Class Notes

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Hannah Halvorson
- Class of 2020
- Interior Design
- Design
Hannah Halvorson

Posted on August 18, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Hannah Halvorson (BFA '20 interior design) won second place in the commercial design category of the 10th Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge.
Gary Sullivan
- Class of 2005
- International Agriculture
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Gary Sullivan

Posted on August 3, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Gary Sullivan (L)(’05 animal science and international ag, PhD '11 meat science) has been honored with the American Meat Science Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award. Sullivan is currently an associate professor of meat processing in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Animal Science.
Benjamin Wallace
- Class of 2007
- Animal Ecology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Benjamin Wallace

Posted on August 3, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Benjamin Wallace, (’07 animal ecology) an Iowa Fisheries biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, recently received the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Management Section Award of Merit for his efforts in community-based watershed management and lake restoration projects. The AFS Fish Management Section Award of Merit recognizes a singular accomplishment of an individual or group acting as a team or committee for contributions in fisheries management and research.
Christopher Conetzkey
- Class of 2009
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Christopher Conetzkey

Posted on August 3, 2020 in Careers

Christopher Conetzkey (A)('09 journalism & mass comm) has been elected to the board of directors of the Alliance of Area Business Publishers. Conetzkey is currently the publisher and executive director of the Des Moines Business Record.
Dewayne Goldman
- Class of 1991
- Agronomy
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Dewayne Goldmon

Posted on July 31, 2020 in Careers

Dewayne Goldmon (’91 PhD agronomy), executive director of the National Black Growers Council, has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. The 15-person committee advises the USDA on programs that offer challenges and opportunities for minority farmers and ranchers.
Abby Scott
- Class of 2002
- Interior Design
- Design
Abby Scott

Posted on July 30, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Abby Scott ('02 interior design) has been named the 2020 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Member of the Year. The IIDA Member of the Year Award recognizes and honors an IIDA member who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service through commitment, passion, professionalism, and dedication assisting IIDA as it advances the interior design profession and advocates for interior design excellence.
Tyler Weig
- Class of 2005
- C H E
- D
Tyler Weig

Posted on July 30, 2020 in Careers

Tyler Weig (A)('05 community health education) has accepted a position as themembership and business partnership manager of the Iowa State University Alumni Association.He leads the association’s life membership initiatives and business partner relationships.
Christina Moffatt
- Class of 2002
- Liberal Studies
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Christina Moffatt

Posted on July 28, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Christina Moffatt ('02 liberal studies) is the recipient of the 2020 Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa Character Award. Moffatt is the owner and founder of Crme Cupcake & Dessert and the director of Small Business Resources for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
John Anderson
- Class of 2000
- Graphic Design
- Design
John Anderson

Posted on July 16, 2020 in Careers

John Anderson ('00 graphic design) recently curated the exhibition "Yuri Schwebler: The Spiritual Plane" for the American University Museum, Washington, DC. Schwebler is best remembered as the artist who transformed the Washington Monument into a sundial in 1974.
Daniel Stephans
- Class of 1971
- Architecture
- Engineering
Daniel Stephans

Posted on July 15, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Daniel Stephans ('71 architecture) is the recipient of the Wisconsin Historical Society's 2020 Historic Preservation Award for his years of service specializing in historic preservation and restoration. Stephans worked as the Wisconsin chief state architect for 25 years and guided numerous projects to completion, including the restoration of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, which took over 10 years.
Denise Drake
- Class of 1985
- Psychology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Denise Drake (Drake)

Posted on July 15, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Denise Drake ('85 psych & speech comm) has been recognized among the top businesswomen in the greater Kansas City region by the Kansas City Business Journal through induction into its 2020 class of “Women Who Mean Business." In addition to her role as chair of Polsinelli’s national labor & employment department, Drake also serves as co-chair of the firm’s employment class & collective actions practice and is a member of the firm’s board of directors.
Clinton Hansen
- Class of 1987
- Graphic Design
- Design
Clinton Hansen

Posted on July 15, 2020 in Careers

Clinton Hansen (L)('87 graphic design) has had two art pieces unveiled in Urbandale, Iowa. The two sculptures are on each side of the Douglas Avenue/I-80/35 overpass. They are titled “Love You to the Moon” and “Raise You to the Stars.”
Craig Solid's book, "Return on Investment for Healthcare Quality Improvement"
- Class of 1999
- Statistics
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Craig Solid

