Iowa State President Martin Jischke said Thursday he hopes that this year’s Veishea will be a success.

“As a fundamental optimist … I am very hopeful for the students, and for Veishea, that this will be a different Veishea,” he said.

In an open forum with Richardson Court Association residents, Jischke discussed his expectations for this weekend’s celebration and reflected on the events of last year’s Veishea.

“I enjoy Veishea, I have a good time,” he said. “Last year, I thought it was a great time until about 6 a.m. Sunday morning.”

That was the time he learned of the death of Uri Sellers, who was stabbed on the lawn of the Adelante fraternity.

He said the recent decision by Seller’s father to sue several ISU fraternities in connection with his son’s murder serves as a “vivid reminder of how serious” a dry Veishea is.

“This is a question of whether students can be responsible and trusted with managing their affairs,” he said.

Jischke said not only the celebration itself, but the image of ISU students is at stake with this year’s Veishea. He said it will be a decisive time for the future of the festival.

“What I worry about are the followers — the people not actively involved in leadership positions … That’s the big risk,” he said.

Jischke will attend many Veishea activities, including the parade, Taste of Veishea, Stars Over Veishea, the football game and a scholarship recognition reception.

One thing Jischke will not be partaking of this weekend is alcohol.

“I promise to abstain over the weekend,” he said.