Class Notes

Born the fourth kid in a one-bedroom house, little was expected of Jane until a $320 college scholarship enabled a future she didn't know existed. From the poverty of rural Iowa, Jane defied expectations to build billion-dollar businesses, navigate US's largest merger, rise to top Microsoft executive, and pay forward what she learned and earned. Jane's stories, humor, and honesty, empowers you to rethink what's possible. "In sharing my failure and success, I hope you will know that worth is not defined by what others say or expect, but what you make, claim, and give of what you got." www.janeboulware.com

Elected President of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses.

From Cyclone softball standout to newly named partner at Omaha marketing agency Ervin & Smith, Ashley Bails ('07) has forged an inspiring path. Over a decade, she rose from Marketing Strategist to Chief Marketing Officer, showcasing an innate ability to lead impactful campaigns and drive innovation. As a partner, Ashley will guide the 40-year-old legacy agency into the future with confidence and vision. Beyond her professional triumphs, Ashley remains deeply committed to the Cyclone legacy. As a semi-professional 11u softball and basketball coach, she imparts her passion for sports and community engagement. Her story isn't just one of career ascent but also a testament to the transformative power of dedication, leadership, and the Cyclone spirit.

Meyocks, a leading branding and marketing agency in West Des Moines, proudly announces Iowa State University alumna Rachel Allinson is acquiring a minority interest in the company, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Allinson joined Meyocks in 1989 and has been a driving force behind the agency's substantial growth. Her contributions have been pivotal in enhancing Meyocks' services in digital media, content marketing, data science, research, and public relations. Her leadership and strategic insights have played a crucial role in positioning Meyocks as a frontrunner in the industry. Under Allinson's forward-thinking leadership, Meyocks is poised to continue its trajectory of growth, maintaining strong client relationships and an empowering work environment.

David Hofmann ('96, Exercise & Sport Science) was awarded $2,500 during the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day. Hofmann is a physical education and health class teacher at La Joya Community High School in Avondale, AZ, and intends to use his award to purchase gear and equipment for the school's basketball program.

The seventh annual Iowa Women in Ag Leadership Conference, organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, celebrated the achievements of four women with the Women Impacting Agriculture award. This award recognizes individuals who significantly contribute to Iowa's agriculture through sustainable practices, economic resilience, and community involvement. Kellie Blair ('06 agronomy), alongside her family, runs Blair Farms in Webster County, focusing on sustainable crops and cattle farming.

The seventh annual Iowa Women in Ag Leadership Conference, organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, celebrated the achievements of four women with the Women Impacting Agriculture award. This award recognizes individuals who significantly contribute to Iowa's agriculture through sustainable practices, economic resilience, and community involvement. Joanne Roepke Bode ('98 journalism and mass communication) promotes Iowa agriculture in Kossuth County through her specialty crop business, Bode’s Moonlight Gardens. Meredith Nunnikhoven owns Barnswallow Flowers, a sustainable fresh-cut flower farm in Mahaska County, practicing regenerative farming.

Patrice Bailey ('01 agricultural education and studies) was named as one of the 100 Twin Cities Business 100 for 2024. Every year, the editors of Twin Cities Business make a list of the people in and around Minnesota business likely to make news and drive change in the year ahead. The TCB 100 list for 2024 includes CEOs, founders, philanthropists, government officials and innovators from across the state in many industries. The TCB 100 list is featured in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Twin Cities Business, which will come out after the Dec. 4 event. https://tcbmag.com/

Gary Whitehead ('96 english) has taught at Tenafly High School for twenty-six years, where he has advised both the newspaper and the literary journal, positions which have helped him empower students to find their writing voices, spark their creativity, learn to love literature, and develop leadership skills. Gary is a recipient of the Princeton University Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award. Also a practicing poet, he has published four books of poetry, including A Glossary of Chickens, which was selected for the Princeton Series of Contemporary Poets and published by Princeton University Press. His writing has won many awards, including a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, and his poetry has been published widely, most notably in The New Yorker. His dual career as a writer and teacher has helped him infuse his lessons with real-world teaching moments, which have inspired students at every level.

Pete LaBore joins Christy Sports as the Chief Executive Officer. LaBore brings a wealth of experience in the outdoor and apparel industries, and a deep understanding of building and scaling direct-to-consumer brands, with an emphasis on culture, operating rigor, and growth generation.

