VISIONS Spring 2021

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

A year in the life of a pandemic IOWA STATE RESPONDS TO THE UNPARALLELED HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS CAUSED BY COVID-19

Spring 2021

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE. Top 10 Best Place for Living the American Dream — SmartAsset, 2019

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a place where finding your purpose means engaging in the local community.

It’s a place where companies both small and large are looking for creative people to immerse themselves, generate new ideas and spark innovation for the future. DSM is a place where you can pursue your passion and live out the American dream. Make it your place.

Learn what it’s like to live in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Take a virtual tour today at liveDSMUSA.com.

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Campus custodial staff member Dean Redix does a deep clean of a lecture hall in Gilman, preparing for the return of students on Jan. 25. Since the beginning of fall semester, the Facilities Planning and Management staff has focused on disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in campus buildings. Photo by Matt Van Winkle

COVER STORY

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A year in the life of the pandemic

Iowa State responds to the unparalleled health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

22 Connecting Cyclones everywhere

In person or through virtual events, connecting Cyclones is Job One for the ISU Alumni Association

4 Letters to the Editor 8 Around Campus 32 Cyclones Everywhere

26 Sustaining Donors 30 A journey designed for social change

Featuring Cyclone stories, newsmakers, awards, event recaps, and more

42 Sports 46 Calendar

On the Cover: Staff at Thielen Student Health Center were instrumental in Iowa State's COVID-19 testing operations. Photo by Matt Van Winkle

SPRING 2021 / VOLUME 34 / NO. 1 EDITOR: Carole Gieseke PHOTOGRAPHY: Matt Van Winkle DESIGN: Jenny Witte 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.

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Copyright 2021 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 I 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

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. APPOINTED DIRECTORS

ELECTED DIRECTORS

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

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 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

Letters 

Darius Potts* ’89 Telecommunication Arts Ankeny, Iowa

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

Scott Bauer** ’85 Business Mgmt.

Ames, Iowa

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Larry Pithan** ’73 Mech. Engr.

Andalusia, Ill.

DECONSTRUCTING CATT

Editor’s note: The following letters were received in response to fall 2020 letters to the editor and the summer 2020 issue of VISIONS, which contained an article titled “Carrie Chapman Catt and Race” by Karen Kedrowski.

Material on Carrie Chapman Catt is extensive, and much of it is easy to access.

The Library of Congress has over 9,000 documents on Catt alone, all available online.

Other collections of primary sources on Catt, not as readily available, are in the New York Public Library, the Schlesinger Library at Harvard, as well as in at least 50 other collections. The letter published in VISIONS cites a newspaper as a source; the website newspapers.com has over 100,000 items on Catt. The quotes in this letter come from two sources; the rest is exaggeration and undocumented.

The first source can be accessed by googling Woman Suffrage by Federal Constitutional Amendment/LOC (LOC indicates Library of Congress). I would encourage everyone to read at least Chapter VI before discussing it since there have been individuals who refused to even read the chapter, yet offered opinions as to its content; in fact, the authors of the letter have not read the chapter they quote and it is obvious.

The second is from a three-sentence article in a 1920 Portland, Ore. newspaper con-

cerning an event occurring in Nashville.

This is available from newspapers.com.

I have file cabinets full of information on Catt. If anyone has any questions on Carrie Chapman Catt, please email me at jfcox@iastate.edu. I will answer each question honestly and completely.

Jane Cox* ’63 English/speech ISU Professor Emerita Ames, Iowa

Editor’s note: To read Jane Cox’s full letter containing her documentation and analysis, go to www.isualum.org/letterstotheeditor Carrie Chapman Catt’s most notable action was to spend her life toiling to enfranchise millions of women, including women of color, in the United States and around the world.

Unlike her male contemporaries, the charges on Carrie’s are for her words, often taken out of context. In 1917 Carrie wrote a book with a chapter arguing for Suffrage by Federal Amendment that would enfranchise women citizens, including African Americans. This infuriated those in favor of the status quo. White supremacists favored the political system just the way it was and viewed women as less likely to support corrupt enterprises.

Read VISIONS online We hope you enjoy receiving VISIONS magazine as a benefit of your ISU Alumni Association membership.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your membership!

Do you prefer to read your magazine on a smartphone or tablet? Want to cut down on paper waste and have a copy of VISIONS magazine that’s

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

easier to read on the go? Now you can say YES to receiving VISIONS online ONLY! Simply let us know if you prefer the digital option for future issues, and you’ll start receiving a special email alerting you each time a new issue is ready to read online or through the Iowa State Alumni app. Fill out the form at isualum.org/visionsonline.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Iowa State University Alumni Association (ISUAA) welcomes letters to the editor addressing stories in VISIONS or topics of interest to Iowa Staters. All submissions must be signed and clearly marked “Letter to the Editor.” They must include the writer’s address and daytime phone number. The editor makes all final decisions on selecting letters to publish, and reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. The editor may follow up with a letter writer to request any clarification. Letters selected to be

published will appear either in a subsequent issue of the magazine or online on the ISUAA website. The views and opinions expressed in letters are solely those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of ISUAA and Iowa State University. Letters containing potentially libelous statements or personal attacks will not be published. Send letters to VISIONS editor, ISU Alumni Center, 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1403 or email Letter_to_the_Editor-Visions@ iastate.edu.

This chapter argues that the position taken including African Americans. Those words leaders, regardless of whether we want peoby Southern white supremacists is erroneous were quoted and angrily challenged in fullple to know the complete history. To ignore it and that the 19th page ads by the white means we show Catt as part of a person, Amendment is about gensupremacists in Tennessee when her companion, Hay, was obviously der equity and not racial “Carrie Chapman Catt’s during the final push to rati- incredibly important to her to request to be equality. She points out – ads that vilified buried with her. most notable action was fication that the racial makeup of Carrie for her support of The NY Times recently devoted an entire to spend her life toiling enfranchisement of African section about the suffrage movement, includmost southern states consists of more white Americans. ing a two-page spread to the lesbian members to enfranchise millions women than African Carrie Chapman Catt of the women's suffrage movement. In this of women, including American women. was dedicated to universal article, Catt is talked about at length as being a But her argument to suffrage from 1872 lesbian, and her partnership with Hay. A biogwomen of color, in the include African American through 1920 and until her raphy of Catt talks about Hay as well.

United States and women was turned upside death in 1947. She was For too long, we have sanitized our leaders, down, and her argument successful in the enfranand we shouldn't do that anymore. While around the world.” was tainted as support for chisement of 29 million including an article about Catt potentially being that numerical condition. women including 500,000 a racist is interesting, what could be more The furor was on her statement that the African Americans. AND she created the interesting is an article about how women, numerical “white supremacy” in all but two League of Women Voters to deal with barriers both straight and lesbian, worked together to states was support for white supremacy in she knew existed and was instrumental in ultimately be enfranchised. That would be a general. efforts to enfranchise women of color around great article to read in VISIONS. Following this logic, one could state that the world.

Doug Jensen** Carrie was supporting Black supremacy in Her actions and words speak volumes as to ’89 journ & mass comm / statistics South Carolina and Mississippi, the two states her character to those who wish to hear.

New York, N.Y. where there was a numerical advantage to Tim Lane African Americans. This criticism becomes Tim Lane is a native of Waterloo, a graduate of the Dear Mr. Jensen, exponentially more perplexing as it grew to University of Northern Iowa, and a retired public Carole Gieseke forwarded your interesting include speeches she did not give, letters she health professional. Carrie Chapman Catt was his response to me about Carrie Chapman Catt did not write, and positions she did not take. It aunt. and her sexual orientation. Thank you for is unfortunate she used the phrase “white including the wonderful New York Times prosupremacy,” but the analysis of such words Editor’s note: To read Tim Lane’s full letter containfile about lesbians in the suffrage movement. seems to always omit other aspects of the ing additional documentation, go to www.isualum.

I emphatically agree that the VISIONS artisame chapter, other speeches or articles, and org/letterstotheeditor cle does not do justice to the complexity of no credit in the analysis of her character based Catt’s long life. I had a word limit, and the topic on what she did.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of was focused on race because of the ongoing As an example, she twice opposed efforts the women's right to vote, I've been reading campus controversy. in the U. S. Senate to add the word “white” to up on the drivers of the cause.

I am glad that scholars are noting that many the 19th Amendment and did not support the I read with great interest about Carrie suffragists were lesbians and had long and lovShafroth-Palmer amendment which would Chapman Catt, who of course is well known ing relationships with women. What wonderhave allowed states with only 8% of the votand well regarded within the Iowa State ful role models they are for gay and straight ers signing a petition to create their own launUniversity community. I also read a lot of people alike. The evidence in some cases, cerdry list of restrictions. But on a regular basis details on her life, profiled in the summer 2020 tainly Susan B. Anthony and Dr. Anna Howard there are some who theorize she was supportissue of VISIONS. Shaw, is clear. Writings survive that indicate ive of such actions.

While not very open about her sexual orienthey had romantic partnerships with other In 1995 some Iowa State University stutation during her time, an easy amount of women. Catt’s case is a little murkier. dents were critical of “the chapter.” They online research shares a critical distinction that While Catt lived with Mary Garrett Hay for asserted that Carrie supported white supremher companion, late in life, was Mary Garrett 20 years, she also lived with Alda Wilson after acy … as she attacked the arguments of white Hay, with whom she lived for 20 years after Hay’s death. Interestingly, Catt is only linked supremacy. When that criticism was counthe death of her second husband. And with romantically with Hay, and Wilson is referred tered with other words in the text that stated whom she is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in to as her caregiver, personal secretary, and the importance of providing all women the the Bronx, N.Y. executor of her vote; the narrative changed and asserted that In the VISIONS artiestate.

“For too long, we have she gave two speeches that supported the cle, this is ignored and Unlike Anthony concept of white supremacy. Giving such a Mary Garrett Hay is refand Shaw, I have not sanitized our leaders, and we speech had no rational basis as there was no erenced only once in seen, nor seen refershouldn't do that anymore.” way either state was going to support the the article about Catt's enced, any letters Amendment. possible racism as a between Catt and Some of her words were printed in the "fellow suffragist." She was obviously much Hay (or Catt and Wilson) that signal any Crisis, a publication of the NAACP. Those more than that, and I think we need to honor romantic engagement, although there are letwords were in support of universal suffrage the full history and biography of our historical ters that express affection and concern about V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

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each other’s health. Catt, of course, did not “come out” publicly as we understand it today.

According to one of Catt’s biographers, Robert Fowler, Mary Gray Peck – Catt’s contemporary and first biographer -- was obviously in love with Catt and showered Catt with gifts.

However, he was unable to conclude anything about Catt’s sexual orientation.

We know that Catt was shocked by Leo Chapman’s death, devastated by George Catt’s death, and bereft after Mary Hay’s death. Catt’s first husband, Leo Chapman, died in San Francisco, where Catt herself only lived for one year in her 20s. George Catt’s body was donated to science, per his wishes, so there is no grave. I think it’s understandable that Catt would choose to be buried in New York, where she lived for decades, rather than San Francisco, Seattle, Iowa, or Wisconsin, where she lived for shorter periods and/or as a child.

However, the adjacent graves and shared headstone, engraved with hearts, does imply intimacy with Hay rather than a merely platonic relationship.

Karen M. Kedrowski Director, Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State Ames, Iowa

cover rather than the content within. While all know the divisions in our country are deep mentioned in the articles, Black Lives Matters and caused in large part by our inability to even was never promoted. Instead the articles disagree on the facts. But what a stark and discussed systematic racturbing confirmation. ism and ways to work Clarke A. Pasley ** “If you are not researching, ’63 indust admin towards equal justice for all at the university. Our Ames, Iowa learning, and advocating research led us to some for anti-racism, you are uncomfortable truths I join the chorus of Paul about how advantaged Leonard, James Sheets, part of the problem.” we are as whites and the Owen De Boer, Jack difficulty people of color Burris, John J. O’Connell, experience in their daily lives. If you are not and Karen Bacon, the alums who had letters researching, learning, and advocating for printed in the winter edition of VISIONS. anti-racism, you are part of the problem.

There are other areas of decline of Iowa The VISIONS staff should be applauded for State University that I have observed over the their effort. years in VISIONS. Though I treasure the memoKen and Kathie Burditt ** ries of my years at Iowa State College and have Ken: ’75 journ & mass comm contributed to a memorial fund of one held in Kathie ’77 indust admin highest esteem, in the future I shall direct my Ames, Iowa charitable efforts elsewhere.

John T. Chambers** I opened up my winter issue of VISIONS ’57 zoology and read the Letters to the Editor. One entry Arnold, Md. stated that “George Floyd died of a drug overdose and not from any actions by the police” and another writer said he doesn’t “even notice skin color.” VISIONS should require a level of factual standards (or even some common sense) to be published in the Letters to the Editor, and many of these comments failed to clear this low hurdle. I am encouraged that many of these negative and false entries were from graduates in the 1950s and 1960s.

Perhaps this representation of entries shows both how far we've come AND how far we have to go to achieve true equality.

Nathan Kaehler ** ’06 finance/accounting Arlington, Va. PROUD TO BE AN ALUM Editor’s note: In the case of factual misinformation, Great articles in the winter ’21 VISIONS VISIONS included editor’s notes for clarification. magazine. The details of the impact of the derecho on the campus and the destruction to the I’ve just read the winter 2021 issue of trees was horrific [“Deep Roots”]; now we VISIONS. I’m embarrassed at some of the letappreciate the beautiful canopy even more. I ters and writers who deny the problems of syswas also impressed with Dr. Laurie Meythalertemic racism. I have learned a lot recently.

Mullins serving in the remote villages in westThough I’m not sure yet how to be part of healern Alaska [“Frozen Land, Warm Heart”]. The ing U.S. society, I do think that understanding conditions of her work were challenging, but THE CONVERSATION the reality of what Blacks the gratification she must have felt serving the CONTINUES and other minorities have community showed in her smile. Including her “Thank you for writing Editor’s note: The following faced is important. I wasn’t family was an adventure they will all remember. letters were received in reacpaying attention. I hope to Our College of Veterinary Medicine is internaabout racism. May the tion to letters printed in the learn how to have difficult tionally acclaimed, and our practitioners can be conversations continue.” conversations, to be more winter 2020 issue of heroes in Alaska, too. I’m proud to be an ISU VISIONS. Those letters were sensitive to what’s happenalum! in response to the fall story titled “Let’s talk about racing, and to be a part of progress.

Jim Patton** ism” and an invitation to join in a conversation about Thank you for writing about racism. May the ’66 ag ed, MS ’71 racial issues in the U.S. conversations continue.

Ames, Iowa Pat Schroeder ** We were shocked and extremely disappoint’64 chemistry ed in the negative responses expressed Overland Park, Kan. towards the fall 2020 issue of VISIONS and its invitation to a conversion on racism. Many of I was stunned by Owen DeBoer’s letter these responses were based on the outside appearing in the winter issue of VISIONS. We 6

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LOYAL SONS FOREVER TRUE Good for You. Good for Iowa State.

More than 8,500 Iowa State alumni and friends are current Bank of America cardholders. By using their card over the past 25 years, the ISU Alumni Association has earned more than $8 million to support initiatives dedicated to student scholarships, leadership development, institutional advocacy, volunteer engagement, alumni clubs, and diversity and inclusion. But 8,500 cardholders are just a start! Imagine what we could do if there were even more alumni and friends using their Bank of America® credit card!

Apply today. bofa.com/IowaState *For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card or to apply, please visit bofa.com/IowaState. Residents of the US and its territories only. See full disclosure for details. *Bonus Cash Rewards Offer. You will qualify for $200 bonus cash rewards if you use your new credit card account to make any combination of Purchase transactions totaling at least $1,000 (exclusive of any fees, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Limit 1 bonus cash rewards offer per new account. This one-time promotion is limited to customers opening a new account in response to this offer and will not apply to requests to convert existing accounts. Your account must be open with 1 active charging privileges in order to receive this offer. Other advertised promotional bonus cash rewards offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Allow 8–12 weeks from qualifying for the bonus cash rewards to post to your rewards balance. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither we, nor our affiliates, provide tax advice. 1Mobile Banking. Mobile Banking requires that you download the Mobile Banking app and is only available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply. By opening and/or using these products from Bank of America, you’ll be providing valuable financial support to Iowa State University Alumni Association. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 7 America Corporation. The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC. ©2021 Bank of America Corporation.

