Alumni Medal
The Alumni Medal was established by the ISU Alumni Association in 1948 to recognize ISU alumni for long, loyal and outstanding service to the university through alumni-related activities. It is the premier award given to alumni by the ISU Alumni Association. One medal is grant annually.
LAS Recipients
2018 Deborah M. Tharnish, ’77 English
2010 Dr. Jon L. Fleming, ’75 Meteorology
2008 Sandra Uelner, journalism (honored along with husband Roy Uelner)
2007 Steven Mores, journalism
2004 Phyllis Lepke, journalism
2000 Sharon Juon, sociology; anthropology
1994 Joanne Will, journalism
1989 Winfield Hanssen, journalism
1988 Donald Arends, journalism/ Joan (Urenn) Axel, history
1985 Carole Custer, journalism
1979 Dorothy (Kent) Pecaut, journalism
1976 George Boehnke, economics; sociology
1971 Ralph Anderson, economics
1962 Helen Alice Burling, general science
1958 Robert Buchanan, science
Alumni Merit Award
The Alumni Merit Award was established by the ISU Club of Chicago in 1932 to recognize ISU alumni for outstanding contributions to human welfare that transcend purely professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university.
LAS Recipients
2018 Lee Ann De Reus, ’86 Political Science
2012 Eric Imerman (Sociology: BS ’91, MS ’96, Ph.D. ’99)
2011 Danny O’Neill (Political Science & International Studies ’83)
2010 Dr. Marc Wayne Urquhart (BS Biology ’89)
2009 Neal Porter, political science; international studies/ Gary Stahl, Spanish; international studies
2008 David Buck, technical journalism
2007 Judith Brandlin, modern language
2006 Ann Cooper, journalism
2001 Rebecca Klemm, statistics
2000 Sharon Juon, sociology; anthropology
1999 Winnifred (Cannon) Jardine, journalism
1985 Charles Carson, geology
1980 Beth (Cummings) Paschal, journalism
1975 Evan Binkerd, chemistry
1973 Allen Whitfield, science
1966 Ronald Dierwechter, science
1965 Marion Harrington, chemistry
1964 Samuel Massie, chemistry
1962 Iral Johns, chemistry
1958 William Frye, zoology
1957 Gertrude (Herr) Adamson, science; mathematics
1956 George Coatney, zoology
1955 Franklin Reck, journalism
1954 Irving Melhus, science
1953 Lyman Craig, chemistry/ Cleo Fitzsimmons, journalism
1952 James Kendrick, botany
1951 Maud (Mirick) Cooper Stuhler, mathematics
1948 Lyle Goodhue, chemistry
1947 Edwin McDonald Stanton, science
1946 Harry Butcher, journalism
1945 Frank Mullen, journalism
1943 Rush Lincoln, science
1942 Niels Hansen, science
1939 Herbert Osborn, science
1938 Frank Booth, science
1933 Carrie Chapman Catt, science
1932 Orange Howard Cessna, science
Alumni Service Award
The Iowa State University Alumni Association established this award in 2006 to recognize ISU alumni whose self-initiated activities and service consistently support the daily work of the ISU Alumni Association in further connecting alumni, students, and friends to the university. Up to three awards are granted annually.
LAS Recipients
2018 Dave Kurns, ’82 Journalism and Mass Communication
2016 Brian May (English ’93)
2014 Lorraine Hoffman (Bacteriology ’68)/ Ellen Nelson (Zoology ’72)
2012 Tim Coble (Computer Science ’77)/ Mary Katherine (Pattie) Wells (Spanish & English ’62)
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1961, is the highest honor given to alumni by Iowa State University through the ISU Alumni Association. This award honors ISU alumni who are nationally and/or internationally recognized for preeminent contributions to their profession or life’s work.
