Iowa State University Alumni Association

What to do when you don't know what to do ... that is the question! Entrepreneur and all-around boss lady Kathleen Riessen ('04 advertising & accounting) will walk you through the simple process she uses with her executive clients to eliminate difficult work questions and move forward with confidence. At the end of this podcast, you'll have the tools you need to say, "I know what I should do!"

ISU Alumni Association president & CEO Jeff Johnson shares how new graduates can tap into the Cyclone network. Whether its looking for a job or connecting with alums in a new city, there are many ways to take advantage of your new grad digital membership!

Barb Wollan, a human sciences specialist in family well-being with Iowa State Extension and Outreach, gives you tips on how to understand different types of debt and the best ways to pay them off over time. Plus, tips on properly using a credit card and how to check your credit report each year.

Barb Wollan, a human sciences specialist in family well-being with Iowa State Extension and Outreach, helps you identify financial goals to work toward. Plus, she will help you understand the difference between future goals and lifestyle goals.

Barb Wollan, a human sciences specialist in family well-being with Iowa State Extension and Outreach, helps you take a clear-eyed look at your financial situation and make a realistic workable monthly spending plan.

In the first episode of New Grad 101, Iowa State University Alumni Association president & CEO Jeff Johnson talks about the many ways for new graduates to become engaged alums.

Trent Preszler had an epiphany to make something with the tools he inherited from his father. With no experience in woodcraft, driven only by blind will, he built a canoe. Working with his hands tested Preszler's limits but ultimately offered him a different per­spective on life, and the means to change it. "Little and Often," a USA Today Best Book of 2021, delivers a moving reflection on bereavement and inheritance through a profound father-and-son odyssey, resonating with Robert Pirsig's classic "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

Ball Boy follows the adventures of Gray Taylor, a 14-year-old who discovers basketball when his mother moves them from Los Angeles to Beaudelaire, a small town in Kansas. Taylor uses basketball to become someone people notice and later to save the town. Paul Shirley (‘00 mechanical engineering), a former Cyclone basketball and NBA player, is the author of two humor memoirs, a novel, and a how-to book. He has written for ESPN.com, Slate, Esquire, the Wall Street Journal, and FlipCollective.com, a website for writers he founded.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Does your career fit you? Or do you feel like you're constantly trying to fit your passions and strengths to your career? In this podcast series, award-winning business coach and Iowa State alumna Erica Carrico (‘02 psychology) explores opportunities for a career that better aligns with your life purpose.

Brett McIntyre ('08 meteorology, journalism) joins us for a special homecoming edition of Live from Cy's Lounge. The Iowa State alum and meteorologist at Des Moines' WHO 13 News shares stories from covering some of Iowa's largest storms. Plus, get a first look at the weather forecast for Saturday's homecoming football game! Thank you to Campustown, the exclusive sponsor of Homecoming 2021. #CyclonesEverywhere

Kelly Norris (A)(MS '11) is an award-winning horticulturist and author of the book "New Naturalism." His work in gardens has been featured in publications including The New York Times and Better Homes and Gardens. Norris also documents his personal project called Three Oaks Garden, which he refers to as a repository of ideas, canvas for personal expression and planting field in a clearing atop an oak-covered hill above the Des Moines River. #CyclonesEverywhere

Michelle Book (L)('83 accounting) is the president & CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa, a non-profit distribution organization that meets the critical needs of food-insecure Iowans. #CyclonesEverywhere

Michael Hanstad (‘17 marketing) and Robert Doan ('18 culinary food science) are the co-founders of Charlotte's Kitchen. What first began as a concept of serving bar patrons quickly turned into one of the most sought-after food trucks in the Des Moines metro. Their specialty? Chicken sandwiches, of course. With flavors ranging from Nashville hot to crab rangoon, the duo of Iowa State alums have combined their marketing and culinary skills into their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Johnston, Iowa. #CyclonesEverywhere

Katherine Polak (DVM '10) is the head of stray animal care for the non-profit Four Paws in Bangkok, Thailand. In this role, she promotes the welfare of stray cats and dogs through partnerships, and collaborative, sustainable programs. Polak is the 2021 recipient of the ISU Alumni Association's Alumni Humanitarian Award. #CyclonesEverywhere

