FOREVER TRUE
President Wendy Wintersteen will retire in January, closing a lifelong career at Iowa State
CARDINAL AND GOLD TACKLES THE EMERALD ISLE
New major offers students a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity at Farm O’Geddon
DISHING UP SWEET EXPERIENCES
Iowa State Creamery celebrates fifth anniversary after 50-year hiatus
A New Perspective
Ihave never felt a strong urge to ride in a hot air balloon, but late this summer, I found myself with the opportunity to join a group of Traveling Cyclones for a ride above Kenya’s Masai Mara. The chance to view migration trails created by hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras, and to see giraffes and elephants from such a unique vantage point, was too enticing to pass up. And so, with instructions from the pilot about properly bracing for takeoff and landing, we climbed into our respective places in the basket and began our ascent.
While I was thinking through the contents of this letter from Kenya and Tanzania, the “Cyclones Everywhere” mantra stayed top of mind. In this issue, you’ll hear from a group of faculty and students who traveled to Dublin to cover Farm O’Geddon (pg. 24); alumna Rahele Jomepour Bell shares how her childhood in Iran influences her storytelling today (pg. 32); and Iowa Staters share some of the most unexpected places around the world they’ve run into fellow Cyclones (pg. 34). This issue also honors the departures of Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen (pg. 18)
and ISU Alumni Association President and CEO Emeritus Jeff Johnson (pg. 30) — two dedicated Iowa Staters who left their mark on the university and made lifelong connections with countless Cyclones around the globe.
Meanwhile, back in the balloon, things were about to get interesting. “We’re going to tip,” I heard a voice say from a basket compartment near me. Surely not, I thought. But then I looked up and saw our balloon pilot leaping up to — unsuccessfully — counter our group’s weight. I only had time for a brief moment of panic before our basket fell backward and slid to a stop. And then the laughter came. One by one, our group of Traveling Cyclones wiggled their way out of their compartment, some taking a moment to document how our special ride had concluded. Do I have plans to ride in a hot air balloon again in the future? Probably not. But I know any experience is a little more fun, even with bumps in the road or if you end up sideways in a balloon basket, if you’re surrounded by Iowa Staters.
KIRSTEN KRAKLIO, KKRAKLIO@IASTATE.EDU
Iowa Stater
Editor Kirsten Kraklio
Assistant Editor Caleb Grizzle
Designer Jenny Witte
Photographers Christopher Gannon, Matt Van Winkle, Ryan Riley, Rachel Mummey, Spencer Feinberg
Creative Consultant
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Editorial Board
Kirsten Kraklio, Director of Communications, University
Marketing and Communications
Brian Meyer, Associate Director for University Marketing and Communications, Iowa State University
Sherry Speikers, Director of Editorial Services, ISU Foundation
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Our group of Traveling Cyclones pose with the hot air balloon basket and staff (dressed appropriately in cardinal and gold) after our ride over Kenya’s Masai Mara.
CyTown Suites offers a rare opportunity to secure a place in Ames’ most prestigious development, just steps from iconic venues like Jack Trice Stadium, Hilton Coliseum, and C.Y. Stephens. With only 60 suites available, CyTown Suites redefines luxury with unparalleled amenities to create unforgettable moments with friends, family, and colleagues. Revenue generated through suite commitments helps fund the CyTown project and represents an investment into the future of the Iowa State Center, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for culture, entertainment, and university spirit.
- CYTOWN.COM
FASHION SHOW GROWTH
“It was with much pleasure and pride that I read how much The Fashion Show has grown in 40 plus years. I was one of the emcees at that first fashion show on the steps of MacKay Hall in 1982. A portable microphone and sound system, a small audience around the fountain, and a beautiful spring day with a few dozen models wearing class projects. What a privilege to help launch an enduring event!”
CYTINGS What was your favorite food on campus?
FOLLOW AND CONNECT WITH US: @ISUALUM
FAVORITE PLATES
“I enjoyed your article about ISU license plates. Finding new ones is a bit of a hobby for me. In fact, I thought you might find it interesting that I have made an alphabetical list of more than 2,000 that I have seen that have meaning (I don’t count ones that are ___4CY, ___4ISU, ___4ST8, ISU####, or personal names).
My personal favorite is 3TAT2AI which reads IASTATE in a mirror. Another favorite is HEWASIN, a reference to Seneca Wallace’s touchdown that was not allowed by the referees. I contend that our neighborhood has the best set of ISU license plates for three consecutive homes anywhere.
ISUPL8S is mine. Others have ISU plates, but I really have ISU plates.
PEACYN is on my neighbor’s Jeep.
CYLENCE is the next neighbor whose name is Lence and has the plates on a hybrid vehicle.
Hope your article inspires others to pay attention to a fun hobby of tracking ISU license plates.”
STEVE KEMP
Email iowastater@iastate.edu. Your submission may be shared in print or online.
LEFT: Brian (’87) and Amber (’85) Perkins showed off their Cyclone spirit on their trip to Banff, Alberta. RIGHT: Tyrese Haliburton celebrated his engagement to Jade Jones (’20) in Ames, Iowa, with fellow Cyclone stars Georges Niang (’16) and Naz Mitrou-Long (’16).
DENISE (DURBALA) BORNHAUSEN (’85)
The Hub
MOMENT
State Fair Smiles
Brexley Sims reacts to the Cyclones’ Pop Tarts Bowl championship trophy while being lifted up by her uncle, Aaron Gernetzke, at the Iowa State University exhibit at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Over 50,000 Cyclone tattoos, 37,000 football posters, 20,000 ISU bags, 10,000 Pop-Tarts®, and 55 teacher kits were distributed to fairgoers by Iowa State University volunteers and staff.
Image by Christopher Gannon
FALL ENROLLMENT CLIMBS TO 31,105
For the third consecutive year, enrollment at Iowa State is up, due in part to record first-year retention of just over 89% and growth in first-year students. Total enrollment stands at 31,105, which is an increase of 673 students from last fall.
This fall’s first-year class of 6,160 students is the largest since fall 2016 and marks five years of consecutive growth — a 21.5% increase since fall 2020. More than half of first-year students are from Iowa.
HEARD ...
“Our imagination, creativity, grit, and “determination at Iowa State are not merely “ethereal visions conjured by a puffed-up “protagonist like Prospero; they are real, “to be embraced by our audience as we “continue to aspire to be
that trusted
“partner
for innovative solutions, a leading
“student-centric research university.”
— DR. PETER K. DORHOUT, VICE PRESIDENT
2,200 LIGHTBULBS
Research Milestones
ISU RESEARCHERS ACHIEVED major milestones in grants and contracts — despite significant challenges and uncertainty across the federal funding landscape. ISU secured $329.9 million in total research funding for fiscal year 2026 — the second-highest total on record. And ISU researchers attracted record funding from three federal agencies: U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Transporation.
ISU’s 17th President to be Announced
THE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MET in October to interview semifinalists for Iowa State University’s next president. On-campus interviews with finalists were held in early November; the Iowa Board of Regents are expected to announce the university’s next president in mid-November.
IOWA STATE AMONG TOP 1% OF UNIVERSITIES
THE CENTER FOR WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS placed Iowa State among the top 1% of universities ranked at #200. The rankings — based on education (25%), employability (25%), faculty (10%), and research (40%) — list the top 2,000 universities out of 21,462 ranked institutions.
Investing in Iowa Ideas
WINNING $15,000 in the John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition wasn’t Kyle McMahon’s (’13) top takeaway. Even more valuable was a 2018 press release touting Tractor Zoom’s third-place finish. Iowa State University Startup Factory posted the news along with a photo of the fresh-faced founder receiving a handshake and a check from highly respected philanthropist and investor John Pappajohn.
“Press like this is super validating,” McMahon says. “Particularly when we’re recruiting employees to come work at an early-stage software startup and there’s not much about us online. I remember using that article on LinkedIn and social media to talk about how people believe in us.”
Back in 2018, Tractor Zoom had only three employees. The team was still figuring out how their platform could evaluate tractors, combines, and other farm machinery. Now a 60-headcount company headquartered in West Des Moines, its technology is used daily by
6,400 equipment salespeople.
“We’ve built a much more mature business,” McMahon says. “Without the support of John Papajohn, Iowa State, and early investors, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Past participants agree: Prize money covers practical expenses, and earning a seal of approval from John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition judges truly expands possibilities.
Over nearly 20 years, the competition has awarded $1.4 million in non-dilutive funding to scalable Iowa businesses. Support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority in 2018 expanded total annual awards from $50,000 to $100,000. In the final round, up to 12 finalists pitch to a panel of judges in a closed-door session at Iowa State. The top three winners are announced at a celebratory luncheon.
