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 Dec. 19 CALS Convocation.
Allyson Aves, Leadership and Innovation
Emily Kihlstrom, Outstanding Ambassador of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Caleb Clay, Outstanding Senior
Morgan Lang, Academic Achievement
Kai O’Connell, Distinguished Service
Allyson Aves, agricultural and rural policy studies
How does this award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
I am reminded of the many opportunities that faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide to students within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in order to cultivate the next generation of leaders and innovators. I have been fortunate to work with some incredible mentors here at Iowa State, including Associate Dean Bain, Dr. Elobeid, Dr. Luvaga, as well as my club and department advisors. Their guidance has ensured I always have someone to turn to for advice and support.
This leadership is also evident in the students our college attracts. I have been blessed to collaborate with outstanding peers who continue to inspire me. I have learned so much working alongside my colleagues at Iowa State University, and I have no doubt that the students here will shape the future.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
The greatest and most unexpected lesson I have taken from my time at Iowa State University is that comparison has no place when looking at the bigger picture of life. No matter your place in a room, each person shares the common experience of growing through struggles, learning from others, and answering to someone. It is this perspective that has allowed me to grow in my own confidence without jealousy or arrogance, and to appreciate what I can learn from each person I meet without fear of how they might perceive the place I am at in life in comparison to their own.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
My first semester was not easy for me; I struggled through coursework and felt the growing pains of being a young person living away from home for the first time, envisioning big dreams for my future but doubting whether I would ever truly achieve them. It was the first people to take a chance on me at Iowa State that helped me through this: my advisors in Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies, Dr. Balayar and Dr. Peters. They saw a nervous freshman who was struggling in her first semester of college and welcomed her into their major anyway. The support of my advisors paved the way for me to continue learning and growing, but that did not mean it was always easy. I have had mentors both at school and during my internships who have supported me through every stage of my growth. They have helped me learn to manage my time effectively between work and school, to ask questions rather than struggle to find answers on my own, to seek help in challenging courses, and how to explore job opportunities after graduation. Knowing what the support of my mentors has meant to me makes me want to continue supporting students as an alumnus.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
My item is my Grandpa Aves' American FFA Degree. It represents the story of one of the strongest leaders and most insightful innovators I have had the privilege of learning from. My grandfather took on the challenge of operating our family's dairy farm as a young man, knowing it meant he would not be able to attend college. Throughout his life, he shared stories of what it took to keep the farm afloat during the Great Depression, experienced the struggles of the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, and continued to look to the future to envision what this legacy would mean for his children and grandchildren. The work ethic, vision, and values-driven leadership my grandfather displayed, which my parents continue to embody today, serve as a constant motivator for me to pursue my own personal and professional growth.
Emily Kihlstrom, agronomy
How does this award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
Being chosen for this award recognizes how I pushed myself to grow, whether by exploring agriculture, both domestic and international, through internships and study abroad, serving the Ames community through campus organizations, or challenging myself academically and professionally through Soil and Crop Judging. Each of these experiences shaped me into a more confident leader, a stronger teammate, and a more informed student of agriculture. The award represents not just what I accomplished, but how I'm always looking forward to representing Iowa State.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One unexpected lesson that I've learned here is that it's okay to fail. Growing up, I was always one of those straight-A students who was involved in clubs. However, college is a lot more complex than high school, and one method I utilized a lot to navigate was trial and error. It worked out great for me, but it also teaches you humility and what failing will happen sometimes- but that's okay. How will you learn without knowing what doesn't work?
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
Coming to Iowa State has allowed me personal and career growth. As an out-of-state student, it was nerve-racking coming to Iowa and being away from my friends and family back home. But it's taught me to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone and to always try new things. I wouldn't have done any Study Abroad, joined my clubs, or participated in Soil and Crop Judging. One specific moment I remember is going on Amber Anderson's study abroad trip to Costa Rica. That was not only my first study abroad at Iowa State that fueled my travel interests, but also one of the farmers who ignited my passion for soil health. After going on that trip, I recognized my career goal of helping future farmers use sustainable practices that help other future farmers have Agriculture as a sustainable career.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
My item is the CALS Study Abroad Luggage Tag. While it's a small, unassuming item, it accurately reflects how my time at Iowa State has been driven by not being afraid to take that first step into the unknown. Whether it's going out of state for college, traveling to a foreign country, or representing Iowa State at competitions, I've learned so many lessons while traveling, representing Iowa State. That's why if I had to choose one item to reflect my time at Iowa State, it would be my Luggage Tag.
Caleb Clay, animal science
How does this award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
The last 3.5 years have gone by fast; however, looking back, I realize how much I have grown as a person, as well as how I desired to show up and support the people who made a difference during my time at Iowa State.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One lesson I am taking from Iowa State is that almost everything is ephemeral, and to live in the moment.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
After joining the ACE Project, I eventually learned how to be comfortable stepping up and being a leader in order to teach others. I've become more willing to step out of my comfort zone.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
The item I chose, a book about animals and how we as humans view them, relates to my major as a whole, as well as one of my professors, Dr. Cheryl Morris, who has taught me so much more than what can be found on a PowerPoint Presentation. The lessons and knowledge I have learned from her will stick with me forever.
