2010 Iowa STATEment Makers

Iowa 'STATEment Makers' is an annual honor that recognizes the early personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to society of Iowa State University's young alumni (graduates under 32 years of age). The 2010 honorees are:

Dan Bumblauskas
Jefferson City, Mo.

Dan Bumblauskas (’03 indus & mfg sys engr and econ; MS ’06 indus engr) has continually furthered his education and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to career and educational advancement. He was quickly promoted to a managerial role with his company, ABB, Inc., while simultaneously becoming ISU’s first-ever distance M.S. graduate in industrial engineering. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering at ISU and a master of liberal arts from Harvard University. He was elected program chair for the American Society for Engineering Education Student Constitute Committee and has already earned senior member status in the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

…his favorite college memory: “the ISU roller hockey team – forming the club, the success we had as a team, and the lifelong friendships that were created”

…what’s on his iPod: “an interesting variety of rock, alternative, country, pop, hip-hop/R&B, and lots of Pearl Jam”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Van Wilder. ‘You shouldn’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out alive.’”

…his role models: “my wife, Kendra, and my parents, Paul and Denise”

Elizabeth Gardner
Minneapolis, Minn.

For the past six years, Elizabeth Gardner (’02 apparel merchandising, design, and production) has served as the volunteer technical director for the fashion show “Voltage: Fashion Amplified” in Minneapolis. The unique event pairs local apparel designers with local bands to support of the Twin Cities fashion community through the nonprofit organization MNfashion. Elizabeth’s work with MNfashion combines the spirit of service she developed at Iowa State with her career as an apparel designer for Target Corp., where she has worked as a technical engineer and as a designer of men’s apparel, men’s accessories, and loungewear since 2002.

…what she can’t live without: “I admit it’s my iPhone. Between the maps with GPS, business address and phone lookup, Internet in general, and the Flickr app, I feel like I can do anything.”

…her favorite spot on campus: “I always love the courtyards at Lagomarcino Hall. There was something magical about them because they are so hidden, and I particularly loved that tall, tubular, welded sculpture that was on the west side of the exterior courtyard.”

…Ames must-haves: “late night gyros and coffee at Café Beaudelaire”

…her favorite college memory: “all those times backstage at the Fisher Theater fashion shows – even now, capturing those moments is what keeps me working on fashion show production”

Jeff Goodenbour
Santa Monica, Calif.

Reading Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park in sixth grade sparked a lifelong interest in genetics in Jeff Goodenbour (’04 genetics), who has developed that childhood curiosity into an accomplished academic and research career. As a Ph.D. student at the University of Chicago, Jeff made an important discovery about the frequency of errors in protein processing that has had important implications in the study of cell defense against infection. His research findings were published in the international journal Nature and led to presentations at two international conferences, as well as his current appointment to study genetic networks in brain development and neurological disease at the University of California-Los Angeles.

…his favorite college memories: “Taking a swim in the Fountain of the Four Seasons my freshman year and the 2002 Eddie Robinson Classic in Kansas City. Seneca definitely crossed the goal line!”

…what he thinks would make the world a better place: “if people could appreciate that the greatest good is not always the self-serving one”

…what he’s always quoting: “Seinfeld”

…his favorite words to live by: “I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you different.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Brent Greubel
Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Brent Greubel (’02 computer sci) began his career with Kansas City’s Cerner Corporation as an ISU intern, but was hired as a software engineer immediately following graduation. He excelled on a challenging project, and within two years he was asked to start a new team and quickly found himself managing a team of 10 employees. Today, he is accountable for leading 30 associates across four different teams responsible for nearly 20 software applications. The company recently recognized Brent’s talents by inviting him to participate in the elite Cerner Leadership Program, which includes only 2 percent of the company’s employees.

…his favorite spot on the ISU campus: “the central lawn”

…what’s on his iPod: “Carolina Liar – Coming to Terms”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Rounders”

…what would make the world a better place: “if Iowa State had beaten Michigan State in the 2000 NCAA tournament”

Lauren Hughes
Reston, Va.

