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  • Larry Celmer

    Larry Celmer

    • Class of 1961
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Larry Celmer

    Posted on December 14, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    Larry Celmer* (DVM ’61) and his wife, Martha, recently established an endowed business professorship at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota.
    • Class of 2013
    • Industrial Design
    • Design

    Paige Brennan (Mitchell)

    Posted on December 1, 2021 in Careers

    Paige (Mitchell) Brennan (BID ’13 industrial and product design) started her own yacht design firm called Fortis Yacht Design. As the chief designer, Brennan works with and designs for the top recreational boating companies in the country.
  • Kristine Stone

    Kristine Stone

    • Class of 2002
    • Advertising
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Kristine Stone (Sperfslage)

    Posted on November 30, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Kristine Stone* (’02 advertising), former Assistant City Attorney for the City of Ames, was recently recognized as a member of the 2021 Class of Fellows by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA). Stone works for Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.’s Government Law Practice Area in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Kendyl Larson

    Kendyl Larson

    • Class of 2019
    • Community and Regional Planning
    • Design

    Kendyl Larson

    Posted on November 18, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    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.
  • Fei Huang

    Fei Huang

    • Class of 2009
    • Graphic Design
    • Design

    Fei Huang

    Posted on November 18, 2021 in Careers

    Fei Huang (MFA ’09 graphic design) joined Meta, the parent organization of Facebook, as a product designer.
  • Kelly Devitt Steenhagen

    Kelly Devitt Steenhagen

    • Class of 2017
    • Integrated Studio Arts
    • Design

    Kelly Devitt (Devitt)

    Posted on November 18, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Kelly Devitt Steenhagen (’17 integrated studio arts), current lecturer in art and visual culture on campus, received a 2021 Personal Development Grant through the Surface Design Association (SDA). The grant will be used toward research in 3D printing of cellulose fiber on material that Steenhagen created out of glue and onion skin.
  • David Cordaro

    David Cordaro

    • Class of 2017
    • Architecture-Professional Degree
    • Design

    David Cordaro

    Posted on November 18, 2021 in Careers

    David Cordaro (’17 architecture) started a new position as the communications manager at the American Institute of Architects Chicago (AIA Chicago). AIA Chicago is one of the leading architecture companies in the U.S.
  • THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Rachel McKenny featured on All Iowa Reads website

    THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Rachel McKenny featured on All Iowa Reads website

    • Class of 2012
    • English
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Rachel McKenny

    Posted on November 18, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT A Novel by Rachel McKenny (MA ’12 english) is the 2022 All Iowa Reads selection by the Iowa Center for the Book. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT is an unconventional tale of self-discovery, navigating relationships, and how sometimes it takes stepping outside of our comfort zone to find what we need the most.
  • Bryan Schabel

    Bryan Schabel

    • Class of 1995
    • Architecture-Professional Degree
    • Design

    Bryan Schabel

    Posted on November 11, 2021 in Careers

    Bryan Schabel (’95 architecture) has been named Co-Design Director of the Chicago studio of Perkins&Will, the second-largest design firm in the country. Over Schabel’s 25-year career with Perkins&Will, he has won multiple design awards for his work.
  • James "Jim" Kearns

    James "Jim" Kearns

    • Class of 1973
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Engineering

    James Kearns

    Posted on November 11, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    James “Jim” Kearns** (PhD ’74 chemical engineering) was awarded the 2021 George F. Lindsteadt Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer. As the technology transfer manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing (711HPW), Kearns has help commercialized numerous life-saving technologies.
  • Charlie Brown

    Charlie Brown

    • Class of 1983
    • Professional Studies in Education
    • Education

    Charles Brown

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Charlie Brown* (PhD professional studies in education ’83) will be inducted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 14, 2021.
  • Debi Douma-Herren

    Debi Douma-Herren

    • Class of 2000
    • Management
    • Business

    Debi Douma

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Careers

    Debi Douma-Herren (marketing ’00, business management ‘00) has been hired by SmithCo Side Dump Trailers as the Director of Human Resources. Douma-Herren brings more than 17 years of experience in human resources management to the company, where she will oversee recruiting and engagement strategies.
  • Paul Maass

    Paul Maass

    • Class of 1988
    • Agricultural Business
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Paul Maass

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Paul Maass** (ag business ‘88) celebrated his five-year anniversary as the CEO of Scoular. Scoular is a Logistics and Supply Chain company based in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Bruce Stewart-Brown

    Bruce Stewart-Brown

    • Class of 1980
    • Animal Science
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Bruce Stewart-Brown

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Bruce Stewart-Brown** (DVM ’85) has been named a governor of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. Stewart-Brown is the senior vice president of food safety, quality and live operations as Perdue Foods.
  • J. Mark Schmidt & Barbara Jones Schmidt

    J. Mark Schmidt & Barbara Jones Schmidt

    • Class of 1971
    • Architecture
    • Engineering

    J. Mark Schmidt

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Lovebirds

    J. Mark Schmidt (MS ’74 arch) & Barbara Jones Schmidt** (’71 textiles & clothing, MS ’75 education) celebrated 50 years of marriage on Sept. 18, 2021. They got married in Ames and now live in Des Moines.
  • Joseph Bartolotta

