THE
ALMICRON
T H E A LU M N I N E W S L E T T E R O F P I K A P PA P H I AT I O WA S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y FALL 2021 EDITION
FLOYD HERUM MAKES LEAD GIFT FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS The Alpha Omicron chapter sought help to improve the internal and external aesthetic of our chapter facility. Floyd Herum (AO 225) answered the call. Brother Herum gave the lead gift for our fundraising initiative to make improvements to the facility which you will read more about throughout this issue. Herum has always been a supporter of causes he cares for and whenever the chapter is in need, he is always there. “It’s satisfying to find a cause that is worthy and heartfelt,” said Herum. He feels a sense of satisfaction when a cause is of such magnitude that someone desires to support it and Pi Kappa Phi is simply one of those causes that Herum holds close to him. As an annual donor, Herum recently gave to the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation. This donation is to help with improvements to the Alpha Omicron chapter house. He donates to the Foundation with all his fondest memories in mind while looking to afford current members the same and even better opportunities as he had in the 50s. Herum was initiated in the winter quarter of 1949 as Alpha Omicron’s 225th member. During his time as a collegian, he recounts joyful memories of singing with his brothers and meeting his wife at a Fraternity event. “I have a lot of great memories of our activities and brotherhood. I felt this should be available for the young people who want to be a part of it.” He participated in the Fraternity’s softball team and chorus, adding to his collegiate experience. “We didn’t have the most money but had the most fun.” When describing the reputation of the chapter before joining, Herum stated that “we were well-rounded group that provided an experience that was more enjoyable than simply being a student on campus.” Herum enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in Japan a year later. He planned to return to Korea but was pulled out of the
infantry. This gave him an extraordinary opportunity in the Corp of Engineers at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 1953 from ISU, Herum received his master’s in agricultural engineering the next year. He received his doctorate from Purdue which led him to become an instructor at Ohio State. This wasn’t his first teaching experience, as he taught in Baghdad before traveling back across the country to take a position at the University of Illinois, all before gaining his doctorate. “Serving in the Army gave me opportunities that many may not ever get.” The Alpha Omicron Chapter has continued to grow, as Herum reflected from his time to now. He explained “[My chapter has] always been competitive in recruitment by initiating quality men into the organization.” This gift along with support from many others will allow Alpha Omicron to once again be successful in our recruitment of new members, just as it was when Brother Herum and others were undergraduates. Floyd Herum has always had a passion to give back where he can. His annual support of Iowa State and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation has allowed students various opportunities. His late wife and he share a likeminded approach to supporting organizations that they are passionate about, and their contributions have been commemorated throughout Iowa State for all of their gracious efforts. Herum’s advice to those who are considering giving is based on the feeling after you’ve helped a cause that is worthy of donation. He claims that “sometimes you have more than you need, and in that case, you can give some back.” We cannot thank Brother Herum, our other donors and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation enough for their collaboration in making the chapter house more attractive to members of AO’s past, present and future.
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ALPHA OMICRON BUILDING CORPORATION ROBERT LANE Chairman JAY LETTOW Vice Chairman BRETT TORESDAHL Treasurer TRAE HESTNESS Secretary KELLEY BERGSTROM Alumni Chairman JEREMY GALVIN Alumni Chairman JOSH CARPER Scholarship Chairman EMERSON LINNEY Scholarship Chairman WARREN MADDEN Member at Large AJ DESAI Member at Large PAUL KULA Student Representative