Iowa State University – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

09/07/2026

Congratulations to the 17 outstanding alumni who will be honored with departmental awards at the Iowa State University Alumni Honors and Awards Ceremony on October 1. ✨

Congratulations to Joe Lutkenhaus (‘69 chemistry), Konrad Schmidt (‘76 computer science), Travis Steen (‘92 meteorology), Larry Hufford (‘80 botany), Mark A. McDermott (‘88 economics), Stephanie A. Mercier (‘88 PhD agricultural economics), Kenneth Talcott (‘68 zoology), Kathie Obradovich (‘87 journalism and mass communication), Kay Kretschmar Runge (‘69 history), Tamra Eggland Kammin (‘74 mathematics, ‘76 MS mathematics), David C. Neely (‘84 music, violin performance), Leia Guccione (‘04 political science), Kate Lyon (‘05 psychology), Yongming Qu (‘00 MS statistics, ‘02 PhD statistics), Kathryn Marley Gourley (‘78 anthropology, ‘90 MA anthropology), Erica J. Fischer (‘00 communication studies), and Shane A. Cooney (‘15 communication studies, international studies).

Click here to read about each alumni award recipient: https://alumni.las.iastate.edu/awards/las-alumni-awards/

09/04/2026

New year, new opportunities, and plenty to be excited about! 🍂✨

Our students are ready for an amazing semester. What are you most excited for, and what resources have helped you succeed at Iowa State?

Drop your recommendations below! 👇

09/03/2026

🚨 COMST majors, this one’s for YOU 🚨

Think speed dating… but make it ✨career networking✨ 😌💼

Come meet COMST alumni, hear the real tea on their career journeys, internships, and how they’re using their degree IRL 🎓

📅 Tuesday Sept. 15
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 Campanile Room, MU
🥪 Snacks = yes. Networking = also yes.
🔗 RSVP by Sept. 8 — link in bio!

Come for the snacks, stay for the connections 🤝✨

09/03/2026

Yan-Bin Jia, professor in the Department of Computer Science, and Haniyeh Fekrmandi, a Ph.D. student, have been hard at work this summer setting up the department's newest research tool: a KUKA LBR Med 7.

The robotic arm, which arrived from Manhattan, New York City, features a seven-kilogram payload, torque control, and seven degrees of freedom, enabling highly precise movement for applications such as orthopedic surgery.

Read more about the newest research tool in the Department of Computer Science here: https://www.cs.iastate.edu/news/2026/isu-robotics-lab-unboxes-medical-grade-robotic-arm

09/02/2026

Fifty Iowa State Theatre students, faculty, and staff traveled to Minnesota in January for the Region 5 American College Theatre Festival, where they showcased their talents alongside peers from more than 75 Midwestern colleges and universities. 🎭

Two students, Kyrstin Holmes and Fiona Addy, earned prestigious national finalist awards.

“Knowledge is always something to pursue. And when we do it as a community, it’s such a beautiful thing,” said Fiona Addy (‘26 performing arts).

Continue reading about both national finalists here: https://scriptandscore.music.iastate.edu/2026/08/03/and-the-award-goes-to/

09/01/2026

In their new book, "Criminal Naïveté," criminologists Matt DeLisi and Matt Logan examine the role empathy plays in shaping Americans’ views of crime and criminal justice.

Central to their argument is the concept of “criminal naïveté,” the tendency to view offenders chiefly as products of their circumstances while casting the justice system, and sometimes society at large, as the primary source of harm.

“This shift in thinking may feel compassionate and humane, but it can also pull us away from reality and create distortion,” said DeLisi, distinguished professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Continue reading about the book here: https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/book-explores-changes-attitudes-and-assumptions-about-crime

08/31/2026

Wyatt Van D**e (’28 meteorology, mathematics) spent his summer at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, contributing to research aimed at improving precipitation forecasts through the Model for Prediction Across Scales. 🌧️

“My favorite part of the experience was the opportunity to meet so many new people. NCAR is a center for atmospheric research, so I had the chance to meet dozens of the leading researchers in my field,” said Van D**e.

See how other Iowa State students turned summer opportunities into meaningful learning experiences: https://news.las.iastate.edu/2026/08/19/summer-internships-bring-new-skills-and-surprises-for-las-students/

08/28/2026

Sarah Dees, associate professor in Iowa State University's Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, had been working on a biography on Dolly Parton when the country music legend passed away earlier this week.

In a recent article published in The Conversation, Dees explores how Parton's impact extended beyond music, making her a spiritual icon for many fans.

“As a scholar of American religions, I teach my students about practices, texts and beliefs that many of them immediately consider ‘religious’ - for example, a worship service led by a pastor. However, religion is also found far beyond these official times and spaces, including in popular culture,” said Dees in the article.

Continue reading Dees' article in The Conversation here:

The legendary singer took on a saint-like aura for some fans.

08/28/2026

Places, please. Script and Score is live! 🎭

The Department of Music and Theatre is excited to share this year's edition of Script and Score. Discover stories from current students, alumni, and faculty, and revisit some of the department's most memorable achievements and highlights from the past year.

Read the 2026 edition of Script and Score here: https://scriptandscore.music.iastate.edu/

08/27/2026

The Iowa State University Student Innovation Center is an incredible resource for all students. Discover new ideas, explore your creativity, and find countless opportunities to bring your ideas to life!

Watch the video below for information on next week's EXCITE 2026 ⬇️