Five years ago, Veishea left an enormous impression on a certain future ISU president.

On a visit to Ames before taking the reigns as university president in 2001, Gregory Geoffroy was not prepared for the immensity of the festivities.

“I didn’t have any idea what Veishea was all about,” Geoffroy said. “I was thoroughly impressed with everything that went on during that first one.

“You never appreciate it until you experience it yourself.”

Geoffroy said events at the University of Maryland-College Park, where he had worked as provost before coming to Ames, could not have prepared him for the student-run and student-oriented Veishea celebration.

“There really wasn’t anything like it at the University of Maryland,” he said.

“They had a big open house for clubs and departments on a Saturday every April, but it wasn’t anything near Veishea.”

Looking back on that first Veishea in 2001, Geoffroy said the parade ranks among his fondest memories.

“The parade was just incredible,” he said.

“When there’s beautiful weather, it’s always the highlight.”

Although only a spectator that first year, Geoffroy said he enjoys the parades even more now as university president, preferring to ride in a car throwing candy rather than to observe the festivities from the curb.

This year, Geoffroy said he’s worried he won’t be able to participate in all the activities he’s looking forward to attending, but guaranteed an appearance at the parade.

Jokingly, he said he’s considering taking advantage of the university’s science and technology facilities to clone himself so he can experience as many of the attractions as possible.

“I’ve got my calendar absolutely packed full of things I’m going to try to do,” he said. “I’ll try to be everywhere I can.”