Class Notes

Welcomed a son, Christopher Hugh Meeks, Jr. on August 16, 2016

Park University has announced the promotion of Jayme Uden (MS '03 ed) to the position of associate vice president and dean of students, effective Jan. 1, 2017. As associate vice president and dean of students, Uden oversees student services and retention efforts for Park’s 40 campuses across the country. He also supervises the University’s Office of Student Success, Office of Student Life and Engagement, Office of International Students and the Department of Military and Veteran Student Services. In addition, he oversees student conduct, residence life, student counseling and dining services. Since joining Park in 2011, Uden has served the university as assistant dean of student life, associate dean of students and most recently as dean of students the previous one-and-a-half years. Prior to coming to Park, he was the assistant director for residence life at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, for five years, and residence life coordinator at Kansas State University, Manhattan, for three years.

Hilscher North America, Inc., a provider of industrial network connectivity solutions, has appointed Craig Lentzkow ('78 mech engr) business development manager. In the newly created position, Lentzkow will be responsible for developing business opportunities for Hilscher’s netIOT Edge Gateways through partnerships with global cloud service companies, large end-users, and IT and automation integrators. Hilscher netIOT Edge Gateways are factory-floor data collectors for the IIoT, supplying data to cloud-based business analytics software by leveraging existing plant-floor network infrastructure and IIoT data standards such as OPC UA and MQTT. "Craig’s background in both the IT and automation arenas makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the IT/OT gap we hear so much about. He will provide the strategic vision and execution to help our customers improve their business performance through use of netIOT solutions,” says Phil Marshall, CEO, Hilscher North America, Inc. Lentzkow brings more than 30 years of experience to the position, having most recently served as a channel manager for Hilscher North America. He has held various executive-level sales, marketing, and strategy positions with global automation suppliers and IT companies, such as IBM, GE, Rockwell Automation, and Wonderware.

Matt Mahler ('08 civil engr) has been appointed by the Waterloo (Iowa) Water Works board of trustees to replace retiring general manager Dennis Clark. Mahler comes to Waterloo Water Works after previously serving as a project engineer with Snyder and Associates Inc. in Ankeny, Iowa. His roles at Snyder included planning, designing and overseeing construction of municipal drinking water projects.

Gary MacNoll (’77 ag business), a beef producer near Abilene, Texas, who recently retired from the FBI, was named the 2017 Rancher of the Year by the Middle Clear Fork Soil and Water Conservation District. MacNoll was honored for his work in land stewardship and conservation including planting native grass, brush control and other efforts to reduce soil erosion.

Rob Stout (A)('78 farm op) was presented the Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) 2016 Environmental Leader Award Dec. 15 in Ankeny, Iowa. The award recognizes an ISA member’s commitment to conservation and championing water quality practices.

Shelby Fields (’16 animal science) is a new swine account manager for Cargill.

Jacob Swanson ('14 global resource systems) has joined the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as special assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Beth Irlbeck (’13 public service and administration in ag) has been named Region 13 regional manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. She will work with Adair, Cass, Union, East Pottawattamie, Audubon and Guthrie counties.

Jenna Alme (’12 ag studies) has joined the ANIMART Midwest sales team.

Dr. Jeff Sindelar (PhD '06 meat science, food science and tech), associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was recently named one of "25 future icons who will change the meat and poultry industry over the next decade," by The National Provisioner magazine as part of the publication's 125th anniversary celebration.

Stacie Turnbull (MS '03 ag and life sciences ed) has been named program director of the new agri-business program at York College in York, Neb.

Cheryl Morris ('02 animal sci, animal nutrition) has been named chief conservation officer for the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb.

Dr. Steve Larsen ('98 animal science, ’00 MS animal science, meat science, food science and technology, ’04 PhD veterinary microbiology), assistant vice president of science and technology for the National Pork Board, was recently named one of "25 future icons who will change the meat and poultry industry over the next decade," by The National Provisioner magazine as part of the publication's 125th anniversary celebration.

Paul Anton ('89 ag studies) has been named vice president of business banking for BankIowa in Waterloo, Iowa.

Vince Lawson ('75 horticulture, MS '83) has retired as superintendent of the Iowa State Muscatine Island Research Farm in Muscatine, Iowa.

Shaobin Zhu (MS '99 computer sci) has been promoted to partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dummer, LLP, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the world. He focuses his practice on patent litigation in U.S. district courts; Section 337 investigations at the ITC; and client counseling and patent prosecution, with an emphasis on technologies related to computer software, business methods, Internet technologies, telecommunications, smartphones, video processing, Internet television, LEDs, wearable devices, robotics, 3D printing, and electronics. Shaobin has participated in many aspects of patent litigation, including patent validity and infringement analysis, technical discovery and production, depositions, Markman hearings, briefing, motion hearings, and trials. He has handled all stages of patent prosecution and administrative post-grant proceedings challenging validity of disputed patents.

Dean Fagner ('87 Marketing) was presented with the "Spirit of Durango" award by the Durango Chamber of Commerce. This annual award recognizes the contributions made by a local business benefiting and promoting Durango and the four corners area.

