Friday, April 17

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Engineering showcases and BBQ, see April 13.
• Noon-1 p.m., Opening ceremony, with ISU head football coach Paul Rhoads.
• 1-5 p.m., History expo, first floor atrium, Beardshear.
• 3-5 p.m., Competition, “Extreme Challenge,” free for spectators.
• 5 p.m.-midnight, Carnival rides, Molecular Biology parking lot.
• 5 p.m.-3 a.m., Taste of Veishea, Union Drive and Molecular Biology parking lot.
• 6 p.m., Performance, Harambee (”Unity”), Great Hall, MU.
• 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Concert, Battle of the Bands, Molecular Biology parking lot.
• 6:30, 9:30 p.m. and midnight, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, Molecular Biology parking lot.
• 7:30 p.m., SOV, Gypsy, see April 15.
• 10-11 p.m., Performance, Stevie Starr: The Regurgitator, rain location is Great Hall, MU.
• 11:30 p.m., Concert, Electric Acid Theater, with The Enigma, rain location is Great Hall, MU.
• Midnight-3 a.m., Pancake feed, $3

This was the schedule for today, the official opening ceremonies of the VEISHEA weekend! I also have another post about meeting with Texas High School Counselors, so make sure to check THAT out! Who knows, maybe YOUR high school counselor went!!

Well, tonight I’m on duty for my residence hall as a Community Advisor. Michelle and I are having a movie night in the lounge. The main reason for a Community Advisor, or an “RA,” if you’re more familiar with that term, is safety. We want to make sure that people are safe during this celebration, and it’s important to remember that whatever we can do to help students is what we do. Whether that’s escorting them to their rooms, taking care of inappropriate behaviors, or watching for certain signs of behaviors, it’s just important all around to know that there’s someone in your residence hall who is looking out for you and your room and your belongings. So that should be fun, no worries with Buchanan. It’s usually pretty calm, so I’ve heard and experience in these last three semesters working there.

I had practicum in Lab 3 with the 3,4, and 5 year olds today and another practicum student had her large group activity. It went really well, and the kids really enjoyed it. Cy was walking around campus, so he stopped by, and the kids LOVED it! They were jumping up and down, happy and giggling, and they were excited to investigate this large, tall bird. They pulled on his tail, gave him high-fives, and just were overall ecstatic that they were able to hang out with him. They all gave him a massive hug, and he fell to the ground, so they jumped on him and were laughing and clapping. It was so cute [not to mention hilarious for the individual inside the suit, since Cy doesn't talk]!!

I then went off the the counselor’s lunch, which I will talk about in another post, because that doesn’t have a lot to do with VEISHEA, and I wanted to make sure all these posts were exclusively about VEISHEA in case anyone was interested in finding out more. After the lunch, I went on campus to see the opening events, including inductions into honor societies, speeches from the co-chairs of VEISHEA [the students who organize everything from the speakers, to the bands, to entertainment, to food, to ANYTHING], and also speeches from President Geoffrey, and the Mayor of Ames! The population of Iowa State almost doubles when it comes to VEISHEA, because the community and even students from other universities come down to visit and stay for the weekend. It gets so busy that people walk instead of driving from about ten to twelve blocks away.

Tonight’s entertainment should be fun- I’ll write more about it tomorrow, but I thought I’d get a post in about the day’sactivities while I wasn’t on duty, in case anything happened and I wasn’t able to finish. Iowa State voted on their Cyclone Idol, so this year’s Cyclone idol winner was Sarah Roddy, who sang “I Believe” by Beyonce! Second and Third place went to Neil Hewitt and Julie Helman! Click here to find out more!

So that’s all for now- tomorrow night when I’m not on duty, I plan on going to see fireworks, the carnival, the infamous VEISHEA parade, and a CHAINSAW JUGGLER! My boyfriend said he would only go see it if they were plugged in, so who knows, hah!

Until next time,
HAPPY V-E-I-S-H-E-A!
Seanna

Hello all! Today is a beautiful day here at Iowa State!!

That sounded a little reporter-ish, didn’t it?

