Action-packed design | pg. 14 Student builds her resumé – literally

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Beyond partisanship: political discourse at State the big picture

Even in a highly partisan political climate, in one matter consensus can be found: Providing opportunities to truly engage in the political process enables Iowa State students to become the responsible citizens vital to our nation’s future. Up close and political A standing-room-only crowd filled the Memorial Union’s Durham Great Hall last December when U.S. Congressman Ron Paul spoke about his vision for America By Veronica Lorson Fowler in his run for the Republican presidential nomination.

Photo: Christopher Gannon / GannonVisuals

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sk elements for becoming one of the best students about their exposure laboratories around for college students iowa st ate HISTOR Y on campus to the world of to learn and practice democratic and Apolitics, and you’ll soon civic responsibility. Not only will they be Presidential visits learn just how extraordinary it is. prepared to navigate a politically diverse Three sitting presidents have visited Iowa State University, yet Old stumping grounds In the past year alone, senior Barry society but also to build consensus in many more presidents-to-be and former commanders-in-chief Herbert Hoover (1929–33), Snell, assistant opinion page editor at their communities, and ultimately spoke at Iowa State before a the , conducted a one- move us beyond partisan gridlock. have stepped onto campus, including three with ties to Iowa. crowd of 4,000 in April 1923 on-one interview with Ron Paul and when he was Secretary of took in a presentation by Newt The seeds for citizenship Commerce. Born in West Participation in our Branch, Iowa, Hoover is the Gingrich during the Republicans’ run In response to what it called “wide- nation: According to only president Iowa can claim for the party’s presidential nomination. “A Crucible Moment: spread concern about the nation’s civic as one of its own. Government of the Student Body College Learning and health,” the Department of Education Yet two other presidents had President Jared Knight introduced Democracy’s Future,” charged a national task force in 2010 significant Iowa ties, including Christina Romer, former chair of the the 2012 report from with making recommendations to Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–61), whose wife, Mamie, Council of Economic Advisers in the the National Task Force strengthen students’ civic learning on Civic Learning and grew up in Boone. In fact, after Obama administration, at her lecture and democratic engagement as a core Democratic Engagement Signing bonus Shoring up spirits visiting her relatives in 1956, on leadership and economic policy as in Higher Education, component of college study. Gerald Ford (1974–77) was the The second sitting president the Eisenhowers passed through the Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women the competencies Among the assertions in the task first sitting president to visit to visit campus, Bill Clinton Ames, their caravan serenaded and Politics. Iowa State senior Sawyer basic to democracy force’s 2012 report, “A Crucible Moment: Iowa State in October 1976. He (1993–2001), attended the along the way by members of Baker met Secretary of Agri­culture Tom cannot be learned only College Learning and Democracy’s famously said, “It’s great to National Rural Conference an Iowa State fraternity. by studying books. Vilsack during one of his several visits Future,” is that “The competencies be here at Ohio – Iowa State.” with Vice President Al Gore Rather, “Democratic Ford’s busy schedule while at the Memorial Union in basic to democracy cannot be learned to campus over the past four years. knowledge and on campus included signing April 1995. His visit was Not to mention senior Mischa Olson, capabilities are honed only by studying books; democratic a bill into law and visiting the just days after the bombing who got the chance for a private chat through hands-on, knowledge and capabilities are honed then-new College of Veterinary of the Alfred P. Murrah with President Barack Obama before face-to-face, active through hands-on, face-to-face, active Medicine complex, Building in Oklahoma City, introducing him to a crowd of 6,000 engagement in the engagement in the midst of differing where he left another and Clinton addressed midst of differing autograph – on the the national tragedy in on central campus in August. perspectives about how to address perspectives about cast of a horse with his remarks. The economic and political benefits how to address common common problems that affect the well- a broken leg. of Iowa’s status as the nation’s first problems that affect being of the nation and the world.” caucus and Ames as the home of the the well-being of the In this sense, “the caucuses are a Republican straw poll are well known. nation and the world.” very important component for us,” said Rhoads to the White House? Photos: Special Collections, Iowa State University Library For many Iowans that has meant getting Jim McCormick, professor and chair of In August 2012, Barack Obama (2009–) became the third sitting president to to talk turkey with presidential hopefuls the department of political science. In 1958 Ronald Reagan visit Iowa State, speaking to a crowd During caucus season, when the state (1981–89), who got his start as or their surrogates over a pork tenderloin of 6,000 on central campus. His biggest a radio sports broadcaster in and an ear of corn. finds itself at the epicenter of national applause line: “I won’t pretend I can Davenport and Des Moines On the Iowa State campus, however, and even international politics, Iowa give a speech like Coach [Paul] Rhoads during the 1930s, came to State students can’t help but be drawn can, but I’m going to try!” a deeper, lasting benefit of the caucuses campus to speak at the has taken shape: the creation of a into the action. VEISHEA opening ceremony. dynamic learning environment in which The caucuses also present Iowa He was then the host of television’s popular “G.E. Theater.” students can engage constructively in State political science faculty such as Photos: Bob Elbert, University Relations VIDEO PREVIEW political discourse with some of the McCormick – as well as faculty in Watch Iowa State senior Mischa top political minds in the country, and journalism, economics and other fields – Olson talk about being selected Learn how University with each other. with a rare front-row seat to the political to introduce President Obama at Archives documents presi- Add in Iowa’s politically moderate process, one that brings added relevancy www.foundation.iastate.edu/ dential visits to Iowa State at www.foundation.iastate.edu/ climate, and Iowa State has all the to teaching and research. forwardmag. forwardmag.

