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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

Dec. 8, 2006

2nd annual Des Moines week kicks off this Sunday

by Samantha Beres

Cyclone ball at Wells Fargo

Last year's Cyclone basketball doubleheader at Wells Fargo Arena brought in 12,500 fans. Photo by Chris Donahue.

People from Des Moines and the surrounding areas often come to Ames to get their fill of cardinal and gold. But during Iowa State Week in Des Moines, ISU packs it up and brings Cyclone attitude, sports, educational opportunities and more to the capital city.

The weeklong events that run Dec. 10-16 culminate in the Mediacom Cyclone Capital Classic basketball doubleheader at the Wells Fargo Arena.

"This week gives all units on campus an opportunity to reunite with alumni, friends and supporters, to refresh old relationships and build new ones," said executive assistant to the president Tahira Hira. "It's our chance to have a university-wide presence while increasing our visibility in Des Moines."

The kickoff starts Sunday, Dec. 10, at Jordan Creek Town Center. Skip those Santa photo ops and go straight to the lower level center court where you can get your picture taken with Cy (bring your own camera) and your Cyclone cheek tattoos. Wear your walking shoes for the "retailer race." Participants will receive a card, and after collecting stamps at various retail stores that carry Cyclone gear, can turn the card in for a free T-shirt. Participants who finish the race also will be part of a drawing for the basketball doubleheader tickets and a huge ISU gift basket.

Also at the mall, visit booths set up by athletics, the Alumni Association, trademark licensing, admissions and other university units for free giveaways.

Tuesday night, the puck drops at 7:05 at the Wells Fargo Arena where the Iowa Stars hockey team takes on the Chicago Wolves. Purchase tickets for the game through the ISU Alumni Association and get a huge discount -- $10 for members, $12.60 for non-members. Usually, tickets are $21.

Thursday events start with a breakfast sponsored by the College of Business. "From Promise to Prison: Why Smart People do Dumb Things," will be presented by Patrick Kuhse at 7:30 a.m. Kuhse, a native Iowan, was a highly successful stockbroker who made some bad decisions that landed him in prison for four years. Having learned from his mistakes, he's now a popular speaker on ethics and decision-making in the business world. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion.

There are three evening events on Thursday: a holiday alumni party sponsored by the College of Engineering, a College of Design reception and a Business After Hours social. Wells Fargo and Iowa State are partnering to host this year's Business After Hours at The River's Edge Restaurant which overlooks the game floor in Wells Fargo Arena.

"It's a chance for Des Moines business people, many of whom are supporters, to meet and talk to some of our people," director of special events for athletics Ryan McGuire said. Representatives from the athletics will attend.

A Friday luncheon will feature basketball coaches Greg McDermott and Bill Fennelly at the Downtown Holiday Inn's Top of the Tower. On Saturday morning, fans will gather at a pre-game breakfast hosted by the Greater Des Moines Cyclone Club. The club also will host Stage Door South, a post-game party. Both events are at the Quality Inn and Suites.

The basketball doubleheader starts at 11 a.m. when the women's team takes on Saint Louis University. At 2 p.m., the men face Bradley University. Last year 12,500 fans turned out for the doubleheader during Iowa State Week in Des Moines.

"We have a great fan base in Des Moines and a lot of alumni. It's not hard for them to get to Hilton or to Ames for other events, but it's neat to have something like this in their own back yard," McGuire said.

"Last year was very exciting. It was a great success," Hira said. "Des Moines is a place in the state where things happen and we want to continue to be part of that."

ISU Week in Des Moines

Dec. 10-16

Free unless otherwise noted. All events open to the public.

Sunday, December 10

  • 1-3 p.m., ISU Week Kickoff, free tattoos, photo ops with Cy, retail race, Jordan Creek Town Center.

Tuesday, December 12

Thursday, December 14

  • 7:30-9 a.m., Breakfast speaker and panel, College of Business, "From Promise to Prison: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things," Patrick Kuhse, $10, Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St., 4-3656 or business@istate.edu.
  • 6-9 p.m., Alumni gathering, College of Engineering, holiday party and IMAX show, Science Center of Iowa, $5, 401 W. Martin Luther King Pkwy., register online.
  • 6-8 p.m., Reception, College of Design, explore an architectural gem, Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Design calendar.
  • 5-7 p.m., Business After Hours, informal gathering, $5 for non-members of Greater Des Moines Partnership, The River's Edge Restaurant, Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., for info contact Rebecca Batcheller, (515) 286-4980, rbatcheller@desmoinesmetro.com.

Friday, December 15

  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lunch, with ISU basketball coaches Greg McDermott and Bill Fennelly, $15, Holiday Inn Downtown, 1050 Sixth Ave., register at 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 16

  • 9 a.m., Pre-game breakfast, "Wakin' Up with the Cyclones," $7, Quality Inn and Suites, 929 Third St.
  • 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Cyclone Capital Classic, ISU women's basketball vs. Saint Louis University (11 a.m.) and ISU men's basketball vs. Bradley University (2 p.m.), Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., $10, $20, $30 (www.dahlstickets.com).
  • 4:15 p.m., Post-game party, free nachos and cash bar, Quality Inn and Suites, 929 Third St.

Summary

ISU Week

Iowa State creates a Des Moines campus for a week of events, ending in a basketball doubleheader at Wells Fargo Arena.

Quote

"Des Moines is a place in the state where things happen and we want to continue to be part of that."

Tahira Hira, executive assistant to the president