Organizers view the competition as an opportunity to identify promising startups and point them toward programs and people who can help
them level up.
“Our $100,000 is only one piece of what entrepreneurs need,” says Judi Eyles (’93), who coordinates the competition in collaboration with Pappajohn entrepreneurial centers across the state. “If they compete and don’t place, we can connect them to the resources at one of the Pappajohn Centers, or say, ‘Here are some people that can help you. Come back next year.’ And they do.”
As director of ISU’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Eyles worked closely with John Pappajohn. Encouraging innovators to embrace the “positive mental outlook” he championed is part of honoring his legacy.
“As an entrepreneur, you will get hit with all kinds of barriers and obstacles,” Eyles says. “You’ve got to stay positive, appreciate the people who help you get to where you’re going, and work hard. That’s where you’ll get success.”
The list of John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
Farm Story Meats owners Ray and Jessica Schmidt finished second in the 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition.
THE JOHN PAPPAJOHN IOWA ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURE COMPETITION HAS AWARDED FUNDING TO SCALABLE IOWA BUSINESSES FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS. BY BRIANNE SANCHEZ
finalists includes both serial entrepreneurs such as emeritus professor Dr. Hank Harris (’67, ’70) and fledgling founders such as Farm Story Meats owners Ray (’16, ’24) and Jessica (’21) Schmidt.
Dr. Harris says, regardless of their experience level, ambitious innovators must remain motivated to solve a problem. He takes pride in his contributions every time he drives through ISU Research Park, where discoveries he made as a faculty member spurred development.
Harris launched three vaccine companies, including a biotech startup named runner-up out of 80 entries in the inaugural 2006 Pappajohn pitch competition. Harrisvaccines Inc. advanced mRNA technologies for swine flu, which helped pave the way for human applications such as the COVID-19 vaccine. Merck, which purchased Harrisvaccine in 2015, made massive investments in their Ames facility. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., which acquired another of Harris’ startups, also opened a $22 million research center that employs ISU talent.
Farm Story Meats connects customers with high-quality proteins raised on family farms. The company sustained 50 percent year-over-year growth since finishing second in the 2022 competition. Pairing their $25,000 award with a Choose Iowa grant allowed the Schmidts to more than double their cold storage space, dramatically streamlining logistics and scaling fulfillment capabilities.
Not only are they serving more households, they’re also reducing food insecurity. So far, they’ve donated over $50,000 worth of meat to food pantries like SHOP, which serves students in Beyer Hall.
The Schmidts credit ISU support with shaping their business approach — focusing on values, education, and community impact. Ray’s advice to aspiring applicants is simple: “Don’t shy away from what you stand for, and where you see your company going.”
NEARLY 23%
Ventures started by
IOWA STATE ALUMNI SUCCEED AT A HIGHER RATE
than the U.S. average.
Iowa State alumni who graduated between 1985 and 2023 were responsible for creating of alumni report starting at least one business during their careers.
1.6 MILLION jobs nationally and
282,000 jobs in Iowa.
Based on reporting from a 2024 Iowa State University Alumni Survey
Record-setting Women Give Back
TRACK STARS FROM THE ’70S ESTABLISH SCHOLARSHIP TO SUPPORT NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES BY TOM
FIVE DECADES ON, THEIR DEEP CONNECTION
remains A group of more than 24 pioneer Iowa State track and field student-athletes, bound by a unique Cyclone experience, are honoring the legacy of their coach, Chris Murray, by endowing a scholarship in his name.
“We want to help someone live their dream like we did,” said Debra Wood (’77), a member of the Iowa State 1974 national championship mile relay. “Some coaches didn’t know how to coach women. Chris was lowkey and positive and showed us what was possible.”
With over $60,000 raised, the Chris Murray Track and Field Cross Country Scholarship will be given annually to an ISU women’s track and field/ cross country athlete who is active in community service and has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better. It honors the man who guided and inspired the track athletes from 1974 to 1979 as they went where no Iowa State women had gone before.
The passage of Title IX in 1972 opened the world of university athletics
to women. The existence of a track club demonstrated an initial campus interest. Enter Murray, a University of Michigan graduate who was teaching physical education at ISU and serving as an assistant coach on the Cyclone men’s team. He was approached by a group of female students who wanted a full collegiate experience.
“The timing of everything came together,” Murray says. “These were women who wanted to keep training and competing, and they asked me if I would be interested in coaching them.”
Some athletes sewed their own uniforms. They recall long van rides to their meets. Murray’s wife, Vivian, oversaw the Maple-Willow-Larch cafeteria and provided the sack lunches for their travels.
“Our team slept two to a bed in lowcost hotels on the road,” Murray says. “Sometimes we had a fifth person in the same room sleeping on a cot.”
Such adversities did not delay competitive results. Murray’s Iowa Staters won the first four AIAW national cross-country championships. Fifteen
KROESCHELL
of his athletes were All-Americans. Iowa State won 14 Big Eight Conference team titles during his tenure.
It is precisely those travel and competitive challenges and accomplishments that continue to bind these Iowa State trailblazers a half century later — they still share a love for their school and their coach. Those feelings fuel a continuing desire to make a difference for the future.
Faye Perkins (’79, ’85), who played three sports and is one of Murray’s eight Iowa State Athletics Hall of Famers, says there is power in numbers.
“We are women who went through the advent of Title IX,” Perkins says. “Both Chris and our teammates got very little recognition in the 1970s. This is a way we could all work together again to support a sport and coach that we love.”
Former national champion Elaine Baughman (’75) hopes this gift will spur future Cyclones to use philanthropy to validate their Iowa State experience.
“There are so many possibilities,” Baughman says. “We hope this is a blueprint for other teams.”
Former Iowa State track athletes have raised over $60,000 to establish a scholarship honoring their coach, Chris Murray. Pictured above is the 1974 cross country team. First Row: Julie Dworshack, Peg Neppel, Tweety Wolfe, Kare Lovak, Barb Brown, and Robin Evans. Second Row: Chris Murray, Jean Mayland, Deb Wood, Elaine McAlexander, Elaine Moore, Georgette Goonan, Barb Lodge, and Rose Whipple.
Engineering Stronger Roads
IOWA IS HOME TO MORE THAN 71,000 MILES of gravel county roads. Though these unpaved roads typically carry low traffic volumes, they are essential to local communities and routinely bear heavy loads from farm equipment, construction vehicles, and service trucks.
Araz Hasheminezhad (’24), a civil engineering graduate student with Iowa State University’s Program for Sustainable Pavement Engineering and Research (PROSPER), is addressing the challenge of maintaining these roads by 3D printing geogrids — a web-like geosynthetic structure made from recycled plastic — that are designed to improve granular road performance and longevity.
The PROSPER team, including Hasheminezhad and his research mentor Halil Ceylan, director of PROSPER and a Pitt-Des Moines, Inc. endowed professor in Civil Engineering, is monitoring a field performance test of a full-scale composite geosynthetic system in Buchanan County, Iowa, over the next two years.
The system includes a geogrid made from 100% recycled plastic bonded to a nonwoven geotextile. So far, the results have been promising: The geogrid’s
webbed design enhances the stability of the road base, reducing rutting and lateral displacement over time, and significantly decreases the amount of base aggregate (the depth of finer gravel dirt underneath the gravel road) required to construct structurally sound gravel roads. These improvements could translate into major cost and time savings for counties, Hasheminezhad says.
“The composite geosynthetic is performing even better than we expected,” he says. “After a heavy rainstorm and snowfall, we visited the test site to assess its performance in wet conditions. We found that the geogrid also improves drainage and moisture management.”
Although the project’s primary focus is infrastructure stability, sustainability has remained a guiding principle. Traditional 3D printing involves plastic filament that generates waste through material testing and iterative design. To reduce this environmental footprint, Hasheminezhad and his team sought to create a filament entirely from recycled plastic.
“One of the most time-consuming parts of the project was determining whether a 100% recycled plastic
filament was feasible — and then finding a supplier capable of producing it,” Hasheminezhad says.
After nearly a year of searching, the team reconnected with a manufacturer that had found a way to provide a recycled filament. Once delivered, the material underwent extensive testing for durability, strength, and reusability.
“A bonus to this solution is that we’re transforming plastic waste into engineered geosynthetics — materials that would otherwise go to landfills are getting a second life,” he says. “We even found a way to reuse the filament throughout the design testing process, reducing waste at every stage.”
Looking ahead, the team — supported by funding from the Iowa Highway Research Board and the Iowa Department of Transportation — plans to continue monitoring the test site and exploring scalable manufacturing solutions. Their longterm goal is to expand the technology’s reach to rural and urban roads across Iowa and beyond.