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programs tha t ma tter Not only does the state’s unique Democratic challenger, Christie Vilsack, Developing the next generation of women leaders caucus status attract a steady stream of would,” Schmidt said. Iowa is one of only two states actual experience of individuals in the Iowa State each year. national politicians to Iowa State, but At other campuses, he said, students never to have elected a woman to public and private sectors through “We take a very holistic view,” it also draws other thought leaders to may not feel as comfortable lobbing out the U.S. Congress or as governor. programs such as the Joni and said Bystrom, the center’s director. campus to speak. In turn, the university questions or ideas that aren’t aligned According to Dianne Bystrom, the John Axel Leadership Development “We want to inform students on works its visiting lecturers hard, with the overall campus mood and Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Series to educate Iowa State what the research says, but we Women and Politics is playing a students about women and leader- also want them to know what the making sure students have plenty of opinion. “It’s a very open, encouraging, major role in changing that statistic. ship, and the Mary Louise Smith women who have lived a life in access. On any given day, Iowa State safe environment where students feel Established in 1992, the Catt Chair in Women and Politics, which politics have observed.” students might escort New York Times they can express themselves without Center blends the resources and brings nationally renowned political political reporter Jeff Zeleny on a For a healthy republic: being dumped on by students with scholarship of academia with the leaders, scholars and activists to tour of campus, have dinner with a As stressed in “A Crucible an opposing view.” Moment” from the prominent Japanese diplomat in town National Task Force on Indeed, “political science faculty at to deliver the Manatt-Phelps Lecture Civic Learning and other colleges are envious of the in Political Science, or find themselves Democratic En­­gage­ment incredible environment we have at in a small group discussion with in Higher Edu­cation, Iowa State,” said Dianne Bystrom, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. investing in a broader director of the Carrie Chapman Catt vision of civic literacy That’s not to say that other Iowa Center for Women and Politics, who, and inquiry “promises to universities and colleges don’t benefit cultivate more informed, along with Schmidt and other political as well from the intersection of political engaged and responsible science faculty, is frequently tapped by forces within the state’s boundaries. But citizens while also state and national media to comment at Iowa State, the effect goes deeper, contributing to America’s on political issues. “They actually bring due in part to the campus’ proximity to economic vitality, more their students here to learn more about equitable and flourishing the state capital, and the university’s communities, and the the political process.” land-grant mission and extension overall civic health of Gregory Payne, a communications tradition. These factors contribute to the nation.” studies professor at Emerson College in the sense that Iowa State provides a Boston, agrees. National political figures singular stage for political discussions aren’t as apt to visit colleges in states such on matters important not only to Iowa’s as Massachusetts where constituencies economy and future, but also the state’s are more firmly in either the red or role in agriculture globally. blue columns, so Payne has brought “I feel that part of our job at Iowa his students to campus during the State, with both research and with caucuses for them to get a taste of the students, is taking the things that we know access most Iowa State students enjoy and are informed about, and sharing on a regular basis. that with a much bigger audience,” “Students at Iowa State can make said Steffen Schmidt, University phenomenal connections,” Payne said. Professor of political science. By observing the candidates, their staff, He points out that Iowa State’s student the press corps and others who make body is fairly representational of Iowa’s up the intricate tapestry of political politically moderate population, opening campaigns in action, “Iowa State up a larger space in the middle for students already realize we’re living in discussion than at institutions where the a global village. They are learning things scales tip toward one side or the other. that they someday can use worldwide.” “Republican Congressman Steve Another aspect of Iowa State that Surrounded by inspiration King would get as good a reception on promotes this culture is the opportunity Among the historical artifacts campus from our students as King’s students have to become involved in related to the women’s suffrage movement that inspire Dianne Photo: Bystrom is this flyer urging men Erich Ernst to vote for equal suffrage. 6 / FALL 2012 FALL 2012 / 7 the big picture

