41 years ago, I wrote my last letter to the editor of the Iowa State Daily. At that time, Veishea was under fire from many on campus — including the editor of the Daily — due to its perceived lack of “relevance.” My letter argued that there was little that could be more relevant than a celebration of what made Iowa State University unique — a university-wide open house to show the world who and what we were.

40 years ago as a member of the Veishea Central Committee, I was as proud as I could be of the event that we students organized and put on for the university, its students, the city of Ames and the state of Iowa. We proved that “A Weekend of Entertaining Education” could be both relevant, informative, and … fun.

Today, I am saddened by the fact that finally … truly, Veishea has become irrelevant. Since 1992, Veishea has been on the defensive. Plagued by a cancer of continuing student irresponsibility and disrespect, it is time to administer last rites. 

It saddens me to no end to acquiesce to the mob, to the “it’s all about me” culture that we have fostered in this country and on this campus. But a world where one person’s right to express opinions on religion, gun violence, personal freedoms and social obligations supersedes the rights of the community at large, it is little wonder that the efforts to provide so much for so many should be silenced by the drunken, malicious thoughtlessness of the few.

I participated in Veishea activities for 7 years — from high school through college — as a member of the Ames High Marching Band, building floats with Delta Tau Delta fraternity and as a member of the Veishea Promotions Committee and Veishea Central Committee. I have been an ardent and vocal supporter for another 40 years. Tonight, as Veishea is closed down, I will drink a toast to the wonderful years of the past, while I bemoan the future that could have been.