Posted on July 8, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Craig Solid (MS '99 statistics) released his first solo book, "Return on Investment for Healthcare Quality Improvement." The book offers a comprehensive overview of performing return-on-investment (ROI) analyses for healthcare quality improvement (QI). He is the current owner and principal of Solid Research Group.
Stephen Kolison
- Class of 1986
- Forestry
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Stephen Kolison

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Careers

Stephen Kolison (A)(MS '86, PhD '90) has been appointed as the new president of the State University of New York at Fredonia. Kolison has served in his role as executive vice president and provost for the University of Indianapolis since April 1, 2017. In this capacity, his wide range of responsibilities included providing leadership for achieving the academic mission of the university. He was instrumental in the planning of 10 new degree programs.
John Latham
- Class of 1992
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
John Latham

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Careers

John Latham (L)('92 ag business), president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds in Alexander, Iowa, has been elected to the role of chair for the American Seed Trade Association officer team.
James Schweigert
- Class of 2012
- Seed Technology and Business
- Interdisciplinary
James Schweigert

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Careers

James Schweigert (MS '12), president of Gro Alliance, LLC in Cuba City, Wisconsin, has been elected by the American Seed Trade Association officer team to serve as second vice-chair.
William Cornelius
- Class of 2009
- Seed Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
William Cornelius

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Honors and Awards

William Cornelius (L)(’09 agronomy, seed science, MS '13 seed technology and business) has been recognized as a “Top 10 Next Gen Leader” by Seed World. Honorees are considered leaders who influence the direction of the American and global seed industry.
Brandi Payne
- Class of 2019
- Agronomy
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Brandi Payne

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Brandi Payne (MS'19 agronomy) has been recognized as a “Top 10 Next Gen Leader” by Seed World. Honorees are considered leaders who influence the direction of the American and global seed industry.
Kevin Falk
- Class of 2019
- Plant Breeding
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Kevin Falk

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Kevin Falk (PhD '19) has been recognized as a “Top 10 Next Gen Leader” by Seed World. Honorees are considered leaders who influence the direction of the American and global seed industry.
Wendy Wintersteen
- Class of 1988
- Entomology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Wendy Wintersteen

Posted on July 1, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Wendy Wintersteen (L)(PhD '88 entomology) is the recipient of the 2020 National Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), the national honor society for extension professionals. The award recognizes outstanding thinking, performance, and leadership in extension.
Everett Peterson
- Class of 1981
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Everett Peterson

Posted on June 23, 2020 in Careers

Everett Peterson ('81 ag business, MS '83) has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. A member of Virginia Tech faculty since 1989, Peterson has authored or co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and reviews and more than 20 additional technical reports. He was named a GTAP Research Fellow twice and received the Gamma Sigma Delta Faculty Research Award.
Sharon Juon
- Sociology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Sharon Juon (Dunker)

Posted on June 17, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Sharon Juon (L)('69 sociology) was honored at the 2020 OVATION unveiling ceremony for the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. OVATION provides a way to pay tribute to a woman or girl in your life. Each year, the publication contains personal tributes to amazing women and girls from around Iowa, sponsored by family members, friends, colleagues, or community members.
George Everett
- Class of 1972
- Zoology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
George Everett

Posted on June 17, 2020 in Careers

George Everett ('72 zoology) has been named governor of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists. Everett is the founding program director and the current academic chair of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at AdventHealth Hospital in Orlando.
Robert Ashby
- Class of 1992
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Robert Ashby

Posted on June 15, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Robert Ashby (L)('92 community and regional planning) has been elected president of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO). AMPO is a nonprofit transportation advocacy organization for metropolitan regions and is committed to enhancing MPOs’ ability to improve metropolitan transportation systems. Ashby currently chairs the ISU Department of Community and Regional Planning's Planning Advisory Council.
Rahele Jomepour
- Class of 2015
- Integrated Visual Arts
- Design
Rahele Bell

Posted on June 15, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Rahele Jomepour (MFA '15 integrated visual arts) illustrated Our Favorite Day of the Year, a children's picture book which will be published on June 30, 2020.
Yu-Ngok Lo
- Class of 2004
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Yu-ngok Lo

