Overview of Programs

Alumni Center Events: Alumni and friends may reserve space in the new Alumni Center for special events. (Emily Trevillyan)

Alumni Days:   All alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more are invited to participate in this reunion program on the ISU campus each spring. Alumni and their guests enjoy nostalgic displays, campus tours, special performances, open houses, and other events with the university president, faculty, and staff. The president awards 50-year medallions and diplomas to members of the 50-year anniversary class. (Katie Bruxvoort)

Alumni Clubs:  More than 250 off-campus events are organized annually by or with the assistance of the ISU Alumni Association. Events include gamewatches, banquets, family picnics, Cyclone sports parties, professional sports outings, cultural events, prospective student events, and local city events. Some alumni clubs sponsor scholarships and service projects as well. ISU faculty and administrators speak at numerous events throughout the year. (Cory Hanson)

Alumni Relations Council: This body of on-campus alumni relations officers works to build and enhance the relationships of Iowa State University alumni, friends, and students with their respective colleges, the Department of Athletics, the ISU Foundation, Admissions, Continuing Education, and the ISU Alumni Association through communication and events, both collaboratively and separately. (Julie Larson)

Annual Meeting Luncheon and Recognition:  The  Luncheon and Recognition program is held in conjunction with the Alumni Association’s annual meeting each May during Alumni Days.  Alumni volunteers who have served or will serve on Alumni Association and university boards, councils, and committees are announced and/or honored. (Elaine Smuck)

Awards:  The Alumni Association honors alumni, faculty/staff, students, and friends with awards for outstanding service and academic and professional achievements. Current members of the ISUAA staff, Board of Directors, and Awards Committees are not eligible to receive awards. (Julie Larson)

•  Alumni Merit Award Established in 1932 by the Iowa State University Alumni Association’s ISU Club of Chicago to recognize ISU alumni for outstanding contributions to human welfare that transcend purely professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university. Up to three awards are granted annually. (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)

•  Alumni Medal Established in 1948 to recognize ISU alumni for long, loyal service to the university through alumni-related activities. The alumni medal is the premier award given to alumni by the ISU Alumni Association. Up to three awards are granted annually. (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)

•  Distinguished Alumni Award Established in 1961 to honor ISU alumni who are nationally and/or internationally recognized for preeminent contributions to their professions or life’s work.  This award is the highest honor given to alumni by Iowa State University through the ISU Alumni Association. Up to five awards are granted annually. (Presented at the University’s Distinguished Awards Celebration, VEISHEA Weekend)

•  Honorary Alumni Award Established in 1968 to honor individuals who are not graduates of Iowa State University and who have made significant contributions to Iowa State’s welfare, reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence.  This award is the highest honor given to individuals who are not graduates of Iowa State University through the Alumni Association. Up to three awards are granted annually. (Presented at the University’s Distinguished Awards Celebration, VEISHEA Weekend)        

•  Impact Award Established in 2002 by the Iowa State University Alumni Association Board of Directors to recognize individuals, businesses, organizations, or units whose programs or accomplishments brought broad recognition to the university and increased the involvement of ISU constituents in the life of the university during the year prior to being nominated. Up to three awards are granted annually. (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)  

•  ISUAA Award for Superior Service to Alumni  Established in 2003 to recognize an ISU faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to establishing or furthering alumni relationships with the university. Candidates need not be ISU graduates, but must be current employees of the university at the time of award conferment. One $500 cash award is granted annually.  (Presented at the University’s Fall Convocation)

•  James A. Hopson Alumni Volunteer Award   Established in 1999 to recognize ISU graduates, age 40 and under, who demonstrate early volunteer leadership in the ISU Alumni Association or alumni-related activities and who are members of the ISU Alumni Association. Up to three awards are granted annually.  (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)

•  National Service Award Established in 2006 to recognize ISU alumni whose self-initiated activities and service, nationally or internationally, consistently support the daily work of the ISU Alumni Association in further connecting alumni, students, and friends to the university. Up to three awards are granted annually.  (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)

•  Outstanding Young Alumni Award Established in 1968 to recognize ISU alumni, age 40 and under, who have excelled in their profession and provided service to their community.  Up to three awards are granted annually.  (Presented at the Honors & Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend)

•  Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award  Established in 1968 to recognize outstanding ISU seniors who display high character, outstanding achievement in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni.  Awardees receive the official Iowa State University Ring from the ISU Alumni Association. Up to five awards are granted annually.  (Presented at the Student Scholars and Leaders Recognition Ceremony, Spring Semester)

