organizations such as the YMCA, Everybody Wins! Iowa, and the American Cancer Society. He also served on the College of Human Sciences’ Dean’s Advisory Council from 2015-2018.

In a fall semester that’s anything but normal, Iowa State’s Homecoming will be nothing like you’ve seen before. Many of ISU’s most beloved Homecoming traditions will not take place this year. But, there’s good news, too: Cyclones EVERYWHERE will have an opportunity to take part in new, virtual events and activities. Here’s a quick look of what’s in store for Homecoming 2020: • A new date! Homecoming Saturday is Oct. 10, with a football game vs. Texas Tech • Week-long virtual events starting Oct. 1 • Homecoming bingo, played online • Homecoming digital downloads for your phone and desktop • Coloring pages of the “Cardinal & Bold” Homecoming logo for kids • Homecoming buttons, shipped directly to you • A virtual “Homecoming Power Hour” with Jeff Johnson • “Painting Victory Lane” competition, the home version for kids and adults • Special “LIVE From Cy’s Lounge” Homecoming edition • 2020 Cyclone Sweethearts chosen (recognized virtually this year and in person at Homecoming 2021) – apply now at www.isualum.org/sweethearts • Cheers to 50 years: A virtual 1970 class reunion To get involved: • Download the Iowa State Alumni app from the App Store or Google Play • Get all the details at www.isualum.org/homecoming

Cardinal & Gold Gala

Tell your Cyclone story

The Cardinal & Gold Gala is taking on a new look for 2021, and Cyclones everywhere will be able to help the ISU Alumni Association raise critical funds for student and alumni programming and first-generation student support. Stay tuned as more details are released!

ILLUSTRATIONS: JENNY WITTE

ISU Alumni Association has partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to collect stories from alumni to create a unique oral history archive titled Cyclone Stories. PCI will soon be contacting you by mail, phone, and email asking you to participate in the project, as well as updating your contact information. By sharing memories of how your ISU degree has helped make Iowa, your community, or the world a better place, you’ll ensure that the rich history of Iowa State will be preserved for generations to come. Thanks for telling your Cyclone stories!

Cyclones mean business The ISUAA has created an online business directory for alumni to find businesses owned or managed by Iowa State alumni and friends and for those businesses to promote themselves. To search the directory, go to www.isualum. org/businessdirectory. If you would like your business information shared, fill out the form at www.isualum.org/businessdirectorysignup. 42

Become an InCYde Influencer Want to make a difference while helping your fellow Cyclones connect? Become an InCYde Influencer today! New this year, InCYde Influencers is a group of young alumni who assist the ISUAA in determining young alumni programming through feedback provided in interactive online surveys. All young alumni ages 34 and under may participate in InCYde Influencers. Sign up today at www.isualum.org/incyde influencers. F A L L 2 0 2 0 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

DES MOINES, IOWA

ACTIVE. WELCOMING. VIBRANT. Top 5 Best Place to Live in the U.S. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; U.S. News & World Report, 2019

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CY2K:

Looking back 20 years at what remains one of the greatest years ever to be a Cyclone fan

n the eve of Jan. 1, 2000, the world braced for shutdown. Some feared the advent of the once-scarysounding year “Y2K” could cause a technological collapse of epic proportions. None of that happened, of course, and life kept humming along. It would be 20 years before the world would experience any chaos-causing acronym as scary as “Y2K.” So now we have a few COVID-19 moments to pause, look back, and remember Y2K as the year that ushered in a new Cyclone century with style. It was a time when everyone everywhere was talking about Beyonce, Tiger, and Brennifer – and Cyclones everywhere could describe their biggest stars with names that were just as iconic: Cael. Megan. Sage. Marcus. In March of that year, the Cyclone who would go on to become the greatest collegiate wrestler in history, Cael Sanderson (L)(’01 art & design), finished his second-straight national championship season. The Iowa State men’s basketball team won the Big 12’s regular season and tournament titles before the “blarge” heard ‘round the world stopped them just short of a Final Four. The Cyclone women swept both league championships, too, and advanced to a second-straight Sweet 16. Powered by All-American Betsy Hamm, the Cyclones snapped