Posted on June 15, 2020 in Careers

Yu-Ngok Lo, ('04 architecture) principal and design director of Culver City, California-based YNL Architects, has been elevated to fellowship in the American Institute of Architects.
Miranda Moen
- Class of 2019
- Architecture
- Design
Miranda Moen

Posted on June 15, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Miranda Moen (MArch '19 architecture) has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Open Study/Research Award to Norway for the 2020-2021 academic year. She will work closely with the Norwegian Emigrant Museum and the Oslo School of Architecture and Design on her project, which will analyze parallels between 19th-century working-class residences in Norway and Norwegian-American immigrant-built houses in her home state of Minnesota.
Rukmini Neuhold-Ravikumar
- Class of 2003
- Graphic Design
- Design
Rukmini Neuhold-Ravikumar (Ravikumar)

Posted on June 15, 2020 in Careers

Rukmini Neuhold-Ravikumar ('03 graphic design) has been promoted from the interim associate provost of education and access to the acting undersecretary for education at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. She is also the director of education at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
Matthew Thompson
- Class of 2003
- History
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Matthew Thompson

Posted on June 10, 2020 in Careers

Matthew Thompson (A)('03 history, PhD '10) has been appointed president of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA. Thompson had served as dean of students and executive director of institutional advancement at Southwestern Community College in Creston before joining Indian Hills, where he has been executive vice president.
Thomas Goodale
- Class of 1962
- Journalism (Science & Technical)
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Thomas Goodale

Posted on June 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Thomas Goodale (A) ('62 science journalism, PhD '71 higher ed admin) is the 2020 recipient of the Eldridge W.Roark Jr. Meritorious Service from Omicron Delta Kappa, National Student Leadership Honor Society. The award celebrates his past service as the executive director and recognizes his philanthropic leadership and ongoing involvement in the society's scholarship program.
Theodore LeGrange
- Class of 1981
- Fisheries & Wildlife Biology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Theodore LaGrange

Posted on June 4, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Theodore LaGrange ('81 fisheries and wildlife biology, MS '85 animal ecology) has been named the 2020 National Wetland Hero by the Environmental Law Institute. LaGrange is honored for his efforts of building and developing Nebraska's Wetland Program for over 25 years.
Linda Farr
- Class of 1973
- Dietetics
- Family & Consumer Sciences
Linda Farr (Thoennes)

Posted on June 2, 2020 in Careers

Linda Farr (L)('73 dietetics) began her one-year term on June 1 as the 2020-2021 president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Farr, the academy’s 95th president, is the owner of Nutrition Associates of San Antonio (doing business as Nutritious Table), which she founded in 1995. As an entrepreneur and certified specialist in obesity and weight management, Farr provides personalized medical nutrition therapy to teens and adults.
Steven Myers
- Class of 2010
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Steven Myers

Posted on May 28, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Steven Myers ('10 ag business) has been honored with the 2020 Iowa Environmental Stewardship Award by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. Myers works to reduce emissions and sequester carbon in the soil by using energy-efficient equipment, cover crops, and minimal tillage.
Michelle (Euken) Myers
- Class of 2009
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Michelle Myers

Posted on May 28, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Michelle (Euken) Myers ('09 ag business and economics) has been honored with the 2020 Iowa Environmental Stewardship Award by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. Myers work to reduce emissions and sequester carbon in the soil by using energy-efficient equipment, cover crops, and minimal tillage.
Lisa Uhl
- Class of 2008
- Biology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Lisa Uhl (Koll)

Posted on May 27, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Lisa Uhl (A)('08 biology, DVM '18) a former Olympian will be one of five new inductees this fall into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame for 2020. Uhl is currently working as a resident in veterinary ophthalmology at Colorado State University.
Cover of "More Thoughts and More Commentary" by Dale Netherton
- Class of 1963
- Forestry
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Dale Netherton

Posted on May 19, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Dale Netherton ('63 forestry) has just had his eighth book published, "More Thoughts and More Commentary." Find him on Amazon.com.
- Class of 1999
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering
John Meacham

Posted on May 19, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Mark Meacham (A)('99 mechanical engineering, MS '02 and PhD '06), assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation. The five-year, $500,000 grant will support Meacham’s research using active swimming algae cells as measurement probes to assess performance of acoustic microfluidic devices.
Dan Thomson
- Class of 1990
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Daniel Thomson (Thomson)

