ISU wine and hard cider holiday pre-sale continues
The Iowa State University Winery is taking pre-orders now for its holiday wine sale (red, rosé and white varieties). Pick-up and payment for pre-orders will be held outside the Meats Laboratory in Kildee Hall on Fridays this month: Dec. 5, 12 and 19 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.). Wine bottles cost $20 each, and shoppers must be 21 years old with a valid ID to purchase and consume. Starting Nov. 10, the pre-sale will include the two hard ciders from the new Iowa State University Cidery: original cider and carbonated cider and rosé wine, both made with Iowa-grown apples. Questions may be directed to Jocey Caelwaerts.
Ames snow parking ban takes effect at 8 p.m. Saturday
The city of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 -- but may vary depending on plowing conditions. Crews may need to make multiple passes depending on the timing and intensity of the snowfall. Vehicles on city snow routes (identified by red and white signs) should be moved to off-street parking or to streets not designated as snow routes. To assist with the plowing effort, owners are asked to not park vehicles on any residential street, particularly on circles and cul de sacs; however, only vehicles parked on snow routes risk being towed.
Open forums scheduled Dec. 8-10 for enrollment management finalists
Three finalists for Iowa State's associate vice president for enrollment management post will visit campus the week of Dec. 8. Each visit includes an open forum (10:30-11:15 a.m., 3155 Marston) where stakeholders and members of the campus community can hear from the candidate and ask questions. The open forum schedule:
- Monday, Dec. 8
- Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Wednesday, Dec. 10
Sign up to judge the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa in March
The State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa seeks university faculty, staff and students to serve as judges for the statewide fair, to be held March 26-27, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum. More than 600 middle and high school students from across Iowa present STEM research projects, and the expertise of judges plays a critical role in helping them grow as young scientists, engineers and problem-solvers. Whether your specialty is agriculture, engineering, biology, computer science, health sciences, environmental science or the social sciences, there's a category in the fair that will benefit from your background and insight. Sign up online. Training is provided, and both new and returning judges are welcome. Questions may be directed to Alexa Groff, Extension Youth and 4-H.
Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape opens Friday
Reiman Gardens' Winter Wonderscape is one of Iowa's largest holiday walk-through light displays, featuring more than 200,000 lights along lighted ADA-accessible trails. It will be held every Thursday-Saturday in December preceding Christmas and also Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 26-27 (5-9 p.m. nightly). Note: Forecasted extreme temperatures for Dec. 4 compelled organizers to cancel the opening night (ticket holders should email rgregistration@iastate.edu to rebook. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are sold in half-hour increments (last entry starts at 7:30 p.m.). Once guests enter the gardens, they are welcome to stay as long as they wish up to the 9 p.m. close. Tickets are $16 (members and ISU students $14, youth 2-12 years $7).
You're invited: Honors capstone poster session is Dec. 10
Fifty-six Honors students completing their honors capstone projects will present their posters on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (3-4:30 p.m., MU Gold, Oak and Cardinal rooms). All members of the university community are welcome to attend to learn about these students' projects.
Agronomy Club holds popcorn fundraiser
The Agronomy Club is holding its annual (unpopped) popcorn fundraiser. The $10 package weighs approximately two pounds and features custom red and yellow kernels grown at the Agronomy Research Farm west of Ames. Order online; payment is by cash or check made out to Agronomy Club at Iowa State. Club members deliver on-campus orders and will ship anywhere when the buyer pays for shipping.
Monday day and evening classes canceled; university open
Due to Saturday's winter storm and the potential for hazardous road conditions on Sunday, Iowa State has cancelled day and evening classes on Monday, Dec. 1, to allow students additional time to travel back to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday. The university will remain open with normal operations, and facilities crews will be working throughout the weekend to clear roads and sidewalks. Employees who can't make it to campus Monday should coordinate with their supervisor to arrange to work remotely or take leave.
Horticulture Club members will sell poinsettias Dec. 2-6
Members of the Horticulture Club will sell poinsettia plants, while supplies last, Dec. 2-6, with the campus location changing daily. Prices are: $12 (4-inch pot), $18 (6.5-inch pot) and $40 (10-inch pot), with several colors available in each size. Pre-orders will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 26, with pick-up Dec. 1-2 in 0045 Horticulture Hall. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check or card.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), Curtiss Hall rotunda
- Wednesday, Dec. 3 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), Beardshear ground floor
- Thursday, Dec. 4 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Maple Willow Larch commons
- Friday, Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Union Drive Community Center entrance
- Saturday, Dec. 6 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), Reiman Gardens
Annual holiday art mart is Dec. 2-5 in the Memorial Union
Support local artists and find unique gifts at the annual Holiday Art Mart in the Memorial Union Dec. 2-5 (Art Gallery, first floor). Hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday (part of WinterFest). Find pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, textiles and prints. Sales support the individual artists, The Workspace in the MU and ISU's Gaffer's Guild.
