News @ the MU

New exhibits at the MU

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Ames Camera Club: Photographic Visions
In the Pioneer Room through July 8

The Iowa State Memorial Union is exhibiting artwork by members of the Ames Camera Club. The Club allows members to share the fun, artistry, and gadgetry of photography. They share to learn from each other and improve their photography. This show presents a range of photographs that highlight the individual photographic interests and visions of members.

Jody Aultman: Now and Then

In the Gallery through June 30

Reception Friday, May 10, 5:30 – 7:30pm

Ankeny artist Jody Aultman is completing her Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at ISU, and this exhibit is the creative component of her thesis. She has been researching and developing a variety of fiber techniques including both art quilting and wearable art, using traditional methods as well as contemporary processes, such as digital printing. Her quilts are decorative, aesthetic art pieces designed for display on a wall.

Aultman is a modern quilter, using both commercial fabric as well as fabric she has dyed and manipulated. The designs in her current work derive from a “stained glass” technique. Using inspiration from windows developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Aultman incorporates a variety of fabric types and embellishes with beads, gems and thread.

Aultman has exhibited nationally including at The International Quilt Festival in Chicago, the American Quilters Society in Paducah, Kentucky, and The Minnesota Quilt Show sponsored by the Minnesota Quilt Group.

The Iowa State Memorial Union is located at 2229 Lincoln Way in Ames on the ISU campus. The Gallery and Pioneer Room are on the 3^rd floor. For viewing times between 8am and 10pm call 515.296.6848.

Simpson loves the diversity of the MU

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Rod Simpson has been working at Iowa State University for 34 years. He worked in the mechanical engineering department and the human resources department prior to accepting his position with the Memorial Union eight years ago. He is currently the assistant to the MU director, which he enjoys because it gets him involved in so many different areas.

Rod is currently serving as interim IT specialist; he holds the executive secretary position on the MU board of directors and works with Green Umbrella on initiatives to help keep the MU environmentally responsible. He is also involved with many Iowa State student organizations.

“How many people can say they served pancakes to college students at one in the morning?” Rod said.

Rod also enjoys the friendly camaraderie of the other employees in the MU. He says the people and events of the MU make work a lot of fun, “Working with the students helps keep me young. I enjoy seeing and collaborating with students outside of the classroom.”

Although Rod enjoys many parts of his job, his favorite part is his interaction with students and watching them grow. Rod said, “It is awe-inspiring to see how kids develop and use their skills to become successful.”

Away from the work, he likes to teach stained glass classes at the MU Workspace, and loves spending time with his wife, Bev. They are both very active in their church. They also recently began traveling more to visit their three children.

MU honors those who give so much

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The contributions of individuals who've given their time and resources to make the Iowa State University Memorial Union a great place were honored at an awards ceremony held in the Memorial Union on Friday, April 26. The MU Awards Ceremony highlighted the commitment and dedication to the MU the award recipients have exemplified over the years. In addition, several MU employees were honored for their years of service to the MU and the university.

Presenting the awards were Richard Reynolds, the director of the MU, and Robert Bosselman, president of the MU Board of Directors.

Pat Miller, director of the Iowa State University Lectures Program, received the M.J. Riggs Award, which recognizes those individuals or organizations whose contributions have had an impact upon a specific area, department, unit or goal of the MU. Pat is responsible for one of the most outstanding collegiate lecture programs in the U.S. She and her staff work with students, faculty, staff and community members to select and produce programs that could not be booked were it not for the collaborations among all members of the community.

The Iowa State University Department of Horticulture, represented by Ann Marie VanDerZanden, was the other M.J. Riggs Award recipient. The department was recognized for providing administrative and technical support for the Memorial Union’s Green Roof project. With the department’s support, the horticulture and landscape student organizations participated in the five hour volunteer installation of the Memorial Union Green Roof and remained onsite the entire day to insure the project managers and contractor had sufficient help to complete the project.