Posted on April 29, 2020 in Careers

Dan Thomson (A)('90 animal science, DVM '00) joined the Iowa State Department of Animal Science on March 23 as the new department chair. He has spent the past 15 years at Kansas State University as the Jones Professor of Production Medicine and Epidemiology. He comes from a long line of Iowa State graduates and is one of three Iowa State-trained veterinarians in his family.
Elizabeth Andre
- Class of 1998
- International Studies
- Interdisciplinary
Elizabeth Andre

Posted on April 20, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Elizabeth Andre (L)('98 Spanish and international studies, MS and PhD '01) was awarded the 2020 Faculty Merit Award for Outstanding Scholarship by Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. The selection criteria include significant research, leadership in professional societies, and innovative curriculum design.
Cover of "Watch Your Shadow: Surviving Not One but Both Hip Replacement Operations!"
- Class of 1977
- Physical Education
- Education
Jana Cunningham (Bernatz)

Posted on April 15, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Jana (Bernatz) Cunningham (L)('77 physical ed), ISU Women’s Golf four-year letter winner, shares her book “Watch Your Shadow: Surviving Not One but Both Hip Replacement Operations!". “Watch Your Shadow" is a true story about the recovery journey Cunningham went through after two hip replacement surgeries in her early 50s. In it, she shares the discoveries -- as well as both good and bad experiences -- she went through during her hip replacements. In "Watch Your Shadow," Cunningham wants to provide a helpful and supportive book for people who are, will be, or are assisting someone going through major hip surgery. "It reads more like a story than a self-help book ... " she says. "You may not even realize all you've learned and experienced about hip surgery until you finally put it down. It will hopefully aid with the prep work, home set-up, physical, mental, and emotional situations that go along with having hip surgery and recovery that I dealt with during my journey." Cunningham's book is published by Lulu Publishing.
Phillip Johnson
- Class of 1977
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Philip Johnson

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Philip Johnson ('77 animal science, DVM '81) received the Outstanding Service Award from the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA). Johnson practices at Omro Animal Hospital in Omro, Wisconsin. He has served on numerous committees of the WVMA and is a past president of the WVMA.
Neil Harl
- Class of 1955
- Agricultural & Life Sciences Education
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Neil Harl

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Neil Harl (L)('55 ag & life sciences ed, PhD '65 economics), retired Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, was awarded the Meritorious Service Award to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture, the highest honor of the National Farmers Union.
Gary Gackstetter
- Class of 1979
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Gary Gackstetter

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Careers

Gary Gackstetter (L)(DVM '79) has been named director of South Dakota State University's Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. He has served as chair on the former National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (now the International Council for Veterinary Assessment) and was the National Association of Federal Veterinarians' designee for three consecutive three-year terms on the International Council for Veterinary Assessment. Additionally, he is a current member of the Collaboration for Veterinary Assessments Governance Committee (CVAGC).
Michelle Kromm
- Class of 2006
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Michelle Kromm (Early)

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Careers

Michelle Kromm (DVM '06) has been named vice president of animal health and welfare at Jennie-O Turkey Store.
Frank Walker
- Class of 1977
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Frank Walker

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Careers

Frank Walker (DVM '77), has been inducted as the new president of the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association. Walker is the owner of Flickertail Veterinary Service in New Rockford, North Dakota. His clinical practice provides care for small animals, large-animal clinical medicine and surgery, cow-calf preventative herd health medicine, dairy herd management, as well as herd work and farm calls out in the field.
Joel Nerem
- Class of 1996
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Joel Nerem

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Joel Nerem (DVM '96), veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services, has been named the 2020 Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Nerem joined Pipestone Veterinary Services and Pipestone System staff in July 2006 with an expertise in swine health.
David Steffen
- Class of 1987
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
David Steffen

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

David Steffen (DVM '87), diagnostic pathologist and quality control section head of the Nebraska Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has received the 2019 Dr. Edward Pope Memorial Award presented by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.
Martin Gross
- Class of 2011
- Biology (AGLS)
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Martin Gross