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“Congratulations to Coach [Matt} Campbell and the Cyclone football team for a truly remarkable season, capped off by a tremendous Fiesta Bowl victory. I am so proud of this outstanding team. Not only for winning this bowl game, but for inspiring us with their Cyclone spirit of perseverance, hard work, and high expectations…. A huge thank you to Big 12 Coach of the Year Matt Campbell and his staff and every single player for creating the most memorable season in decades. Go, Cyclones!”

ISU

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– President Wendy Wintersteen, posted online Jan. 2, 2021

Tracing Race: Telling a more inclusive story

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Around Campus

new initiative at Iowa State aims to expand the university’s historical narrative and highlight experiences of Cyclones of color.

The Tracing Race at Iowa State University project was initiated by the University Library to encourage, support, and facilitate digital scholarship projects and to reveal the under-documented history of accomplishments and experiences of people of color.

UNIVERSITY MARKETING

“The Tracing Race program is an excellent opportunity for us to tell a more inclusive story of the university by incorporating the voices, experiences, and contributions of people of color that were overlooked,” said Hilary Seo, interim dean of the library.

The program comes at a time when many universities are confronting the difficult stories of their institutions by uncovering hidden stories and voices in their archives and making them available, often through digital means. This spring the committee will solicit, collect, and evaluate project proposals and select digital projects for inclusion in the initiative.

Ballard named director of DEI for campus life Joseph Ballard II has become the inaugural director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Iowa State’s campus life unit. In his new role, he partners with all staff who work in and students who are served by the Department of Residence, ISU Dining, and the Memorial Union to deliver an experience that maximizes all students’ and staff members’ success.

Ballard formerly provided leadership for DEI initiatives at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, Oklahoma State University, and Purdue University.

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JIM HEEMSTRA

Residence hall changes on the horizon Iowa State’s Department of Residence projects approximately 3,000 vacancies for fall 2021. Spread throughout campus, these vacancies could mean a budget shortfall of over $2 million.

To combat this shortfall, the department is considering closing four residence halls (Wallace, Wilson, Linden, OakElm) to balance responsible financial management with the needs of students. These closures are thought to be temporary. Linden and Oak-Elm are currently serving as isolation and quarantine housing for students impacted by COVID-19.

Additionally, to attract more students to on-campus housing, the department is considering a simplified rate structure for student housing, more co-ed buildings, more pet-friendly apartments, and more two-person apartments.

College Republicans: ‘Arm up’ and ‘destroy’

On Nov. 7, Iowa State College Republicans posted a public message stating individuals should “arm up.” The post on Twitter came after announcements naming Joe Biden president-elect of the United States.

Following calls for action against the group from students, faculty, and staff, Iowa State announced that it would not punish students or student organizations for constitutionally protected expression. In a statement addressing calls to action, university officials wrote, “This demand asks that the university proactively violate the law, and we will not do so. The tweets that are the focus of this demand are protected speech, and standing alone, they do not violate university policy.”

The Iowa Federation of College Republicans on Nov. 10 voted to defederate Iowa State College Republicans from its chapter

on the basis of inflammatory tweets, inappropriate behavior, and disregard for fellow citizens, saying that “we as a federation unequivocally condemn any real or perceived threat of violence.”

On Jan. 6, when rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, the ISU College Republicans tweeted that some of its members were in Washington and at the Iowa capitol and that it was time to “destroy” Republicans considered disloyal to the party. “We are in DC and Des Moines fighting for America,” the group announced on Twitter. Another tweet called the insurgents “brave patriots.” Days before, the group tweeted, “It’s time to keep your rifle by your side.”

The group has since set its Twitter account to private and changed its name to "Punished College Republicans at Iowa State," though ISU has not sanctioned the organization.

FIVE COOL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SHARE ABOUT ISU

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COMMITMENT FOR ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE STUDY The study of antimicrobial resistance recently got a boost by a commitment from the Roy J. Carver Trust of Muscatine, Iowa, of $243,585 to provide specialized, state-of-the-art instrumentation.

A HISTORIC NEW CONFERENCE TABLE A new conference table has been delivered to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, made from historic red oak that has links to Aldo Leopold himself.

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. ISU PROFESSOR REVIEWS NASA SATELLITE MISSIONS An ISU professor of agronomy, Brian Hornbuckle, served on a review panel that evaluated NASA satellite missions to help determine which missions should continue and which should be grounded.

CHEESE AND RED WINE ARE OUR BIGGEST ALLIES A study led by ISU researchers and published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease looked at how diet is associated with long-term cognitive trajectories – and it found that cheese and red wine may be two of our biggest allies.

NEW STUDENT OFFICES IN THE MEMORIAL UNION Early next year, seven student service offices will move into modern, comfortable work spaces on the top three floors of the Memorial Union, thanks to a yearlong $10 million renovation project.

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Taking care of students… during winter break

7 During the unusually long winter break this year, Iowa State offered a five-week academic session for undergraduate students; 2,100 students participated, for a total of 6,400 credit hours 7 Iowa State students were allowed to live in student housing over the extended winter break 7 The SHOP, a student-run food pantry, provided more than 5,000 pounds of food for 200 students, faculty, and staff in need

Around Campus

Six Iowa State researchers honored The American Association for the Advancement of Science has honored six Iowa State University researchers for work in engineering, math, and biological sciences. The six Iowa State researchers have been named to this year’s class of AAAS Fellows “because of their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications,” the association announced in November. The six Iowa State researchers are: • Kristen Constant, vice president and chief information officer, a Morrill Professor, Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Engineering, and former chair of materials science and engineering • Leslie Hogben, an associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of mathematics • Basil J. Nikolau, Frances M. Craig Professor of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology; director of the Center for Metabolic Biology; director of the W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory; and former deputy director of the Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals • Hridesh Rajan, Kingland Professor of Data Analytics or Cognitive Machine Learning and chair of computer science • James Roth, Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine, ISU President’s Chair in Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health, and executive director of the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics • Kan Wang, Global Professor in Biotechnology in the Department of Agronomy and co-director of the Crop Bioengineering Center

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

‘Removing Names’ policy approved Effective Nov. 25, 2020, ISU posted a new policy on the removal of names from university property. The university will consider the following principles when reviewing requests for the removal of names from university property: • Clarifying university-honoree connections: What is the honoree’s relationship with the university?

• Assessing impact on the university: What harm or benefit to the university is associated with the use or removal of the honoree’s name?

• Evaluating legacy: Does the honoree’s offensive conduct or behavior impact their legacy? If so, how?

• Weighing factual evidence: What is the strength and clarity of the evidence?

• Reviewing past considerations: Has the university previously considered the honoree’s offensive conduct or behavior? If so, how?

• Considering alternatives: Is removing the honoree’s name the only remedy?

The policy does not pertain to honorary degrees, scholarships, awards, or endowed chairs or professorships. To view the entire policy, go to www.policy.iastate.edu/policy/unnaming.

A standing committee has been named to consider requests for removing names. The committee's first assignment will be a review of Catt Hall.

“The monocropping industrial agricultural systems that produce much of the U.S. food supply harms the environment, rural communities, and human health and safety in many ways. By growing corn, beans, and squash in research plots, we are helping to quantify how intercropping benefits both plants and soil.”

– Christina Gish Hill, ISU associate professor of anthropology, in an article in “The Conversation” titled “Returning the ‘three sisters’ – corn, beans, and squash – to Native American farms nourishes people, land, and cultures” 10

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NEW!

ISUAA TRADITIONS TEES A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER This year, the ISU Alumni Association is starting a brand new tradition for forever-true members. We’ve partnered with Raygun to design an exclusive, members-only t-shirt as part of April Membership APPreciation Month.

To pre-order this first-ever traditions tee, download our app in the iTunes or Google Play store (search “Iowa State Alumni).

Access the “Traditions Tee” tile within the app and follow the steps.

Don’t miss out! This limited-edition member look will be locked away in the Traditions Vault at midnight on April 30, 2021. Shirts will be delivered in late May.

We APPreciate you, members!

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A year in the life of a pandemic IOWA STATE RESPONDS TO THE UNPARALLELED HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS CAUSED BY COVID-19

Students walk across campus on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, the first day of the fall semester.

Photo by Christopher Gannon 12

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On Jan. 27, 2021 Iowa State University marked one year since it formally activated an emergency operations response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless storylines from this monumental and historic 365 days weave a compelling tapestry of hard work, determination, innovation, and collaboration that now continues to steer Iowa State as a second year of pandemic response begins.

By Angie Hunt, Brian Meyer, Dave Roepke, Chelsea Davis, Mike Krapfl, Anne Krapfl, Jeff Budlong, and Fred Love, Iowa State University Strategic Relations and Communications; Rob Schweers, Provost’s Office; Melea Reicks Licht, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Kristin Erdman, Memorial Union; and Angie Hagerty, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Photos by Christopher Gannon, Iowa State University Strategic Relations and Communications; and Ryan Riley, College of Human Sciences

Measuring a year of COVID-19 response Day 365 and counting. It’s now been more than a year since Iowa State University initiated its Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to provide a coordinated, institution-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So much has happened since Jan. 27, 2020 – Day 1 – when university leaders received an initial briefing from the incident management team, that it is challenging to adequately capture it all. While counting days is one way to measure the ongoing effort to maintain Iowa State’s research and teaching mission during the pandemic, it can also be measured by: •The support for nearly 400 students who had to return from studying abroad in spring 2020.

•The more than 6,000 classes that were moved online in just two weeks when the university transitioned to virtual learning in March.

•The 24,734 COVID-19 test samples collected by the public health team during the fall semester and processed by the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab as part of ISU’s targeted testing strategy.

•And there’s the 655,000+ Webex and Zoom meetings over the past year to keep the university community informed and connected.

But perhaps the most impactful measurements – while not as easy to quantify – are the countless times people volunteered their time to help with move-in testing or hand out face coverings; stepped up to take on new roles to lead public health and university response efforts; and continued to get the job done despite the fears and uncertainty of a global pandemic.

“It's about the people and will always be about the people at Iowa State,” President Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD '88 entomology) said. “So many people came together and performed at an extraordinary level, and they did so for their love of the university, their care for each other and the collaborative culture we have at Iowa State.”

We’ve documented major decisions and milestones, big and small, day by day – from one to 365 and counting. 

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2020 Timeline: A year of COVID-19 on campus

january

march

• Emergency Operation Center activated to coordinate campus response to the new coronavirus.

• Travel to China suspended for students and employees.

• Students return from study abroad programs in China.

•

• • • •

• •

February • Travel to South Korea and Italy suspended for students and employees.

• Students return from study abroad programs in South Korea and Italy.

Board of Regents suspends international travel and recalls students, scholars abroad.

First COVID-19 case reported in Iowa (March 8).

Classes move online for remainder of spring semester.

University remains open, but reduces campus operations.

All university events and activities canceled, postponed or virtual.

March 19: At least 100 Iowans test positive for COVID-19.

March 24: First death from COVID-19 reported in the state of Iowa.

In March 2020, news of the spreading coronavirus upended spring semester plans. Left to right: On March 11, Michael Newton, ISU police chief; Provost Jonathan Wickert; and Erin Baldwin, Thielen Student Health Center director, spoke with the media. Friday, March 13 was the final day of in-person classes before all instruction moved online. The move was thought to be temporary, but students did not return to campus in the spring. The campus was eerily empty on March 17. (Photos by Christopher Gannon)

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

A monumental return-to-campus effort

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In April, John Lawrence (L)('84 an sci, MS '86 econ), ISU vice president for Extension and Outreach, was working from his home office and remembers the phone call from Jonathan Wickert (L), senior vice president and provost, asking him to lead the executive committee for fall-semester planning.

“The Provost and I visited about fall planning and the role I could play,” he says.

“Because Extension and Outreach is statewide and not centered solely on campus, and honestly, no real turf to protect, and because I had great leaders in Extension who could fill in for me, I was perhaps in a better position to take on an assignment like this.”

That, and his wealth of past experience herding cats – in situations with many different kinds of cats – definitely came in handy.

The fall executive committee’s task was deceptively straightforward and monumentally complex: Plan how the university could safely reopen and restart its teaching and research programs on campus. There were so many moving parts – from health and safety, academic support, classroom plans, research support, residence halls and dining, to communications – and always keeping an eye on budgetary impacts.

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April • Food pantry for students opens in Union Drive Community Center on campus.

• April 3: 1,000 Iowans have contracted the virus.

• Board of Regents announce students will return to campus in the fall.

• President Wintersteen names Executive Committee for Fall Planning.

• April 22: At least 100 people are dead from COVID-19 in the state of Iowa.

May • Spring commencement ceremonies held virtually.

• Iowa State receives $21.7 million in CARES funding, with half used for emergency student financial aid grants and the other half for institutional operations.

• First COVID-19 case reported on campus.

June

• Phased return to campus begins.

• ISU announces condensed fall semester with mix of online, hybrid, and in-person classes.

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

Behind-the-scenes work critical to maintaining COVID-19 response As ISU’s Emergency Operation Center and other campus units monitored the spread of the novel coronavirus in the early months of 2020, it became clear that Iowa State would need to bring students and scholars back to the U.S. from international sites. But the situation quickly escalated to needing to provide housing for returning students required to isolate, to moving classes online, and having faculty and staff work remotely.

Iowa State Police Chief Michael Newton remembers convening a meeting in early March with senior leaders. The decision to move classes online came shortly after that meeting.

Already having an established collaborative command structure proved to be beneficial, said Newton, who serves as a liaison between the unified command team and senior leaders.

“For months, we met every single day, sometimes even on Saturdays and Sundays,” Newton said.

“It was intense,” said Paul Richmond, director of Environmental Health and Safety at ISU. “The house was on fire and we had to figure out what we were going to do. But this is what we do. We are in the business of health and safety, so it’s just a different flavor of addressing a hazard.”

July

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

• Face coverings required on campus.

• Thielen Student Health Center offers COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff.

• Response teams created to address needs and issues for fall semester.

Testing for COVID-19 is conducted from an ISU Police mobile command unit parked in the north lot of the Thielen Student Health Center on June 29, 2020. Certified medical assistant Brittany Turner conducts visits with a patient and collects the swab.

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PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER GANNON

2020 timeline

Behind the scenes Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) staff have been on the front lines of the pandemic response from the beginning, providing enhanced cleaning across campus, preparing nearly 150 classrooms over the summer to meet capacity limitations, and installing an estimated 250 hand sanitizer units across campus. The FPM team also installed thousands of signs across campus, addressed ventilation issues, and recovered from a derecho a week before the start of fall classes.

Right: Jared Hohanshelt, director of logistics and support services, walks past nearly 100 hand sanitizer stands on July 14, ready to be put into place on campus.

August

• Move-in testing conducted at Lied Recreation Center for students moving into residence halls and campus apartments (8,094 students were tested; 175 were positive).

• Aug. 10: Derecho causes extensive power outages and damage to campus.

• Face coverings are distributed to students, faculty, and staff.

• Coronavirus cases increase on campus as students return and initially disregard safety guidelines.

• COVID-19 policy on student social gatherings implemented.

• Gov. Kim Reynolds closes bars in six Iowa counties, including Story.

Students arrive, physically distanced and masked, at the Lied Center for testing and check-in on Aug. 6, 2020.

Cyclones Care As plans began to take shape for a fall semester return to campus, leaders knew success would depend heavily on everyone keeping themselves – and others – as safe as possible.

Specifically, success depended on the ability of the university community, as well as Ames and Story County residents, to practice four key healthy behaviors: wearing a face covering, maintaining six feet of physical distance, washing hands frequently, and staying home when ill.

Simple, right? But how do you get people to actually DO all this stuff?

The challenge fell to two Iowa State communications professionals: Erin Rosacker, communications specialist in Strategic Relations and Communications; and Jed Findlay, creative services manager for ISU Extension and Outreach.

Rosacker pulled together a team of colleagues from across campus with expertise in marketing, design, health promotion, and printing to craft a succinct message. The result was Cyclones Care, a comprehensive behavior messaging campaign to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep both the campus and community healthy.