Josiah Dykstra, PhD (MS, 2004) is the author of his first book, Essential Cybersecurity Science (O'Reilly, 2016). This book provides practical and hands-on advice, case studies, and guidance for students and practitioners of cyber security. Internet pioneer Vint Cerf said "Dykstra surprises readers by showing that the security of software artifacts can be the subject of scientific study." Dykstra is a senior researcher at the National Security Agency, and was recently selected for promotion to the Senior Executive Service. He was a 2015 nominee for FedScoop's "Tech Champion of the Year" and received a 2015 Best Paper Award from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) for a research study on stress and cognitive workload in cybersecurity watch centers. He was featured for having one of the 13 coolest jobs in government (http://fedscoop.com/the-13-coolest-jobs-in-government/future-tech-expert-for-national-security).

Barbara A.M. Howard (BArch 1995) recently launched Stonebridge Learning, providing online continuing education for the heritage industry, including preservation, architecture, history, and planning professionals.

Chicago Review Press has released "Women in Blue" by Cheryl Mullenbach. This is her fourth book. She has been recognized by International Literacy Association, American Library Association, National Council for Social Studies, FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Cheryl's talk at Hyde Park was featured on C-SPAN's "Book TV." Her next book on the sinking of the "Athenia" in 1939 will release in 2017.

Josiah Dykstra, PhD (MS, 2004) has been honored by President Obama with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The White House press release can be found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/09/president-obama-honors-federally-funded-earl…

Dr. Bruce N. Stewart-Brown (L)('80 an sci, DVM '85) of Perdue Farms was recently named one of "25 future icons who will change the meat and poultry industry over the next decade," by The National Provisioner magazine as part of the publication's 125th anniversary celebration. Stewart-Brown serves as Perdue's senior VP of food quality & safety, where he has provided leadership in elimination of routine antibiotics use and improving animal care.

HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) is excited to welcome recognized architectural leader Richard Smith (A)('86 architecture) as Associate Vice President and Principal. He will direct the firm’s growing services in the Science + Technology markets nationally. "Rich brings significant expertise in innovative science and technology projects for higher education and research clients nationally and internationally,” said James Vander Heiden, AIA, PE, Principal and Arts, Community and Higher Education Market Sector Leader. “His technical expertise and market knowledge will bring significant value to our teams and clients. We are excited to offer him a national platform to continue to develop both his expertise and HGA’s practice.” Smith has more than 30 years of design leadership experience with major architecture firms, including most recently Science + Technology Principal at HDR in Chicago, and Principal and Science + Technology and Higher Education Leader at HOK in Chicago. He has directed the design and planning of such high-profile projects as the William Eckhardt Research Center at the University of Chicago; Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, Illinois; Wisconsin Institute of Medical Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; the McGuire Translational Research Facility and the Molecular and Cellular Biology Building at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the University of Southern California; Fermilab National Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois; and the Health Sciences Campus at Acibadem University in Istanbul, Turkey. “HGA has a strong culture for design,” Smith said. “This is an exciting opportunity to work with firm-wide leadership to build on HGA’s growing design expertise in highly specialized science and research facilities for leading academic, health, governmental and corporate clients.” He is a frequent speaker and author within the Higher Education and Science + Technology design community, and is a member and leader in many industry and civic organizations, including the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL), American Institute of Architects Committee on Education, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL), Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and BIO.

Vium, the first and only Digital Vivarium™ company, officially announced today the hire of David Hutto (L)(PhD '97 vet pathology), DVM, Ph.D., DACVP as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Hutto is a highly experienced pharmaceutical scientist and executive who has led and managed key aspects of the successful discovery, development and approval of biologic and small molecule therapies in the U.S. and globally. At Vium, Dr. Hutto will be responsible for developing and executing the scientific and organizational strategic growth plan, ensuring operational excellence in vivarium operations, and serving as an important interface for Vium with key clients and partners. He was most recently the CSO at Charles River Laboratories. “David’s background and expertise in veterinary medicine, pathology, toxicology and immunology aligns perfectly with our focus on meeting the need for more reliable and reproducible early drug research while improving animal welfare,” said Timothy L. Robertson, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Vium. “His substantial career overseeing drug safety and development at biopharma companies will add further depth and leadership to our broad drug discovery service offerings.”

Andrew Lauver (L)('12 ag studies) was presented the Iowa Soybean Association's (ISA) 2016 New Leader Award with the help of DuPont Pioneer Dec. 15 in Ankeny, Iowa. The award recognizes an ISA member’s outstanding involvement and commitment to promoting the soybean industry and agriculture. Lauver was raised on a fifth-generation family farm near Lake City. An ISU graduate, Lauver is active in ISA, 4-H, Farm Bureau, the Agriculture Future of America Alliance and Iowa Corn Growers Association. Lauver is pursuing his Master of Agribusiness from Kansas State University, farms and is a sales representative for DuPont Pioneer.

William Smith ('16 MIS) has joined Ernst & Young in Des Moines, Iowa, as a member of the firm's IT risk advisory practice.

Holly Boman ('89 English) has been promoted to director of marketing for the Iowa State Center, managed by VenuWorks. She brings 15+ years of advertising, marketing and management experience. “Holly has been an integral part of our staff since VenuWorks assumed management of the Iowa State Center,” said Iowa State Center executive director Tammy Koolbeck. “She stepped up to take on more responsibility earlier this fall and earned this promotion with her creativity and work ethic.” Boman joined the marketing team at the Iowa State Center in 2014. Prior to her position at the Iowa State Center, Boman served in management positions with the Des Moines Register and the Daily Tribune, responsible for managing classified and retail sales teams, training and budgeting. As Marketing Director at the Iowa State Center, Boman will oversee marketing operations while guiding the definition and demonstration of VenuWorks' vision for the Center.

Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Douglas Pfeiffer ('93 architecture), AIA, LEED AP, to principal and business manager of Illinois operations in the firm’s Elgin, Ill., office. With more than 23 years of architecture experience, Pfeiffer has overseen the design of numerous civic buildings, including many libraries in the region. In his new role of business manager, he will be responsible for the management of the firm’s Northeastern and Central Illinois offices, which serve a diverse client base in the areas of advanced health, safety, education, and commercial architecture.

An Iowa State University alumnus who is a world-class cattle geneticist has established an endowed undergraduate scholarship for students in animal science with an interest in genetics. Robert Walton Sr. (L)(PhD '61 an sci), of DeForest, Wis., is the retired CEO of American Breeder Service (ABS) and an agribusiness leader known for his contributions to genetics research in the dairy, beef and plant breeding industries. While at ABS, Walton developed a mathematical formula for evaluating bulls that revolutionized the animal genetics industry and was adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Walton made gifts in the memory of family and friends, including his late wife, Janice Graning Walton who he met at Iowa State; his brother Chuck Walton, who had a successful career in professional football after being a member of the Iowa State football team in the early 1960’s; fellow graduate student and internationally honored educator, Tom Sutherland; and graduate professor Jay Lush and his wife, Adaline. Jay Lush was an animal science professor who is considered the father of modern animal breeding. “The ISU experience under Dr. Lush played a major role in my life and career. He and his wife were the best teachers I ever had,” he said. Known as a visionary, progressive and selfless leader, Walton served 38 years on the board of the World Dairy Expo and holds the honor of the longest serving director. Walton also has served on the boards of the National Association of Animal Breeders, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, Wisconsin Rural Opportunity Foundation and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. He recently was presented the Henry Wallace Award, from the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which honors an alumnus who has achieved notable professional achievements nationally or internationally and brought distinction to themselves, the college and the university through significant contributions.

Heidi Wall Burns (MA '02 English) is pleased to announce the recent publication of her book, "Intellectual Creativity in First-Year Composition Classes," published by Rowman & Littlefield, Oct. 2016. Burns currently teaches English courses for Minnesota State University Mankato and for St. Petersburg Community College in Florida. Burns' belief that the current methodology used in first-year composition classrooms is inadequate is what led her to create the study on which this book is founded. In addition, she has published several articles on teaching as well as presented at regional and national conferences. Her goal is to encourage other instructors to take risks in their classrooms and to continue offering more effective learning opportunities for students. In Spring 2016, she was awarded the contingent faculty award from her current institution for her innovation in the classroom.

Karly G. Good (L)(PhD '15 education) has joined the information technology services staff at Des Moines University. She is an applications administrator. Originally from Bloomfield, Iowa, Good earned her doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instructional technology from the Iowa State University School of Education in 2015. She also holds a bachelor of arts degree in biotechnology from the University of Northern Iowa and a master of arts degree in education from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. Founded in Iowa’s capital in 1898, Des Moines University offers eight graduate degree programs in medicine and the health sciences. Its mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Dr. Carl E. Whitcomb (L)('MS '66 hort, PhD '69), president of Lacebark Inc. in Stillwater, Okla., and plant breeder, recently received USA Plant Patents for two unique sterile landscape plants. Double Dynamite crapemyrtle is a shrub with cherry red flowers and dark wine foliage and, because it is sterile, typically blooms continuously for 100 days during the growing season. Short Stack Vitex, or spice tree, is a sterile dwarf, eventually reaching only 3 to 4 feet tall. Flowers are blue-purple spikes 3 to 4 inches long and with no seed production, flowering begins in late June and continues until frost. All Vitex constantly emit a spice-like odor with prevents damage by deer, rabbits, and insects. For more information visit lacebarkinc.com

Celebrated patron of the arts Sterling (Stu) Ainsworth ('55 horticulture) was a guest conductor for the Elgin (Ill.) Symphony Orchestra's (ESO) “This Christmastide” holiday concert Dec 11, 2016. “'This Christmastide' was a favorite of my late wife. She passed away soon after hearing it performed, and felt it was a true reflection of what Christmas was all about,” Ainsworth said in a press release issued prior to the concert. “I have had the privilege of conducting this work with the Elgin Master Chorale and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. However, this will be the first time I am honored to conduct members of both organizations from the podium. I will be doubly honored by having the composer, whom I have known over 15 years, in the audience.” An ESO board member, Ainsworth has been involved with many area community organizations. “Stu Ainsworth is an amazing supporter of the entire arts community in the Fox Valley area,” noted ESO Chief Development Officer Cheryl Wendt. “He is a tireless advocate for the ESO who especially understands how exposure to art and music education can change the life of a child. In recognition of this, we recently named our youth concerts, which serve over 8000 students a year, Ainsworth Concerts for Youth.” Mr. Ainsworth also served as a Board member, as well as Board President, of the Elgin Choral Union from 1992-2000; he was a board member and event chairman for the St. Charles (Ill.) Art & Music Festival and has co-chaired seven of the past eight American Grand presentations; and he has participated in performances of the Berkshire Choral Festival in Santa Fe, N.M.; Canterbury, England; Salzburg, Austria; and Sheffield, Mass. Ainsworth is also highly involved with Kiwanis International as a past president and is a current member of the St. Charles Noon Club, as well as a past lieutenant governor of Division 10. A native of northwest Iowa, Ainsworth's entire professional career was devoted to commercial agriculture, with emphasis on control of insects and weeds. Prior to his retirement from Abbott Laboratories in 1990 as manager of Global Agricultural Projects, Ainsworth held positions in field sales, marketing, product management, and sales management for large chemical businesses, including Dow Chemical, CIBA-Geigy, and International Minerals & Chemicals.

