Skip to main content
Iowa Stater
  • Iowa State University Alumni
  • Become a Member
Toggle Menu
  • Spring 2026
  • Past Issues
  • The Hub
  • Athletics
  • Traditions
  • Campus Life
  • Alumni
  • Search
  • Iowa State University Alumni
  • Become a Member

The History — and Heart — Behind Lake LaVerne

Born from ISU alumnus LaVerne Noyes’ gift of gratitude, the campus lake is set for a major upgrade that will enhance its shoreline, scenery, and student experience

Written by Betsy Hickok | Images by ISU Special Collections and Archives

  • Read Article
Students skate on Lake LaVerne in the 1950s

Traditions of Iowa State University

  • Thomas Hill speaking at Iowa State event

    Olympian Thomas Hill Featured in Children's Book

  • Blooming daffodils on campus at Iowa State

    Springtime Sculptures

  • Students skate on Lake LaVerne in the 1950s

    The History — and Heart — Behind Lake LaVerne

  • Iowa State’s campanile pictured with throwback photo of Iowa State couple in front of campanile

    Test of Time

  • Iowa Stater license plate illustration

    Iowa Stater Plates

  • Iowa State Black Engineering Building

    Signs of Spring

  • Iowa State’s iconic maidens in the “Fountain of the Four Seasons” (Christian Petersen, 1941) were restored and rededicated last fall. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

    Acres of Art

  • ISU Alumni Reunion Group

    Celebrating Lasting Connections

  • Homecoming Buttons

    Bygone Buttons

  • Tom Smith illustration

    Uncovering a Legacy

  • Iowa State Mascot Cy

    Celebrating Cy

  • Tom Smith and Wendy Wintersteen with ISU letterwinners blanket

    Patience Pays Off

  • Dan Barrett, Cyclone Superfan

    Cyclone Superfans

  • Gold Star Hall at the MU

    Memorial Union’s Gold Star Hall Doors

  • Maintenance shop ISU

    50 years at ISU's M-Shop

  • Campanile at Iowa State

    The Sound of Iowa State

  • Kathryn Wittrock, ISU legacy student and doctor in training
    Cyclone Stories

    From Dual Degrees to Doctor-in-Training

  • Old photo of maintenance shop

    Then and Now: Maintenance Shop Celebrates 50 Years

Iowa State University of Science and Technology
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Threads
  • About
  • Archives
  • Class Notes
  • From the Editor
  • Give to ISU

Quick Links

  • Become a Member
  • Submit Class Notes
  • ISUAA Members
  • Feedback and Story Ideas
  • Full Issue for Members
  • Update Your Address

Iowa Stater Magazine

ISU Alumni Center
429 Alumni Lane
Ames, Iowa 50011-1403

P: 877-ISU-ALUM

P: 515-294-6525

iowastater@iastate.edu

  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-discrimination Policy
  • Digital Access and Accessibility
  • Consumer Information

© Iowa State University of Science and Technology