Class Notes

Iowa State alumni and friends are invited to attend an anniversary reunion event marking 50 years after the tragic and accidental collision of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and the USS Belknap (CG 26). This event takes place at the Radisson Blu Mall of America Nov. 21-23, 2025. The two ships collided during flight recovery operations approximately 70 miles east of Sicily on Saturday, November 22, 1975, resulting in the loss of eight sailors and 80 members of both crews badly injured. The reunion will honor those involved and provide mental health resources. This event is open to any veteran from any branch of the military who has suffered from trauma, PTSD, survivor guilt, or substance abuse. More information and registration details here: https://militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!event/register/2025/11/21/uss-jfk-uss-belknap-…

Dr. Christina Vernon, a 2009 graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, now serves pet families across Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Vernon is dedicated to providing compassionate care for dogs and cats throughout all stages of life. As a Phoenix-based veterinarian, Dr. Vernon continues to prioritize high quality, empathetic care, bringing years of experience and a commitment to supporting pets and families within her community. For more information about Dr.Vernon’s services, Visit https://www.codapet.com/veterinarians/dr-christina-vernon

VOLLERS, a family-owned full-service civil construction solutions provider, has named Todd Andrews its new Chief Financial Officer. This milestone is the latest advancement in the company's strategy and signals a continued commitment to growth through acquisitions. His contributions will enhance the success of the VOLLERS organization, as well as its partners, clients, employees, and communities. Read more: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vollers-welcomes-todd-andrews-as-chief-financial-officer-3…

King Au (' 82 / MArch '85 architecture), a life member of the ISU Alumni Association, was commissioned by Iowa State University Museums to create three interpretive photographs honoring Jack Trice for the 100th Year Commemorative Celebration. The photographs are on display at the Christian Petersen Art Museum through spring of 2024.

John Leahy (Iowa State Univ., Civil Engineering, BS, 1987) is retired and living with his wife Mary of 34 years in Springfield, VA. Together, they are considering when they will relocate permanently to their home town of Omaha, NE in order to be near their three grandchildren. John earned his Army commission through the ISU ROTC program and spent most of his career serving first part-time in the Reserves and then later on active duty. He earned his MS in Nuclear Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology. John is considering whether to stay retired and volunteer or to more aggressively pursue new professional goals.

Andrea Kaitany (‘86 English, ‘88 MA English) and her husband Richard have spent over 14 years constructing Sibolei Girls’ Preparatory Academy in Iten, Kenya. Kaitany values the education she received from Iowa State and hopes that the academy will bring enriching and prosperous opportunities to girls in Iten. Read Kaitany’s full story, “Richard Kaitany Gives Back in His Return to Kenya” on runnersworld.com.

Michael Magrin (‘00 biological pre-med illustration) will be a participating artist in the upcoming exhibit “The Heavens Declare! Celebrating the Glory of the Skies” at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas. The exhibit will open April 1 and run through July 9.

Sue Chadima** (DVM ’76, ’79 zoology) was featured in an article for her work on the humanitarian crisis that Afghanistan is facing since the Taliban’s return to power. The article can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website.

Chris Martin (‘90 craft design), professor of art and visual culture at Iowa State, is profiled in the March-April 2022 issue of Woodworker West, the premier magazine for woodworking in the western United States.

Robert Jinkins (MFA ‘18 integrated visual arts) is a featured artist in the March/April issue of Fine Art Connoisseur. His profile is accompanied by an image of his award-winning emo portrait "Scarecrow in the Garden" (acrylic and mixed media on panel, triptych, 2019). Please be aware that the content of the painting may be triggering should you choose to view a copy of the publication.

“The Savana Studio Travel Experience: From My Backyard to Braoder Benefits,” an article co-authored by Hans Klein-Hewett (’05 landscape architecture) and Ann Gansemer-Topf (PhD ’92 education), has been published in Landscape Journal 2021 40:37-52. Klein-Hewett is an assistant professor of landscape architecture in the College of Design.

“The Savana Studio Travel Experience: From My Backyard to Braoder Benefits,” an article co-authored by Hans Klein-Hewett (’05 landscape architecture) and Ann Gansemer-Topf (PhD ’92 education) has been published in Landscape Journal 2021 40:37-52. Gansemer-Topf is an associate professor in the School of Education.

Jami Simon (’81 theatre and dance) plays Parfay in THE DREAM (Episode 103 “Economy”). The episode aired on Thursday, Dec 9 at 10 p.m. on FXX and is now available to stream on Hulu.

Larry Celmer* (DVM ’61) and his wife, Martha, recently established an endowed business professorship at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota.

Kendyl (Landeck) Larson (MCRP ’19 community and regional planning), director of research and planning at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, was invited to discuss the history of redlining on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa program Iowa Monday. Redlining is a practice by banks and other financial institutes that discriminates against specific neighborhoods by refusing services.

Catherine Reinhart (’08 integrated studio art) had two fiber works of art submitted to the Terrain Biennial 2021 exhibition in Springfield, Illinois, that runs from Oct. 2 to Nov. 15.

Aspen Pflanz (MCRP ’20 community & regional planning) was appointed to the Ames Public Art Commission this past June.

Lori Buzzetti** ('86 biochemistry) and her non-profit organization, So Big, was recently featured on "Inside Indy" WHMB-TV, virtual channel 40 out of Indianapolis, Indiana. So Big hosted a fundraising event in the Indianapolis area on Oct. 7. Buzzetti started So Big to help pregnant mothers in need get essential care. Mothers in the program have the opportunity to move into the So Big Mountain House Maternity Home located in Whitestown with their children.

Beth Ford (’86 management), Ivy alumna and Land O’Lakes, Inc. president and CEO, was included in the “Most Powerful Women” list by Fortune magazine for the fourth year in a row.

Kevin Bieniek (’11 biology & psychology) is the Biggs Institute Brain Bank Director at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, researching neurodegenerative disorders. The brain bank stores more than 100 donated brains at UT Health San Antonio, where researchers study how the brain works. Bieniek’s research specifically looks at Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over six million people in the U.S.

In joining one of St. Louis’s most influential economic and community developers at Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners, Joel Glasscock’s ('14 community & regional planning) every day consists of improving urban areas through smarter and better development. As a project manager, he guides projects and stakeholders, with their diverse priorities, toward shared goals, through complex approvals, and ultimately to tangible results. Glasscock resides in St. Louis, where he applies his understanding of and experience in economic and community development to the very communities where he grew up. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and a dedicated triathlete.

“What Do Millennial Homebuyers Want Post-Pandemic,” an article by Josh Kassing (BArch '14 architecture, MFA '16 interior design), vice president of design development at Mary Cook Associates, has been published by Builder and Developer magazine online.

A new gardening show on Iowa Public Television featuring Aaron Steil (L)('05 horticulture and biology), assistant director of ISU’s Reiman Gardens, debuts this weekend. “Gardening with Steil” will premiere March 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Sara Zelinskas ('06 biology) was a recent guest on the Hampton Roads Show on WAVY TV in Hampton Roads, Virginia. She spoke about relieving foot pain through at-home, easy-to-do steps. Sara is a podiatrist at TPMG Foot and Ankle in Virginia Beach, a suburb of Hampton Roads.

Inbal Lavotshkin’s (DVM'11 veterinary medicine) dedication to New York City’s dogs and cats was recently recognized when she became the first veterinarian in the nation’s largest city to be honored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Her South Brooklyn clinic, where she serves as the medical director, is the only 24-hour hospital serving a large portion of Brooklyn.