Class Notes

Jessie Fuller Clark, (1974, BS Liberal Arts & Sciences) senior director of Advancement and a member of Avila University’s Advancement team since 2003, was bestowed the university’s 2012 Medal of Honor in a surprise ceremony during the annual donor barbeque in Avila’s athletic pavilion in May 2012. During her time at Avila, Fuller Clark has helped raise more than $20.6 million to enhance Avila’s academic, physical and spiritual environment. She was instrumental in securing some of the largest philanthropic gifts in school history, including two J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation challenge grants totaling $1.9 million that helped build Jeanne Collins Thompson Hall and the athletic pavilion, as well as renovate Marian Dining Hall and the anatomy and physiology lab in O’Rielly Hall. Fuller Clark also has tremendously grown Avila’s planned giving program and recognition of planned gift and endowed scholarship donors through the Heritage Society, more than doubling the number of members over her eight years. She was instrumental in securing Avila’s largest known estate commitment. In 1992, she was awarded Nonprofit Connect’s Nonprofit Professional of the Year for excellence in fundraising and nonprofit management. After receiving the award, Fuller commented, “I am surprised and thrilled. I am honored to be able to work alongside Avila alumni, friends, staff and faculty. Avila will be in my heart forever.”

Dr. X. J. Meng (1995, Ph.D. Veterinary Medicine) has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. Meng’s research focus is on emerging and reemerging viral diseases that impact veterinary and human public health. He is widely considered one of the world’s leading scientists in hepatitis E virus, porcine circovirus type 2, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Meng developed the first United States Department of Agriculture fully-licensed vaccine to protect against porcine circovirus type 2 infection and its associated diseases in pigs, a major threat to the global swine industry. Meng also discovered the swine hepatitis E virus in pigs, which led to the recognition of hepatitis E as a zoonotic disease. He was recognized by Thomson Scientific as being ranked in the top 1 percent of highly-cited scientists in the world in the field of microbiology based on total citations of Meng’s publications from 1997 to 2007.

Randy Shaver ('81, B.S. Liberal Arts & Sciences) has been promoted to co-ancher of KARE 11 TV in the Twin Cities. Shaver will join co-anchor Julie Nelson at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. beginning July 16, 2012. "Obviously I'm excited for a new challenge at KARE," Shaver said. "The great news for me is that I still get to do the Prep Sports Extra in the fall which I love so it's kind of the best of both worlds for me right now." Randy has been an integral part of KARE 11 since 1983. He has been a sports reporter, weekend anchor, and the sports director beginning in 1994.

Gayle Roberts, (1981, B.S. Engineering) president of Stanley Consultants, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Athena Award. This award, sponsored by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Women’s Connection, honors women within the eastern Iowa and western Illinois region who excel in their profession, make a difference in the community, and empower women. Six area business women were named finalists for the award. Roberts was named the winner. Honorees were selected for the award based on the following criteria: Demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her profession; provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential. Roberts joined Stanley Consultants in 1981 and was elected president in 2007. Throughout her career she has been a champion in encouraging women to enter engineering as a profession where one can embark on a career of creating a better world. She advises them to “have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Seek opportunities to learn new things, solve problems and make a difference. You do not need a title or a position to be a leader; you only need to find your passion. Know your values and be true to yourself. Believe that the glass ceiling is a myth.”

Stephanie Hertel (BFA 2007 Graphic Design / Marketing) won the $4,000 grand prize in the Pin & Win Better Homes and Gardens Dream Home contest on Pinterest. Her winning pinboard has nearly 800 followers. She also was asked to share some of the must-haves for her home on the BHG Style Spotters blog. Hertel is the art director for Staples Promotional Products in Overland Park, Kan. You can follow her blog, Turtle Soup Daily.

"12 Ballads for Huguenot House" by Theaster Gates Jr. (BS 1996 Community & Regional Planning / MA 2005 Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies) is part of Documenta 13, an exhibition representing artists from 50 countries, on view through Sept. 16 in Kassel, Germany. A June 14 New York Times art review calls his work "a resonant walk-in collage of recycled building materials punctuated with videos and occasional performances." Gates received a 2012 Creative Capital visual arts grant for the Huguenot House project. He also was the commissioned artist for The Armory Show 2012 in New York City in March.

Mark and Marilyn Boyle of Danbury, Iowa are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Sara Boyle (BS '05, MS '10), to Benjamin Kingland (BS '10), son of Mark ('80) and Brenda Kingland of Forest City, Iowa. An August 2012 wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Catholic church, Fort Dodge, IA.