Find unique gifts and treats at entrepreneurs' holiday market
The Pappajohn Center, in collaboration with Winterfest, will host the third annual Jingle and Mingle Holiday Market on Friday, Dec. 5 (3:30-7:30 p.m., ground floor of Beardshear Hall). At this market event, students and alumni will sell their handmade goods and services as part of the the holiday season. Find handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts, food, art and more, all created by talented entrepreneurs. Admission is free.
Healthcare management students shine in national case competitions
A team of healthcare management students from the Ivy College of Business placed first in the fifth annual Undergraduate Health Administration Case Competition, held in Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 13-14. Over five weeks, the team worked on a complex case requiring them to develop a business plan for implementing multiple healthcare AI products at the Medical University of South Carolina. Their strategic thinking, case analysis and professional delivery of their presentation set them apart from the 13 other teams in the competition.
A second team of healthcare management students won first place in the Penn State Health Policy and Administration Virtual Case Competition held virtually Oct. 17-23. This national event featured 54 undergraduate and graduate teams from 37 universities. The challenge involved examining patient data for adolescents with congenital heart disease, a lifelong condition present at birth that requires ongoing care. The objective was to determine why patients between the ages of 10 and 19 disengage from treatment and develop actionable strategies to increase engagement among teenage patients.
Commodity director to give Deal leadership lecture
Gretta Irwin, executive director and home economist with the Iowa Turkey Federation, will present the 2025 William K. Deal Leadership Lecture, "It Takes One: Leadership, Legacy and the Power of Belief," on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (4:30 p.m., 0127 Curtiss). All are welcome. Irwin earned her degree at Central College, Pella, and has served with the Iowa Turkey Federation since 1994. She was a key player in advocating, fundraising and assisting in the design for ISU's Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility and guiding the federation to make contributions toward the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Forestry club's tree and wreath sale runs for three weekends
Members of the forestry club will sell Christmas trees and wreaths over three weekends: Nov. 29-30 (no Friday sale), Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 in the Reiman Gardens parking lot. Sale hours are: 3-6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. The club will sell four tree varieties: white pine ($50-$65); Korean fir, balsam fir and Canaan fir ($100-$110), depending on size. Wreaths are priced $25 or $30, and accepted forms of payment are cash, check or card.
CeCe Winans concert tickets go on sale Nov. 20
Tickets for an April 23, 2026, concert by Grammy Award-winning American gospel singer CeCe Winans go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, via Ticketmaster. The 7 p.m. concert will be in Stephens Auditorium.
New spring graduate course focuses on building research skills
LIB 5600x is a new, two-credit course for graduate students being offered spring semester. It's recommended for students who are at the beginning of their dissertation research or thesis. Open to students in all majors, this course provides structured guidance to conduct high-quality academic research. Students will develop advanced research and information literacy skills and build a holistic understanding of the research process and how to participate in it.
CyMath is recruiting math tutors for grades 3-12
CyMath provides weekly math tutoring on campus, by Zoom and at two Ames schools for students in grades 3-12. The goal is for students to build their math confidence and competence so they thrive in future STEM classes. The free program, directed by professor of electrical and computer engineering Namrata Vaswani, is recruiting faculty, staff and graduate student volunteers in math, statistics, physics, computer science or computer engineering to tutor, help recruit tutors, assist with publicity, document impact or coordinate sessions in Des Moines (especially by volunteers who live in the Des Moines area). Improve your communication and teaching skills with young students -- perhaps future Cyclones -- while helping them learn. Complete the volunteer application to get started. CyMath impact reports are online. Questions may be directed to cymath@iastate.edu.
Stange west lane and sidewalk to close for grass seeding
From Thursday, Nov. 13, through Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, the west/outer lane of Stange Road (southbound) and westside sidewalk along Stange will be closed so crews can complete grading and grass seeding in that area. The inner lane will remain in use. Pedestrians are asked to use the path along the east side of the road.