Ryan Chapman ('08 landscape arch, MLA '08) recently graduated in the sixth class of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy, a one-year program that provides leadership training and educates participants about the vital role of rivers, streams and aquifers play in the economic sustainability of the state. Chapman is a water assessment supervisor at the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality in Lincoln. A project of the Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska, the Academy sessions feature classroom as well as field trip experiences presented by acknowledged experts in leadership and natural resource topics. The Water Leaders Academy is partially funded through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and more than 25 other organizations and individuals. More information can be found at www.waterleadersacademy.org.

Lt. Col. Breea Lisko (L)('00 meteorology) of the U.S. Air Force enjoyed a Thanksgiving visit from fellow Iowa State alumna and veteran Joni Ernst ('92 psychology), currently a U.S. Senator representing the state of Iowa. "Whether near or far, Cyclones are truly family," Lisko writes.

Utah State University professor Lisa Berreau has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the nation’s top national science honors. One of 391 honorees recognized nationwide, she will be formally honored in a Feb. 18 ceremony during the association’s 2017 annual meeting in Boston. An inorganic chemist, Berreau is recognized for her innovative work in understanding reaction involving metals and dioxygen that led to carbon-carbon bond cleavage and the influence of hydrogen bonding on metal-centered reactivity. Her work investigates the role metal ions play in human health, the environment and catalysis. “Dr. Berreau is a most deserving awardee and Utah State is thrilled she is receiving this prestigious recognition,” says Maura Hagan, dean of USU’s College of Science. “She promotes the role of science not only as an accomplished researcher, but also as a dedicated educator and administrator.” In addition to her administrative and research efforts at Utah State, where she teaches and supervises a team of graduate and undergraduate students in research, Berreau serves as treasurer of the American Chemical Society of Inorganic Chemistry. At USU, Berreau was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Research Fellowship and was also named a Herman Frasch Foundation Fellow. In 2006, she was named “Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year” for USU’s College of Science. The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of a number of academic journals, including the association’s flagship publication “Science.”

Charles Hagedorn (MS '72 bacteriology, PhD '74), professor of crop and soil environmental sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university. A member of the university community since 1986, Hagedorn made significant contributions to the management of fecal bacteria and viruses in waste treatment and land-based application systems, on the impacts of environmental release of genetically modified microorganisms, and to determining sources of fecal pollution in contaminated water. He led more than 40 research projects in Virginia, 16 in other states and the District of Columbia, as well as others in Puerto Rico, Canada, Egypt, Spain, Tanzania, and China. For his work, Hagedorn received distinguished service awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Society for Microbiology, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, and the Maryland Biotechnology Institute. Support for his environmental microbiology research program included 78 state, private, and federal competitive research grants totaling more than $5 million. He was the co-editor of two books and published 142 peer-reviewed journal articles; 18 invited review articles; 10 invited book chapters; 82 invited presentations at international, national, and state conferences; 12 peer-reviewed bulletins; and 142 abstracts and presentation papers. Hagedorn taught environmental microbiology for more than 25 years. Fourteen Ph.D. and 22 master’s degree students completed their degrees under his direction and more than 80 undergraduate students worked in his laboratory to gain an out-of-the-classroom experience.

Tyler Marshall ('96 civil engr, MS '98) has been promoted to Technology Innovation Leader for Stanley Consultants' Environmental and Urban Design Market. With three locations in Iowa, Stanley Consultants is a consulting engineering firm with offices worldwide. Marshall will lead market practice leaders in developing innovative and technology-driven client solutions in the areas of air quality; investigation/remediation of contaminated sites; natural resources and environmental planning; pollution prevention; urban design and landscape architecture; and waste and water quality. Marshall, a licensed professional engineer, joined Stanley Consultants in 2006. He has nearly 20 years of civil/environmental consulting experience with a focus on regulatory issues and water quality compliance.

Adriana Chavez Moe (A)('12 pol sci) and Christopher Moe ('11 management info systems) were married April 23, 2016 in Ames.

David Leibold ('94 forestry) has been named fiber supply manager at International Paper's mill in Pine Hill, Ala., effective Sept. 1. A 22-year International Paper veteran, Leibold in his new role is responsible for the procurement of 2.6 million tons of pine and hardwood pulpwood and 500,000 tons of fiber fuel annually.

Members of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) have elected Clay Lindstrom (L)('74 indus engr) as president of its board of directors. Lindstrom currently serves as director of utilities for the Fort Pierce (Fla.) Utilities Authority.

Ryan Haaland ('05 philosophy) recently joined Davis Brown Law Firm in Ames, Iowa, as special counsel with a general practice.

Patty Scallon ('95 pol sci) recently joined Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa, as special counsel in the public finance and real estate departments.

Seth Berbano (L)('11 materials engr) has joined Murata Electronics North America, Inc., as a research scientist in State College, Pa.

