Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award
College of Human Sciences
Established in 1975 to honor graduates who are nationally and internationally recognized for their meritorious service or distinguished achievement in the field of education

Lance A. Wilhelm

BS Distributed Studies ’81
MS Distributed Studies ’97
PhD Curriculum and Instruction Technology ’02
Ames, Iowa

An early adopter of technology in the classroom, Lance Wilhelm has been integrating instructional technology with education since 1985, when he began his teaching career at West Liberty (Iowa) Middle School. He has been a leader in the field throughout his career, including in his current position as director of technology for the Ames Community School District.

Wilhelm’s attitude of progressive change has allowed numerous school districts and research universities, such as Iowa State University and Arizona State University, to benefit and grow from his wealth of knowledge and passion for technology education. His 2004 grant from the Intel Corporation provided ASU students with a multimedia lab to enhance their learning and professional practice in the area of teacher education. He recently worked with Ames Middle School to secure a grant providing 60 laptops to students, which improved access to the Achieve3000 online reading program. Additionally, Wilhelm has shared his research in the area of electronic portfolio development, distance learning, and digital media with instructors nationwide through presentations and workshops. 

Wilhelm embodies the characteristics not only of a great educator and leader, but also of someone who is truly committed to making contributions that will help others at the local, state, and national levels.

Wilhelm is an annual member of the ISU Alumni Association.