
In 2018, we encouraged Cyclones to share, “Who makes you feel like a valued member of the ISU community?” We received 337 #CyThx submissions from 100 departments/units that represent all colleges, divisions, and units. Many more were submitted, but the thankers asked to not have the information published.
These valued members of the ISU community received a #CyThx email along with an optional message and recognition on this #CyThx website. Also, campus leadership (VPs, Deans, chairs, etc.) were notified of who received a #CyThx.
Below are the #CyThx from 2018 (alphabetical by first name), or download the #CyThx 2018 Honorees (PDF).
#CyThx 2018: Someone feels valued at ISU because of the following people
Abinayaa Dhanagopal, Aerospace Engineering
You have been of great support to me in the past one year. I have learned so much from our many interesting conversations. It has
Adriana Gonzalez, Dean of Students
Adry continues to make me feel like a valued member of the community by checking in with me. She shows a genuine care and concern
Akhilesh Tyagi, Software Engineering Department
Dear Software Engineering Members: My words fail to thank you, hopefully I can express how I appreciate your time reading my humble email. In this
Alicia Edwards, School of Education
Alicia makes me feel valued by giving honest advice, asking questions about my life and by taking my academics seriously. In all that she does,
Alicia Edwards, School of Education
When I was fighting to come back to Iowa State, she helped me through the process and assured me that I would be able to
Alison Wagner, Animal Science
Alison is awesome! She always laughing and making other people feel welcome!
Amber Kargol, Food Science and Human Nutrition
Amber has been wonderful to work with! It’s apparent that she loves her advisees and loves her job. She’s inspiring because she works hard to
Amy Popillion , Human Development and Family Studies
Dr. Popillion shows how she values students by being respectful of all beliefs and backgrounds, making learning fun, and being open to questions. She helps
Amy Ward, CELT
Amy works exceptionally hard to ensure ISU Faculty, staff, and students are empowered with the tools that they need to succeed at ISU.
Andrea Quam, Graphic Design
CyThx 1. “Andrea makes every member of the class feel valued through her genuine concern for our growth, not only as graphic designers, but as
Andrew Lenssen, Agronomy
A big thank you goes out to Dr. Lenssen. He does a great job mentoring grad students and undergrads and also takes extra time to
Ann Gansemer-Topf, School of Education
Dr. Gansemer-Topf continues to be someone who has continued to make me feel valued here at Iowa State through numerous ways. She has challenged me,
Anne Foegen, School of Education
CyThx 1. “Dr. Foegen makes both me and the other students, faculty, and staff of the School of Education feel like a valued member of
Anne Kretsinger-Harries, English
Dr. Kretsinger-Harries has been a joy to learn from this semester. She is thoughtful in discussions and goes above and beyond to make sure us
Anne Oldham , Food Science and Human Nutrition
I cannot imagine a more helpful, organized, knowledgeable, and passionate advisor than Anne Oldham. She eagerly helps students of all levels with a variety of
Anne Oldham, Food Science and Human Nutrition
I am so very glad to know Anne Oldham. Her love for Dietetics as a profession, her love for her job at Iowa State University,
Anthony Andenoro, Psychology
He always checks up on me during my leadership class. The class is large, but he still cares about all his students.
Ashlyn Erickson, Psychology
She is so genuine and loving and selfless. She is so patient and the best friend I could ever have. She motivates me to do
Audrey Kennis, College of Design
Are you kidding me?! How does she not* make people feel valued is a better question? She was the first smiling face I saw at
Aurelia Kollasch, Department of Residence
Dr. Kollasch has been a great support throughout my research work. My research conversations with her facilitated overcoming struggles and exploring research in ways that
Austin Castillo, Kinesiology
He is my CA and he always makes time to talk to each person on our floor individually, just to see how they are doing.
