Class Notes

Quitting is often triggered by a single event, inside or outside our jobs, that stops us in our tracks and causes us to rethink our relationship with work. These events are what organizational psychologist Anthony Klotz calls “jolts,” and they are the most underacknowledged realities in our work lives today. Jolts represent pivotal moments in our careers, and in Jolted, Klotz breaks down the different types of jolts we encounter and provides a road map to help us navigate them in ways that improve, rather than derail, our pursuit of the good life through our work.

In a world drowning in confusion about love, gender, and identity, many are left wondering: What does God really say about sexuality? Ideal for individuals, families, pastors, small groups, and church leaders, this resource offers clarity, compassion, and hope for one of the most critical issues of our time. https://a.co/d/03V9jlhc

Statistics for Psychology: How and Why was written for students taking their first statistics course. It was designed to apply many of the elements of effective classroom teaching to the written page. Those methods include highlighting devices, strategic reviews and reminders, and an emphasis on basic logic and intuitive concepts rather than mathematics. The 550-page book also sponsors complimentary supplements for both instructors and students, all of which can be downloaded anytime from the website, ebookslimited.com. There you will also find a download link for a free Sampler. The text is available on the Amazon.com website in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats.

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.

As a proud Iowa State alumnus, I’m excited to share Eden’s Money Magic: Learning About Finances, a children’s book I co-authored with my twin brother, Quinlan H. Riser. The story follows Eden as she learns key money lessons--saving, spending with intention, and setting goals--while encouraging parents and caregivers to have open, age-appropriate conversations about money at home. What began as a personal effort to teach my daughter healthy financial habits grew into a two-generational resource rooted in education, empowerment, and community impact. We hope it sparks meaningful conversations in families everywhere and reflects the Cyclone spirit of service and innovation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Just turned 93 and am in reasonably good health living in a retirement community in Wolfeboro New Hampshire.

Mark Ballard's (pen name Mark Richard) Words for a Wounded World: Scriptural Poems of Truth and Hope to Awaken, Convict, and Heal has been honored with a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan. In addition, the book has been an Amazon #1 Release in Biblical Wisdom Literature. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3YMSNY6/

From Literary Titan: 5 Star Review Mark Richard’s Words for a Wounded World is a striking collection of scriptural poetry that bridges devotion and art. Structured in four parts, it journeys from the foundations of faith to the trials of endurance, calling readers toward reflection, repentance, and renewal. Each poem is rooted deeply in Scripture and followed by supporting verses, reflection questions, and prayer prompts, turning what might have been a simple poetry book into a comprehensive devotional experience.

Fanatic: Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State—written by Cyclone Fanatic publisher and longtime journalist Chris Williams—offers readers a front-row seat to the evolution of Iowa State football and basketball. From the early 2000s to today, the book captures the highs, heartbreaks, and hidden stories that have defined the Cyclone Nation experience. “This project was about more than just games and scores,” said Williams. “It’s about the people—the coaches, players, and fans—who built a culture of pride, perseverance, and community. Fanatic is a love letter to Iowa State and everyone who has worn the cardinal and gold.” Order form link: https://bpcdm.jotform.com/252727704836969

We are proud to highlight the achievements of Riana LeJeune, a 2004 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology. Since her graduation, Riana has made significant strides in her career, including the establishment of the nation’s first registered apprenticeship for professional custom upholstery in 2024. In 2025, she was honored as the keynote speaker at the National Custom Workroom Conference and recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as a trailblazer in her field. Riana is the founder of Repinned Luxury Upholstery, specializing in high-end custom upholstery, and has utilized her furniture expertise and AI to develop Renewabl, an innovative furniture visualization app that promotes sustainability and supports artisans globally.

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!

Retired after 45 years in Aerospace Engineering.

I have just published my 3rd book. BOLD AS A BEAR: The German Quest for the Iowa Prairie is now available on Amazon. This book tells the story of my German ancestors and their descendants born in the United States. In 1853, Bernard Heithoff sailed from Germany in the company of the Nieland family; one of its members was Catherine who became his wife once the Nielands settled on the open prairie southwest of Guttenberg, Iowa, a small city developing along the Mississippi River. If your German ancestors set off in a covered wagon for the prairies out west of the Mississippi, then this book will explain what they went through in settling the land. If you don't know your family story from the past, this book will stir your imagination and inspire you to begin the search for your immigrant ancestors.

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-…

Celebrating 20 years with Walmart as a Senior Technical Designer for women’s apparel.

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.

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.

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.

In 2014 I started working with a couple of other ISU alumni, (Thomas Sawyer TCA 1983, Keven Siegert TCA 1984) on a series of documentaries about rural, generational Irish pubs, run by families for 90 to 155 years. Since we started the project, a couple of us have retired and we have leaned into the project a little more, and are now working on our sixth show. These shows, A Proper Pint (https://www.aproperpintfilm.com/), are part of the In Flight Entertainment system on Aer Lingus flights, so they will be available to ISU travelers as they converge on Dublin, and other parts of Ireland, in August, and most likely into September for some. Currently playing are “Ma Murphy’s Bar” in Bantry, and Sharkey’s Bar in Annagry. In September, McDonnell’s Bar and Undertakers” will begin showing.