March 2009

Facebook: Inspire and be inspired!

It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s free. Facebook is a great tool for interacting with your fellow alumni, faculty, students, staff, and many others who share a common interest. The College of Engineering Facebook page helps people to stay connected. Just visit our page and join the conversation. You can chat with a faculty member, discuss a current topic, ask a question, post photos or videos, find a college classmate, or give your feedback on something you saw or heard. We hope to see you as a College of Engineering fan and look forward to your contributions on our page.

Power fund advances development of clean energy technologies

Song-Charng Kong, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is leading a team of Iowa State researchers who are working to produce clean, renewable energy by developing a new, low-emissions burner and a new catalyst for ethanol production. The project is supported by a two-year, $2.37 million grant from the Iowa Power Fund, a state program to advance energy innovation and independence. (News release)

Dean candidates visit campus

Four finalists for dean of the College of Engineering visited campus the first two weeks of March. The candidates are Theodore Bergman (program director, Thermal Transport Processes Program, National Science Foundation; and professor of mechanical engineering, University of Connecticut); Ishwar Puri (professor and department head, engineering science and mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg); David Rosowsky (A. P. and Florence Wiley Chair Professor and department head, Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station); and Jonathan Wickert (Larry and Pam Pithan Professor of Mechanical Engineering and chair of mechanical engineering, Iowa State University). A July 2009 appointment date is planned for the new dean. (Dean search Web site)

Engineering Distance Education (EDE) at Iowa State University offers you the opportunity to enhance your career through online learning. Our 100% online graduate courses and programs allow you to remain at your present job and location while continuing your education and advancing in your field. For details about how EDE works and the programs and courses that are offered, check out the EDE Web site. Registration for summer and fall classes begins March 23.

Meet AerE student John Hooker

Aerospace engineering senior John D. Hooker might be calling you during the next few weeks. He is one of a dozen Iowa State University Foundation callers reaching out to engineering alumni to ask for support for the College of Engineering. Hooker, who began working for the Foundation last summer, loves talking to alumni about the great things happening in the college and to learn about their experiences at Iowa State.

Hooker had planned to attend school in Illinois, where he grew up, but a visit to Iowa State and a tour of the AerE department convinced him this was the place for him to prepare for a career in the aeronautics industry. Since arriving in 2006, he’s helped design a rocket for a national competition, is currently getting hands-on design experience with the Iowa State business jet, and just last semester completed his required six hours of flying experience.

When you receive a call from Iowa State University, please take a few minutes to chat with a student such as John about the new things happening on campus and how your support will help attract and retain outstanding students in the College of Engineering.


Alumni reception planned in Houston

College of Engineering alumni and friends are invited to join interim dean James E. Bernard, NASA astronaut and Iowa State distinguished alum Clayton Anderson (AerE’83), and Iowa State aerospace engineering department chair Tom Shih for an evening of good food, good fun, and good friends. You will hear exciting stories about Anderson’s mission onboard the International Space Station plus his upcoming return trip. Dean Bernard will give a briefing on the latest news from campus, and we will hand out one or two prizes to lucky alums. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 24 at Westside Tennis and Fitness, 1200 Wilcrest, Houston, Texas. Please RSVP by Friday, March 20, at www.eng.iastate.edu/alumni/register/form.asp?id=193.

Veishea is coming April 13–19

Iowa State’s 87th Veishea celebration is planned for April 13–19. Check out the Veishea Web site to learn more about the special events that will be held all week long, culminating in the parade and Veishea Village on Saturday.

The Distinguished Award Celebration on Friday, April 18, at 2:15 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union is one of the special events planned for Veishea week. Donald Linder, BSEE’65, is one of five Iowa State alumni who will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Linder was the lead engineer of the group at Motorola that built the first handheld wireless portable telephone in 1973. This award is the highest honor given to alumni by Iowa State University through the Iowa State Alumni Association. Visit the Distinguished Awards Celebration Web site for information about all of the alumni who will be honored.

News Releases and Media Spotlights

Iowa Power Fund follows the sun to ISU: Video spotlight

Job prospects excellent for engineering grads: Radio spotlight

ECpE students design wind turbine for Coover Hall: News release

$1.8 million gift establishes chair, professorship, and scholarships in engineering: News release

U.S. Navy to name ship after EE alum Howard O. Lorenzen: News release

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