    Joseph Bartolotta

    • Class of 2008
    • Rhetoric, Comp. and Prof. Communication
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Joseph Bartolotta

    Posted on November 4, 2021 in Careers

    Joseph Bartolotta (RCPC ’08) was recently awarded tenure and promoted to Associate Professor at Hofstra University through the Department of Writing Studies & Rhetoric. Hofstra University is in Hempstead, New York.
  • Dale Risius

    Dale Risius

    • Class of 1970
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Dale Risius

    Posted on October 21, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Dale Risius (DVM ’70) is the 2021 recipient of the President’s Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA). Risius is the president of Risius & Associate Veterinary Service.
    • Class of 1981
    • Veterinary Pathology
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Tahseen Abdul-Aziz

    Posted on October 21, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Tahseen Abdul-Aziz (PhD ’83 veterinary pathology) is the recipient of the Lasher-Bottorff Award from the American Association of Avian Pathologists. Abdul-Aziz is a veterinary pathologist and diagnostician at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
  • J. Mark Schmidt & Barbara Jones Schmidt

    J. Mark Schmidt & Barbara Jones Schmidt

    • Class of 1971
    • Textiles and Clothing
    • Family & Consumer Sciences

    Barbara J. Schmidt (Jones)

    Posted on October 21, 2021 in Lovebirds

    J. Mark Schmidt (MS ’74 arch) & Barbara Jones Schmidt (’71 textiles & clothing, MS ’75 education) celebrated 50 years of marriage on Sept. 18, 2021. They got married in Ames and now live in Des Moines.
  • Elizabeth Holland

    Elizabeth Holland

    • Class of 2008
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Elizabeth Holland

    Posted on October 21, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Elizabeth Holland (DVM ’08) has been named the 2021 Veterinarian of the Year by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. Holland is the owner of Adel Veterinary Clinic.
  • Gary Althouse

    Gary Althouse

    • Class of 1992
    • Veterinary Clinical Science
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Gary Althouse

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Gary Althouse (DVM ’94 veterinary medicine) has been named the Theriogenologist of the Year by the American College of Theriogenologists. Althouse is a professor of reproduction and swine health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a chair in animal reproduction and an associate dean of sustainable agriculture and veterinary practice.
  • Ryan Shuey

    Ryan Shuey

    • Class of 2016
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Ryan Shuey

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Ryan Shuey (DVM ’16) is the 2021 recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA). Shuey is an associate veterinarian at Southern Hills Veterinary Services.
  • Steven Hansen

    Steven Hansen

    • Class of 1982
    • Distributed Studies
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Steven Hansen

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Careers

    Steven Hansen (DVM ’85) was elected to be the treasurer of the American College of Animal Welfare. Hansen is the president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society.
  • Thomas Moody

    Thomas Moody

    • Class of 1996
    • Accounting
    • Business

    Thomas Moody

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Careers

    Thomas Moody (’96 accounting) has joined Argent Capital Management LLC as the director of intermediary sales. Moody will be in charge of leading and designing the sales efforts within the intermediary channel.
  • Diba Malekpour Koupaei

    Diba Malekpour Koupaei

    • Class of 2018
    • Sustainable Environments
    • Design

    Diba Malekpour

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Diba Malekpour Koupaei (MDS ’18 sustainable environments) received the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) & Straubel Foundation Clean Energy Leadership Award for her impressive research in energy efficiency. This scholarship is awarded to student who strive to make the world a better and more sustainable place.
  • "take care I care - LESS" By Catherine Reinhart.

    "take care I care - LESS" By Catherine Reinhart.

    • Class of 2008
    • Integrated Studio Arts
    • Design

    Catherine Reinhart

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    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.
  • "Re_: Restart, Revive, Recover."

    "Re_: Restart, Revive, Recover."

    • Class of 1993
    • Graphic Design
    • Design

    Michael Braley

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Michael Braley (’93 graphic design) was chosen to be part of the Top 100 in the Madrid Grafica ’21 for his poster titled “Re_: Restart, Revive, Recover.”
  • Aspen Pflanz

    Aspen Pflanz

    • Class of 2017
    • History
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Aspen Pflanz

    Posted on October 20, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

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

    Lori Buzzetti

    • Class of 1986
    • Biochemistry
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Lori Buzzetti (Ebbers)

    Posted on October 19, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    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

    Beth Ford

    • Class of 1986
    • Management
    • Business

    Beth Ford

    Posted on October 12, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    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.
  • Colby Moorberg (center) receiving the NC State CALS Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Also pictured (left to right) is Richard Linton, Michael Vepraskas, Jeff Mullahey, and Chad Benton.

    Colby Moorberg (center) receiving the NC State CALS Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Also pictured (left to right) is Richard Linton, Michael Vepraskas, Jeff Mullahey, and Chad Benton.