Celebrate GIS Day at Nov. 19 event
Iowa State's GIS (Geographic Information System) Support and Research Facility, along with Parks Library, will host GIS Day 2025 on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (9 a.m.-noon, The Catalyst, 199 Parks Library). This come-and-go event is for everyone, from the GIS curious to the GIS user. Get information about GIS opportunities and programs on campus, free GIS swag and free food. The Mapping Masterminds competition (with prizes in each of two categories) is open to everyone, and speakers from around campus will share their research throughout the morning.
Hort Farm to hold apple sale Nov. 20-21
The staff of ISU's Horticulture Research Station will hold an apple sale on Thursday-Friday, Nov. 20-21 (3-6 p.m. daily, 55519 170th St., north of Ames). A wide variety of apple cultivars will be available, including (but not limited to): Chieftain, Liberty, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Ludacrisp, Evercrisp, Secor and Fuji. The price is $5 for a 5-pound bag. To order a 30-pound box (by request only, $30), email Chloe Henscheid.
Museums' spring internship application window opens Nov. 7
The application window for spring internships at University Museums opens Friday, Nov. 7, and stays open through November. Students can intern in a variety of locations and studies within University Museums, including Art on Campus, marketing, education and museum studies. A handful of the internships are paid opportunities, while others can be utilized for class credit.
Lecture: Indigenous peoples and the American Constitution
Sebastian Braun, professor of political science and director of the American Indian studies program, will give a public lecture, "Indigenous Peoples and the American Constitution," on Wednesday, Nov. 12 (6 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union). All are welcome.
Learn proper tree-pruning technique from campus experts
As part of ISU's annual application for membership in the national Tree Campus USA program, horticulture professor Jeff Iles and campus services' tree maintenance staff are hosting training on how to properly prune trees on Thursday, Nov. 13 (11 a.m.-noon, meet at the northeast doors to Troxel Hall). This training is open to any ISU employee or student interested in learning about proper pruning techniques for small trees. Service-learning projects give campus groundskeepers and arborists the chance to engage with students and staff on issues related to the care and maintenance of campus trees. Questions may be directed to Rhonda Martin, campus services.
Give CyThx through end of November
In its eighth year, CyThx gives Iowa Staters a chance to thank the faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants or anyone else who makes them feel like a valued member of the ISU community. "Thankers" remain anonymous while CyThx honorees are acknowledged. Submissions can be made through the end of the month. The initiative is a partnership of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, ISU learning communities, multicultural student affairs, student government, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, student engagement and Student Union Board.
Recycle pumpkins, gourds at city site
Jack-o'-lanterns, decorative gourds, corn and harvest vegetables can be dropped off in collection bins on the north side of the city of Ames' Resource Recovery Plant, 110 Center Ave., through Dec. 1. They will be composted.
Diwali celebration of Indian culture is Nov. 15
The Indian Student Association will host Diwali, a celebration of light, culture and togetherness, on Saturday, Nov. 15 (5-10:30 p.m., Ames City Hall auditorium). Enjoy traditional Indian dance and music performances, with an authentic Indian dinner served afterward. Tickets ($12, faculty and staff $10, students $8) may be purchased on the student organization marketplace. Diwali is open to the Iowa State and Ames communities.
Gymnastics season tickets on sale now
Season tickets for the Cyclone gymnastics home season go on sale Oct. 30. Get admission to the five meets at Hilton Coliseum during February and March -- including the March 13 dual with Iowa -- for $25. All seating is general admission and first come, first served.
Empty Bowls fundraiser to benefit SHOP food pantry
The second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser is Saturday, Nov. 15 (5:30-8 p.m., Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way). Enjoy bread, desserts and soup served in a handcrafted bowl made by local artists, including those who participated in a workshop hosted by the Memorial Union Workspace earlier this year. Guests keep their bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls in our community. A portion of the funds raised will benefit SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) food pantry in Beyer Hall serving Iowa State students living with food insecurity. Tickets are $30-35 in advance ($40 at the door) and available around town and online.
Final ice cream sale of the semester is today in Kildee Hall
Members of the Dairy Science Club are holding their final Wednesday ice cream sale of fall semester today (Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) outside the north doors to Lush Auditorium in Kildee Hall. Get a cup for $2 (cash only); flavors this week are apple pie, caramel brownie, mocha chip, s'mores and vanilla. 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. The Wednesday sale will resume in the spring.
Dogs and owners welcome at Howl-O-Ween
Reiman Gardens will host its annual Howl-O-Ween, a special event for dog lovers and their canine companions, on Friday, Oct. 31 (4:30-7 p.m., Reiman Gardens). Activities include a canine costume contest (captured with photos shared on Reiman Gardens' Facebook page the next day for public voting and prizes for the three best costumes) and complimentary swag bag for dogs. Outside Scoop will be on site offering ice cream and pup cups for purchase. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Regular admission rates apply (free for members and ISU students).