In addition to the M.J. Riggs Awards, five individuals were honored with the Four Seasons Award, which recognizes students, faculty, staff or community members who have gone above and beyond their formal commitments to the Memorial Union to help the MU achieve its goals or levels of distinguished prominence in the community.

This year's Four Seasons Award recipients were Talitha Fox Allen, Becki Dee, Rajin Olson, Rod Simpson and Kerry Weig.

As a student, Talitha moved the Memorial Union forward after some years of dormancy. Her enthusiasm for the Student Union Board and the Memorial Union helped transform the culture of the MU from a service provider to a place where people gathered comfortably as part of their college experience. Accepting the award for Talitha was Alex Olson, Talitha's coworker at Kingland Systems. Becki Dee also received a Four Seasons Award for her ongoing contributions to many areas of the MU. Becki is an employee who epitomizes the Iowa State "brand" by assisting students, staff and guests with any situation they may encounter.

Rajin Olson has served on the Memorial Union Board of Directors for three years, serving as its president in 2011-12. His service on the Board of Directors and its committees has enabled the MU to move forward on its strategic initiatives and develop better lines of communication with its constituents. He has been an enthusiastic ambassador for the MU. Rod Simpson's helpful attitude, constant smile and desire to help others are hallmarks of his character and professionalism, which is why he is a Four Seasons Award recipient. In his role as administrative specialist in the Memorial Union Director's Office, his job description could be "other duties as assigned." The positive working relationships he has developed throughout the campus community enable him to move projects forward and obtain answers to questions.

The final recipient, Kerry Weig, has been involved with the MU since 2002. As a graduate of the university, she has a true affection for her alma mater and the MU. Through all of her work with the Memorial Union, she has displayed a calm and reassuring manner and willingness to explore options and answer questions. Accepting the award for Kerry was her sister, Stacy Dreyer.

Also during the awards ceremony, the 2013 Memorial Union Service Pins were given to six MU staff members for their years of service to the MU and the university. This year's recipients were Rodger Browning for 45 years of service; Edward Logan for 20 years of service; Derek Bjelland for 10 years of service; Richard Reynolds for 10 years of service; Kevin Merrill for 5 years of service; and George Micalone for 5 years of service.

Congratulations and thank you to all for making the MU a better place!

Student employee wins distinguished award

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Jeff Luhr, manager of general services of the Memorial Union, has been honored with the 2013 Distinguished Student Employee Award. Jeff manages a 28-person event staff set up team. He oversees everything from setting up for the thousands of events in the MU, designs room diagrams and much more.

Jeff started working at the MU in 2010 where he was part of the general services staff. In the fall of 2011 he was promoted to a supervisor position. In 2012, Jeff was again promoted to manager of general services, which he still holds today.

The Distinguished Student Employee Award means a lot to Jeff. “I always give 110% with everything I do, and it’s an honor to see how highly the people I work with view me and my hard work,” Jeff said.

The award is based on the following criteria. Candidates must be an undergraduate who has been employed at the university for at least six months. It is awarded based on reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, intrapersonal skills and a unique contribution to employer.

Jeff’s coworkers submitted essays attesting to his outstanding work ethic and determination. “Someone even told me that they took the time out of their vacation in Hawaii to nominate me. It was very inspiring that they would do that,” Jeff said.

Outside of work, Jeff is very involved. He is in the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He is on the tech crew for the Salt Company at Cornerstone Church. He also enjoys riding his motorcycle. Jeff is also involved in many student organizations including Dance Marathon where he holds the position of director of operations for 2014.

Long term, Jeff hopes to find a full-time position at a college union, where he can work his way up. He hopes to one day be the director of a university’s student union.

91st annual VEISHEA celebration coming to campus

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The tradition of VEISHEA is arguably the most well known event at Iowa State University. VEISHEA has grown so much since its beginning in 1922, that it now is host to an entire week of events. This campuswide, student-lead celebration of Iowa State University brings a wide variety of fun things to do.