    • Class of 2008
    • Environmental Science (AGLS)
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Colby Moorberg

    Posted on October 8, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Colby Moorberg ('08, environmental science) received the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Moorberg was nominated by the NC State Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. He completed his master's and doctorate degrees in soil science at NC State after completing his bachelors in environmental science at Iowa State. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Washington Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, before becoming a faculty member at Kansas State University. Now an associate professor of soil science at KSU, Moorberg teaches soil science courses, coaches the soil judging team, and leads the Hydropedology and Root Ecology Laboratory. He has published two open textbooks in soil science. As a tenured faculty member at Kansas State, he has received the Soil Science Society of America’s Early Career Award, the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities Innovating Teaching Awards, and other notable awards.
  • Our family at an ISU tailgaiting party

    Our family at an ISU tailgaiting party

    • Class of 1971
    • Dietetics
    • Family & Consumer Sciences

    Leslie Mason (Tschopp)

    Posted on October 8, 2021 in Lovebirds

    Jerry and I met at a meeting to prepare a skit for the Homecoming Contest, " Yell Like Hell " . We belonged to the off-campus organization, ISA, Independent Student Association. After the meeting, Jerry asked if anyone wanted to go to Shakey's Pizza Parlor and I was the only taker. Don't know how well we did at the contest, but Jerry and I were the big winners, getting married one year later. We ended up having 6 children, all of whom have been Iowa State students.
    • Class of 2016
    • Biology
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Anne Meis

    Posted on September 30, 2021 in Careers

    Anne Meis (’16 biology) completed medical school at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Meis has since entered residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita, Kansas.
  • Cover of "Bringing Down Sales Barriers and Challenges: A Road Map for Closing More Deals Faster!"

    Cover of "Bringing Down Sales Barriers and Challenges: A Road Map for Closing More Deals Faster!"

    • Class of 1986
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Ramin Elahi

    Posted on September 28, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Ramin Elahi (BSEE ’86) published his first book “Bringing Down Sales Barriers and Challenges: A Road Map for Closing More Deals Faster!” Elahi, veteran salesperson and educator, shares his strategies for improving the sales process from start to close. Elahi offers advice from over 20 years of experience to the next generation of sellers. It is available on Amazon in hardcopy and electronic versions.
  • Kevin Bieniek

    Kevin Bieniek

    • Class of 2011
    • Biology
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Kevin Bieniek

    Posted on September 21, 2021 in Alumni Mentions

    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.
  • Lon Pluckhahn

    Lon Pluckhahn

    • Class of 1991
    • Political Science
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Lon Pluckhahn

    Posted on September 21, 2021 in Careers

    Lon Pluckhahn (‘91 pol sci, MPA ‘06, MCP ‘06) is the new deputy city manager for Vancouver, Washington. He previously served for 14 years as the city manager of Marion, Iowa.
  • Mohamad Hafez

    Mohamad Hafez

    • Class of 2009
    • Architecture-Professional Degree
    • Design

    Mohamad Hafez

    Posted on September 21, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    The work of Mohamad Hafez (BAR ’09 arch) was featured in an award-winning short film “A Broken House” and was recognized at several film festivals this year. The short film won an Oscar-qualifying prize at the 2021 Salem Film Fest for Non-Fiction, as well as the Cartel Award for Best Short. The short was awarded Best Editing Award at the 2021 Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and the MOZAIK Bridging the Boarders Award at the 2021 Palm Springs ShortFest.
    • Class of 2010
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Benjamin Merryman

    Posted on September 16, 2021 in Careers

    Working for Proconex in Philadelphia as an Industrial Control Systems Engineer since 2020. Lives in Conshohocken, PA.
  • David Braun

    David Braun

    • Class of 2018
    • Accounting
    • Business

    David Braun

    Posted on September 10, 2021 in Careers

    Lumsden & McCormick, LLP is pleased to announce the hiring of David Braun ('18 accounting), CPA, senior accountant, who has joined the firm in the audit department. Lumsden & McCormick, LLP is one of the largest locally-owned certified public accounting firms in western New York.
  • Modupe Labode

    Modupe Labode

    • Class of 1988
    • History
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Modupe Labode

    Posted on September 10, 2021 in Careers

    Iowa State graduate and former Assistant Professor Modupe Labode ('88 history, Ph.D '92) was recently appointed as one of five new curators as part of the African American History Curatorial Collective (AAHCC), an initiative founded in 2019 to promote the research and interpretation of African American history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Labode served as an assistant professor in the ISU Department of History from 1994 to 2001.
    • Class of 1980
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Joel Lorentzen

    Posted on September 8, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Using semi-retirement to pursue a lifelong vision, Joel Lorentzen ('80 BSEE) has published his first book "Proles - a novel about 2084". It is a cautionary utopian tale in a futuristic setting – a little sci-fi – that pays tribute to Orwell’s "1984," with some twists. It is available as an Ebook on Amazon and paperback from several sources. It has garnered positive reviews from Midwest Book Review and OnlineBookClub.org. You can learn more about it at www.prolesthebook.com.
  • Cover of "Owl's Head - A Hidden Gem"

    Cover of "Owl's Head - A Hidden Gem"

    • Class of 1999
    • Speech Communication
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Sondra Ashmore (Biere)