Tens of thousands of items were designed and printed for the campaign. By the beginning of fall semester, Cyclones Care materials could be found in campus facilities, CyRide buses, area businesses, and even Ames city hall.

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Sociology professor Susan Stewart teaches a class in the Student Innovation Center. When students returned to campus in the fall, large lecture classes were generally taught online and smaller classes were taught in person in rooms large enough to physically distance.

Ping Kang, assistant scientist in genetics, development, and cell biology, helps distribute face coverings to students on central campus on Aug. 13.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER GANNON

November

• Testing center opens at Johnny’s inside Hilton Coliseum.

• Fewer students (63) test positive during the week of Sept. 14-20 than the previous week.

• Launch of COVID-19 Public Health Data website to report testing, isolation and quarantine data.

• Decision to adjust spring semester calendar and cancel spring break; winter session announced.

• Nov. 2: Iowa reaches 2,000 COVID-19 deaths and averages more than 2,000 new cases per day. By Nov. 13, that number grows to 4,000 cases per day on average.

• Positive COVID tests increase again on campus: 366 during the week of Nov. 2-8 and 324 during the week of Nov. 9-15.

• Nov. 16: Gov. Reynolds enacts a modified mask mandate and limits bar and restaurant hours.

• Free COVID-19 testing offered to students prior to leaving for winter break.

• Fall semester ends day before Thanksgiving; virtual fall commencement.

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

September

October •

• •

University conducts random, asymptomatic COVID-19 testing.

Bars in Story County are allowed to reopen.

On Oct. 10, the state hits 100,000 cases of coronavirus infections, averaging nearly 1,000 new infections each day.

RN Jessica Shannon, left, receives one of the first doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine from fellow RN Libby Nelson on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at the Thielen Student Health Center.

A rough start In July, John Lawrence, head of the executive committee for fall-semester planning, was interviewed by a reporter with a national publication. From the tone of the questions, Lawrence got the impression the story would focus on the belief that any fall-semester plan, no matter how well-executed, was bound to fail.

ISU’s fall planning proved the belief wrong. But not without its share of nerve-wracking moments.

On the warm, sunny Saturday of Aug. 15 — two days before the fall semester began — Lawrence picked up President Wintersteen at the Knoll to drive to an off-campus event.

As they made the turn into campustown, a sight made their stomachs drop. Large groups of young partiers crowded the lawns and sidewalks.

“We both just looked at each other,” Lawrence said. “This was not good.”

That was the now infamous “801” day that put Iowa State in the national news — not in a good way. A few days after, the university adopted a COVID-19 safety policy for student social gatherings.

ISU survived that first big test, rode out the subsequent spike in positive cases, and then began to see the numbers drop. Lawrence did some second-guessing on his own, wondering whether the social gatherings policy should have been in place sooner.

“It was a pretty rough start to the semester,” he said.

But after Iowa State survived the first part of the semester, and the Cyclones Care behaviors started taking hold, Lawrence began to realize that what the committee had laid out was working.

“The students were going to be with us to semester’s end.”

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December •

•

•

•

Nearly 2,300 students enroll in first-ever winter session.

ISU receives first vaccine allocation for health services staff.

By Dec. 13, more than 250,000 Iowans have been infected with the coronavirus, and more than 4,000 have died.

As of Dec. 31, a total of 2,396 ISU students, faculty, staff, and graduate students tested positive for COVID-19 during the fall semester (not including move-in testing).

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Teaching 5 WAYS ISU CAME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT ONLINE LEARNING Moving thousands of college courses online in one week is no small feat. Faculty, staff and graduate students across Iowa State University made that happen over spring break in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the university to go virtual. Here are some key takeaways: 1. About 4,000 course sections were moved online in addition to the 2,200 that already had an online component.

2. ISU’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching created a response team to field hundreds of calls from instructors needing help shifting their course online.

3. The Information Technology Services team provided Webex and Zoom training to nearly 1,000 faculty and staff.

4. To meet the needs of students who did not have a computer, a laptop loaner program was established and supported through the University Library. The library also loaned cellular hotspots; outdoor wireless internet access was implemented on campus; and ITS worked with ISU Athletics to set up drive-up internet at Jack Trice Stadium.

5. ITS developed strategies to meet campus technology needs for town hall meetings, large events, and virtual commencement.

When students returned in the fall, large lecture classes were taught online, smaller classes were generally taught in person in rooms large enough to physically distance, and laboratory classes were offered with enhanced cleaning and physical distancing.

Research THROUGH UNCERTAINTY, PLANS AND PROTOCOLS MOVE RESEARCH FORWARD A March 19, 2020, memo from Sarah Nusser (L)(PhD '90 statistics), then ISU vice president for research, aptly summarized the early days of the pandemic across campus: “There’s no doubt we are in unchartered territory, but we’re doing so together.”

That memo outlined the first steps taken to keep research projects moving ahead: 18

• Research and creative activities should be conducted differently to maximize physical distancing.

• Research activities that could be performed remotely (e.g. writing, analysis, computation) must be conducted off-campus.

• Researchers should develop contingency plans to prepare for curtailing all but the most essential on-campus research and creative activities.

A Research Continuity Working Group quickly developed guidance for researchers.

The plan included everything from checking freezers, caring for animals, paying extra attention to lab safety, thinking about graduate students, rotating lab schedules to increase social distancing, transitioning to more telework, and planning to return to campus.

“We never did shut down,” Nusser said. “I think that’s really a hallmark.”

Four departments make up Iowa State’s broader Student Health and Wellness unit: Student Counseling Services, Student Wellness, Recreation Services, and Thielen Student Health Center.

Last year, initiatives from the collective Student Health and Wellness unit generated an astounding 150,000 student interactions. Director of Student Wellness Brian Vanderheyden (MEd '13) credits Iowa State’s “no wrong door approach” with fueling higher participation.

“The four wellness departments operate as one collective staff with ‘open doors’ across units, and we’re constantly referring students to well-being resources across units,” he said. “We try to foster a collaborative-care mindset, so we’re always connecting students to the services that fit their needs.”

Student life FOUR DEPARTMENTS JOIN FORCES TO BOOST STUDENT WELLNESS It takes a village to help students navigate a global pandemic. Hundreds of Iowa State staff have helped students be well and overcome tremendous challenges during the first year of COVID-19, developing new programs and virtualizing existing services.

As a result, a wide range of student needs have been met – from managing emotions and honing study skills to forging new friendships and locating virtual yoga classes.

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CHRISTOPHER GANNON

Graduate teaching assistant Jenny Li displays a test tube holder while instructing her Chemistry 177 lab students in August 2020. After going online only during the spring semester, students returned to campus in the fall. This chem lab operates at half capacity with face coverings, plexiglass barriers, and plastic sheeting providing protection from COVID-19 transmission.

Isis Walker plays pool at the Memorial Union’s CyBowl and Billiards during fall semester.

The Memorial Union closed on March 17 for the first time for any extended period since the building opened in 1928.

During the closure, MU staff took advantage of the timing to start on planned construction and renovation projects.

This included converting the Browsing Library into an art gallery, improvements to CyBowl & Billiards, and preparation for the upcoming renovation on floors four through six. The building has reopened with shortened hours.

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In response to the pandemic, Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) opened new lab space and became certified to process human samples. The lab partnered with the University of Iowa’s State Hygienic Laboratory to expand the state’s testing capacity, and the VDL processed the university’s on-campus COVID tests with speed and precision.

Virtual offerings key to Extension service to Iowans When the pandemic forced ISU Extension and Outreach to close offices last spring and cancel most in-person meetings, it impacted connections with Iowans across the state.

But instead of pulling back, Extension found new ways to reach its audience.

“We started using social media, podcasts, and even radio to reach people with educational information,” said John Lawrence, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach.

Virtual events allow Extension to reach a generation of younger people more likely to consume information on their phone or tablet than walk into their local Extension office.

“In a virtual world, there are no boundaries,” Lawrence said.

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Trial by fire BALDWIN, OBBINK LEAD EFFORTS TO BUILD CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH STRUCTURE Building a public health structure from the ground up in just a matter of months was a monumental task, but an absolutely critical one if Iowa State University was going to complete the fall semester on campus.

Without the benefit of a medical or public health school, it required an all-hands-on-deck effort that drew on the expertise of staff and faculty from a variety of disciplines to have a structure in place before students started moving into the residence halls in early August.

“Universities are typically bureaucratic environments, and here we are in a situation where you really have to make decisions quickly and big decisions that impact a lot of people. By establishing an emergency response structure, it’s allowed us to stay ahead of the game and quickly make science-based, informed decisions. It’s allowed us to be far more nimble.”

amount of experience could have prepared her for the past year.

“It has been hands-down the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my professional life,” Obbink said.

Structure put to the test

- KRISTEN OBBINK, the university’s COVID-19 public health coordinator

“The speed and efficiency in which we made so many things happen, I still honestly don’t know how we did it all,” said Erin Baldwin,

director of ISU’s Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) and associate vice president for student health and wellness.

As TSHC director, Baldwin was designated as incident commander in January 2020 to lead Iowa State’s emergency response to the pandemic. At the time, she and many others monitoring the virus expected COVID-19 would follow a similar epidemiological pattern as H1N1 or SARS. They never imagined the university would still be responding to a global pandemic a year later.

“As some of us started working remotely in March, I remember taking my stuff home and thinking it would only be a week or two and everything would be back to normal – little did we know,” said Kristen Obbink (A)('06 zoology, DVM '11), a public health veterinarian with ISU’s Center for Food Security and Public Health who was tapped to serve as the university’s COVID-19 public health coordinator.

Before stepping into this new role in July, Obbink contributed to the university’s testing strategy and public health plan. Her past experience as a food-borne epidemiologist has been a tremendous asset, but she says no Erin Baldwin, director of ISU’s Thielen Student Health Center and associate vice president for student health and wellness.

As pieces of the public health structure – move-in testing, isolation and quarantine housing, contact tracing, and case management – started to fall into place, the system was immediately tested. A derecho on Aug. 10 knocked out power during move-in testing at Lied Recreation Center, and testing was temporarily suspended.

Just two hours later, the testing site was back up and running. The derecho would be one of several hurdles – big and small – that would test the resiliency of the public health structure and the people making it all happen.

Baldwin and Obbink say one of the greatest challenges came during the first two weeks of the fall semester when Iowa State saw a major spike in cases stemming from several large parties the weekend before classes started. The testing site TSHC was operating out of the ISU Police mobile command vehicle could not accommodate the demands for COVID-19 tests, and in September, testing moved to Johnny’s lounge inside Hilton Coliseum.

Truly a team effort In everything they do, Baldwin and Obbink are always mindful of how the decisions they’re influencing will impact students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. They’ve had to accept that some decisions will be criticized, but it is their job to do what is best for campus based on the information available at the time.

Finishing the fall semester on campus and returning for the spring wouldn’t be possible without so many people who have stepped up to support public health efforts, including partnerships with Mary Greeley Medical Center, McFarland Clinic, Story County Public Health, and community leaders.

“This is the first time in my lifetime where public health is really front and center,” Obbink said. “If there’s one other positive that comes from COVID, it’s just the general awareness of the value of public health and why it matters for everybody.”

Kristen Obbink, the university COVID-19 public health coordinator.

PHOTOS BY RYAN RILEY

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CHRISTOPHER GANNON

Testing TEAMWORK – AND A LITTLE MAGIC – MAKE EXPANDED TESTING CENTER A REALITY It all came together like magic. Hilton Magic.

In one week, a team from across campus more than doubled the capacity for COVID-19 testing at Iowa State University by setting up a testing site in Johnny’s lounge in Hilton Coliseum.

“We were seeing 200 staff and students a day in the two mobile testing stations we had set up behind our building,” Jessica Shannon (A), assistant director of nursing and patient services at Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC), said.

“We quickly ramped up to 400 a day and realized we had exceeded our capabilities.”

Johnny’s checked every box necessary to provide a comfortable and safe environment for clients: easy to clean, climate-controlled, separate entrances and exits, privacy, and room for physical distancing.

ISU’s Emergency Operation Center team helped TSHC staff develop a plan to set up eight testing stations and six check-in stations, greatly expanding the university’s capacity to serve clients.

Heather Paris, associate vice president for finance, shared day-to-day management responsibilities with Jenni Winter, finance manager, in addition to their regular work. Staffers from

A masked Johnny Orr sculpture stands in the intake area at Iowa State’s COVID-19 testing center inside Johnny’s at Hilton Coliseum. The center opened in September to increase testing availability for students, faculty, and staff.

Information Technology, Human Resources, and TSHC helped create a scheduling plan, training, and a workflow process.

Appointment scheduling, line management, and registration were handled primarily by reassigned members of the finance service delivery team. Volunteers from other campus units provided staffing after normal business hours and weekends. Sample collection was performed by TSHC’s trained medical staff or supplied via health care staffing agencies. Tests were processed by ISU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. In total, Iowa State’s public health team and Veterinary Diagnostic Lab performed 24,523

COVID-19 tests for students, faculty, and staff during the fall semester (Aug. 17 – Nov. 25), resulting in 2,246 positive tests.

As the focus begins to shift to vaccination planning, Shannon says Johnny’s testing site serves as a model of success of what’s possible when Cyclones work together.

“We sent an SOS for assistance and had such an awesome response to our call for help from so many areas on campus,” Shannon says.

“We were able to partner together and make something amazing happen that’s still standing and going strong.”

CHRISTOPHER GANNON

Contract tracing ‘WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF OUR STUDENTS’ Maria Pringle and her colleagues at the Thielen Student Health Center – with help from many others across campus – built and for months staffed the university’s contact tracing operation.

Contact tracing is a two-step process. Case investigators call people who test positive to offer support, answer questions and – most importantly, from a public health perspective – determine their close contacts dating back to two days before they first developed symptoms (or two days before the day they were tested, if

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they don't have symptoms). Then contacts are notified and asked to quarantine for 10 days, with check-ins throughout that period.

In the beginning, staff personally texted every contact daily during their quarantine to check on symptoms. The heavy workload often extended late into the evening, and Pringle was the primary texter. After the initial spike in cases when students returned in August, as many as 1,200 contacts were in quarantine. Pringle was texting hundreds of them every day, with assistance from health center medical assistants.

“It had to be done, and there was no other way to do it. We had to take care of our students, our staff and our faculty. We just put everything else on hold,” Pringle said.

Now, a new automated system texts contacts as soon as they’re identified and sends the daily check-ins during quarantine, saving time. The automation proved especially useful when cases increased and more than 1,000 students and employees were in quarantine during the last two weeks of November.

On Dec. 18, Iowa State received its first vaccine allocation for health services staff. The vaccine was administered at Thielen Student Health Center for phase 1A ISU employees.

Vaccine delivery

READ MORE ONLINE. Full stories about campus collaboration during the pandemic, a colorful slide show, a video showing the resilient Cyclone spirit, and even a recipe for ISU Dining’s famous Carmelita bars (yes, really!) can be found at https://web.iastate.edu/covid19-response 21

Connecting THE ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SHOWS HOW IOWA STATERS ARE MAKING COMMUNITIES, IOWA, AND THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. Together, the Iowa State Alumni Association’s mission and vision tell is so important. The ISUAA continues to connect Cyclones a powerful story of a strong, diverse alumni body that is engaged and everywhere through programs, communications, and virtual events connected through the ISUAA. Now, more than ever, that connection just as it has historically through in-person gatherings.

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Homecoming

Reunions

Des Moines Area Events

Cardinal & Gold Gala

Virtual Homecoming Reunion

Traveling Cyclones S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

MISSION: To facilitate the lifetime connection of alumni, students, and friends with Iowa State University and each other.

VISION: To be the best alumni association in the U.S. at engaging diverse partners to help showcase how Iowa State University and Cyclones everywhere are making communities, Iowa, and the world a better place.

Bringing Cyclones together Whether it’s in person or through virtual events, connecting Cyclones has been Job One for the ISU Alumni Association since its founding in 1878.

Awards

Cyclone Central

Virtual Wine Tasting

Young Alumni Events

Athletics / Bowl Events

Virtual Wreath Making

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FROM THE VISIONS ARCHIVE

Elevating Cyclones everywhere From previous issues of VISIONS, stories of Cyclones making Iowa, their communities, and the world a better place

A documentary filmmaker in Iowa, Vanessa McNeal (’15 child, adult, and family services) gives voice to the voiceless – survivors of sexual violence.

