CyThx at Iowa State University
To celebrate effective teaching, advising, and mentoring, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) partners with ISU Learning Communities, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Government, and Graduate and Professional Student Senate for the annual recognition project #CyThx at Iowa State University.
In our third year, #CyThx once again promoted ISU’s Strategic Goal 4, “Continue to enhance and cultivate the ISU experience where faculty, staff, students, and visitors are safe and feel welcomed, supported, included, and valued by the university and each other.” #CyThx invites Cyclones to share, “Who makes you feel like a valued member of the ISU community?”
For 2020, we collected 277 #CyThx submissions representing 102 units at Iowa State. We have shared each #CyThx with each recipient and their unit leader. Please note, some people received multiple #CyThx.
The #CyThx website hosts the message for those community members who wanted it published publicly. This year, those Cyclones who requested a private #CyThx message states, “#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked.”
Below are the #CyThx from 2020 (alphabetical by first name) with the #CyThx messages, or download the list of #CyThx 2020 Honorees (PDF).

Visit the #CyThx partners' websites below:
#CyThx 2020: Someone feels valued at ISU because of the following people
Abinayaa Dhanagopal, Aerospace Engineering
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Adrianna Gonzalez-Elliott, Academic Success Center
“Adry makes me feel valued each and every day. She allows me to be innovative and expand my knowledge all while given me the utmost
Ahmed Kamal, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Thanks for what you do
Aili Mu, Chinese, World Languages and Cultures
She is a wonderful professor and always willing to have fun conversations!
Alenka Poplin, Community & Regional Planning
The authority she has given me, by letting me be a Teaching Assistant for her class, makes me feel a valuable part of ISU.
Allison Schaer, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering
With so much stuff online, it is nice to be in a class in general. With that said, Ally makes sure to go out of
Allison Severson, Hixson Opportunity Awards and National Student Exchange
Allie is an caring and supportive colleague. She asks great questions, challenges those around her, offers genuine support to both students and staff, and continually
Alyssa Mittleider, Mechanical Engineering
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Amani Eleboid , Economics
“‘-provide resources for me -listen to my life -reach out to check on me -validate my feelings -are understanding” (CyThx 1) “Dr. Elobeid is absolutely
Amy Brandau, Economics
“Amy’s wisdom makes us feel supported and taken care of at Iowa State. She makes herself readily available to connect with students to provide insight.
Amy Ward, CELT
Amy is a do-er! She has a huge heart and wants to help people succeed.
Andrew Bolstad, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Bolstad is a great EE professor! I really appreciate the activities that we did in groups throughout the course during EE 224 and how
Angela Koppes, Interior Design
She is understanding of the current situation us students are facing with COVID and so helpful when it comes to interior design projects.
Angela Prince, School of Education
Dr. Prince cares deeply about every student she knows and meets. She goes out of her way to make you feel supported and excited about
Ann Gansemer-Topf, School of Education
Dr. GT is such an important part of keeping our program strong and vibrant. She places students at the center of everything she does, and
Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Office of the Senior Vice President & Provost
Words cannot express the impressive leadership you have given to the campus community this year. Grateful to have you and your strength at Iowa State
Anne Marie Fiore, AESHM
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Anthony Moore, Electrical and Computer Engineering
It has been a year since ISU has been my home. Staying away from home and loved ones was difficult for me. But the first
Arka Ghosh, Statistics
Dr. Ghosh is an excellent professor as he makes sure to engage the class constantly by asking interesting questions, and also highlight the important material
Asheesh “Danny” Singh, Agronomy
Dr. Singh works diligently to ensure we are best empowered to produce our highest quality work. He checks to make sure we are mentally doing
Ashley Morton, Engineering Student Services
Every week in our Peer Mentor meetings she is always so encouraging and uplifting. Even when she’s having a bad week she’s somehow there for
Benjamin Gleason, School of Education
Dr. Gleason is a mentor and a friend who knows how to push us to get better with our research. His guidance, caring, and understanding
Beth Marrs, Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
Beth exemplifies the Cyclone caring spirit by 100% of the time encouraging and supporting me and everyone on our team. We know without a shadow
Bill Dilla, Accounting
Bill always makes me feel like my opinions matter, and like I make a valuable contribution to the department. He listens to what everyone has
Billy Boulden, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Engagement
Thank you for leading your team this year as they had to facilitate and balance so much with our students, brothers, and sisters. Take care
Bob Horton, Agronomy
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Brad Dell, Music and Theatre
“Brad is the ultimate cheerleader. He sends out emails and texts, encouraging the Theatre faculty & staff to face whatever the future brings with grace,
Brad Skaar, Animal Science
Dr. Skaar offered to meet in person with students if they wanted to and I did. He went out of his way to get to
Breanna Wetzler, CALS Student Services
Breanna has been a huge help this semester and every semester since I’ve known her. She always makes me feel so welcome in our group
Brenna Dixon, English
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Brian Behnken, History
Professor Behnken is so welcoming and enthusiastic. He is free to be himself and makes me feel like I am free to be myself at