Lauren Hughes (’02 zoology & Spanish) is the national president of the American Medical Student Association. In addition to her ISU degree, Lauren earned a master’s of public health in health policy from The George Washington University in 2007 and a M.D. from the University of Iowa in 2009. She has researched infectious diseases in Brazil, volunteered for AmeriCorps and for the LifeLong Medical Care community health center in Berkeley, Calif., worked as a medical assistant at a free clinic and youth homeless shelter, and was a visiting scholar at the Robert Graham Center. She has practiced medicine in Sweden and Tanzania and interned both with U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and with the National Association of Community Health Centers.

…her favorite college memory: “ordering pizza late at night to Osborn Cottage (the former Honors building) and having it mistakenly delivered to the Knoll, waking Patty Jischke in the middle of the night!”

…her favorite ISU tradition: “Campanile music at noon each day”

…her role model: “Dr. Forrest Odessa Phillips, my great-grandmother who graduated from medical school in 1910”

…what she’d like to do next: “I’m entering my residency in family medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle in June. I’d love to serve in the U.S. Public Health Service, teach, and conduct health policy research. I’d also love to write a book, start a photography business, and serve in the Peace Corps in the future.”

Shane Jacobson
Ames, Iowa

Shane Jacobson (’03 comm studies; M.Ed. ’08 higher ed) has made an early career impact upon his alma mater through his success in fundraising. As the senior director of development for the Iowa State University College of Engineering and in his previous position as director of development for ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Shane has raised millions of dollars to support students, faculty, programs, and facilities on ISU’s campus and is viewed as a rising star in his profession. His commitment to philanthropy and development work extends beyond the ISU campus into significant involvement with several national and community organizations.

…his favorite ISU tradition: “VEISHEA. Especially now, as I’m able to share the experience—the parade, cherry pies, and college open houses—with my daughter.”

…his favorite spot on campus: “central campus during each of the four seasons”

…his guilty pleasure: “Candy. I can’t seem to cure my sweet tooth.”

…his favorite words of wisdom: “For when the Great Scorer comes to write against your name, he writes—not if you’ve won or lost—but how you played the game.” – Grantland Rice

James Johnson
Avoca, Iowa

A farmer, teacher, and coach, James Johnson (’01 ag education) was elected mayor of Avoca, Iowa, at age 26 and held the position from 2006-2009, overseeing the city’s $2.1 million budget and, during his tenure, securing more than $2 million in grants for city projects. Now 30, James remains an extremely active member of his community. He is a member of the Avoca Betterment Association, Avoca Planning and Zoning Commission, and will soon become a member of the Avoca Fire Department. He is active in planning the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration and in operating the community’s summer sports leagues, which he implemented while mayor.

…what he can’t live without: “cell phone”

…his role model: “Kurt Warner. He has accomplished amazing things as a football player, but I have a feeling his greatest impact will be what he does off the football field.”

…what’s on his iPod: “Nickelback, Prince, Aerosmith, Phish, Van Morrison, Lifehouse, Eddie Rabbit, all kinds of weird music!”

…why he’s so involved in his community: “The involvement of the younger generation is the key to success when trying to keep a small town alive and growing.”

Daniel Lemm
Minneapolis, Minn.

Lower Sioux Indian Community member Daniel Lemm’s work with Native American charities and community activities has helped foster sustainable Native communities in the United States. In addition to his full-time job as accounting manager for Native Americans in Philanthropy, which works to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions, Daniel (’04 finance) serves as treasurer of the Tiwahe Foundation, which promotes leadership development and American Indian self-determination; as treasurer for Ain Dah Yung, which provides social services for American Indian youth; and as a board member for the American Indian Family Center, which assists American Indian children and families.

…his favorite ISU tradition: “There’s nothing better than a 1 a.m. game of broomball!”

…his guilty pleasure: “Pepperoni, pineapple, and black olive pizza with lots of Tabasco sauce and ranch dressing. It’s like fire and ice all in one slice.”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Anchorman. It’s an instant classic.”

…his hero: “My father is my hero. His patience and wise advice have gotten me through many of life’s difficult times. Also, the dedication he has toward his family is undeniable and appreciated beyond explanation.”