    Posted on September 1, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Sondra Ashmore* ('99 speech comm, PhD '12 human comp interaction) published and co-authored "Owl's Head - A Hidden Gem," which tells the stories of a historic Des Moines neighborhood. Owl's Head has been the home to pioneers who influenced journalism, politics, art, and business innovation at the local, state, and national levels. One of the more prominent homes was the official residence of the Iowa governor for 28 years. Residents in the neighborhood have socialized with prominent figures such as Louis Armstrong and Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Cover of "The President's Dossier"

    Cover of "The President's Dossier"

    • Class of 1997
    • Professional Studies in Education
    • Education

    James Scott

    Posted on August 25, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    James Scott** (PhD '97 professional studies in education) is the 2020 recipient of the American Book Fest's Best Thriller Award for his novel, "The President's Dossier." This international spy novel follows disgraced ex-CIA Russia expert Max Geller. Geller is hired to find anonymous sources and verify their allegations that the US president has incriminating ties to the Kremlin. Max joins forces with a Moscow underground group, the Russian mafia, and Jill Rucker, an undercover CIA agent, all of whom have conflicting goals. The search takes them from Washington, DC, to London, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Panama, and Geneva. Zabluda, a Kremlin assassin, is close behind with orders to kill Max, Jill, and their sources, and destroy evidence incriminating the US president. Scott is the author of "The Iran Contradictions," an acclaimed spy/political thriller based on the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s. He served in combat with the 101st Airborne Division and his duties at the Pentagon involved oversight of military intelligence operations. Currently, he writes book reviews for a prize-winning community magazine and plots novels.
  • Cover of "Cy's Perfect Day, the Iowa State Way."

    Cover of "Cy's Perfect Day, the Iowa State Way."

    John Walters

    Posted on August 25, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    This fall, John Walters* -- voice of the Iowa State Cyclones -- is publishing his new children's book, "Cy’s Perfect Day, the Iowa State Way." It brings to life Walters' vision of what being a Cyclone fan is all about – and will show why it’s the people that make Iowa State such a special place. The book is wonderfully illustrated by award-winner Rob Peters. Walters was selected by his peers as a four-time Iowa Sportscaster of the Year. He brings enthusiasm and energy to every Cyclone football and basketball broadcast. His association with Iowa State started in the Johnny Orr era and carries on to this day.
  • Heidi Nantke

    Heidi Nantke

    • Class of 1999
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Heidi Nantke

    Posted on August 25, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Heidi Nantke* (DVM '99) was recently recognized as the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association's Veterinarian of the Year.
  • Marissa Ouverson (middle) with her parents at the SCA World Championship

    Marissa Ouverson (middle) with her parents at the SCA World Championship

    • Class of 2022
    • Psychology
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Marissa Ouverson

    Posted on August 23, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    The Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) was turned on its head when 21-year-old Marissa Ouverson*** won the World Championship competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Ouverson, a junior at Iowa State and Future Alumni Network member of the ISUAA, took home the crown and floored the competition with her perfect steak-cooking skills. Ouverson beat seasoned competitors and became the first woman SCA World Champion.
  • Zach Boss- Farm Bureau Financial Services

    Zach Boss- Farm Bureau Financial Services

    • Class of 2013
    • Agricultural Business
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Zachary Boss

    Posted on August 19, 2021 in Careers

    Zach Boss (’13 ag business) is the agency owner of Zach Boss- Farm Bureau Financial Services in Manchester, Iowa.
  • Christian Wing

    Christian Wing

    • Class of 2016
    • Civil Engineering
    • Engineering

    Christian Wing

    Posted on August 13, 2021 in Careers

    Christian Wing ('16 civil engineering) has accepted a promotion to the role of Senior Structural Engineer for LeMar Industries. In this new role, Wing will be the lead on designing grain handling and support structures and gaining further certifications for the company. Wing has been employed by LeMar since 2016.
  • Gregory Leichty

    Gregory Leichty

    • Class of 2012
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Design

    Gregory Leichty

    Posted on August 13, 2021 in Lovebirds

    Gregory Leichty ('12 environmental studies and landscape architecture) married his wife, Sarah Lange in Denver, Colorado. They are proud parents to their puppy, Oliver.
  • Michael Braley

    Michael Braley

    • Class of 1993
    • Graphic Design
    • Design

    Michael Braley

    Posted on August 13, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Michael Braley ('93 graphic design) has received two silver awards from the Graphis Design Annual 2022. His two winning pieces were "Hudprom: 100 Years" and "COVID Exit." A third piece, "I'm with Pando" received an honorable mention.
  • Colby J. Moorberg

    Colby J. Moorberg

    • Class of 2008
    • Environmental Science (AGLS)
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Colby Moorberg

