Hello CALS Colleagues,
Happy Monday, and I hope all is very well. Last week was full, and the coming week, too, no doubt.
A couple quick thoughts on last week, including my thanks to those of you who were able to attend the CALS Town Hall on Friday afternoon. It was great to have you there. We covered a lot of ground. During the most “remote” parts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had several electronic-only Town Halls, but the one last week was the first in-person one since March 9, 2020, just a few days before campus was shut-down. It was compelling for me to prepare the slides for the Town Hall last week and to see all that we have accomplished together, even during these past 20 months, and all that we are doing and poised to do. If you were not able to attend the Town Hall, I hope you will watch the recording, as there is a good deal of information in it with regard to positions, salary, budget, enrollment, programmatic activity, planning and more.
This past weekend was the special commencement for all students - graduate and undergraduate - from all colleges who did not have a real commencement ceremony due to the pandemic. It was a grand event in Hilton Coliseum, with all that Hilton Magic we expect. Approximately 375 students who graduated in May and December 2020, as well as May 2021, participated in the event, with their family and friends cheering them on from the stands. President Wintersteen called it a historic event, given that it’s been many, many decades since Iowa State had a single commencement exercise for all students from all colleges and programs.
We were treated to stirring renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Ol' Man River" by opera virtuoso, Iowa native and Iowa State professor Dr. Simon Estes. If you’ve ever heard him sing, you know how his voice fills the soul of everyone listening. We were also treated to a truly great commencement speech by none other than our very own Charles Sukup, chairman of Sukup Manufacturing, Professor of Practice in ABE, and member of the National Academy of Engineering. I have been to a lot of commencements, and I have to say it was hands-down among the best set of remarks I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I hope there might be a recording or copy we can share sometime. I also later learned that besides all the things we know about Charles Sukup in the agricultural-sector, he was also a clarinet player in the ISU Marching Band and studied pipe organ and campanile while at Iowa State pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering!
Don't forget to join us tomorrow, Oct. 12, from 3-4:30 p.m. as we celebrate Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore being named Iowa State's first faculty MacArthur Fellow. This casual gathering will take place on the Curtiss Hall east patio - if it's raining, the event will be moved inside to Harl Commons. Come congratulate Lisa on this outstanding honor and enjoy fellowship over light appetizers, refreshments and ISU Creamery ice cream.
Also, my best wishes to all our CALS students tomorrow as they participate in the CALS Career Day. I encourage our faculty and staff to stop over at Lied Recreation Center between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to thank the roughly 190 businesses and organizations for coming and for hiring our incredible students.
My best for a great week. - Dan
Nature in Focus
Pumpkins are a sure sign of fall, as seen in this photo of a pumpkin patch at the Horticulture Research Station.
CALS is in the honey business now, thanks to the bees in these bee hives at the Horticulture Research Station. You can purchase ISU honey from the Innovate 1858 store in the Student Innovation Center, or watch for it to be offered through the Horticulture Research Station's weekly community produce sales.
Finally, some bees enjoying the fall flowers.
Please keep sharing your photos with me via email!
