Tony award-winning producer and ISU alumnus Randall Wreghitt spoke Friday at the Campanile, joining President Gregory Geoffroy and others in the Veishea opening ceremony.

“We are so lucky to have Randall Wreghitt with us for Veishea 2002,” Geoffroy said during his welcome.

“He is not only an acclaimed Broadway producer who has worked with fine actors and won prestigious awards, but a proud ISU graduate simply returning to have a good time and look back on his years here.”

Wreghitt, keynote speaker of the ceremony, graduated from Iowa State’s Greenlee School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He currently produces Broadway plays and created Iowa Boy Productions, a New York theater production company, and Pro-Marketing, a firm that specializes in entertainment.

This is Wreghitt’s first time at a Veishea celebration since 1979. He attended Iowa State from 1974 to 1978.

“I can’t tell you how much ISU means to me and where I am at today,” Wreghitt said.

Wreghitt joked about his many experiences at ISU, including his participation in various plays and mass campaniling.

“I actually started [mass] campaniling back in my ISU years,” he said. “I suppose that could be a curse or a blessing, whichever way you look at it.

“I was surprised to learn that the tradition is still going strong – you can all thank me for that.”

Wreghitt also spoke of his appreciation for Iowa State and the efforts of students.

“This school is not only great academically, but for so many students to get involved with Veishea, homecoming and so many other events that go on is fantastic,” he said.

After he spoke, Wreghitt was given the honor of lighting the torch that signifies Veishea’s beginning.

“I had the best time here, and it is so great to be back to this wonderful campus again,” he said. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs, spoke at the opening ceremony about the Veishea theme and its meaning.

“The students have taken this year’s theme, `Challenging Students to Become Their Best,’ and worked to produce and create this event together,” Hill said.

“Iowa State is not only a location, Veishea is not only a one-weekend festival – we study together, work together, live together and, most importantly, have fun together.”