Nancy Brannaman** ('83 ag. bus., '85 MS ag. econ.) Outstanding New Extension Professional (1987) Outstanding Young Alumnus (1992) Agribusiness Club Outstanding Alumni (2005) Cardinal Key (1983) Alpha Zeta Co-Founder (1981) Gamma Sigma Delta, Ag Business Outstanding Senior (1983) Iowa Farm Management & Rural Appraisor's Award (1983)

We are proud to announce the birth of our 5th child. Astrid Creedence Pottratz was born March 5, 2012 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. She was 7lbs. 5.6oz. and 19in. long. She is welcomed by her brothers Atticus (6), Axel (5), Magnus (4), and Lars(2). Astrid attended her first Veishea parade this year.

Scott Charles Pieper became the newest Cyclone fan on May 24, 2012. He weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long.

NEWBERG, Ore. (April 27, 2012) – A management professor and a scholar who specializes in Native American education were presented George Fox University’s top teaching and research awards, respectively, at the graduate level for the 2011-12 academic year. Also honored was Terry Huffman, a professor of education who received the school’s Faculty Achievement Award for Graduate Research and Scholarship. Huffman, who teaches research methods and social foundations of education, has specialized in Native American education for more than 25 years and is the primary author of “Transculturation Theory,” a theoretical perspective on indigenous education used extensively by North American, European and Australian scholars. “George Fox University is filled with great scholars, and winning this award is an honor,” said Huffman, who earned a PhD in sociology from Iowa State in 1988. “But in many respects the award is a tribute to my dean and departmental colleagues. I do not believe I could have accomplished the scholarship on Native American educators serving reservation communities in the past year without the encouragement and support of the wonderful people I work with.” Huffman’s professional interests include minority education and rural education. He has written four books on American Indian education, including “Theoretical Perspectives on American Indian Education” (AltaMira Press) and “American Indian Educators in Reservation Schools” (University of Nevada Press). The South Dakota Council for Reconciliation recognized his work in American Indian education for its contribution toward improved race relations. Huffman,who joined George Fox in 2003, also holds a master’s degree in sociology from Marshall University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Dakota. “Terry is active in chairing student dissertation committee work and is highly regarded by students who cite his professionalism and his commitment to excellence,” said Scot Headley, chair of the George Fox Educational Foundations and Leadership program. “His faith is evident in his work, both in the way he conducts himself with integrity, and also through his commitment to his students. He advances notions of transforming educational practice and promoting justice, which are reflective of the George Fox mission.”

Patrick H. Reed, superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 42-year career veteran of the National Park Service, will retire on June 30, 2012. Reed’s management style includes the phrase, “let’s help each other succeed,” used as a suggestion to park partners and a firm instruction to park staff. Reed is well known for his strong communication skills and sincere interest in community engagement. During his time at Mammoth Cave, Reed built strong and open partnerships with neighbors, universities, park support groups, cave enthusiasts, and elected officials. Through partnerships, Reed and his staff greatly multiplied the effectiveness and reach of the park’s budget and message: • With Western Kentucky University, the Mammoth Cave International Center to Science and Learning grew as a joint project in collaborative karst research and learning. • With the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, Reed worked with park advocates to create a nonprofit organization to raise private funds for needed projects, and support education, resource protection and management goals. • With Western Kentucky University, sister parks were established in China and Slovenia, giving Mammoth Cave an international reach and exchanging science-based management concepts with other world-renowned karst centers. • With the Barren River Area Development District, tourism agencies and chambers of commerce, Reed furthered the NPS mission by promoting sustainable use of parklands and environmentally-friendly economic development. • With trail user groups, Reed spearheaded the Comprehensive Trail Management Plan, making the backcountry accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, and horse users. • With the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, the park gained a partner in the Department of Energy-Clean Cities, which funded new alternative fuel vehicles for the park. Several large projects came to fruition under Reed’s tenure at Mammoth Cave, including replacement of the six-mile cave lighting system, installation of the park water system, construction of the Mammoth Cave RR Bike&Hike Trail, and planning for rehabilitation of the Green River Ferry. And, construction of the rehabilitated visitor center is near completion. Considered a legacy project, the new visitor center, funded through Recreation Fees and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will serve Mammoth Cave visitors for the next 40 years. Reed was recognized in 2009 as the National Park Service Superintendent of the Year for Natural Resource Stewardship, and in 2006 as the Southeast Region Superintendent of the Year. Reed began his career at Mt. Rushmore National Monument (S.D.) as a seasonal maintenance worker in 1969 while still a college student. After becoming a permanent employee in 1970 he was consistently promoted to positions of increasing complexity and responsibility: • Intake Trainee, Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. (1970 – 1971) • Urban Intake Trainee, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Mo. (1972) • Office Services Ranger, Death Valley National Park, Calif. (1973) • Sub-District Ranger, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Calif. (1974) • Management Assistant, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Mo. (1975 – 1978) • District Ranger, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, N.C. (1978 – 1983) • District Ranger, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo. (1983 – 1986) • Chief Ranger, Natchez Trace Parkway, Miss./Ala./Tenn. (1986 – 1991) • Superintendent, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Tenn./Ga. (1991 – 2005). Reed transferred to Mammoth Cave in January 2006, from Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Tenn. /Ga.), where he served as superintendent for 14 years. Reed is a native of Iowa and a 1971 graduate of Iowa State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development for Outdoor Recreation, and a 1967 graduate of North Mahaska High School in New Sharon, Iowa. Mammoth Cave is the eleventh park for Reed and Darit, his wife of 37 years. They have two married daughters, Shannon McDonald in Georgia, DJ Keally in Colorado, and three grandsons ages three to thirteen. The Reeds plan to move to the front range of Colorado and spend quality time with their grandkids, travel and volunteer.