LAS Recipients
2020 James Linder, ’76 Biochemistry and Microbiology
2020 Jack Shere, ’81 Biology ’81; ’87 D.V.M.; ’88 M.S. Professional Studies in Education
2019 DeRionne P. Pollard, ’93 English; ’95 M.A. English
2019 Jonathan Rich, ’77 Chemistry
2008 David Drury, mathematics/ Charles Manatt, sociology/ Trudy Huskamp Peterson, English, history and speech
2007 David Campbell, psychology/ Theodore Kooser, English and speech
2006 Lauro Cavazos, physiology/ Luis Ernesto Derbez, economics
2005 Bruce Roth, chemistry/ Michael Nettles, political science
2004 Victoria Bernhardt, psychology; statistics/ Thomas Harkin, government/ Graham Spanier, sociology
2002 John Jiansheng Tang, chemistry/ Donna Brogan, statistics
2001 W. Lynn Watney, geology/ Don Dillman, sociology
2000 Frederick Rudolph, biochemistry/ Santi Kulprathipanja, chemistry/ Liang-Yao Chen, physics
1999 William Brinkley, zoology/ Katharine Abraham, economics
1998 Ralph Yount, chemistry/ John Weaver, physics/ Wayne Fuller, economics; statistics
1997 Keith Yamamoto, biochemistry/ Martin Wilk, statistics/ Roy Whistler, chemistry/ James Gaylor, chemistry; mathematics
1996 Edward Sayre,chemistry/ Robert Fugate, physics
1994 Charles Knapp, economics
1993 Dwight Ink, political science
1992 Sharon (Miller) Rodine, political science
1991 Barbara Clawson, journalism/ Eldean “Dean” Borg, journalism
1990 Garrey Carruthers, economics
1988 Benjamin Bierbaum, zoology
1987 James Reiner,chemistry/ Velmer Fassel, chemistry
1986 Darleane (Christian) Hoffman, chemistry
1985 Carlyne Caldwell, chemistry/ Clifford Berry, physics
1984 Donald Langenberg, physics/ John Vincent Atanasoff, mathematics/ Even Binkerd, chemistry
1981 Samuel Massie, chemistry
1978 Donald Jackson, journalism
1977 Vine Deloria, science
1976 Alfred Karlson, science
1974 John Leermakers, chemistry
1972 Hugh Sidey, journalism
1970 Lauren Soth, journalism/ J. George Harrar, sociology/ Nathaniel Calloway, chemistry
James A. Hopson Alumni Volunteer Award
The James A. Hopson Alumni Volunteer Award was established by the ISU Alumni Association in 1999 to recognize recent ISU graduates who demonstrate loyal and outstanding volunteer services to the ISUAA through early membership in the organization and involvement in alumni-related activities.
LAS Recipients
2016 Sarah F. Fischer (political science and English ’02)
2015 Trey Hemmingsen (Advertising ’11)
2014 Brooke E. Prestegard (Political Science and History ’03)
2012 Lisa M. Frerichs (Journalism & Mass Communication ’03)/ Sophia Magill (Political Science ’05)
2011 Kathrine Rollinger (Communication Studies ’98)
2009 Lawrence Cunningham, liberal studies
2007 Dan (finance) and Theresa (speech communications) Etler
2006 Matt Craft, political science/ Eric Emmert, political science
2002 Jennifer Gelbmann, English
2001 Stephen Banyas, liberal studies
2000 Ann Brinkman, journalism and mass communications
Impact Award
The Impact Award was established in 2002 by the Iowa State University Alumni Association Board of Directors to recognize an individual, business, an organization, or unit for achievements that expand the scope and reach of; increase the involvement of ISU alumni, students, and/or friends in the life and work of; create positive publicity and recognition for; and bring honor to ISU during the year prior to being nominated, have increased the involvement and visibility of alumni, students, and friends in the life and work of Iowa State University and the Alumni Association during the current academic year.
LAS Recipients
2018 Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band
2014 Melvin Ejim (History ’14)
2012 James K. Olberding (History ’63)
2011 Lisa Koll Uhl (Biology ’08)
2009 Phil Caffrey, psychology
2008 Catt Center for Women and Politics/ Jill Pruetz, Department of Anthropology
2007 Elizabeth Beck, history
2006 KJ (Kathie Jo) Kindler, speech communication
2005 Sophia Magill, political science
2004 Steffen Schmidt, Department of Political Science
2003 Roy and Bobbi Reiman, journalism (Roy)
2002 Joseph Christensen, Department of Music
2001 Jerry James Moses, Jr., general studies/ W. Robert Parks, Department of Political Science
Superior Service to Alumni
Established in 2003, the ISU Alumni Association’s Superior Service to Alumni Award recognizes an ISU faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to establishing or furthering alumni relationships with the university. Candidates need not be ISU graduates, but must be a current employee at the time of conferment.