Kelli Cameron (L)(’02 ag education) and Steve Servantez (L)(’89 DVM) met by chance in their Wisconsin community, and their combined community service makes them a dynamic duo.

In just three days, Jay Pleggenkuhle (L)(’90 landscape architecture) led the creation of a community healing garden following a deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Brand assessment

Alumni interests in Alumni

WE HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR! In fall 2020, Essman/Associates of West Des Moines conducted an online brand assessment survey for the ISU Alumni Association, and Cyclones everywhere enthusiastically voiced their support of connecting through the ISUAA. • There is a solid base of support for the ISU Alumni Association, reflected in the 7,223 online survey responses.

• When alumni were asked to define the primary role and mission of the ISU Alumni Association, alumni across all age groups frequently mentioned “connecting alumni to each other and connecting alumni to the university.”

• The alumni surveyed have positive perceptions of Iowa State University, ISU Athletics, the ISU Alumni Association, and the ISU Foundation.

• 73% of alumni have favorable perceptions of the ISUAA. • ISUAA members primarily receive information from the ISUAA via VISIONS magazine (91%), eNewsletters (70%), and ISU News Flash (69%).

• Overall, 91% of ISUAA members and 73% of non-members say the information and content they receive from the ISUAA is relevant.

• 72% of alumni agree that the ISUAA brand identity “Cyclones Everywhere” effectively communicates and connects with them.

• The favorability ratings for all ISU entities are consistently lower among the non-white alumni surveyed. Even among current members, non-white alumni expressed significantly lower rates of positive sentiments toward ISU, the ISUAA, ISU Athletics, and the ISU Foundation.

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Athletic events

VISIONS magazine

Discounts

ISU News Flash

ALUMNI INTERESTS BY AGE GROUP 18-34 YEARS OF AGE: » Athletic events 58% » Discounts 51% » Career services 40% » ISUAA clubs 33%

35-54 YEARS OF AGE: » Athletic events 56% » VISIONS magazine 45% » Discounts 45% » Wall calendar 33% » ISUAA clubs 33% » ISU News Flash 32% » Merchandise program 32%

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP We can’t do it alone! The ISUAA prides itself on partnering with units all across campus, with sponsors, with volunteers, and with YOU – our members.

S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

Connecting

Orthopedic surgeon Marc Urquhart (L) (’89 biology) derives satisfaction from helping his patients improve and from simply doing the best work every day.

Lee Ann De Reus (L)(’86 political science) has dedicated her career to leading change for vulnerable populations in the U.S. and Africa.

To read these stories, go to www.isualum.org/elevatingcyclones

Association programs*

Wall calendar

Merchandise program

ISUAA clubs

55+ YEARS OF AGE: » VISIONS magazine 62% » Athletic events 42% » ISU News Flash 42% » Wall calendar 41% » Discounts 36% » Merchandise program 31% » Online directory 31%

Connections at your fingertips Download the “Iowa State Alumni” app (available in the App Store and Google Play) to stay connected to Iowa State. Showcase your Cyclone pride, check in to alumni club events, participate in contests, and more.

Online directory

Traveling Cyclones

SHARE YOUR CYCLONE STORY For 2021, make a resolution to spread the stories of outstanding Cyclones everywhere! When you see this image, you know that you’re about to experience a Cyclone Story: Iowa Staters making their communities, the state of Iowa, and the world a better place. Of course, the ISUAA can’t tell these stories without you. Visit our website, www.isualum.org/ ShareCycloneStories, and submit your ideas today.

In your community: Alumni clubs Events sponsored by ISU Alumni clubs may be on hold due to COVID, but they’re still one of the most powerful ways to connect Cyclones everywhere no matter where they live. Make no mistake: Club events and game watch “cytes” will return!

*Graphics show average interest of all age groups V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

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SUSTAINING CYCLONES Alumni and friends show they’re loyal and true through the ISUAA Sustaining Donor program

T

hanks to new and continuing Sustaining Donors who made gifts in 2020. This is the 17th year of the program, and dollars donated by alumni and friends have helped provide additional support for the Association’s programs and services, including the LegaCy Club, young alumni programs, VISIONS magazine, and student leadership programs. The ISUAA’s Sustaining Donor program is a voluntary way for current members to provide additional tax-deductible annual support to the ISU Alumni Association. Make your 2021 gift online at isualum.org/sustaining.

17-YEAR DONORS

Jacque ('74F) and James Andrew James ('70E) and Mary Ann Black Julie ('78D) and Mark ('77A) Blake Douglas Bosworth ('62E) Beverly Bowers ('73S) Winton Boyd ('66S) Martha ('76F) and Doug ('76A) Brown Lyndon Cakerice ('81E) Joel Cerwick ('66E) Karen Heldt-Chapman ('92M) and Jay Chapman ('90E) Jack ('56E) and Dilla Cosgrove Janice Coy ('54F) Robert Crom ('50A) Craig Denny ('71E) Robert ('56E) and Marie Dierks Keith ('57S) and MaryAlice ('57S) Erickson Gary Flander ('80C) Jon Fleming ('75S) Barbara ('71D) and Craig ('71E) Foss Charles ('53S) and Joanne Frederiksen Don ('58A) and Doris Goering Vicki Grimes John ('67A) and Barbara Hagie Pamela ('71F) and Ron ('71S) Hallenbeck Kyle Harms ('89S) Peter ('77E) and Pamela Hemken Liz ('76F) and Randy ('76A) Hertz

Thank you to our 116 Sustaining Donors who have partnered with the ISU Alumni Association for all 17 years of the program!

Clara ('64S) and Harold ('65E) Hoover Gregory ('82A) and Elizabeth ('82M) Hora Richard ('62E) and Sandra ('62F) Horton John Hunt ('64S) Peggy and Jeffery ('14H) Johnson Sharon Juon ('69S) Dale ('67S) and Jane ('67F) Kiser John Kueck ('66E) and M. Susan Viking-Kueck Richard ('57S) and Joanne ('59S) Liddy Thomas ('82M) and Nancy ('78F) Macklin Beverly ('60F) and Warren ('61E) Madden William Moran ('73E) 26

Steven ('67S) and Michelle Mores James Myers ('58E) Doris Jean Newlin ('53F) Patty ('72S) and Allen ('72S) Olson Scott ('69E) and Penny Olson Gary ('78A) and Vicki ('78A) Owens Frank ('65S) and Marcia Parrish Dennis Puffer ('68A) Carol ('75S) and Marlin ('75E) Reimer Dana ('67A) and Martha ('15N) Robes Richard ('73A) and Sharon ('71S) Rodine Mary ('83M) and Raymond Scheve Charles ('58A) and Darlene Schmidt Meg ('98F) and Ryan ('95A) Schon Rudy Schuver ('53A) Harriet (‘60F) and Gary (‘60A) Short Lee Simmons ('72S) Michael Sinclair ('80S) Gary ('69A) and Susan Speicher Betty Stephenson ('52F) Lora (‘17N) and Russ (‘17N) Talbot Roy ('57E) and Sandra ('58F) Uelner Roger ('80A) and Connie ('84S) Underwood Lori ('93S) and Dwayne ('93M) Vande Krol Mel ('13N) and Kathy Weatherwax Mike ('79V) and Maria ('77E) Westfall Gerald Wheelock ('61A) Eric Wittrock ('92E) Mary ('78C) and Tim ('76A) Wolf Gertrude ('52F) and Ralph ('57A) Yoder Don ('60E) and Carolyn Zuck

16-YEAR DONORS

JaNelle ('69S) and Lloyd ('57A) Anderson Charles ('87M) and Mary ('86C) Bendgen Roger Benning ('63E) Burton Cooper ('72A) Stephen Cooper ('70E) Paul ('63E) and Shirley ('63F) Dana Kevin ('83A) and Jeanne Drury Glenda ('60F) and Donald ('59A) Eggerling Elaine ('85M) and Brian Gifford Robert Hall ('54E) Roger Hansen ('65A) Caroline Hetfield Joseph Huber ('89E) Albert ('56E) and Ann ('56F) Jennings Gerald ('68A) and Gwen Johnson Christopher ('73S) and Vernette Knapp Jane Lohnes Robert Manders ('63E) Glen ('61A) and Mary Jo ('20N) Mente Carol ('56F) and Donald ('55A) Olson Sonia Porter ('60F) Carl ('67E) and Valerie Rausch Roger Reimers ('82A) Gary Sams ('70A)

Suzanne ('89S) and Bernard ('95E) Schwartze Sandra Searl ('87S) Carolyn ('69D) and Charles ('68E) Sidebottom Robert ('60S) and Norma ('60F) Snyder Kevin ('87S) and Shelley ('87C) Stow Franklin Townsend ('80A) Jay ('59A) and Sarah ('71F) Van Wert Sharon Waterstreet ('78A) Dale ('74A) and Mary Jane Weber Gary Woods ('62A)

15-YEAR DONORS

James ('65A) and Cathryn Ahrenholz Peggy Allen ('67F) Kevin ('80A) and Christine Brooks Loyd ('69A) and Sue Brown Melissa Brush ('91S) Douglas Caffrey ('72A) Curt Clifton ('92E) John Faaborg ('71A) Craig Griffin ('83E) Thomas ('69E) and Cheryl Grinna Joann ('55F) and Robert ('55S) Hanson David ('82E) and Carol ('86S) Hawn Maynard ('66A) and Anne Hogberg Gary ('61E) and Donna ('08N) Hoover Maryl Johnson ('73S) Robert Kramer Deanna ('93M) and Patrick ('94E) Kueter Jerry Ladman ('58A) Sue ('77D) and Jay ('73A) Merryman William Millen ('70S) Deanna ('64S) and Walter ('69E) Nodean Merle Oleson ('59A) Edward ('82C) and Carolyn Ottesen Fred Peitzman ('61E) Norman Petermeier ('63E) Victor Pierrot ('63E) Richard Schmidgall ('83E) Michael Shepherd ('74S) Marcia ('85M) and Steve Stahly Chelon Stanzel ('61F) Michael Steffenson ('59E) Omar Stoutner ('70A) Neal Suess ('84E) Dennis ('70A) and Mary Thomas Linda Glantz Ward ('70F) and Doug Ward ('67E) Joan Welch ('55S) Michael ('77E) and Pamela ('77S) Weston Lorraine ('78F) and David ('79V) Whitney Tom Wilson ('84M) Dean Wolf ('61E) Kathy ('72D) and Steven ('73A) Zumbach

14-YEAR DONORS

Ronald ('68E) and Keitha ('67F) Anderson Jeffrey ('70A) and Jean ('70F) Anliker

KEY TO ACADEMIC CURRICULUM AND OTHER SYMBOLS:

A: Agriculture; B: Agricultural Engineering; C: Design D: Education; E: Engineering; F: Family and Consumer Sciences; H: Human Sciences; M: Business; S: Liberal Arts and Sciences; U: Interdisciplinary; V: Veterinary Medicine; N: Honorary

Jim ('78A) and Marcia ('78F) Borel Janice and Jeffrey Breitman Douglas ('72S) and Joan Carlson John ('82E) and Kim Carlson Denny ('65E) and Marcy Chaussee Chris Cunningham ('79A) Jane Gustafson ('57F) James Harris ('74E) Barbara Janson ('65S) Ross Johnson ('68S) Kellie Jo Kilberg ('89S) John ('70S) and Cheryl Kingland Daniel ('59S) and Sharon Krieger Joel Leininger ('72V) Patrice ('73D) and Mark ('73E) Lortz Sandra May ('59C) John ('63A) and Kay Mortimer Robert Palmer ('62E) Nancy ('81V) and John ('78E) Peterson Nancy ('83A) and Douglas ('83A) Pringnitz John Saunders ('62E)

12-YEAR DONORS

Carol Anderson ('76F) John ('64S) and Joni ('64S) Axel Gretchen Backlund ('48F) Alvin Barden ('55A) Richard Boettcher ('61E) Timothy Bray ('85E) Arnel Citurs ('88E) Craig Claussen ('69S) Marilyn ('75F) and Dwight ('74A) Conover Larry ('62A) and Barbara Ebbers Don Francois ('84B) Katherine ('70S) and William ('70S) Gilbert Linda ('68F) and William ('72A) Good Thomas ('69A) and Colleen Good Dale ('60E) and Janice ('62F) Johnson Fern Kelsay Kent Lage ('86E) Lois ('68F) and John ('67E) Mather James ('72A) and Connie Mohn

2020 gifts helped the ISUAA provide virtual programs such as Cyclone Power Hour and Traveling Cyclones Travel Preview to connect Cyclones everywhere.

Vincent Schwenk ('59E) Mary Lou ('56F) and William ('56E) Snyder Vaughn Speer ('49A) James ('76E) and Pamela Swales Steven ('84F) and Lori Uelner Judith Walrod ('66F) Donna Willett ('54F)

13-YEAR DONORS

Claire Andreasen Ruth Bassett ('60F) Mark Batchelder ('95S) Marianne Berhow ('53F) Matthew ('90S) and Susan ('86D) Bravard Kenneth Bucklin ('62E) Richard Caputo ('72S) Todd Dahlof ('90D) Nancy Naeve Degner ('72F) and Richard Degner ('72A) David Hahn ('80V) Jeaneyl Hazlett ('75V) Melissa Houston ('95E) Lee Johnson ('73E) Lyla ('71D) and Thomas Maynard Gerald Montgomery ('55E) Janis Scharingson ('71S) Robert Stober ('61E) Ronald ('66A) and Patricia ('66F) Vansteenburg

Keith Naeve ('60E) Ann ('54F) and Don ('54A) Platt Kelly Rose ('86F) Brian Rumpf ('88E) Willis Ryan ('62E) Cathy ('88M) and Mark ('88A) Schmidt Keith ('56A) and Nancy Schmidt John ('59E) and Patricia Shors Bob Suominen Julie ('67F) and Laird Trusler Ivan ('52A) and Genevieve Wikner

11-YEAR DONORS

Harold Barfknecht ('70S) Donald Borcherding ('68E) Lorraine Bruns ('47F) Robert Callahan ('61E) Marcia ('68S) and John ('67A) Cook Janice Ehrig Julia ('85S) and Jon ('85A) Ellis William Farr ('76E) James Fetrow ('61A) John ('66E) and Nancy Hayes Carol ('58F) and Gerald ('53A) Hunter Jay ('89A) and Julie ('88A) Jacobi Carol Jensen ('88M) Kent ('78S) and Sara Johnson Alice Keene-Mason ('05E) David ('77V) and Diane Larson Angie Lookingbill ('93M)

S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

Allan ('83E) and Diane ('79S) Roderick Deborah ('83E) and Jeffery ('81E) Schebler Roy ('70S) and Karen ('71D) Siple David ('91E) and Christine ('91D) Slump Shirley Stow ('76D) Doug ('59A) and Clarita ('59F) Vandermyde David VanHorn ('89E) Peter Wilson ('55S) Samuel ('67A) and Carol Wise Lynnette ('82S) and Jeffrey ('81E) Witt Jane ('77F) and David ('72E) Wombacher Michael ('70A) and Diane ('69S) Wonio

10-YEAR DONORS

John Albright ('76S) Edwin Bartine ('64A) Robert Best ('55A) Todd ('88A) and Karey ('88M) Bishop Douglas ('81S) and Susan ('81S) Boden James ('60E) and Barbara ('61F) Bunning Judith ('62F) and Leroy Butler Donald Cook ('74V) Joe ('58E) and Patricia Cunning Kevin Dittmar ('85B) Donald ('66V) and Dianne Draper Jane ('88D) and William ('69A) Edwards Richard Freeman ('50A) Brenda Greaves ('83D) Robert ('58S) and Nancy Lindemeyer Bradley Maurer ('78D) Cathy Nelson ('79S) David ('61E) and Jeanne ('62F) O'Melia Harold ('73E) and Mary Paustian Doug Peterson ('71E) Jeffrey Rettig ('83A) Kathy Rhode ('82S) Jack ('85S) and Susan ('78A) Robbins Richard Roepke ('70A) Jack Sawyer ('52S) Erma ('70F) and Norman ('69A) Skadburg Shirley Smith ('09S) Becky Stadlman ('74S) Donna ('81D) and William ('80S) Steckel Gerald ('61V) and Carolyn Te Paske Lynn Vorbrich ('60S)

Tracy Kolosik ('81M) Kevin Krogmeier ('75U) Allan Mattke ('60A) Ana Hays McCracken ('84F) and Edward McCracken ('66E) Thomas McIntosh ('67A) Pamela ('75D) and John ('72A) Miller Sondra Mount ('65F) Ted ('77S) and Al ('78C) Oberlander Steffan Paul ('91S) Darold ('60A) and Sandra ('61F) Plate Myrna ('82F) and Ronald ('57A) Powers Kay Runge ('69S) John Seward ('58A) Gordon Smith ('61A) Timothy Smith ('77S) Thomas Stanton ('53S) Scott ('95S) and Priscilla Stanzel Gregory Strand ('75V) Edward ('59A) and Janet ('60F) Wachs A. Loy ('57F) and Robert ('56A) Walker Robert ('09N) and Martha Jean Watson Mark and Diana ('78F) Weber Christine Wehrman ('70F) Tara Whitmire ('01S) Suzanne Wyckoff ('70S) and Willie Williams ('70S)

8-YEAR DONORS

Paul ('71V) and Marlene ('68F) Armbrecht Judith Baird ('80S) Ronald Baker ('70V) Patricia ('81S) and Scott ('80E) Benesh Arthur Bine ('57A) Benjamin Boden ('05H)

“Our adventure began at ISU when the farm boy met the city girl. We continued our adventure by raising two ISU engineers. It is now our honor to be Sustaining Donors to the Alumni Association, where our adventure continues!”