“These geogrids have the potential to save time, resources, and reduce plastic waste at local, national, and international levels,” Hasheminezhad says.
IMAGE BY RYAN RILEY
a civil engineering graduate student, is using 3D printing geosynthetic structures from recycled plastic to strengthen granular roads.
Araz Hasheminezhad,
COMPETITOR
Homegrown Guard
TAMIN LIPSEY REFLECTS ON MAKING HIS CHILDHOOD DREAMS COME TRUE AT IOWA STATE BY CALEB GRIZZLE
a magical Cyclone moment is about to take place in front of a sold-out Hilton Coliseum crowd, with one 11-year-old fan, Tamin Lipsey, watching on.
Georges Niang (’16) steps up to the free throw line with Iowa State trailing 48-28 to Oklahoma and calmly makes both shots, cutting the deficit to 18. The Cyclones storm back with an uninterrupted 22-point run, reclaiming the lead in front of a now-deafening, excited crowd.
“Those are the moments you dream of being a part of,” Lipsey says. “The ones you picture yourself in.”
Lipsey, a senior for the Iowa State men’s basketball team, doesn’t have to dream anymore — he’s been the catalyst for many iconic Cyclone basketball moments and has created new memories for the next generation.
Before Iowa State, the Ames native led the Ames Little Cyclones to a state championship in 2022 while being named Iowa’s Mr. Basketball and winning the Gatorade Player of the Year. Although Lipsey’s high school successes and strong Iowa State ties seemed like a perfect fit for the Cyclones, there were other offers. His future with the Cyclones wasn’t a sealed deal — yet.
“Just a few days after T. J. (Otzelberger) got the job, he called and let me know that he wanted me in the program and that I was a priority,” Lipsey says. “That’s what I was looking for most, someone who wanted to build a relationship and wanted me to be there as much as I did.”
Lipsey has shared the court with over 25 teammates, but two of his closest can be found elsewhere on campus. His parents, Robert and Holly Lipsey, are Iowa State employees, with Holly serving as a professor of kinesiology and Robert as the director of TRIO Student Support Services.
“I think the coolest thing is just walking on campus and knowing where my parents are and being able to stop by and say, ‘What’s up?’” Lipsey says. “It’s something that’s unique to me — having them close by if I ever need support, love, anything.”
As Lipsey navigates his senior year and reflects on his journey, his advice for the next homegrown cyclone star is simple: “If it’s your goal, work for it,” he says. “It’s as awesome as you think it would be.”
CROOKS SECURES GOLD
IOWA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL’S AUDI CROOKS took home her first gold medal with Team USA at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, held in Santiago, Chile. Her participation in the AmeriCup tournament was her competitive debut with USA Basketball. With the gold medal game victory, Crooks and company helped secure a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, set to be held in Berlin next summer.
Preseason No. 1
FOR THE FIRST TIME in program history, Iowa State was the preseason No. 1 men’s cross country team in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) coaches’ poll. The Cyclone men finished 2024 as the NCAA runners-up and are returning four runners who have earned All-America status: Robin Kwemoi Bera, Rodgers Kiplimo, Joash Ruto, and Sanele Masondo. The Iowa State men were also selected as the FloTrack preseason No. 1 team nationally and as the top USTFCCCA Midwest regional team. The Cyclone women were tabbed third in the USTFCCCA Midwest regional poll behind Oklahoma State and Minnesota.
CY-HAWK SERIES
IOWA STATE LED 5-2 in the 2025-26 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series with November’s cross country competition next up on the schedule. Iowa State is looking to win its fourth all-sports title in the past five years. In the Cy-Hawk series, the schools compete in women’s soccer, volleyball, football, women’s and men’s cross country, women’s and men’s basketball, women’s swimming and diving, men’s wrestling, women’s tennis, women’s gymnastics, and softball.
Brothers Dylan and Austin Barrett carry the Cy-Hawk trophy following the 16-13 victory over Iowa.
The 2024 men’s cross country team celebrates its NCAA runners-up finish.
POSTCARD FROM CAMPUS
Test of Time
Iowa State’s campanile is an iconic landmark in many
stories.
and
were no exception — the couple was pictured embracing under the campanile in 1954, the same year their marriage of 61 years began.
Cyclone sweetheart
Wayne Brown (’55)
Doris Blair Brown (’54)
Image by Christopher Gannon
PRESIDENT WENDY WINTERSTEEN WILL RETIRE IN JANUARY, CLOSING A LIFELONG CAREER AT IOWA STATE. THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ISU’S 16TH PRESIDENT WERE REMARKABLE, HISTORIC, AND CENTERED ON SERVICE TO THE LAND-GRANT MISSION.
Forever True
STORY BY BRIAN MEYER
On January 2, 2026, Wendy Wintersteen will retire in her ninth year serving as the 16th president of Iowa State University and marking the close of a nearly 47-year career at the state of Iowa’s landgrant university. President Wintersteen reflects on her presidency and her career as an Iowa Stater.
WE HIRED HER — THE REST IS HISTORY
During her presidency, Iowa State reported record-breaking achievements in student outcomes, national and international awards for innovation and entrepreneurship, historic fundraising success, noteworthy improvements in university rankings, and more. Remarkably, these came during stormy times, literally and figuratively. Times that included 100-plus miles-per-hour derecho winds that barreled through campus before the first week of classes. And a pandemic that required faculty and staff to shift 32,000 students to online education in a week’s time. And periods of considerable national and international turbulence.
Repeatedly, Wintersteen has stated that the remarkable accomplishments since 2017 were the result of a comprehensive team effort in service
“In the late ’70s, I was the extension personnel officer with an office in the basement of Curtiss Hall.
I was responsible for recruiting all field staff and conducting the initial interviews. Wendy was one I brought in early on in a search for an integrated pest management (IPM) position. She came in, we hired her — and the rest is history. I kept tabs on her throughout her career — and she kept tabs on me!”
— Don Goering (‘58, ‘70, ‘78), Retired Extension Administrator
to Iowa State’s mission. In fact, the license plate on her car throughout her presidency sums up her executive style: TO SERVE. Visible to all who passed by Beardshear Hall, the license plate reminded faculty, staff, and students of her ever-present administrative philosophy, goals, and stance.
INNOVATE AT IOWA STATE
During Wintersteen’s tenure, Iowa State earned global recognition as a leader for innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. Notable accolades and rankings include:
The 2025 Princeton Review’s Top 50 Entrepreneurship ranked Iowa State #14 nationally, #6 in the Midwest and #1 in Iowa for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs.
2023 Entrepreneurial University of
the Year for the Americas.
2024 Model University Accelerator/ Incubator award from the U.S Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
2022 NASDAQ Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, the highest honor from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers.
Top 100 universities worldwide for U.S. patents, tied for 57th with 60 patents in 2024.
Wintersteen advanced support for cutting-edge research. Iowa State ranks in the top 3% for research out of nearly 500 universities without a human medical school. Over the past eight years, the university received more than$4.2 billion in external funding, including three consecutive
years of record-setting research funding and, this past year, the second-highest research total ever.
IMPROVING STUDENT OUTCOMES
This fall Iowa State’s enrollment grew for the third year to 31,105 total students. Since 2020, freshman class numbers have increased 21% to 6,160 this fall — the largest in a decade. One additional number stands out: the 89.1% student retention rate, which is 12 points above the average for large public universities. The high number of students who stay at ISU says much about the quality experience they discover here.
ISU students are graduating faster than ever before. The average time to degree has decreased from 4.4 years in 2018 to a historic low of 4.12 years
in 2024. And Iowa State’s six-year graduation rate outperforms the national average of four-year public institutions by more than 18 points.
During her presidency, 57,698 students graduated from Iowa State prepared for the workforce. Since 2018, Iowa State has maintained an exceptionally strong placement rate of 95%. By the time they graduate, nearly 75% of undergraduates complete two or more high-impact practices, such as learning communities, faculty-student research projects, internships, or study abroad programs.
More than 44% of Iowa State students earn their degrees without any debt. The percentage who take out loans decreased from 59% in 2018-19 to 55.6% in 2022-23.
National rankings conducted by the
During her tenure, Wintersteen advanced support for cutting-edge research. Iowa State ranks in the top 3% for research out of nearly 500 universities without a human medical school. Wintersteen and her husband, Robert Waggoner, right, have hosted thousands of visitors to their residence, the Knoll, each year. The first floor of the presidential residence serves as a classroom for the weekly gathering of the first-year students in Wintersteen’s leadership class.
IOWA
STATE BETTER PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE “What stands out is her unwavering commitment to Iowa State’s mission and people. Whether guiding the university through digital transformation, supporting leadership transition or mentoring through the President’s Leadership Class, President Wintersteen led with integrity, vision and heart. Her legacy is not just in the policies she shaped or the infrastructure she championed. It’s in the relationships she built and the culture she nurtured. She leaves behind an Iowa State that is more connected, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.”