Okay well, I couldn’t wait to post until later this evening because there’s a really awesome chance to see the Battle of the Bands Contest on a live stream on the VEISHEA website. If you’re interested in watching it, click here!

It starts at 9:00pm, and here’s the lineup:

Wildcards will be held Wednesday, April 15th and Thursday, April 16th from 6:00pm until 8:30pm in the Maintenance Shop. These dates are FREE to attend; no wristband needed. The Wildcard line-up is as follows:

Thursday the 16th:

6:00pm-Keno
6:30pm-River and the Tributaries
7:00pm-Backdrop
7:30pm-AndRemote
8:00pm-Rendered

As always, the Battle of the Bands is free! [In case you're in Ames, or interested, it doesn't cost anything to see this on campus!]

Also, Cyclone Idol [our very own American Idol spin-off] hosted by Mario Vasquez, will be streamed as well on this page!
Check it out, and take a look for the finalists! 

Hope you tune in! I’ll be back later to tell about Thursday of VEISHEA!
Until next time,
Seanna

Thursday, April 16th Schedule:

Apr 16 Campus BBQ & College Showcase
Location: Central Campus for BBQ
Time: 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM

Apr 16 5K & 10K Run/Walk
Location: Central Campus
Time: 5:30 PM

Apr 16 Battle of the Bands Wildcards
Location: Maintenance Shop, MU
Time: 5:30 PM

Apr 16 Dodgeball Tournament
Location: Lied Recreation Center
Time: 7:00 PM

Apr 16 Glow-Ball Golf Tournament                                                                      Apr 15 Lecture Spreading the Gospel of 1st Amend.
Location: Coldwater Golf Course                                                                          Location: Sun Room, MU
Time: 7:00 PM                                                                                                            7:00PM

Apr 16 Cyclone Idol Finals Hosted by Mario Vazquez                                    Apr 16 Outdoor Movie: Quantum of Solace
Location: Stephens Auditorium                                                                            Central Campus
Time: 7:00 PM                                                                                                            9:00pm

Wednesday, April 15

Apr 15 Disc Golf Tournament
Location: ISU Disc Golf Course
 Time: 4:30 PM

Apr 15 Battle of the Bands Wildcards
Location: Maintenance Shop, MU
Time: 5:30 PM

Apr 15 Indoor Soccer Tournament Location: Lied Recreation Center Time: 6:30 PM
Apr 15 5 on 5 Men’s Basketball Tournament
Location: Lied Recreation Center
Time: 6:30 PM

Apr 15 Stars Over VEISHEA: Location: Fisher Theatre
Time: 7:30 PM
Apr 15 Hypnotist & Mentalist: Brian Imbus
Location: Great Hall, MU
Time: 8:00 PM

Today I met Eric on campus for lunch between classes, using my VEISHEA button! With a 5$ VEISHEAbutton, you can get food on central campus everyday the entire week! We watched the Dance Marathon Morale Dance [my friend Kassi was dancing in it!] and tonight I had homework, but I made it to the Hypnotist, Brian Imbus. He was amazing! He hypnotized random students into thinking they were on a roller coaster, crying over eating bad food, and even laying on the floor laughing hysterically! It was awesome!

There’s also something called “Battle of the Bands,” where students from Iowa State and the Ames Community can compete to perform in after Trapt, this Friday after Opening Ceremonies! I couldn’t make it, but a friend took a few pictures for me! She said it was awesome, so I’m psyched to see their performance!

I’m excited for Stars over VEISHEA tomorrow night, since I’m going to the performance of Gypsy at Fischer Theatre! I also have homework, so I hope it won’t be too crowded so I can get in and not have to put it off until Friday or Saturday!

So there you have it, Wednesday’s events!

Until next time,
Seanna

Tuesday, April 21st:

Campus BBQ & College Showcase
Central Campus
11am-2pm

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Lied Recreation Center
6:30pm

Leadership & Faculty recognition Ceremony
Sun Room, MU
7:00pm

Slam Dunk, Known Out & Three Point Tournaments
Lied Recreation Center
7:30pm

 VEISHEA Says I’m Funny Comedy Competition
Maintenance Shop, MU
9:00pm

Today was wonderful! I went on campus for lunch and had some AWESOME barbecue. There were students sitting all over campus, eating and talking. It was great to see faculty hanging out with students, people singing karaoke and dancing, and even children from the Lab School came out on central campus and danced and played, too! There was an inflatable National Guard Padded Fighting Pen, and people were dueling!! The comedian was hilarious! There were some good students, some not so funny students, and some interesting jokes, heh.