- Tim Wolf (’76) and Mary Eddy Wolf (’78) 17-year Sustaining Donors

9-YEAR DONORS

Howard ('88M) and Ann ('87M) Anderson Richard ('55A) and Beverly Anderson J. Thomas Andreesen ('89E) James Anglin ('79E) Todd ('84A) and Margaret ('85S) Barker Jan ('72S) and J. D. ('64S) Beatty Boon Chuan Chew ('91S) Charles ('83A) and Christine ('83A) Cornelius Darrell Cox ('83A) Jack Cox ('50E) Nancy Dittmer ('84M) James ('56E) and Etna ('56F) Doyle Sharon Drendel Carol Elliott ('72S) David Eyre ('61E) James ('60A) and Clare Frevert Anthony Germann ('60A) Luan Hammell ('71F) Rudy ('73E) and Deborah Herrmann

Carrie Jorgensen ('93A) Lori ('02M) and Daniel ('00M) Kartman Julie ('84D) and John ('77D) Larson Karen McGregor ('82S) Douglas Meyers ('88E) Bonnie ('65F) and Gerald Moeller Donald ('67V) and Lorna ('64F) Myrtue R. Ted Payseur ('72S) Jamie and Ellen Pollard Randy ('81A) and Jennifer ('82S) Ramundt Sybil ('67S) and Noel ('66S) Rasmussen Sharon ('64F) and Richard ('64S) Richman Richard Rickert ('68A) Ruth Ann Robson ('52F) David Rush ('85E) Mark ('76S) and Sherry ('75F) Schmidt Joyce Siefering ('65F) Robert ('78S) and Shawn Simonsen Norma Speer ('57F) Nancy ('66F) and Charles ('67A) Sweetman Amy ('91M) and Brian ('91M) Tetmeyer Terrence Tobin ('79S) and Maureen Roach Tobin Dee Reinhart Vandeventer ('75S) and David Vandeventer ('73S) Debra Varnado ('91C) Barbara Weeks ('78S) Mary Wettach ('78S) Donna Whitney ('09N) Sally ('70D) and Wayne Wilson Charles ('65E) and Penny Yost

Craig Bonestroo ('76E) Don ('84A) and Janet ('85E) Borcherding Gary Brandt ('79S) James Christensen ('78A) Keith ('59A) and Carol ('60F) Clement Shirley ('56F) and Kay ('56A) Connelly Russell ('55E) and Carolyn Copley Jeffrey Couch ('77S) Matthew ('00S) and Sarah Craft Michael Davis ('71V) Karl Eby ('73A) and Judy ('70S) Erickson Robert Farr ('61S) Larissa ('93V) and Richard ('91E) Hautekeete Fred Heinz ('78A) Charles ('58S) and Anne ('58F) Hesse Douglas ('73A) and Nancy Hofbauer

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7-YEAR DONORS

Stuart Anderson ('91E) Gregory Buffington ('67E) Eric ('97V) and Brenda Burrough Jeffrey Crain ('89S) Glenn ('66E) and Viola DeStigter John Dewey ('76S) Diane ('69S) and Jerry ('73E) Eilers Thomas ('60A) and Ruth Feldmann Curtis ('90M) and Teri ('90S) Ford Gwen Friedow ('85S) Daniel ('68A) and Mari Gannon Alice Hill ('64F) John Hoper ('62E) Richard ('72A) and Judith ('71F) Isaacson Sandra ('65F) and Gary ('64S) Johnson David Johnson ('70E) Lester ('62S) and Shirley ('62F) Juon Jeffrey Kemink ('81A)

Steven ('77E) and Mary Korrect Timothy Kuntz ('88S) Paul LeBuhn ('49S) Alice Lissner ('61F) Roger ('71V) and Marilyn Mahr Todd Miszner ('83A) Marc Mores ('95D) Steven ('72S) and Nancy Myers Diana Nevins ('85S) Kathleen Niedert ('73F) Robert ('62E) and Jeanette Pedersen Lynnette ('73F) and Dennis ('71S) Pelisek Steven Petska John Pothoven ('68A)

Because of your gifts, the ISUAA is now able to offer a career coaching program to alumni, students, and friends Brooke ('03S) and Richard ('02A) Prestegard Thomas ('69A) and Janet Putnam Megan Rose ('97A) and Brent ('96A) Reschly James Schade Jennifer Scharff ('98S) Bryan ('08E) and Nicole ('09E) Schmidt Ruth Ann ('73F) and Brock ('73S) Seney Eugene Severson ('49A) Evonne ('68F) and Thomas ('68S) Smith Charles Swanson ('67A) Cynthia Thorland ('84S) and Frederick Weitz Todd Tierney ('90C) Elizabeth ('87M) and John ('86A) Van Diest Stephen ('67E) and Beverly Watson Roger and Anna ('62F) Winans Carrie ('02F) and Michael ('02E) Zorich

6-YEAR DONORS

Steven ('77E) and Jolee ('78E) Belzung Charles Bonney ('69V) Michael Bowman ('65E) Mike Budworth ('94E) Doris Chandler Robert Dighton ('56E) Christy ('00S) and Justin ('01E) Doornink Pattie Erps ('84M) Jennifer Garrels ('84M) Kathleen Geoffroy ('13N) Risdon Hankinson ('67E) Johnie Hanson ('73E) Jan ('65S) and Sharon ('65S) Haugen Elizabeth Horne ('51F) Karen Hunck ('84E) Theodore Hutchcroft ('53A) Kimberley Jacobson ('81F) Steven Jargo ('70E) Patty ('87M) and Mike ('84S) King Ruth Larson ('52S) Lea Lautenschlager ('74S) Barbara Lyall ('57F) Dennis ('73S) and Susan Martin Richard Milder ('65S) Jayden Montgomery ('97A)

Patricia ('72S) and John ('69A) Moore David Munson ('64A) John O'Byrne ('64A) Diane ('68F) and James ('66A) Patton Dale ('77A) and Rita ('77A) Peters Eric ('07A) and Michaela ('07M) Peterson Charles Ritts ('70S) and Kathleen Epstein-Ritts ('80S) Doug ('86E) and Valerie ('86M) Saltsgaver Miriam Satern ('73S) Curtis Stamp ('89S) Deborah ('81S) and William ('81S) Stearns Judith Timan ('62F) Kristyn ('85S) and Kurt ('85M) Tjaden Peri Van Tassel ('84S) Ronald Voss ('69A) Terry ('69S) and Sherry Voy Mark White ('92E) Dana Wilson ('81B) Debra Yankey ('79F)

5-YEAR DONORS

Sally ('69D) and Mark ('69E) Adrian Martha Anderson ('48F) and George Burnet ('48E) Robert Arnold ('53E) Roger Bagbey ('81E) Curtis Bakker ('89A) Marvin Bigbee ('58E) Donald Brandt ('49E) Regina Brown Fineran ('57F) Joel ('70D) and Rebecca ('77S) Coats Thomas ('76S) and Lisa Connop Meg ('84M) and Jeffrey ('84S) Courter Pamela Crawford ('82S) Jean ('63S) and Frederick Dyer Ron Eastman ('86E) Darrell Flannery ('76E) Mark ('70S) and Laurel Fleming Peg Armstrong-Gustafson ('81A) and Gregory Gustafson ('80A) Robert ('88E) and Becci ('89C) Hamilton Kerrianne Hanlin ('88V) Kim ('85F) and James ('86E) Heise Alberta ('68F) and Dennis ('67A) Helmke Sara ('00S) and Matthew ('00E) Hillis Myron Hinrichs ('66V) Mary ('64F) and Donald ('63A) Hoy Lynne Johnson ('75F) Carol ('71D) and Richard ('71S) Jurgens Bryan ('69E) and Susan Kinnamon Cynthia Leigh ('76S) Gene Leonhart ('71E) Joseph ('83A) and Michele ('87M) Lucas Sydney ('75S) and Gary ('73B) McConeghey Rodney McElvain ('71S) Marlene ('73S) and Lonnie ('73A) Miller Shelli ('84M) and Erik ('81S) Munn Jeffrey ('75E) and M. ('76F) Myhre Amy ('93E) and Jon ('94C) Nolting Cuong Pham ('77E) Steven Phillips ('72E) Pete and Joan ('98M) Piscitello Jan Powell ('80A) Gary ('70E) and Shirley ('72S) Pullen Timothy Quick ('01M) Tracey ('86S) and Jerome Rayhons Julie ('78F) and Scott ('79D) Rosin Mark Settle ('75A) Joan Simpson 27

Maury Smith ('84S) Sandra ('69S) and Robert ('69S) Stedman David Trauger ('64A) Janet Tryon Aaron Vansteenburg ('95E) Keith Vollstedt Marc ('74F) and Beth Weinbrenner Billie ('75S) and Norbert ('76A) Wilson Arnulfo Ybarra Joseph Yedlik ('70A)

4-YEAR DONORS

Shelley ('85S) and Mark ('86V) Ackermann Lynda Adams ('64F) Renee ('87M) and Jerry ('87M) Arndt Roderick Benjamin ('69E) Kelley ('65S) and Joan Bergstrom David Bippus ('71S) Susan Braden ('65S) Bradd ('86C) and Janan ('86M) Brown Daleen Brown ('95M) Joel Clark ('83E) Harold ('49E) and Susan ('53F) Cowles Duane Fisher ('73A) Joe Ford ('66A) Jan Gravenkamp ('58E) David ('70V) and Suzanne Hahn Eugene ('52E) and Ruth Harris Peter ('58A) and Janet Hermanson Robert Homolka ('86S) Susan Hornung ('79D) Donald Johnson ('57E) Kenneth Klindt ('59A) Gary Laabs ('74A) Joseph ('56A) and Barbara Leonard Darwin Luedtke ('71A) Ann Madden Rice ('79S) Margaret Main ('67F) Larry Meyer ('82A) Mark Milliman ('86E) Franklin Mitchell ('56A) Diane ('86F) and Kevin ('83E) Mueller Michael Muhm ('81S) Dea ('69A) and Ronald ('68E) Oleson Lloyd Prince ('67A) David ('80S) and Anne Radke Marilyn ('51F) and Jim Rock Dennis ('59E) and Sally ('59F) Rust Grant Sawyer ('60A) Ronald Scharnweber ('68S) Troy Senter ('84M) Margaret Sohm ('72S) Mary ('67F) and Wallace ('66S) Souder Wilma Struss ('93S)

Stephen ('68S) and Mary Wessman Jeffrey White ('92S) Gilbert Withers ('57A) Jill Witowski ('92M) Craig Woods ('71E) Mark Zumbach ('74A)

3-YEAR DONORS

Marylou ('70F) and Donald ('64A) Ahrens

“A sea of cardinal and gold was absent this Homecoming. We missed the hugs and high fives from longtime friends and sharing food in the Iowa State Center parking lots. This loss makes all of us cherish even more how special this family is.

While not taken for granted, we are reminded every day that we depend on and need each other. Iowa State holds a special place in our hearts.”

- Jeff Johnson (PhD ’14) Lora and Russ Talbot ISUAA Endowed President and CEO

Judith Apple ('74S) Melvin Bancroft ('77A) Brian Banker ('08E) Michael ('88D) and Rene ('88E) Beck William Beckman ('72E) and Connie Matsui Gary Belzer ('67A) Randy Borg ('81S) Jerry ('68S) and Judy ('68F) Clements Wayne Craney ('62E) and Carmen Cordes Craney Lawrence ('02S) and Brandy ('04D) Cunningham Heather ('06A) and Jason ('08E) Duncan Theodore Feick ('59S) Michael Feldhacker ('95S) Jean ('81F) and Albert ('80A) Fichter

Beginning in 2020 and because of the pandemic, sustaining donor gifts were used to help underwrite the cost of complimentary ISUAA digital memberships for new graduates.

Richard Tait ('99A) and Amanda Ramer-Tait ('06U) Cory Tallman ('85E) Gregory Thiel ('70E) Janice Twinam Floyd ('68S) and Roberta ('68S) Waddle Philip Wargo ('64A) Allyn Weber ('70E) 28

Susan Jacobi ('82S) Roger Krogstad ('80V) Keith Leitich ('90S) Brian ('85A) and Kathy Meyer Nancy Moultrie ('68F) Teresa Nece ('74F) Carl Neifert ('70A) Donna Nelson ('70S) Gerald ('58E) and Audrey Olson Marilyn Overmyer ('53F)

Janet Finer-Moore ('78S) Colin Finn ('06M) Sheri Floyd ('86S) Bonita Fong ('61F) Leah ('88D) and Bret ('84S) Gilliland David ('93M) and Amy ('94S) Hansen Gregory Hansen ('85E) Wade ('92S) and Lauri ('93F) Hinners Bryon ('76F) and Laura Hotzler

Joyce Potts ('67S) Sally Pritchard ('55S) William Quinn ('64V) Jon Radabaugh ('61S) Catherine ('83C) and Terry ('83S) Rickers Carolyn Rosberg ('61F) Patricia ('74S) and Thomas ('74S) Sack Robin Shepard ('85S) I. Sue Shepard-Simmons ('61F) Jeanene ('83A) and David ('84S) Skarshaug William Sloan ('55A) Kimberly ('91S) and Gregory ('91D) Smith Richard Snyder ('72S) Shirley ('65F) and Dennis Tice John Walker ('67A) Cynthia Welter ('76F) Dean Wenthe ('80S) Lois Wergeland ('71S) Chuck White ('79A) Brent ('86S) and Kristin Wogahn

2-YEAR DONORS

William ('92E) and Connie Baldwin Amy ('96S) and Robert ('96E) Bannister Ruth Barber ('85F) Keith Bauer ('60S) Jeffrey ('84A) and Karen ('85C) Bump Grant Burger ('85S) Nate ('85A) and Donna Cottington Mary DeVore ('70F) Thomas Dow ('73S) Michael ('66S) and Glenda Dubes Scott ('86A) and Kelly ('86D) Ebel Kent Ekstrom ('67A) Sally ('68F) and Paul ('68S) Erdmann Evan Evans ('72S) Pamela Ferris ('71S)

