Highlights from Homecoming Week

On Wednesday, October 30, Communication Studies alum Shane Jacobson (2003) returned to Iowa State. Shane was here to receive the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from Communication Studies. Shane has had a highly productive career in development, and currently serves as CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Shane shared a special presentation titled “Journey to the Future: How an ISU Alum Leads Game-Changing Investment in Cancer Research.” This presentation was delivered in partnership with ISU Athletics and the Committee on Lectures. Many students, together with faculty and other guests, attended the lecture to learn about the prevalence of cancer, as well as the promise of cancer research. Shane reminded everyone of the theme of the V Foundation: Don’t give up, don’t ever give up! The V in V Foundation is both for Jim Valvano, who faced cancer and founded the Foundation, as well as for Victory over cancer, which the V Foundation is striving to achieve.

Thursday, October 31, Communication Studies alum Allyson (Dierenfeld) Krull (2008) returned to Iowa State. Allyson was here to receive the second Outstanding Achievement by a Young Alumni Award from Communication Studies. Allyson has had an impactful communication career in her home state of Iowa through her work for the Iowa State Fair’s Blue Ribbon Foundation and for the Chamber of Commerce Serving North Iowa in Mason City. Allyson shared a special presentation titled “An Iowan’s Communication Career at the Iconic Iowa State Fair and the Nationally-Recognized Mason City Chamber of Commerce.” This presentation was delivered to students in Leadership Communication Theories, plus many other guests. Those who attended learned of Allyson’s adventures creating and promoting a new concession at the State Fair (Rice Krispy Treat on a stick); planning, promoting and leading global familiarization tours to international destinations; and her leadership in the visionary transformative River City Renaissance campaign, a major revitalization endeavor.  

Thursday evening, Communication Studies representatives Stacy Tye-Williams, Director, and Todd Jenks joined our alumni awardees at the LAS Alumni Honors and Awards Ceremony. Twenty-seven alumni from Liberal Arts and Sciences were recognized, including two from Communication Studies. Shane Jacobson received our inaugural Distinguished Alumni of Communication Studies Award. Allyson Krull received our second Outstanding Achievement by a Young Alumni of Communication Studies Award. A special award video was shown for each recipient, recognizing their accomplishments. We invite you to check out the presentations for our two honorees:

Distinguished Alumni Award from Communication Studies

Shane Jacobson (2003), Inaugural Recipient

Outstanding Achievement by a Young Alumni Award from Communication Studies

Allyson Krull (2008), Second Recipient

Finally we rounded out the week with alumni and families, faculty and families, current students and other friends gathered together for the first-ever Communication Studies Alumni Gathering during Homecoming. The celebration happened in Harvester Plaza, between C.Y. Stephens and Hilton Coliseum, the day of Iowa State’s Homecoming game. The event was attended by over 70 people. Alumna Kristin Thompson says: “I am so thankful for the Communication Studies community, I felt such a great sense of care and support on Saturday. I loved seeing what everyone is up to now that we are apart!” The program hopes to make this gathering an annual event.