10 with imp act 14 in brief clubs and causes, and to lead within part of her internship, Baker is working these organizations. Iowa State boasts on the new Women in Iowa Politics more than 800 student organizations, database that tracks the status of women What you a high number even for a university of in Iowa government at the city, county can do Iowa State’s size. As a result, students and state levels so as to better understand Philanthropy is already feel they play an active part in the representation of women in Iowa crucial to creating contributing to and creating the culture politics. She sees how far women have the culture for the student civic here – a model for engagement they then yet to go. For example, women make experience and extending iowa statE's impact apply in their lives beyond Iowa State. up just 21 percent of the Iowa Legislature. engagement at “I think we produce a lot more “It makes me think, ‘This is why I do Iowa State. politically active students and political this research. This is why I’m here.’” through philanthropic giving leaders than other comparable univer- The challenge in the next decade for Scholarship sities,” Schmidt said, noting that many colleges and universities, Iowa State support provides go on to become leaders in city, county included, is to make such opportunities both undergraduate and state level offices, often in Iowa. for civic literacy and inquiry pervasive and graduate students opportunities across the institution, says the National to build their civic Ensuring a flourishing Task Force on Civic Learning and leadership and democracy Democratic Engagement. Investing in organizational skills, Philanthropy plays an integral role in this broader vision promises to cultivate and to do research creating the environment for student more informed, engaged and respon- on the political civic experience and engagement at sible citizens while also contributing process – past, present and even Iowa State, enabling the university to to America’s economic vitality, more the future. make the most of its unique situation. equitable and flourishing communities, Philanthropy Scholarship support such as the and the overall civic health of the nation. powers faculty Legacy of Heroines Program provides Iowa State is poised to lead this research and opportunities for students to build movement, helping us move beyond teaching on vital public policy issues their civic leadership and organizational partisanship in our politics. Already, at Iowa State. skills. Each year as many as 150 lectures Iowa State students are assimilating the Endowed are held on campus, many made possible behaviors and culture on campus that lectureships and through endowed funds, with the will bring this about. chairs bring to speakers bringing a wide range of As GSB President Jared Knight said, campus nationally viewpoints on innumerable subjects to “On our campus, people from a wide renowned speakers and experts to share students. Private giving provides funding range of political perspectives collaborate a wide range of for many initiatives undertaken by the on a number of projects throughout the viewpoints on Catt Center. (See “Programs that matter,” year. We understand that cooperation innumerable subjects. p. 7.) And philanthropy will be powering isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We respect research, teaching and outreach on that people are different, that we don’t public policy issues in the recently all believe the same thing. And we’ve Great and small established Harkin Institute of Public learned how to work together.” Contributing to the synergistic environment for leading-edge education, research and treatment of Policy, named for Iowa State alumnus contact us animals in the College of Veterinary Medicine is the Sen. Tom Harkin. newly renovated and expanded Hixson-Lied Small 515.294.4607 Senior Sawyer Baker, who sits on Animal Hospital, made possible in part by more than toll-free Learn more about how Iowa $5 million in private giving led by the Lied Foundation the Ames City Council as a student 866.419.6768 State is engaging students in the Trust through its trustee, Christina Hixson. representative, is the current recipient political process at questions@foundation. of the privately funded Alice Rodine www.foundation.iastate.edu/ iastate.edu Internship in Community Activism. As forwardmag.

