DEAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS:
There are several anniversaries at Iowa State University this year — Jack Trice Stadium, University Museums, and the Maintenance Shop are all celebrating 50 years. While not quite as long, I too, am approaching a special milestone with Iowa State and the alumni association. As this date approaches, I’m reminded of the popular sentiment credited to Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Twenty-five years ago — on Sept. 7, 1999, to be exact — I became the eighth individual in the association’s then 121-year history to serve as the chief alumni officer for ISU. You gave me, as an outsider, the chance to help lift your university and its body of excellent alumni. While at the time I was not a graduate, you made me feel welcomed and accepted.
As I reflect on 25 years of friendships, achievements, and celebrating Cyclones everywhere, I have to stop and simply say these two words: thank you!
Thank you for accepting me, as well as my wife, Peggy, and our two children, Krystal (’14) and Kristopher. A quarter of a century later, we’re all still here. My daughter and I now carry Iowa State degrees, making this officially our alma mater, too! This community has made us feel at home in Ames, Iowa, and the broader Midwest.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to connect with Cyclones spanning generations –– from alumni celebrating 50-plus years of Cyclone spirit to new-to-the-world future Cyclones. In fact, I’m starting to see a second-generation arrive on campus; Cyclones I once held as babies are now following in their parents’ footsteps to Iowa State.
I have more memories and moments of gratitude than I could ever begin to cover in this letter, but as I close out this message, I’d like to leave you with a few highlights that stick with me:
Cyclone Power: When Athletics Director Jamie Pollard and Associate Athletics Director for Marketing Mary Pink asked if I could help orchestrate a new cheer that would easily engage all of Cyclone Nation, I was humbled. Students and fans embraced the new Cyclone Power chant; there was a moment when I stepped on the field and the chant started without me prompting. That’s when we knew a new Iowa State tradition had begun!
Cyclone Camaraderie: You’ve made me feel like I can really be myself at Iowa State. You’ve allowed me to get loud as a fan, or on stage at pep rallies. And you’ve allowed me to dress in (sometimes eccentric) theme-based outfits during the annual Cardinal & Gold Gala.
Cyclone Connection: You’ve made me feel so welcomed into your families over the years. You’ve allowed me to share in your celebrations of love and successes, and cry with you during sicknesses and deaths. You’ve allowed my family and me to sleep in your homes, visit your towns, and join you on excursions. And in return, many of you have given your time to spend in our home for meals, memory-making, and more.
Most of all, you made Iowa State be more than a place — you’ve helped make it a home for my family. And what’s beautiful is you’ve done and continue to do this for so many others. That by itself deserves a hearty Cyclone Power!
Thank you, Cyclones everywhere, for 25 magical years!
Jeff Johnson, PhD ‘14
Talbot Endowed President and CEO