Jonathan Lang (PhD '92 physics and astronomy) has been appointed division director of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) X-ray Science Division at Argonne Photon Sciences Directorate. As part of the senior management team of the directorate, Lang is responsible for leading a division that provides critical expertise and support for the APS user community, as well as mentoring the next generation of x-ray scientists and fostering a vibrant research environment.

Jared F. Knight (A)('13 pol sci) has joined Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as an associate attorney in the firm's corporate transactions and business counseling practice.

Brian Wegerer, P.E. ('94 elec engr), has joined the global consulting firm Stanley Consultants as a business development manager in the company's Muscatine, Iowa, office.

Patrick E. Pinkston (L)('77 mech engr) recently retired after 40 years of service to Deere & Co. as vice president for information technology.

Randall A. Wirtz (MS '92 civil & construction engr, PhD '94), an engineer with Strand Associates, Inc., in Madison, Wis., recently received the prestigious Schroepfer Innovative Facility Design Award from the Water Environment Federation, an international not-for-profit technical and educational water quality organization, for his role in the City of Dubuque's water and resource recovery center project.

Tom Thompson (PhD '91 agronomy), department head and professor of crop and soil environmental sciences at Virginia Tech University, has been named associate dean and director of international programs in VT's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

John Leahy ('87 civil engr) of Springfield, Va., and his wife, Mary, welcomed their first grandchild, Aaron Zak of Omaha, Neb., in February 2016.

Carl J. Bern, P.E. (A)(PhD '73 ag engr), was the inaugural recipient of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers' (ASABE) Sukup Global Food Security Award at the ASABE's annual international meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Jami Larson (L)('74 indus admin & accounting) has been named Delta Upsilon Fraternity's 2016 Chapter Advisor of the Year for his work as advisor of Iowa State University's DU chapter and leader of the chapter's recent 80-year-old house restoration at 117 Ash Ave.

Arkansas Deputy Secretary of State Joseph Wood (L)('87 management) has been selected to participate in one of the nation's premier leadership development programs for state government officials, The Council of State Governments' Henry Toll Fellowship program. Wood said that ongoing leadership development is critical for state officials. Through the Toll Fellowship program, he hopes to learn from other policymakers who are leading the way in solving complex problems in their own states.

At the National Association of Regional Councils' 50th annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, this summer, R. Todd Ashby (L)('92 community and regional planning) -- executive director of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization -- received the organization's Walter Scheiber Leadership Award. The award recognizes the significant impacts an executive director has made at the local, state, and national levels.

Janika Eckert ('74 distributed studies), a breeder for Johnny's Selected Seeds in Fairfield, Maine, was awarded the All-American Selections Breeder's Cup at the AAS annual summit in Madison, Wis. Eckert produced four AAS-winning varieties: 'Diva' spineless sweet cucumber, 'Carmen' early sweet red Italian pepper, 'Escamillo' early sweet golden Italian pepper, and, most recently, 'Cornito Giallo' -- a half-size sweet golden Italian pepper.

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad presented James M. Schipper (L)('72 ag bus) with the Iowa Bankers Association's James A. Leach Leadership Award during the IBA's annual convention Sept. 19 in Des Moines, Iowa. Schipper has 40 years of experience in community banking and currently serves as chairman of American State Bank in Des Moines.

Delta Tau Delta Fraternity presented its Alumni Achievement Award to Daniel J. Reschly (L)('66 history) at its 93rd biennial convention in Orlando, Fla.

Marty Barnes ('84 farm op) was recently inducted into the Iowa High School Rodeo Hall of Fame. Barnes is an eight-time circuit champion, 15-time Dodge National Circuit Finals qualifier, and current owner of Barnes PRCA Rodeo. He competed in Iowa High School Rodeo in Peterson, Iowa, from 1976-1979 and was a member of the Iowa State Rodeo Team from 1981-1984.

Kathy Gabrielson (L)(M.Ed. '89), an elementary school guidance counselor with Roland-Story Community Schools who was named the 2015 Iowa State Elementary Counselor of the Year, recently presented at the Iowa School Counselor Conference.

Iowa State University Museums director Lynette Pohlman (L)('72 interior design, MA '76) received the Iowa Museum Association's leadership award during the organization's annual meeting Oct. 17 in Ames.

Erin Buchanan (MS '11 stat) was recently honored by Midwest Energy News as one of "40 Under 40" leaders in the region's transition to clean energy.

Matt Kuhns (A)('00 graphic design) is the author of a new book chronicling the multi-year feud between former ISU President James H. Hilton and University of Iowa President Virgil Hancher, Hancher vs. Hilton: Iowa's Rival University Presidents.

Dave Williams ('85 fisheries and wildlife biology) is the author of the new book The Prairie in Seed: Identifying Seed-Bearing Prairie Plants in the Upper Midwest, published by University of Iowa Press.

Peter J. van der Linden ('75 botany, MS '80) is the author of the new book Shrubs and Vines of Iowa, published by University of Iowa Press.

Fred W. Cubbage (L)('74 forestry) is the author of the new book, Natural Resource Policy, published by Waveland Press.

Melissa L. Sevigny (MFA '13 creative writing and the environment) is the author of the new book Mythical River: Chasing the Mirage of New Water in the American Southwest, published by University of Iowa Press.