Save the date: Reception for Wintersteen is Dec. 4
The university community will hold a farewell reception for President Wendy Wintersteen and her husband, Robert Waggoner, on Thursday, Dec. 4 (3:30 p.m., doors open at 3 p.m., MU Great Hall). A 30-minute program will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Wintersteen will retire from the university on Jan. 1.
Stange Road returns to four lanes
With pedestrian paths, streetlights and lane striping complete, Stange Road north of 13th Street opened to all four lanes of traffic Friday afternoon, Oct. 24.
Nominations due Nov. 1 for MLK Advancing One Community awards
The division of student affairs announces that nominations are open through Nov. 1 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing One Community Awards. The awards recognize efforts to enhance and cultivate a welcoming university community. Up to three $500 awards may be awarded in the categories of employee, student and/or group. Recipients of the Advancing One Community Award will have demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of King over a sustained period of time. Nominations should demonstrate the nominee's commitment to bringing about positive change to Iowa State through their volunteerism, engagement, scholarship, research, teaching and/or program development. Submit a nomination online. Award recipients will be honored at the lectures program's annual King event on Jan. 29, 2026.
Block and Bridle sausage and cheese orders close Nov. 1
The Block and Bridle Club's annual summer sausage and cheese sale is open. Orders close on Nov. 1. Orders will be available for pick-up during the weeks of Nov. 17 and Dec. 8. The summer sausage is made in the ISU Meat Lab, and cheese curds and cheese blocks are sourced from Homestead Dairy in Waukon. Accepted payments are: cash or check by mail and during pickup, or card on Nov. 17 and Dec. 11 (card payment will include a 5% fee).
Cloud service outage impacts Canvas access and performance
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage early Monday is impacting Canvas learning management system's access and performance, which also impacts ISU administrative tools. AWS is the leading provider of cloud infrastructure technology. Status updates are available on the:
- Instructure (Canvas developer and owner) status website. IT Services currently doesn't have updates from the company on the expected restoration of Canvas operations.
- IT Services' Status Hub website.
Fix to Workday slowness will start at 5 p.m. Thursday
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Workday will become unavailable for approximately four hours while an IT Services team and Workday team work together to implement a fix in the system. An issue with the Workday system, not university factors, is causing slowness and delays in the system. IT Services will post updates to its Status Hub regularly until the problem is resolved.
Sustainability celebration is Oct. 20 on central campus
October is International Campus Sustainability Month and the office of sustainability is hosting a Campus Sustainability Month Celebration on Monday, Oct. 20 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., south library lawn). The observance empowers students, faculty and staff to take action now toward a sustainable future. All are invited to learn about campus and community sustainability efforts -- plus how to implement sustainability practices into their everyday lives. Free bike tune-ups from the ISU Adventure Program will be offered and hands-on "Green It Yourself" activities will be available. Green prizes will be available along with a grand prize drawing for gift cards. Attendees are invited to bring a reusable mug for a free beverage and a nonperishable food donation for the campus food pantry SHOP.
Search begins for enrollment management leader
Iowa State has launched the search for its next associate vice president for enrollment management. A search committee, led by interim assistant provost Sriram Sundararajan, will begin its work in the coming days with plans to have a permanent leader in place by the start of the spring semester. Executive director of admissions Katharine Johnson Suski currently is serving in an interim associate VP role. Enrollment management includes the offices of admissions, new student programs and student financial aid and the university registrar.
Sorority- and fraternity-hosted indoor trick-or-treat is Oct. 26
Iowa State's Sorority and Fraternity Community invites families to the annual Trick-O-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 26 (noon-4 p.m., MU Great Hall).This event is free with no registration needed and open to the entire family. Chapters will host games for everyone to play and provide lots of candy to take home. Children, family members and participants are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costume.
'Cinderella' ballet tickets go on sale Oct. 17
Tickets for an April 14 dance performance of "Cinderella" by Los Angeles-based World Ballet Company go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, via Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $40 for the 7 p.m. show in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium.
Virtual interviews with presidential semifinalists set for Oct. 20-21
The Iowa State University Presidential Search Committee will meet Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 20-21, at the Alumni Center to interview and evaluate (PDF) semifinalist candidates. Interviews will be conducted in closed session and candidates will not be identified publicly. Eight candidates have been invited to interview virtually.