Wall Street Journal shifted during the past eight years to focus more closely on student outcomes. In Wintersteen’s first year as president, Iowa State ranked #288 out of all public and private universities in the WSJ rankings. By 2024, Iowa State ranked #119 — the best of any public university in Iowa.
Last year, nearly 8,500 students received donor-funded scholarships. To eliminate dire financial barriers facing seniors, 1,938 received donor-funded completion grants to help them finish their degrees and join the workforce.
HISTORIC FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
During Wintersteen’s first four years, the Iowa State University Foundation exceeded its initial fundraising goal of $1.1 billion and achieved a historic $1.542 billion fundraising total for the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign. More than 96,000 alumni, donors, and friends made gifts and commitments to the university.
— Kristen Constant (‘86), Vice President and Chief Information Officer
The record-breaking total included $500 million for student support, including 56,000 donor-funded scholarships awarded. The campaign created 148 named faculty positions, which provide faculty with resources to invest in teaching, research, and other strategic priorities.
Wintersteen worked with alumni and friends to secure more than $275 million for new or revitalized facilities, including:
The world-class Student Innovation Center.
Gerdin Building Expansion for the Ivy College of Business.
Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, made possible by the largest single gift ($42 million) for an academic building in Iowa State history.
LeBaron Hall rebuild and McKay Hall renovation project; work began in April 2024 with support from numerous private donors.
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, phase 1 completed and phase 2 underway with support from the state of Iowa.
Richard and Joan Stark Performance Center.
Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex.
Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm.
Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility.
Notably, the Iowa State University Research Park also experienced significant growth during this time with a 150-acre expansion and nearly 50 new tenants.
Wintersteen worked with director of athletics Jamie Pollard to receive approval from the regents for the CyTown development, a multipurpose project now underway to enhance the Iowa State Center.
MOST MEMORABLE
When asked what she will remember the most from her time as president, Wintersteen said: “I will always remember the students. Their energy, intellectual curiosity and personal growth reminds me of why Iowa State constantly strives for excellence. Since I became president, nearly 58,000 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. I felt so pleased for them in that moment. I felt so happy to imagine their future potential. It’s a special, memorable day for everyone.”
In mid-November, after a national search, the Iowa Board of Regents plans to announce the 17th president of Iowa State University.
During Wintersteen’s presidency, 57,698 students graduated from Iowa State prepared for the workforce.
THOUGHTS ON THE Wintersteen Era
AN ABILITY TO HANDLE ... EVERYTHING “President Wintersteen has a remarkable ability to handle everything thrown at her. Her servant leadership, approachability, humility, dedication to Iowa State University, and sense of humor have enabled her to connect with all university stakeholders, alumni, donors, and community and state leaders.”
— Sean Reeder, Senior Vice President of Operations and Finance
FANS’ CHANT:
“WENDY! WENDY!”
My all-time best memory of President Wintersteen will be the pep rally in Dublin, Ireland, this past August. It was amazing. I can’t think of a better way to remember her than to see and hear thousands of Cyclone fans chanting her name — ‘Wendy! Wendy!’ — when she stood on that stage. Her entire time as president, she always led with such humility. That is so hard to do when your job requires you to be in the public eye and on point all the time. The fact that she remained so grounded and humble is a testament to her true inner character.”
— Jamie Pollard, Athletic Director
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
President Wintersteen has led with grace, integrity, and resilience, embodying the values she often speaks of. The phrase “TO SERVE,” displayed on her license plate, encapsulates her approach. No job was too big or too small for her attention. One lasting image I have is from our first Cyclone Welcome Weekend in 2022. At the cookout, President Wintersteen was warmly embraced by many students who asked for — and received — selfies, hugs, and high-fives. Notably, the president stayed after the event was over to help clean up — another testament to her hands-on leadership. Her legacy will continue to inspire the university community for years to come.”
— Toyia Younger, Senior Vice President of Student Affairs
NATIONAL LEADER IN FOSTERING INNOVATION “I have witnessed firsthand President Wintersteen’s service-focused leadership style, and it’s inspired me to work harder to support Iowa State’s students, faculty, and staff. Her collaborative spirit serves as a great example for myself and the entire academic division. Because of her priority of ‘Innovate at Iowa State,’ Iowa State is truly leading the nation in fostering innovation to prepare our students for immediate impact upon graduation. Also, her ‘One University’ theme has transcended all that we do to support our students, faculty, and staff, and to have an impact on Iowans and serve as an economic engine, true to the land-grant mission.”
— Jason Keith, Senior Vice President and Provost
PURE WENDY “An image I have of her is a certain expression that appears a moment before she adds her own interpretation to her prepared comments. A slight smile appears, an eye faintly lifts, her head turns and then she delivers a one-liner with good humor. My perception is those moments are not scripted. Those one-liners are precious and pure Wendy. I have never heard her speak in public or in private when she did not express her sincere appreciation for the efforts of others on behalf of the greater good. Part of her leadership style is celebrating others. The Faces of Iowa State project began in 2017. As dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, she brought together the other deans to select 20 people to have their portraits painted by artist Rose Frantzen. The subjects were alumni, students, faculty, and friends who had contributed time, talent, leadership, and passion to advance ISU. When Wendy became president, the Faces project continued. Today there are 53 portraits installed in the Parks Library as part of the Art on Campus Collection. This fall another 14 will be added to the pantheon. I consider the Faces project part of her legacy — commemorating the extraordinary and ordinary people, all of whom have a place in Iowa State history.”
— Lynette L. Pohlman (‘72), Beverly and Warren Madden Director and Chief Curator, University Museums
New major offers students a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity at Farm O’Geddon.
CARDINAL
CARDINAL AND G TACKLES THE EMERALD ISLE
STORY BY STEVE SULLIVAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANANDA WALDEN
On a Friday morning in April 2024, a group from the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication gathered for a celebratory breakfast.
They were celebrating the Iowa Board of Regents approval of a new sports media and communication major, slated to start fall semester 2025. They were equally excited about the previous day’s announcement of Farm O’Geddon, the conference football game between Iowa State and Kansas State slated for August 2025 in Dublin.
As the group discussed all the big news, a shamrock-shaped light bulb went off in Teaching Professor Brenda Witherspoon’s head.
What if Greenlee created a study abroad program and sent students enrolled in the new major to Dublin to cover the game? The group quickly got to work sketching out a hands-on, real-world three-credit course they dubbed Touchdown in Dublin, getting buy-in from administrators, and recruiting students.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Assistant Teaching
Professor James McNab (’00). “We were expecting around 10 students but ultimately had to cap it at 19.”
“I wanted to be a part of Touchdown in Dublin the minute that it was announced,” says Abby Altman, a junior. “It was not only an incredible opportunity to grow my skills in videography, reporting, covering football, and more, but was also a great opportunity to grow stronger relationships with my fellow sports media majors at Iowa State.”
Students spent the summer meeting with faculty, learning about international travel and Ireland, and preparing their individual reporting projects focused on aspects of the game or Irish culture. Their work would be content for a range of social media channels and campus publications. A partnership with KCCI-TV in Des Moines provided opportunities for exposure of the students’ work beyond campus.
Touchdown in Dublin exemplifies the possibilities of Greenlee School’s sport media and communication major, McNab says.
“The breadth of the Greenlee program and the real-world opportunities we can offer students through Cyclone sports, the Iowa Cubs, national teams in our region — like the Kansas City Chiefs — and more, really set this program apart,” McNab says.
Kayde Sheaffer, who saw the Dublin experience as an opportunity to demonstrate that women have a place in sports journalism, wrote an article about the history of the iconic Farmageddon match-up.
“I had the most amazing time,” says Sheaffer. “This trip helped me with my overall confidence. I said ‘Go Cyclones’ to almost everyone wearing Iowa State and Kansas State gear. I interviewed around 40 people for my major story, and I think I was able to find my voice, get out of my shell, and develop better conversational and interviewing skills.”
Matt Nielsen, a senior, and Altman teamed up for a two-part video about the Iowa State Marching Band. It gave them the enviable opportunity to be on the Farm O’Geddon gridiron.
“The coolest thing I was able
to do was to have field access as a videographer. Although my focus was on the band, just being on the field surrounded by professionals was not only really cool, but it gave me something to look at for the future and learn from what they were doing,” Nielsen says. “Being able to produce content that will look good on my portfolio was great.”