It’s great to see VEISHEA out on campus. Everyone gets so excited around this time of the year, especially when the weather is as amazing as it is!! It has finally stopped raining, and snowing, and precipitating of any sorts. . . !! Campus is turning green, you can sit out on central campus and surf the internet or take a nap, or do whatever you like! I took a nap today after lunch- you have to let your food digest, you know.

Stay tuned for more VEISHEA information! I’m pretty excited about Stars over VEISHEA, which is Gypsy, this year! I’m going to see it on Sunday!

Til next time,
Seanna

PS- Check out Andy Hilbrands, one of the comedians from VEISHEA Says I’m Funny, who also happened to place 1st!
[There may be some offense material, so please click at your own risk, thanks!]

It’s that time of the year for Iowa State’s campus! It’s VEISHEA, the annual celebration of the six colleges of Iowa State University! The original colleges were used to make the acronym, VEISHEA, so I will be putting together a six day special on VEISHEA, and the different activities you can partake in during the week long celebration!

An interesting note, VEISHEA is actually the largest, completely student-run university celebration in the country! In these six posts, I’ll be writing about activities that occur, events to attend, special things to notice, and awesome entertainers you will for sure need to see WHEN you come to Iowa State as a student! Hope you enjoy it!

Day 1: V is for Veterinary Medicine.

The college of Veterinary Medicine is our professional school, and one of the top programs in the country, along with Texas A&M and University of Kansas. Iowa State University actually chartered the first Veterinary Medicine program in the country, so it’s been around awhile, which has caused our program to be nationally ranked as a result of experience and expertise!

Today’s schedule of events, for Monday, April 13th, was:

Governor’s Run Send Off, Torch run                                              Campus BBQ & College Showcase
Beardshear Steps to the State Capitol steps                                  Central Campus
11:00am                                                                                                 11am-2pm

 XBOX: NCAA ‘09 & Halo 3 Tournaments                                   Flag Football Tournament
Martin Hall 2020                                                                                Bergstrom
6:30pm                                                                                                   8:30pm

“He’s Just Not That Into You”
Outdoor Movie, Central Campus
 9:00pm

It’s the beginning of VEISHEA, and I’m already psyched! Stay tuned for more VEISHEA updates!

Til next time,
Seanna

Only the most AWESOME student-run celebration in the country, and it’s starting tomorrow! I thought I would write a blog entry about what VEISHEA is, so you’d understand what I’d be writing about in the next six days!

So let’s hear from the experts. I interviewed one of the VEISHEA co-chairs, who preferred to remain anonymous on this blog. Let’s see what she has to say about VEISHEA’s history and why it’s so important to ISU.

What is VEISHEA?

VEISHEA is an annual celebration held at Iowa State each spring, and one of its oldest traditions. It serves as a showcase and display of the Iowa State community with a wide variety of educational and entertainment events.

What does “VEISHEA” stand for?

VEISHEA was named in 1922 by Professor Frank D. Paine, Department of General Engineering. He combined the first letters of the colleges at that time, and the name has stuck ever since. The word VEISHEA (pronounced “VEE-sha”) stands for: Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics, Agriculture!

What is the history of VEISHEA?

The story begins in 1922, back in the days when ISU wasn’t really ISU, but was called the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The word, VEISHEA means “Iowa State on Display.”

Professor Frank D. Paine, Department of General Engineering, named VEISHEA in 1922. Then, in 1922, the five colleges at Iowa State combined forces to present the university to the public as a whole. The name VEISHEA is composed of the first letters of the five colleges; V standing for Veterinary Medicine, E for Engineering, IS for Industrial Science, HE for Home Economics, and A for Agriculture. The representation of all schools in the name symbolizes the unity and combined effort shown during the many months of planning and preparation.