David Meyerholz DVM, PhD was awarded the Mid-Career Excellence Award at the 2015 American College of Veterinary Pathologist (ACVP) meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The ACVP organization is composed of board certified veterinary pathologists from North America and around the world. The Mid-Career Excellence Award was established to recognize an outstanding ACVP members in the middle phase of their careers. Specifically, recipients of this award are pathologists who have made exceptional contributions to the veterinary pathology profession in research, education, mentoring, and leadership. Dr. Meyerholz is an Associate Professor (Department of Pathology) and serves as Director of the Division of Comparative Pathology at the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine (University of Iowa).

Amy and I would like to announce the newest future Cyclone, Elizabeth Jayne Yayang Gregory. Libby is 22 months old and was born in Guiyang, China. We are so thankful that God has blessed us with her.

Morgan Bobb ('14 Genetics & Global Resource Systems) and Jake Swanson ('14 Global Resource Systems) are happy to announce their engagement. Both graduates from the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the proposal took place in front of Curtiss Hall- also a special spot as Jake is the fourth generation in his family to graduate from this College. Morgan is the daughter of Joel and Kjrsten Bobb of Denmark, IA. She is currently attending the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Jake is the son of Don and Pat Swanson of Ottumwa, IA. He is employed at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. A September wedding is planned in Denmark, IA.

Nate Clayberg ('97 JLMC) recently launched nee10 Solutions & Media in the Waterloo/ Cedar Falls area assisting small businesses with business strategy, plus voice over talent for commercials and sports broadcasting.

Adriana (Chavez) Moe (12' Political Science) and Christopher Moe (11' Management Information Systems) were married on April 23, 2016 in Ames, IA.

I'm demonstrating colored pencil drawing on September 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Artist Registry Demo Days, at the AKC Museum of the Dog, at Queeny Park, here in St Louis. Some pieces of my art will also be featured in the upcoming Dogs of St. Louis Artists: An Artist Registry Exhibition, which will run from September 8th, 2016 February 19th, 2017. My "Domesticated Dogs” drawings are available as prints, cards, etc. See the link: www.redbubble.com/people/pegmcclurellc For more info on Demo Days & exhibits: http://www.museumofthedog.org/

Matt and Leah Santee Met at ISU, Matt proposed in April 2014 under the campanile at midnight and we were married at the Iowa State Alumni Center on August 15, 2015 with Cy making a special appearance at our reception! We love Iowa State and the Cyclones!

Paula L (Nickles) Beckman (L) (BS '92 JLMC) is an August 2016 DMACC graduate, receiving an AS in criminal justice. Her program emphasis was computer forensics.

Betsy Matos, Ph.D., University Biosafety Officer, Iowa State University, Environmental Health and Safety, Ames, is now a Registrant of the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM). On June 27, 2016, she became certified as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology. Dr. Matos received her Ph.D. from Iowa State University, Ames. To earn the NRCM credential, Dr. Matos first met rigorous educational and experiential eligibility requirements and then passed a comprehensive written examination. She has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biological safety program.

Kristen Walker has been promoted to director of accounts at Happy Medium, a marketing agency headquartered in Des Moines. In this new role, she will lead the account management team in building and sustaining client relationships as well as continue to develop new business leads. Happy Medium was named the fastest growing company in the state of Iowa by the Inc. 5000 list in 2015 as well as the Best Workplace for Young Professionals by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Carly Schieffer and her husband, Michael, welcomed a son, Silas Vernon Schieffer, July 8, 2016. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Mary Dickens Johnson has been invited to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the International Biographical Center, Cambridge England (IBC). Mary lives in Honolulu and teaches contracts management education online for Villanova University. She is certified with the National Contract Management Association, the Institute of Supply Management and is a Fellow w/ NCMA.

Phil Mulder was recently awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society. The title is awarded to those who have “given eminent and distinguished service to the Entomological Science and/or the Society.” The RES was founded in 1833 as the Entomological Society of London.

Ultrarunner Pete Kostelnick defended his title at the Badwater 135 July 20, 2016, finishing one of the world's hardest races in record time (21.56.32) -- a mark one hour faster than the race's previous record. Badwater is set over 135 miles (217km) from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, California, USA. It is a one stage race, with the start at night. The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in North America at 280’ (85m) below sea level. The race finishes at Whitney Portal at 8,300’ (2530m). The Badwater 135 course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 14,600’ (4450m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 6,100’ (1859m) of cumulative descent.

Melanie Carlson, a principal with French-Reneker-Associates, an engineering firm in Fairfield was named the Young Engineer of the Year in Iowa. The honor is presented to an engineer under the age of 35 who has attained outstanding technical and professional achievement before the age of 35. Carlson was presented the award in recognition of her engineering contributions and involvement in numerous water and environmental issues. She is also very active in Project Lead the Way, a high school activity designed to attract students to careers in math and science. She has been involved in MathCounts, a statewide math competition for 7th and 8th grade students, as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). She was instrumental in obtaining a grant for the City of Lockridge city park playground and she is a member of the Lockridge Lions Club. She serves on the Fairfield Economic Development Board of Directors and is a member of the Advisory Committee for Leadership Fairfield. Carlson joined the engineering firm in 2007. Her interest in engineering was heightened after she job-shadowed at French-Reneker-Associates in high school. She became a licensed professional engineer in 2011. She recently was named a principal in the firm.

Camie Gunderson has been promoted to regional director of operations for Wyndham Hotels. She is one of the top-ranking women in the company.

