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 15 CALS Convocation ceremony.
Olly Dungan - Outstanding Ambassador
Lindsey Hospodarsky - Leadership and Innovation
Carly Lawler - Distinguished Service
Emily Meyer - Outstanding Senior
Zachary Utley - Academic Achievement
Olly Dungan, wildlife and fisheries conservation and ecology
How does the Outstanding Ambassador Award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
Iowa State stood out for how friendly, supportive and successful the students seemed on my visit. The student ambassadors I met gave me incredible advice and an accurate perspective on what it is actually like to be an Iowa State student. I left my Iowa State visit feeling empowered, excited and, most importantly, that I could see myself belonging to the Iowa State community. I applied to be an ambassador as soon as the applications opened because I wanted to give back to CALS and help prospective students and their families feel the same way I did when I first set foot on campus: thrilled to begin the next chapter of their life as a Cyclone.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
The greatest lesson I learned at Iowa State is never to let an open door go unexplored. I changed my career path and major because I took a chance on opportunities, even when they scared me. During my sophomore summer, I attended Iowa State's field ecology camp in Montana to learn fieldwork techniques and study ecology. I quickly fell in love with conservation and living in the mountains, and I decided to pursue a career in conservation. That fall, I changed my major to wildlife and fisheries conservation ecology. During my junior year, I accepted a job at the CALS Career Day to work abroad in Bulgaria as a vet assistant in a wildlife hospital. I traveled thousands of miles to a country I had never been to, where I could not speak or read the language. This decision turned into the greatest three months of my life, where I got to try out my dream job and explore a gorgeous, vibrant country. I learned to overcome the challenges that come with taking opportunities outside my comfort zone, adapting to new places, meeting new people and expanding my thinking through new experiences.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
My time at Iowa State helped unite my passions for conservation and veterinary medicine. I had wanted to be a veterinarian since I was eight years old, but I when I arrived at Iowa State, I was unsure of which species I wanted to work with. I had worked with dairy cattle and companion animals during my first two internships, but neither provided the fulfillment I was looking for.
Then came my ornithology class. During one of our labs, our class had the opportunity to handle birds and extract them from mist nets. I got to hold a white-breasted nuthatch, my favorite backyard bird. I had never held a bird before, and I was immediately captivated by their complex anatomy and gravity-defying adaptations. I knew then that I wanted to work with wild animals and use my veterinary practice to help not only pets, but also our wildlife. I went on to accept an internship in Bulgaria, working as a veterinary assistant in the country's largest wildlife hospital. I worked with veterinarians to care for animals of all kinds, including endangered birds of prey such as the Bearded and Egyptian vultures. During this internship, I learned that veterinary medicine is a critical component of endangered species conservation, enabling individuals to be returned to the wild who would have otherwise perished. Iowa State provided the avenues to pursue a multitude of animal experiences and ultimately allowed me to take my veterinary practice beyond the state and across the world. Thanks to my opportunities at Iowa State, I will be pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree to specialize in zoological and exotic animal medicine this fall!
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
These binoculars have been in my family for three generations, passed down to me from my grandfather and mother. They represent my connection to the natural world and my love for all its creatures. Birdwatching is my favorite pastime, grounding me to nature and serving as my primary outlet for stress. I have been very involved with Iowa State's Birding Club for the last few years, going on trips to the snow-covered bogs of Northern Minnesota, to the windswept prairies of Nebraska. These adventures have allowed me to observe iconic species and give back to the environment through volunteering to band birds and conduct bird surveys. Additionally, I have studied abroad three times during my time at Iowa State, and my binoculars have accompanied me on every journey, from Central America to central Europe. I have seen more than 350 bird species across five countries. As these binoculars accompany me on my next chapter, they are a reminder that my career path will not only serve our companion animals, but all creatures great and small.
