Katherine Melsa 2011 - Iowa State University Alumni Association

Katherine Melsa 2011

Katherine Smith Melsa

Naperville, Ill.

While Kathy Melsa holds degrees from the University of Arizona and National-Louis University in Evanston, Ill., her heart lies without a doubt at Iowa State University.

Melsa began her post-secondary education as an Iowa State student and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. While serving on the 1960 VEISHEA central committee, she met Jim Melsa, then an electrical engineering student. Upon his graduation, they married and moved to Arizona, where she completed her undergraduate studies.

Melsa has founded a Montessori School, worked as director and teacher in other Montessori schools, trained adult scout leaders and served as both a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She also holds a preprimary certification from the American Montessori Society.

After stints in Arizona, Texas, Indiana, and the Chicago area, the Melsas returned to Ames when Jim was named dean of Iowa State’s College of Engineering in 1995. Immediately, Melsa put her experience and leadership skills to work within the Ames community and at Iowa State. In the community, she was extensively involved with Youth and Shelter Services, Inc., and the Youth and Shelter Services Foundation. She served on the board of ASSET, which distributes funding to human services located in Story County, and was instrumental in establishing the Story County Dental Clinic.

As a member of the Iowa State family, Melsa was a strong partner in her husband’s success during his tenure as dean from 1995 to 2004. She hosted many events for alumni and staff, including the Engineering College Industrial Advisory Council. She traveled with Jim on fundraising calls across the country, meeting with alumni and friends of the college. She was active in the Iowa State Women’s Club and helped introduce new faculty spouses to the Iowa State community as chair of its Newcomer’s Division.

Today, Melsa remains one of the university’s most valued supporters. The couple has supported several private initiatives in engineering and throughout the university. The Melsas are members of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear Society and the Campanile Society, and are life members of the ISU Alumni Association. Melsa is a member of the ISU Foundation’s Executive Campaign Committee for Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose. The Melsas reside in Naperville, Ill.; they have six children and 13 grandchildren.

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