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Martin Gross ('11 biology, MS '13 food science & tech, PhD '15 ag & biosystems engineering/food science & tech) was the recipient of the 2020 Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award honors an Iowa entrepreneur who has been in business for a minimum of three years and has been significantly assisted by an Iowa Small Business Development Center. Gross is president and co-founder of Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. (GWT). GWT is an inaugural cohort member of the ISU Startup Factory and an Ag Startup Engine portfolio company.
Adam Kramer
- Class of 2005
- Agricultural Studies
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Adam Kramer

Posted on April 8, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Adam Kramer ('05 agricultural studies) was named the 2020 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year. Kramer's business, Black Sand Granary, offers soil testing, data management, cover crop consulting, and equipment retrofits. His consulting is focused on soil health with an eye on short-term and long-term impacts to profitability.
Bob Mancuso
- Class of 1983
- Business Administration
- Business
Robert Mancuso

Posted on March 26, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Bob Mancuso ('83 business) was recently inducted into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame. Mancuso played at Iowa State from 1980-83. He was named Academic All-Big Eight, All-District, and All-American. He played professionally in Italy and also in semi-pro baseball. He is chairman of the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska.
Nick Lindsley
- Class of 2009
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Nicholas Lindsley

Posted on March 20, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Nick Lindsley ('09 architecture/environmental studies), AIA, an architect with Neumann Monson Architects, has been named a recipient of the 2020 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award. The national award recognizes individuals who have impacted the profession through significant contributions and leadership early in their architectural careers.
Laura Kessel
- Class of 2005
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Laura Kessel (Smith)

Posted on March 20, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Laura (Smith) Kessel ('05 community & regional planning/landscape architecture) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40, and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Laura is a landscape architect, planner, and studio director at RDG Planning & Design.
John Cheville
- Class of 1986
- Entomology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
John Cheville

Posted on March 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

John Cheville ('86 entomology) was awarded the Distinguished Clinician Award at the Mayo Clinic Annual Meeting in November. John is a physician and professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in Rochester, Minnesota. The award is given to one physician each year who best exemplifies Mayo Clinic professionalism, mastery of clinical medicine, and compassionate care.
- Class of 1974
- Dairy Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Charles Sloniger

Posted on March 5, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Charles A. Sloniger (L)('74 dairy science) received the Story County Cattlemen Award for 2020. Story County Cattlemen is a county organization of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. The Iowa Cattlemen's Association works to grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership, and education.
Berta Aldrich
- Class of 1990
- Finance
- Business
Roberta Aldrich (Prentice)

Posted on February 28, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Berta Aldrich (A)('90 finance) was recently honored with the Inspiration Award, one of the 2020 Ivy Women in Business Awards. Berta is the chief marketing officer and chief human resources officer at the Private Advisor Group in Morristown, New Jersey. The Inspiration Award recognizes a woman who has made a significant impact in her career while inspiring other women in business to become leaders and reach their full potential.
Aaron Steil (left)
- Class of 2005
- Horticulture
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Aaron Steil

Posted on February 27, 2020 in Alumni Mentions

A new gardening show on Iowa Public Television featuring Aaron Steil (L)('05 horticulture and biology), assistant director of ISU’s Reiman Gardens, debuts this weekend. “Gardening with Steil” will premiere March 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Laura Finger (far right) with her family
- Class of 2003
- Dairy Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Laura Finger (Harada)

Posted on February 27, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Laura Finger ('03 dairy science) and her husband Phil were recently named Wisconsin’s Outstanding Young Farmers. The couple are fifth-generation dairy farmers in Oconto and Marinette Counties.
Reed Burres (center) accepts the New Leader Award
- Class of 2017
- International Agriculture
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Reed Burres

Posted on February 27, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Reed Burres ('17 ag business, international ag), owner of AgriPeril Risk Management, LLC, was recognized with the New Leader Award from the Iowa Soybean Association.
Jacob Handsaker (right) accepts the 2020 Emerging Iowa Leader Award
- Class of 2004
- Agricultural Studies
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Jacob Handsaker

Posted on February 27, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Jacob Handsaker ('04 ag studies), of Radcliffe, Iowa, has been named the 2020 Emerging Iowa Leader by the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Handsaker is a farmer and co-owner of Hands-On Excavating.
Aaron Todd
- Class of 2005
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Aaron Todd

