Class Notes

John Carlson, ('74 Agriculture and Life Sciences), a professor in Western Illinois University's School of Agriculture, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar by the William J. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Carlson will spend August through December teaching at the Ryazan State Agrotechnological University in Russia. "I'll be teaching two sections of a course in international agriculture, which covers agricultural development and world hunger problems. The material compares different countries for types of production. Right now at the Ryazan State Agrotechnological University, they don't have a course like that," Carlson explained. "They need this subject matter in their curriculum, as they continue the process of moving into a free-market world economy. I will be teaching with some of their instructors, so the course will become a permanent part of their curriculum when I leave." Carlson also said that during his time teaching in Russia, he will be using Western pedagogy in higher education. "This will include using the Internet in lectures, more student in-class presentations and providing the students with written exams, as opposed to oral examinations, which is the way many students are currently assessed in Russia. By being more familiar with this type of pedagogy, Russian students will be better prepared to study in the U.S. and European countries in the future," he said. Carlson has worked with farmers and agricultural institutions in Russia since 1994. He has served as a consultant to livestock producers and worked on projects fostering the emerging Russian market for U.S. agricultural markets. He has also been involved in teaching agricultural business and marketing at the university level in Russia, and, over the years, he has led many Western Illinois University students on study abroad programs in Russia.

Thomas H. DeLuca, a soils and ecosystem scientist, has been named the director of the University of Washington's School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. DeLuca ('93, Ph.D., Soil Microbiology & Biochemistry) is currently professor of natural resources and geography at Bangor University, Wales, where he holds the chair in environmental sciences sponsored jointly by the university and the U.K.'s National Environmental Research Council. DeLuca's 30 years in natural sciences has included faculty positions with the University of Montana in forestry and conservation, Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania, in sustainable systems and as a senior forest ecologist with the Wilderness Society focusing on ecology and economics. At Bangor University, he conducts research in forest ecosystem sciences and is the environmental theme leader for the university's research innovation program called Pontio, chair of the forestry group and academic advocate for the Treborth Botanic Garden, a teaching garden that is open to the public. Pending approval by the UW board of regents, DeLuca will start Sept. 1, 2012. DeLuca is author on more than 80 publications with a focus on the key role soils play in the ecological functioning of forests and grasslands. He has contributed to our understanding of how land management affects nutrient and carbon cycling, from microscopic to landscape scales. His research also addresses issues in forest ecosystem restoration such as the role of fire in promoting regeneration.

Iowa Architect Dale McKinney ('75, B.S. Design) was elected second vice president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in Sioux City, Iowa at its 93rd Annual Meeting. McKinney most recently served as treasurer, secretary, and the director of the Mid-Central Conference (Region 4), which represents the jurisdictions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. “I look forward to continuing my responsibility with the organization, and having the opportunity to lead the Council forward in each and every one of our current initiatives,” McKinney said. McKinney has volunteered his time to the profession on several occasions. He was appointed to the Iowa Architecture Examiners Board from 2000-2010, and was elected the board’s president from 2003-2004 and 2009-2010. He was an active volunteer on numerous NCARB committees lending his expertise to the Committee on Procedures and Documents, the IDP Coordinating Committee, and the Regional Chairs Committee. He served as chair of the Committee on the Intern Development Program (IDP) and the IDP Employment Settings Task Force. In addition to his service to NCARB, he also served as president of AIA Iowa in 1989 and served as the AIA director of the central states on the AIA national board of directors from 1997-1999. McKinney is also active within his community. He served on the Hinton Community School Board of Education for 15 years, and currently serves on the boards of the Downtown Partners, the Historic Preservation Commission, and 1,000 Friends of Iowa. He is also a past president of the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA. A 1975 graduate of Iowa State University, McKinney is the founding partner of the firm that evolved into M+ Architects. Located in Sioux City, IA, the firm is committed to design innovation and sustainability, and has experience in education, recreation, office, retail, government, and adaptive reuse with an emphasis on historical preservation. He holds the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity and is licensed in Iowa, Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and South Dakota.

Missy Berg ('02, BA Journalism & Mass Communication) was hired as Event Manager for the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA) Berg most recently worked as the Manager of Community Connections & Special Events for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. Berg will manage special events for the ICVA including the annual ROSE Awards. Berg, a graduate of Iowa State University, also served as Event Manager with Drum Corps International.

Promotion Daniel Madison, ('03, BS, Civil Engineering) was promoted to Project Manager at Manhard Consulting. Dan works in the Vernon Hills, IL office.

