Hello, CALS,
I hope this finds you and yours well, successfully navigating the semester, the continuing COVID concerns, and the ups and downs of the crazy weather. This is also an interesting season to watch our various levels of government do their work, and to consider the ebb-and-flow of politics, process and change. It's good, intriguing and dynamic to keep aware and engaged in our civic connections.
Last week I was in Arizona for an ISU Foundation event and to visit alumni, friends and donors of our college. It was a great visit, after missing last year due to a COVID cancellation. Each year, the Foundation sets up visits and events in Florida and Arizona to further our relationships with these terrific supporters. I made the Arizona trip this year with Sarah Roelfs and Nick Van Berkum from our CALS Development Office, and we ran ourselves all over that state, from Tucson to Scottsdale, visiting with wonderful Cyclones who have truly given of themselves to enable our college. Here are some of the programs they support:
- Sorrel Brown Ag Communications Leadership Scholarship
- Sorrel Brown Team Professional Development Award
- Robert and Patricia Jester Scholarship
- Van Wert Science with Practice Support Fund
- Todd and Lori Hall GRS Scholarship
- Robert Vasko Emergency and Completion Fund
- Dwight and Marilyn Conover Freshman Scholarship, Leadership Scholars, and Study Abroad Scholarship
- James Furnish Scholarship in Forestry
- Bill Patton Scholarship for NREM
- Leonard Hermanson Ag Entrepreneurship Scholarships
- Neal and Kitty Conover Livestock Judging Support Fund, and Student Support Fund
On Thursday evening last week, there was an ISU-wide Foundation event with approximately 300 people attending from all over the Arizona region, and a terrific presentation by President Wintersteen. These Cyclones, who enjoy the Arizona weather in winter a bit more than they used to enjoy a good, solid winter in Iowa, truly turn out to show their support! And, of course, the landscape there is fantastic, and I snapped a few pictures for you to see (below).
The excellence and the culture we have here in the college, which each of us is responsible for sustaining and always growing, is the culture that leads to alumni and friends wanting to give back and pay it forward for the next generations of faculty, staff and students that will come through our doors. You have much to be proud of here, including being part of a 164-year legacy of excellence. Thank you for all you do!
My best. - Dan
Nature in Focus
While in Arizona last week, I was able to take in many beautiful views, including the Santa Rita Mountains and Mt. Wrightson, as seen from Madera Canyon, south of Tucson, Arizona. And just look at these amazing glass sculptures, part of the "Chihuly in the Garden" exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.
