ISU Alumni Volunteer Opportunities

It’s easy to get involved with Iowa State University through the Iowa State University Alumni Association whether you are an alum, student, or friend! There are multiple ways in which you can support Iowa State or the Association whether it is assisting at an event, getting involved with the alumni club in your geographical location or serving on one of our boards/councils. Here is a listing of volunteer opportunities offered through the Alumni Association that may fit your interest and schedule.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Alliance for Iowa State -- The Alliance for Iowa State is a coalition of Iowa State University alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends. The Alliance advocates Iowa State University’s land grant mission throughout Iowa while focusing its advocacy on state legislators and public policy makers.
Alumni Admissions Council -- The Alumni Admissions Council (AAC) is a volunteer program that offers alumni the chance to become a part of the recruitment process for Iowa State University and the Office of Admissions.
Time commitment: When called upon during the fall and spring semesters.
Alumni Association Board Associates - The role of a Board associate is to assist the ISUAA board and staff in carrying out the mission of the Association in concert with the strategic goals of the university and other affiliated organizations. These individuals are chosen by the current board chair with input from the ISUAA president and CEO, who may also solicit input from other ISUAA staff members. Board associates can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms or the duration of the assigned task(s). For more information contact Jeff Johnson, jjohnsn@iastate.edu, or 515-294-6561.
Time commitment: 20 hours annually.
Alumni Association Board of Directors - The Board of Directors of the Iowa State University Alumni Association (a 24-member body of elected and appointed directors) establishes policies regarding the property, management, and activities of the Association to engage “markets” and “publics” for the further advancement of Iowa State University and the Alumni Association.
Time commitment: Five-year term beginning on July 1 of each year.
Alumni Center Gardens – The ISU Alumni Center Gardens make a beautiful statement around the facility. The goal is to maintain the beauty of these gardens through volunteers. Volunteers meet monthly to weed and mulch the beds, as well as water, fertilize, and prune the plants. They also mow the Slater Central Lawn and the Eggerling Traditions Garden. For more information contact Jeff Johnson, jjohnsn@iastate.edu,or 515-294-6561.
Time commitment: Four hours per month in spring, summer, and fall.
Alumni Days Class Reunions - In May alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago are invited back for their special reunion. Volunteers will assist in registering guests and performing minor clerical duties. For more information contact Julie Larson, jklarson@iastate.edu or 515-294-8490.
Time commitment: Two to four hours each day during Alumni Days in May.
Cardinal & Gold Gala – Volunteers are needed to serve on the silent auction and benefactor and table host committees. It’s a fun time to work together with others who have a shared passion for Iowa State University. The Gala is held in the spring and the committees begin working in August. For information, contact Katie Lickteig at kbruxvoo@iastate.edu or 515-294-1955.
Time commitment: Ten hours per month for six months.
Cyclone Central Tailgate - Volunteers are asked to assist during Cyclone Centrals held at the ISU Alumni Center three hours prior to each home football game. Opportunities range from door greeters to tickets takers. It’s a festive atmosphere and the only requirement is to wear Cyclone attire and have a smile on your face. For more information contact Heather Botine, hbotine@iastate.edu or 515-294-9171.
Time commitment: Three hours prior to football game. Volunteers do not need to be available for every home game.
Cy’s Days of Service - Cy’s Days of Service is designed to unite alumni worldwide in community service during the month of April, a month of strong tradition at ISU -- VEISHEA month! You can assist by getting volunteers together for a specific service project in your geographical area. For more information contact Tillie Good, tbgood@iastate.edu or 515-294-2584.
Time commitment: One to eight hours depending on type of service project.
Cy’s Birdie Classic Golf Outing – In May or June the ISU Alumni Association sponsors an annual golf outing in central Iowa. A volunteer committee assists in organizing the event and activities including the silent auction. For more information contact Heather Botine, hbotine@iastate.edu or 515-294-9171.
Time commitment: Five hours per month January to June.
International Alumni Admissions Council - Iowa State University offers our international alumni the opportunity to participate in the International Alumni Admissions Council, where volunteer Alumni Ambassadors will serve as contacts for prospective students and assist the Office of Admissions in other recruiting activities in local areas.
Time commitment: Two to four hours per month.
ISU Retirees Association – The ISU Retirees Association often needs volunteers to assist with its programs. Serving on the board or committees, hosting for the bi-monthly programs and assisting with events are examples of the available opportunities. For more information contact Jerilyn Logue, jlogue@iastate.edu or 294-3192.
Time commitment: Time varies depending on activity/committee.
National ISU Alumni Association Club Leaders and Contacts - The National Clubs program is always looking for alumni volunteers in one of our 40+ club/gamewatch locations. Opportunities for involvement include serving on the local alumni club board, planning events, assisting at gamewatches, etc. If you are interested in getting involved contact your local alumni club contact person.
Time commitment: Time varies depending on the level of involvement, i.e. planning an event verses serving on the board.
Nominate an outstanding individual for award recognition - The Alumni Association sponsors a variety of award recognitions for alumni ranging from those who graduated within the last 10 years to alumni who have made preeminent contributions to their professions.
Time commitment: Minimal -- only the time it takes to complete an award nomination form.
OLLI at ISU Volunteer - The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) has ample opportunities for those interested in volunteering. Opportunities include: assisting with the fall and spring course previews; name badge distribution before and after class sessions; assisting with “members only” lectures; assisting with mailing the monthly OLLI at ISU newsletter; class assistants and committee members. For more information contact Jerilyn Logue, jlogue@iastate.edu or 294-3192.
Time commitment: Time varies depending on activity/committee.
Young Alumni Council (YAC) - The Iowa State University Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council is made up of graduates of the past 10 years. The Council focuses on creating and sustaining meaningful connections with Iowa State’s “young alumni” through targeted event planning, membership drives, marketing campaigns, and various communications.
Time commitment: Three year term with two on-campus meetings per year (Homecoming and spring) and a monthly conference call.