Tom Mangan
Ames, Iowa

Tom Mangan (’05 accounting, MAA ‘06), CPA, is a rising star at Deloitte Tax LLP in Des Moines, Iowa. As an Iowa State student, Tom earned Deloitte’s prestigious and highly competitive tax season internship and used the opportunity to develop a model for calculating and tracking client tax credits that was used extensively in Deloitte’s practice. Tom, who earned his master of accounting degree from ISU in 2006 with a perfect 4.0 GPA, performed so well during his internship that he was offered a full-time job with the company, which he continues to hold today. He has earned an accelerated promotion to Senior Tax Consultant and currently serves as a mentor to young professionals and interns within the company.

…what he can’t live without: “caffeine”

…his favorite spot on campus: “the Campanile – it’s where I proposed to my wife”

…his dream job: “professional golfer”

…his favorite words of wisdom: “It’s something my eighth grade science teacher, Mr. Goodrich, always said: ‘Good enough is neither good nor enough.’”

Greg McGrath
Elk Grove, Calif.

Greg McGrath (’08 mechanical engineering) is the executive director of EOS International, a non-profit organization he co-founded with four other ISU alumni in 2008 to bring sustainable technology to the developing world. In his position as executive director, he manages the daily operations of the organization and the efforts of volunteers in three states and two countries. In less than two years, Greg has led EOS to qualify for full nonprofit status, established a strategic plan, coordinated two trips to Nicaragua to assist with drip irrigation, and participated in numerous local fundraisers and presentations. Although he says he wishes EOS was a full-time job for him, Greg also works as an engineer for General Mills, Inc.

…his favorite ISU tradition: “All the fame and glory behind the coveted Intramural Champion T-shirt, of which I am a three-time recipient (flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee)”

…his role model: “Three Cups of Tea author and Central Asia Institute executive director Greg Mortenson”

…his guilty pleasure: “Milk shakes…love ’em!”

…what’s next for EOS: “Beginning the process of hiring a native Nicaraguan person to manage our projects there long-term. Our current staff member, ISU alum Wes Meier, will be finishing his 27-month Peace Corps assignment in Nicaragua this November. This will allow EOS to grow and will ensure that we continue to be a presence in Nicaragua for years to come.”

Wendell Mosby
Chicago Heights, Ill.

Wendell Mosby’s career with Aunt Martha’s has given him the opportunity to assist homeless and foster youth and manage community health centers in Chicagoland. But service to others has also been a guiding principle for Wendell (’01 apparel merch, design, and production) as a community volunteer – with Chicago Public Schools, the Lil’ SIS Chicago Expo, Adopt-A-Highway, the Chicago Heights Park District, the Black Star Project, the ISU Alumni Association Club of Chicago, the Iowa State University Alumni Admissions Council, and many others. In addition to his full-time job and extensive volunteer work, Wendell is an entrepreneur who owns an ever-expanding line of men’s and women’s clothing called “WIMP Wear.”

…his favorite ISU tradition: “milking the cow during VEISHEA”

…his favorite college memories: “spending the holidays in Monroe, Iowa, with Joe and Julie Phillipson; they brought me in and made me a part of their family”

…his favorite words of wisdom: “You can either let the world define who you are or you can define yourself to the world.”

…what’s on his radar: “Political office. A fall launch of men’s private label dress shirts. A national campaign and college tour for WIMP Wear. Introducing a ladies’ jeans collection. Building a community center in my mother’s memory. Completing my book, Being a Wimp Ain’t Easy: A dream achieved. Visiting the White House and traveling abroad with my son.”

Kelly Norris
Ames, Iowa

Kelly Norris (’08 horticulture) first began gardening alongside his grandmother at the age of 4. At 13, he became Iowa’s youngest certified Master Gardener. At 15, he convinced his family to buy an iris farm. Today he manages Rainbow Iris Farm in Bedford, Iowa and is currently a master’s student in ISU’s horticulture program. He has authored two books about Iowa gardening and completed his judge’s certification with the American Iris Society. He has been a featured speaker at the Garden Writers Association, Perennial Plant Association, and national iris conventions. Kelly began breeding irises when he was in middle school, and his first introduction sold out in its first season.

…his guilty pleasure: “A rare plant that costs way more than I should spend. But who needs groceries?”

…his favorite college memory: “The fall semester of my freshman year. I fell in love with campus and campus life and learned a lot about the kind of person I wanted to be.”