VEISHEA’s name comes from the five original ISU colleges: Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics and Agriculture. VEISHEA seeks to exemplify the great opportunities and experiences available at Iowa State.

Ashleigh Belin, VEISHEA’s head of marketing, feels that VEISHEA is the most exciting week of the year. She said, “VEISHEA offers students the opportunity to come out and celebrate Iowa State.”

Stars Over VEISHEA is a student-run musical production with multiple showings throughout the week. This year, Stars Over VEISHEA will feature Fiddler on the Roof, which will be showing April 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and April 14 and 21 at 2p.m.

The famous VEISHEA parade began in 1922 where departmental clubs would attempt to attract the interest of parade attendees. Today, the parade has become much more popular. VEISHEA anticipates there will be more than 75,000 attendees this year. The parade will include not only tons of clubs, but also area businesses, military members and residence halls.

Another VEISHEA tradition is the student run bake sale. During the week of VEISHEA nearly 10,000 cherry pies will be sold. Nearly 75 students spend the entire month of March preparing for this week. Cost of the pies will be $1, and the money raised will be used toward student scholarships.

Every year, crowds of more than 10,000 fill the streets of campus for the Taste of VEISHEA. The Taste of VEISEHA is a premiere food vending event that will be held April 19 & 20 and will have food stands that represent various eateries in the Ames community. You can find Taste of VEISHEA in the Molecular Biology Parking Lot.

LIVE at VEISHEA is also a popular event. It is an old tradition that brings live bands to perform on VEISHEA weekend. This year’s acts should exceed expectations, with big names such as Easton Corbin, Jana Kramer, and B.o.B to name a few. There will be a total of twelve acts between Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are still on sale for $15 per night or $20 for both nights.

This year, Cyclone Idol, ISU’s version of American Idol, will be hosted by Lee DeWyze and Jillette Jackson. Cyclone Idol will be Thursday night starting at 7. The hosts have also agreed to stay after and put on a free performance for anyone who decides to stay. Belin said, “I’m most excited for the free concert Lee and Jillette are going to put on. It is the first time we are having the event and it should be a lot of fun.” She adds, “If you come on campus and really experience what VEISHEA and the celebration is all about, you are going to have a good time. It’s impossible not to!”

Other entertainment includes the VEISHEA Says I’m Funny comedy show, MuSE, hypnotists, comedians, VEISHEA athletic tournaments, an outdoor movie on the Memorial Union parking ramp, a campus cookout, where a $5 button gets you food for the entire week, and more!

VEISHEA is April 15-21 with the opening ceremonies on Tuesday, April 16, in the MU Great Hall from 4-6 p.m. See a full list of events, dates and times.

Art and crafts sale during VEISHEA

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Memorial Union Workspace will be hosting Art Mart, the annual arts and crafts sale at the Iowa State Memorial Union on the ISU campus. The sale will be held in the Campanile Room on the second floor of the MU on VEISHEA Saturday (April 20) from 9am – 4pm.

Women veterans being honored at MU

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The contributions of female veterans will be recognized at an event hosted by the Iowa State University Veterans Center, and will feature Miyoko Hikiji, author of All I Could Be: My Story as a Woman Warrior in Iraq, which was published in March 2013.

Her book tells the story of a minority female soldier in combat.

When talking to Jathan Chicoine, the center’s coordinator, about Hikiji, he said, “Hikiji’s message of strength and endurance is an inspiration to all of us. I’m grateful for her leadership in sharing her story, as I know she’ll inspire others to do the same. It’s a privilege to have her at ISU.”

Hikiji is a passionate veteran’s advocate, and takes special interest in supporting and mentoring veterans through the transition period after deployment.

