Warren Madden has an extensive biography from his 47 years with Iowa State, going all the way back to his time as an undergraduate in industrial engineering. Currently the senior vice president for business and finance at Iowa State, Madden’s involvement ranges from campus to community events. Now he can add the title of Ames …Continue reading “Citizen of the Year: ISU’s Warren Madden”
In 1998, Clayton Anderson was a 29-year-old aerospace engineer who wanted to fulfill his childhood dream of going to space, but NASA was stopping him. He applied 15 times and received as many rejection letters. On his sixteenth try, which he had already decided would be his last, he was accepted. In January, with 167 …Continue reading “Aerospace alum rejected by NASA 15 times before going to space”
Calling himself a little unorganized in high school, Cliff Plymesser, a 2005 construction engineering alumnus, didn’t spend much time planning for college. He grew up with a love for construction and an interest in engineering, so he decided to combine the two at Iowa State—the only place he applied—and found his career. Plymesser took a …Continue reading “Teaching what he knows: Cliff Plymesser brings career to classroom”
Dan Varnum, presiden and CEO of Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, has joined the First Citizens National Bank board of directors. Varnum holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and his master’s degree in business administration from Drake University. Varnum has more than 25 years of experience in developing, leading and improving …Continue reading “IE alum joins First Citizens National Bank board of directors”
Sweeney Hall, home to the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been undergoing some significant renovations over the past couple of years. From upgrades in research and computer laboratories to a new multimedia classroom, each update will help the department facilitate enrollment growth as well as make new discoveries. Progress over time Focused on …Continue reading “Renovations, upgrades address growth and advancement in CBE”
Jeff Fleenor (BSAerE’86) received state funding to help build a prototype large wood grinder. Fleenor’s idea also includes some technology he has patented which helps the grinder save on diesel fuel. Over time, his project has gained more support and is moving into the testing phase. Watch his story on WHO-TV.com.
The importance of internships and fieldwork is heavily stressed at Iowa State. Some students use them as a means of networking to get their name out in the industry while others simply find one to fill a requirement. Matt Ralston, a 2000 construction engineering alumnus, turned his internship into a successful career. A native of …Continue reading “Construction engineering alumnus goes from intern to vice president”
For Mike Conzett, promoting engineering licensure is an incredibly important means of guaranteeing a standard of professionalism in the field. Conzett, an Iowa State University civil engineering alumnus, has been a licensed professional engineer since 1982. “It’s taking your work and standing behind it,” he says. And he’s made it a personal and professional goal …Continue reading “Iowa State civil engineering alum stresses importance of licensed engineering”
Charles J. Fiterman, an environmental control systems expert with Boeing and an Iowa State College of Engineering alumnus, has won two of that company’s annual Special Invention Awards recognizing excellence in engineering innovation. Fiterman was recognized for his work on two teams that developed major improvements to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, their newest and most energy …Continue reading “Charles Fiterman, engineering alum, wins Boeing innovation award”
At the 2012 Honors and Awards Ceremony, eight distinguished engineering alumni will be recognized by the Iowa State University Alumni Association and the College of Engineering. The event, which is celebrating its 81st year, is open to the public and will be held at Benton Auditorium in the Scheman Building on Friday, October 26, at …Continue reading “Eight CoE alumni to be honored during 2012 Homecoming”
A new master’s program in engineering management will soon be offered at Iowa State. The master’s degree, which was recently approved by the Iowa Board of Regents, consists of 30 credits, split evenly between courses from the College of Engineering and the College of Business. “Creating the program was initially motivated by our engineering alumni …Continue reading “Iowa State introduces new engineering management graduate program”
With an interest in the structural aspects of engineering design, 1963 civil engineering alumnus Jack McGuire never anticipated he would have a life-long career in aerospace engineering. But after 43 years at the Boeing Company, he can safely say the field has proved to be the place for him. His professional accomplishments and commitment to …Continue reading “‘Eminent Engineer’ gives back to the profession”
Steeped in traditions that date back to 1907, the Iowa Alpha chapter of Tau Beta Pi (TBP) has long recognized students who are distinguished in their scholarly efforts and who demonstrate exemplary character. This past December, the group added a program to recognize outstanding alumni, inducting Stephen Watson (BSIE’67) as an Eminent Engineer. Watson joined …Continue reading “Watson named TBP Eminent Engineer”
When Brian Lapcewich enrolled at Iowa State in 2005 as an undeclared engineering major, he didn’t know his passion for engineering would lead him to a career where an ordinary day at the office would mean standing atop an 80-meter high wind turbine. As a junior in high school, Lapcewich toured the campus and fell …Continue reading “Wind energy powers up alumnus’ career”
Matt Hillis, BSConE’00, was recently profiled by the Des Moines Register. He is a senior project manager for Ryan Cos. US Inc., in Des Moines.
