There's No Place Like Ames

I love Ames.  I love Iowa State.  I love Kappa at Iowa State.  Ames has a very special place in my heart.  Today, I read that Ames was voted the number two Best College Town in America (read the full article here).  Ithaca College in New York came in first; The University of Iowa in Iowa City came in fourth.  I'm proud to say I'm part of the proud group of Iowa State alumni.  And I'm happy to learn Iowa City isn't as trashy of a town as I once thought (it is still the current #2 party school according to Princeton Review)...until about six months ago...

(source)

And here are some fun facts about Ames (taken directly from here):
Population: 89,575
Student concentration: 285.4 (per 1,000 people)
2-bedroom apartment: $740/month

Earning Potential: $35,426

Colleges: Iowa State University

Read more here.

Loss of a Legend

This morning, a fellow Iowa State journalism graduate posted about the passing of professor Barbara Mack.  She was a legend in the journalism program.  Every journalism student had to take journalism law, and she was one of the two professors (when I was a journalism student, that is).  I had her my senior year.  She was a tough cookie.  So much so, that with my apprenticeship, involvement with my sorority and on campus, and two other side jobs, I didn't think I could handle her class...so I dropped it (and had to take it the next semester with a different professor).  Anyway, when I told her I needed to drop it because I was over-committed and couldn't invest enough of myself in the class, she was kind and understanding (a complete surprise to me, and the first time I saw her kind heart).  I hate admitting I can't do everything.  I dropped two classes in undergrad:  chemistry (my first semester when I came to the realization that I'm not cut out to be a doctor) and journalism law.  I regret dropping chemistry...however, technically I didn't drop it (long story...).  I don't regret dropping journalism law.  I took it the next semester and got an A.  I felt like I owed it to her to do well in it.

Barbara Mack was rigid.  She expected a high standard of excellence from her students (and probably everyone, really).  She demanded respect.  And I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience her teaching.  I wish her family all the best in this difficult time.  I hope they know she left behind a legacy that may never be matched.  She was a legend in herself and will be missed dearly.  The Iowa State journalism program will never be the same.  And, for everyone who knew her, we will never be the same.

Barbara Mack, you will be missed.

Sweet Home Kappa Gamma

I lived in Ames for four years (except for the two summers I spent at home - one summer was spent living at a fraternity...more on that experience later!).  Three of those years were spent living at 120 Lynn Avenue at the Kappa house.  I had my own fair share of struggles living with 60+ girls, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.  A couple weeks ago, I participated in house tours given by the new sophomores.  It was wonderful.  I walked through all the rooms I'd lived in.  Hello, memories...

Anyway, on Monday night, I had an alumnae association event up in Ames, and I was happy to attend since I knew I'd also stop over at the house to meet with my advisee. Jessica planned the alumnae event - wine tasting at a self-serve wine bar. When she told me about the place, I had visions of Lemon Tree, Cherry Berry, and Orange Leaf in my head...turns out, that's not actually correct, but the basic gist of things. You purchase a pre-paid card, insert the card in the machine, then press the amount of wine you'd like (the prices and quantities are all marked on the machine). It's pretty simple. And quite innovative. Congrats, Della Viti. We had a great time tasting wines and catching up with one another. I love chatting with the "older" ladies in our association. They were advisers when I was an undergraduate...and I think they've been advisers for about 50 years. They're wonderful ladies.

Jessica trying out the machines.

Anyway, after wine tasting, I drove over to the chapter house to meet with my advisee, Annie. She's great - so prepared, so eager to do big things, and so down-to-earth. Before I walked in the house, I had to stop to take in the moment. It was the first chapter meeting of the school year, and all the new members were at the house for formal pledging. The actives were wearing black dresses. The new members were wearing white. But, while they were all down in the chapter meeting room, the house was quiet. And it made me miss college and all my friends living under one roof...for three glorious years.

120 Lynn will always be Home Sweet Home

It's a beautiful sight!