Autumn Caragena, Liberal Arts & Sci Student Enrollment, Advising and Career Services
When I had originally received the email about the #CyThx campaign happening on campus, I sort of used it as a tool to reflect upon
Baishali Bhatia , Psychology
She is always willing help, regardless of how much schoolwork and other obligations she has. She works hard and inspires me to do so as
Beate Schmittmann, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Thank you supporting me and ISU Theatre! We are so truly grateful!
Becka Abraham, School of Education
CyThx 1. “As I walk into Lagomarcino, I know that I will start a great day with a friendly smile from you. It does not
Bellinda Assemien, Human Development and Family Studies
Bellinda always seems happy to see me whenever we run into each other around campus or go to the front office for anything I might
Ben Chamberlain , AGEDS
Ben has always been so helpful! Even though I’m not his advisee, he is always willing to help out and help me make everything work.
Beth Hartmann, Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering
Inclusive professor in the Construction Engineering department. Best teacher at ISU. Thanks Beth!
Betsabe Mantilla, Agronomy
Gracias querida Betsa por todo tu apoyo y ayuda en este tiempo que hemos crecida juntas en graduate school. Tengo un gran respeto y admiracion
Brad Freihoefer, The Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success
Brad (they/them/theirs) works tirelessly and creatively to make space for the LGBTQIA+ community in general, and marginalized populations within the queer community, specifically (transgender people,
Brad Skaar, Animal Science
He made an attempt to get to know me as a person and doesn’t just regard me as another student. It’s a nice feeling to
Brandi Moormann, Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering
Brandi, goes above and beyond to make me feel like a member of the ISU community. Whether that be planning out my life, writing a
Brenda Thorbs-Weber, College of Business Undergraduate Office
She an incredibly passionate and motivating individual. Her ability to eagerly listen and provide effective advice to her students. She was able to elevate the
Brianna Burke, English
Professor Burke has a way of making you think critically. In life, it can sometimes be intimidating to ask questions about culture because you don’t
Bridget Concannon, MIS
Bridget always goes out of her way to show her appreciation for our executive team. She has been such a great mentor for the younger
Caleb Camrud, Mathematics
In my Calculus 2 recitation period, he is the TA. Every time I go into that class, I feel unsure about my knowledge on the
Cameron Rayburn, Aerospace Engineering
I have met few people as supportive, genuine, and kind as you, Cameron. I know I can always ask you for advice and hearing your
Carlton Basmajian, Community and Regional Planning
You encourage me to explore the ideas that I am interested in, no matter how different they are from each other or from what other
Carly Miller, Program for Women in Science and Engineering
Carly has welcomed me into the WiSE community and helped me to become a better mentor for women in STEM. Having 1:1 meetings with Carly
Caroline Crain, Department of Residence, Custodian
She worked in my building (Willow) during my freshman year, and she was always so sweet and kind and wonderful to talk to! I only
Casey Dworzynski, Department of Residence
Casey cares about his community and fights for social justice within his department. I have appreciated how he takes care of his staff and makes
Celinda Stamy, Art and Visual Culture
Although I’m no longer in Celinda’s studio, she always made me feel welcomed and valued since day one of 131. It was very apparent that
Christian Boessen, Economics
Dr. Boessen genuinely cares about his students! He remembers names, majors, and the things you are interested in. He will always take the time to
Christian Carichner, Music
Mr. Carichner spends countless hours committed to making the Iowa State Marching Band the best it can be. The marching band spends an hour and
Clare Lemke, The Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success
Clare (she/her/hers) provides a safe space and valued mentoring. I appreciate her thoughtful advice and calming presence.