The first part of their project focused on the band’s preparation, including a joint rehearsal with the Kansas State band. Once in Dublin, they followed the band around to pep-rally destinations, including the performance in the Guinness Storehouse, and got to interview people like President Wendy Wintersteen (’88) and athletic director Jamie Pollard.
“I love Cyclone Athletics. Even before I knew that I’d be on the field, just seeing an Iowa State takeover in a different country sounded really fun to me,” Nielsen says. “The win was just the icing on the cake. Although it was frustrating not being able to cheer as I sat in the press room working on my project during the second half.”
Altman found the experience “incredible.”
“This trip prepared me so well as a professional. It gave me confidence as I go forward in sports media,” she says. “It also allowed me to grow my portfolio and resume, giving me the opportunity to market myself to future employers. This trip was one of the best things that has happened thus far in my time at Iowa State, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
Touchdown in Dublin exceeded Grace Roncke’s expectations.
“Collecting amazing opportunities like this is critical to developing your expertise if you want to go into sports media,” says Roncke, a sophomore. “This trip definitely contributed to my college experience, especially with the connections I have made. At the beginning of the trip, nobody knew anyone else. By the last day, we all became inseparable.”
While the professional experience was a big attraction, Ireland had personal meaning for some students. Roncke’s grandfather’s family is from Ireland, and she was “excited to see the country that has been a part of my heritage.”
Logan Barleen, a senior, visited Ireland several years ago and now performs with a local traditional Irish band. Given that background, it’s no surprise he opted to do a short documentary on the role Irish pubs play as community gathering spots.
“I’ve grown up deeply entrenched in Irish culture, and a chance to do some work over in Ireland, especially in this manner, is a fantastic opportunity,” Barleen says. “A big thing I hope to accomplish is educating some folks in Iowa about the Irish experience and lifestyle and hopefully dispel some stereotypes in the process.”
Touchdown in Dublin came with a cost, but several students were able to cover it with help from families as
well as financial assistance awarded through the LAS Dean’s High Impact Study Abroad Award and Gary L. and Margaret W. Krull International Scholarship Fund.
Nielsen’s parents were on board from day one, he says. “They might have been more excited than I was to be honest.”
At first, Altman feared she couldn’t afford to go, but her dad told her she had to have the experience.
“I received help from my parents and some extended family, including my aunt, who is a huge advocate for women in sports and wants to help me succeed in my dream,” Altman says.
The group that dreamed up Touchdown in Dublin back in April 2024 had a lot more than a Cyclone win to celebrate in August 2025.
“It was an outstanding experience, and I’m extremely proud of what our students accomplished in the short amount of time they had,” McNab says. “This is a model for the future. And the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is definitely on our radar.”
“The breadth of the Greenlee program and the real-world opportunities we can offer students through Cyclone sports, the Iowa Cubs, national teams in our region — like the Kansas City Chiefs — and more, really set this program apart.”
— James McNab, Assistant Teaching Professor
Student Lens
ISU sophomore Grace Roncke shares a play-by-play of her day covering Farm O’Geddon.
Stadium Entry – 10:00 a.m
I arrived with our team of Greenlee students at Aviva Stadium, all of us eager to create social media posts for the Greenlee Global Instagram account and finish videos, articles, and other media as part of our final projects. Upon arrival, I received my press pass that allowed access to the field, and then we all checked in our pre-approved camera equipment with event staff. Game day had finally arrived.
Cyclone Excitement – Noon
I walked on the field and got a feel for where I would be during the game and how I could best document the action. Along the way, we visited the Cyclone pep band and captured some of their pre-game experience.
Press Preparation – 2:00 p.m.
We made our way to the main bustling media room. I was surrounded by local media and international journalists; the room was abuzz with conversation and Irish accents. It felt as though we were the only Americans in the room, and we were definitely the youngest. We did our best to look like we belonged, and soon after, a few Kansas State students joined us. I settled into my workspace to prepare for the game.
Pre-game Entertainment – 4:00 p.m.
I took my place on the sidelines and began to photograph the pre-game festivities. Live music, professional Irish dancers, and fireworks took center stage and filled me with a sense of awe
and gratitude for the chance to experience a different culture on a Cyclone gameday.
Kick Off – 5:00 p.m.
From the opening kick, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Even the downpour of rain couldn’t dampen our collective excitement — I covered my equipment with raingear and continued to document the game from a perspective few get to experience. I was stationed next to three local camera operators who, during timeouts, would turn to me for help to understand the rules of American football.
Halftime – 6:40 p.m.
At halftime, I returned to the media room, where we were presented with snacks and refreshments, and a brief reprieve from the rain. I used the break to upload photos and videos, double-check my camera settings, and, with a newfound respect, watch the other media professionals hard at work covering a major collegiate event.
Victory – 8:30 p.m.
As a member of the media, I knew I couldn’t cheer or celebrate the hard-fought Cyclone win, but I did wear a small smile as I ran from the sidelines onto the field to capture the celebration.
Long Walk – 11:00 p.m.
Our work for the night was done, and it was time to return to our hotel. We waded through a sea of cardinal, gold, and purple as fans lined the streets and piled into pubs. Back at the hotel, we ordered food and celebrated the successful trip. When the trip began, we were shy and kept to ourselves, but by the end, friendships and connections were formed, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I met along the way.
ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard and President Wendy Wintersteen (’88) wave to a passionate, excited Cyclone crowd at a pep rally prior to the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin. Nearly 10,000 Cyclones are estimated to have made the trip to see Iowa State defeat Kansas State 24-21. Image by
IRISH GOODBYE
A Legacy of Cyclone Power
By the time this issue of Iowa Stater magazine reaches you, I will be two months into my retirement from the Iowa State University Alumni Association. Over the last year, I’ve taken many moments to reflect — on my faith, on my life, and on my 43-year career in higher education, especially the almost 26 I spent here at Iowa State. What began in 1999 as a professional opportunity quickly blended into a personal transformation, one that reshaped my family’s trajectory and rooted us in a community we truly call home.
I’ve shared before of my gratitude to Iowa Staters welcoming me, who at the time was a non-alumnus, with warmth and generosity. You not only embraced me, but you engaged my wife, Peggy, and our children. You allowed us to grow alongside this remarkable university, city, state, and worldwide Cyclone family.
Peggy and I began liking each other when we were 12 and 14, respectively, and grew up together. Peggy has been my partner in every sense. From hosting southern dinners, board and alumni receptions, and student and staff meals in our home to supporting association, university, and alumni
events, she has embraced this work as if it were her own. Our shared upbringing — rooted in hospitality and generosity — shaped how we built community here. Whether through gala dinners, board gatherings, or student celebrations, our home, family, and lives became an extension of the association’s mission.
Throughout my tenure, I’ve been blessed to work with extraordinary staff; individuals who, whether alumni or not, became Iowa Staters through their dedication and love for this university and its constituents. Their commitment was matched by campus colleagues, national and international peers, community partners, and vendors who helped us elevate the work of the association and the reputation of Iowa State University.
Alumni work is rooted in alumni engagement beyond being a dues-paying member. It’s the giving of one’s time, talents, expertise, experiences, and perspectives. Whether that happened during one’s student days, as a graduate, or as an Iowa State friend, my staff and I were blessed to be surrounded and supported by a cadre of committed volunteers.
There are countless tangible legacies I am proud to have
been a part of: the building of the ISU Alumni Center, the creation of the “Cyclone Power” chant, the endowment of the nation’s first alumni association leadership position, the growth of the LegaCY Program, and the creation of the graduation regalia and mace now used in Iowa State’s commencement ceremonies, to name a few.
Outside of my role at the association, I’ve had the privilege to serve the broader Ames community as president of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County, as well as a member of the Ames Economic Development Council, the Ames Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Mary Greeley Foundation Board of Directors. These roles allowed me to give back while still serving Iowa State — a rare and cherished opportunity. Perhaps my greatest legacy is personal: As a firstgeneration college graduate, I wanted to change the trajectory of my family’s future, and I knew education was a way to do so. In May 2014, I earned my PhD from Iowa State (officially joining the ranks of the alumni I so proudly served) the same weekend that my daughter, Krystal, graduated with her bachelor’s degree. It is one of my proudest memories.
Iowa State’s land-grant legacy — a college based on science
and open to all; one dedicated to the education of the working people of Iowa — has always resonated with me, and I’m proud to have served such an institution for more than a quarter of a century. My family was welcomed with these values, of openness and acceptance, decades ago, and they’re why we’ll continue living here. Peggy and I have chosen to stay in Ames, not out of obligation, but out of affection for this city and state.
Thank you for allowing me to live the mission I asked others to support. Thank you for the memories, the milestones, and the meaning. Iowa State will always be among the places we call home, and Iowa Staters will always be our extended family. My email address will remain jjohnsn@iastate.edu; please stay in touch.
