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

March 14, 2008

Sesqui series to air this month on Mediacom

by Paula Van Brocklin

Did you know an inability to heat university buildings resulted in a March-through-November academic year for Iowa State's first graduating class? Or, that ISU's original colors of black, silver and gold were changed to cardinal and gold by the early 1900s because red sweaters were easier to dye?

Obscure factoids like these, along with well-documented history, are chronicled in "Iowa State University's 150-Year Adventure," a special series produced by Mediacom Communications honoring the university's sesquicentennial.

The series is divided into three one-hour segments. Segments will air consecutively March 25, 26 and 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mediacom's Connections (channel 22 in Des Moines and Ames). Additional air times are planned, but not yet scheduled.

The series kicks off with president Gregory Geoffroy providing an overview of Iowa State. The university's colleges each are featured in 15-minute segments, highlighting their history, current endeavors and future goals. The program also showcases ISU's traditions, campus beauty and student life. Kevin Cooney, Iowa State alumnus and television news anchor at KCCI in Des Moines, hosts the program.

A series is born

Iowa State's university marketing department contacted Mediacom more than a year ago about working together to produce a sesquicentennial program. After the initial meeting, Mediacom offered to donate its staff and equipment to produce the series.

"We have a good partnership with Iowa State," said Pat Hurley, production manager at Mediacom. "This series really fits into our mission and vision for channel 22, which is to provide statewide programming."

Employees from across campus also contributed to the program -- writing scripts, researching history and shooting footage. Mediacom compiled everything into one cohesive package.

"We thought this was a wonderful offer," said Carole Custer, university marketing director. "It's a marvelous opportunity for the university to tell its own story."

Summary

Iowa State's series on Mediacom is divided into three one-hour segments. Segments will air consecutively March 25, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. on Mediacom's Channel 22. Additional air times are planned, but not yet scheduled.