Announcements
One-block stretch of Welch closed for city utility improvements
A city of Ames project has closed Welch Avenue from Chamberlain to Hunt streets, including the intersections, for upgrades that include water main, storm and sanitary sewer replacement, sidewalk and street reconstruction and street light replacement. Weather-dependent, work starts Monday, April 28, and will take two to three months for this block. Pedestrians are asked to stay in the protected route through the construction zone created by a temporary chain link fence installed along both sides of Welch.
Last chance: Lake LaVerne survey closes Friday
As part of a broader plan to dredge, restore and maintain Lake LaVerne, a design team invites interested faculty, staff and students to participate in a 10-question survey about the south campus landmark by end-of-day Friday, May 2. The information collected will be used to guide the redevelopment plan.
CIRAS hosts Iowa AI Summit for Industry in May
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is hosting the 2025 Iowa AI Summit for Industry May 12-14 at the Scheman Building. This three-day event is designed to meet you where you are, covering everything from beginner-friendly AI tools to advanced, real-world applications across multiple industries. Register for one, two or all three days to customize your experience:
- AI Introduction, May 12 (1-4 p.m.), a beginner-friendly overview of what AI is and how it’s shaping the future.
- AI Summit, May 13 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), a deeper dive into current AI tools, trends and applications through expert-led discussions and case studies.
- AI Accelerator, May 14 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), for those ready to take the next step, this hands-on session helps you build your own AI-powered solutions and workflows.
You're invited: Central Stores appreciation lunch
Central Stores invites all faculty and staff to an appreciation open house on Thursday, May 8 (11 a.m.-1 p.m., lot 47 between General Services Building and the power plant). While supplies last, enjoy burgers, brats, chips, desserts and refreshments.
You're invited: Distinguished Awards celebration is May 2
Celebrate the university's highest awards at the annual Distinguished Awards celebration on Friday, May 2 (2 p.m., lower level of the Sukup End Zone Club at Jack Trice Stadium). The ceremony is open to the public, and a reception follows. Details about the awards presented to alumni and friends via the ISU Foundation and Alumni Association are online.
Dog scamper is May 3
The 41st annual Scamper, a 5K walk/run with pet dogs hosted by Iowa State's chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association, will be held Saturday, May 3 (10 a.m., College of Veterinary Medicine). Registration is $25; register online. Proceeds will support local animal shelters and rescues as well as be used to raise community awareness about the One Health mission.
Honors poster presentation is May 7
The University Honors program invites the campus community to its spring poster presentation, featuring honors capstone projects, on Wednesday, May 7 (3-5 p.m., MU Great Hall). Spring 2025 honors graduates and other honors students will present, answer questions and speak with individuals interested in their projects. The Honors spring convocation will follow at 5:45 p.m. in the MU Sun Room, preceded by a reception (5-5:45 p.m.).
Ticket lottery announced for 'Book of Mormon' shows April 30-May 1
"The Book of Mormon," winner of nine 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical, has announced a lottery ticket policy for the shows at Stephens Auditorium April 30 and May 1 (7:30 p.m.). A limited number of tickets will be available for $25 each. Here's how it works: Beginning at 5 p.m., entries will be accepted at the Stephens ticket office for that evening's performance. On a card that's provided, each person will print their name and number of tickets (one or two) they wish to purchase (limit of one entry/person). Shortly after the lottery closes at 5:30 p.m., names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets. Winners must be present for the drawing and show valid ID to purchase up to two tickets. Cash or credit card is accepted.
State Science and Technology Fair winners announced
Junior and senior high school students from 77 schools and 38 counties exhibiting more than 500 projects competed for prizes, awards and scholarships at the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa March 26-27 at Hilton Coliseum. Dozens of university faculty, staff and graduate students served as judges. Aligning with Next Generation Science Standards, the fair is the premier STEM contest for Iowa students in grades 6-12. Earlier this week, fair organizers posted award recipients.
MU parking permit sale opens April 30
Parking permit sales for the Memorial Union ramp for summer 2025, fall 2025 and annual 2025-26 begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30. Permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis, based on application time. Current permit holders must apply for a new permit. Permit holders who want to pay for their permit via payroll deduction need to sign a payroll deduction form each year when they apply. The prices for the new permits are:
- Summer (valid May 19-Aug. 10, 2025) $251
- Fall (valid Aug. 18-Dec. 20, 2025) $304
- Annual (valid July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) $700
Update on Stange Road construction
On Friday, April 25, access to University Village from Stange Road will close at Bruner Drive and open at Blankenburg Drive. Northbound traffic on Stange remains detoured east to Grand Avenue via 13th and 24th streets. Closure of Stange's northbound lanes is required for the contractor to demolish the old road surface up to the center line. The closure has required detours to three CyRide bus routes: #6 Brown, #14 Peach and #25 Gold, including closed and temporary bus stops. Weather dependent, this phase of the work is expected to be completed by the first week of May. Map of detour.
Employee workshop targets sticky work situations
Employees who find themselves in an uncomfortable work dynamic are invited to an interactive workshop, "Sticky Situations Between Supervisors and Supervisees: A Discussion with University Human Resources and the Ombuds," on Wednesday, April 30 (9-10:30 a.m., 206 Durham). University ombuds Laura Smythe and associate director for employee relations and labor relations Andrea Little, university human resources, will lead the workshop. It's open to all faculty and staff; register in Workday Learning.
Procurement customers asked to complete service survey
Procurement services invites its campus customers to complete a 2025 satisfaction survey. The procurement team uses the feedback each year to improve its services and enhance processes to better meet the needs of the university community. This spring's customer satisfaction survey will be available through May 6.
Tickets on sale for June 29 Frankie Valli concert
Tickets are on sale for a June 29 concert at Stephens Auditorium with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, joined by The Rascals. Tickets ($45-$125) may be purchased at the Stephens ticket office or via Ticketmaster.
Peak spring bloom window at Reiman Gardens opens this weekend
An estimated 50,000 tulips, daffodils and other bulbs are blooming at Reiman Gardens this spring, with the peak tulip time estimated for April 19 through May 3. Reiman Gardens opens daily at 9 a.m. and is open five days a week until 5 p.m., with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $12 (65 years $11, youth 2-12 years $6, ISU students free with ID).
Faculty, staff volunteers needed for Cy's Finals Frenzy during prep week
The division of student affairs seeks volunteers for the third Cy's Finals Frenzy at the beginning of prep week: Sunday-Tuesday, May 4-6. Volunteers help individual events run smoothly, and faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for a shift or two to interact with students. Most shifts are 60 or 90 minutes long. This once-a-semester event promotes healthy study habits and personal wellness as students prepare for final exams. All events are free for Iowa State students and take place in and around the Memorial Union. Offerings include Bingo, movie night, free snacks, a Sunday cookout and wellness activities. Academic support programs, including exam prep and supplemental instruction sessions, will be available, too.
P&S seminar series topics announced for April, May
The P&S Council's monthly seminar series (Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m.) includes these upcoming topics. The series is open to all:
- Excel Your Skills, intermediate and advanced Excel techniques, with Sarah Freestone, office of student financial aid, and Sara Joanna Everson, department of public safety, April 22, location TBA, register
- P&S Classification and Compensation Structure in Action, how the structure is used to classify P&S employees and inform pay decisions, with Dwayne Hepler, human resources delivery, May 22, 0114 Student Innovation Center, register