Photo: Cameron Campbell

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Max Rothschild, already a that by allowing Rothschild to seek Global messenger globe-trotting Iowa State University options for doing more development researcher with nearly 50 visa stamps work supporting international agriculture in his passport, added four more this and “giving me more freedom to Chair brings researcher back past year. The explore some international activities I A C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Ensminger wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he said, to his roots: ending hunger Professor of Agriculture and Life such as projects in Uganda designed to Sciences and the M.E. Ensminger Chair helps help small farmers add livestock to M.E. Ensminger International Chair Max Rothschild is spreading the International Chair, Rothschild was connect me their operations. word – at Iowa State and abroad – about animal agriculture’s role in one of 13 scientists nationwide – and to one of the Rothschild has become a veritable feeding the world. the first from Iowa State – named a evangelist for including animal agriculture Jefferson Science Fellow in 2011. reasons I got in international rural development and The appointment took him to Malta, into animal in improving the world’s food systems. Ethiopia, Egypt and Jordan as a senior science: I Not only do animals provide nutrients adviser for research in the Office of not available from plants, they help Agricultural Research and Policy within want to feed work the fields and enrich the soil with the Bureau of Food Security of the U.S. people. I’m manure. Moreover, research demonstrates Agency for International Development. back to that “livestock are a way out of poverty The National Academy of Science for many families. Crops alone won’t and U.S. State Department sponsor my roots. cut it,” Rothschild said. Animals are an Max Rothschild the fellowship. “agricultural bank” that yield future returns. C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Over the past year, Rothschild has Professor of Agriculture Besides offering training around the helped direct goat and crop genomics and Life Sciences, world, Rothschild also carries on M.E. and evaluated ongoing projects with and M.E. Ensminger Ensminger’s goals by taking Iowa State the Water and Livelihoods Initiative, a International Chair animal science faculty overseas – most USAID program in the Middle East, recently to China – to increase their including Egypt and Jordan. The program awareness of international cultures and is “trying to improve the livelihoods of research and to foster connections and people through new ways to collect collaborations. He’s also helping students water, grow crops, and use those crops expand their horizons: In spring 2013 to feed livestock,” said Rothschild, who he’ll teach Iowa State’s first course in also directs Iowa State’s Center for international animal agriculture. Integrated Animal Genomics. The Ensminger Chair, he said, “helps The Jefferson Fellowship was a good connect me to one of the reasons I got fit with Rothschild’s role as the Ensminger into animal science: I want to feed people. Chair. Marion Eugene Ensminger, I’m back to my roots.” whose wife, Audrey, endowed the chair in 2000, taught at several universities and organized animal science seminars Living on the hoof around the world, especially in Eastern Max Rothschild talks with a Europe. Rothschild continues organizing young Jordanian goat and give forward sheep herder whose stock the schools, including planning the first To support international agriculture subsist on the barely visible Ensminger School in Africa. experiences, contact us: barley stubble. The fellowship seeks senior faculty 515.294.4607 with an international perspective. The toll-free 866.419.6768 Ensminger Chair helped contribute to [email protected]

