Overview of Programs

Alumni Association Program Endowments
A fundraising program began in 2000 by the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors, aimed at ISU alumni and friends, to build a $6 million endowment to support essential and new program and service opportunities of the Association. (Jeff Johnson)

Alumni Clubs
Across the United States alumni clubs organize more than 250 events annually with the assistance of the ISU Alumni Association. Events include gamewatches, banquets, family picnics, Cyclone sports parties, professional sports outings, cultural events, young alumni events, and local city events. Some alumni clubs sponsor scholarships and service projects as well. (Tillie Good)

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 and Recognition Event
The Annual Meeting and Recognition program is open to all members and held each May. Volunteers who have served on the ISUAA Board of Directors or any of the board’s committees or task forces, as well as those appointed by the board to any external ISUAA board committees, councils, etc., are announced and/or honored. (Jeff Johnson)

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 Honors & Awards, Homecoming)
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 Honors & Awards, Homecoming)
Alumni 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 Honors & Awards, Homecoming)
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)
Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award:
Established in 2011 as a way for former ISU students to recognize current or former ISU faculty or staff members who had a significant influence in their lives as students at ISU. Nominees may be anyone who is or was employed by ISU. Nominees need not be Iowa State alumni. Nominations should be submitted based on the impact the ISU faculty or staff member had on the former students’ professional or personal life. This award may be given posthumously. Up to six awards are granted annually. (Presented at the ISUAA Annual Meeting in May)
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 non-ISU graduates by 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 Honors & Awards, Homecoming)
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)
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 Honors & Awards, Homecoming)
STATEment Makers: This is an annual honor that recognizes the early personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to society of Iowa State University’s young alumni (graduates under 32 years of age).
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 winter ISUAA Board of Directors Luncheon)

Business Partnerships
The ISUAA offers a number of different programs to help businesses and corporations showcase their products or services by building a stronger relationship with Iowa State University students, alumni, and friends. Opportunities include: Sponsorship, business membership, affinity partners, benefit partners, or advertising in VISIONS and the ISU Alumni Center wedding folder. (Jenny Pollard)

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

Cardinal & Gold Gala
New in 2011, this Des Moines-based event raises money for first-generation student scholarships and for student and alumni outreach programming offered through the Alumni Association. Guests can anticipate the “Cylent” and live auctions, dinner, a brief program, and live entertainment. The inaugural gala is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2011. (Katie Lickteig)

Career Resources
CySpace Career Center allows alumni to custom search, post jobs, and utilize career networking with other ISU alumni. Alumni may also utilize the university’s Career Management Service (CMS) to seek online job postings. The ISUAA outsources career coaching and offers career-related seminars. The ISUAA partners with the Cyclone Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management to provide free resume critiquing for ISU alumni. (Katie Lickteig)

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. News items include births, marriages, job changes and advancements, degree announcements, etc. (Carol Thorson)

Class Reunions
All alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more are invited to participate in this special reunion 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 ISU president awards 50-year medallions and diplomas to members of the 50-year anniversary class. (Julie Larson)

Commencement Receptions
Commencement receptions are held at the ISU Alumni Center following the Fall and Spring Commencement exercises to welcome Iowa State University’s newest graduates into the alumni family. As part of the celebration, graduates are encouraged to have their photo taken in their cap and gowns with the bronze Cy as well as with mascot Cy and family members. Graduates receive information about ISUAA membership, benefits, and programs, including the Young Alumni Council. (Sara Wilson)

Credit Cards
The Alumni Association sponsors an affinity credit card and deposits program in partnership with Bank of America of Charlotte, N.C. ISU alumni, friends, and faculty/staff are asked via mail and phone to apply for the standard and/or “platinum plus” programs. The Alumni Association receives royalties from this program. (Scott Dahl)

Cyclone Central Tailgates
The Alumni Association hosts tailgates three hours prior to each home football game. Food, beverages, entertainment, theme days, and kid-friendly activities are part of the pre-game experience. The Alumni Center is open to alumni, students, and friends. Admission is free. (Deanne Stuart)

Cy’s Birdie Classic
Cy’s Birdie Classic golf outing is a four-person best-shot for all levels of golfers hosted by the ISUAA in May. Prizes are awarded for the longest and shortest drives as well as several other fun challenges. Participants are encouraged to enter a free putting contest with Cy. Dinner and a silent auction follow the golf outing. (Deanne Stuart)

Discounts at Local and National Businesses
Alumni Association members who show their membership cards at more than 150 participating merchants receive discounts on products and services, such as 15% off in-store purchases at the University Book Store and 20% off dry cleaning at Mayfair Cleaners. (Jenny Pollard)

