Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

April 30, 2004

Geoffroy announces a one-year suspension for Veishea

by Annette Hacker
President Gregory Geoffroy announced Tuesday that Veishea, the university's annual student-run celebration, will be suspended for 2005. It will be the first year the event will not be held since it began in 1922.

The move came nine days after a crowd in Campustown erupted into violence, resulting in 38 arrests and tens of thousands of dollars in public and private property damage. The April 18 disturbance marred one of Iowa State's oldest traditions.

It marked the fifth time serious Veishea-related incidents have occurred since 1988, although the past six Veishea celebrations (1998 through 2003) had been peaceful and successful.

"While I and many others would like to see Veishea continue in some form, we must look objectively at the risks associated with it," Geoffroy said. "These risks involve the safety of our students, the well-being of our staff and those members of our community who must deal with these disturbances and the aftermath, and the reputation of the university, which affects all aspects of our operations, including student recruitment, state funding, and support from alumni and friends."

Geoffroy said the one-year suspension will provide student leaders, faculty, student affairs staff, administrators and Ames city leaders an opportunity to develop a plan to minimize the likelihood of future problems. Over the next few weeks, Geoffroy, Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco and Sophia Magill, Government of the Student Body president, will appoint a task force to assess the underlying causes of this year's disturbance and develop a plan to minimize the likelihood of it happening again, at Veishea or any other event.

They also will appoint a second task force to recommend actions to improve the relationship between Iowa State students and the city of Ames.

Both groups will be asked to complete their work by Nov. 30. In addition, student leaders will work with the university administration on a redesign of Veishea.

"The vast majority of our students are outstanding citizens, embedded with good values and with exceptional character, work ethic and sense of responsibility," Geoffroy said. "With their help and leadership, and the involvement of everyone interested in Veishea, I believe we will be successful in developing a plan that preserves Veishea and strengthens it for future generations."

Veishea was launched as an opportunity to present the original five colleges at then-Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts to the public as a whole.