Yan-Hua (Katy) Liu, MD, ('04, M.S. Biochemistry) recently completed her residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Patricia Tice ('94, Ph.D., Philosophy) of West Des Moines was elected chair of the ISU Extension - Polk County (ISUE-Polk County) Council at the council’s annual organizational meeting. Tice, who has served on the Council since 2003 and has held the position of Secretary, replaces outgoing Council Chair Jeannie Tatro of Altoona. “I was associated with 4-H while growing up in Adams County, Iowa,” Tice stated. “I have long believed that our extension council programs contain enough expertise and human power to solve most of the issues facing our society right now. One in five Iowa school-age youth participates in 4-H Youth Development Programs in Iowa. This helps to nurture and develop our up and coming leaders. Our Polk County Master Gardener Program has nearly 500 volunteer gardeners who not only beautify our communities, but are also working on local farm-to-food efforts. Where there is a need in a community, chances are that Polk County Extension has the expertise to assist in addressing the need. It is terribly exciting to serve as Chair, and to help these programs come to life in a way that will benefit the society in which we live.”

Emily A. Hippen ('02, BS, Finance) has been joined Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC (Otten Johnson) as an associate in the real estate group. Emily focuses her practice on commercial real estate finance, with an emphasis on the representation of lenders and servicers in both loan origination and loan modification transactions. She also represents borrowers in matters relating to their commercial real estate finance needs.

Dr. Cheryl L. Eia ('08, DVM - Veterinary Medicine) has been hired by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as the Assistant Director in Scientific Activities Division. “I am honored to be able to serve the AVMA and its members as Coordinator of Emergency Preparedness and Response. I am excited by the opportunity to utilize my background and experience while representing the AVMA on issues of national importance related to animal emergency management,” Dr. Eia says. “I look forward to working with stakeholder groups from across the country to enhance our nation’s emergency preparedness.” Dr. Eia will be involved in all levels of the AVMA’s animal emergency preparedness and response programs, including policy coordination, education and outreach, and oversight of the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT). She will work closely with committee leaders, members and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, national partners, and governmental and non-governmental representatives in overseeing these important programs. Prior to coming to the AVMA, Dr. Eia worked as a veterinary specialist at the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa, leading several projects on animal emergency preparedness and response. In addition to her education and experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Eia also brings to her position at the AVMA her experience and knowledge as an attorney. She practiced law in St. Louis, Mo.; Minneapolis, Minn.; and Fargo, N.D. In addition, she served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U. S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., from 1993-1996. She is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners Animal Welfare Committee and also the Global Pain Council of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Dr. Eia received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, and she received a Master of Public Health the same year from University of Minnesota. She received her law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 1989.

Brian Harry ('08, B.S. - Engineering) has been promoted to Project Manager II, Construction for the Quad Cities office of Ryan Companies US, Inc. As Project Manager II, Brian is responsible for estimating, coordinating projects, and overseeing the entire design-build process. Brian has managed several notable projects for clients such as Deere & Company, Community Health Care, and Coca-Cola Enterprises. He started his career with Ryan as a student intern his sophomore year at Iowa State in 2005. Upon graduating from Iowa State in 2008 with a degree in Construction Engineering, Brian was hired full-time as an Associate Project Manager.

Dale McKinney, FAIA, NCARB ('75, BA - Architecture), Sioux City, was elected second vice president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards at its annual meeting in Minneapolis in June. McKinney most recently served as treasurer, secretary and director of the Mid-Central Conference (Region 4), which represents Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. He is the founding partner of M+ Architects in Sioux City.

Dr. Blanche Cournoyer Haning, ('65, BS-Botony; '67 MS & '70, Ph.D. Plant Pathology) has retired after more than 35 years of teaching and research at NC State University and Vance-Granville Community College. She lives with her husband, Quentin C. Haning (PhD 1969 Zoology) in Raleigh, NC.

Mary (Scallon) ISU '70 Home Ec, '76 MA-- has headed PTA's in her Long Beach community. She is a counselor for families and date rape victims in Long Beach, CA.

Ashley Lehmkuhl (BS, '10, Elementary Education) has accepted a job in Kansas City, MO. She is teaching 6th grade at a private school in the city.