Lindsey Hospodarsky, agricultural communication
How does the Leadership and Innovation Award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
Throughout my time at Iowa State, I’ve been really intentional about getting involved and stepping into leadership roles that pushed me to grow. From being a Pathways to Innovation and Leadership peer leader to serving as a CALS Ambassador, and from my roles as social chair and treasurer for the Meat Science Club, I’ve had the chance to lead in a variety of ways and work with many different people. In each of these roles, I’ve tried to bring new ideas, be creative and make a positive impact, whether that’s planning events, connecting with prospective students or helping improve the organizations I’m part of. This award reflects that journey of jumping into opportunities, learning as I go and growing into a more confident leader who isn’t afraid to try something new. It really represents all the experiences and people that have shaped me during my time at Iowa State.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
When you first come to college, everyone tells you to say “yes” to everything. While this is great advice, the best lesson I learned is to slow down and say “no.” I have loved being involved on campus, but I have also learned to love those slow days with no true responsibilities. Learning how to set boundaries and prioritize what matters most has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve gained. It’s helped me be more present, avoid burnout and, overall, show up better in the commitments I choose to take on.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
In my three short years at Iowa State, I have found what I am truly passionate about. Being able to explore different coursework, especially within the agricultural communication program, has allowed me to tailor my education to what I actually want to do with my life. One experience that really shaped me was taking a digital photography course. It pushed me to think creatively, tell stories visually and step outside my comfort zone in a way I was not used to. I have now started my own small photography business thanks to the confidence and skills I built in the classroom.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
I chose to bring my laptop as my item because it’s been a constant throughout my entire time at Iowa State. I bought it the spring before my first year from the Iowa State Book Store, and since then, I’ve used it every single day. From completing coursework and taking job interviews to editing client photography and managing social media for my job, it’s been a huge part of both my academic and professional growth. Over time, I’ve covered it in stickers from my internships, clubs and even my small business. Each one represents a different experience, opportunity or chapter of my college journey. I think you can learn a lot about a person by what they choose to surround themselves with, and my laptop tells the story of everything I’ve been involved in and passionate about during my time here.
Carly Lawler, agricultural systems technology and international agriculture
How does the Distinguished Service Award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
Receiving the Distinguished Service award feels like a meaningful reflection of my time at Iowa State University. It represents the efforts I have made to serve the community and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This recognition reinforces the impact of that work and motivates me to continue serving long after graduation.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One unexpected lesson I’m taking with me is the importance of recognizing and understanding international agriculture. It’s easy to fall into the familiar rhythm of Iowa’s corn and soybean rotation, but my experiences abroad showed me how diverse global agriculture truly is. During my semester at University College Dublin, I took courses in precision agriculture, agricultural and food policy, and crop science, all taught through the lens of Ireland’s diverse crops, unique pest pressures, and moderately scaled farming systems. Later, during a short‑term travel course to Panama, I experienced a completely different production environment with minimal machinery or precision technology and a heavy reliance on manual labor for nearly every step of the operation. These experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced that agriculture looks different everywhere. Understanding those differences makes me a stronger professional.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
My experience at Iowa State University has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. Coming in as a first‑generation student without a traditional agricultural background, I spent my first semester questioning whether I truly belonged in this industry. I wasn’t confident in my abilities and wondered if I had chosen the right major. After a conversation with my peer mentor, Ashley Althaus, she reminded me that I was more than capable of finding success in agriculture. From that point forward, I leaned into every opportunity.
I joined multiple clubs and organizations and stepped into leadership roles in each. I participated in both a semester‑long study abroad experience and a short‑term travel course. I served as an Agricultural Systems Technology Peer Mentor for six semesters and as a student travel consultant for four semesters for the CALS Study Abroad Office. Along the way, I was supported by the incredible faculty in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, whose mentorship and dedication created an environment where I felt supported, challenged and valued. Their impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping how I see myself and the professional I hope to become. Together, these experiences shaped not only my path at Iowa State but also the sense of purpose I carry into my career.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
My chosen item is a 1/32 scale tractor from my dad's collection; he even took it out of the box for this! From the moment I was born, my dad and grandpa brought me every weekend to a different small, middle‑of‑nowhere eastern Iowa town to watch them pull their vintage International Harvester tractors. My dad still reminisces about those days, especially when we would stand at the end of the track when he wasn’t pulling, and I would wave the green and red flags “like crazy” to signal the pullers to start or stop their pull. Those moments introduced me to agriculture long before I ever considered it as a career. When it came time to choose a major at Iowa State, I knew, in some way, it would lead me back to those red tractors. Ultimately, this item represents where my passion began and how far that spark has carried me.