Ariel Perry ('15 kinesiology & health) is the programming director at Can Play Sports, a non-profit organization in Iowa with a mission of increasing the positive impacts on youth through the growth and evolution of adaptive and no-cost sports programs. Can Play supplements the cost of playing sports and adapt the play to the skill level for each child – creating the opportunity to play despite the barriers. #CyclonesEverywhere

Clayton Mooney ('12 english) is the co-founder and CEO of Nebullam, an indoor farm selling fresh produce direct-to-consumers in central Iowa. Located in the Iowa State Research Park, Mooney and his team grow and harvest lettuce, sprouts, and tomatoes using their proprietary aeroponic equipment. This method uses substantially less water, fertilizer, lighting, and labor – allowing Nebullam to produce year-round access to reliable and local food. #CyclonesEverywhere

Kelly Howard (A)('08 journalism) is the CEO of EightSixtySouth, a strategic communications agency in Los Angeles working with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Howard is a former Iowa STATEment Maker and was the recipient of the 2020 ISUAA Outstanding Young Alumni Award. #CyclonesEverywhere

SoFi Stadium opened last year in southern California and serves as home to the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams of the NFL. The new state-of-the-art stadium is the most expensive ever to be built – and a Cyclone is behind it all. Mark Williams ('85 architecture) is the principal architect at HKI, Inc., the leading firm behind some of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. #CyclonesEverywhere

After 24 years and 97 issues, Carole Gieseke is retiring as editor of VISIONS – the official alumni magazine of Iowa State University. Since 1997, Gieseke has traveled to all 50 states and several countries interviewing alumni and sharing their stories. Gieseke talks about her favorite memories writing for VISIONS, including the cross-country journey of "VISIONS Across America" she completed with photographer Jim Heemstra.

Cyclone author Trent Preszler** ('98 interdisciplinary studies) thought he was living the life he always wanted -- when he was called back to the life he left behind. After years of estrangement, his cancer-stricken father had invited him to South Dakota for Thanksgiving. It would be the last time he saw his father alive. Preszler's "Little and Often" is an account of both healing and self-discovery. He discusses his work, as well as his upcoming interview with CBS Sunday Morning on June 20, in this edition of Live from Cy's Lounge.

Iowa State alum and retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson (L)(MS '83) returns to Live from Cy's Lounge to talk about his new children's book "Letters from Space."

Mason Weh's journey to Iowa State was a long road. As a child, Weh ('21 liberal studies) helped his family by selling water along the roadside in his home country of Liberia. After moving to the U.S. at age 10, one of Mason's teachers introduced him to track and field and opened up a whole new opportunity. Now, Weh is set to compete for Iowa State in the Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championship this weekend. The first generation graduate has also started the non-profit Mentoring For Change to help disadvantaged youth reach their full potential in arts and sports.

ISUAA President & CEO Jeff Johnson has a conversation with Reg Chhen Stewart (A), Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Iowa State University.

Michael Czahor (PhD '19) is the lead quantitative analyst of the new Integrative Baseball Performance Department for the Major League Baseball team the Philadelphia Phillies. The Iowa State grad also recently founded a company that teaches students statistics and data-science through the use of sports-based examples. Learn more about Michael's work: https://linktr.ee/ezcz

Dr. Lauren Hughes (L)('02 zoology, spanish) is a practicing family physician, associate professor of family medicine, and the State Policy Director of the Farley Health Policy Center at the University of Colorado, where she leads initiatives to translate data for policymakers – helping to inform the design and implementation of evidence-based health policy. Her research has been focused on strengthening rural health care delivery systems and the future of primary care and public health post-COVID.

Former three-time All-American Iowa State wrestler Kyven Gadson (‘14 child, adult, and family services) talks about training for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, his new initiative to promote healthy social and emotional learning patterns in youth, and a new ice cream he helped develop with the ISU creamery.

ISUAA President & CEO Jeff Johnson has a conversation with Paul Fuligni, the Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) at Iowa State University. Fuligni discusses the work that went into preparing campus buildings to allow students to return to campus and faculty to return to the classroom during the pandemic, how FP&M responded to the damage sustained from the derecho on campus, and what goes on behind the scenes in order to maintain the campus’ beauty.