Michael Reilly ('87, BS Anthropology) has been appointed the Executive Dirctor for the Board of Directors of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Mr. Reilly was selected from a highly qualified pool of candidates after a national search. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Council of Presidents in the state of Washington, Mr. Reilly brings to AACRAO extensive experience in public policy and higher education. The Council of Presidents is an association of the presidents of Washington State's six public baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. In his role as Executive Director, Mr. Reilly represents the presidents and the institutions in the state legislature and serves as their liaison with the Governor’s office and with multiple state agencies. He facilitates the work of over thirty committees as well as numerous academic and professional staff from the member universities. Prior to his work with the Council of Presidents, Mr. Reilly served as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Humboldt State University in California and at Central Washington University. His higher education experience includes work in both admissions and student affairs at Washington State University, Seattle University, and Iowa State University. Mr. Reilly’s career in academic and enrollment services has been characterized by a commitment to access to higher education, collaboration among diverse constituencies, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable strategic initiatives. Mr. Reilly earned a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University and completed graduate work in anthropology at Washington State University. His record of community service beyond higher education is extensive, including serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce (Arcata, California), United Way (Kittitas County, Washington), and Ellensburg Gallery One in Washington. Mr. Reilly brings to AACRAO a deep appreciation of and commitment to the values of the association.

Dr. Connie Renee Hurley ('88, DVM, Veterinary Medicine) has passed the ACVS Certification Examination and is now a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Hurley is employed as a Board Certified Surgeon at the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha, WI. The Center specializes in small animal surgeries. Dr. Hurley is married to Charles L. Pritzel, and has two small boys, Thomas and Tyler, who reside near Palmyra, WI.

Gary Christensen ('94, Law Degree) has been appointed to Vice President and General Counsel for Securian Financial Group, Inc. Gary began his career in 1984 as an Assistant Analyst in Management Services. After transferring into the benefits area of Human Resources, he was promoted to Manager, Employee Benefits in 1987. Gary then transferred to the Law department in 1994. After advancing through several positions in the Law department, he was promoted to Assistant General Counsel in 2003, to Second Vice President in 2005 and to Vice President in 2007. His responsibilities include leadership of the law function for the entire Company. Gary succeeds Dwayne Radel who retired. Gary has a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. He has earned the FLMI, CEBS and CLU designations.

Sean D. Solberg, ('97, BS Biology) Iowa State University alumni and a registered patent attorney, recently joined the Davis Brown Law Firm. As a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department, he serves as patent counsel to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries, including the medical device, biotech and agriculture industries. In addition, Sean is experienced in complex intellectual property litigation. Sean will serve clients in Des Moines, Ames and Minneapolis. A native of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Sean graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2000. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with distinction from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College in 1994. Prior to joining the firm, Sean practiced at Faegre Baker and Daniels in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dan Winters ('03, BS Journalism & Mass Communication), Greenlee School graduate and weekend anchor for WHO-TV, will replace John Bachman on the weekday anchor desk beginning in November when Bachman plans to retire, the Des Moines Register reported today. The Register’s Michael Morain reported that Winters, a 2003-04 graduate, has found his promotion “humbling. You don’t grow up in Iowa and not know who John Bachman is. There’s a lot of responsibility to the station and the co-workers and, mostly, to the viewers.” While a student at Iowa State University, Winters, a Chariton native, won the top broadcast television award in the national Hearst competition. Morain reports that Winters, 31, began his broadcasting career at age 16, working for KMA Radio in Shenandoah. He also worked for KCCI-TV during college, when he covered the VEISHEA riots of 2004. He joined WHO later that year and now co-anchors the station’s weekend program “Today in Iowa” with Jannay Towne. Winters has always remained close to his alma mater. Upon the passing of broadcast icon Jack Shelley, he wrote, “I am the beneficiary of Jack Shelley's legacy at the Greenlee School and at WHO-TV. I am also the victim of a generation gap. I finally met Jack Shelley at the Greenlee School Awards Reception in the spring of 2004. My parents attended, as I had recently graduated. They spotted him from across the room and exclaimed, ‘That's JACK SHELLEY!’ When we approached Jack and shook his hand, you would have thought my parents were meeting Elvis. It was all they could talk about later at dinner. I never knew Jack Shelley, but he struck me as being a very distinguished man who had a glint in his eye and a kind way about him.”

