Running on Cyclone Power: An Update from Alaska
Story by Lydia Wede
Image contributed
In the Winter 2021 edition of VISIONS magazine, readers learned of Laurie Meythaler-Mullins (‘01 animal ecology, DVM ‘08), an alumna who, along with her husband, coached a grade school cross-country team in the remote Alaskan village of Bethel. This team ran with whatever gear they had available. Running shoes were not common.
Soon after the team’s story went public in VISIONS, donations started flowing in.
“The initiative came solely from VISIONS readers,” Meythaler-Mullins said. “After the article was published, Debra Wood (‘77 phys ed, human development/family studies), a former track and cross-country runner for Iowa State, contacted me on behalf of her teammates. They wanted to donate shoes and t-shirts to the team.”
The word spread. More than 75 pairs of shoes and shirts made their way to rural Alaska, into the hands of the aspiring runners.
The alumni cross-country team wasn’t the only philanthropic group who read VISIONS. Philip Galiga** (‘80 ad design), a teacher at South Burlington High School in Vermont, mobilized his students to raise funds for duffel bags and other running equipment.
Through the philanthropy of ISU alumni, these budding track stars now run in proper gear – pushing themselves to their fullest potential.
“When these kids run, they are celebrating their family, their health, ISU runners, high school runners in Vermont, and everyone else cheering them on near and far,” Meythaler-Mullins said.
The generosity of Cyclones everywhere makes Meythaler-Mullins even more proud to be an Iowa State alumna.
“My time at ISU has provided lifelong friendships and connections,” Meythaler-Mullins said. “The kindness and generosity displayed by everyone involved in this project demonstrates the support ISU alumni provide to families and communities. My education and activities at ISU guided my path in life and provided security, health, and a sense of well-being and connection. It's important to share this with others.”