The events of that first VEISHEA included a parade, a Home Economics open house, a horse show, vaudeville and the VEISHEA queens.Slapstick mocking of the divisions and a play called “Honeybunch” led the list of events. The Charleston and the Big Apple sparked the chorus line.

What are some Traditions of VEISHEA?

Moving Up Ceremonies

First started in 1924, the moving-up ceremonies usually followed Opening Ceremonies. Each class was unofficially declared “moving-up” to the next class, the biggest step being the discarding of freshmen beanies, which provided part of the fuel for a large bonfire. One objective of the entire ceremony was the development of unity and class tradition. School songs and cheers were a big part of the program. The moving-up ceremonies ended in the mid-30’s, when an increasing number of events and changing emphasis drew interest away.

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies mark the official beginning of VEISHEA and proves that despite the changes that occur within VEISHEA, it is still exciting each year. VEISHEA always begins with rather elaborate opening ceremonies, including a welcome by the President of Iowa State. Also, the Governor of Iowa often attends the ceremony. The VEISHEA 1998 opening ceremonies featured former ISU coach Johnny Majors and the popular ISU group, the Shaggy Boys. Today’s Opening Ceremonies kick off just south of the Campanile around noon each year. They usually begin with a few words from VEISHEA’s two General co-chairs and a short welcome speech from the ISU president. There is also a speech made by a keynote speaker and the VEISHEA scholar recipients are recognized as well.

The Parade

Each year the VEISHEA parade has attracted an average crowd of more than 75,000 people. From floats and marching bands to balloons and clowns, the parade can be quite the viewing experience for a person of any age. When it first started in 1922, only departmental clubs entered floats. As the years progressed and the parade became more popular, various other organizations began to get involved. An average of 3,000 hours go into the planning and construction of each float. A float can either be traditional, which means it is self-propelled by people under the float, or non-traditional, where it is usually pulled behind a vehicle. At first only the departmental clubs entered floats. Single entries are judged within their group with a trophy presented to each winner. The VEISHEA parade continues to be one highlight of the VEISHEA celebration.

VEISHEA Queen

The selection of a VEISHEA Queen was a tradition that started in 1922. The co-eds of Iowa State selected the first queen. The method of selection has varied greatly since. In 1938, the title of “May Queen” was changed to “Queen of VEISHEA” and then in 1939 it was changed again to “VEISHEA Queen of Queens.” Movie celebrities have often had a part in the selection of the Queen. Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Harry James, Alan Ladd, and President Harry S. Truman have all been judges. The event ended in 1970.

Cherry Pies

The student-run bake sale by the ISU Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management has been selling the delicious cherry pie since two years before VEISHEA came into existence. The event originated in the 1920s during February, and the cherry filling was first selected to commemorate George Washington’s birthday. Today the sale has become one of VEISHEA’s most marked traditions. Over 75 students from the HRIM department donate their time to keep the ritual active in VEISHEA. In late March, students begin preparing for the sale by pressing dough and freezing pie crusts. Approximately 8,000 pies are made and expected to be sold until they are gone. The money that is raised from selling the pies is used for student scholarships.

VEISHEA Village

Today’s open houses are a good way for the community to learn what the different groups at ISU do. The open houses aren’t, however, limited to just these Iowa State groups. Many organizations from the Ames community participate as well. Exhibits are judged within their respective colleges by ISU faculty and staff members. Trophies are presented to the winners and a sweepstakes trophy is presented to the best overall display. Open Houses have become a part of VEISHEA Village, which includes the Cultural Festival, the International Food Fair, Cy’s Big Top and over 80 open houses!

Stars Over VEISHEA

Stars Over VEISHEA is a musical staged each spring through the cooperative efforts of VEISHEA and ISU Theatre. Students are involved with all aspects of the show, from performances to costume and set design. In the beginning, it was originally called “The Nite Show” because the musical performances took place outdoors. VEISHEA and ISU Theatre now collaborate to produce and put on the show. Recent productions have included Bye, Bye Birdie, The Music Man, Anything Goes and Into the Woods.

So, I hope that helps you understand a little better about VEISHEA, so my posts will make a little more sense! Have fun, and enjoy!

Until next time,
Seanna