Fred Lark, ('66, BS LIberal Arts & Sciences) KXLO-KLCM of Lewistown, MT has named a new station manager. Fred is the Owner who will continue as President and General Manager, made the announcement that Phyllis Hall will take over the responsibilities of Station Manager. Hall, who has been with KXLO/KLCM for over 10 years, brings with her years of business and customer service experience, and has become well versed in all aspects of operations and radio station management including bookkeeping, traffic, programming, on air talent, engineering, sales, production, and Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations. The greater Central Montana community is most fortunate to have a person, born and raised in Lewistown, with such a vast knowledge of radio stations to carry on the tradition of community service and broadcasting in the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

Cara Heiden ('78, Business) was named to GuideOne Insurance to its Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Jim Wallace, chairman, president and chief executive officer of GuideOne. Heiden recently retired as co-president of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a Wells Fargo company and the nation's largest provider of residential mortgages. Heiden’s responsibilities included joint leadership of the overall business and strategic direction of the mortgage division. The following areas reported directly to her: National Consumer Lending, Wholesale Lending, Correspondent Lending, Loan Servicing and Post Closing, Consumer Marketing, Customer Retention, Cross Selling and Ventures. “We are pleased to bring someone of Cara’s caliber to the GuideOne Board,” said Wallace. “Her knowledge of consumer behavior, sales, underwriting and operations will be invaluable to us and complement our strong team.” Before Heiden’s 30 year career with Wells Fargo, Heiden spent three years with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young. She earned a bachelor's degree in industrial administration with honors from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, and is a Certified Public Accountant. She also devotes her time to giving back to the community. Heiden is active in her mission-focused church, Trinity Lutheran. She is a governor of the Iowa State University Foundation and is past chair of its Board of Directors. She also is an active member of the Iowa State University College of Business Dean's Advisory Council. Heiden is co-chairing the capital campaign for the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity affiliate, and is tri-chair of Capital Crossroads, a five-year strategic planning effort for our region to meet the economic development opportunities and challenges of the future. In October, 2011, Governor Terry Branstad appointed Heiden to the Iowa Innovation Corporation board, a non-profit corporation that serves as Iowa's innovation intermediary.

Jayce Hoyt, ('92, BS Agriculture and Life Sciences) managing partner of Go Grain LLC in Bozeman, Mont., has been selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The appointees serve three-year terms. The committee represents all facets of the grain industry that advises the USDA on the establishment of programs and services under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Hoyt earned a bachelor’s degree in public service and administration in agriculture in 1992.

Andrea Biagioli, (2011, BS Marketing & Accounting) CPA earned the top score in the April-May 2012 testing window of the uniform Certified Public Accountant examination in the state of Kansas. Biagioli is employed at TranSystems in Kansas City, MO. She serves as the Financial Analyst. Biagioli is a magna cum laude graduate of Iowa State University. In 2011, she was awarded the Unsung Hero Award by the Vice President of Student Affairs at Iowa State University. The Unsung Hero Award.

Michael Julian, (1994, BA Design) UW-Rock County assistant professor of art, received a People’s Choice Award for his Red Systemic Diptych Drawing and a second place award for his Blue Systemic Diptych Drawing in the 55th Annual Beloit and Vicinity Juried Exhibition. The works will be on display through July 20 at Beloit College’s Wright Museum of Art. Both exhibited pieces are made from overlapping invisible tape on black, blue and red paper. Julian also has exhibited works from this series at the Rahr West Museum in Manitowoc, Wis., and the Milwaukee Art Museum. Julian received his bachelor of fine arts degree in drawing, painting and printmaking from Iowa State University, a master of arts degree in painting and drawing from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing from UW-Milwaukee. He has taught a variety of drawing, painting, design and general art courses at UW-Rock County since 2005 and received an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2008.

Nancy Ann Ostendorf Thompson (1989, B.S. Journalism & Mass Communication) of Badger Iowa has been elected to the position of Membership Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. With an extensive resume of community involvement and volunteerism, Thompson has given more than 17 years to a variety of volunteer leadership positions for Gamma Phi Beta. Initiated at Gamma Psi Chapter at the University of Northern Iowa and a graduate of Iowa State University, Nancy Ann will serve on a board of seven, overseeing an international volunteer base of more than 120 and a membership exceeding 180,000. "Membership in Gamma Phi Beta is for a lifetime and I enjoy living our Sorority's values of love, labor, learning and loyalty in many ways, every day,” said Thompson. “Serving in this new role, working with more than 125 collegiate chapters, new expansion opportunities and public relations, is one more way to give back to a strong women's organization that has given me so much." Prior to moving into the role of Membership Vice President, Thompson served as Gamma Phi Beta’s sorority director-recruitment.