Alison Monaghan ('05) was selected as one of 10, out of more than 200 nominations, to the Las Vegas Business Press' Rising Stars of Business - Class of 2012. She is a public relations account executive at Kirvin Doak Communications, working with clients such as Electric Daisy Carnival, XS Nightclub, Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open PGA Tournament, and VEGAS.com. The full news article can be read at: http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2012/03/19/news/iq_51909511.txt.

Gary Reetz, FAIA, of HGA Architects and Engineers has been elected to The College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). He was recognized for his “notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture.” Reetz is vice president and principal of the Arts, Community and Education Practice Group in Minneapolis. Throughout his 35-year career, he has been instrumental in transforming HGA into a national design leader for cultural and arts-related architecture. His work includes museums, performing-arts centers, studio-arts spaces, concert halls and theatres for colleges, universities and civic communities. The AIA Fellowship program recognizes architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. The 2012 AIA Fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the 2012 National AIA Convention and Design Exposition May 17-19 in Washington, DC.

Acknowledgements and congratulations to Monte Berg on being selected as one of the Cedar Valley’s Top 10 Financial Executives. The Waterloo Courier feature has been picking up attention in Des Moines, on Twitter and Facebook! Monte Berg: Leadership transcends numbers for Veridian Credit Union.

Irene Lewis-McCormick (MS '98 exercise and sport science) recently published a book titled A Woman's Guide to Muscle and Strength. Irene is a personal trainer, international presenter, author, and 25-year fitness veteran. Her new book dispels five common fitness myths and explains why strength training should be a part of every woman's fitness regimen.

Davis Brown attorney Brian D. Torresi was recently named as a recipient of the Young Professionals of Ames “4 Under 40” Award. The annual award, which recognizes four professionals for their demonstrated leadership in the community and excellence in the workplace, will be presented at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Alicia Clancy, Renewable Energy Group, Aaron Mortvedt, Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, and Jenny Pollard, Iowa State University Alumni Association, also received the award. Brian has a general practice that includes, but is not limited to, corporate transactions, real estate, business litigation and creditors’ rights. Brian serves clients in the firm’s Ames Office, which opened in December 2011. He is the current president and past vice president, secretary and treasurer of the Story County Bar Association and is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, where he serves on the Military Affairs Committee and the Commercial and Bankruptcy Law Section Case Review Subcommittee. In addition, Brian serves on the boards of directors for the United Way of Story County, the Octagon Center for the Arts and Gilbert Youth Sports. He is also a 2008 graduate of Leadership Ames and a member of the Ames Noon Rotary Club. About the Davis Brown Law Firm Founded in 1929, Davis, Brown, Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P.C., provides comprehensive legal representation to a diverse client base. Firm clients include private individuals as well as Fortune 500 corporations. With more than 70 attorneys, the firm offers depth and experience in a wide variety of areas, such as corporate transactions, corporate governance, entity choice, litigation, banking and finance, taxation workers’ compensation, insurance defense, real estate, immigration, employment, finance, biotechnology, securities, patent and intellectual property, and government relations.