Alan Johnson (A)('06 computer engineering) joins us "Live from Cy's Lounge" to talk about his recent experience competing on "Jeopardy!" and how his Iowa State education helped prepare him.

"Live from Cy's Lounge" with former Iowa State and professional basketball player Paul Shirley ('00 mechanical engineering), author of the newly-released novel "Ball Boy."

ISUAA President & CEO Jeff Johnson has a conversation with Pete Englin, assistant vice president for campus life and director of residence at Iowa State University. This is the first interview of a four-part special edition of our "Live from Cy's Lounge" series, where we showcase Iowa State graduates making their communities, Iowa, and the world a better place.

Michael McClenahan (A)(DVM '97) and Scott Weinman (DVM '96) are hosts of The Vets Unleashed, a podcast that tackles the most pressing, silly, and interesting topics in the animal kingdom. The two Iowa State alums met as students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and now both live in California as practicing veterinarians.

Former Iowa State women's basketball player Lyndsey Fennelly ('07 health and human performance) joins us "Live from Cy's Lounge" for a conversation about becoming a mental health advocate, her work as a motivational speaker, and starting her own business.

Jason Walsmith ('96 anthropology), singer/songwriter of the Iowa-based band The Nadas joins us Live from Cy's Lounge for a concert and conversation. Jason started the band in 1993 as a student at Iowa State. Since then, the band has toured the country and performed with The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, and Huey Lewis. They released their 12th studio album titled: “Duo Numero Uno” earlier this year and have a new Christmas record coming out in mid-December 2020.

Patrice Bailey (MS '01 Agricultural Education and Studies) joins us Live from Cy's Lounge to talk about his role as Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Brent Blum (A)('07 journalism) joins us Live from Cy's Lounge to preview the upcoming Iowa State Men's and Women's Basketball seasons. As a broadcaster with the Cyclone Radio Network, Brent has also been up-close at every Cyclone football game and gives his insights on the season so far. Brent is also the Director of Development at the Ivy College of Business through the Iowa State University Foundation and gives some insight into the new expansion that just took place at the Gerdin Business Building.

Deborah Turner (L)('73 distributed studies), president of the League of Women Voters of the U.S., joins us Live from Cy's Lounge for a virtual Q&A to discuss the recent election, her career as a gynecological oncologist, and memories from being a student at Iowa State.

Greg Smith (L)('91 occupational safety, MPA '10)is the fire chief for the City of Cedar Rapids Fire Department and current ISUAA Board Member. He joins us Live from Cy's Lounge to talk about serving as incident commander for the city’s disaster response after the derecho storm in May, as well as the floods of 2008 and 2016.

Kristen Obbink (A)(DVM '11), Iowa State University’s COVID-19 public health coordinator, talks about her role leading the university’s comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risk of coronavirus spread on campus.

Buffy Peters ('12 child, adult and family services), director of Hamilton's Academy of Grief & Loss in Des Moines, talks about how she's using her Iowa State education to help people grieving the loss of a loved one during the pandemic.

Jeff Joniak ('84 journalism) is currently in his 24th season calling games on the radio for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. As a student at Iowa State, Joniak discovered sportscasting and got his start calling baseball, basketball, and football games for the student radio station. Tune in to find out how he went from doing radio in the basement of Friley Hall to announcing a Super Bowl game.

Hatched at Iowa State's Homecoming on Oct. 16, 1954, Cy celebrates his birthday during homecoming each year. We sat down with three Iowa State alums from different decades who used to be Cy, to talk about what it's like being the school's beloved mascot.

To kick off Iowa State Homecoming 2020: Cardinal & Bold, we are celebrating 40 years of the ISU Alumni Band! Hear from alums of all different decades about what it's like to march on the field at Jack Trice Stadium and why it's important to keep the band tradition alive each homecoming.

Casey Neubauer ('13 public relations), co-founder and executive director of Creating for Justice, joins us to talk about his non-profit that offers artistic and other professional services in exchange for donations to support anti-racist organizations.

Lisa Uhl (A)(DVM '18, '08 biology) is a four-time NCAA D-I track & field champion at Iowa State, ran in the 2012 Olympics, and is now a resident pathologist at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Emmy award-winning meteorologist Sean McLaughlin (L)('88 journalism) tells us about his accomplished career working for NBC, CBS, and now as a news and weather anchor in Arizona.