Roy Reiman, father, husband and Iowa State Alumni, passed away Sept. 16 at age 90. He had been committed to improving Iowa State University for over 70 years and has left behind an unforgettable Iowa State legacy.

“Thanks, Roy, for leaving this world better than you found it,” Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, Lora and Russ Talbot, endowed president and CEO of the Iowa State University Alumni Association, said.

Reiman graduated with a degree in agricultural journalism from Iowa State in 1957 and went on to establish the largest subscription-supported publishing firm in the United States: Reiman Publications. The publication garnered over 16 million subscribers at one point in time.

Reiman Gardens has evolved into an integral part of the culture at Iowa State University and the city of Ames since opening in 1995. None of it would have been possible without the generous donation of Reiman and his wife Bobbi, benefactors of the gardens. 

“It’s important for people to recognize the gardens as a community treasure, fostering connections among residents, students, and visitors through events and programs,” Christine Prescott, director of Reiman Gardens, said.

Reiman was passionate about horticulture and it was reflected in the beauty and diversity of the gardens. His desire was to create something to further education, not only in 1994, but for generations to come.

Reiman’s love for journalism and business was evident over the years as he continued to give back to the Iowa State community. He made a point not only to give to the flourishing gardens but also to entrepreneurship lectures, various scholarships, journalism programs, donations to the ISU Alumni Center and funds for the project that enclosed the south end of Jack Trice Stadium.

Dr. Johnson, Lora and Russ Talbot knew the extent of all of Reiman’s gifts to the community.

“Roy never forgot his Iowa roots, his Iowa State faculty and education, and the spiritual teaching of ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” Dr. Johnson said. “He simply wanted to see Iowa State always having a chance of achieving greater success, helping more students and communities and living up to its aspirational goal.” 

When Johnson and the ISU Foundation president at the time approached Reiman about possibly making the leading donation to construct the ISU Alumni Center, Reiman simply asked his wife, “Bobbi, you have a garden at Iowa State, shouldn’t it also have a house?” to which her confirming answer resulted in the Reimans fully funding the project and helping open the ISU Alumni Center in 2008.

Reiman’s influence on Iowa State stretched far beyond monetary means. His personality and demeanor graced those in his presence and left a lasting impression.

“You couldn’t sit and visit with him and not get wrapped up in a story or idea,” Larissa Holtmyer Jones, President and CEO of the Iowa State University Foundation, said. 

Holtmyer Jones worked with Reiman for the last 10 years of her career.

“I don’t think Roy really worked a day in his life because he loved what he did so much,” Holtmyer Jones said.

Always ready to tell you an enticing story or paint a smile across your face with a joke, Reiman was clearly someone who stuck with everyone he interacted with. His humbleness, midwestern charm and creativity made Reiman a model for not just other alumni but for the rest of us at Iowa State.

Working hand in hand with his wife Bobbi, who referred to Iowa State as “Roy’s Rome,” an endless impact was made on Iowa State by the Reimans. Through every project they had a hand in, every lecture given, every conversation had, every scholarship funded – lives at Iowa State were changed.

“Those little fingerprints everywhere – its immeasurable impact,” Holtmyer Jones said.