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Aaron Todd (L)('05 community and regional planning) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Aaron is chief executive officer for Iowa Primary Care Association.
Madeline Sturms
- Class of 2009
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Madeline Sturms (Emmerson)

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Madeline Sturms (A)('09 community and regional planning) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Madeline is community development director for the City of Pleasant Hill.
Cory Sharp
- Class of 2012
- Architecture-Professional Degree
- Design
Cory Sharp

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Cory Sharp ('12 architecture) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Cory is an associate principal at FEH Design.
Kyle Oppenhuizen
- Class of 2006
- Entomology
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Nina Richtman

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Nina Richtman ('06 entomology) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Nina is program manager for NAMI Iowa. Kyle Oppenhuizen ('09 journalism) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Kyle is director of communications at Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Amanda Martin
- Class of 2012
- Education
- Education
Amanda Martin

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Amanda Martin ('12 education) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Amanda is the assistant director of community engaged learning at Drake University.
Jonathan Lewton
- Class of 2006
- Construction Engineering
- Engineering
Jonathan Lewton

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Jonathan Lewton ('06 construction engineering) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Jonathan is a senior project manager at Ryan Companies.
Johnny Alcivar
- Class of 2010
- International Studies
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Johnny Alcivar Zuniga

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Johnny Alcivar ('10 pol sci & int studies, MS '14 community and regional planning) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Johnny is a workforce program director for Proteus.
Clinton Akerberg
- Class of 2004
- International Business
- Business
Clinton Akerberg

Posted on February 24, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Clinton Akerberg ('04 int. business) is a member of the Business Record's Forty under 40. These 40 Des Moines area business leaders, who were chosen by past award winners, are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Clinton is a managing partner and personal CFO of The Wealth Consulting Group.
Sara Zelinskas
- Class of 2006
- Biology
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Sara Zelinskas (Revell)

Posted on February 21, 2020 in Alumni Mentions

Sara Zelinskas ('06 biology) was a recent guest on the Hampton Roads Show on WAVY TV in Hampton Roads, Virginia. She spoke about relieving foot pain through at-home, easy-to-do steps. Sara is a podiatrist at TPMG Foot and Ankle in Virginia Beach, a suburb of Hampton Roads.
Front cover of Stagecoach Women: Brave and Daring Women of the Wild West
- Class of 2001
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
- Interdisciplinary
Cheryl Mullenbach

Posted on February 21, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Cheryl Mullenbach’s (A)(MS '01 interdisciplinary grad studies) latest nonfiction book for adult readers, Stagecoach Women: Brave and Daring Women of the Wild West, offers an expansive overview of stagecoach history in the United States enriched by the personal stories of women who contributed to the evolution and success of a captivating facet of American history. Her books have been recognized by the American Library Association, National Council for Social Studies, International Literacy Association, and FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
Renee Schaaf
- Class of 1980
- Industrial Administration
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
Renee Schaaf (Pettit)

Posted on February 21, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Renee Schaaf (A)('80 industrial administration) was recently honored with the Champion Award, a part of the 2020 Ivy Women in Business Awards. Renee is the president of Retirement Income Solutions at Principal Financial Group. The Champion Award honors individuals, businesses, or organizations that inspire, lead, and encourage women.
Anna Florzak
- Class of 2010
- Marketing
- Business
Anna Florzak

Posted on February 21, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Anna Florzak (A)('10 marketing), product line manager for WNBA uniforms at Nike Inc., recently earned the Outstanding Young Alumna Award from the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University. The award, which is a part of the 2020 Ivy Women in Business Awards, honors alumnae 35 years of age or younger who have distinguished themselves early in their career for their achievements.
- Class of 1974
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Eric Gonder

Posted on February 19, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Eric Gonder (L)(DVM '74 vet med) has been presented the Lamplighter Award by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association for "sustained and exemplary service." Gonder is a senior veterinarian with Butterball/Goldsboro Milling Company.
- Class of 2011
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Jessika Benes

Posted on February 19, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Jessika Uden Benes (DVM '11 vet med) has been named the Young Veterinarian of the Year by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Benes is a veterinarian with Stolley Park Veterinary Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Kelly Heath
- Class of 1988
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Kelly Heath