VISIONS ARCHIVE PHOTOS

BY K AT E BRUNS

Nebraska’s streak of Big 12 gymnastics titles and qualified for their first-ever national championship. The university was in between presidents and, that summer, lost its athletics director as well. A beloved chemistry professor named Richard Seagrave (L) (MS ’59 chem engr, PhD ’61) was serving as the university’s interim president when athletics director Gene Smith (L) announced his departure from Iowa State for Arizona State in July. A few months later, Seagrave and the Cyclone football team would end up in Tempe, too, as Iowa State qualified for its first bowl in 22 years. “It was a great year to be a Cyclone,” says Ben Golding (L)(’01 const engr), who served as Iowa State’s student body president throughout 2000. “We were dealing with some [controversy] like the naming of Catt Hall and challenges with VEISHEA. There were a lot of things that made it hard for people to come together, but nothing brought students together like sports. There, we were all on the same team.” Men’s basketball standout Stevie Johnson (’01 liberal studies) remembers the era as one when student-athletes supported one another. His best friend was football player Reggie Hayward, who along with then-ISU assistant coaches Paul Rhoads (A) and Tony Alford helped recruit Johnson to take one of the craziest leaps of faith of his lifetime: Using his

fifth year of eligibility at Iowa State to walk onto the Cyclone football team. In the end, Johnson became part of Iowa State’s first-ever Sweet 16 win and first-ever bowl win – both in the same year. “It was honestly a privilege to be part of that [football] team,” Johnson says of joining a Cyclone team that finished 9-3 and defeated Pittsburgh in the 2000 Insight.com Bowl. “Those seniors had been there forever, and they went through the worst times. It was their time now, and I was just lucky enough to be part of it.” “When I first got to Iowa State [in 1997] the sports were segregated,” Hayward remembers. “I think the sports became more of a family in part because [Stevie and I] bridged that gap.” Legendary Cyclone point guard Stacy Frese Huber (L)(’00 mkt/mgmt) agrees that there was camaraderie between the 2000 teams, but admits some of it may have been more of a reflection of the lower budgets and shared facilities that were the norm 20 years ago. “Cael Sanderson would always be in the weight room and talk to us,” Frese Huber says. “We didn’t even have a strength and conditioning coach half the time. We just did our own thing. Today they have trainers, a financial person, a dietitian, a psychologist, a movie room. It’s crazy.” Times have definitely changed – that’s one thing F A L L 2 0 2 0 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

upon which Johnson, Hayward, and Frese Huber all agree. But the three also agree that they can’t believe it has been 20 years since their remarkable senior seasons. 1999-2000 Cyclone Women’s Basketball Heading into the season, the 1999-2000 ISU women’s basketball team had its sights set on a Final Four. “We had high hopes, for sure,” Frese Huber remembers. The Cyclones had been the talk of March Madness a year earlier when they upset top-seeded Connecticut in the Sweet 16. And with a returning trio of seniors that included Frese, Desiree Francis, and Monica Huelman, combined with legends-to-be Megan Taylor (’02) and Angie Welle, Iowa State was a respected contender on the national scene. In only his fifth season on the job, head coach Bill Fennelly (L) became the winningest coach in ISU history as the 1999-2000 Cyclones went 27-6 overall and 13-3 in conference play. Iowa State tied for first place in the Big 12 regular-season and hoisted the league tourney trophy in Kansas City with a win over Texas. “Coach Fennelly did a great job of putting the puzzle pieces together,” Frese Huber says. “In my mind, that’s how you build a great team. I think we all knew we weren’t the most athletic, or the quickest, or the tallest…but we worked hard and we pushed each other at practice. That’s what made us hard to beat.” Spirits were high as the Cyclones advanced to a Sweet 16 date with Penn State in Kansas City, where an upset on the other side of the bracket made a win likely tantamount to a punched Final Four ticket. But the Cyclones came up short by a single point. Frese Huber doesn’t remember beating Texas in the Big 12 championship game that year, she admits, but she certainly remembers losing to Penn State in the Big Dance. “When you lose a game you should have won, you always remember that,” she says. 1999-2000 Cyclone Men’s Basketball While the Cyclone women were favored to win their league, the doubts about the Cyclone men started in the preseason polls and lingered even as the Cyclones found themselves in first place late in the season. The highest they had been picked in any preseason poll was seventh, but on March 4 they clinched their first regular-season conference title since 1945. Then they joined the Cyclone women as Big 12 tourney champs in KC. “As we got going along we realized we could beat anybody,” Johnson remembers. “But even with two weeks left in the season everyone was like, ‘Oh, Texas is gonna do this.’ It felt like they weren’t giving us the respect we deserved, so we had a chip on V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG F A L L 2 0 2 0