…what would make the world a better place: “If people would learn to be more intellectually charitable. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but at least respect a person’s right to disagree and vocalize his or her opinion in an intelligent, meaningful way. When we can learn to engage in effective dialogue, we might understand what is truly great about the freedom of ideas.”

…his next big idea: “A new hybrid magazine-book-Web site project called Dig This: The bookazine for people who love dirt (www.digthismag.com). I love sharing my passion for gardening and the outdoors through whatever medium I can.”

Matt Ostanik
Dallas Center, Iowa

Entrepreneur Matt Ostanik (’01 architecture; MBA ’09) is the founder and president of Submittal Exchange, a company that offers comprehensive online systems for the exchange, review, and archiving of construction submittals, RFIs, and other construction communications. While an MBA student at ISU, Matt submitted the business plan for Submittal Exchange to the Pappajohn Center’s statewide business plan competition in 2004 and won $5,000 to get his business off the ground. Three years later, he won an 80-entry statewide business plan competition and $25,000 more after demonstrating his plan’s success. Today, Submittal Exchange does business in 48 states with more than 15,000 construction professionals, and the “green” company is steadily growing.

…what’s on his iPod: “Harvard Business Review podcasts”

…the item he can’t live without: “my Blackberry”

…his role model: “my father”

…his favorite words of wisdom: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

AJ Pollard
Ames, Iowa

While he was an ISU graduate student, AJ Pollard’s professor, Dr. Robert Brown, challenged him with a project of global scope and impact. AJ (’07 mech engr; MS ’09 mech engr & biorenewable resources and technology) took the opportunity and ran with it. After two years working with Dr. Brown in the field of fast pyrolysis to convert biomass into useful materials like asphalt and home heating oil, AJ received a patent and co-founded the company Avello Bioenergy to continue the research and commercialize the process. AJ’s work is now showcased at ISU’s BioCentury Research Farm and is one of the leading innovations on Iowa State University’s extensive research resume.

…his favorite ISU tradition: “marching with the band through the tailgating lots to get to the stadium; the energy that the crowds of people had was exhilarating”

…his dream job: “Brew Master for a microbrewery”

…the movie he’s always quoting: “Spaceballs”

…his favorite words to live by: “Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do.” – Christopher Morley

Rohini Ramnath
Arlington, Va.

Rohini Ramnath (’07 political science) has traveled the world – from Spain to India to Ghana – but today makes her home in Washington, D.C., where she teaches elementary school at Howard Road Academy as a member of the Teach for America corps. She teaches a rigorous, differentiated curriculum to 25 students in four subjects, serves on the school improvement and 50 Book Challenge committees, and started a student government association for second through seventh graders. A former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to Ghana who received a master of arts from the University of Ghana, Rohini is currently pursuing a master of arts in teaching from American University.

…her favorite college memory: “September 10, 2003: Iowa State’s victory over Iowa, 23-3”

…her role model: “Tahira K. Hira”

…what’s on her iPod: “more musical soundtracks than I care to admit”

…what would make the world a better place: “if the infrastructures of developing nations were actually usable -- this way aid and other necessary materials would actually get to the people who need them versus rot in storage”

Sara Snyder
Iowa City, Iowa

Sara Snyder (’06 biochemistry) has a passionate commitment to housing sustainability and affordability issues. After graduating from ISU, Sara joined AmeriCorps as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and served two years with affiliates in Seattle, Wash., and Iowa City. She was an assistant house leader on the 2008 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Thibodaux, La., and for the 2009 Habitat AmeriCorps Build-a-thon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 2008, Sara was named to the Habitat for Humanity National Service Council. She currently maintains a 4.0 GPA in her pursuit of a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at the University of Iowa, where she concurrently serves as a graduate assistant in the university’s Office of Sustainability and as a brownfields (Environmental Protection Agency) project coordinator for the City of Coralville.