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Sabdiel Reyes has a mission: to Like Reyes, Amy Sywassink Determan Giving Students ROOM foster greater cross-cultural understanding, (’01, ’06) received the Dierks Scholarship­ both within himself and in others. It has while attending Iowa State. “The Dierks brought him all the way from his native Scholarship allowed me to participate TO GROW Puerto Rico to Iowa State University. in more activities and make lifelong A junior majoring in chemical The Dierks Scholarships enable chemical engineering students to work friends without affecting my studies,” engineering and French, Reyes has said Determan, who is currently less, worry less, and participate more in college life at Iowa State. made huge strides toward his goal a research specialist with 3M in through participating in the Puerto St. Paul, Minn. Rican Student Association and the Donor spotlight Private support also made it possible By Jane Curtis | Photo: Gary Clarke Cyclone French Alliance at Iowa State. It took Bob Dierks (’56) for her to pursue unpaid undergraduate six years to earn his “Both organizations give me the research experiences and to study in chemical engineering opportunity to get to know people from degree at Iowa State, London and Wales. different cultures and perspectives,” partly because he had “I am so fortunate that I was able to Cultural ambassador Reyes said, as well as to share his own to work to pay for his study abroad while at Iowa State,” she Sabdiel Reyes at the Puerto culture with the campus community. education. While he said. “The things I learned and the Rican Student Association’s In fact, he’s been able to take on a went on to a successful places I got to see during my semesters Cultural Night on central career with Amoco, Bob larger role in the organizations (he’s overseas helped open my eyes to different campus in September. always felt he missed out president of the Puerto Rican Student on many of the cultural world perspectives – things I couldn’t Association) due in part to support he and social experiences have learned in the classroom.” receives through the Robert O. and of college days that are That, for Reyes, is by far the greatest Marie E. Dierks Scholarship in as important to personal benefit of scholarships such as the development as one’s Chemical Engineering. The Dierkses Dierkses’. “You can learn a lot from studies. established the scholarship to enable For that reason, Bob books, but it’s never as good as being undergraduate students in chemical and his wife, Marie, with people from other cultures who engineering to work less and be more established the Robert O. can expand the way you think about involved on campus while attending and Marie E. Dierks those cultures,” he said. “It develops Iowa State. Scholarship in Chemical your social skills as well. It makes Engineering in 1993. The Dierks Scholarship means you mature.” “Marie and I want recipients also worry less. “This students receiving this And even after he graduates from scholarship alleviates a lot of tension scholarship to be able Iowa State, Reyes intends to continue about paying for college,” Reyes said. to work less and spend to refine his world view. According to Surya Mallapragada, more time studying and “Having the chance to develop this taking part in college professor and chair of the department of global perspective here at Iowa State is life activities,” Bob said. chemical and biological engineering, “I firmly believe that going to help me in so many ways as a privately funded scholarships such as college experiences professional,” Reyes said. “Because I’m the Dierks Scholarship are instrumental need to be varied in able to understand people from different in easing the burden of college costs on order to have meaning countries, I’ll also have the skills for students like Reyes who want to study and benefits for the rest understanding how to do business.” chemical engineering at Iowa State. of your life.” Moreover, “Scholarships like the Dierkses’ that support students taking on give forward extracurricular leadership opportunities To support the Iowa State student enable them to hone their skills in this experience contact us: 515.294.4607 area,” she said. In turn, the campus as toll-free 866.419.6768 a whole benefits. [email protected]