Posted on February 19, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Kelly Heath (A)(DVM '88 vet med) has been named the Veterinarian of the Year by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Heath practiced mixed animal medicine as an associate and as a practice owner for 16 years before working in the biopharmaceutical industry for eight years. He is an attending veterinarian in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Richard Keeling
- Class of 2002
- Marketing
- Business
Richard Keeling

Posted on February 19, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Richard Keeling ('02 marketing), CFP, CRPC, APMA a private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Ames, was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes magazine. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.
Christian Vandehaar
- Class of 2009
- Integrated Studio Arts
- Design
Christian Vandehaar

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Christian Vandehaar (BFA '09 integrated studio arts), who teaches art at Bondurant-Farrar High School, was recognized on Jan. 17, 2020, as the Iowan of the Week by U.S. Congresswoman Cindy Axne, who represents Iowa’s 3rd District.
Sarah (Lokenvitz) Nielsen
- Class of 2013
- Integrated Studio Arts
- Design
Sarah Nielsen (Lokenvitz)

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Sarah (Lokenvitz) Nielsen (BFA '13 integrated studio arts) was selected for induction into the National Kitchen and Bath Association's 8th Annual Thirty Under 30 Program. This program recognizes 30 individuals under the age of 30 across the U.S. and Canada whom the committee believes to be the up-and-coming leadership of the industry. Nielsen is the first to be selected from Iowa.
Theaster Gates
- Class of 1996
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Theaster Gates

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Miscellaneous

Artist, activist and Iowa State University College of Design alumnus Theaster Gates (BS '96 community & regional planning /MA '05 interdisciplinary graduate studies /Hon. Doctorate '17 humane letters) will co-chair the Prada Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council with the aim of closing the inclusion gap in the fashion industry and elevating voices of color within the company and the fashion industry at large.
Kurt Funkhouser
- Class of 1993
- Business Administration
- Business
Kirk Funkhouser

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Careers

Kirk Funkhouser (MA '93 architecture /MBA '93 business admin) was recently appointed principal at Gensler. He also serves as the managing director of the firm's Austin office. During his career, Funkhouser has managed several significant projects, including the interior architecture and design for Chase Center, the new arena and headquarters for the Golden State Warriors; and two $120+ million renovations for the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. In addition, he managed the $87 million San Jose State University Student Recreation Center project.
Illustration from The Shark Report #1
- Class of 1991
- Art and Design (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
- Design
Derek Anderson

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

The Shark Report #1, part of the Benny McGee and the Shark series by Derek Anderson (BFA '91 art & design), has been published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House Publishers.
Soo-Peng Siang
- Class of 2019
- Industrial Design
- Design
Soo Siang

Posted on February 17, 2020 in Honors and Awards

"The O2 Agar Mask" by Soo-Peng Siang, who graduated with a bachelor of industrial design in December, has been selected for exhibition by the Green Concept Award 2020 competition, a collaboration of White Lobster Gmbh & Co. KG, Berlin, and IKEA Foundation Germany. Siang developed the concept as her senior project. Her project was one of only 60 selected from among 436 entries by undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. The work will be exhibited at International Handwerksmesse Munich and awards will be announced Wednesday, March 11.
Asif Moosa
- Class of 1985
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
Asif Moosa

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Careers

SRC, Inc., has announced that Asif Moosa ('85 electrical engineering) has been promoted to assistant vice president, international business. In his new role, Moosa will be responsible for growing SRC’s business in the complex international market. SRC, Inc., a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science, technology, and ingenuity to solve problems in the areas of defense, environment, and intelligence.
Grant Jacobson
- Class of 1997
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Grant Jacobson

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Careers

Grant Jacobson (A)(DVM'97 veterinary medicine) is a member of the inaugural board of directors of the new Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. This follows the October 2019 opening of his own independent veterinary practice, The Hometown Veterinarian, in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Jeff Wells
- Class of 1984
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Jeffrey Wells

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Jeff Wells (L)('84 animal science, DVM'88 veterinary medicine) has written three books about his experiences as a small and large animal veterinarian. Two of his books, “All My Patients Have Tales” and “All My Patients Kick and Bite,” contain a series of charming, funny, and engaging stories from his Colorado practice.
Inbal Lavotshkin
- Class of 2011
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Inbal Lavotshkin