Calendar:  The award-winning, 13-month academic year calendar features colorful photos of campus and is mailed in July free of charge to all Alumni Association members. Additional calendars are distributed to Iowa high schools. Some production costs are recovered through sales of calendars in local bookstores and through the Alumni Association.  (Carole Gieseke)

Career Resources: CySpace Alumni Community allows custom searches and career networking with other ISU alumni. Students may also match themselves with alumni mentors through the Alumni Mentor Program. Drake Beam Morin (DBM) is a free career management program available to alumni and students. (Julie Larson)

The Circle:  Established Oct. 29, 1999, The Circle recognizes the ISU Alumni Association’s former volunteer presidents/chairs, and executive directors/presidents for their continuing efforts on behalf of the university and the Alumni Association. The first group induction was held on March 3, 2001.  (Jeff Johnson)

Class Notes:  News of Alumni Association members is posted continually on CySpace and printed semi-annually in VISIONS. News items include births, marriages, job changes and advancements, degree announcements, etc. The Web page is accessible to the public. (Carole Gieseke and Kate Bruns)

Credit Cards:  The Alumni Association sponsors an affinity credit card program in partnership with Bank of America of Charlotte, N.C. (formerly MBNA). ISU students, alumni, friends, and faculty/staff are asked via mail and phone to apply for the standard and/or “platinum plus” programs. Direct promotions on campus and at selected athletic events first occurred in 1999. Credit and financial educational information is provided at direct promotion sites, at on-campus seminars, and via the Alumni Association’s Web site. The Alumni Association receives royalties from this program. (Scott Dahl)

CySpace Alumni Community:  Association members can find a friend or network with others in their career field or city. CySpace allows members to search by last name, geographic location, class year by college, occupation, or through custom searches. The community also incorporates the student mentor program, an online marketplace, subgroup networking, and photo sharing. Student members may conduct a custom search of those who have volunteered to be mentors. (Brooke Guinn)

Discounts at Local Businesses: Alumni Association members who show their membership cards at more than 85 participating Ames-area merchants receive  discounts on products and services, such as 15% off in-store purchases at the University Book Store and 20% off drycleaning at Mayfair Cleaners. (Shellie Henry)

Greater Des Moines Outreach: The Alumni Association plans various events for the Greater Des Moines area. Cy’s After Five is a social networking opportunity for young alumni to gather on a monthly basis at various establishments in the Des Moines area. Athletics-related events are planned throughout the year for families. Lunch and learn programs and other educational events are planned for the winter months. (Katie Bruxvoort)

Homecoming Tailgate:  The Alumni Association hosts a pregame tailgate for returning alumni, students, and friends three hours before the annual Homecoming game. (Emily Trevillyan)

Home Mortgage: The Alumni Association sponsors a home mortgage program through Nationwide Advantage Mortgage. The Alumni Association receives a corporate sponsorship for this program. (Scott Dahl)

Insurance Programs:  The Alumni Association sponsors the following insurance programs: short-term medical, group term life, catastrophe major medical, disability, long-term care, Medicare supplement, senior life, and auto/homeowners/renters in partnership with Marsh Affinity Group Services. Graduating seniors and other alumni are routinely solicited to enroll, and the Alumni Association receives royalties from these programs. (Scott Dahl)

ISU College for Seniors:  Since 1993, Iowa State University’s College for Seniors has provided a program of life-long learning for all persons aged 50 and older who have the desire to continue to expand their knowledge. Students travel from across the state of Iowa to attend fall, winter, and spring courses taught by current and retired faculty and others with expertise in the respective courses. College for Seniors became a program of the ISUAA in July 2006. (Jan Breitman)

ISU News Flash:  A twice-monthly electronic newsletter of current alumni, Association, and campus happenings is sent to all members who have provided e-mail addresses. In addition, a special News Flash is sent quarterly to all non-members who have provided their e-mail addresses. (Kate Bruns)

ISU Retirees Association: ISU retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses of retirees meet monthly for programs, in addition to spring and holiday events.  A newsletter is published five times per year to inform retirees of benefit changes, upcoming events, and news of colleagues.  A committee of representatives appointed by each of the colleges, the merit staff, and the Professional and Scientific Council attends monthly meetings to discuss issues of importance to the retirees. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony and the ISU Diplomats program are also responsibilities of the Retirees Association.  The Retirees Association became a program of the ISUAA in July 2006. (Jan Breitman)

Legacy Migration:   High school juniors and seniors and their alumni parents are invited to campus each fall for an organized visitation program. (Katie Bruxvoort)