JEFF JOHNSON, PHD ‘14 HIGHER EDUCATION,IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT AND CEO EMERITUS
A Storyteller’s Story
There is nothing so enduring as the memories of shared stories.
“I remember lying side by side with my cousin on the roof of my grandmother’s house in Iran,” says Rahele Jomepour Bell (’15). “We would look up at the
moon and the stars as my grandmother would tell us stories.”
When she wasn’t listening to tales, Bell was looking at the pictures in her grandmother’s books. For a young artist, these were early lessons.
“My grandmother would remind me that education had not always been for everyone,” Bell says. “So storytelling
and books could be a powerful part of education.”
By the time she moved to the United States in 2011, Bell had begun developing her artistic eye at the University of Tehran and had illustrated several Iranian children’s books. In America, she found herself with both more artistic freedom and a much broader audience. She would keep her warm, detailed, and textured style, but was eager to stretch her talents to resonate with her new community. Bell took to the web, searching for degree programs in communication art — a form of art that focuses on the needs of audiences across mediums. It’s at this point that she discovered the MFA program at Iowa State.
“Being new to this country, the program was a community,” she says. “All the faculty encouraged me. As soon as they heard my ideas, they were so supportive.”
This fall, Bell returned to Iowa State to accept the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional Award from the College of Design. After receiving so much support and encouragement from Iowa State faculty, Bell holds a soft spot for the role the university played in her journey.
“I would happily have stayed a student forever,” she says with a smile.
Worlds removed from that rooftop where her grandmother told her stories, Bell has come into her own. To date, she has illustrated more than 20 picture books published across Iran, the United States, and Canada. Each book is carefully chosen to speak to childhood experiences: big emotions, the death of a loved one, or learning about new traditions and cultures. A mother herself, Bell strives to see storytelling through the eyes of her little girl.
“My hope is that, for my little readers, they can hold my books and they can get a sense that the book could be a part of their identity,” she says. “In communication art, the audience is more important than the creator. That’s why I love illustration.” — KATE TINDALL
CYCLONE STORIES: RAHELE JOMEPOUR BELL (’15) / OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
1. Elsie and Piper: Submitted by Cindy (‘06) and Ben (‘07) Dees.
Future Cyclones
These young Iowa Staters are showing off their love for all things Cyclones! Visit ISUalum.org/Legacy for more information on how you can connect your Cyclones of all ages with age-appropriate Iowa State gifts and programming year-round.
To submit a photo of future Cyclones for Iowa Stater magazine visit ISUalum.org/ShareCycloneStories.
IF YOU’RE HEADED TO ...
Las Vegas
Catch top athletes playing in NHL, NFL, and WNBA games or attend a special sporting event including Formula 1 and the PGA Tour. This month, Cyclone fans can also cheer on Iowa State men’s basketball at the Players Era Tournament on Nov. 24.
Connect with Cyclone fans at the local ISU Alumni Club’s game watch site, Brooksy’s. Fans can enjoy a family friendly environment with delicious pizza, pasta, and wings.
Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting scenic Nevada stops like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Mount Charleston, or travel a few hours to nearby Utah for Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
Sample food and drinks at off-the-strip favorites including Golden Steer Steakhouse, Anna Marie’s Italian Cuisine, Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy, Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, and Tenaya Creek Brewery.
Connect with Iowa State Alumni of Las Vegas on Facebook (@isuvegas) to help you plan a great visit.
ISUAA LAS VEGAS CLUB LEADER LISA CORDES HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST OF WHAT LAS VEGAS HAS TO OFFER WITH ITS SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, ADVENTURES, AND GOOD EATS.
2. Bennett: Submitted by Lainey (‘16) and Sam Heck (‘20) 3. Campbell and Sullivan: Submitted by Graye (‘15) and Travis (‘15) Dierickx.
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WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED:
Where’s the Most Unexpected Place You’ve Run Into a Fellow Iowa Stater?
I was recently a lighthouse keeper on a remote island in Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park. We welcomed guests to the island during the day and did education activities as part of a working vacation exchange program. I was out weeding the lighthouse keeper’s garden at the lighthouse cottage when a family came up. They were so excited about food and agriculture and surprised to see someone gardening. Yes, they were ISU grads currently living in Michigan. The daughter in middle school had been part of the World Food Prize Youth Institute research paper project, really hoping to make it to Des Moines to meet the scientists and global leaders. We had so much fun talking about our connections to Iowa.”
AMY PROULX (’07)
Deep in the Atacama Desert of Chile! Three ISU grads randomly met two ISU grads and we’d all graduated during a similar time frame many decades ago!”
My wife and I were on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park in the early ’70s. We were going up the trail, and the only others we saw was another couple going down the trail. We chatted enough to know that the four of us had been or were Iowa State students! And here we were hundreds of miles from Ames and on a mountain! It’s a small world!”
— KEN BROWN (’66)
For me, it was the Dhahran Airport in Saudi Arabia. I had just arrived and one of the first people I see in the terminal was wearing an Iowa State T-shirt.”
— JOHN MCWILLIAMS (’78, ’10)
On the KU campus! I met lots of parents who were ISU alumni and we bonded over shared memories and cried that our kids chose KU!”
— GAIL SCRYMIGER
RACELIS (’89)
CHRIS ROULES (’79)
We always like to wear some form of ISU gear — shirts, hats, gloves, etc. — when traveling. Fellow Iowa Staters tend to notice and speak up so it’s a great way to meet people. The most interesting places we’ve met fellow alumni are on a boat ride in Alaska, waiting in line at the Louvre, and, most recently, at Cerro San Cristobal in Santiago, Chile!”
— MEGAN (RAFFETY) (’90) AND LANCE (’89, ’92, ’94) VELDBOOM
A stop light in Ohio! We had just moved to the state from Ames and ended up meeting another couple that also had gone to Iowa State. We had an ISU license plate frame and they had an ISU decorative front plate. We ended up pulling into the same restaurant, walked in at the same time, then sat and talked with them for two hours. Now we’re best friends and we tell that story whenever we can.”
— EMILY FRERICHS (’22)
We were hiking at the beginning of the pandemic while my daughter was doing an exchange semester in Hawaii. I had on an ISU T-shirt and a group of kids started cheering for me! They were all Iowa Staters on spring break. One of them was the kid who ran the flag around at Hilton at the time.”
—
TONJA O’BANNON JENKINS
“Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence, Italy!”
— JEANNE SUMMY
I served in the Army in the Berlin Brigade and two American girls saw me in uniform and needed directions. It turns out both were ISU students.”
— DAN CONRAD
My unexpected meeting was not in a far-off place, but in the bleachers at Wrigley Field in Chicago. My family, avid Chicago Cubs fans, traveled from Maryland to Chicago to experience the thrill of finally seeing a Cubs game in person. We were seated in the bleachers at Wrigley Field when my sorority sister, a teacher from small town Illinois, climbed the steps beside us! Her class had won a statewide competition with the prize of a trip to Chicago. What an unexpected, delightful mini reunion it was!”
— BARBARA BLUMENSCHEIN STAM (’59)
STORY BY CALEB GRIZZLE
IMAGE BY MATT VAN WINKLE
Stephanie Clark joined Iowa State University in 2009, passionate and ready to equip students for work in the dairy industry — but something was missing: a creamery.
Clark realized how much she valued the creameries she had utilized as an associate professor at Washington State University and worked at when a student at Cornell University. Clark’s specialty in food science is dairy, and the creamery was the perfect outlet to share her passion with students.
Relaunching a creamery on Iowa State’s campus after, what at the time was a nearly 40-year hiatus, was no simple task. Partnerships needed to be formed and strengthened with local dairy producers, and a venue and funding needed to be secured. Clark answered phone calls from local producers, helped solve production problems, and collaborated on key research to further advance practices in the dairy industry.
In 2015, she launched the Iowa Quality Dairy Products Showcase at the Iowa State Fair — uplifting top dairy products from across the state and continuing to develop
“We decided from the start we were going to make sure that all of our ice cream represented Iowa State people, places, and traditions. That’s why every ice cream tells its own story.”
— Stephanie Clark, former ISU professor
and establish valuable relationships. Two years later, bolstered by collaborations and local support, renovations began, new equipment arrived, safety inspections were scheduled, and formulations were created. The ISU Creamery was inching closer to a return to campus.
One ingredient in Clark’s recipe for a successful relaunch was storytelling, using the sweet medium of ice cream to shine a spotlight on Cyclone history.
“We decided from the start we were going to make sure that all of our ice cream represented Iowa State people, places, and traditions,” Clark says. “That’s why every ice cream tells its own story.”
