When Thomas Hargrove, ISU alumnus, travels to campus as a special guest for Veishea 1996 in a couple of weeks, the journalism department will be anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Not only has he been invited to be the grand marshal and a speaker for Veishea 1996, but Hargrove will also be seeing some of his old friends at ISU.

Hargrove, who was held captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Colombia for nearly a year, represents the goals and values taught at ISU, said Bill Gillette, journalism professor and a friend of Hargrove.

While both graduated from ISU, Gillette met Hargrove for the first time in the Philippines nearly 20 years ago. At the time, Hargrove was doing research for the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos. Gillette was writing a story about the world food problem.

When Hargrove was captured in September of 1994, he was working with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to improve the technology of Colombia’s poorest farmers.

“[Kidnapping] is not uncommon in Colombia,” Gillette said. However, because Hargrove was working to improve agriculture in Colombia, it was strange he was kidnapped and held captive, Gillette said.

“I thought if anyone would survive this ordeal it would be Tom,” Gillette said. Hargrove was a Green Beret in the Vietnam War. “Tom did survive; he was able to retain his sanity.”

While Gillette said he thinks Hargrove was probably invited to be grand marshal of Veishea 1996 because of his books and experiences as a captive, Gillette also said Hargrove is a true representative of ISU’s goals as an institution of learning.

“One of the goals of ISU is to help others from an agricultural standpoint. Tom represented the best part of that in his work in the Philippines,” he said.

Through conducting research to get better strains of rice, wheat and grain, Hargrove “helped farmers of the world improve their lot,” Gillette said.

Hargrove’s book, Long Walk to Freedom, is Hargrove’s diary of his time in captivity.

“[The book] is my diary exactly how it was written, unedited,” Hargrove said. “I haven’t even read it yet.” The book was published in November of 1995, only three months after his release from Colombia. Hargrove and his family were also recently featured on the television show “60 Minutes.”

Before and after the Veishea ceremony, Hargrove will be signing copies of his books, Long Walk to Freedom and A Dragon Lives Forever — which was written about his experiences in Vietnam — under a tent sponsored by the University Book Store.

Hargrove was chosen by the Veishea committee, who decided he would be the perfect representative for the theme of Veishea 1996, “Continuing Iowa’s Heritage.”

“We wanted to find someone who was a well-known Iowan. We were lucky enough to find someone who represents ISU in such a spectacular way,” said Shellee Novotny, Veishea general co-chair.

Hargrove earned his master’s degree in technical journalism from ISU in 1968 and a doctorate in agricultural education in 1977. He will speak at the Veishea opening ceremony at noon, April 19.

He will then act as grand marshal of the Veishea parade, April 20 at noon.

Hargrove had high praise for ISU and fond memories of his friends and colleagues at the university.

“Only a few universities offer the combination of science and journalism. I believe in this type of education, and ISU gave me those credentials,” Hargrove said.

“I am looking most forward to seeing old friends and the people who have done a lot for me. I have a lot of mentors at ISU,” he said.

The journalism department will host a reception for Hargrove at 2-4 p.m. April 19 in Hamilton Hall, Room 210.