Thursday morning, Iowa State President Martin Jischke spoke with certainty about the future of the largest student-run celebration in the nation for the first time.

In a meeting with the editorial staff of the Daily, Jischke said he had not commented on the future of Veishea 1999 previously because he had not finished reading the report on last year’s celebration.

Jischke said he has now finished the report, and if the student body and its representing organizations once again pledge to make Veishea alcohol free, the show will go on.

Jischke also said if Veishea 1999 is given the “OK,” the invitees once again will be limited to the Cyclone family — students, parents, ISU alumni and members of the Ames community.

“What we need to do is work on the image of Veishea, and what we think it is,” Jischke said.

Jischke said making Veishea “dry” was a “gigantic first step” in repairing Veishea’s image. After the stabbing death of Uri Sellers during Veishea 1997, the question of whether Veishea should continue was debated by members of the ISU administration.

Jischke said he thought last year’s Veishea was “terrific,” and he credited ISU’s student government leaders, as well as members of the greek system and residence halls. He also said he got positive feedback from people all across Iowa.

“The response was astonishing, from the governor to ordinary students, to citizens in an airport coming up to me and saying, ‘Right on,'” he said.

Jischke said he disagreed with those students who called last year’s Veishea “boring” or who decided to leave town.

“I don’t agree with those who said it wasn’t fun,” Jischke said, adding that there is something wrong with the notion that excessive drinking is fun.

Jischke also said he believes Veishea should grow and improve, but he said his biggest concern is that people will become too comfortable after the success of last year.

“The concern now is that people will relax and think everything’s OK,” he said. “Veishea remains a challenge — it’s still a serious issue.”

Bryan Burkhardt, president of the Government of the Student Body, said he is in favor of an alcohol-free Veishea, and he hopes the GSB senate also will support it.

“I think because of the remarkable success of last year, we have a lot better chance of passing and gaining [support],” Burkhardt said.

Burkhardt said he believes Veishea 1999 also can be a success.

Ben Chamberlain, president of the Inter-Residence Hall Association, said IRHA will vote to make the residence halls alcohol free during Veishea 1999 at next week’s meeting.