Morgan Lang, global resource systems and agricultural and rural policy studies
How does this award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
Receiving the Academic Achievement Award feels like a meaningful reflection of my time at Iowa State. It represents the effort I’ve put into my classes and the curiosity that’s pushed me to learn more. My parents have always emphasized the importance of education, and it is an honor to see this priority in my life be recognized.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One unexpected skill I’m taking with me is the confidence to approach challenges creatively. Iowa State’s emphasis on innovation has instilled in me the importance and power of problem-solving. Through the Food Insecurity challenge, I strengthened my skills in innovation and developed a passion for solving local problems that impact my community. I am excited to take this ability to think holistically and boldly into life beyond graduation.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
Iowa State has given me opportunities I never would’ve imagined and has shaped me in many ways. A major turning point was participating in the Iowa State University Uganda Program after my freshman year. Working in the Kamuli district on a nutrition project and teaching agriculture to fifth-grade students showed me how education, agriculture, engineering, and policy can all come together to support communities. I went on to conduct research for a non-profit organization in Gurugram, India, and assist the Ministry of Agriculture in Pristina, Kosovo. These experiences significantly contributed to my development as a global citizen, and Iowa State’s supportive environment made it possible for me to take on those challenges with confidence.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
I chose to bring my film camera because it is a hobby I have taken up during college. I love trying new activities, and Iowa State encourages students to explore their various interests. Taking a film photography class in my last semester was a highlight, as I developed my technical skills while appreciating what the camera represents – recording and reflecting on the past, while learning and improving for the future.
Kai O’Connell, agronomy
How does this award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
The Distinguished Service Award reflects my journey at Iowa State, as I continually strive to make a positive difference in the community. I have been involved in multiple clubs throughout my time at Iowa State, most notably the Soil and Water Conservation Club. I became involved with the club and quickly volunteered to help with the club’s annual publication. Additionally, I have been involved with the collegiate soil judging team, helping to achieve a couple of awards that I am very proud of.
While at Iowa State, I have drastically increased my involvement in a non-profit organization called Sheltered Reality. I began volunteering in junior high, performing with the drumline in schools throughout the Midwest, promoting messages of anti-bullying and the importance of kindness. Currently, I serve as the Site Coordinator for central Iowa, based in Des Moines, and strive to mentor as many peers as possible, especially the children I interact with. My time volunteering with Sheltered Reality and the reality I've experienced have contributed significantly to who I am today: someone always willing to do whatever it takes to make a positive difference and help others. The difference I make in the children I perform for has an extremely special place in my heart.
Most recently, I have become involved with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and the transgender ensemble, TRANScendent. Throughout my time at Iowa State, I have embraced my identity as a queer and transgender person in Iowa, socially transitioning once I moved to Ames. Having found confidence in who I am, I wanted to become more involved in queer activism in the area and have begun dedicating a significant amount of time to this community.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One unexpected lesson I am taking with me from Iowa State is how important it is to be passionate about something. I have changed a lot throughout my time at Iowa State, which has greatly increased my confidence. I originally started at Iowa State with an animal science degree, later adding environmental science, and switching from animal science to agronomy. I found a deeper passion for soil science, furthering my education from when I was in high school. As an agronomy student, this allowed me to gain a large variety of experiences and ultimately realize that the passion I have had since middle school, a passion to aid others, is how I will feel fulfilled in life. Over the last year, I have been making more steps to be involved in activism and follow my intuition, which has led me to attend graduate school for school psychology at UNI.
Throughout all my experiences and decisions, I have learned that being passionate and pursuing the passion greatly contributes to confidence and self-esteem. If I had not made the decision to pursue fields I am more passionate about, I don’t think I would have the confidence I do today and would not be the person I am today.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
In addition to a significant contribution to volunteering outside of Iowa State, my experience as a teaching assistant has contributed to who I am today. All the times I have helped students with questions about the courses I have helped with have brought me a lot of joy while fulfilling my passion to make a positive difference. This role has helped me gain more confidence, strengthen skills, such as time management, communication, and leadership, and allowed me to interact with my peers. I have also enjoyed being able to get to know my professors better while also helping them out and assisting with any aspect of the course they need help with. I have gained a unique skillset by helping with several courses that will follow me as I graduate from Iowa State University.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
My chosen item is the award I received from the 2025 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, where I placed 4th individually. This represents my time at Iowa State because I have been significantly involved in the soil science community. I have competed on the soil judging team since my sophomore year, and it has created some of my favorite memories with people from Iowa State. The soil judging team is a great community where people who share a common passion can come together and gain experiences in a field they enjoy. I have found great joy in helping my team members and learning how to work effectively with a varied group of people. This award represents me because it shows my dedication to succeed. The competition day was a little brutal; the temperature was near freezing, and it was raining, but I was determined to do my best. It paid off, becoming the accomplishment I am most proud of.