    Posted on August 6, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Colby Moorberg (BS '08 environmental science) will be awarded the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Early Career Award during the SSSA's Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November 2021. Moorberg is an associate professor of soil science in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. He received his bachelor's degree in environmental science from Iowa State University in 2008 and his master's degree and doctorate in soil science from North Carolina State University in 2010 and 2014. He is internationally recognized for soil science education and has published two open textbooks. He teaches introductory soil science, soil and water conservation, and soil judging. His research is focused on hydropedology and root ecology and spans from corn fields to riparian buffer strips to Alaskan thermokarst bogs. His research team has developed cutting-edge root imaging technology and soil sensors. Moorberg is active with the Soil Science Society of America, Soil and Water Conservation Society, North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, American Society of Agronomy, and National Cooperative Soil Survey. He is a certified professional soil scientist and a professional wetland scientist. The SSSA Early Career Award recognizes professionals who have made an outstanding contribution in soil science within seven years of completing their final degree (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.).
    • Class of 2000
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Aaron Peterson

    Posted on August 6, 2021 in Careers

    Captain Aaron C. Peterson** (’00 chem engr) has commanded two nuclear-powered submarines USS SCRANTON (SSN 756), homeported in San Diego, California, and USS ILLINOIS (SSN 786), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He is currently the senior member of the nuclear propulsion examining board for US Pacific Fleet.
    • Class of 2014
    • Agricultural and Life Sciences Education
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Molly Severn

    Posted on August 3, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Molly Foley Severn** (‘14 ag & life sciences ed, public service & administration in ag) has been honored as the 2021 Story County, Iowa, 4-H Alumnus of the Year.
    • Class of 1970
    • Industrial Education
    • Education

    Nile Mills

    Posted on August 2, 2021 in Education

    Nile Mills ('70 industrial ed and graduate work in industrial education and electrical engineering from 1978-1979), graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary on May 8, 2021, with a master's degree in Biblical and theological studies. Nile is a retired U.S. Navy captain. Mills currently lives in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.
  • Theaster Gates

    Theaster Gates

    • Class of 1996
    • Community and Regional Planning
    • Design

    Theaster Gates

    Posted on July 30, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Theaster Gates ('96 community and regional planning, MS '05 interdisciplinary graduate studies, '18 honorary degree) has received the honor of being the first non-architect to design London's Serpentine Pavilion in its 21-year history. Gates is currently a Chicago-based artist.
  • Jennifer Swanson

    Jennifer Swanson

    • Class of 1996
    • English
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Jennifer Swanson (Gelbmann)

    Posted on July 27, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Jennifer Swanson** ('96 English) has been honored by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal as a 2021 Woman in Business. This award recognizes local residents for their professional achievements and contributions to the community. Swanson is the founder and principal of Jen Swanson Consulting.
  • Colin Hansen

    Colin Hansen

    • Class of 1993
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Colin Hansen

    Posted on July 27, 2021 in Careers

    Colin Hansen** ('93 mechanical engineering) has accepted the position of chairman for the board of directors for the American Public Power Association (APPA). APPA is comprised of over 2,000 not-for-profit utilities providing power to nearly 50 million people. Previously, Hansen served as the executive director for Kansas Municipal Utilities for over 20 years.
  • Nighthope cover

    Nighthope cover

    • Class of 1980
    • Zoology
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Gregory Whitis

    Posted on July 26, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Gregory Whitis* ('80 zoology) recently published his second novel, Nighthope. The novel follows Stuart Baron, a humble Los Angeles trucking executive, who moves his family from an affluent suburb to an Alabama catfish farm with hopes of quenching a midlife crisis. Adventure ensues against the backdrop of the Deep South.
  • Ethan Andress

    Ethan Andress

    • Class of 1997
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Ethan Andress

    Posted on July 22, 2021 in Careers

    Ethan Andress (DVM '97) has been appointed North Dakota's new state veterinarian. "Dr. Andress brings valuable experience in the field of veterinary medicine and extensive knowledge of bovine, equine, and bison medicine," said Doug Goehring, North Dakota's agriculture commissioner. "His business background will also be an asset to our animal health programs and the state." Andress is a long-time veterinarian in Hettinger, North Dakota.
  • Blake Hanson

    Blake Hanson

    • Class of 2012
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Blake Hanson

    Posted on July 20, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Bradshaw Law attorney Blake Hanson ('12 pol sci) is among the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Class of 2021 On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers honorees. The annual On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers recognizes 40 ABA young lawyer members who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service.
  • Clair Peterson

    Clair Peterson

    • Class of 1975
    • Journalism and Mass Communication
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Clair Peterson

    Posted on July 14, 2021 in Careers

    Clair Peterson ('75 journalism and mass communications) has been promoted to director of the John Deere Classic golf tournament, just in time for its 50th anniversary. Peterson has worked for John Deere in various roles since his graduation.
  • Chris Vance

    Chris Vance

    • Class of 2000
    • Art and Design (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
    • Design

    Christopher Vance

    Posted on July 14, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Chris Vance ('00 art and design) was honored with a Jurors Award in painting at the Des Moines Art Festival. His paintings incorporate cartoons with skater culture graffiti.
  • Jamila Johnson

    Jamila Johnson

    • Class of 2019
    • Integrated Studio Arts
    • Design

    Jamila Johnson

    Posted on July 14, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Jamila Johnson ('19 integrated studio arts) has received the Leysens Family Award for Best of Emerging Iowa Artists at the 2021 Des Moines Arts Festival. Johnson focuses primarily on prints and watercolor with her work.
    • Class of 2017
    • Finance
    • Business

