James C. Almquist

BS Animal Science ’54 
MS Rural Sociology ’62
Urbandale, Iowa

Now that he’s retired, James Almquist lists his job as “professional volunteer.” But with his intense commitment to recruiting students to Iowa State University, Almquist’s volunteer status could probably be more accurately described as “elite.” Almquist admits he wouldn’t be able to tell you how many high schoolers he’s recruited to ISU. He makes phone calls. He strikes up conversations. He visits homes and arranges tours. The number of lives he has touched with the Iowa State message is easily in the thousands.

A retired Extension and 4-H director, Almquist has been a volunteer with the ISU Admissions Council for 25 years and has served as an alumni ambassador since the program began in 1986. Over the years, Almquist has also been involved with the ISU Alumni Association, National Cyclone Club, the 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, and Midcrest Cyclone Club, but it is perhaps that remarkable commitment to student recruitment for which he is best known around campus.

Almquist’s professional volunteerism stretches far beyond Iowa State, however. The Urbandale resident is involved with Iowa HOBY, Special Olympics Iowa, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Urbandale Caring Corps, and he is a former Kiwanis president who has been involved with the organization for 30 years. He also serves as an advisor to the Urbandale Middle School Builders’ Club and the Urbandale High School Key Club. He has been president of four different foundations, including Iowa Lutheran Hospital, the Iowa Health System Foundation, Wallace House, and the Farm Business Association Foundation. And among the many citations Almquist has received for his service and leadership are the Iowa HOBY Outstanding Commitment Award, the ISU Faculty Citation, the Merle Hay Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award, and the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Almquist and his wife, Anne, are annual members of the Alumni Association. They have four children, three of whom are ISU graduates.