Luke Combs to perform at Jack Trice Stadium April 11
Country singer Luke Combs’s "My Kinda Saturday Night Tour" is coming to Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, April 11. Guest artists include Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington and Thelma & James. Tickets will be available for pre-sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, with the general public sale starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Members of Combs' fan club, The Bootleggers, will have advance access to tickets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Flu shots available at Cyclone Support Central in the library
In addition to making a flu shot appointment at the Thielen Student Health Center (515-294-5801), students can receive a flu shot on any Tuesday in October at Cyclone Support Central (10 a.m.-2 p.m., 140 Parks Library). Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment is necessary. Bring your ISU ID card and insurance card.
'Dancing with the Stars' tickets on sale Oct. 10
Tickets for a Feb. 26, 2026, performance of Dancing with the Stars: Live! at Stephens Auditorium go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, via Ticketmaster or the Stephens ticket office. The touring show features professional dancers Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Hailey Bills, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa and Britt Stewart. Ticket prices start at $59.50 (plus applicable service charges). VIP packages will be available and include premium tickets, meet and Greet photo opportunity, interactive experience with members of the touring cast, exclusive merchandise and more; details are on the tour site.
Eyles honored with Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers Legacy Award
Judi Eyles, Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship director, received the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Legacy Award, honoring her nearly 30 years of leadership in entrepreneurship education and her lasting impact on students, faculty and entrepreneurs. The Legacy Award, one of GCEC’s highest distinctions, recognizes individuals whose work has created enduring, transformational impact in advancing entrepreneurship within universities.
Cyclone Family Weekend is Oct. 10-12
Cyclone Family Weekend, a time for parents and younger siblings of undergraduates to visit campus, is this weekend, Oct. 10-12. It opens with a Friday afternoon sand volleyball tourney and evening welcome reception in the Student Innovation Center, and continues with open houses across campus, tours of cool facilities, performances and many activities. Most events are on campus; many are free, though some require advance registration.
University AI website is live
A new AI website (ai.iastate.edu) for Iowa State is available, developed through the AI Committee led by the office of the senior vice president and provost. The site is an information hub to explore and support use of artificial intelligence tools at Iowa State. Key features include:
- Overview of AI tools available to the university community and how to access them.
- Comparison chart to help students, faculty and staff choose the right tool for their needs.
- Q&A section addressing secure and responsible use of AI, including guidance on data protection.
- Links to additional university sites and resources about AI.
The AI Committee gathered related university sites and webpages. If an area has content that should be added to the site, send an email to itscomms@iastate.edu.
Presidential search committee meets Oct. 6
The next meeting of the ISU Presidential Search Committee is Monday, Oct. 6 (9 a.m.-1 p.m., Alumni Center). Most of the meeting (PDF) will be a closed session to evaluate applicants for the Iowa State presidency. At the conclusion of the closed session, it's anticipated that committee leaders will share the number of candidates who advanced as semi-finalists and next steps in the search process.
Learn more about proposed Ames fire station relocation
The city of Ames is hosting two "Fire Station No. 2 Spotlight" events at which residents can learn more about the proposed relocation of the nearly 60-year-old Welch Avenue fire station to a site on State Avenue owned by Iowa State and provided for this use at no cost to the city. Both spotlights will be held at the current station, 132 Welch Ave.:
- Saturday, Oct. 4 (9-11 a.m.)
- Wednesday, Oct. 8 (4-6 p.m.)
Visitors can meet firefighters and learn more about the city's Nov. 4 bond referendum which, if supported by Ames voters, would build a new station that better serves the city, reduces traffic conflicts in campustown, strengthens the city-university partnership and creates redevelopment opportunities at the Welch Avenue location.
Reminder: Abstracts due Sept. 30 for Borlaug Lecture poster competition
The Nutritional Sciences Council is accepting abstracts for the 22nd annual Norman Borlaug Lecture poster competition for graduate and undergraduate students. Students with projects related to world issues in food, agriculture, climate, nutrition or technology are encouraged to enter. Abstracts should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, using the online submission form. They will be notified by Oct. 8 if their poster has been accepted for the competition, which will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Curtiss Hall. The competition schedule that day is:
- 5-5:30 p.m., Students set up posters, ground floor hallways
- 5:30-7:30 p.m., Poster session and judging
- 7:30-8:30 p.m., Borlaug Lecture, Dolezal Auditorium
- 8:30 p.m., Poster winners announced (must be present to win)
Questions about the competition can be directed to horticulture faculty members Ajay Nair or Dorothy Masinde.