Clark Coffman, Biochemistry/Biophysics & Molc Biol
Dr. Coffman goes above and beyond, year after year for students. From my first to last year at Iowa State, this professor has made such
Courtney Long, Local Foods-Value Added Agriculture-Extension
Courtney is always positive and professional in her tireless efforts to support Iowa’s food farmers! It’s so important for ISU to have a balance to
Craig Mitchell, FPM
I am thankful for Craig every day that I come to work at ISU. He is an outstanding and skilled employee who ensures that Morrill
Craig Ogilvie, Physics & Astronomy
Dr. Ogilvie has been instrumental in making this University function – particularly focusing on graduate and professional students. He is the first person I go
Cristina Pardo-Ballester, World Languages and Cultures
Cristina me ha apoyado desde el mismo momento en que la conocí, sea como mi supervisora en las clases de Español, o como parte de
Curtis Youngs, Animal Science
CyThx 1. “Dr. Youngs has been an amazing academic advisor to me throughout my years at ISU. He also is very passionate about his work,
Cynthia Adams, Kinesiology
Thanks for letting me join in your class and teaching me. You are a great teacher and dancer.
Dane Mayhook, Mathematics
He’s the bomb. Teaches math like a pro. I have never learned so much or gain such passion for math from any other professor. Dane
Daniela Dimitrova, Greenlee School of Journalism
She always encourages me to try anything new and not be afraid of it. A lot of compliments from her, even though I felt I
Darrin Jones, CELT
Darrin works exceptionally hard to infuse quality matters throughout ISU.
Darshana Juvale, Engineering-LAS Online
Thank you very much for the opportunity to practice what I have been learning in my studies. Thank you above all for helping me figure
Dawn Walker-Chalmers, Mathematics
CyThx 1. “Dawn is constantly looking out for every math and stats major. She shares relevant opportunities, meets with us on a regular basis, and
Deanna Collins, Veterinary Medical Center Medical Records
Deanna has been the most influential mentor during my time here at ISU. As an out of state student, she has gone out of her
Debbie Johnson, Dr. Charles B Handy Graduate Programs Office, IvyCollege of Agriculture and Life Sciences Business
Debbie, I am always grateful for your support. Whenever I need help, you are there to help. Wish you and your loved one’s health and
Deborah Holmes, Computer Science
She was so supportive when I came to her with concerns about my major and even more supportive when I decided to change my major,
Denise Crawford, School of Education
Dr. Crawford is a professional, passionate, responsible and friendly professor. I am so happy and lucky to work with her as a teaching assistant. I
Dennis Culver, School of Education
Mr. Culver is very smart and knowledgeable about computer/digital technology. For some computer problems, I tried hours to figure out. But he helped me solve
Diana Cochran, Horticulture
Dr. Cochran goes above and beyond to assist students in the department with academic and research questions even though she is incredibly busy. She is
Diane Jepsen, Genetics, Development and Cell Biology
Diane is amazing! Programmatically and in terms of physical locations, the GDCB department is pulled in many directions. Diane is one of the wonderful professionals
Don Beitz, Animal Science
Every time I go to see Dr. Beitz, even if it’s just for a quick schedule-related question, he makes sure to ask me how I’m
Don Simonson, Music
Thank you for supporting me and empowering me! I appreciate your mentorship and your friendship!
Donna Winham, Food Science and Human Nutrition
CyThx 1. “Dr Winham’s willingness to help and provide guidance amazed me the first time I met her. As a graduate student transferring from another
Douglas Wood, Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering
Doug is always willing to help, no matter the number of students asking for his help (most likely all at the same time. He never
Eduardo Gamboa, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Thanks for all the support, patience, and help throughout my doctoral studies. I love you so much for being in my life and encouraging me
Elena Karpova, AESHM
Dr. Karpova designs high quality learning experiences. Her classes are difficult and challenging but push students to have the knowledge they need to succeed in
Elizabeth Martinez Podolsky, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
They are always advocating for me! And make me feel loved.