Brianna Stoever, English
They actually take time to listen to speeches, and point out not only the bad things but also what they liked. The pointing out of
C. Lee Burras, Agronomy
Dr. Burras has gone above and beyond to offer guidance and mentorship
Cameron MacKenzie, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering
“Thank you for the continued support throughout my program. I really appreciate your patience. Thank you for being an amazing professor. I hope you have
Carmen Bain, Ag & Life Sci Administration
Even though Dr. Bain is no longer my academic adviser, the advice and guidance I received from her as an Agriculture & Society major during
Carolyn Steckelberg, Human Development & Family Studies
“Carolyn is very helpful for problems both in and out of the classroom. She is very easy to talk to and welcomes any student who
Carrie Giese, Student Wellness
She is always super welcoming and positive. She genuinely cares and wants to know how I am doing and if I have any concerns. She’s
Cary Pint, Mechanical Engineering
He always there to help out students, putting in the extra work and time to help with our classes and bring our learning beyond the
Chad Hart, Economics
Chad really shows that he cares about his students and really wants them to understand what he is teaching. He is willing to stay after
Chad Sonka, Music and Theatre
Every time I get the chance to talk and/or work with Chad, he makes me feel like I belong at ISU and inspires me to
Charchit Shukla, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering
“Help in class and give personal attention to each individual. Care about the students.” (CyThx 1) “Thanks!” (CyThx 2)
Charissa Menefee, English
I love having Dr. Menefee as a theatre professor. Her classes are intriguing and on top of that, she’s so sweet and caring towards us.
Ching-Hui (Joan) Su, AESHM
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Chris Meissner, Psychology
Dr. Meissner has done absolutely everything possible to make me feel appreciated, respected, and safe at ISU during these unprecedented times. He is an incredible
Christina Svec, Music and Theatre
She is always accommodating, encouraging, and thoughtful to the music ed students. I always feel like I can go up to her for any question
Clark Coffman, Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, and CELT
“Dr. Coffman has such a positive outlook on the work done in the Sky is the Limit learning community. His personal excitement conveys to us,
Clayton Johnson, Human Sciences Administration
Clayton makes me feel like I play an important role in contributing to Iowa State by being a peer mentor. He makes me feel like
Clyde Campbell, Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology
Not only did Clyde work hard to make sure we understood what was being delivered to us online, but he also genuinely showed interest in
Constance Beecher, School of Education
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Corey Welch, Liberal Arts & Sciences Administration
He is the only one who is willing to take the time to help me become a better student and seems to be the only
Daeyong Lee, Human Development & Family Studies
Dr. Lee is my absolute favorite professor at Iowa State. He makes his classes extremely interesting and he truly cares about the success of his
Dai Nguyen, Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Dai Nguyen will always remain a valuable gift to any graduate student in ISU. She is a great listener, who relates and renders assistance to
Dan Grooms, College of Veterinary Medicine
Dean Grooms shows significant interest in each of us as individuals and makes the CVM a great place to work! He goes above and beyond
Daniel Nettleton, Statistics
A great teacher and a great person, who is always there to help.
Darin Wohlgemuth, Economics
“Thanks for what you do” (CyThx 1) “Darin and I have offices in the same space in Heady Hall. This semester, he and I have
Darren Berger, Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Dr. Berger is always willing to check in on people to see how they are doing, take the time to discuss any concerns, and always
Dawn Walker Chalmers, Liberal Arts & Sci Student Academic Srv
“She was the reason I fell in love with Iowa State. I toured with her as a high school junior and she made me feel
Dawn Bratsch-Prince, Office of the Senior Vice President & Provost
Thank you for navigating so much to make this year a good one for so many. Your foresight helped so many.
Deidra Schleicher, Management
“Deidra is a wonderful department chair who truly demonstrates an amazing commitment to both to faculty and to making the Ivy College of Business and
Deni Chamberlin, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
Eager listening, meaningful connections.
Denise Crawford, School of Education
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Denise Williams-Klotz, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
Denise is a wonderful collaborator, especially when trailblazing. She is willing to go into the weeds a bit (which she hates) when I need to
Dermot Hayes, Economics
Dr. Hayes is the reason I decided to major in economics. He genuinely cares about student success. Dr. Hayes is one of the top researchers
Dr. Monica Howard-Martin, Veterinary Medicine Administration
Dr. Howard wears many hats in the college of veterinary medicine. She is a leader in all aspects of her involvement. Despite her many responsibilities,
Dr. Thimmasettapp Thippeswamy , Biomedical Sciences
“Dr. Thippeswamy is an undeniably valuable professor at the college of veterinary medicine. He serves as the instructor for first-year anatomy–one of the major fundamentals
Dynette Mosher, Human Sciences Administration
Dynette makes me feel valued because she is always willing to lend a helping hand and assist students in reaching their career goals. She offers
Ebby Luvaga, Economics
“Dr. Luvaga is the most fantastic person to lead our Agricultural Business Learning Community as she does. We are incredibly lucky to have her in
Ebony Williams, Human Development & Family Studies
Ebony makes me feel valued because of the trust that she has placed in me as she perseveres through her doctoral program and life challenges.
