You are not considered a true Iowa State student unless you have walked around the zodiac, kissed under the Campanile and walked around Lake Laverne three times holding hands with your significant other.

Now a new superstition has been added to this list that many Iowa State students have already fulfilled, but many never will.

You are not considered a true Iowa State student unless you have been carded at a bar or busted for underage drinking by Ames Police Officer Shawn Phipps.

A member of the Ames Special Operations Unit and arguably Ames’ best known cop, Phipps is leaving Ames on April 11 to take a job with the Foreign Development Associates in Washington, D.C.

Phipps, who is an ISU alum, is well-known around Campustown for covering the “bar” beat.

But what makes Phipps special to the students is her relationship with students. She could be charging you for underage drinking one night and enjoying a Nadas concert with students the next night when she is not on duty.

Some students have even asked to receive a “junior badge” from Phipps on their first mug night.

Even Tom Zmolek, the owner of People’s Bar and Grill, said Phipps “seems more cordial [busting customers] than most. She does her job but still interacts with the people.”

The Ames bar scene just isn’t going to be the same without the familiar face of Officer Phipps around.

She will be missed by many, and we wish her well.