Legacy Club: A series of programs have been implemented to promote Iowa State University to children of alumni. Alumni who are members of the ISU Alumni Association and who provide their children’s names to alumni records will automatically be a part of this program. A children’s book is mailed to newborns, a Cy bank is sent to 5-year-olds, a gym bag is sent to 10-year-olds, and a key ring is sent to 16-year-olds during their birthday month. A personalized invitation from the university president to apply for admission to ISU is sent to legacies the spring of their high school junior year. (Sara Gatchel)

Legislative Liaisons: ISU alumni living in Iowa volunteer to contact their legislators on behalf of the university. The office of governmental relations provides educational updates to the legislative volunteers. The Alumni Association recruits, trains, and recognizes alumni volunteers. (Jeff Johnson)

Membership: The Alumni Association has more than 50,140 members.  Annual and life membership  dues provide nearly 50 percent of the Association’s annual operating budget. Although most members are graduates, anyone is eligible to join. Graduates obtaining their first ISU degrees are eligible for the New Grad program for three years after graduation. Student Alumni Association (SAA) members are offered special incentives to join as New Grad members based on their years as members of SAA.  (Scott Dahl)

Member dues 
SAA - $20/year 
New Grad - $30/year 
Annual single/joint - $55/year 
ISU Faculty/Staff - $40/year
Single life - $750 paid in full; $800 paid in installments
Joint life - $1,000 paid in full; $1,050 paid in installments

Note: A joint membership consists of a maximum of two people living at the same address whose records are joined in the Foundation/Alumni Association constituents’ system.

Membership Benefits:  Membership benefits include the ISU calendar; VISIONS magazine; online services (including CySpace, permanent e-mail forwarding addresses, and ISU News Flash); discounts on merchandise, food, hotels, car rentals, and Iowa State Center tickets; automatic membership in local ISU Clubs; eligibility for membership in the Greater Iowa Credit Union and the Lied Recreation Athletic Center; and inclusion in the class notes section of the ISUAA Web site and in VISIONS. (Scott Dahl)

Membership Card:  Alumni Association members receive a membership card that shows their membership type, expiration date, and member code which can be used to access their online benefits. The membership card also includes information on auto rental and hotel discounts and must be shown to receive member discounts at selected businesses and entry to selected events. A “key chain” card is also provided for members’ convenience. (Sara Gatchel)

Membership Decal:  Alumni Association  members receive annual or life member decals to display in the windows of their vehicles. (Sara Gatchel)

Mentor Program:  The Alumni Association currently provides an online mentor program for members of the Student Alumni Association and African American students. Alumni serve as informal mentors and career advisors. The mentors and students communicate via e-mail, letters, phone, and personal visits. (Shellie Henry)

Merchandise:  The Alumni Association offers a variety of unique Iowa State items to students, alumni, and friends to purchase through VISIONS, at events, and online. Members receive a price discount on all items. The Association also receives royalties from the University Book Store catalog and spirit rally sales during the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments.  (Sara Gatchel)

Permanent E-mail Forwarding: Association members can use their member code to register for their own permanent e-mail forwarding address: “you”@isualum.com. This address forwards e-mail messages to the user’s current e-mail account through their current provider. (Brooke Guinn)

Pre-game Events:  The Alumni Association plans and coordinates pre-game spirit rallies at bowl games, the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, and post-season basketball tournaments. (Deanne Stuart)

Presidential Alumni Receptions: Off-campus alumni receptions are held in conjunction with university presidential community visits in Iowa and throughout the United States. (Julie Larson)

Reunions: There are various reunions held each fall in conjunction with Homecoming. Included for 2007 are Family of the Year Society and Alumni Band reunions. (Katie Bruxvoort)

Ring Program: The Alumni Association and the University Book Store jointly sponsor the  Iowa State University Ring. This ring may be purchased by ISU alumni or current ISU students who have achieved junior or senior status and are in good standing with the university. Rings are presented at an annual ring presentation ceremony. (Shellie Henry)

Scholarships:  The Alumni Association and its clubs solicit private and corporate gifts to provide student scholarships. Legacy and alumni scholarships are  available to children of Iowa State alumni and other first-generation students. (Shellie Henry)

Special Interest Societies: Alumni who participated in specific activities or share similar characteristics or interests while attending ISU now have the opportunity to form Special Interest Societies. This is one more way to stay connected to ISU and to other alumni. Currently established Special Interest Societies include The Society of the Alumni Band, The Society of VEISHEA Alumni and Friends, The Society of the Iowa State Daily Alumni and Friends, The Society of Alumni Entrepreneurs, The Society of Greenlee School of Alumni and Friends, The Iowa State University Society of Cardinal Key and Mortar Board Alumni, and The Society of Oak-Elm Hall Alumni and Friends. (Katie Bruxvoort)

Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation: The Iowa State University Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation was formed in 1954 to preserve, improve, and further the advancement of the carillon at Iowa State University. Membership of the foundation consists of eight alumni not connected with the faculty or governing body of Iowa State University, the ISU treasurer, the chief executive of the ISU Alumni Association, and two directors of the ISU Foundation. (Jan Breitman and Jeff Johnson)

Student Alumni Leadership Council:  The Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) connects and involves students with ISU through learning and leadership opportunities, events, services, and traditions to foster a sense of loyalty toward and pride in Iowa State. SALC also promotes future leadership involvement in the Alumni Association after graduation as alumni volunteers, members, and donors.  (Kurt Beyer) 

•  Executive Committee members are selected for their leadership ability and service to the university and to provide leadership for all SALC committees and programs. 

•  Ambassadors Committee organizes Career Preview Days, SAA events, alumni tours, traditions promotion, and involvement in Veishea and Destination Iowa State. This committee also works to increase Student Alumni Association participation.

•  Homecoming Central Committee organizes a variety of homecoming activities, including painted banners, community service projects, Yell-Like-Hell spirit competition, pep rally, ExCYtement in the Streets, Battle of the Bands, Mass Campaniling, fireworks, tournaments, silent auction, and more.

•  Senior Class Council implements programs that benefit Iowa State seniors, including a senior breakfast, Life 490 conference, educational seminars, Senior Week events, senior publications, and other endeavors to make seniors more aware of the Alumni Association, its programs, and post-graduation opportunities. Each year through the senior class gift, members of the graduating class make financial pledges toward their class gift to the university.

•  Cyclone Alley Central is the committee of students who organize this spirit group for men’s and women’s basketball games. Cyclone Alley is sponsored by SALC and ISU Athletics. Members receive a T-shirt, game-time giveaways, members-only events, and special seating in Hilton Coliseum.

Student Alumni Association (SAA) Membership Program:  A special benefits package targeted to students is offered for $20. SAA members receive unlimited discounts at selected restaurants and businesses by using their membership cards. Student members also receive a T-shirt, ISU calendar, and discounts on selected Alumni Association- and SALC-sponsored events. (Shellie Henry)

Traditions Keeper:  A five-year fundraising program began in 2000 by the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors, aimed at ISU alumni and friends, to build a $6 million programming endowment in support of the Association’s ongoing annual operations budget. (Jeff Johnson)

Travel Tours: The Alumni Association sponsors  approximately 30 educational tours and cruises annually as well as providing travel packages to bowl games, NCAA tournaments, and pre- and post-season games. ISU faculty members or alumni staff host most trips. In addition to providing travel and educational opportunities for alumni, tour and travel insurance royalties annually contribute revenue to the Alumni Association’s operating budget. (Jan Breitman)

VISIONS Magazine:  VISIONS was created by the Alumni Association in 1988 as a members-only periodical. The full-color magazine is published quarterly and mailed to members of the ISUAA as well as to ISU faculty and staff. An award-winning publication, VISIONS communicates the stories of the people, trends, events, and issues of Iowa State and its alumni, students, faculty, and staff.  (Carole Gieseke)

World Wide Web Site:  The Alumni Association’s presence on the World Wide Web (www.isualum.org) has grown increasingly important for keeping ISU alumni, students, and friends connected to Iowa State.  The Web site provides information on Alumni Association programs and services, career resources, and a calendar of on- and off-campus events.  Alumni also can join online, update their addresses, and register for events.  ISU merchandise may be purchased online, and the site has links to university news, SALC, SAA, and other related sites. (Kate Bruns)

Young Alumni Council: The Young Alumni Council (YAC) of the ISU Alumni Association is charged with developing goals and objectives to target and engage graduates of the past 10 years. The council, in its inaugural year, will consist of 12 alumni graduates from the past 10 years, two current students, and one liaison from the ISUAA Board of Directors. Young alumni are very much an underrepresented group of the ISUAA in event participation and membership in the organization. Targeting young alumni immediately after graduation will lead to a stronger tie to Iowa State University and the ISUAA. Young alumni are the future keys to volunteerism, membership, advancement, and enrollment at Iowa State.  It is our hope that the efforts of this council will have a direct or indirect impact on all of the above. (Cory Hanson)