Clinton Foss ('04M) Mary ('73S) and Timothy ('71S) Frank Janet Goss ('86E) John Graham ('71E) Walter Grant ('72S) Jill ('78F) and Brian Graves David Harrington ('00E) Lynn Henderson ('74A) J. Elaine Hieber ('15N) and Shirley Wood Linda Hiniker ('76F) Hillary ('05A) and John ('05A) Hughes Lee Jackson ('59S) Donald Jacobi ('66V) Douglas Judge ('94E) Linda ('70F) and Richard ('70E) Klabunde R. Todd Lincoln Jean Loup ('63S) Georgia Mauk ('60A) Marva ('73S) and Vincent ('74S) McCarty Sean ('89M) and Julie ('90M) McMurray Amy Miller ('90M) Betty Miller ('64F) Carl ('72E) and Margaret ('72F) Moon Shirley ('71F) and Marvin Morrison Ryan Myers ('07M) Kevin Neeson ('85E) Cindy ('80D) and Jon ('77S) Olson Helen ('72D) and John ('68A) Olson William Patton ('53A) Leslie Pensack ('66S) Coey ('79S) and Thomas Podraza Pam Rennie Curtis ('91D) Nyle Robinson ('79S) Jeffrey Rodman ('77S) Morris Rosen ('74E) Brian Schaeffer ('82M) Michelle Schneider ('83S) Steve ('83A) and Rhonda Schram Greg ('80E) and Patricia ('78F) Sindt Martha Smith ('04A) Ann Taylor ('83F) Anne Templeman ('80A) James Twedt ('73S) Ellen Twinam ('88U) Kathleen Vires ('74A) Kim ('90E) and Dan ('90E) Wagner Jeremy Wingerter ('96C) Deaven Yuska ('88A)

FIRST-YEAR DONORS

Henry Allen ('72E) Jean Baack ('59F) Reginald Baxter ('49E) Patricia Beardsley ('56F) Sally ('71D) and Kim Beisser William Bennett ('81E) Warren Benson ('60S) Roberta Bishop ('74F) Molly ('01C) and Joshua ('03M) Boyer Mary ('62F) and John Bradley Terry Cline ('69E) Ellen Coughenour ('77S) George Custodi ('64E) Robert ('83S) and Sheri Davis Gaylen Drape ('76S) Stephen ('86V) and Debra ('83D) Dullard E. John ('62E) and Roberta Felderman Timothy Foley ('02C) Shannon ('90C) and Alan Foote Ronald Fransen ('56A) Vernon Garman ('61E) Caroline Gill ('59F) Don Glasell ('50S) and Marjorie Derrah Richard Gowen ('61E) David ('69A) and Lorrie Graaf

James Gregory ('98E) Dennis Grether ('68S) John ('71E) and Jean Hartwell Michael Herlihy ('82E) Michael ('85V) and Mary Herrick Darryl Hill ('85D) John Hlubek ('60A) Ronald Hodoval ('56V) David ('76A) and Gail Huser Lynn Jenison ('71S) Roxanne Johnson ('78F) John ('72S) and Sherri Josephson Charles Kennedy ('49E) David ('83V) and Julia Kinker Todd Knutson ('87E) Thomas Koch ('62S) Alvis Koedam ('77S) Thomas Larsen ('88V) Charles Larson ('80V) Bruno Larue ('88A) and Gale West ('81S) Leon Mager ('65E) Larry Mahr ('66V) Brenda Marlow ('88F) Connie Maxson ('73D) Emily McDowell ('11V) William McElrath ('74E) John McMillin ('81E) Larry Meacham ('72A) Anthony Mescher ('83S) Rebecca Minnick ('74F) John ('88A) and Lori ('86D) Mittman Stephen Moore ('79E) Helen Morrow ('75D) Polly Murphy ('89V) Scott ('81E) and Cynthia ('82M) Neal Heidi Peglow ('76F) Joel ('79E) and Cindy ('79S) Peterson Kathy ('95S) and Timothy ('95A) Peterson Kenneth ('61E) and Helen Peterson John Peterson ('74E) Lawrence ('76V) and Judith Poduska

Thank you to our 115 first-time donors making Sustaining contributions in 2020!

Richard Presto ('71E) M. Elaine Prom ('64F) Peter Prunkl ('68S) Steven Punke ('93S) Norma Ricketts ('80S) Kevin Rogers ('77E) Clarence Sakamoto ('65A) Michael ('83S) and Traci ('83F) Schaefer Allen ('65S) and Judith Soltow Christopher Stephen ('93S) Ronald ('61A) and Florine ('64F) Swanson Leigh ('93E) and Robert ('99E) Thompson Steven ('84M) and Christine ('84S) Tjossem Janis Van Buren ('62F) Patrick Van Wert ('90M) John Vanden Brink ('55E) Craig ('93E) and Sara ('91F) Vander Leest Janet von Sternberg ('74U) Scott Wolterman ('80E) Brian Wood ('80E) Bret Wortman ('90S) Anthony Wredt ('81S)

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A journey designed for social change

H

elen Nabuduwa Barton has big plans, one of which is guided by her identity.

Her father, Tom Barton, grew up in Ames and moved to Uganda 30 years ago, where he met his wife, Barton’s mother, Gimono Wamai-Barton, who’s Ugandan. Helen Barton was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, and her parents still live there.

Growing up in Uganda, she continues to treasure all her experiences and heritage and is deeply committed to her home.

As a biracial woman, Barton says that while she has privilege in Uganda, in the United States she lives without it as a person of color.

Navigating between those two spaces put into perspective for Barton the responsibility she has to affect change, which is what guides her journey.

Her current stop is at Iowa State, where she’s a senior in graphic design. She said the university has always been on her path because her father

As a biracial woman, Barton has privilege in Uganda, but in the United States she lives without it as a person of color. Navigating between those two spaces is what guides her journey. talked about it often, and her grandfather, Thomas Barton, was a former chair of and professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture.

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BY LINDSEY GIARDINO Barton, who’s received such scholarships as the Elizabeth Kirke Memorial Award in Graphic Design, sees graphic design as her “megaphone” – a medium through which she can uplift communities, and motivate action and change.

She’s especially interested in user experience design – a process for creating products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users – and how it can be used as a tool to empower communities. Barton plans to use her skills to make an impact on areas she’s deeply passionate about, including social justice efforts.

In January 2020, Barton established her own graphic design business, WaMo Studio, to empower minority-owned businesses with thoughtful graphic design solutions. The name of her company comes from the phrase “washa moto,” meaning “to light a fire” in Swahili.

WaMo Studio grew from Barton’s desire to serve multicultural business owners and allies, recognizing that graphic design doesn’t always consider their experiences and multi-faceted identities fully.

“When working with clients, it’s most important to meet them where they are and share how graphic design/user experience design can help tell their stories,” she said.

So far, Barton has mostly worked with people she knows from campus, and as someone who’s heavily involved – including as former president of the Womxn of Colour Network and a member of the Senior Vice President Advisory Board – she’s made a lot of connections at Iowa State. Barton also previously served as a

communications intern at the Margaret Sloss Women and Gender Equity Center and now partners with them through WaMo Studio.

Additionally, she works with the Ames Antiracist Collective, which is a group of teachers fighting for equity within the Ames Community School District.

Barton said that while it’s a challenge to juggle her roles as a student, business owner and social justice advocate, she’s committed to bringing her whole self to each role. And in every part of her life, she acknowledges that there have been influential people who’ve inspired her: her parents, her partner, her sister (who’s also a student at Iowa State), and many friends along the way.

For the future, Barton has goals grounded in harnessing her passions.

“I hope to empower low-income communities by applying ethnographic research methods to understand what the people need and collaborating with local grassroots organizations, using my background in user experience design to implement solutions that truly work for the community.”

And with her zest for making a change, there’s no doubt Barton’s journey will enable her to do just that.

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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Be a part of history.

Invest in the future.

Make history by joining thousands of alumni and friends who have contributed to the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign. Together, we can achieve a historic goal to raise $1.5 billion – ensuring a bright future for Iowa State.

Be forever true to Iowa State, visit ForeverTrueISU.com.

 FROM THE PRESIDENT

It’s still an adventure Dear Members: I shared with you in the last issue of VISIONS that the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors adopted a new vision for the organization: To be the best alumni association in the U.S. at engaging diverse partners to help showcase how Iowa State University and Cyclones everywhere are making communities, Iowa, and the world a better place. And as the new vision continues to take shape, especially considering COVID’s impact on all our lives and operations, I’m pausing to publicly share some perspectives regarding the journey we’ve been on since March 2020.

COVID has changed our 143-year old organization. This operation has clearly been a business built squarely around face-to-face interactions, handshakes, hugs, food, public gatherings, and throngs of Cyclone loyalists coming together to

celebrate, communicate, and connect with each other and the university they love so dearly.

We saw our travel program come to a screeching halt. A moratorium was placed on club activities. The Alumni Center completely shut down, and then partially re-opened to offer space for limited gatherings with physical distancing. The OLLI program, which serves constituents 50 years of age and older, pivoted quickly to online options.

(We were blessed that we’d been offering online programming to this demographic already. They lost the ability to socialize around in-person coffees and conversations but expanded their base to more than 10 states.) Awards programs, the Cardinal and Gold Gala, Cyclone Central tailgates, Homecoming, and young alumni events were all canceled or moved online. And revenue generation and staffing had to be managed differently.

But not all change has been unwelcomed.

Probably like many of you, COVID has allowed us to take unbridled risks. Much of this has been possible because financial expenditures no longer involved staff travel, overnight stays, conference

ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

GOAL RAISED** Talbot ISUAA President and CEO Endowment $2.5 million $2.5 million Alumni Association Programs Endowment VISIONS Magazine Endowment Student Leadership Program Endowment Alumni Clubs Endowment LegaCy Program Endowment Awards Program Endowment Young Alumni Programs Endowment Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives Endowment Madden Technology Endowment Eggerling Staff Development Endowment General Program Endowment

$2 million $1 million $2 million $1.5 million $1 million $1 million $1 million $250,000 $250,000

$150,987 $733,637 $128,440 $261,035 $65,818 $72,084 $179,562 $256,530 $263,287 $1.1 million

Total ISU Alumni Association Campaign Goal $12.5 million $5.7 million

As of 1/29/21 **

fees, per diems, or other miscellaneous costs.

Energy cost to operate the Alumni Center has been lowered, and budgets, overall, had to be adjusted.

I saw YOUR Alumni Association staff and volunteers show resolve, resiliency, and recommitment. This team wasted no time creating, listening, challenging, and innovating. They did everything within their power to respect this new, unplanned for, never experienced phenomena.

I saw them stand up to this unknown, scary, and anxious reality. They helped me learn to lead better as I grappled with not always knowing what to say, what to do, and, at times, when to do it.

Grace for and toward each other became the wells we drew from. When we weren’t happy with each other or our situations, we made space for expression, dialogue, and truth-telling. Yes, we became more human and vulnerable.

COVID has taught us who we really are, who we can become, and how much we care for each other, our constituents and this institution.

It’s reminded us of our commitment to human connection, kindness, and joy. More than anything, it’s made Forever True and Cyclones Everywhere become more alive.

I hope this letter finds you and your family, co-workers, and community doing well, considering this shared journey we’ve been on and are still on…for the time being. Please know we are here for you…always and forever.

Stay engaged and provide support to the Association, Athletics, your colleges, our students, and university when and however you can. Let’s come out of this stronger, closer, and kinder.

Because if I know anything, it’s that Cyclones are resilient!

Yours for Iowa State,

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

TO MAKE A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF THE ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, contact Jamie Stowe, Director of Development for the ISU Alumni Association, 877-ISU-ALUM, (locally) 515-294-7441 or jstowe@foundation.iastate.edu, or online at www.isualum.org/giving 32

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Alumni Clubs Endowment

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

Goal: $2 million

ISU launched its $1.1 billion campaign, Forever True, For Iowa State, in fall 2016. For the ISU Alumni Association, the campaign will help position the Association to better serve and showcase Iowa State and Cyclones Everywhere.

The Association has identified 10 campaign priorities: student leadership, VISIONS magazine, awards, staff development, LegaCY programs, young alumni, clubs, technology, diversity and inclusion, and a CEO endowment.

Priority focus: Alumni Clubs Endowment The early work of the Alumni Association was heavily focused on building alumni connections. The first regional alumni club was organized in Chicago in 1893, and the first international alumni club was formed in the Philippines in 1905. In a “normal” (non-pandemic) year, the Association’s nearly 50 alumni clubs organize approximately 400 events across the country and the world through the collaboration of alumni volunteers and assistance of ISU Alumni Association staff.

Events include networking, young alumni engagement, game-watch “cytes” and other athletics-related events, service projects, civic and cultural events, family-focused events, new-student sendoffs, welcome functions for new residents

– especially new grads – and more.

The Alumni Association’s clubs program extends the reach of Iowa State across the country – and globally. In an effort to support Iowa State’s strategic plan objective to further extend Iowa State’s expertise, knowledge and values within the state and throughout the nation and world, the association’s staff seeks to upgrade its support of volunteer club leaders.

TO MAKE A GIFT:

“With additional support, the Alumni Association can more effectively engage alumni and continue to increase the number of alumni groups. An expanded network of ISUAA groups will require hiring additional staff, including a fulltime representative in the Des Moines area to support outreach and engagement initiatives for Iowa State’s largest body of alumni and friends.”

– Jeff Johnson, Lora and Russ Talbot ISU Alumni Association Endowed President and CEO

To learn how you can support the Alumni Clubs Endowment, contact Jamie Stowe, director of development for the ISU Alumni Association, 877-ISU-ALUM (toll-free), 294-7441 (locally), or jstowe@foundation. iastate.edu Learn more about the ISUAA’s Forever True, For Iowa State campaign priorities at isualum.org/giving

IMPACT OF PRIVATE GIFTS ON ISU ALUMNI CLUBS • Fund club leader training events in Ames and in regional hubs • Allow staff to travel to club areas to engage in face-to-face meetings with club volunteers and to participate in club activities throughout the U.S. • Provide new-to-the-area alumni with engagement support and services • Encourage diverse, inclusive alumni activities in club areas • Increase specialized activities in larger U.S. cities • Plan high school senior send-offs to connect alumni with incoming ISU students and their families • Help keep event costs affordable, especially for young alumni

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 NEWSMAKERS & CY STORIES

TOP JOBS Shane Jacobson (L)(’03 communication studies, MEd ’08) has accepted the position of chief executive officer for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer-research charity in Cary, N.C. Jacobson is the former president and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation.

Jacobson held roles at Iowa State with the Office of Admissions, the Alumni Association, and the ISU Foundation Marvin DeJear (L)(’00 management, MBA ’03, PhD ’16 ed) is the new senior vice president of talent development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. DeJear serves the ISU Alumni Association on its Board of Directors.

ALUMNI HONORS Robert Bullard (A)(PhD ’76 sociology) has been recognized by the United Nations with the Champions of Earth Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the highest environmental honor from the UN.

Dan Gable (L)(’71 phys ed) has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Gable has numerous wins under his belt as both an Iowa State wrestler and a coach at the University of Iowa, as well as a gold medal from the 1972 Summer Olympics. Gable is the first wrestler to receive this award.

High Performance Workplace. The book explains how companies can overcome barriers to their success and unlock potential in today’s new workplace.

Aldrich is the recipient of the ISU Ivy College of Business’ 2020 Women in Business Inspiration Award.

Olivia Madison (L)(’72 history), professor emerita and dean emerita of library services, was honored this month for her service to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, one of four regional compacts in the country to help ensure strong, equitable education opportunities and outcomes. Madison has served the MHEC since 2011, including committee membership and as treasurer, vice chair, and 2019-20 chair.

Action speaker Joyce Rice (’63 home ec ed) has written a new book, Think it! Work it! DO IT! The book shows how anyone can reach and exceed their desires, goals, and dreams, winning in both life and business.

ALUMNI BOOKSHELF Berta Aldrich (A)(’90 finance), managing director and chief marketing and human resources officer for Private Advisor Group, has published a book, Winning the Talent Shift: Three Steps to Unleashing the New

Brian Phillip Whalen (MFA ’09 creative writing) has published his debut collection of fiction, Semiotic Love [Stories]. The book explores the loss of relationships, and Whalen “reaches deep into the throat of anxiety with a graceful hand and understated humor.”

MARKUS FLYNN MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

A+ FOR INCLUSION The new executive director of Black Men Teach, Markus Flynn (’16 kinesiology & health, MS ’19), is changing classrooms one teacher at a time.

“When Black students have Black teachers, they have an opportunity to interact with someone who has a similar background as them and understands who they are,” Flynn says. “The teacher is someone who can relate to them on a deeper level.”

