Jami (Paper) Lercher (’02) is the director of choral activities at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She and her husband, Ryan Lercher (’02), are happy to be closer to the Cyclone Nation and look forward to more opportunities to visit campus and connect with family and friends.
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- Class of 2002
- Music Education
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Jami Lercher (Paper)
Posted on July 27, 2026 in Careers
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- Class of 2003
- Business
Allison Manzer
Posted on July 13, 2026 in Careers
Allison joined Integra LifeSciences in 2017, through the Codman acquisition from Johnson and Johnson. Allison was a neurosurgery sales specialist from 2017-2023 where she earned Rookie of the Year honors and was later named Sales Specialist of the year, twice. Allison was a field sales trainer and served on the Field Leadership Council. In 2023, Allison was promoted to Regional Business Manager for the West. In 2026, Allison received two promotions. In February she assumed responsibilities as the National Business Manager for indirect sales teams across the United States and in June, she assumed responsibilities as the West Area Sales Director for ENT and Acute Specialty Instruments. -
Ryan M. Foor, Ph.D.
- Class of 2002
Ryan Foor
Posted on July 13, 2026 in Careers
The Nebraska State Board of Education has appointed Dr. Ryan Foor as a Deputy Commissioner at the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). In this role, Foor provides leadership and guidance for day-to-day operations and agency-wide administrative support to the Commissioner.
Foor has served at the NDE since 2015 in various roles working with the State Board of Education, most recently as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff. Prior to serving at the NDE, he was a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, university teacher educator, and university program assessment coordinator.
Dr. Foor grew up in Wapello (Louisa County) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University where he was a Hixson Opportunity Award scholar. He earned graduate degrees from Ohio State. Foor began his duties as Deputy Commissioner on April 20, 2026. -
Josh Kassing, managing principal of Mary Cook Associates, and Mary Cook, founder and CEO.
- Class of 2014
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Joshua Kassing
Posted on July 13, 2026 in Careers
Josh Kassing, managing principal of Mary Cook Associates, and Mary Cook, founder and CEO.
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Dr. Cristina (Mulbrook) Dube
- Class of 1989
- Elementary Education
- Education
Cristina Dube (Mulbrook)
Posted on July 13, 2026 in Careers
Dr. Cristina M. Dube has co-developed Math Castle, a research-based math-fact fluency app, with young software developers Christopher and Zachary Turner, ages 12 and 9. Drawing upon 40 years of experience in mathematics education, Dube designed the app’s content and 93 carefully sequenced developmental levels. Math Castle helps students see, hear, and handwrite addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. The app launched in July 2026 and is available at MathCastle.app.
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- Class of 2014
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Benjamin Zelle
Posted on July 3, 2026 in Careers
Benjamin Zelle has been promoted to the position of Tactical Marketing Manager for Planting and Seeding equipment at John Deere.
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- Class of 1978
- Agricultural Journalism
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Ronald Sterk
Posted on July 1, 2026 in Careers
Finally retired at the end of 2025 after 47 years in the field of agricultural journalism, sticking with the major for which Iowa State prepared me so well. It was a great run, mainly with two companies (Knight-Ridder Financial, which no longer exists, and Sosland Publishing Co.), all in the Kansas City area. Added an MBA from a local K.C. university along the way to improve my marketing and analytical skills. My wife (Kay) of nearly 49 years and I already have increased our travel, spent more time with the grandkids, and worked more in our church and the local community. I'm doing a little consulting and mentoring this year and next, but then fully pulling the plug. Thanks, Iowa State! Go Cyclones!!
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- Class of 1976
- Home Economics Education
- Family & Consumer Sciences
Julaine Kiehn
Posted on May 7, 2026 in Careers
Retired Director of Campus Dining Services, University of Missouri; relocated to Cedar Falls, IA -
- Class of 1990
- Fisheries & Wildlife Biology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Greg Schmitt
Posted on March 23, 2026 in Careers
Retired from the Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau and accepted the position of Eastern Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. https://www.inhf.org/about-us/staff/greg-schmitt -
Susan Bowersox
- Class of 1996
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Susan Bowersox
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Cedar Rapids has promoted Susan Bowersox to the role of Associate. Over the past two decades, Susan has been leading and managing a wide variety of project types with challenging and complex programs, ranging in size from $200,000 to $132 million. Susan has built a successful record of collaborating closely with multiple stakeholder client teams in the execution of high profile, complex and multi-faceted projects. From feasibility studies to phased renovations and designing new facilities, Susan’s strong leadership skills, repeated project success, and exemplary service to clients has fostered and maintained ongoing relationships with college and university campuses. -
Nathan Stieler
- Class of 2003
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Nathan Stieler
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Des Moines has promoted Nate Stieler to the role of Senior Project Architect. Nate joined OPN Architects in 2012. He enjoys working on multiple project types — from churches and schools to corporate offices and skilled care facilities — and all phases of design, from feasibility studies through project completion. His interest in accessibility is not only applied as an integral part of his design philosophy, but also in his responsibilities as an active member of the Des Moines Access Advisory Board. -
Matthew Stewart
- Class of 2001
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Matthew Stewart
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Cedar Rapids has promoted Matthew Stewart to the role of Senior Project Architect. Since joining OPN in 2009, Matthew has managed a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from corporate to civic to higher education. His work at Boehringer Ingelheim’s corporate headquarters and the new College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa both feature collaborative cutting-edge research environments. Community-focused work includes the AIA/ALA Landmark Library, the Cedar Rapids Public Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the award-winning Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa. -