    Peter Myers

    Posted on July 9, 2021 in Education

    Peter Myers ('17 finance) graduated summa cum laude from Drake University in May 2021 with a master's degree in education.
  • Paul Schmitz

    Paul Schmitz

    • Class of 1971
    • Sociology (AGLS)
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Paul Schmitz

    Posted on July 9, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Paul Schmitz* (PhD '71 sociology) has been honored as the Mentor of the Year by the Maryland Technology Council Venture Mentoring Services. Schmitz has volunteered for the program since 2016. Schmitz has over 30 years of experience advising organizations in the government and private sector, in addition to teaching graduate management courses.
  • Luke Martz

    Luke Martz

    • Class of 2015
    • Political Science
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Luke Martz

    Posted on July 8, 2021 in Careers

    Luke Martz ('15 political science) has joined the U.S. Department of State and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights as part of the international election observation mission. In this role, Martz will be traveling to Moldova to observe the upcoming election.
  • Susan Hatten

    Susan Hatten

    • Class of 2004
    • Marketing
    • Business

    Susan Hatten

    Posted on July 6, 2021 in Careers

    Susan Hatten ('04 marketing and apparel merchandising, design, and production) has become a shareholder of Holmes Murphy, where she works as the senior manager of corporate community engagement. Outside of Holmes Murphy, Hatten serves as the COO of BrokerTech Ventures.
    • Class of 2017
    • Finance
    • Business

    Peter Myers

    Posted on July 6, 2021 in Careers

    Peter Myers ('17 finance) has accepted a new teaching position at Discovery High School in the Atlanta metro area, teaching geometry.
  • Kristen Obbink

    Kristen Obbink

    • Class of 2006
    • Zoology
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Kristen Clark (Clark)

    Posted on July 2, 2021 in Careers

    Kristen Obbink* ('06 zoology, DVM '11) has been elected vice president of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. Obbink serves as the lead public health veterinarian in the Center for Food Security and Public Health.
  • Tamara Flarup

    Tamara Flarup

    • Class of 1975
    • Physical Education For Women (LAS)
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Tamara Flarup

    Posted on June 30, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Tamara Flarup** ('75 physical education for women) will be inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison Athletics Hall of Fame. Flarup worked for UW Athletics for 40 years promoting female sports journalistic coverage. During her time at Iowa State, Flarup was a golf letter-winner.
  • Nick Joos

    Nick Joos

    • Class of 1987
    • Journalism and Mass Communication
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Nicholas Joos

    Posted on June 29, 2021 in Careers

    Nick Joos ('87 journalism and mass communication) has accepted the position of senior associate athletics advisor within the Iowa State Athletic Department. After 34 years of working in collegiate athletics, Joos is coming home to his alma mater. Joos has previously worked in the athletic departments for the University of Missouri, Baylor University, and the University of Nebraska.
  • Kevin Maher

    Kevin Maher

    • Class of 1974
    • Animal Science
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Kevin Maher

    Posted on June 29, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Kevin Maher* ('74 animal science) has been recognized as the 2021 innovationENTREPRENEUR of the Year by the Ag Startup Engine. During his career, Maher has launched two startups, VetMeasure Inc. and GlobalVetLink. Both businesses work to help veterinarians perform better, by creating wearable technology and cloud-based software respectively.
  • Andrew Lauver

    Andrew Lauver

    • Class of 2012
    • Agricultural Studies
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Andrew Lauver

    Posted on June 29, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Andrew Lauver** ('12 agricultural studies) has been named one of Seed World's Top 10 Next Gen Leaders. This award recognizes leaders who inspire their peers and are considered changemakers within the seed industry. Currently, Lauver is a sales representative for Golden Harvest.
  • Roselina Angel

    Roselina Angel

    • Class of 1984
    • Animal Science
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Clara Angel

    Posted on June 29, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Roselina Angel ('84 animal science, MS '87, PhD '90) has been awarded the 2021 Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award. The award was presented by the Poultry Science Association and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association. Angel is currently a professor at the University of Maryland teaching monogastric nutrition.
  • Melea Licht

    Melea Licht

    • Class of 2000
    • Public Service and Administration in Agriculture
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Melea Licht

    Posted on June 28, 2021 in Careers

    Melea Licht** ('00 public service and administration in agriculture, MS '05 agriculture and life sciences education) has joined the Iowa State University Alumni Association as our Senior Director of Communications. In this role, Licht will serve as the editor of our VISIONS magazine and oversee other alumni communications.
  • Megan Happe

    Megan Happe

    • Class of 2020
    • Speech Communication
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Megan Happe

    Posted on June 24, 2021 in Careers

    Megan Happe ('20 speech communication) has accepted the position of summer clerk for Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor, and Fairgrave Law in Des Moines. Outside of her professional career, Happe is continuing her education towards a graduate degree in law.
  • Cover of Susan Angeline Collins: With a Hallelujah Heart

