Hello CALS Colleagues,
I hope you had a good weekend. Very soon we’ll arrive at July 1 – return to work on-campus day. I know for many of us it’s been a treat to get back on campus and have the pleasure of hallway chats, shared coffee breaks, collaborative discussions, and so many more of the things that shape the ways we know people and get our work done. I truly believe we inspire each other by being together in our work environments. I also know that for some of us, there has been recognition of the advantages of working from home and other remote locations during the pandemic, and that getting back to campus full-time will represent a back-to-the-future challenge. We are a place that thrives in-person, and we want you all in that mix.
I attended several great meetings last week, including the Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention, summer field day at the Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, Iowa Swine Day, Iowa Corn Board, the ISU leadership research retreat, and more. At each there was a celebratory feeling of people being back together to do their work and inspire each other. I hope you find the same in your work! At many of these gatherings, there was acknowledgement of the pandemic’s toll these past 16 months, of those still suffering, and the lasting impact of the disease on so many around us. Let’s please remain diligent in our defense against this disease, keep in mind those who have suffered and lost, and all those around the world who have yet to reach the other side of the pandemic.
This week includes the date of June 30, and while normally we think of that as the end of the fiscal year, this year it is also a date on which we have many retirements. In your offices you know who those fine people are – so please take a minute to thank them, wish them well, and remind them to come back, visit and let us know how things are going. In my office, I have to make special mention of Joe Colletti and Carla Persaud! They have served us all so incredibly well, and we wish for them every happiness in all their next wonderful adventures! Don’t forget to join us Wednesday, June 30 at 3 p.m. as we virtually celebrate both Joe and Carla’s retirements, and recognize Josie Six, senior manager of budget and finance, who is transitioning to serve the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. Find the Zoom meeting information below.
Have a great week and terrific July 4th! – Dan
Retirement celebration Zoom link: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/95523875432. Or join by phone: (312) 626-6799, (646) 876-9923, (301) 715-8592, (346) 248-7799, (669) 900-6833, (253) 215-8782. Webinar ID: 955 2387 5432.
Nature in focus
Amy Kaleita, professor and interim department chair of agricultural and biosystems engineering, recently vacationed in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. During her travels, she captured this stunning image of Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin. In addition to beautiful landscapes, she said they saw three bears from safe distances, as well as many other wildlife, and went on great hikes.
Please keep sharing your photos with me via email!