Dan Voss was chosen by the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation as a member of its 2016 cohort of Teaching Fellows. He is the recipient of one of 34 Teaching Fellowships awarded to early-career, high school mathematics and science teachers this year. Dan is committed to teaching chemistry and physics to high school students in the U.S. Dan will begin his first year of teaching at Boone High School in Boone, Iowa in August 2016. The Foundation provides support and professional development designed specifically for early-career, high school mathematics and science teachers through its signature program—the KSTF Teaching Fellows Program. With a focus on supporting teacher-led educational improvement in the classroom and beyond, KSTF Teaching Fellows gain access to a comprehensive suite of benefits for five years, including summer stipends, funds for professional development, grants for teaching materials, mentoring and support from experienced teachers and teacher educators, support for teacher leadership activities, and membership in a community of more than 300 like-minded peers in 40 states.

Mike Zhang, professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the Elizabeth and James E. Turner Jr. '56 Faculty Fellowship in Engineering by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. Elizabeth and James Turner created the Turner Fellowships in 2011 with a $1 million gift to recognize faculty excellence. James Turner is a 1956 agricultural engineering alumnus who is the retired president and chief operating officer of General Dynamics. He is also a former rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, and in 2004 received Virginia Techs highest honor, the William H. Ruffner Medal. Recipients hold the title of Turner Fellows for a period of five years. A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 2001, Zhang's research program focuses on development of safe and effective vaccines or therapeutics to combat existing and emerging human and livestock diseases with particular expertise is the development of delivery mechanisms for vaccines and therapeutics that improve their effectiveness. His research has attracted significant funding from federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Agriculture, and from industry. Zhang is active in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, having completed the officer progression for the Biological Engineering Division of ASABE. He reviews proposals, serving on panels for several federal agencies. He reviews manuscripts for a variety of high quality journals has served on the editorial boards of two journals. In the classroom, Zhang is regarded as an excellent teacher, contributing significantly at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through teaching courses, leading continuous improvement efforts, and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. Through his leadership as graduate program director, he has contributed significantly to increasing the quality and number of graduate students in the biological systems engineering program.

Madan Adora recently published two books: "Turning Sewage Into Reusable Water" (Archway Publishing) and "Happiness Comes From Small Things." (Xlibris Publishing)

Iowa Friends of Civil Rights presented its annual Outstanding Individual Contribution Award to George Belitsos (Honorary PhD, ‘12, Human Sciences) on July 21st, 2016. Much of his civil rights advocacy has focused on the needs of LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system along with juvenile justice reform. George retired as founder and CEO of Youth and Shelter Services (YSS) on January 1, 2016. That same month, he was elected to serve as the statewide chair of the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and was appointed by Governor Branstad to serve on the Iowa Commission for Tobacco Control and Prevention. At an event at Terrace Hill, the Governor and the First Lady of Iowa presented George with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his 40 years of work and contributions to the field of behavioral health. In recognition of this retirement, George received the Citizen of the Year award from the Story County Board of Supervisors and the Business Person of the Year from the Ames Chamber of Commerce. YSS had its birth on the campus of Iowa State University when George was a graduate student. When he retired, YSS had 315 employees and 26 locations in central Iowa.

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) honored seed-industry veteran Dr. Owen J. Newlin with its inaugural Lifetime Industry Achievement Award--hereinafter known as the Owen J. Newlin Lifetime Seed Industry Achievement Award--which recognizes exceptional professionals whose career contributions to the seed industry span more than 50 years. It is the highest award given out by the association. Dr. Newlin was honored on June 20 during the Opening General Session of the joint ASTA-Oregon Seed Association Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. “Owen Newlin is nothing short of a legend in the seed industry,” said ASTA Chair Risa DeMasi. “We’re extremely grateful for his expertise, dedication and service to ASTA over the years, and we couldn’t be more pleased to honor him with this landmark award.” Dr. Newlin’s distinguished career dates back more than 60 years. He joined Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., known today as DuPont Pioneer, in 1955 as a Research Assistant in the production department of the Central Division. He became Production Manager for the division in 1964 and served as its President from 1967 to 1978. He was elected Senior Vice President for Pioneer Hi-Bred International in 1986 and became a key driving force in the maximization of hybrid corn for farmers, which serves as a foundation of the seed business to this day. Dr. Newlin is active both in and out of the seed industry. For ASTA, he has served many leadership roles, and is the longest running ASTA Past President who remains an active participant on the ASTA Board of Directors to this day. He currently serves as Chair of the Subcommittee for Strategic and Allied Partnerships and he is a Lifetime Honorary Member.

Tamara (Tam) Flarup, who will retire Aug. 31, 2016 as director of website services for the University of Wisconsin athletics department after 39 years of service to the university, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) June 13, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. A member of the CoSIDA Hall of Fame who was a founding member of FAME (Female Athletic Media Relations Executives), Tam was a three-year golf letterwinner at Iowa State.

Loween Getter received a Distinguished Merit Award from the American Association of Community Theatre for her contributions to Webster City Community Theatre and the Iowa Community Theatre Association.

An image taken in Glacier Bay National Park by photographer Tom Bean is now being featured in the U.S. Postal Service's line of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate forests, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration. Tom Bean Photography (Flagstaff, Ariz.) is online at http://www.agpix.com/results.php?agid=ToBe7.