    Cover of Susan Angeline Collins: With a Hallelujah Heart

    • Class of 1962
    • Home Economics Education
    • Family & Consumer Sciences

    Janis Van Buren (Bennington)

    Posted on June 15, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Janis Bennington Van Buren** ('62 home economics education, MS '79, PhD '81) has completed the biography, "Susan Angeline Collins: With a Hallelujah Heart." This biography follows the life of Susan Collins, a Black missionary from Fayette, Iowa who spent 33 years teaching in West Africa.
  • Christopher Baker

    Christopher Baker

    • Class of 2008
    • Management
    • Business

    Christopher Baker

    Posted on June 15, 2021 in Careers

    Christopher Baker ('08 management and marketing) has qualified for his first U.S. Open, which will take place at Torrey Pines. Baker is currently a rookie professional golfer and previously golfed as part of Iowa State men's golf team.
  • Felicia Zamora

    Felicia Zamora

    • Class of 2001
    • Communication Studies
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Felicia Zamora

    Posted on June 15, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Felicia Zamora ('01 comm studies) has published her sixth book of poetry, "I Always Carry My Bones." Zamora's book won the 2020 Iowa Poetry Prize from the University of Iowa Press. "I Always Carry My Bones" is a collection of poems about heritage, abuse, poverty, and belonging.
  • Alan Krysan

    Alan Krysan

    • Class of 1987
    • Agricultural Business
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Alan Krysan

    Posted on June 15, 2021 in Careers

    Alan Krysan** ('87 agricultural business) started his latest adventure as the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital area executive director. In this role, Krysan will lead the teams within Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota and raise awareness and funds for St. Jude's mission. Krysan has previously served on the ISUAA Board of Directors.
  • Stephen Mosher

    Stephen Mosher

    • Class of 1970
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Engineering

    Stephen Mosher

    Posted on June 14, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Stephen Mosher (L) ('70 electrical engineering) has been elected to serve as a Trustee of Brite Divinity School. Currently, Mosher works as a patent attorney for the firm Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz.
  • Nick Holland

    Nick Holland

    • Class of 2015
    • Industrial Design
    • Design

    Nicholas Holland

    Posted on June 11, 2021 in Careers

    Nick Holland ('15 industrial design) has accepted a position with NASA's Johnston Space Center team as an exhibit designer. In this role, Holland will work on space center renovations, designs for museums and spaceship models, and other projects. He has already completed the design for a moon rock display for President Joe Biden's Inauguration which remains in the Oval Office. Previously, Holland designed for NASA TV.
  • Curtis Madsen receiving the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal

    Curtis Madsen receiving the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal

    • Class of 1981
    • Fisheries & Wildlife Biology
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Curtis Madsen

    Posted on June 8, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Curtis Madsen* ('81 fisheries and wildlife biology) has been honored with the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Department of the Army. Before his retirement, Madsen spent 34 years in the Iowa Army National Guard as the environmental program supervisor.
  • Natalie Williams

    Natalie Williams

    • Class of 2015
    • Public Relations
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Natalie Williams

    Posted on June 8, 2021 in Careers

    Natalie Williams ('15 public relations) has accepted a position with Dentons Davis Brown as an associate within the real estate department. In this position, Williams will handle cases involving leases, purchases, sales, and finances. Previous to this role, Williams gained experience in commercial real estate, renewable energy development, and public power.
  • Tara Goedjen

    Tara Goedjen

    • Class of 2004
    • Marketing
    • Business

    Tara Goedjen

    Posted on June 3, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Tara Goedjen ('04 marketing) has completed her novel "No Beauties or Monsters," which will be published this December with Random House. Goedjen's novel follows a character named Rylie as she travels through the desert solving a family mystery.
  • Helen Gunderson

    Helen Gunderson

    • Class of 1967
    • Physical Education For Women
    • Family & Consumer Sciences

    Helen Gunderson

    Posted on June 2, 2021 in Alumni Bookshelf

    Helen Gunderson (L) ('67 physical education for women) has published her two-volume anthology, "The Road I Grew Up On." Gunderson's books on her rural heritage contain regional history, personal memoirs, and photography. After 30 years in the making, her volumes are available through the Iowa State University Library's Digital Press and many local libraries.
  • Kimberly Ryan

    Kimberly Ryan

    • Class of 1989
    • Accounting
    • Business

    Kimberly Ryan (Stahlhut)

    Posted on June 2, 2021 in Careers

    Kimberly Ryan ('89 accounting) has accepted the position of CEO and board member of Hillenbrand. Previous to this role, Ryan served as the president of Coperion for over six years.
  • Wendy Wintersteen

    Wendy Wintersteen

    • Class of 1988
    • Entomology
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Wendy Wintersteen

    Posted on May 26, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Wendy Wintersteen (L) (PhD '88 entomology) will be inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame for her work at Iowa State University as the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the president of the university. Through the campaign, Innovate at Iowa State, and the opening of the Student Innovation Center, Iowa State has become a national leader in entrepreneurship in higher education.
  • Martino Harmon