Take, for example, Legacy, the creamery’s inaugural flavor that was born out of a student naming and flavor contest held in 2017. The peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream with chocolate-covered rice crisps honors alumnus George Washington Carver (1894, 1896), for his research on peanuts, and alumna Mildred Day (’28), who co-invented Rice Krispies Treats.
This past August, the creamery celebrated its fifth
anniversary since its return to campus. Alongside Legacy, the creamery now offers more than 25 unique ice cream flavors that celebrate Iowa Staters and points of Cyclone pride.
Clark’s passion and initial vision for the creamery have been fully realized. Clark retired from Iowa State in 2023 from her role as a professor in the department of food science and human nutrition and as the director of the ISU Creamery, but her legacy continues on beyond the ice cream.
“As soon as I heard about the creamery on campus, I knew it was a place I wanted to work,” says Giuliana Esposito (’25), now a research and development scientist at Blue Bunny.
For Esposito, her time at the ISU Creamery solidified her passion for the dairy industry and equipped her with skills she uses in her full-time role.
“Being at the creamery, and even prior, I really enjoyed ice cream. I mean, who doesn’t? But working at the creamery, it solidified that feeling of, ‘Oh, I really like this,’” Esposito says. “Having that previous knowledge of working in a production role at the creamery helps me understand the differences between machinery that I work with on a daily
basis, and why it’s important.”
The creamery employs 20 students each school year and six in the summertime; these students represent a range of campus departments with some studying public relations, meteorology, computer engineering, food sciences, and more.
“One of my goals is to keep our student retention high,” says Danielle Christofferson, production manager at the creamery. “This is a fun place to work, it’s not open-heart surgery, it’s making and serving ice cream.”
Along with serving ice cream sold by the scoop, students help produce and sell cheese curds, Cyclone-shaped cheese blocks, ice cream sandwiches, and pre-packaged ice cream in a variety of sizes.
With its Iowa State-themed ice cream, workforce-ready employees, and community collaboration, the ISU Creamery tells the sweet story of Iowa State’s impact one scoop at a time. Visit creamery.iastate.edu/hours for directions, hours, parking information, and more.
ISU Creamery employees, including Hannah Foster and Dylan Jennings, left, and Ashlee Danner, above, fill different roles in the creamery’s production of ice cream, serving up scoops at the retail store and packaging ice cream in the lab. The creamery employs 20-plus students during the school year.
Rooted in Cyclone Spirit
Iowa State’s campus holds a special place in the hearts of Mikel and Megan Jones.
“That’s where we met,” says Megan (’10, ’11). “It’s our home away from home.”
As accounting students more than a decade ago, it was Mikel (’10) who needed help on an assignment.
“I was on WebCT (an online learning portal) one day and a little conversation window popped up,” says Megan.
The two met at Parks Library and realized they had several classes together.
“I was using WebCT as my online dating website,” Mikel says jokingly.
The two graduated from Iowa State and had dated for four years when they returned to Ames one summer day and started to walk across campus.
“Right on the sidewalk in front of the campanile, I turned around and he was down on one knee,” Megan says.
The two were married in 2015, and three years later their son Luke was born.
“Everyone always commented on his blue eyes and long eyelashes,” Megan recalls of her son.
Shortly after he was born, Luke was diagnosed with a rare gene mutation. After several complications and two years of physical therapy, doctors performed a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor found in the rear lower part of Luke’s brain. But less than a month after the surgery, most of the cancer had returned.
“They knew it was a very aggressive, fast-growing situation and that chemo treatment was not going to work,” Mikel says. “At that point, we just went home and made the best of it for a month or two.”
On March 14, 2021, Luke passed away.
In the two and a half years Luke was alive, he planted countless memories in his family’s minds.
“Everyone always commented on his laugh and his smile. He loved being in the sun,” Megan says.
During the funeral process, a family friend presented the Jones family with a way to honor Luke for years to come: an oak tree, to be planted on the campus of Iowa State.
The couple selected a location on the southeast side of the Gerdin Business Building.
It’s a special place the couple — along with their children Lucy, 4, and Louis, 2, — return to often when they’re back in Ames for football games, gymnastics meets, or just to walk among the beauty of the 13,000 trees on campus.
“Visiting campus has always been something that is personal for us, but having the tree physically there gives us an even more special, specific place to visit that feels like a part of our family,” Megan says. “We talk about Luke with the kids a lot at home and have many reminders of him there, so it is meaningful to be able to experience that on campus as well.”
CYCLONE STORIES: MEGAN (’10, ’11) AND MIKEL (’10) JONES / EMMETSBURG, IOWA
The Jones family was gifted an oak tree, to be planted on Iowa State’s campus, as a way to honor their son, Luke. The tree serves as a special, physical spot to visit when they return to campus.
Eye for Entrepreneurship
Talk with anyone who has worked with Judi Eyles — whether a student, professor, entrepreneur, or national leader — and you’ll hear the same thing: she changes lives by shining the spotlight on others.
In 2026, Eyles (’93), director of the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, will celebrate 30 years of being a champion of entrepreneurs and building the Pappajohn Center into a nationally recognized hub of innovation and support.
John Pappajohn, Iowa’s most famous venture capitalist, has been an important figure throughout Eyles’ career. Rooted in his philosophy that success starts with a positive attitude, Eyles believes in people before they believe in themselves. Thousands have succeeded because she stood in their corner, “just like John,” she says.
To Eyles, entrepreneurship is about people. She thrives at the intersection
of students and business leaders — connecting ideas with opportunity and creating life-changing experiences.
Eyles’ journey with the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship began in 1996, the year it was founded, when he joined as assistant director. From day one, she was instrumental in pioneering a bold vision: to weave entrepreneurship into every corner of the university, across all disciplines, through real-world experiences, and with an emphasis on innovation and university-based venture creation.
Over the years, she has built bridges among colleges, departments, and community partners. In 2017, she became director of the center, guiding its evolution from a small resource hub into a globally recognized and award-winning center for entrepreneurial learning and innovation. In her nearly three decades at the university, Eyles has founded or helped facilitate several transformational programs and initiatives, including CYstarters, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Learning Community, the
Entrepreneur Club (E-Club), the Reiman Entrepreneur Speaker Series and Reiman Internship program, CyBIZ Lab, and the College-by-College Pitch Off. For all her work advancing entrepreneurship, Eyles was honored last month as the 2025 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers Legacy Award winner.
Despite all of her achievements, Eyles is quick to shy away from the spotlight.
“This is not my thing; this is an Iowa State thing,” she says. “The fact that I played a role in what we have created is very special. There is an amazing team here at the Pappajohn Center and many people across campus who make this work successful.”
When asked about her legacy, Eyles said it’s hard to think that way.
“I hope what I am doing matters to people,” she says. “I hope I am making a difference in people’s lives and have helped in some way in their creating successful ventures — now or down the road.”
— MICHELE APPELGATE AND LINDSEY MURRAY
CYCLONE STORIES: JUDI EYLES (’93) / AMES, IOWA
94th Annual Honors & Awards
MEMORIAL UNION AWARD
Harold Pride Service Medallion
James K. Olberding
’63 HISTORY
semi-retired from self-owned insurance business Ames, IA
COLLEGE AWARDS
AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
Floyd Andre Award
Lynn Henderson
’74 AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM owner, Henderson Communications, LLC publisher, Agri Marketing Magazine Adel, IA
George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award
Pete Wenstrand
’74 AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS farm owner/operator and Dana Wenstrand
’87 FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION, ADULT EDUCATION farm owner/operator Essex, IA
Henry A. Wallace Award
Doug Ware
’74 MS, ’76 PHD ANIMAL SCIENCE retired co-founder, Nutrition Physiology Company Chapel Hill, NC
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Jimmy Kent
’14 AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS president, KENT Nutrition Group and Grain Processing Corporation Muscatine, IA
IVY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Citation of Achievement
Brian Hannasch
’89 FINANCE
retired president and chief executive officer, Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Columbus, IN
Edwin M. Bruere
’78 FINANCE, ACCOUNTING, INDUSTRIAL ADMINISTRATION
retired co-chief executive officer, Mid-Continent Capital, LLC. Naples, FL
John D. DeVries Service Award
Miriam De Dios Woodward
’04 MANAGEMENT, MARKETING president and chief executive officer, De Dios Consulting West Des Moines, IA
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Hernán Machado
’20 FINANCE, ACCOUNTING associate, Ardea Partners New York, NY
Courtney Hiveley
’11 LIBERAL STUDIES; ’17 MASTERS OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS
president and chief operating officer, Kingland Ames, IA
DESIGN
Christian Petersen Design Award
Paul Mankins
’85 ARCHITECTURE WITH DISTINCTION professor of practice in architecture, Iowa State University Des Moines, IA
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Deep Chaniara
’18 MARCH ARCHITECTURE
architect and senior associate, Pickard Chilton
New Haven, CT
Rahele Jomepour Bell
’15 MFA INTEGRATED VISUAL ARTS
assistant professor of illustration, Kansas City Art Institute; freelance picture book author and illustrator Overland Park, KS
Josh Kassing
’14 BARCH ARCHITECTURE, ’16 MFA
INTERIOR DESIGN
senior vice president, Mary Cook Associates Chicago, IL
Shannon Swift
’15 BARCH ARCHITECTURE architect and senior associate, INVISION Architecture West Des Moines, IA
ENGINEERING
Anson Marston Medal
Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon
MS ’72 CERAMICS ENGINEERING, PHD ’77 MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING retired chief executive officer and owner, IJ (Intelligent Joining) Research, Inc. Irvine, CA
Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering
Swami Sivasubramanian
’02 MS COMPUTER ENGINEERING vice president, database, analytics and machine learning, Amazon Web Services Seattle, WA
Brenda K. Mann
’91 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING founder, president and chief executive officer Marinda Therapeutics, Inc.