Jim Foster, CE '46, and I, met at Iowa State the fall of 1945 when he returned to the campus after serving in Europe as a First Lieutenant with the Corps of Engineers. The Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority was having an exchange with the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at their house. I saw this handsome man and said to myself, "This is someone I have to meet." He was entertaining everyone by doing card tricks. From then on I showed up everywhere he went. I knew he was going with a pretty blond, but that did not stop me. We corresponded over Christmas vacation and when we got back together I told him I loved him. Being shy, Jim was not about to rush into anything. He kissed me on Jan. 26. I wrote to my folks that I had met the man I want to marry. Immediately, my dad came to Ames and met with us and Jim' mom. The rest is history. We were married 59 i/2 years. Jim's dad, Walter (Pop) Foster, taught in the Civil Engineering Department, and my mom, Luella Madsen Foster, gradwated in 1915. Iowa State was the last place I wanted to attend college, but God had other plans, and I thank him every day for Iowa State and for Jim, my best friend, my lover, and father of our five beautiful children.

Jim Johnson was featured in the Twin Cities Business Magazine’s top 200 Minnesotan’s to know in the December 2011 issue, page 49. The article stated: Jim Johnson launched Specialized Recruiting in Edina in 1999 and he'll log his strongest growth ever in 2011, despite an unemployment rate in Minnesota of more than 7 percent. He provides professional search and staffing services in the fields of accounting, finance, sales and marketing, engineering and marketing, and information technology. Johnson expects more than 60 percent growth in year-over-year gross margins and fees in 2011. Johnson attributes the firm's phenomenal growth to a revamped leadership team and timing. "Everything has become specialized," says Johnson. "Firms aren't looking to train or to find transferrable work skills."

The Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF Global) has named Changing Our World's Executive Vice President for Research, Evaluation, and Strategic Planning, Dr. Susan Raymond, to its Board of Directors effective January 1, 2012. Established by Congress through the National Science Foundation (NSF), CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes peace and prosperity through international science collaboration. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, private foundations and corporations, CRDF Global fosters cooperative research and development opportunities, enabling scientists and engineers to address critical societal needs - from health and the environment, to security and education. CRDF Global is based in Arlington, Virginia with offices in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Jordan. “I am honored to join the CRDF Global Board. The role of science in forging a closer world and shared prosperity continues to increase. Science brings seemingly unending opportunities for progress, both in terms of the global economy and constant improvement in the understanding of how to successfully overcome social challenges. Strengthening the capacity for civilian research and development is a critical priority, and I am excited to be a part of the effort.” Dr. Raymond says of her appointment. Subra Suresh, Director of NSF remarks, "I am particularly pleased (Susan) has agreed to join the CRDF Global's Board of Directors because of her many research accomplishments, international experience, and expertise in private philanthropy. It is a sign of CRDF Global's vigor, and its even greater promise." Dr. Raymond's term with CRDF Global extends to December 31, 2015.

Des Moines, Iowa (January 20, 2012) The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced Katie Harms, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP with OPN Architects, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a recipient of the 2012 AIA Young Architects Award. This national award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers. Harms, along with 12 other recipients, will be presented the Young Architects Award at the AIA 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition in Washington, D.C. Harms is the first female and only the third Iowan to receive this honor since it was first awarded in 1993.

Allyn Lambertz (2002, BLS) and Angela Beaman (1996 BFA, 2008 MS) became engaged Christmas Eve 2011 and plan to marry in Iowa in early May 2013. They met in a Women's Studies class in 1998, following a long tradition of lovebirds at Iowa State (Allyn's parents met at Iowa State). Allyn and Angela plan to move back to Iowa in the next couple years and settle down for good.

James Dean, MD, PhD (BS in Biochemistry, LAS, 1991) announces a recent career move to Seattle Genetics, Inc. Dr. Dean had most recently been at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance where he was Associate in Clinical Research, Acting Assistant Professor and Staff Attending Physician in Medicine-Oncology. A sub-specialist in Genitourinary Oncology, Dr. Dean also has extensive expertise in cancer biology and translational clinical trials. At Seattle Genetics, he will serve as Associate Medical Director in the Experimental Medicine group with responsibilities in the design, execution and analysis of early Phase (1, 2) clinical trials of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) across the spectrum of oncology.

Mark Wickham ('03 pol. sci.) has been elected a shareholder in the David Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, effective January 2012. He has a general practice in, but not limited to, the areas of business transactions, finance and securities. He represents clients in several industries including renewable energy, ethanol, wind energy, biodiesel, and banking.

Dee Vandeventer ('75 psych.), a partner of ME&V, has earned the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. The CFRE is governed by CFRE International and holds recipients to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice in serving the philanthropic sector. The credential was created to identify for the public and employers those individuals who possess the traits important for performing fundraising duties in an effective and ethical manner. ME&V is a specialized, full-service advertising and fundraising consultancy with offices in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids, and offers a wide spectrum of creative marketing services through its expertise in animation, audio-video production, cinematography, copywriting, fundraising, graphic design, interactive services, media placement, public relations, and research.