I have a confession to make: I’m hooked on early-morning running — in particular when I can run through the ISU campus well before classes begin.

I have a computer science degree from Iowa State and recently retired from Iowa State after many years in various information technology support roles, so it’s no surprise that I have a fondness for Iowa State. But it’s during my morning runs that I’ve had time to reflect on what the university is all about, and to develop a real appreciation for having been an active part of the ISU community.

I live just north of campus, so shortly after I leave home for my run I’m already on campus: first by the Veenker Golf Course, then on past the Administrative Services building — for some, the old west Pammel Court — past the horse barns and on into Central Campus, with my route then depending on how far I feel like running that day. I frequently run past the Farm House Museum, the physics building, the agricultural engineering building, the Engineering College complex and Central Campus, flanked by Beardshear, the Memorial Union, Curtiss and Catt Hall. These, of course, are just a sampling of the ISU buildings and the setting for what is indeed a beautiful place to be able to run.

I often notice the historical signs on campus that remind us of some of the major accomplishments of faculty, students and staff that were here before us. I see the sign by the physics building noting the “birthplace of the computer” — what would our lives be like without the digital computer? And then there’s the sign by Davidson Hall noting the large round baler invention. I grew up on an Iowa farm, so I know what an old bale of hay was.

And then I’m reminded of the symbolism of the Farm House and Morrill Hall. With our university’s land-grant funding base and our Iowa agricultural heritage, how could we ever look past the significance of these buildings? And have I already mentioned the beauty of Central Campus? Note that if you’re up early enough you may get to see our national and state flags being raised on Central Campus.

But in the end, of course, our university is what it is because of the people that were here before us and the people that are here now. George Washington Carver, John Vincent Atanasoff and his graduate student Clifford Berry, Wesley Buchele and his graduate student Virgil Haverdink, Carrie Chapman Catt and the many thousands of other ISU community members that have greatly impacted our daily lives.

It’s because of our dedicated faculty, students and staff that we are indeed part of a great university. Countless efforts here have changed people’s lives for the better, and there’s no doubt in my mind there will continue to be new major discoveries with new impacts. What a great place to be.

Then, just in case I start thinking that I’ve played even a bit role in making Iowa State a better place, I try to make sure I run past the horse barns again on my way home. The aroma usually brings me back to reality, but also reminds me of the Daniel Webster quote in our ISU library: “When tillage begins, other arts follow.”

Take a run, or a walk, around campus this spring and reflect on what you see and feel — particularly if it’s time for you to leave Iowa State soon and move on to new opportunities. I hope you leave with positive memories. Be proud of Iowa, be proud of Iowa State and have a good day.

Rich Jones is an ISU alumnus and former director of IT systems and operation.