Student Announcements

April 2024

Innovation showcase is April 30-May 3

The annual IGNITE Innovation Showcase (April 30-May 3, Student Innovation Center) will feature displays, exhibitions, panels and presentations to highlight innovative student work happening across campus. The daily schedule of challenges and workshops is online. An interactive expo will take place May 2 (2-5 p.m.) with several hands-on activities, including a glassblowing demonstration, floral creativity, laser engraving and more. President Wendy Wintersteen will speak at 4 p.m. at the stepatorium.

Aerospace student project expo is May 1

Make to Innovate (AerE 2940/AerE 4940) invites the campus community to view 11 student projects at its annual project expo on Wednesday, May 1 (4-6 p.m., Howe Hall atrium). They include teams that, over the past year, traveled to competitions in Kansas and Alabama, or traveled to Utah and Florida. Ask about their research in cold welding, rocket engines and the future of flight. Learn more about taking your research to the next level, from 5,280 feet off the ground to 100,000 feet above the earth.

Classrooms reserved for evening study during prep week

Room scheduling will offer general university classrooms for students to use as study rooms during prep week, April 29-May 3. These 10 classrooms are reserved for evening study (5:30-11 p.m. daily): 

  • Carver 0118, 0128, 0132
  • Pearson 1106, 3157
  • Ross 0029, 0031, 0129
  • Town Engineering 0230, 0290

Showcase by Start Something LAS Academy students is April 30

Students completing their first year of the Start Something LAS Academy will display or demonstrate their projects during a showcase on Tuesday, April 30 (4:10-5:30 p.m., 4250 Student Innovation Center). All are invited to stop by this open house event.

Who's joining public radio's 'Science Friday' show in Ames?

Public radio's "Science Friday," hosted by Ira Flatow, has announced the program and guests for its Saturday, May 4, live event at Stephens Auditorium. Faculty experts include Arti Singh, Patrick Schnable, Balaji Narasimhan, Ikenna Nlebedim and Erin Norton. The event begins at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets remain via Ticketmaster.

Honors program poster presentation, convocation are May 1

The University Honors program invites the campus community to its spring poster presentation, featuring honors capstone projects, on Wednesday, May 1 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Spring 2024 honors graduates and other honors students will present, answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects. The Honors spring convocation will follow at 5:45 p.m. in the MU Sun Room, preceded by a reception (5-5:45 p.m.).

Reiman is open late for spring blooms

Reiman Gardens will remain open until 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays April 18-20 and April 25-27 so more visitors can enjoy thousands of tulips and other spring flowers in full bloom. Regular admission prices apply. The gift shop will be open until 7:30 p.m. those evenings. 

Volunteers sought for food pantry on-call list

The SHOP, Iowa State's on-campus student food pantry, would like to expand its on-call list for when it is short-staffed with volunteers. To be added to the list, email shop_exec@iastate.edu and say you would like to be added to the on-call list. SHOP relies heavily on volunteers, and in the past year the demand for services has grown substantially. Each month, SHOP receives about 1,000 visitors and distributes more than 14,000 pounds of food. Volunteers are needed during Tuesday delivery times (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first, third and fifth Tuesdays, time varies on second and fourth Tuesdays) and during open hours:

  • Monday, 1-6 pm.
  • Wednesday, 2-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
  • Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Reminder: Provost candidate forums start today

Four finalists for Iowa State's senior vice president and provost leadership post will interview on campus this month. The first, Elizabeth Wentz, dean of the Graduate College and vice provost, Arizona State University, visits campus April 15-16. Campus forums are consistently at 3 p.m. on the candidate's first day on campus. The administrative searches website will share the finalists' names and vitae the day prior to their arrival.

Woodcarvers gather at Reiman Gardens April 20

The Mid Iowa Woodcarvers Show comes to Reiman Gardens on Saturday, April 20 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Visitors can view woodcarving contest entries, watch carving demonstrations and join a hands-on lesson in whittling. Attendees pay normal gardens admission.

LeBaron Hall construction is focus of April 25 meeting

Facilities planning and management (FPM) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, April 25 (9-10 a.m., via Microsoft Teams) to share information about the LeBaron Hall replacement project with those who work in or visit buildings near the construction site on the northwest edge of the central campus lawn. The presentation will focus on construction activities and their impact on campus circulation, including nearby buildings. The meeting will include time for Q&A. Email FPM project manager Liz Clarke by April 24 to receive the meeting link.

Undergraduate research symposium is April 16

The 18th annual Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression will be held Tuesday, April 16 (8 a.m.-6 p.m., Student Innovation Center). A day-long celebration of undergraduate research, the symposium provides undergraduates from all academic disciplines an opportunity to share their research with the university community through conference-style oral and poster presentations. Attendees are encouraged to review the symposium schedule and symposium program with abstracts and come to support undergraduate researchers. Faculty or staff interested in moderating an oral session may sign up at this link. Questions may be directed to Svitlana Zbarska, undergraduate research program coordinator campuswide, 515-294-2064.