Hikiji, a Cedar Rapids native, served in the U.S. Army and the Iowa Army National Guard. She was mobilized and deployed in 2003 with the 2133^rd Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

She graduated from Iowa State in 2004.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, and will include a brunch honoring female veterans from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Iowa State University Memorial Union, South Ballroom. If you would like to attend the brunch, RSVP to Jathan Chicoine at jathan@iastate.edu by April 3, 2013.

In addition, a book signing and social with Hikiji will be from 1-2 p.m. in the MU, Oak Room, and Hikiji’s keynote speech will be from 2-3:30 p.m. in the MU, Great Hall. Both are open to the public.

Contact Chicoine for more information.

Merrill embraces new leadership role

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Kevin Merrill, the leadership & service coordinator for the Memorial Union’s Student Activities Center, finds his "me" time working at Iowa State University. Kevin has been employed at Iowa State since 2008. He served as a Hall Director for three years and as an admission recruiter for the College of Human Sciences for just over a year, before taking on his new role in September of 2012.

Kevin has had an interest in helping students grow since his days as an Iowa State student. He enjoyed being able to positively impact the lives of students during such a vital and transformational part of their lives. Kevin states, "College is such a cool growing experience, and it is really fun to be able to help students and watch their growth over the years."

Kevin’s duties as leadership and service coordinator entail working with student groups and organizations to plan events. He also oversees leadership conferences, organizes VIESHEA Service Day and the Social Justice Summit to name a few.

Other than working with students, Kevin enjoys the variety of his job. He knows that every day he will be doing or working on something a little different than the day before. He also enjoys being part of Dance Marathon at Iowa State because it has become such a large event.

Outside of work, Kevin has two young children, and a wife that he says,”keep him busy, but in a good way of course.” In his early years of parenthood, Merrill has learned to value his “me” time at work. With his responsibilities at home, Kevin finds his time at work peaceful. When he does get free time at home, he enjoys watching movies, listening to music and embracing pop culture.

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MU?s quest for a ?greener? building

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Iowa State University Memorial Union is doing its part to become a ‘greener’ building in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. You may be aware of Sustainapaloza, a campuswide effort taking steps to conserve our energy consumption. The Memorial Union is being environmentally responsible as well. Here are some of the ways the MU is cutting back.

All lighting in the parking ramp east of the MU has been switched from condescent lighting to LED lighting. The switch to LED lighting has led to a 61 percent energy savings. The chandeliers in the Great Hall have been converted to LED lights, which have cut the consumption in half. Nearly 70 percent of the central air handling systems has been converted to electronic controls, which has increased energy savings. Between the lighting and control modifications, the MU is expecting to save $75,000 this year.

The MU is also making an effort to recycle. There are 18 large cans and bottles recycling bins located throughout the MU, all sponsored and taken care of by student organizations. All office spaces also have recycle bins located in them. The paper products in the restrooms are 100 percent recycled.

All of these may seem like small and common ways to save, but they add up. The MU recycled 18.5 tons of paper products in January of this year alone.

“The MU recognizes the value of green investments, both for their financial incentives as well as reduced energy consumption,” said Scott Southward, MU marketing manager. “Our sustainable initiatives work to ensure an enhanced quality of life through the savings in the environment, economy and social conditions of the MU.”

In the future, the MU will continue its green efforts by converting the MU terrace to LED lighting.

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Focus Grant call for entries

Iowa State University Memorial Union — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Iowa State University Memorial Union is issuing a call for applications for Focus Grants. Student artists, writers and performers can apply for up to $600 in funding for creative projects that can be displayed, read or performed.

Past projects have included visual art, poetry readings, dance, drama, music, chap books and apparel design. Visit www.lectures.iastate.edu and click on FOCUS for rules and application forms. Students must have a faculty member familiar with their project area sign on as an advisor. A written description and detailed budget are also required.

Applications are due Monday, April 1 by 4pm and can be submitted to the Lectures Office, Room 2586 at the Memorial Union. For more information call 515.294.9934.

Focus Grants are sponsored by the Student Activities Center and Committee on Lectures (Funded by GSB).

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