Emily Meyer, agricultural and rural policy studies
How does the Outstanding Senior Award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
This award reflects my gratitude for all the people who have invested in my journey, because I would not be here without them. Not just those who have financially supported my education, but also those who have taken a chance on me and offered their time, encouragement and support. I will always be grateful for the agricultural and rural policy studies program. From the first day I stepped on campus, David Peters, professor of agricultural and rural policy, and Ramesh Balayar, associate teaching professor of agricultural and rural policy, have provided incredible opportunities to grow, both as a student and as a person. Their willingness to take the time to truly get to know me and help me achieve my goals has made a lasting impact. Along the way, my family, friends and mentors have provided me with endless support and invaluable advice. I am especially grateful to my parents and my little brother for the sacrifices they have made to help me get to where I am today.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One lesson I have learned at Iowa State is to stop treating life like a checklist and start living more in the moment. I came into college with ambitious goals and a long list of things I needed to accomplish to achieve them. Over time, I realized I was sometimes doing things just to check an invisible box I had created, rather than because I truly enjoyed them. With the guidance of some incredible mentors, I have learned that there isn’t one “correct” way to achieve your goals or a specific set of boxes you have to "check off". What matters most is what you take away from your experiences and how you use them moving forward. I’ve learned the importance of slowing down, being present and choosing things I’m genuinely passionate about. Focusing on the quality of my experiences rather than their quantity has made them more meaningful, and I plan to carry that mindset into the next stage of my life.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
My experience at Iowa State has shaped who I am in many ways, but one moment that stands out is my study abroad trip to Nepal during my first year. It was my first time leaving the country, and I remember arriving and realizing my luggage hadn’t made it with me. I had ginger ale spilled on me during the flight, and at the time, I was definitely less than impressed and strongly questioning my decision to fly to the other side of the world. A few days later, after I had my clothes back, we were sitting with a group of farmers when one of them shared that farming wasn’t something he was proud of; it was something he had to do so his family could eat. He didn’t have a choice. I remember his words really sinking in and realizing how small my earlier frustrations were. That moment changed the way I look at the world. It made me incredibly grateful to be able to choose agriculture because I love it. It made me appreciate the opportunity to be a student and the challenges that come with it. It made me eager not to take any moment for granted and even more motivated to find how I will leave my mark on the world.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
The items I have chosen to represent myself and my time at Iowa State are the charm bracelet my grandpa Ron gave me as a confirmation gift and my favorite picture of us. My grandpa gave me my love for agriculture and inspired my passion for protecting the legacies of family farms. He is the reason I am at Iowa State and the motivation behind every challenge I take on. From the time I could walk, he gave me my very own chore bucket. Even though it barely held enough for one cow to have a bite, he always made me feel like my help mattered. More than anything, he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and important. That’s what this charm bracelet represents to me. I remember my grandma telling me that grandpa picked out every charm himself, each representing a different part of my childhood, showing how intentional he was. Without needing to say it, he made me, and everyone he cared about, feel loved and valued. Because of him, I strive to treat others with that same care and intention. Someday, I hope to leave even a fraction of the impact he had on agriculture and the people around him. His memory has been a constant influence throughout my time at Iowa State and will continue to shape the impact I hope to leave in my future career.
Zachary Utley, agronomy and seed science
How does the Academic Achievement Award reflect your journey at Iowa State?
This award reflects the knowledge I have gained here at Iowa State and represents all the hours I have spent studying and working to acquire it.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
One unexpected lesson that I am taking with me is that everyone is intelligent in their own way, and you never know what someone can teach you.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today?
It has helped me realize I can do more than I initially thought I could. One example of this is when I joined the crops team my sophomore year, and I did not make the national team. I realized I had learned a lot and that if I put in more effort, I could do better. Fast forward to senior year: I placed first in all three of our contests, and I learned a lot more than I thought possible.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
This whiteboard represents all my time as a teaching assistant. I have spent 6 out of 8 semesters as a teaching assistant, helping with plant physiology, and this is a representation of all that time, as well as my love for helping students learn about plants and agronomy. It also represents my passion for farming and helping farmers to succeed in their operations. It encompasses my time at Iowa State very well.