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learning SUPPORT

Action-packed Celebrating and design honoring Joey Talk about literally building a resumé. It was a fitting tribute: A gala concert Amy Edmondson, an Iowa State University senior in industrial design, on campus, with acclaimed bass- Photo: Gary Clarke had the unique experience, along baritone Simon Estes (’97 Hon.) with a handful of other students, to be closely involved in designing Iowa along with Iowa State music faculty State’s exhibit for the Smithsonian and alumni performing many of Folklife Festival in Washington, the pieces Joey Wilgenbusch had D.C., this summer. “It’s not often someone my age is himself sung as a vocal performance given the opportunity to work on a major at Iowa State University. project of this scale and complexity,” The 2005 graduate was just Edmondson said. The “Transforming Communities: beginning his professional singing Taking flight Design in Action” exhibit demonstrated career when he was struck down in Since being introduced Edmondson, recipient of the “It was very exciting to be able the techniques and processes designers in summer 2011, the Gilberte L. Baker Scholarship and to represent design at Iowa State December 2011 by a heart attack use to help communities solve Make to Innovate Jesse V. Coles Scholarship, is among so positively on a national stage,” complex problems. caused by a congenital heart defect. Program, spearheaded the first industrial design majors at she said. “As a team, we encountered “The memorial gala offered many by Richard Wlezien, Iowa State. With the use of cutting- many difficulties in the design and the Vance and Arlene edge technology in its construction, of Joey’s friends and colleagues an construction of this exhibit,” she said. Coffman Departmental including LED tiles and a MakerBot Watch the making of “But it was about design thinking, important opportunity to celebrate Chair in Aerospace 3-D printer, she feels the exhibit Iowa State’s exhibit online at which means creative problem-solving, Engineering, has taken placed Iowa State on the industrial www.foundation.iastate.edu/ his beautiful life through music,” so we were really able to put our off, with 100 aerospace design map. forwardmag. said Cathy Compton (’08), who theme to the test!” engineering students helped organize the concert to engaged in high-level honor her close friend. hands-on projects such as I-CY U ♥ ISU unmanned aerial vehicles, As part of the Robert and Jean Watson Advancement In fact, Wilgenbusch’s friends microsatellites, and Internship this fall, current Watson Intern and have chosen to further honor him high-altitude balloons. native Californian T.J. Montgomery has been through a memorial scholarship writing an online blog called “I-CY” (“I see why”), in which she explores the myriad aspects of fund established in his name at Iowa State and Iowa that so many others have Iowa State. According to Michael come to love. Read the “I-CY” blog at Golemo, professor and chair of the www.foundation.iastate.edu/blog. department of music, the Joseph L. Wilgenbusch Memorial Scholarship 3RD IN THE NATION for MBA placement will be awarded to promising young For the second straight year, Iowa State’s Master of singers in the department of music. Business Administration Program holds the third highest job placement rate nationally for full-time “Joey’s legacy will be to help scores MBA graduates, according to US News & World of future students attend Iowa State Report, with 96.7 percent of graduates employed and study vocal music,” he said. within three months of graduation. Among them is 2012 MBA graduate and Charles B. Handy MBA 691,183 To support the Wilgenbusch Memorial Scholarship recipient Steven Harris, who is employed visits to ISU Recreation Services facilities during the 2011-12 Scholarship, go to as a process engineer at Procter & Gamble in Iowa academic year. (Source: Student Affairs) www.foundation.iastate.edu/wilgenbusch. City, Iowa.

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NEWS NEWS Planting the seeds for discovery With the recent funding of the Zirakparvar Last year, Iowa State completed Research Endowment in Plant Pathology by its most successful private Esmail (’77, ’79) and Mary (’80) Zirakparvar, fundraising campaign in history, exciting discoveries in Iowa State’s nationally renowned department of plant pathology and bringing in more than $867 microbiology will only continue to grow. million. ... But we can and

