Message from the Dean - December 22, 2025

December 22, 2025

Hello CALS!

Happiest holidays and a totally great New Year to all of you! Many thanks for all the great work and accomplishments through this fall semester and all of 2025, and with you looking forward to all that's next for our college of excellence, impact and relevance.

Be safe out there, think of our various crews working through the holidays on things that don't get a vacation, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year! - Dan

Scenes from CALS

Graduating student giving a high-five to an administrator at a graduation ceremony.
We had a great time celebrating our graduating undergraduate students last Friday at CALS Convocation. Sam Martin, who graduated with an animal science degree, served as this semester's student speaker. You can listen to his speech, which starts at the 26:07 mark, and watch the entire CALS Convocation ceremony via the recorded CALS Convocation livestream. Additionally, check out the Why CALS? highlight video that's shown prior to the start of Convocation.
Graduating student shaking someone's hand.
It's always great to see so many faculty and staff in the handshake line, congratulating students after they cross the stage at convocation. Here, Department of Agricultural Education and Studies representatives give warm wishes to students in their department.
Jumbotron showing two men standing on a stage at a graduation ceremony.
Jason Ross, chair of animal science, introducing Al Christian, who received an honorary doctor of science degree at the ISU Commencement ceremony Saturday. The honor was in recognition of Al's lifelong commitment to Iowa State and the pork industry that left a lasting impact on animal science, swine production and student development. Learn more about Al and his career and see page 42 of the ISU Commencement program for additional information.
Group of people standing in front of a wall with a mural at the top.
Following Al Christian's recognition at the ISU Commencement ceremony, colleagues and former students gathered at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center for a reception in Al's honor. Al is pictured with some of his former students that he worked with at the Swine Teaching Farm.
Group of people standing in front of a wall of windows inside a building.
The 2024 cohort of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows was celebrated during an event last Wednesday evening in the Student Innovation Center. Learn more about each fellow and read about their projects on the CALS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows webpage.
Student pointing to an art piece while a man stands and listens.
Andrew Hokanson, first year doctoral student in the Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics program, received the Best in Show award for the 2025 CALS Art Exhibition, "Agricultural Icons." I had a great time visiting with Andrew as he discussed his lace piece, “Prairie Rose,” during the CALS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows 2024 recognition and celebration event in the Student Innovation Center last Wednesday evening. IEFF Fellow Dior Kelley, GDCB, organized the Agricultural Icons art meets science project.
Three people standing in a line with one person holding an award.
On behalf of Iowa State University, I accepted the 2025 Campaign Award from the United Way of Story County earlier this month. For the 2025 United Way campaign, Iowa State surpassed its $400,000 fundraising goal, reaching the second highest giving level ever. CALS raised $59,443.01. You can see other 2025 campaign totals from Iowa State on the 2025 Campaign Totals webpage.