Since my first semester at Iowa State University, summer 1994, I have seen many changes in not only the university, but also the Ames community as a whole.

When I arrived here, I realized I had come to a school with great tradition and spirit. One of those traditions was Veishea.

I remember my first real Veishea experience, thousands of people in the streets, a hum of activity centered around Campustown. There were plenty of cookouts, parties, people having a good time.

It was a good mix of townies, students and visitors all intertwined in one pursuit, enjoying themselves.

To this day, I relish that experience. Because of a few bad eggs and a couple of self-righteous wannabe politicians, I am sad to say that Veishea will never be the same again.

I am somewhat sorry to leave this community, but it is off to higher tax brackets and lower costs of living. So long Iowa State and Ames, let’s try to make the next six years just as stressful and exciting as the last.

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Peter Ridder

Senior

Management information systems