Emily Wilcox, University Honors Program
CyThx 1. “Besides being the first face, many first-year Honors students meet at Iowa State, Emily goes out of her way to stay connected with
Erin Doran, School of Education
Although Dr. Erin Doran and I have only interacted a handful of times she has been someone that that has deeply impacted my sense of
Evrim Baran, School of Education
Evrim Baran, School of Education Dr. Evrim has provided me with diverse opportunities that I am grateful to be part of. This is my first
Frank Peters, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Dr. Peters’ care for not only his students’ academic life and success but also their non-academic life and success is truly special. Dr. Peters cares
Gary Wells, Psychology
CyThx 1. “GARY WELLS IS AN ICON! CyThx 2. “Most iconic psych teacher ever. I learned so much in his class!!!” CyThx 3. “Professor Wells
Gleason Benjamin, School of Education
Dr. Gleason not only gives me the opportunity to work with him in the teaching education program, but he also encourages me to be innovative,
Grace Trembath, Department of Residence, Community Advisor
Grace is the fricken’ best CA ever. #larchcessnaftw
Guang Song, Computer Science
Guang is the best professor I have had. It feels like he knows each of his hundreds of students personally, and he clearly cares about
Gulbahar Beckett, English
Very helpful, always supporting students and leading them to success. She cares about students and gives valuable advice. Following her guidance, I managed to use
Gunnar Mair, Biomedical Sciences
Dr Mair has been an amazing mentor–he knows how to kindly push his students to excel, without pressuring them. He encourages them, is supportive and
Heather Bolles, Mathematics
Dr. Bolles not only encourages me and all of her students but she has checked in on me when I’m struggling and has helped me
Heather Kruger, School of Education
Heather is the most warm and welcoming person ever! She is ALWAYS willing to meet, discuss, laugh, and help plan my future. She has a
Heather Robinson, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
I have known Heather since my sophomore year, and she has been a great advisor for me ever since. She has helped me with everything
Holly Bender, CELT
Holly is an excellent mentor and champion of faculty innovation on campus. She is always excited to support new ideas and share information about opportunities
Holly Lipsey, Kinesiology
Holly and I have a mutually respectful working relationship. I believe she values what I do and also sees and acknowledges the workload of our
Jacob Lawless, Business Economics
Jacob always makes me feel important and cared about. He is there for whoever needs him and is always making people laugh.
Jacob Meyer, Kinesiology
Dr. Meyer has been a great resource for me as an undergraduate student in Kinesiology. He is always available to answer my questions and has
James Shahan, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
I’ve had Jim for classes in Inventor, Solid works, and Creo. He’s solidified my passion for computer aided design and help me grow my skillset
Jan Boyles, Greenlee School of Journalism
She comes to class every day with a smile and a good attitude. She makes tests and assignments as easy as possible while still requiring
Jane Breen, Mathematics
She always makes learning fun and I enjoy being in the learning environment that she makes. She is always patient and willing to help in
Jane Rongerude, Community and Regional Planning
As my major professor, Dr. Rongerude has been a terrific mentor throughout my pursuit of a Master’s of Community Development. She has been my game
Janette Mariscal, School of Education
ISU has been very fortunate to have you Dr. Mariscal! You have influenced my potential in wanting to pursue a Ph.D. sometime in the future.
Janice Baker, Kinesiology
Janice, Thank you so much for teaching Dance 140 this semester. This was a class completely outside my domain, but I have thoroughly enjoyed and
Jazzmine Brooks, Student Wellness
Jazzmine is always caring about my wellbeing as a person and a student first before she sees me as an employee for Student Wellness. Jazzmine
Jennifer Leptien, Learning Communities
Jen is one of the most caring individuals at ISU. She ensures the students within learning communities have the skills that they need to thrive.
Jennifer Musgrove, World Languages and Cultures
Jennifer has served as a great leader in the LCP program. She has taught me how to be a good example to other students and
Jenny Gibbs, Kinesiology
CyThx 1. “As my advisor, Ms. Gibbs has made me feel important when I thought no one else did. I had a very difficult time
Jessie Juarez, Animal Science
Dr. Juarez is one of the few professors that is liked by almost all students. She has completely changed the way ANS214 Lab is taught
Jesus Lizarrage-Estrada, Office of Admissions
CyThx 1. “Jesus is one of the hardest working people I know, he has supported me before I stepped foot on campus and continued to