Eliot Winer, Mechanical Engineering
Even though he has many students and is has many other important things to do in his life, he makes an effort to get to
Elizabeth Swanner, Geological & Atmospheric Sciences
They facilitated a zoom meeting to discuss campus climate issues. There were many concerns from students and Dr. Swanner offered to not only listen to
Elizabeth Stegemoller, Kinesiology & Health
Dr. Stegemoller works hard to provide opportunities for students and community members to build meaningful relationships through the Iowa State Neurophysiology lab. Through lab meetings,
Emily McKnight, Human Development & Family Studies
Emily makes me feel like a valued member of the ISU community because of all the ways in which she has blossomed as a scholar
Emily Olson, LAS Student Academic Services
Emily is a fantastic supervisor. She has helped me so much in this pandemic-year (through all the unknowns and stressors) and always makes me feel
Eric Smith, Supply Chain Management
Professor Smith is not only a great professor but a valued mentor to many SCM majors. His classes have an extremely welcoming atmosphere that encourages
Eric Underbakke, Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molec Biology
Thanks for what you do
Erica Beirman, Food Science & Human Nutrition
Erica Beirman is the epitome of what Iowa State University should always strive to be – an always open door, a ceaseless helping hand, a
Erin Doran, School of Education
Erin’s class is intuitive and interesting. She grades on time and provides timely feedback. She has her own opinion and brings up controversial subjects but
Erin Baldwin, Student Wellness
“Thank you for going above and beyond to help our students, staff, and community to be as healthy and mindful that we can be here
Eulanda Sanders, AESHM
Dr. Sanders has supported me in every way when it comes to my research interests. As a first generation student, at times this degree can
Eunjin Bahng, School of Education
Thank you Dr. E.J. for providing me with a great opportunity and space to actively engage in the session at ISCORE 2020 that you were
Evrim Baran, School of Education
Dr. Evrim Baran is always positive, caring, approachable, empathetic and supportive and never judgmental. She extensively goes above and beyond to ensure that our needs
Farzad Sabzikar, Statistics
He is the best professor I have had at Iowa State and the only one who I felt actually cared about his students
Garman Herigstad, Graphic Design
I’m an older student, and they have made me feel welcome. And they have also been accommodating because I have an age related handicap (arthritis.)
Grace Wolf, Academic Success Center
Grace cares deeply about supporting students and meeting them where they are. She pours her energy into connecting students to the resources they need and
Gretchen Anderson, CELT
Gretchen cares very much about student and instructor success. She has a kindness and grace that radiates through even to the toughest of customers!
Gulbahar Beckett, English
Dr. Beckett goes above and beyond to support and motivate her students. Her support and advice have helped me to keep going and have inspired
Hans Riensche, CALS Student Services
Hans is someone who always goes out of his way to listen to others and to act based on their input. He is a caring,
Heather Peterson , Extension Finance
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Heidi Christensen, Registrar’s Office
Heidi has a great way of communicating information and sharing her wealth of knowledge in a way that makes me (and others) feel like an
Hridesh Rajan, Computer Science
#CyThx comments only shared with the person thanked
Idris Azeez, Computer Science
Idris is a student in my graduate class in Deep Learning. He has voluntarily conducted training sessions for students in the class in Python and
Jacob Meyer, Kinesiology & Health
“Dr. Meyer is an amazing mentor. I can’t thank him enough for getting me through tough times during the pandemic. Dr. Meyer and the Wellbeing
Jacob Schrader, Economics
Jacob is extremely passionate about the Iowa State community and serves through his involvement in various organizations and committees. I appreciate his engagement in many
Jaedyn Brockway, Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology
Assure me that I am doing great in my classes and recognize when I go above and beyond
Jahmai Fisher, Academic Success Center
Jahmai is continually working toward creating more inclusive environments wherever she can – be it for staff, students, or the community at large. This is
James Andrews, History
Professor Andrews is one of the best professors I have ever had the pleasure of having at Iowa State. I have never had an instructor
James Koltes, Animal Science
I appreciate the effort he put into online teaching this year. Despite the online format, he worked really hard to provide valuable experiences to students
James Rodde, Music and Theatre
Dr. Rodde has made this semester incredible for his choir members despite the circumstances. He works endlessly to give us a year to remember, filled
James Shelledy, Mechanical Engineering
Professor Shelledy did a fantastic job of listening to a concern I had regarding group members. There was nothing he could do, but he took
Jan Wiersema , Agronomy
Dr. Jan is someone who genuinely cares about every student she encounters. She inspires students to challenge themselves and others, and her passion for what