As presidents of Iowa State and its student body, we enthusiastically support Ames’ effort to become an Iowa Blue Zone.

In doing so, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues, friends and neighbors, places of worship and local businesses who are committed to improving Ames’ health and well-being. This strong community support, combined with Iowa State’s land-grant heritage and its reputation for exceptional extension and outreach service, make Ames an ideal Blue Zones Project demonstration community.

Improving Ames’ health and well-being also offers a competitive advantage to Iowa State, one that will make it easier for us to recruit students, faculty and staff, and even keep a few more in our community after graduation.

If you haven’t already pledged your support to the Blue Zones Project, we urge you to do so at www.amesbluezonesproject.com. Working together, we can make lasting changes that help us not only to live longer, but also to live better.

We may bleed cardinal and gold, but we’re excited about this opportunity to become a little more blue.