By Madelyn Ostendorf
Each semester, seniors who have gone above and beyond while attending Iowa State University can be nominated to receive one of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council senior awards. This semester, five seniors will be honored at the May 16 CALS Convocation.
- Tyler Atkinson, Outstanding Ambassador of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Alex Bray, Leadership and Innovation
- Adele Hogan, Distinguished Service
- Maddi Klemme, Outstanding Senior
- Sophia Parker, Academic Achievement
Tyler Atkinson
Atkinson, agronomy and genetics, started as a CALS Ambassador during his freshman year, guiding prospective students and their families around Iowa State and helping them connect with campus through his experiences. Serving as the interim secretary and eventual chair of the Ambassadors helped Atkinson learn about recruitment and the efforts that go into supporting prospective families.
“I started to engage more intentionally with families and students,” Atkinson said. “I grew immensely in my ability to share my own story, and with that growth came a new goal: to help others find their voice and tell their story.”
With that goal in mind, he helped his executive team restructure the CALS Ambassadors, working with the representatives to ensure they could perform their duties at a level that worked for them and still properly engaged prospective students. Through this new structure, Atkinson hopes future Ambassadors will have the opportunity to learn and grow as leaders, just like he did.
“Pursue what you're passionate about and give it everything you have,” Atkinson offered as advice to current students. “When opportunities arise to do what you love, don’t hesitate — even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and taking that leap will open doors you never imagined because it happened for me.”
Alex Bray
Bray, a microbiology major, has been an involved leader on campus in every area, serving as president of the Microbiology Club, a member of the Cyclone Science Innovators team, sitting on the Microbiology Outreach Committee, and acting as a learning assistant, where he helped first-year microbiology students adjust to campus.
“Alex embodies the spirit of leadership, service and innovation that the CALS Council Senior Awards seek to recognize,” wrote Claudia Lemper-Manahl, associate teaching professor of microbiology, in her nomination letter. “His passion for microbiology, dedication to outreach, and ability to lead and inspire others make him an ideal candidate for this honor.”
In his leadership roles, Bray had the opportunity to spearhead multiple interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the pollinator garden in the Student Innovation Center, and has hosted outreach events through the Microbiology Club to introduce elementary students to basic microbiology.
“Prioritize your personal well-being early in college,” Bray said. “There’s an infinite amount of academic and professional opportunities to participate in, but your success will be largely driven by how well you enjoy your daily routines and avoid unnecessary stressors.”
Adele Hogan
Hogan, a food science major, has seen the value of reaching out and asking for help during her time at Iowa State and has made it her mission to be of service to others. Whether volunteering at local food banks or helping coordinate outreach programs through the Food Science Club and the CALS Council, Hogan was excited to make a difference.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and serve, and this honor inspires me to continue giving back,” Hogan said. “The strong community at Iowa State motivates me to make a positive impact and serve others in meaningful ways.”
As a member of the Food Science Club, Hogan helped organize events like STEAM Night, which taught elementary school students about the connection between food and science and introduced them to the world of food science. During her time in CALS Council, Hogan helped to organize and promote events like CALS Week, the New Student BBQ, and National Ag Day, each aimed at recognizing and supporting the activities and efforts of current CALS students. Outside of Iowa State, she is involved in serving others in community activities and has helped to organize the Antioch retreat with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for other college students.
"Your college experience will go by so quickly, so enjoy each semester,” Hogan said. “Find a fun hobby to escape to when you’re stressed. Take fun classes, and don’t be afraid to apply for Study Abroad or USA programs—there are so many amazing opportunities in CALS. I encourage you to give back to a club, department, or the community. Serving others helps you build meaningful connections, develop new skills, and create a positive impact on those around you."
Maddi Klemme
Klemme, agricultural communication and international agriculture, said CALS has been more than just a college; it's been a community that pushed her to grow. While at Iowa State, Klemme has been involved and held positions in many activities and clubs, including CALS Council, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, CALS Ambassadors, Iowa Corn Collegiate Club and the Dean’s Student Advisory Group. She was also a travel consultant for CALS Study Abroad and a Department of Agricultural Education and Studies peer mentor.
“Maddi is the type of student that makes working in academia a worthy career,” said Mike Gaul, director of CALS Career Services. “Her numerous leadership roles on campus are not only selfless in nature but are beneficial to the Iowa State community, while at the same time challenging Maddi to be her very best.”
In all her roles, Klemme strives to find new experiences and learn to be a better leader. She believes that saying “yes” as often as possible can lead students to find their greatest potential.
“Get involved, take the internship, study abroad, spend a few extra minutes with the people who challenge you. Those experiences will shape you the most,” Klemme said. “Trust that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. The people you meet and the experiences you lean into will help you find your path.”
Sophia Parker
Parker, global resource systems and environmental studies, tried to find a curriculum that not only challenged her academically but also presented opportunities that would take her outside her comfort zone. As part of her major, Parker immersed herself in organizations that would deepen her understanding of global resource systems, such as the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences, the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership Program in Rome and a service learning project through the EARTH program in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Sophia is an inspiring example of academic excellence in CALS,” wrote Catherine Swoboda, associate teaching professor of global resource systems, in her nomination letter. “Sophia represents the outstanding ways that CALS students themselves carry forth the mission of CALS to share knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world.”
Parker said these experiences, alongside her involvement in campus organizations, have shaped who she is as a young professional. Despite not always knowing what to do while pursuing those opportunities, she said uncertainty is where she found space to grow.
“Never be afraid to ask for help when needed,” Parker advised. “It can be intimidating to advocate for yourself, but it’s truly one of the most important things you can learn to do. There is a strong support system at Iowa State made up of people who are ready to help you and want to see you succeed; that support system can help you the best if you let them know that you need it.”