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. (Cory Hanson)
Alumni Days
All alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more are invited to participate in this special 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)
Ames Outreach
The Alumni Association plans a variety of local events to encourage alumni participation. Most of these opportunities are held in the ISU Alumni Center and include spirit gatherings revolving around sporting events, an open house during VEISHEA, Cy's After Five, and/or receptions prior to events at Stephens Auditorium. (Deanne Stuart)
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 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 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 winter ISUAA Board of Directors Luncheon)
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. Alumni may also utilize the university's career managmenet service (CMS) to seek online job postings. 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. News items include births, marriages, job changes and advancements, degree announcements, etc. (Brooke Guinn)
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 athletics events first occurred in 1999. Credit and financial educational information is provided at on-campus seminars and via the Alumni Association’s Web site. 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 will be part of the pre-game experience. Admission is free for Alumni Association members (and up to four of their guests) and Student Alumni Association members as well as children under 18. Non-members pay $5. In addition, the Center will be open for two hours following the Homecoming game. (Deanne Stuart)
CySpace Online Alumni Community
Association members can find friends or network with others in their career fields or cities. CySpace 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 CySpace Career Center, 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)
Discounts at Local and National 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 dry cleaning at Mayfair Cleaners. (Jenny Pollard)
Greater Des Moines Outreach
The Alumni Association plans various events for the Greater Des Moines area. Cy’s After Five is a social and networking opportunity for young alumni to gather on a quarterly basis at various establishments in the Des Moines area. Sports-related and cultural events are planned throughout the year for families. Lunch-and-learn programs and other educational events are planned throughout the year. (Katie Bruxvoort)
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 tailgate prior to the football game. It's a weekend that it too fun to miss! (All staff)
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 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 is the responsibility of the Retirees Association. The Retirees Association became a program of the ISUAA in July 2006. (Jerilyn Logue)
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 months. A personalized invitation from the university president to apply for admission to ISU is sent to legacies the spring of their high school junior years. (Sara Wilson)
Legislative Liaisons
ISU alumni living n 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 51,000 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 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 (annual) - $20/year
Cyclone Alley - additional $10
SAA (Student Life) - $70/4 years
New Grad - $30/year
Annual single/joint - $55/year
ISU Faculty/Staff - $40/year
Single life - $850 paid in full; $950 paid in installments
Joint life - $1,100 paid in full; $1,200 paid in installments
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 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 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; and inclusion in the class notes section of the ISUAA Web site. (Scott Dahl)
Membership Card
Each Alumni Association member receives a membership card that shows his/her 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)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University
Since 1993, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University (formerly 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. In July 2008, the College for Seniors received a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation and has become an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The grant has been renewed for 2010. 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. (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 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
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 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 Andersen)
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 Andersen)
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, 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 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. (Jeff Johnson)
Student Alumni Association (SAA) Membership Program
A special benefits package targeted to students is offered for $20/year or at a new 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, keychain, 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 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, 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 T-shirts, game-time giveaways, members-only events, and special seating in Hilton Coliseum
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. (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)
Volunteer Program
The Alumni Association offers alumni, students, and friends an opportunity to be involved in ISU Alumni Center activiti through its volunteer program. Alumni Center Ambasadors give tours of the Alumni Center, help with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University, assist with Alumni Days registration, and assist with Alumni Center events, including Cyclone Central tailgates. (Julie Larson)
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. The Wall includes 60 bronze tablets, each with 64 plaques. Each plaque may include the individual's name, hometown, ISU degree information or affiliation, and an optional personal message. (Scott Dahl)
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 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 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. (Cory Hanson)