LAS Recipients
2012 Michael Golemo, Department of Music & Theatre
2011 Barbara M. Mack (Journalism ’74)
2006 Carl Jacobson, Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences
Young Alumnus/Alumna Award (ISU)
The Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna Award was established by the ISU Alumni Association in 1968 to recognize ISU alumni aged 40 and under who have excelled in their professions and provided service to their communities.
LAS Recipients
2019 Jessica Kinser, ’05 Political Science and English; ’07 Master of Public Administration
2018 Shane M. Jacobson ’03 Communication Studies
2015 Emily R. Kinser (Political Science ’04)
2015 Suzanne Hutchinson Verma (Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration ’99)
2014 Elizabeth Kathryn Andre (Spanish & International Studies ’98)
2013 Chad E. Harris (Political Science ’01)
2011 Anne C. Campbell (History & Interdisciplinary Studies ’98)
2010 Keegan Kautzky (BA Political Science ’04)
2009 Ann Bryant Borders, biology/ Andrew J. and Kari A. Hensen (Kari: BS Sociology ’96; MS Higher Education ’98; PhD Educational Leadership & Policy Studies ’05)
2008 Aranthan Steve Jones II, sociology & anthropology/ Derionne Pollard, English
2006 Scott DeBoer, physics and electrical engineering/ Jacquelyn (Jeras) Ellis, journalism and mass communication/ Michelle Moseman, computer science
2005 Sang-Joon Cho, biology and neuroscience/ Brian Hamphill, journalism/mass communications/ Scott Stanzel, journalism/mass communications
2003 Carla Koehler, biochemistry and biophysics/ Kent Lucken, political science/ Douglas Bennett, interdisciplinary studies
2000 N.B. Suresh Chandra, economics/ Mary Walczak, chemistry
1999 Sergio Lence, economics
1997 Philip Anfinrud, chemistry/ Dennis Goering, speech/communication
1993 Diana Oblinger, botany
1992 Maryanne Bach, botany
1991 Debra Floerchinger, psychology/ Terry Rich, speech and television arts
1990 Craig Dory, math; statistics/ Jim Paulsen, economics
1989 Vicky (Holets) Whittemore, zoology
1988 Katharine Abraham, economics
1986 Thomas Knudson, journalism/ Barbara Mack, journalism/ Heather (Soladay) Olson, journalism
1985 Allison (Engel) Kirkpatrick
1984 Holly Burkhalter, history/ Reid Crawford, political science/ Carol (Campbell) Elliott, political science/ John Lee, speech
1983 Debra Engel, psychology
1982 Graham Spanier, sociology/ Thomas Wilhite, speech; journalism
1981 Joseph Jongewaard, economics/ Earl Willits, government
1980 Robert Denson, political science/ Kirk Wolter, statistics
1979 Linda McCloskey, history/ Judith (Gardner) Rutter, journalism
1978 Carol (Campbell) Amick, journalism/ James Cunningham, chemistry/ Richard McCloskey, zoology
1977 Joan (Urenn) Axel, history/ Lowell Satterlee, biochemistry/ David Trauger, biology
1976 Neal Carter, science
1975 Carole (Zike) Custer, journalism/ Janice (Sells) McLain, journalism/ Merrill Oster, journalism
1974 Thomas Harkin, government
1973 J. Alan Swegle, journalism
1972 Lynda Anderson, journalism/ Robert Bartley, journalism
1971 Richard Gimer, government
1970 Charles Campbell, government
1969 Paul Leaverton, statistics
1968 Thomas Twetten, psychology/ Joanne Will, journalism
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award, established in 1968, is the highest honor given by Iowa State University through the ISU Alumni Association to individuals who are not graduates of Iowa State University and who have made significant contributions to Iowa State’s welfare, reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence. Up to three awards are granted annually.
LAS Recipients
2008 Carl Vondra, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of geological and atmospheric sciences
2007 Simon Estes, Distinguished Guest Artist of music