Giving Opportunities
The ISU Alumni Association is an option that alumni, students, and friends can choose when making an in-kind or financial gift to the ISU Foundation to support Iowa State University. Tax-deductible gifts can be made by donating to the Sustaining Life Member Program, purchasing a plaque on the Wall of Alumni and Friends, or making an outright gift or selecting a naming opportunity associated with the ISU Alumni Center Endowment, the Alumni Center Landscaping Project, or the ISU Alumni Association Programs Endowment. (Jeff Johnson)

Google Mail
All alumni and ISU Alumni Association members are eligible to create free personal e-mail accounts in the domain "@alumni.iastate.edu" thanks to partnership between the ISUAA and Google. (Brooke Guinn)

Greater Des Moines Outreach
Lunch-and-learn programs and alumni networking events are planned throughout the year. (Katie Lickteig)

Homecoming
Homecoming week is one of the busiest times for the ISUAA. Homecoming students organize a variety of activities throughout the week, including Greek house displays and tours, a pep rally, and community service projects. Other activities include the Circle dinner, board meeting, Honors and Awards recognition, reunions, and a big Homecoming Cyclone Central tailgate prior to the football game. It’s a weekend that is too fun to miss! (Multiple staff members)

Home Mortgage
The ISUAA sponsors a home mortgage program through Collegiate Insurance Resources and Quicken Loans. Iowa Staters may sign up for a home mortgage with Quicken Loans and receive $500 cash back. The ISUAA receives royalties from this program. (Scott Dahl)

Identity Theft Protection
The ISUAA sponsors an identity theft protection and monitoring program through Identity IQ. Iowa Staters may sign up for these services at a discounted rate. The ISUAA receives royalties and sponsorships from 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 and corporate sponsorships from these programs. (Scott Dahl)

ISU Alumni Center
The ISU Alumni Center is home to alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Iowa State University and the offices of the ISU Alumni Association. The Center provides an excellent setting for events, including but not limited to wedding ceremonies and receptions, meetings, banquets, and other social gatherings.

The Center has a variety of rooms and outdoor spaces from which to choose, and can be rented individually or in combination.

The Alumni Center offers two types of professional caterers who can handle anything from refreshments to formal dinners. Full service caterers provide full-service flexible menus, china service, staffing, and are licensed to serve alcohol. Partial service caterers provide limited menus, disposable china service, and limited staff. Some are licensed to serve alcohol.

Clients who wish to reserve space or make an inquiry should contact the events manager toll-free at 1-877-ISU-ALUM (478-2586), or locally at 294-4625, or e-mail at alumnicenter@iastate.edu. (Jenny Laffey)

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 six times a year for social and educational programs, in addition to spring and holiday events. An electronic newsletter is sent four 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 is the responsibility of the Retirees Association. The Retirees Association became a program of the ISUAA in July 2006. (Jerilyn Logue)

The Leadership Guild
The purposes of the Leadership Guild will include the creation of opportunities for former Board members to provide input and feedback to the current Board and staff and to further engage each former Board member in the life, work, and aspirations of the Iowa State University Alumni Association. (Jeff Johnson)

Legacy Club
A series of programs have been implemented to promote Iowa State University to children of alumni. Members of the ISU Alumni Association who provide their children’s names to alumni records or the ISUAA will automatically be a part of this program. A children’s book is mailed to newborns and an annual birthday greeting is sent through the age of 16. 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 Wilson)

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)

Lovebirds
Lovebirds is series of programs for couples who met and fell in love at Iowa State University. Alumni who are members of the ISU Alumni Association and who provide their anniversary dates when submitting enrollment applications become members for free. Milestone anniversary cards and other special offers and gifts are sent to members. (Sara Wilson)

Membership
The Alumni Association has more than 50,000 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 are eligible for the New Grad program for three years after obtaining their first ISU degree. Student Alumni Association (SAA) members are offered special incentives to join as New Grad members based on their years as members of SAA. ISU faculty/staff receive a discounted rate. Businesses are also eligible to join the ISUAA. (Scott Dahl)

Member dues

SAA (Annual): $20/year
Cyclone Alley: Additional $10/year
SAA (Student Life): $70/4 years
New Grad: $30/year
3-year Annual New Grad: $80/3years
Annual single/joint: $57/year
3-year Annual single/joint: $150/3years
ISU Faculty/Staff: $40/year
Single life
- Paid in full: $850
- Paid in installments: $950
Joint life
- Paid in full: $1,100
- Paid in installments: $1,200
Business: $300/year
Non-profit Organization: $200/year