Salt Lake City, UT
Young Alumni Award
Owen Berg
’08 CIVIL ENGINEERING, ’10 MS CIVIL/ STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING engineering manager, civil, construction and environmental engineering department, Kiewit Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Anne Stockdale
’09 MATERIALS ENGINEERING chief engineer and director, aeronautics systems sector, Northrop Grumman Corp. Falls Church, VA
HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES
Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award
Matt Thompson
’03 HISTORY; PHD ’10 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES president, Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA
Helen LeBaron Hilton Award
Barbara J. Stoecker
PHD ’70 NUTRITION professor emerita, Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK
Alumni Achievement Award
Darryl C. Hill
’85 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY director of environmental health and safety, Oakland University Southfield, MI
Kathleen Pertzborn
’85 DIETETICS-FOOD AND NUTRITION
retired pediatric nutrition support specialist dietitian, UnityPoint Health Ankeny, IA
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Megan Burt
’10 KINESIOLOGY/EXERCISE SCIENCE
owner and physical therapist, United Movement Ames, IA
LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
Citation of Merit Award
Ben Malin
’00 ECONOMICS, MATHEMATICS
vice president and policy advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Maple Grove, MN
John V. Atanasoff Discovery Award
Jyotishman Pathak
PHD ’07 COMPUTER SCIENCE
founding dean and foundation professor, School of Technology for Public Health, Arizona State University Scarsdale, NY
Carrie Chapman Catt Public Engagement Award
Sophia Magill
’05 POLITICAL SCIENCE
senior advisor to the president, Iowa State University Ames, IA
Dean’s Arts and Humanities Award
Todd Buck
’87 BIOLOGICAL PREMEDICAL ILLUSTRATION
president and chief Illustrator, Todd Buck Illustration LLC; professor emeritus, Northern Illinois University Lombard, IL
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Dr. Chris Sievers
’12 ANIMAL SCIENCE, DVM ’16, MS ’16 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE veterinarian and partner, Swine Vet Center Storm Lake, IA
Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award
Dr. Hans Coetzee
PHD ’05 MICROBIOLOGY
vice president for research, Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Gayle Brown
’89 MS IMMUNOBIOLOGY, PHD ’99
IMMUNOBIOLOGY
teaching professor, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
veterinary specialist, Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University Gilbert, IA
Stange Award for Meritorious Service
Dr. Chris Chase
DVM ’80
retired professor emeritus, South Dakota State University; chief scientific officer and president, RTI Brookings, SD
Dr. Steven R. Hansen
’82 DISTRIBUTED STUDIES, DVM ’85 president and chief executive officer, Arizona Humane Society Scottsdale, AZ
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Alumni Medal
Craig R. Foss
’71 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
retired president, Foss, Kuiken, Cochran, Helling & Willman P.C. Fairfield, IA
Jeffery Wayne Johnson
PHD ’14 EDUCATION
president and chief executive officer emeritus, Iowa State University Alumni Association Ames, IA
Jill Wagner
’76 INDUSTRIAL ADMINISTRATION
retired vice president, marketing and sales, Frontier Communications Portland, OR
Alumni Humanitarian Award
Richard F. Netley
’73 CIVIL ENGINEERING, MS ’77 STRUCTURAL AND SOIL ENGINEERING
retired professional engineer, senior structural engineer/senior professional associate, HDR Omaha, NE
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
David Doxtad
’10 CIVIL ENGINEERING President, ISG Sioux Falls, SD
Danielle West
’11 JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION
strategic communication director, Wixted & Company Waukee, IA
James A. Hopson Alumni Service Award
LeVern W. Faidley
’67 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
retired senior program and budget officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, Italy
Only ISU degrees are listed.
ISU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBER INDEX
Debra Wood pg. 10
Elaine Baughman pg. 10
Don Goering pg. 20
Robert Waggoner pg. 21
Kristen Constant pg. 22
Jamie Pollard pg. 22
Lynette L. Pohlman pg. 23
Peggy Johnson pg. 30
Krystal Martin pg. 31
Kate Tindall pg. 32
Cindy Dees pg. 33
Ben Dees pg. 33
Lainey Heck pg. 33
Graye Dierickx pg. 33
Travis Dierickx pg. 33
Ken Brown pg. 34
Megan Veldbloom pg. 35
Lance Veldbloom pg. 35
Barbara Stam pg. 35
Mikel Jones pg. 40
Megan Jones pg. 40
Lynn Henderson pg. 44
Pete Wenstrand pg. 44
Dana Wenstrand pg. 44
Miriam De Dios Woodward pg. 44
Brenda K. Mann pg. 44
Barbara J. Stoecker pg. 44
Darryl C. Hill pg. 44
Sophia Magill pg. 45
Chris Sievers pg. 45
Gayle Brown pg. 45
Chris Chase pg. 45
Craig R. Foss pg. 45
Jill Wagner pg. 45
Richard F. Netley pg. 45
LeVern W. Faidley pg. 45
Tamara Deal pg. 47
Congrats to Our Summer 2025 Pop Quiz Winner!
Tamara Deal (’83, ’88) is our summer 2025 Iowa Stater pop quiz winner. “All the Way Home,” by Julie Chang was completed at Iowa State University in 2013. The terrazzo floor with brass and bronze insets can be found on the ground floor of Curtiss Hall. Check out the back cover of this issue for your chance to play and win the fall 2025 Iowa Stater pop quiz!
Doug Langenberg
U.S. Navy Captain
When Lone Tree native Doug Langenberg (’97) graduated high school, he attended college visits but didn’t feel quite ready to continue his education. Instead, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Capt. Langenberg never intended for the military to be a career, but 30 years in and now commanding the USS John F. Kennedy — the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier — he reflects on the evolution of his service.
Tell us about your career so far.
The Navy was just a job at first, but once the Gulf War happened, it took on a different purpose for me and became more about service. It has been step by step from there. At first I was a junior officer flying in tactics, which kept me interested, then later in my flying career it became about building teams and executing the mission. It has been a really hardworking, fun, and rewarding career.
What does it mean to you to be commanding an aircraft carrier?
It’s pretty neat and a little surreal. When you walk up to this thing, it’s 1,100 feet long, weighs 100,000 tons, and it’s a big chunk of steel. It makes you chuckle a bit when you look at that and think that it’s going to go to sea and successfully launch and recover airplanes. For what it means to me, I like to see success on a sailor’s face. When we get an opportunity
to finally go to sea with this new carrier, and sailors register that they’re the ones taking the ship to sea and coming back successfully and safely, that’s what makes me smile and keeps me going in this career.
What skills and values did you gain from growing up in Iowa and attending Iowa State?
I was a civil engineering major and I don’t think I ever really used the degree formally, but at the same time, I definitely took skills away from it. First in the aviation part of my career to be able to do quick math in the airplane; those little skills that they teach us go a long way. Second, in the later part of my career to be a carrier CO, you go through about a nine-year process. It starts out with a lot of school — one of the most grueling schools I’ve ever been to in my life — for nuclear power training. I’ve been through it twice now and having that technical background skill really helped me out.
On the other side, the values piece, I would say that Iowans are down-to-earth, salt-of-the-earth kind of people who are humble, kind, and genuine. I’ve learned from and hopefully practiced those values throughout my career. I’ve been all over the world and lived in 15 different places, and over the 30 years of my career, I’ve really never found the same kind of people. I try to convey to others that if you do your best work and don’t brag about it, that has the most stay power. When you see folks in Iowa, they never have to boast about anything; they just go and do it.
— KIRSTEN KRAKLIO
Image by Rachel Mummey