I write this letter after hearing many different sides and issues concerning the ever-famous Veishea that most of us here at Iowa State take so much pride in. I ask one simple question: How badly do the students on this campus really want to save Veishea? The reason I ask this is because to this point I have yet to hear anyone else ask it.

The one thing that I have heard over and over by both current students hear at Iowa State as well as alumni is that Veishea is not what it used to be, either in appearance or meaning. Granted, things change. That is inevitable. But in this case, history has proven that it has not been for the best. So I call upon several groups and say that there are changes that must occur with this grand event that go way beyond an alcohol-free Veishea. We need to ask the question, are we looking to save a huge party, or preserve the things that make Iowa State a great place?

At one point in time, Veishea was about showing of the best that this university had to offer. It was about promoting ourselves to the rest of Iowa. Along the way, it turned into the largest student-run organization in the country, not only showing us off to the state, but to everyone else. Now Veishea only draws local media attention.

So I write this letter to the Veishea committees, college councils, university clubs and my fellow campus leaders. Let’s bring back the true meaning of this grand old celebration. Let’s go way beyond a Saturday afternoon parade and a few club food stands scattered across campus. Veishea is our celebration, and it is up to us to save and continue it for many years to come. We need to return back to the basics of Veishea, back to its true meaning. Let’s show people the reasons we choose to come to Iowa State. Show people why we wear the cardinal and gold.

Brian Knau

Senior

Agricultural business

GSB Senator, College of Agriculture