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

Membership Benefits
Membership benefits include the ISU calendar; VISIONS magazine; online services (including the online alumni directory and ISU News Flash); discounts on Alumni Center event registrations and space rentals, merchandise, food, hotels, car rentals, and Iowa State Center tickets; automatic membership in local ISU clubs; eligibility to access Parks Library and the Lied Recreation Athletic Center; national discounts; and inclusion in the class notes section of the ISUAA website. (Scott Dahl)

Membership Card
Each Alumni Association member receives a membership card that shows their membership type, expiration date, and member code which can be used to access 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 Wilson)

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

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 Wilson)

Online Alumni Community
Association members can find friends or network with others in their career fields or cities. The online alumni community allows members to search by last name, geographic location, class year, college, occupation, or through custom searches. The community also incorporates the student mentor program, the Career Center job postings and networking opportunities, Cy’s Network (online business directory), group networking, and photo sharing. Student members may conduct custom searches of those who have volunteered to be mentors. (Brooke Guinn)

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University
Since 1993, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Iowa State University (formerly College for Seniors) has provided a program of lifelong 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 along with others with expertise in the respective courses. An annual membership fee of $25 is required to participate in this program. One of the membership benefits is the opportunity to attend members-only lectures in the fall and spring. There is no additional fee or registration to attend. A minimum of seven lectures will be offered during the year. Starting in winter 2011, OLLI Online gives OLLI members the opportunity to watch a class live on a computer from their homes. The class is also recorded and a hyperlink is sent to participants who missed the class. Currently one class per session is being offered online. OLLI became a program of the ISUAA in July 2006. (Jerilyn Logue)

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

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

Reunions
Various annual and special reunions are held throughout the year. In conjunction with Homecoming, the Family of the Year Society and Alumni Band reunions are held each year. (Katie Lickteig)

Ring Program
The Alumni Association and the University Book Store jointly sponsor the Official 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. (Scott Dahl)

Scholarships
The Alumni Association and its clubs provide student scholarships. (Shellie Andersen)

Special Interest Societies
Alumni who participated in specific activities or shared similar characteristics or interests while attending ISU now have the opportunity to form societies/groups. Currently established societies/groups 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 Iowa State University Society of Cardinal Key and Mortar Board Alumni, Society of ISU Carillon Alumni and Friends, Society of Dance Marathon Alumni and Friends, Family of the Year Society, Society of ISU Alumni at the University of Iowa, The Society of Malaysia Alumni & Friends, and The Society of Oak-Elm Hall Alumni and Friends. (Katie Lickteig)

Sponsorship
The ISUAA offers opportunities for businesses to sponsor many of its programs and events. These include Cyclone Central tailgates, SAA, Alumni Days, Homecoming, OLLI, and more. Sponsors receive recognition and visibility at these events in return for their commitment. (Jenny Pollard)

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. (Jeff Johnson and Elaine Smuck)

Student Alumni Association (SAA) Membership Program
A special benefits package targeted to students is offered for $20/year (or at a 4-year rate of $70, saving students $10 over the course of their memberships). SAA members receive unlimited discounts at selected restaurants and businesses by using their membership cards. Each student member also receives a T-shirt, ISU calendar, and discounts on selected Alumni Association- and SALC-sponsored events. (Shellie Andersen)

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 Nearly Naked Mile, Career Preview Days, SAA events, alumni tours, traditions promotions, 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, Senior Send-off, educational seminars, Senior Week events, 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 the spirit group for men’s and women’s basketball games. Cyclone Alley is sponsored by SALC and ISU Athletics. Members receive T-shirts, game-time giveaways, members-only events, and special seating in Hilton Coliseum.

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. Alumni staff host trips when possible. 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. (Shellie Andersen)

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. 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)

Wall of Alumni and Friends
The Wall, located on the east side of the ISU Alumni Center, provides a way for all alumni, students, and friends of Iowa State University to participate and be permanently acknowledged, honored, or remembered at Iowa State University. Each plaque may include the individual’s name, hometown, ISU degree information or affiliation, and an optional personal message. An annual ceremony is held to honor individuals who have passed away during the previous year, at which time a Campanile symbol will be added to those plaques. To date, more than 4,000 Iowa Staters have reserved space on the inaugural Wall. Phase II of the Wall will be introduced in FY12. (Scott Dahl)

Wall of Alumni and Friends rates

Members: $300
Non-members: $355
Memorials: $335

Website
The Alumni Association’s presence on the Web (www.isualum.org) has grown increasingly important for keeping ISU alumni, students, and friends connected to Iowa State. The website 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 consists of 13 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, especially through the bimonthly electronic Young Alumni Newsletter, 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. (Sara Wilson)