Greg Martin, ASGCA, was elected President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s recent 70th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Martin’s first work in golf course architecture came with the late Jim Spear, ASGCA Fellow. After forming Martin Design Partnership, Ltd. in 1991 Martin has promoted a design approach that expresses efficient, classic design concepts that offer a unique golf experience while promoting environmental benefits. “I am intrigued by what inspires our membership,” Martin said. “While we are moving past the recent economic challenges, there will be aftershocks. It is a new world and the landscape has shifted. But the well-developed skills of ASGCA members are unique. Each in our own way adds value to the game, provides adventure for golfers and, most importantly, benefits our communities” While growing the game is an important goal, Martin – whose designs also maximize environmental benefits – stresses growth begins underground. “You cannot grow without well-established roots,” he said. “The health of anything depends on the depth of the roots. The game of golf needs healthier roots that translates to a more viable golf industry.” Martin’s impact on ASGCA is evident in the Design Excellence Recognition Program, which he proposed in 2012. Design Excellence shines a light on the innovation and problem-solving skills required of today’s golf course designs, whether the project is a small bunker renovation or a full-scale 18-hole layout. “Design Excellence is about problem-solving,” Martin said. “Every golf course architect needs to address the unique challenges of a project to better the game. Ultimately, the course and the game will benefit.” Martin’s course designs include: Millwood Golf & Racquet Club, Springfield, Missouri; Rich Harvest Links, Sugar Grove, Illinois; Wildridge at Mill Run, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and renovations at Ridge Country Club, Chicago; River Forest Country Club, Elmhurst, Illinois; and Aurora Country Club, Aurora, Illinois. Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. The average ASGCA member has spent nearly 30 years as a golf course architect, designing 42 new 18-hole courses and has worked on or consulted on nearly 150 projects in eight different countries around the world.

Jeff Swim has been named a new employee shareholder with Holmes Murphy, a privately-held, independent insurance brokerage. Holmes Murphy shareholders help lead the company in its mission to promote health, protect wealth, and deliver peace of mind. Jeff works in the Des Moines office as a senior client service consultant, Property Casualty. New shareholders will influence the company in a variety of ways, including: helping determine the direction of major company initiatives; growing employees and the company; fostering the unique company culture; and recruiting exceptional employee talent.

Class of 2012 Krystal Jones earned her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University in May 2016, graduating Cum Laude. She is sitting for the Texas July Bar Examination.

Mary Murimi has been named chancellor of Daystar University, a Christian liberal arts university with campuses in Nairobi and Athi River, both in Kenya. Murimi has 18 years of experience since starting her teaching and research career. She most recently served as a professor of nutrition at Texas Tech University, and previously worked at Louisiana Tech University.

Sandy Huisman has been named director of the year by the School Nutrition Association of Iowa. Huisman is the director of food and nutrition management for the Des Moines Public Schools. She's implemented the Breakfast in the Classroom program, introduced more diverse menu options, and organized a community open house at the district’s central nutrition center.

Jerry McKim, a 1990 and 1993 Iowa State University graduate in human development and family studies, was one of five national recipients of the Eternal Flame Award for significant achievement in serving the home energy assistance community. McKim has spoken out and fought for low-income energy consumers for more than 20 years. He has been the Iowa Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) director for the last 19 years, where he has overseen the expenditure of more than $900 million for low-income Iowa utility customers. His efforts include testifying on several occasions before the full U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in support of LIHEAP, developing and conducting a survey of LIHEAP recipients that ultimately led to a report that focused national attention on the consequences of unaffordable energy on low-income citizens, and intervening in various dockets before the Iowa Utilities Board on behalf of low-income consumers. The award is bestowed by the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association.

Jason Wiegand, who is an academic adviser in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University, is the winner of a 2016 Outstanding New Adviser Award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). The award recognizes outstanding advising of students by advisers in their jobs for three years or less. Wiegand will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception at the NACADA annual conference, Oct. 5-8, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia

The National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) today celebrates the contribution of federal career leaders with the naming of the Dwight Ink Fellows’ Hall, which will honor the distinguished career of exemplary public servant Dwight Ink. “The Academy is proud to celebrate and honor the long and distinguished career of Dwight Ink,” said Dan G. Blair, President and CEO of the Academy. “Dwight’s work on behalf of the American people stands as an example of the substantial contributions career executive leaders can make in service to the American people. We are proud to honor these unsung heroes in honoring Dwight and hope that Dwight’s example of commitment to public service inspires a new generation of government leaders.” Dwight Ink has held major leadership roles in the federal government in the administrations of seven U.S. presidents, from President Eisenhower to President Reagan. His public service includes leadership roles at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB); the General Services Administration (GSA); U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); USAID; U.S. Atomic Energy Commission; and the Community Services Administration. He was a principal founder of several agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Ink is an Academy Fellow and a former President of the Institute of Public Administration. “I am overwhelmed by this recognition,” said Dwight Ink. “It has been a privilege to devote a career to the public service. Contrary to the negative image of a government “bureaucrat,” I have found work in government at all levels to be the most challenging, exciting, and fulfilling of any field I can imagine. Our Academy Fellows showcase the thousands of public service leaders who provide the highest level of competence and dedication in serving our nation. When given the opportunity, they get things done. “I congratulate the Academy on the leadership role it has played in helping agencies deal with complex management issues,” he said. “Today, the many advances we have made in improving management have to be weighed against the instances in which serious failures have also occurred. In addressing the remedies, the tremendous depth of knowledge and experience possessed by the Academy can be of great help.”