Read about plant pathologists’ breakthrough in stopping the will do more. Starting now, Photo: Bob Elbert, University Relations costly soybean cyst nematode at www.ag.iastate.edu/features. starting today, and over the next five years, we pledge to raise an additional $150 million for student support. Photo: Wyeth Photo: Wyeth Lynch Iowa State’s great alumni and friends will 31,040 have another opportunity to come through A fall for firsts It’s a banner year at Iowa State, with fall 2012 for this university. enrollment setting several records: At 31,040 students, it’s the first time in Iowa State’s history — Iowa State University President Steven Leath, upon his installation as that enrollment has topped 30,000. Not only Iowa State’s 15th president on September 14. was this the fourth year of record enrollment Watch President Leath’s installation at www.president.iastate.edu/install. and the sixth consecutive year of growth, Iowa “The great thing about consumer State enrolled more Iowa high school graduates advocacy is that it’s a helping this fall than any other university. profession – we emphasize serving Rising to the top people over the bottom line. It’s Among graduates of the exciting for me, as an educator, to educational leadership 4,000th groom future professionals who and policy studies INVENTION recorded by the ISU will focus on helping consumers program at Iowa State are overcome their challenges.” 205 top community Research Foundation comes from the — Jonathan Fox, Ruth Whipp college leaders, including lab of Song Zhang, assistant professor 25,553 5,366 Sherwin Professor in Human 15 presidents, 78 vice Record Largest ISU of mechanical engineering, whose Development and Family Studies presidents or provosts, 74 undergraduate freshman class deans, and 45 program software compresses 3-D animations enrollment ever and director of the Financial Counseling Clinic, an on-campus directors. No wonder so they require a fraction of their nonprofit organization providing many of these graduates computer storage space. Each year, financial education and counseling helped establish the 3,510 6,765 Larry and Barbara Ebbers Record minority and to students, faculty, staff and the Iowa State researchers disclose international international community. Iowa State is one Graduate Student Fund to about 100 inventions, patenting student students, for of only five universities nationally ensure future educational approximately 50 and licensing enrollment record diversity with a full-service financial leaders have the same counseling clinic for students. opportunities they had. about a dozen for commercial use.

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giving forward

Illustration: Evanny Henningsen Enduring passion Rob Stupka’s passion for scientific discovery lives on through the symposium bearing his name – and through the Iowa State students it inspires.

