Sendoff for a beloved leader

December 08, 2025

Image: Christopher Gannon

Farewell reception

President Wendy Wintersteen and her husband, Robert Waggoner (front row, from right) listen during the community's retirement celebration for them Dec. 4 in the Memorial Union Great Hall. To the president's immediate right are Gail Nonnecke, Morrill Professor Emerita and University Professor Emerita in horticulture; and Julia Campbell Looney, student government president (2021-22) and 2023 alumna in ag business and economics, who both spoke during the program part of the reception.

One-of-a-kind gifts, with gratitude

Five faculty members of the department of apparel, events and hospitality management presented President Wendy Wintersteen (far left) and her husband, Robert Waggoner (far right) with custom gifts they created: wool jacket, monarch scarf, cuff links and a tie and pocket square featuring imagery from one of Waggoner's book on lucid dreaming. The team included (l-r) department chair Hye-Young Kim, assistant professor of practice Jason Gagnon, associate professor Chunhui Xiang, assistant teaching professor Yvonne Lee and associate professor Ling Zhang.

Stalwart partner

Among the 600-plus who attended the Dec. 4 event to thank President Wendy Wintersteen for her service, Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO Pat McGonegle (left) visits with her in the receiving line.

Standing 'O'

Following her remarks during the Dec. 4 program, President Wendy Wintersteen acknowledges a standing ovation in recognition of her service leadership and decades of work to advance Iowa State University.

Emcee Spalding

Vice president for economic development and industry relations and retired Ivy College of Business dean David Spalding served as master of ceremonies for the Dec. 4 program. With an affinity for wearing many hats, Spalding also will serve as interim university president from Jan. 3 to March 1.

Decades of service

With 46 total years of service to Iowa State, President Wendy Wintersteen has many current and former colleagues, many of whom showed up for her on Dec. 8. Among them was professor emeritus of entomology Les Lewis and his wife, Sarah Lewis, who congratulate Wintersteen in the receiving line.

A sea of Cyclone red

President Wendy Wintersteen and her husband, Robert Waggoner, acknowledge the large crowd in a packed Great Hall of the Memorial Union during their retirement reception on Dec. 4.