The sweet song of a new faculty member will soon be floating through the classrooms of Iowa State’s Music Hall. After years on the national and international stage, Iowa opera star Simon Estes is coming home. A native of Centerville, Estes has had an incredible musical career, performing for former United States Presidents George Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson in addition to singing at the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations. The voice that entertained audiences from the Kennedy Center to the Olympic Games will soon be teaching ISU students the tools of the trade. Can we roll out the red carpet fast enough? Not only is Estes a great performer and artist, he’s also a great example to students in the state of Iowa. Most college students know that a major concern for the state right now is the “Brain Drain” syndrome among its young people. Our generation can’t seem to get out of the cornfields fast enough, heading for the greener pastures and bigger skyscrapers of surrounding states in a way that makes our economy tremble. While few would argue for the career-building opportunities in the state, especially as far as an opera career is concerned, students should still take a note from Mr. Estes. Sure, he left the state to do what he loved and build his career, but he didn’t stay away. Instead he has come back, time after time, enjoying his work with ISU students as much as singing with Placido Domingo. By returning to Iowa, Estes is putting his talent and skills back into the people and state that got him started. So, welcome to Iowa State, Mr. Estes. We sure are glad you decided to stay. Editorial board: Carrie Tett, Greg Jerrett, Katie Goldsmith, Amie Van Overmeer and Andrea Hauser