By Debra Solberg Gibson The Iowa State University Foundation can help you Even as a child, single event in 2006, give a gift that moves lives forward. Rob Stupka believed in the symposium, now science’s power to change bearing Rob’s name, the world. When he was continues to be held What inspires Jim and Ann Frein? ISU Foundation Board of Directors just eight years old, he annually, thanks in part It’s the encouragement of an Iowa State 2012-13 drew up a plan for the to the generosity of professor during their college years that the Vail, Colo., couple desired to pass on to students Marla J. Franklin, chair invention of a “cancer- family and friends who whose promise is just beginning to shine. The Des Moines, Iowa be-gone” machine. have created the Rob Len C. Rodman, vice chair first in his family to attend college, Jim (’67) Olathe, Kan. Today, Stupka’s passion Stupka Symposium confessed that initially he was a 2.0 GPA student Steven T. Schuler, treasurer Urbandale, Iowa at Iowa State. But finance professor Harry Shadle for discovery lives on Fund. The event is Lloyd Bettis, secretary even though he is gone. organized almost noticed how involved Jim was on campus and Glenview, Ill. spent time with him, asking, “What do you Nancy Armbrust In November 2005, he entirely by current Green Bay, Wis. want to do? Where do you want to go?” Michael J. Dubes was struck by a bus and BBMB students, a fact Eden Prairie, Minn. killed outside the Molecular Biology that greatly touches Rob’s parents, Bob Jon Fleming A portrait of Rob Harry really took me under his wing,” said Jim, Ames, Iowa Building, where he had completed Stupka hangs in the and Diane Stupka, of St. Paul, Minn. James F. Frein much of his coursework as a biochemistry Molecular Biology “We had no idea this symposium now retired as vice chairman for the financial firm Vail, Colo. Rudolf J. Herrmann major at Iowa State University. Building, where it would be ongoing,” Bob Stupka said, Hutchison, Shockey, Erley & Co. in Chicago. Tulsa, Okla. serves to inspire BBMB Barbara Janson At the time of his death, the well- “especially once the students who Dedham, Mass. students like him. “His philosophy was, you didn’t really have to liked student leader was immersed in knew Rob graduated and moved on. Sharon L. Juon worry too much about the A student. It’s the C Waterloo, Iowa planning a student-run undergraduate But it’s unreal what these young people Daniel Krieger Ames, Iowa research symposium in April 2006. He have done. The speakers talk about student you want to help.” Steven Leath and a group of his fellow majors in the how impressed they are that under- Ames, Iowa Frankee Oleson Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, graduate students put this event together.” Ames, Iowa How they gave: With the potential for growth Gary J. Streit Biophysics and Molecular Biology (BBMB) For Bob and Diane, the highlight is Cedar Rapids, Iowa We see Rob in Besides their annual giving, the couple also wanted to expose other undergraduates to meeting the current students involved Roger C. Underwood many of these With a lot of chose to make a deferred gift through their Ames, Iowa the work of national experts, and provide in the symposium, including the Stephen L. Watson encouragement IRA, with the Iowa State University Foundation Natick, Mass. a forum for presenting their own research. kids, who are recipients of the Rob Stupka Memorial After Shadle’s death in 1995, as the beneficiary. The Freins’ planned gift will His friends, left to carry on without so into their Scholarship the couple established to his widow, Maralee, created allow for the scholarship to be endowed ISU Foundation Stupka, dedicated the symposium to him. science. They further undergraduate research and a scholarship fund in her eventually, creating a permanent fund that will Senior Management “The first symposium was well- leadership in BBMB. husband’s name for a finance ensure many more students are able to realize Team student with potential who their potential. attended. The challenge was getting go after it “We see Rob in many of these kids, would benefit from the Jim has enjoyed meeting many Shadle Labh Hira through it emotionally,” recalled Desi with the same who are so into their science,” Bob Interim President encouragement for which Scholars over the years. The Freins hope Lisa Eslinger Gunning, BBMB teaching laboratory Stupka said. Harry had been known. A few these students will go on to thrive as he and Senior Vice President of Finance passion. and Operations coordinator. “Many of us sat in the back “Nothing will ever take away our years later, Jim and Ann (’66) Ann did – and even someday consider giving Bob Stupka Larissa Holtmyer Jones row crying for Rob’s family. But over pain. But the success of this program began funding the scholarship back to Iowa State in appreciation for the Vice President for Development through annual gifts, which people here who helped them on their way. Kevin Stow the years, it’s become very healing, and helps,” as does knowing that Rob’s Assistant Vice President of Human has allowed for awarding Resources and Governance we’re all in awe of what our students do.” passion for science endures in current and the Harry L. Shadle Endowed The Iowa State University Foundation does not Indeed, instead of ending with that future generations of students like him. Scholarship to a deserving Learn more about planned gifts discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, and other ways to support Iowa State at religion, national origin, actual or perceived sexual business student every year orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, since 2005. www.foundation.iastate.edu/ogp. disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact 19human 18 / FALL 2012 FALLresources, 2012 Iowa State Foundation, 515.294.4607. / Iowa State University Foundation 2505 University Blvd. P.O. Box 2230 Ames, Iowa 50010-2230 change service requested

Cruisin’ for a solution Team PrISUm cheers on Hyperion, Iowa State’s student- built solar car, to a second place finish in the American Solar Challenge. The 1,650-mile race challenges students at colleges around the nation to develop an original design solution for a solar-powered vehicle that addresses energy management, transportation and high-tech materials. This Chuck and Jane Olsen with Steve Mickelson, the year was Iowa State’s best finish ever, made possible in CharlesWatch R. video and Jane of H F.yperion Olsen Professorcrossing inthe Engineering. finish line part through private support. Photo:at www.foundation.iastate.edu/forwardmag. Images by Ngaire

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Editor: Jodi O’Donnell Phone: 515.294.4607 Writers: Jane Curtis, Veronica Lorson Toll-free: 866.419.6768 Fowler, Debra Solberg Gibson, www.foundation.iastate.edu Samara Thoreson, Jodi O’Donnell E-mail: forwardmag@foundation. Designer: Ryan Peterson iastate.edu Communications coordinator: Valerie Jansen Videographer: Patrick Boberg Cover illustration: Acadia