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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

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Students skate on Lake LaVerne in the 1950s

Traditions of Iowa State University

  • Throwback image of student-workers at the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom

    Iowa State’s Tearoom Celebrates 100 Years of Hands-On Learning and Hospitality

  • Pictured, from left: Larissa Holtmyer Jones, president and CEO of the Iowa State University Foundation, and Chad Harris, recipient of the Alumni Medal.

    Iowa State University Foundation Celebrates Alumni and Friends

  • Beardshear Hall being built in 1906

    Iconic Iowa State Building Turns 120

  • 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

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