The goal of Black Men Teach is two-fold: increase the number of new Black male teacher candidates and support an infrastructure within partner schools that retains these teachers. This includes providing training to new teachers, helping with elementary school placement, and assisting with student loan repayments.

Flynn struggled with his own decision to change career paths and begin teaching. He had just completed his master’s degree in kinesiology at Iowa State when he began to question his current course. Flynn knew that in order to choose a career that was right, he needed to do some additional reflection. After analyzing his values and gifts, he turned toward elementary science education.

“I wouldn’t be an executive director right now – I wouldn’t be a teacher – if it weren’t for the experiences I had at Iowa State in the

Black Student Alliance and the Black Graduate Student Association,” Flynn says. “Iowa State allowed me to discover who I am and what I am interested in. It gave me access to opportunities to develop my passion and skill set.”

According to studies gathered by Black Men Teach, Black students are up to 40% less likely to drop out of school when they have at least one Black teacher in elementary school.

“Teaching is a racialized and gendered profession,” Flynn says. “The archetype for an elementary teacher is a middle-aged white woman. If you are a young Black child going through elementary school and that is all you experience, as much as you enjoy and learn from that teacher, you never see yourself as that person.”

– Lydia Wede, Lora and Russ Talbot ISUAA Communications and Public Relations Intern, is a junior majoring in public relations and international studies

READ MORE CYCLONE STORIES AT ISUALUM.ORG/CYCLONESEVERYWHERE

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Your pets count on our vets.

May we count on you?

For generations, the Gentle Doctors of Iowa State’s renowned College of Veterinary Medicine have cared for beloved companions while helping foster and protect animal agriculture so vital to our economy and the world.

It’s a calling, and you can help.

Today’s veterinary medicine students endure an intensive four-year program culminating in concentrated research, application and caregiving in ISU’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center and clinics throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Over that time, they also accumulate well over $100,000 in student debt on average—more than in any other degree program at our university.

Our Gentle Doctors need a compassionate community more than ever.

Whether it’s an investment in scholarships, teaching and research, or experiential education through direct support of animal care, you can create a legacy that touches (and even saves) lives.

College of Veterinary Medicine

vetmed.iastate.edu

Please contact our Vet Med Development team about how you can make a lasting difference today.

Deb Collum-Calderwood

515-294-1593 dcalderwood@foundation.iastate.edu

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Steven Hatting

515-294-8562 hatting@foundation.iastate.edu

Trent Wellman

515-294-4675 twellman@foundation.iastate.edu

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 CARDINAL & GOLD GALA

A GALA LIKE NO OTHER

Cardinal & BOLD Gala Mask-erade

Below, Matt Van Winkle, ISUAA visual content specialist, served as the host for both Class for a Cause and the Cardinal & Bold Gala from his makeshift studio in the ISU Alumni Center.

When Chelsea Trowbridge (A)(’09 apparel merch), ISU Alumni Association manager of special events, envisioned the 10th anniversary of the popular Cardinal & Gold Gala fundraiser, she would never have predicted how unusual it would be.

“When we realized that we would have to hold this gala virtually because of the pandemic, I didn’t think we’d be able to include some of the really popular aspects of the in-person gala,” Trowbridge said.

“But in a lot of ways, it was even better.”

Instead of focusing exclusively on a Central Iowa audience, alumni and friends from 35 states tuned in to two “live” online events during Gala Week (Feb. 8-16).

• A brand new young-alumni-focused event, Class for a Cause, connected alumni mid-week with giveaways, an interview with Cyclone football Coach Matt Campbell, interviews with young alumni, and a lesson by Lauren Grant-Vose (’15 culinary science) of Zestful Kitchen on how to put together a brunch board, complete with signature cocktails. Class for a Cause received more than 430 unique views.

•

The popular Cardinal & Gold Gala auction went on as usual, bringing in $19,492 from Cyclones who bid on everything from art to sports memorabilia to vacation packages.

•

The big event, held virtually on Friday night, included longtime master of ceremonies Dan Winters (L)(’03 journalism) along with Jeff Johnson (L)(PhD ’14), the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed ISUAA president and CEO, and Matt Van Winkle (A)(’13 journalism). The trio was joined by special guests streaming live and hundreds of others connecting in the chat feed. ISU President Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD ’88 entomology) greeted the audience from the new Student Innovation Center. First-generation student scholarship recipients were announced, and two made presentations. Raffle winners were announced throughout the evening, and Coach Campbell made another appearance. The Friday night event received more than 2,100 views.

All told, the virtual Cardinal & BOLD Gala raised more than $80,000 for student and alumni engagement and first-generation scholarships, and it connected Cyclones everywhere in new and innovative ways.

Above: Lauren Grant-Vose gave a lesson on building a brunch board during Class for a Cause.

Right: Gary Wynne ('19 ag bus/intl ag), 2018 Senior Class Council VP, was one of the three young alumni who spoke at the Gala about how being a student leader has impacted their lives.

2020-2021 CARDINAL & GOLD GALA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Cardinal & Gold Gala First-Generation Scholarships • Garron Barber, Cascade, Iowa College of Design • Adam Konfrst, Glenwood, Iowa Ivy College of Business • Sophia Anderson, Des Moines, Iowa College of Agriculture and Life Sciences • Bailey Dutcher, Waterloo, Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences • Hazel Ambort, Davenport, Iowa College of Engineering • Paige Gaskill, Manilla, Iowa College of Human Sciences

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Daniela Zeledon, Ottumwa, Iowa Terry Marie Denny ISUAA Cardinal & Gold College of Engineering

Leah Hageman, Calmar, Iowa Lora & Russ Talbot ISUAA Cardinal & Gold College of Veterinary Medicine, 4th Year

Colton Wells, Lake View, Iowa ISU Stadlman Family Cardinal & Gold Scholarship, College of Business

Lacey Westberg, Webster City, Iowa Taylor Rouse, Dickens, Iowa ISUAA Board of Directors Cardinal & Gold Leadership/Terry Denny Memorial Scholarships

Kelsey Meyer, Rock Valley, Iowa Lora & Russ Talbot ISUAA Cardinal & Gold College of Veterinary Medicine, 3rd Year

Courtney Main, Independence, Iowa Craig & Terry Denny ISUAA Cardinal & Gold College of Human Sciences

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Far left: Matt Van Winkle, Jeff Johnson, and Dan Winters welcomed Jay and Julie Jacobi and their friends during the virtual Cardinal & Bold Gala. Above: Young alumna Vanessa McNeal ('15 adult, child and fam svcs) spoke with Matt Van Winkle during the Class for a Cause event.

2021 CARDINAL & BOLD GALA SPONSORS

2021 GALA SUPPORTERS

$5,000 sponsors Sigler Nyemaster, Goode PC with the following couples: • Todd (’94) & Kari Van Thomme • Michael (’77) & Carrie (’77) Thrall • David Caris (’83) & Hallie Still-Caris (’83) • Kathy & Dave Law • Dwayne (’93) & Lori (’93) Vande Krol • Sue (’74) & David (’74) Benson • Mark (’79) & Ann (’78) Aljets • Eric (’85) & Carol (’86) Eide • Anthony (’78) & Laurie Longnecker • Rebecca Miller (’06) & Timothy Beauchamp (’99)

“Forever True” giving level ($5,000) Craig Denny (’71) Shannon Harris (’95) Julie (’88) & Jay (’89) Jacobi Brad & Lesa Lewis

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$2,500 sponsors McFarland Clinic Jon Fleming (’75) Lora & Russ Talbot (’17 Honorary) Jeff (PhD ’14) & Peggy Johnson Mittera, Iowa Cynthia Thorland (’84) & Fritz Weitz Cocktail Sponsor Hy-Vee (for Cardinal & BOLD Gala) Prize Sponsor Insomnia Cookies (for young alumni “Class for a Cause” event)

“Bells of Iowa State” giving level ($2,500) Kent (’78) & Sara Johnson Chuck (’81) & Heidi (’81) Howlett Gary (’57) & Jan Thompson Rebecca Stadlman (’74) Karen Heldt-Chapman (’92) & Jay Chapman (’90)

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 A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

Farewell to Don Behning After 13 years of service, Don Behning (L) (’79 ag business), the ISU Alumni Association’s vice president for finance and Alumni Center operations, retired in December. Behning joined the Alumni Association staff in December 2007. In his position, he was responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, and budget management for the Alumni Association. In addition, he served as facilities and events supervisor for the ISU Alumni Center. Behning was on the Association’s leadership team and facilitated the work of the ISUAA Board’s finance and audit committees. Don also served as treasurer to the Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation. His clear-headed analysis, book-keeping skills, and detailed reporting have been the backbone of the Alumni Association.

THE WORLD IS WAITING

Welcome, Jaclyn!

Jaclyn Anderzhon (A)(’01 liberal studies, MBA ’09) will replace Don Behning as the ISUAA’s new director of finance and Alumni Center operations.

Anderzhon comes to the Alumni Association from the United Way of Story County (UWSC), serving as the director of finance for the past six years. Throughout her time with the UWSC, Anderzhon oversaw all financial records, endowments, and building operations.

www.isualum.org/travel

Want the calendar?

Like many families and businesses, the Alumni Association continues to restructure its budget in the wake of the pandemic. To assist the Association, we are asking members who don’t want to receive the printed 2021-22 calendar to let us know in advance. Your decision will help us save on printing and mailing costs.

Opt-out of receiving your calendar by filling out a form at www.isualum.org/nocalendar.

The deadline to opt-out is May 10, 2021.

If you wish to continue receiving the wall calendar, do nothing – the 2021-22 edition will be sent to you in early July.

Also, did you know you can receive VISIONS magazine digitally?

All ISUAA members have access to read VISIONS online, but if you wish to view the magazine online ONLY, fill out the form at www.isualum.org/visionsonline. We’ll send you an email letting you know when the magazine is ready to view.

SAY “I DO” AT THE

ALUMNI CENTER

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Careers on track Alumni are giving A+ reviews to the ISU Alumni Association’s career coaching service.

Designed to provide alumni and friends at all career stages with the skills and resources necessary to continue growing their own careers, the program is an affordable coaching option, with ISUAA member and non-member rates.

Amanda DeMaris (L)(’11 sociology, ’12 criminology), director of community outreach, is the Association’s certified career services provider.

“Amanda was amazing to work with,” one coaching client said. “She was always on time to the meetings, kept to schedule, and was very easy to work with. She was easy to talk to and open up to because she is a good listener. It was almost like therapy!”

Another client had this feedback: “I am so glad I came across the ISUAA Career Coaching program! It enabled me to dig deep to get clarity about my career path. This has had tremendous impact on how I see the future of my career.”

If you’re interested in moving your career to a higher level, contact DeMaris at ademaris@iastate.edu or by calling (515) 294-3977.

CASE awards Jenny Witte (A)(’02 management), ISUAA graphic designer, received two design awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI Institutional Awards. She received a gold for the summer 2020 VISIONS magazine cover illustration and a silver for the Association’s 2020 Cardinal & Gold Gala Invitation.

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Save the date for Homecoming ’21

Homecoming weekend will be Oct. 23, 2021. The Cyclones will take on Oklahoma State in the Homecoming football game.

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 FACULTY & STUDENT AWARDS

Wallace E. Barron Award

Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award

The ISU Alumni Association established the Wallace E. Barron AllUniversity Senior Award in 1968 to recognize outstanding seniors who display high character, outstanding achievement in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. The award is named for Wallace E. “Red” Barron (class of 1928), who served as director of alumni affairs at Iowa State from 1937 to 1968. The 2021 recipients are:

The ISU Alumni Association established the Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award in 2011 as a way for former ISU students to recognize current or former ISU faculty and staff members who had a significant influence in their lives as students at ISU. The award is funded by earnings from the Nancy (’72 food science) and Richard (’72 agriculture, MS ’77) Degner (L) Alumni Association Endowment.

Recipient will be recognized in a virtual ceremony in May. Here are the 2021 recipients:

Ritika Agrawal Advertising Pune, India

Behnia Rezazadeh Shirazi Biology, biophysics, and biochemistry Shiraz, Iran

Jordan Girolamo

Cameron Vannoy

Construction engineering Cresco, Iowa

Chemistry and genetics Urbandale, Iowa

Brianna Burke Associate professor, Department of English Ames, Iowa

Giles Fowler Associate professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication Awarded posthumously

Charles Kolar

Riley Wilgenbusch**

'20 mechanical engineering Norman, Okla.

’20 agronomy and global resource systems Story City, Iowa

Manju Reddy

Zackery Leist* Agricultural business, economics, and international agriculture Clarion, Iowa 40

Read about these students’ accomplishments or nominate a student for the 2022 award online at www.isualum.org/barron.

The nomination deadline is Dec. 1. *Student annual member of the ISUAA **Student life member

Professor and Doris A. Adams Endowed Chair, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Ames, Iowa

Read more about these inspirational faculty and staff and nominate someone for the 2022 award online at www.isualum.org/inspiration.

The nomination deadline is Dec. 1.

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Voteonline

THE 2021 ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE The ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors recommends the following candidates for membership on the board. Each of these individuals has agreed to serve a four-year term. As a member of the ISU Alumni Association, you are invited to go online (www.isualum.org/boardslate) by April 30 and cast your vote for the slate of new ISUAA board nominees or write in the name(s) of others you would like to see serve on the ISUAA board. To request a printed copy of the ballot, please call (877) ISU-ALUM and request that one be sent to you by mail. Each member may complete only one ballot. Final results will be announced at the Association’s Annual Meeting on May 21. Thanks in advance for your participation.

Dan Bumblauskas** ’03 indust engr / economics, MS ’06 indust engr, PhD ’10 Cedar Falls, Iowa Dan Bumblauskas is an associate professor and Hamilton/ ESP fellow at the University of Northern Iowa, where he conducts research and instructs courses in operations and supply chain management. He holds a 2013 degree in general management from Harvard University. Since graduation from Iowa State, Dan has served as a member of the ISU College of Engineering Advisory Board, was honored as a STATEment Maker, and is an ISUAA Board Associate. His community service involvement includes coaching youth ice hockey, service on the YMCA Childhood Development Center Parent Advisory Council, the Race for the Cure, and various additional philanthropic endeavors. While a student, Dan was the ISU Roller Hockey Club president, a Sports Club Council representative, and an ISU Ice Hockey Club team member. If chosen for the Board, he would bring expertise in fundraising, human resources, marketing, public relations, and strategic planning.

Allison Flinn* ’10 animal science, ’14 veterinary medicine Cheverly, Md. Allison Flinn is the director for public policy and government relations for Merck Animal Health, responsible for advocacy and engagement with the federal government on behalf of the company. Allison assists with the FFA, AFA, her local animal shelter and food banks, and has served as the Animal Health Institute Public Affairs Section chair.

She is a board member for the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance, a Pass USMCA Coalition member, and held other leadership roles. In addition, she leads several international projects for her company with a focus on Brazil. An involved student, Allison was a teaching assistant and tutor, the Iron Dog Fund vice president, a graduate student senator, and an active member of various veterinary medicine clubs on campus. If chosen for the Board, she would bring expertise in administration, corporate planning, strategy, government, and international affairs.

Trey Hemmingsen** ’11 advertising Denver, Colo.

Trey Hemmingsen is a senior training and adoption consultant with ServiceNow, where he consults on companies’ software implementation and change management strategies. Trey currently serves as the president for the Denver Alumni Club and previously founded the Boston Alumni Club. He has spent time on the Young Alumni Council as the engagement and outreach vice president and was awarded the James A. Hopson Alumni Volunteer Award.

Trey has organized and participated in events through Volunteers for Outdoor V I S I O N S W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Food Bank, and Freedom Service Dogs. He previously worked with the Greenlee Alumni and Friends regional network and currently supports the KyMel Foundation. During his college career, Trey participated in the Advertising Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America. He also balanced numerous responsibilities with the Iowa State Daily. If chosen, he would bring expertise in event planning, sales, and marketing to the Board.

Amanda Matchett* ’08 marketing and international business Blaine, Minn.