Shelley Smith ('03 chemical engineering) has achieved the Master Cicerone designation. The Cicerone Certification Program empowers beer professionals worldwide by developing and recognizing beer skill and knowledge. This is the sommelier (wine) equivalent in the beer-industry sector. The master level is the highest achievement - with only 28 people in the world, ever attaining the credential. And Shelly is only one of 5 women to earn this title. Congratulations!

Tom Marantz ('76) was recognized by Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) as the 2023 Outstanding Member of the Year. Marantz is CEO and Chairman of the Board at Bank of Springfield (BOS) and was presented with the award on behalf of his leadership and commitment to community banking. He has served on the CBAI Board since 2007 in every role including CBAI chairman and Community BancService Corporation chairman. "This award speaks volumes to the dedication of our staff", says Marantz. "Our employees have put BOS in a position of growth that allows us to continue the spirit of community banking. That's an accomplishment in itself". Tom earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. During his time as a Cyclone, Tom was a varsity swimmer and earned individual and team Big 8 championships. Tom is celebrating his 44th year with the BOS this December.

Benjamin has been promoted to the position of Tactical Sales Manager - Eastern Region for John Deere based in Olathe, Kansas.

Bruce Thatcher addresses accountability at the top in his new book Too Big? He says 'Many leaders of big organizations are shielded from effective accountability.' Too Big? examines five cases where accountability was/is flawed or missing: Robert Clive/East India Company, John D. Rockefeller/Standard Oil, Ralph Cordiner/General Electric, J. Edgar Hoover/FBI, and Mark Zuckerberg/Facebook-Meta. It shows many of the ploys that were and are used to evade accountability. Too Big? concludes with clear remedies to improve accountability of those at the top of business, governmental and other organizations. Too Big? is available through Thatcher's website www.historyspeakstoday.com, and at online booksellers.

1974 graduate Diann Wilson has published her second book. Good Bye Big City, Hello Big Island, chronicles a sisters' trip to celebrate retirement from the corporate rat race, ends in an accident that leads to an impulsive decision to make a move. Big city living is traded for nut farming while mainland friends are left behind to wager how long this could possibly last. Readers will be glad that it indeed lasted. In a volume that appeals to anyone who's dreamed of making a daring life change, this delightful collection of short stories chronicle one city dweller's transition from life on the mainland to life on an island. Colorful characters add dimension to a book that is packed with the surprisingly challenging yet funny aspects of island life, the adventures of farming, and the exhilaration that comes with making a dream (that she didn't know she had) come true.

Martha Smith ('04 agricultural business, international agriculture) was presented the 2023 Emerging Iowa Leader Award on Sept. 2, at the annual CALS BBQ at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames. Read more: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/2023/smith-announced-emerging-iowa-leader-award-recipient

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

Author Lisa Kelly's latest book, and my latest illustration project, Clover Goes to Notre Dame. Find out more about the book and the author at these links: https://www.echoesfromnotredamebooks.com/.../coming-soon... https://www.echoesfromnotredamebooks.com/

Greta Pennell, Professor Emerita University of Indianapolis, was elected President of the International Toy Research Association (ITRA). ITRA is the longest standing professional research association dedicated to the transdisciplinary scientific study of toys, games, and other types of playthings.

Nancy and Dean Houston celebrated their 70th Anniversary on September 6, 2023. They first met at the Westgate Presbyterian Church.

Was recently promoted to Director of Sales and New Business Development for Scott Rice Office Works in Kansas City. Mores has been with Scott Rice for 10+ years helping grow the interior solutions company.

Brittini Brown has been appointed associate vice provost for student engagement and dean of students at Johns Hopkins University. Read more: https://hub.jhu.edu/2023/06/06/new-associate-vice-provosts-student-affairs/

I started The Nadas in 1993 when we were both attending Iowa State. We began by playing every local bar and party we could get invited to play. We eventually made Peoples Bar and Grille our home. We have since put out dozens of live and studio albums and played thousands of live shows all over the country and abroad. Our newest record is called Come Along for the Ride. We hope you do.

ISU Alum wins International Auctioneer's Championship. Halie Behr is the first champion in history to win both the International Junior Auctioneer Championship and the IAC. Behr uses her Hospitality Management & Events degree from ISU to help her fundraising clients maximize revenue and results.

A new vehicle deserves new ISU plates. I chose to honor my major.