One ISU student who attended Veishea was quoted as describing this year’s event as “dead.”

Let me disagree. I know dead. I’ve seen dead. And folks, you weren’t dead.

You were very much alive when thousands of you attended Rock Veishea. You were alive when you hummed along with “The Music Man.”

You were alive as you walked slowly past the Jeans Display; alive when you created a special day for thousands of children and their families; alive when you cheered on the parade; alive when you ate cherry pies, munched egg rolls and slurped Mountain Dew.

You have my respectful congratulations and the tangible proof of what ensures a successful Veishea for the entire university and community. The life of Veishea is worth celebrating.

George Belitsos

Chief executive officer

Ames Youth and Shelter Services