our shoulders. We just wanted to prove everybody wrong.” With a team that included Marcus Fizer, Paul Shirley (’00), Kantrail Horton, Brandon Hawkins, Mike Nurse, and a newcomer named Jamaal Tinsley, the Cyclones were well-equipped to punch back against low expectations. The Big 12 champs went on to win their firstever Sweet 16 game on March 23 – an 80-56 dismantling of sixth-seeded UCLA that set up a chance at the Final Four against top-seeded Michigan State in a packed arena just 80 miles from the Spartans’ campus. And like Frese Huber, Johnson says he barely remembers the thrilling wins of his senior season. But he will never forget the infamous Michigan State game with its bizarre “block/charge” call and Larry Eustachy (L) ejection that ended his Cyclone career at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 25. The Michigan State game will always haunt Johnson, he admits. But with the benefit of time, he can put into perspective the remarkable success and milestones achieved in 2000. “You couldn’t enjoy it at the time because you were working,” he says. “But 20 years later, I can enjoy.” 2000 Cyclone Football By 2000, if there was one sport in which Iowa State’s brushes with success had been sparing it was certainly the highest-profile one of all. But as Dan McCarney (L) entered his sixth season at the helm of Cyclone football, a feeling of optimism hung over the program. Momentum started building in 1998 with the snapping of a 15-year losing streak against Iowa. The 2000 Cyclones proudly hoisted their third-straight Cy-Hawk Trophy on Sept. 16, but the long-frustrated seniors wanted more and knew they had what it took to get it. “We were still hungry,” Hayward remembers. “We were never truly satisfied. It was never enough for us. We had such amazing talent on that team, and all we were lacking was confidence. It just all had to be about belief.” The Cyclones won three Big 12 road games in 2000 – something that had never been done before and wouldn’t be done again until Matt Campbell (A) arrived in Ames. The team finished the regular season 8-3 with a school-record five conference victories, but without a spot in the nation’s top 25. On Dec. 3, the Cyclones learned they would get one more chance to prove themselves on a national stage: They had earned an invitation to the Insight. com Bowl against Pittsburgh in Tempe, Ariz. – the first Iowa State bowl appearance since 1978, the same year most of the 2000 seniors were born. “I wouldn’t say there was pressure on us, but it was intense,” Hayward recalls. “Everyone was

super focused.” That focus translated into success for the Cyclones, who were cheered by a mostly Cardinalclad crowd of 41,813 at Bank One Ballpark. Freshman JaMaine Billups sealed the game for the Cyclones with a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown. With a 9-3 record, the 2000 Cyclones have gone down in history, not just as the first-ever bowl victors but also as the winningest team ever.  Kate Bruns (L)(’99 journalism & mass comm) is a freelance writer living in Neenah, Wis.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

REGGIE HAYWARD is a full-time father in Jacksonville, Fla., who retired after 10 seasons in the National Football League. He was drafted in the third round by Denver in 2001 and finished his career in Jacksonville.

STEVIE JOHNSON retired from professional basketball in 2015 and now works in the insurance industry in Hollywood, Calif.

STACY FRESE HUBER was a WNBA third-round draft pick in 2000 and played 21 games with the Utah Starzz. She is now a commercial real-estate professional and mom who lives in her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Calendar NOTE: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all events are subject to postponement, cancellation, or format changes.