    Martino Harmon

    Martino Harmon

    Posted on May 18, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Martino Harmon (L) was selected to serve on the Alumni Board for the University of Toledo, his alma mater. Harmon previously worked at Iowa State in the office of Student Affairs from 2013 to 2020.
  • Chuck White

    Chuck White

    • Class of 1979
    • Fisheries & Wildlife Biology
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Chuck White

    Posted on May 18, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Chuck White (L) ('79 fisheries and wildlife biology, MS '86 professional agriculture) was recently selected to join the Iowa Soybean Association Communications Squad. This squad is composed of 21 members with the goal to educate farmers and consumers about modern agriculture. White is the owner of Agriland Inc, a farm management and real estate company, and farms land with his brother and son.
  • Dennis Sharp

    Dennis Sharp

    • Class of 1974
    • Architecture
    • Engineering

    Dennis Sharp

    Posted on May 14, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Dennis Sharp ('74 architecture) was recognized at the spring conference of the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects for his commitment to architecture. Sharp is currently the president of FEH Design where he works on projects for educational and municipal work, such as the Bondurant Library and Webster City High School.
  • Matt Basye

    Matt Basye

    • Class of 1992
    • Architecture-Professional Degree
    • Design

    Matt Basye

    Posted on May 14, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Matt Basye ('92 architecture) was recognized at the spring conference for the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects for his dedication to the architectural profession. This is Basye's 25th year as an institute member, as well as his 25th year working for FEH Design.
  • Tyler Riley

    Tyler Riley

    • Class of 1999
    • Architecture-Professional Degree
    • Design

    Tyler Riley

    Posted on May 14, 2021 in Careers

    Tyler Riley ('99 architecture) has been promoted to vice president of FEH Design. In this position, Riley's role will expand to executive leadership, in addition to managing the technology needs of the firm and designing educational work. Riley has been with FEH Design since his college internship.
  • Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar

    Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar

    • Class of 2003
    • Graphic Design
    • Design

    Rukmini Neuhold-Ravikumar (Ravikumar)

    Posted on May 14, 2021 in Careers

    Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar (MS '03 graphic design) was chosen to be the interim director of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Previously, she was employed under the secretary for education at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
  • Taylor Carlson

    Taylor Carlson

    • Class of 2014
    • Graphic Design
    • Design

    Taylor Carlson

    Posted on May 14, 2021 in Careers

    Taylor Carlson ('14 graphic design and English, MS '18 integrated visual arts) has accepted a position with Buena Vista University as an assistant professor in animation and graphic design. Previously, Carlson was an adjunct instructor at Grand View University and the Des Moines Area Community College.
  • Nick McKenna

    Nick McKenna

    • Class of 2002
    • Horticulture
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Nickolas McKenna

    Posted on May 11, 2021 in Honors and Awards

    Nick McKenna ('02 horticulture) is the new president of the Sports Turf Managers Association. This association is comprised of over 2,700 experts in turf management. McKenna currently works at Texas A&M as their assistant athletic field maintenance manager.
  • Darren Conlee

    Darren Conlee

    • Class of 1996
    • Construction Engineering
    • Engineering

    Darren Conlee

    Posted on April 21, 2021 in Careers

    Darren Conlee (L) ('96 construction engineering) has accepted a promotion to general manager of Mortenson, a development and engineering services provider. In this role, Conlee will lead the federal contracting team and contribute to key business decisions. Conlee started with Mortenson in 1998 and has held positions such as director of preconstruction and project executive.
  • UT Dallas MS Graduation with daughter, Emily Levy, PhD Mech Eng

    UT Dallas MS Graduation with daughter, Emily Levy, PhD Mech Eng

    • Class of 1973
    • Computer Science
    • Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Richard Tett

    Posted on April 19, 2021 in Education

    Rick Tett** is graduating at age 69 with an MS in innovation and entrepreneurship from the Jindal School of Business at UT Dallas in May 2021. He was honored to receive recognition as a scholar with high distinction and membership in Phi Kappa Phi. Writes Tett, "I was pleased to make up for my dismal undergraduate grade point. At the same time, my daughter, Dr. Emily Levy, will receive a PhD in mechanical engineering from UTD's Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science."
  • Kyle Larson

    Kyle Larson

    • Class of 2008
    • Accounting
    • Business

    Kyle Larson

    Posted on April 16, 2021 in Careers

    Kyle Larson ('08 accounting and finance) has accepted the position of vice president for BCC Advisers. In this position, Larson will help businesses achieve their acquisition goals and facilitate ownership transfers. Larson first joined BCC Advisers in 2014 as a financial analyst.
  • Tara Seifert

    Tara Seifert

    • Class of 1998
    • Exercise & Sport Science
    • Education

    Tara Seifert (Gunderson)

    Posted on April 14, 2021 in Careers

    Tara Seifert (A) ('98 exercise and sport science) is the head coach for the Chaska High School Girl's Varsity Basketball team. Seifert recently achieved her 250th victory as head coach. After the landmark win, Seifert took her team to the 4A state tournament, where the team won their first state title. Seifert previously played on the Iowa State University Women's Basketball team under Coach Bill Fennelly.