…her favorite spot on the ISU campus: “central campus on a warm fall afternoon”

…her favorite college memories: “friends, co-workers, and chaos in the residence halls”

…her guilty pleasure: “a good cup of coffee”

…her dream job: “to manage a housing development company focused on two things: affordability and sustainability”

Kipp Van Dyke
Ames, Iowa

Kipp Van Dyke (’02 child and family services), who was recently named the assistant director of student assistance and outreach in Iowa State University’s Dean of Students Office, is co-author of the new book, The Voice of College: The Freshmen Experience (www.thevoiceofcollege.com), which was created as a guidebook for first-year college students. Written with a sense of humor and advice on professional and personal choices, the book is arranged chronologically from summer orientation to spring departure. A rising star in the field of college and university student affairs, Kipp was nominated for the 2007 American College Personnel Association’s Outstanding New Professional – Master’s Level Award and is a former Kansas State University residence hall “advisor of the year.”

…his favorite ISU tradition: “I love football game day!”

…his dream jobs: “I would love to own a coffee shop…or be a motivational speaker…and the P.A. announcer for Cyclone sports.”

…what’s on his iPod: “a lot of classic Eric Clapton right now”

…what’s next for him: “I’m blessed to be in a career where I can help college students on a daily basis at Iowa State. I’d like to continue down this path, but would also like other opportunities to come from our book, such as consulting and speaking opportunities.”

Megan Weiler
Bloomington, Ill.

After earning her ISU degree at age 20, Megan Weiler (’06 finance) became one of the youngest female graduates in the history of the University of Iowa’s College of Law (age 23). And out of her class of 180 U of I law graduates, Megan was the only one to receive an in-house counsel position – a position that typically requires 3-5 years of experience. Still employed in the position with State Farm in Bloomington, Ill., Megan has become active in the McLean County Bar Association, through which she has helped start a “Lawyers in the Classroom” program. She also created a “speed mentoring” event through her involvement with her employer’s Corporate Law Mentoring Program.

…what would make the world a better place: “if everyone lived up to his or her full potential”

…her dream job: “professional organizer”

…the movie she’s always quoting: “My Cousin Vinny”

…what she wants to do next: “take advantage of international travel opportunities, including an African safari and Olympic games”

Austin Woodin
Ames, Iowa

Austin Woodin (’02 finance) has lived in Ames his entire life and says he loves the town and Iowa State University “more than words can express,” adding, “I will never be able to give back as much to this town and community as it has given to me.” Those who know him may beg to differ. For his efforts to give back, Austin received the 2008 Community Involvement Award from the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Among his service activities are advisory roles with both Dance Marathon and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and board membership with Youth and Shelter Services, the Story County Cyclone Club, and Young Professionals of Ames. Austin was the brains behind the “Read with Me” program in Ames and Gilbert schools and has chaired the United Way’s “Day of Caring” event.

…his favorite spot on campus: “Memorial Union”

…what he can’t live without: “I don’t remember the last time I went through a day without Diet Mountain Dew.”

…his role models: “I was blessed with a family full of great role models. My mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brother…I’ve learned so much from them all! Now I learn every day from my wife and two amazing boys.”

…the things he’s always wanted to do: “I’d love to visit Machu Picchu, play Pebble Beach, and attend Sunday’s round of the Masters at Augusta.”

Keith Zoromski
Carthage, Mo.

A nominee and recipient of multiple “teacher of the year” honors, Keith “Mr. Z” Zoromski (’04 political science) has a passion for being in the classroom and making an impact on the educational opportunities in his community of Carthage, Mo. – the “Maple Leaf City.” Keith teaches eighth grade social studies at Carthage Jr. High School and serves as president of the Carthage Community Teacher Association, the local chapter of the Missouri State Teacher Association. He received the 2009 Carthage Chamber of Commerce Golden Key and the Great Teaching Idea Award from the State of Missouri Department of Secondary Education. A past recipient of the State of Missouri SuccessLink Award, Keith was recognized through a unanimous official resolution of the Missouri House of Representatives for his efforts as a teacher.

…what he can’t live without: “neckties”

…his favorite ISU tradition: “walking around the Zodiac of the Gold Star Hall in the Memorial Union”

…what you might find on his iPod: “Classic rock -- Aerosmith, the Beatles, Black Sabbath, Guns-N-Roses”

…his favorite words of wisdom: “Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” – Abraham Lincoln

Do you know a young alumnus who is making a statement? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Iowa STATEment Makers!