 Cyclones Everywhere Please note that there are currently no club events, nor gamewatches planned this fall

Oct. 3: Football vs. Oklahoma Oct. 10: Football vs. Texas Tech Oct. 24: Football at Oklahoma State Oct. 31: Football at Kansas Nov. 7: Football vs. Baylor Oct. 10: Football vs. Kansas State Oct. 24: Football at Texas Oct. 31: Football vs. West Virginia For all Cyclone sports schedules, go to www.cyclones.com

Oct. 4-10: National 4-H Week

 Alumni Travel

 At the ISU Alumni Center

Nov. 3-11: Cosmopolitan Havens Dec. 11-19: Holiday Markets

Please note that no Cyclone Central Tailgates will be held this fall Oct. 15-16: ISUAA Board of Directors fall meeting

Jan. 18-30: Awe Inspiring Antarctica Jan. 18 – Feb. 2: Wondrous Wildlife of Africa Jan. 31 – Feb. 16: Tales of the Tasman

 Homecoming 2020 Oct. 1-9: Virtual Homecoming activities (see page 42) Oct. 10: Cyclone football vs. Texas Tech

 On campus &

around Ames

Sept. 18: CCEE 150th Anniversary Golf Tournament Oct. 15: CCEE Reunion (virtual) Nov. 28: Virtual commencement ceremonies

It’s time to start dreaming of new adventures with the Traveling Cyclones! For information on upcoming trips, go to www.isualum.org/travel. All tours are subject to change.

 Arts & Entertainment Through Oct. 9: “FOCUS: Critical Conversations with Art,” Christian Petersen Art Museum Through Nov. 25: “Who Am I?” exhibit, Petersen Art Museum Through Dec. 20: “A New World: 600 BCE – 600 CE” exhibit, Brunnier Art Museum Through Dec. 20: “Contemplate Japan,” Brunnier Art Museum

 Awards Dec. 1: Faculty-Staff Inspiration, Iowa STATEment Makers, and Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Awards Nominations due

 Cyclone Athletics Sept. 12: Football vs. Louisiana Sept. 26: Football at TCU 46

For criteria and to submit a nomination for ISUAA awards: www.isualum.org/awards

 Lifelong learning Sept. 14: First day of fall OLLI classes (online only)

 Careers Sept. 15-16: Engineering Fall Career Fairs (virtual) Sept. 30: Fall Business, Industry & Technology Career Fair (virtual) Sept. 29: People to People Fall Career Fair (virtual) Oct. 13-14: CALS Fall Career Day (virtual)

 Lectures Oct. 1: Bearing Witness: Latina Feminist Counterdiscourse in the Dispora – Lorgia Garcia Pena Oct. 2: Innovation in Strategic Growth – Tony Sardella Oct. 9: Innovation Through Industry Transformation – Thomas Stuemer Oct. 16: Innovation and Inclusion – Alaina Money-Garman Oct. 20: Early Epidemics at Iowa State, 1877-1920 – Douglas Biggs Oct. 22: Coloring the Conservation Conversation – Drew Lanham Oct. 23: Innovation in Aviation – Dennis Muilenburg Oct. 28: Defund the Police? Reinventing Policing as a Public Good – Tracey L. Meares Oct. 30: Innovation in Agriculture – Bill Christiansen Nov. 5: White Mansions, Black Bodies: Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and the New Age Slave Plantation – Novotny Lawrence Nov. 6: Innovation at the Intersection of Technology and Society – David Slump Nov. 13: Innovation in Education – Stacy Coles Nov. 20: Innovation in Business and Finance – James Altamirano Most lectures are virtual, available on WebEx or YouTube. (Go to www.lectures.iastate.edu for details )

 Find more events online Campus Calendar: http://event.iastate.edu/ ISU Alumni Association: www.isualum.org/calendar Cyclone Athletics: www.cyclones.com Reiman Gardens: www.reimangardens.com Iowa State Center: www.center.iastate.edu University Museums: www.museums.iastate.edu Lectures: www.lectures.iastate.edu/ Homecoming: www.isualum.org/homecoming Around Ames: https://web.ameschamber.com/ events. F A L L 2 0 2 0 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

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VISIONS magazine is published four times a year by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, which serves more than 268,000 living alumni as well as ISU students and friends. VISIONS reaches nearly 46,000 Alumni Association members and is just one benefit of membership; details can be found at isualum.org/join.

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VISIONS Fall 2020

Articles inside

Ellie Field zaps disease

Let’s talk about racism

20 Artists, 20 Parks

COVID-19 impact on campus