Landon Burg
- Class of 2002
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Landon Burg
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects looks to the future in Cedar Rapids as it promotes Landon Burg to Associate Partner. A life-long resident of Eastern Iowa, Landon has been a leader in OPN’s Cedar Rapids and Iowa City offices for more than a decade. Landon takes a research-driven approach to projects, seeking out best practices to inform the project design. He believes architecture is a thoughtful blend of science and art that requires rigorous attention to details and ideas. Landon co-leads OPN’s public safety team as a fire station planner and architect, including the national and international award-winning Marion Fire Station No. 1. -
Brian Lindgren
- Class of 1990
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Brian Lindgren
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Des Moines has promoted Brian Lindgren to the role of Associate. Brian has been practicing architecture for more than 28 years, seven of those with OPN Architects. Over the course of his career, Brian has been responsible for planning, designing, and providing construction administration services covering a broad range and depth of architectural projects and project types. Brian brings a wealth of experience working on higher education campuses — including studio and performing arts facilities at Iowa State University and Cornell College — to OPN. Since joining the firm, he’s played a key role in the $132 million Hancher Auditorium project at the University of Iowa. -
Brady Dorman
- Class of 2011
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Brady Dorman
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Iowa City has promoted Brady Dorman to the role of Project Architect. Brady has been with OPN Architects since 2011. Since joining the firm, he has worked on several educational facilities for such clients as the Iowa City Community School District and the University of Iowa. He enjoys working on community and civic projects that serve the greater public. -
Aaron Twedt
- Class of 2001
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Aaron Twedt
Posted on January 15, 2026 in Careers
OPN Architects in Des Moines has promoted Aaron Twedt to the role of Associate. Aaron has been with OPN for more than 21 years. Originally hailing from West Burlington, Iowa, Aaron moved to Des Moines as a starting member of the OPN Des Moines office in 2002. As a graduate of Iowa State University with a background in Architecture and Sociology, he has a love not only for the art and science of the built environment but also the impact and importance of human interaction with the constructed space. Aaron has managed the design of multiple projects for Des Moines area schools, including elementary school additions and renovations. -
- Class of 1956
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
James Fancher
Posted on December 4, 2025 in Careers
Served on the Energy Policy Committee of IEEE-USA, 1984-1994 and 1999 to date: Still contributing even though my last 40-hour job ended almost 33 years ago! -
- Class of 1980
- Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering
Ricky Hingtgen
Posted on December 4, 2025 in Careers
Retired after 45 years in Aerospace Engineering. -
- Class of 2005
- Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Produ
- Family & Consumer Sciences
Jennifer Rivas Halvorson (Rivas)
Posted on September 11, 2025 in Careers
Celebrating 20 years with Walmart as a Senior Technical Designer for women’s apparel. -
- Class of 2009
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Casey Schmidt
Posted on August 27, 2025 in Careers
The residents of Tama County, Iowa, elected Casey Schmidt as their Sheriff, with his term beginning on January 2, 2025. Schmidt has nearly 15 years of law enforcement experience, serving as a deputy before being elected Sheriff. In addition to leading the Sheriff’s Office, he currently serves on the Tama County Board of Health and on the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, where he works to strengthen public safety and support rural communities. Schmidt received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 2009. -
Stephen S.Mosher
- Class of 1970
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
Stephen Mosher
Posted on August 13, 2025 in Careers
Receiving a BSEE, 1970 at ISU led to a 20 year career in engineering including 11 years in Tandy Corporation's Computer R&D division. Then transfer to the law department of Tandy where I was advised to attend law school, which led, upon receiving my JD degree to a 35 year career as a patent lawyer. As of March this year I am retired, and it all became possible because of the fine education I received at ISU. -
- Class of 2003
- Communication Studies
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Shane Jacobson
Posted on August 6, 2025 in Careers
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has named Shane Jacobson as its chief executive officer, effective Aug. 12, 2025. Jacobson currently serves as CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he leads a team focused on accelerating game-changing research and funding top scientists. An accomplished and enthusiastic leader with more than two decades of nonprofit experience, including 15 years in nonprofit executive management, Jacobson has a proven record of leading organizations to achieve record-setting results and mission-driven outcomes. Jacobson received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University, and he completed the Harvard University Management Development Program. -
Jeanne Mercer-Ballard
- Class of 1989
- Interior Design
- Design
Jeanne Mercer-Ballard (Mercer)
Posted on July 16, 2025 in Careers
Jeanne Mercer-Ballard, NC RID, LEED A.P., LC, has been promoted to Professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. -
- Class of 1994
- Biology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Krista Placko (Boeck)
Posted on June 25, 2025 in Careers
Krista Placko has been promoted to Forensic Services Manager for the City of Mesa Crime Lab. She joined the Mesa Police Department in 1996 as a Forensic Services Laboratory Technician. She promoted to Forensic Scientist in 1998 and specialized in controlled substances, serology, DNA and bloodstain pattern analysis. She was promoted to Forensic Scientist Supervisor over the Biology Unit in 2012 and has been the Acting Forensic Services Manager since 2023, overseeing all lab operations, including multiple forensic units. -
- Class of 2000
- Finance
- Business
Michael Abbott
Posted on April 23, 2025 in Careers
Mike Abbott has been elected to the Faegre Drinker board for a four-year term that began April 1, 2025. Abbott is based in Des Moines and advises companies, financial investors and boards on strategic and governance matters including M&A, joint venture and capital transactions and development and implementation of strategic endeavors.