HANDS-ON LEARNING FOR IOWA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Carrie Belanger, Hannah Sinclair, Elliott Frey, Matt Gunkelman.
in other areas such as engineering and communications. Teams take a multi-phase approach that involves research, brainstorming, writing reports, and presenting findings – sometimes in front of high-level administrators in corporate meeting rooms. The lab’s four founding sponsors – C.H. Robinson, Kingland Systems, Vermeer Corporation, and Principal Financial Group – are all enthusiastic about the potential for collaboration. “We see CyBIZ as a great example of ‘active partnership’ between ISU, students, alumni, and companies in the area,” said Tony Brownlee (’05 MBA), a partner at Kingland Systems. “For our first CyBIZ VISIONS WWW.ISUALUM.ORG WINTER 2015
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sam Kammermeier, Megan Sweere, Avantika Ram, Zach Lenhart.
project, a team of students came up with new ideas to redesign a product, which they did very professionally in about eight weeks. The students help companies with real-world business problems, and the companies benefit from ready access to CyBIZ’s organized approach.” “CyBIZ Lab has been the best experience I have had here at Iowa State,” said Megan Sweere, an undergraduate in supply chain management. “It offers hands-on learning that couldn’t be mimicked in the classroom, and it has helped me better understand the class material.” Sweere’s participation was supported by a gift from Iowa State alumnus
Mark Walker (L)(’79 accounting/industrial administration) and his wife, Terri, to help get CyBIZ off the ground. She said, “The gift from the Walkers made it possible to have this amazing experience. I greatly appreciate their generosity.” Judi Eyles (L)(’93 marketing), interim director for CyBIZ, said, “Our students have a lot to offer. They understand technology, know how to use social media for research, and have many other special skills. I tell companies, ‘Give Iowa State students the opportunity to shine, and they will. You will be amazed at the results.’” (L) = ISU Alumni Association life member 31