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Alumni Mentions

Inbal Lavotshkin’s (DVM'11 veterinary medicine) dedication to New York City’s dogs and cats was recently recognized when she became the first veterinarian in the nation’s largest city to be honored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Her South Brooklyn clinic, where she serves as the medical director, is the only 24-hour hospital serving a large portion of Brooklyn.
Candace Carter
- Class of 1992
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Candace Carter (Wilson)

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Alumni Bookshelf

Candace Carter (DVM'92 veterinary medicine) recently was honored with the Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award from the South Carolina Writers Association in Novel First Chapter. Carter began writing her novel “Muddy Waters” ten years ago.
- Class of 1961
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Daniel King

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Daniel "Jack" King (DVM'61 veterinary medicine) has been named to the American Association of Avian Pathologists Hall of Fame.
- Class of 2005
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Jaime Kirkpatrick

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Jaime Kirkpatrick (DVM'05 veterinary medicine) has been named the American Association of Public Health Veterinarians Food Safety Veterinarian of the Year.
- Class of 1971
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Darwin Schipper

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Darwin Schipper (L)(DVM'71 veterinary medicine) was recently presented with the President’s Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
- Class of 1985
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Dennis Drager

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Dennis Drager (DVM'85 veterinary medicine) recently received the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
- Class of 2010
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Jessica Juarez

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Jessie Juarez ('10 animal science/dairy science, MS'12 animal science, DVM'14 veterinary medicine) was presented with the Rising Star Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
- Class of 1962
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Robert Heath

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

R. Bruce Heath (DVM'62 veterinary medicine) received a lifetime achievement award from the College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
- Class of 1961
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Robert Glock

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Robert Glock, ('61 DVM; '71 PhD vet. path.) received the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) Outstanding Service Award, presented at the AVC spring meeting in April, 2011. The award was sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. The award recognizes a member who has made outstanding contributions to AVC and the beef-cattle and veterinary medicine industries. For the past 30 years, Glock has worked with a variety of people and animals in Iowa, Colorado, and Arizona. He has been a diagnostic pathologiest at the University of Arizona Department of Veterinary Medicine and Microbiology since 1998.
- Class of 1961
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Robert Glock

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Bob Glock, (DVM'61; PhD'71 vet. path.) has been inducted into the American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ Cattle Veterinarian Hall of Fame.
Amy Vincent
- Class of 1997
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Amy Baker (Vincent)

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Amy Vincent (DVM'02 veterinary medicine), a medical veterinary officer with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, received the Arthur S. Fleming Award for her outstanding scientific achievements in animal health. She is one of 12 federal employees who were honored with the Fleming Award.
- Class of 2014
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
April Schilder

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

April Schilder (DVM'14 veterinary medicine) was honored with the 2019 Emerging Leader Award by the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association.
Dale Miskimins
- Class of 1978
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
Dale Miskimins

Posted on February 11, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Dale Miskimins (A)(DVM'78 veterinary medicine) was named the 2019 Veterinarian of the Year from the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association.
Sarah Gudeman
- Class of 2006
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering
Sarah Gudeman (Shay)

Posted on February 7, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Sarah E. Gudeman ('06 mechanical engineering) has been named one of the "20 to Watch: Women in HVAC." The staff at Engineered Systems releases a top 20 list each year to honor women who have dedicated their careers and work to the engineering field. Gudeman is employed at Morrissey Engineering Inc. as the director of sustainability and mechanical engineering.
Gail Kuhlman (left) recieves AFIA Friend of Pet Food Award
- Class of 1989
- Animal Science
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
Gail Kuhlman

Posted on February 7, 2020 in Honors and Awards

Gail Kuhlman (PhD'89 animal science) has been awarded the AFIA Friend of Pet Food Award at the 2020 Pet Food Conference. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to support the growth of the pet food industry.
Rakibul Ahasan
- Class of 2019
- Community and Regional Planning
- Design
Rakibul Ahasan

Posted on February 7, 2020 in Education

Rakibul Ahasan (MCRP '19 community & regional planning, MS '19 transportation) received the Lechner Scholarship from Texas A&M University at College Station for the 2019-2020 academic year. He has begun Ph.D. studies in geography with a focus on urban dynamics and land-change modeling as part of the Urban Dynamics and Sustainability (UDAS) research group.