I feel compelled to respond to Regent Clarkson Kelly’s opinion that Iowa State has too many “pom-pomers” and the Daily editorial staff’s suggestion they be “weeded out.” I graduated from Iowa State in 1974 and was a member of the ISU Pom Pon Squad during my junior and senior years. Despite the incredible time that practice and performance took, I graduated in four years and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.

Even members of the Pom Pon Squad can “apply themselves” and go onto careers in esteemed professions. Today’s Pom Pon Squad meets even more rigorous demand. They work hard to balance athletic participation with academic success. I appreciate the difficult position Iowa State faces with increasing enrollment, but perhaps Regent Kelly and the Daily editorial board could have suggested “weeding out” students who do not contribute to the spirit and tradition of being a Cyclone.

Susan Kaldor Heaton

ISU alumna

Waterloo