Amanda Matchett is the associate general counsel for Infor, where she supports the healthcare vertical of the enterprise software company. Amanda is a former vice chair of membership for the Young Alumni Council, National Black Law Students Association secretary, and a North Star pro bono attorney. Amanda currently serves on the board of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce. As a student, she actively participated in the Kappa Delta Sorority and was a George Washington Carver scholar. If chosen for the Board, Amanda would bring her expertise in corporate management, diversity and inclusion, government, human resources, international affairs, and law.

Melissa Schnurr* ’04 psychology, MS ’06 human development and family studies, PhD ’09 Ankeny, Iowa Melissa Schnurr is an early childhood consultant for the Iowa Department of Education, where she works with and conducts research concerning infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. She owns Empowered Pregnancy and Birth, where she is a birth doula and teaches prenatal and postpartum yoga. Melissa serves as an Early Childhood Iowa Professional Development Executive Committee co-chair, co-facilitates a national community of practice for early intervention professionals, and is secretary for the Iowa Chapter of the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. She is a member of the Central Iowa Doula Association and a founding member of the Iowa Birth Organization. Melissa was a Destination Iowa State leader, a research and teaching assistant, a Preparing Future Faculty Fellow, and she won a Graduate Research Excellence Award. If chosen for the Board, she would bring expertise in entrepreneurship, government, event planning, management, and strategic planning. * Annual member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association ** Life member of the ISU Alumni Association Note: Only ISU degrees are listed

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CHARACTER AND COMMITMENT

HOW IOWA STATE’S FOOTBALL TEAM SMASHED RECORDS AND DECLARED VICTORY OVER THE VIRUS

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oments after winning Iowa State’s first New Year’s Six bowl game on a beautiful Arizona afternoon, Iowa State Head Football Coach Matt Campbell took time to show gratitude to his players and their parents.

As a live nationally televised audience tuned in, ESPN’s Quint Kessenich asked Campbell, “In the most challenging year in college football history, you managed to win nine games. Tell us about the character of these young men.”

Campbell (A) didn’t flinch. Very few fully understood the dedication that had been required from this exceptional team.

“I first want to say to the parents, this doesn’t happen without their support and belief in our program.

Thank you,” Campbell said to the jubilant Cyclone fans

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watching. “It was also the commitment and belief of the 17 seniors who stayed the course and allowed us to be here today.”

STUNNING SUCCESS Iowa State rewrote the football record book in 2020: • Finished first in the regular-season conference standings for the first time ever, with a schoolrecord eight conference victories • Tied school mark with nine overall victories • Produced a school-record four All-Americans, including its first-ever unanimous First Team All-American in running back Breece Hall • Made the Big 12 Championship Game for the first time in school history • Participated in a program-first New Year’s Six

bowl game, defeating No. 25 Oregon in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl • Tied school record by defeating three ranked teams (Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon) and achieved its highest ranking in school history in any poll: #6 College Football Playoff (CFP) The list of records and achievements accrued were plentiful, but the unprecedented success of the 2020 Cyclone gridders is perhaps even more amazing considering it was attained during a global pandemic.

For Iowa State to carry out this enormous undertaking, it took an entire team effort. This included an “all-hands-on-deck” initiative from the university, athletics administration, the coaches/staff and, most importantly, the players.

The results were stunning. Not only was Iowa State S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 W W W . I S U A LUM . ORG V I S I O N S

The 2020 Iowa State Cyclone football team won nine games, including the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl – a remarkable feat in any year, but more remarkable during a season of pandemic.

BY MIKE GREEN ISU ATHLETICS

a national success story on the field, it was exemplary behind the scenes in mitigating the threat of the COVID-19 virus while keeping its players safe and competing every Saturday.

How did Iowa State do it?

It started with elite leadership. Coach Campbell had a plan, and with the endorsement from Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard (L), he inspired his staff and players to choose greatness under the most uncertain circumstances.

“From the very beginning, you knew there were great challenges, and those challenges were equal off the field and on the field,” Campbell said. “The constant reminder of what’s giving us a chance to get ourselves better and have the ability to grow day in and day out, is making the best choices we can outside of football.

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“That’s really hard. You have kids going to class.

There are times you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You continue to try and educate your kids, teach through it, and remind your kids that they’re trying to play football through a pandemic.”

QUARANTINE When the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact the U.S. in March of 2020, the country was turned upside down.

The NCAA basketball tournaments shut down along with Iowa State’s spring football season. A three-month quarantine was in place, as Iowa State University finished out the academic semester with online classes.

Iowa State, along with other football teams nationally, lost a critical developmental period. Campbell was

keen in his awareness that teams better prepared to handle adversity will come out on top.

Campbell reached out to his staff and administration and developed a concise program to counter the inability to mentor his squad in-person. The staff jumped on board.

Dave Andrews, the new director of football strength and conditioning, and his staff sent daily workout regimen and communicated through FaceTime to ensure players were properly training on their own. Because of varying positions and weights, this involved personalized plans, making communication even more vital.

Rachel Voet, who was hired in January of 2020 as football’s director of sports nutrition, mentored the players and guided them in maintaining a proper diet and fueling during quarantine.

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Nate Postma, assistant director for sports medicine, and his staff conducted rehabilitation exercises virtually to injured athletes unable to use Iowa State facilities.

The majority of ISU’s players ventured away from Ames, but some were unable to do so. For those remaining, Campbell got the green light from the administration to set up a meal plan for the athletes.

CONSTRUCTING A NEW NORMAL The challenge Iowa State had during the spring quarantine was difficult, but it would get even tougher when the players returned to campus.

On May 22, the Big 12 Conference announced that football student-athletes would be permitted access to campus athletic facilities and support personnel for voluntary conditioning and training exercises beginning on June 15.

As the players gradually made their way back to Ames, a new normal was established. The team handbook was tossed in the garbage. Everything would be different.

Assisting with implementing safety guidelines was Mark Coberley ('88 biology), associate athletics director for sports medicine. Campbell and Coberley spent months planning and devising methods on how to keep the players safe.

Sure, everyone adhered to the rules laid out by the Centers for Disease Control by wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.

But there was more to it than that.

•

• • •

For team meetings, the staff used the Scheman Building’s massive convention room area, a vital asset in allowing the entire team/staff to meet as a group.

Meals were served in the Sukup End Zone Club in a grab-and-go format.

Players moved into apartments where they each had their own bedrooms.

Bus and air travel were precisely organized by director of football operations Greg “Skip” Brabenec, with double the usual number of buses.

‘UPSTREAM THINKING’ It was a massive overhaul, but the plan was essential to keep players safe and the season on track.

“When we started, we did a lot of ‘upstream thinking’ and looking at ‘What will cause us to fail?’, not ‘How we are going to get through it?’”

Coberley said. “You have to assume that somebody is going to have a case, and if they do, how can you completely minimize the damage that can occur?”

“We knew that contacts would cause us to fail more than positive cases,” Coberley added.

“Everybody understood that, so we concentrated on how we would minimize a positive case. The testing just told us how we were doing. The planning part of it was so much more important.”

The accessibility of Iowa State Center’s Scheman Building was a game-changer. The Athletics Department took over operations of the Iowa

“Athletic departments can implement all the necessary safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but if a few people are not compliant, the whole operation is doomed. ” A football team is comprised of more than 125 student-athletes and more than 50 staff members.

Every day requires a large gathering.

The team made drastic changes and remained vigilant throughout the entire season.

• Players utilized the spacious Bergstrom Indoor Football Facility as a makeshift locker room for physical distancing.

• The main locker room was off limits until the season started. Half the team used the regular locker room and the other half used the indoor facility.

• Weightlifting groups were set up in small pods while using multiple weight rooms in the Bergstrom Football Complex and Olsen Building.

• Offensive and defensive staff meeting rooms switched to large team rooms in the Bergstrom Football Complex for proper spacing.

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State Center in 2019 and discovered a hidden gem.

Scheduled events had dwindled at Scheman – a venue where weddings, conferences, and seminars are normally held – because of the pandemic. Its availability and large conferencing areas were perfect for the football staff to host team meetings.

“Having access to the Scheman Building was critical for us,” Coberley said. “We had three isolated cases of COVID-19 in the last two-thirds of the season. If we had not been in Scheman and still meeting in the Bergstrom, we would not have been able to play some games. We would have had entire position groups out, but we had zero contacts because we were meeting at Scheman.”

“If you ask me,” Coberley added. “The smartest thing we did was to use Scheman. It allowed our team to meet in person and communicate with each other. All the tables were 10 feet apart from each other and players were required to wear

masks at all times. We didn’t have to worry about contact tracing at all.”

TESTING, TESTING, TESTING Players began testing on June 8 and tested regularly throughout the season. The summer was an important time to observe how the virus works, and Coberley was taking notes.

Like many schools, Iowa State had its share of positive tests in July. Observing how the virus spread among individuals gave the Iowa State Sports Medicine staff a chance to react and make changes in its mitigation process.

“We had some players get COVID-19 while they were at home, before we brought them back,” said Coberley. “What we learned over the course of the summer was that almost all cases were due to close, enclosed contact with somebody breathing the same air. Very little was coming from surface contact. We didn’t know that when we started.

We learned along the way things we can do to keep the damage to a minimum.”

Weekly testing was a daunting task. The costs would be high, and the staff had concerns about how quickly the tests were processed.

The Athletics Department, however, had an ace in the hole in Iowa State University’s world-renowned College of Veterinary Medicine. With the assistance from Vet Med, test results could be processed at a rapid rate. Because veterinary lab technicians could quickly post test results, the football staff swiftly alerted positive cases to minimize escalation of the disease.

“The biggest problem we had at the beginning was that it was taking too long to get test results back,” Coberley said. “If you don’t get the tests back quickly, you can’t start tracing individuals to keep things from spreading. The quality of the testing at Vet Med is second to none, and we were getting super accurate results very quickly.”

The collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine gave the Cyclones a boost. Practice schedules were altered around testing times.

“Because of Vet Med, we could get tested on Wednesday mornings and by practice in the afternoon, we could pull a guy out if he was positive,” Coberley explained. “Vet Med was also PCR testing, which is the gold standard of COVID tests and very reliable. We went from having the worst access to testing in the Big 12 when we started in June, to becoming the best in the league thanks to Vet Med.”

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ISU ATHLETICS

“The list of records and achievements accrued were plentiful, but the unprecedented success of the 2020 Cyclone gridders is perhaps even more amazing considering it was attained during a global pandemic. ”

Cyclone standout Brock Purdy was named offensive player of the game in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. Purdy went 20-of-29 passing for 156 yards and a touchdown, with 39 rushing yards and another score.  Head Coach Matt Campbell, a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year, is doused with ice in the post-game celebration following a Cyclone win over Oregon in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

C TI LE

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ISU

H AT

ELITE LEADERSHIP Businesses, organizations, and athletic departments can implement all the necessary safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but if a few people are not compliant, the whole operation is doomed.

Campbell stressed this daily with his team. He was fully aware he needed 100 percent buy-in and accountability from every team member. If they were going to get through this difficult season, everyone had to pitch in.

Post-practice and post-game, Campbell remained firm in his message: Do your part. Don’t let up.

“The challenge in college athletics is you’re dealing with 18- to 22-year-olds,” Campbell said. “We can’t keep our kids in a hotel. We can’t keep them in a bubble like the NBA. So, the reality has to be in the buy-in value of the players. Can they make great choices? Are they going to wear a mask if they go out in public? Will they stay home instead of go out?

Those are all challenges and sacrifices our guys had to make for the privilege to play football. Our kids did that and made great sacrifices all season.”

The sacrifices were even more noticeable from a special group of seniors, a collection of leaders who produced the winningest four-year period in school history, with 32 victories.

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“We had a great group of senior leaders within our walls and they said, ‘Here’s what we want to do. Here’s what we want to accomplish,’” Campbell said. “They had so much respect from their teammates, they were able to create a bubble within our walls.”

Late in the season, senior captain Chase Allen summed up why the Cyclones were doing all the right things behind the scenes.

“We put a lot of emphasis on making wise choices, because this is something we get to do,” Allen said. “This whole year was almost taken away from us. This isn’t something we have to do, we get to do it.”

Coberley agrees the players deserve all the credit for making this season one of the best in the annals of Cyclone football.

“We were honest with them. If we were going to get through this, life is going to stink,” Coberley said. “We said, ‘Is everybody in or out? If you are in, everyone has to hold each other accountable.’ They were committed and made tremendous sacrifices to do things the right way.”

FIVE-STAR CULTURE All-American Breece Hall brought the term “five-star culture” to the masses after Iowa State’s comefrom-behind win at No. 20 Texas in November. It’s appropriate because it signifies how Iowa State was triumphant in this ever-so-taxing season.

Iowa State never had a pause in activities and played every game on schedule. It was also the only team ranked in the top-12 of the final CFP poll without a postponement or cancellation. Since school started in August 2020, the football team only had seven positive cases.

Because of their diligent efforts, the Cyclones rejoiced in Arizona by raising the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl trophy.

“We learned if people do the right things, you really limit your chances of getting the disease,” Coberley concluded. “If you can do that, you have a chance to keep the organization afloat.”

Mike Green (L)(MS ’97 health and human performance) is the assistant athletics director for communications in the ISU Department of Athletics.

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

 Cyclones Everywhere Please note that the ISUAA is in the process of planning additional virtual events; check www.isualum.org/events for updates.

 Cyclone Athletics For all upcoming Cyclone sports schedules, go to www.cyclones.com

 Alumni Travel April 28 – May 2: Kentucky Derby May 14-24: Gems of the Danube May 14-21: Destination Dubai May 20-28: London: African American Experience June 6-13: Southern Culture: Civil War Spotlight June 12-23: British Isles & Lowlands June 22-27: Historic Baseball Tour June 27 – July 3: Costa Rica Family Adventure July 10-16: Cape Cod & the Islands July 11-18: Rhine Highlights July 14-27: Viking Legends July 16-23: Discover Southeast Alaska

around Ames

May 7: Master’s graduation event, 11 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium May 7: DVM commencement ceremony, 3 p.m., Hilton Coliseum May 7: PhD commencement ceremony, 7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum May 8: Cyclone Graduation Celebration, Jack Trice Stadium May 17: Summer coursework begins

 At the ISU Alumni

Center

Please note that the Alumni Center remains closed but is available to rent for private events.

May 21: ISUAA Board of Directors spring meeting and annual meeting May 31: ISU Retirees Memorial Day Ceremony 46

 Awards April 7: Virtual Honors & Awards ceremony, recognizing Homecoming 2020 awardees April 21: Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior recognition June 4: Virtual Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award celebration MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Aug. 1: Nomination deadline for Distinguished Alumni Award and Honorary Alumni Award*

March 22: Virtual STATE Day, celebrating Founder’s Day Weekly: LIVE from Cy’s Lounge, live-streamed weekly on our social media channels.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Homecoming 2021 is Oct. 23

 On campus &

Through July: Rose Frantzen, Petersen Through July 23: Compelling Ground: Landscapes, Peoples, and Environments of Iowa, Brunnier Through summer: From Time Immemorial: Art as Commemoration, Petersen

July 19-29: Radiant Alaska Aug. 16-26: The Majestic Great Lakes Aug. 16-26: Classic Europe Graduation Trip Aug. 18-29: Northern Gateways Aug. 21 – Sept. 1: Scotland: Highlands & Islands Aug. 28 – Sept. 5: France: Normandy It’s time to start dreaming of new adventures with the Traveling Cyclones! For information on 2021 trips and beyond, go to www.isualum.org/ travel. All tours are subject to change.

 Arts & Entertainment Through May 7: FOCUS: Critical Conversations with Art, Christian Petersen Art Museum Through May 9: Art Nouveau Innovation: Danish Porcelain from an American Collector, Brunnier Art Museum

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

 Lifelong learning All OLLI at ISU classes and events will be held virtually this spring.

March 22: OLLI at ISU first day of spring classes

 Careers March 24: Big 12 Virtual Career Fair

 Find more events online Campus Calendar: http://event.iastate.edu/ ISU Alumni Association: www.isualum.org/events 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/ Around Ames: https://web.ameschamber.com/ events.

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Iowa State University Alumni Center 429 Alumni Lane Ames, Iowa 50011-1403

VISIONS magazine is published four times a year by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, which serves more than 273,000 living alumni as well as ISU students and friends. VISIONS reaches nearly 43,000 Alumni Association members and is just one benefit of membership; details can be found at isualum.org/join.