Iowa State’s campus is steeped with tradition, remarkable stories, and historic moments capturing the interwoven cardinal and gold threads of every Iowa Stater’s story, young and old. Whether it’s a wedding under the campanile, a raucous crowd at Jack Trice Stadium, a first home on Pammel Court, or a walk through Gold Star Hall, Iowa State brings everyone’s Cyclone story to life.
Jack Trice Stadium
The first Saturday morning drive to Ames during football season is my favorite of the year. From all corners of the state and beyond, families and friends pile into full-sized trucks and SUVs with their sights set on Ames. Equal parts excitement and anxiety dance around the minds of every Cyclone. The nostalgia of years prior mixed in with the belief in new beginnings.
The closer one gets to Ames, the number of personalized Cyclone plates multiply, and miniature I-State flags affixed to car windows flap in the breeze. The final turn heightens the senses. Cyclones drag coolers full of their favorite refreshments, and the bass rumbles from the outer tailgate spots with parties well underway. Windows roll down, and the trace of seasoned Iowa pork fills the air; cardinal and gold dots every part of the landscape. Winding around University Boulevard — appearing like a beacon of the season — Jack Trice Stadium is primed and ready for its next Cyclone family reunion, 61,500 strong. This is home for the next few months.
I remember that drive as a youngster with my family, and now my toddlers get to make the same drive to “Cy’s House.” No matter the result of the game, the memories made last forever. The band plays, keys rattle, and there’s no better place to be.
Brent Blum (’07 journalism and mass communication)
Pammel Court
Special to me and my wife was Pammel Court, specifically, East Pammel. East Pammel was mostly one-bedroom units, four to a building. Around the edges were two-bedroom units, two to a building, like in West Pammel.
Our unit was in the far southeast corner of East Pammel, next to the railroad tracks. We had a little more space than most and had a great parking spot. We were the last people to live in our unit as the university had plans to start tearing them down for redevelopment. Today, where our unit was is green space, but we can still see the ground contours of where it was. It was great living for $40 a month.
Randy Worth (’74 industrial administration)
Memorial Union
My favorite place on campus is the Memorial Union. When the Maintenance Shop opened in 1973, I was lucky enough to get hired as a bartender. It soon became the go-to place for students and campus visitors. Fridays were particularly popular when we’d show episodes of “Superman” and “The Three Stooges.” The 5-cent popcorn was also a big hit. In addition to the Maintenance Shop, I have great memories of finding quiet spots throughout the Union to study, reflecting on the sacrifices of ISU alumni honored in the Gold Star Hall, and not walking on the Zodiac at the north entry. And after graduation, the Memorial Union Hotel was a favorite place to stay. Whenever I am in Ames, I make it a point to return to the Memorial Union to experience its rich sights, sounds, and smells again.
Dan Rohner (‘76 elementary education, MS ‘81 education)
I attended Iowa State from the fall of 1970 until the fall of 1975. Many days on the way to or from class, I would walk through the Memorial Union. I would often sit for a few minutes in the Gold Star Hall at the north entrance of the building. The room memorialized ISU alumni who were fallen service members. The room had a peaceful feel to it.
Bill Bradbury (‘74 civil engineering, MS ‘75 civil engineering)
Campanile
Strolling around campus at night was a habit of ours when we first met; our evenings filled with stories and laughter. Hand in hand, we’d walk for hours, only noticing time pass as the campanile rang in the distance. With such fond memories of our adventures on campus, returning to the campanile for our special day was perfect. Another memory to hold for ourselves, and to feel again each time we return to ISU.
Gus (‘20 civil engineering) and Michelle (‘19 management information systems, accounting) Mroz