Design art club's spring sale is April 17-19, earlier than usual

The CODAC (College of Design Art Club) spring sale of work by students in integrated studio/visual arts and club members will be held Wednesday and Thursday, April 17-18 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Friday, April 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), in the foyer inside the main entrance to the College of Design. Find unique gifts for upcoming spring and summer celebrations -- or something for yourself. A majority of proceeds go to the artists, while the rest help fund club activities such as workshops, field trips and guest speakers.

Cyclone Voice prelims are April 15; register by April 12

ISU students who want to compete in the 2024 Cyclone Voice singing competition need to register online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 12. A preliminary round will be held Monday, April 15 (starting at 6 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop). Finalists will compete at Cyclone Voice on Saturday, April 27 (7 p.m., MU Great Hall). The finals event will be hosed by the Chicago quartet and Grammy nominee Plain White T's. Contestant rules, including preliminary round instructions, are online. Questions may be directed to the Student Union Board, subse@iastate.edu.

Author on homelessness to give keynote at campus symposium

Gregg Colburn, associate professor in the University of Washington's Runstad department of real estate and co-author of the book, "Homelessness is a Housing Problem," will present a keynote lecture on the same topic on Thursday, April 18 (5 p.m., 0101 College of Design). It's part of Iowa State's 2024 Homelessness Symposium, hosted by the department of community and regional planning.

Register for suicide awareness walk on April 27

Student Health and Wellness is organizing an "Out of Darkness" Walk for Suicide Awareness on Saturday, April 27 (10 a.m., registration opens 9:15 a.m., south campanile lawn). The walk follows sidewalks on campus, and if it rains, will move indoors to State Gym. Registration is free; walkers who raise $100 in donations receive a walk shirt (there isn't a requirement to raise funds). Register to walk (individual or group); volunteer to assist at the event. Questions may be directed to Jeffrey Nelson, suicide prevention coordinator in student counseling services, 515-294-0153.

Ugandan baskets for sale in the Workspace April 8-20

The Workspace in the Memorial Union and the Uganda Alliance Club are hosting a pop-up basket sale April 8-20 (2-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Workspace, east basement, MU). Purchase a handmade basket created by members of the Tusubila ("hope") crafts group, and directly support women artists and their families in Kamuli, Uganda. Baskets are made with dried raffia and banana leaves and sell for $10-$25.

This initiative began through ISU's Uganda Program. Students studying abroad saw that market access was limited for the basket artists and formed the Uganda Alliance Club. Students work with the Tusubila group to bring baskets to the United States, sell them and send the money back to the artists.

Plant-a-Row for the Hungry lunch and learn is April 9

Reiman Gardens will host a lunch and learn on Tuesday, April 9 (noon-2 p.m.) on the Plant-A-Row for the Hungry food donation program. Learn how gardens' staff, volunteers and local food pantries work together to address food needs in Story County. Bring a lunch to listen while representatives from Growing Together Iowa talk about their efforts and the state's food needs. Light refreshments will be available. Registration is requested.

'Cy's Finals Frenzy' promotes healthy habits during final exams prep

The division of student affairs is hosting the first Cy's Finals Frenzy April 28-30 to promote healthy study habits and personal wellness for students ahead of final exams. Held in the Memorial Union and outside spaces around the building, the frenzy will offer study sessions, tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders on site, quiet and group study rooms, free food and stress-relief activities including a smash room, crafts from the Workspace, free bowling and more. The event will be held all day on Sunday, April 28 (including a late night breakfast) and the evenings of April 29-30.

Pretend it's a warm day and go get some ice cream

Members of the Dairy Science club are selling ice cream today (noon-2 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors are strawberry, raspberry chip, Snickers, mint chip and cow tracks. The ice cream is mixed by club members at the ISU Creamery, and the sale serves as a fundraiser for club activities throughout the year. Interested in having the club's ice cream for your event? Send an email.

Tickets on sale for April 20 fashion show

Tickets ($16-$31) are on sale via Ticketmaster for The Fashion Show 2024 on Saturday, April 20 (7 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The event features dozens of student designs modeled by students and several guest judges/designers. From press releases to stage lighting, The Fashion Show is produced entirely by students from many majors working on 15 committees.

You're invited: Students who work on campus

The Student Employment Center, part of the office of student financial aid, is sponsoring several events daily to celebrate National Student Employment Week, April 8-12. Nearly one-third of Iowa State students work on campus. They are invited to participate in these events and more:

  • Kickoff event on Monday (1-3 p.m., Beardshear Hall), snacks, crafts and campus networking.
  • Four wellness and career readiness workshops for student employees in all majors, on topics such as budgeting and preventing burnout.
  • Therapy dog session on Wednesday (noon-2 p.m., outside Beardshear Hall).
  • Free food options daily for all student employees at Iowa State.
  • Virtual trivia on Wednesday and Thursday (noon-1 p.m.) with prizes. Themes TBA; registration required.
  • Cash Cab will roam campus April 12. Win gift cards, T-shirts and more.

Northbound I-35 entry ramp at 13th Street to close April 8-12

In connection with the city of Ames' sanitary sewer extension project on 13th Street east of Interstate 35, the northbound entry ramp onto I-35 will be closed Monday-Friday, April 8-12 (weather permitting). Drivers should follow posted signs for the preferred detour route.