Beavers Make Tracks to Alumni Booth at Iowa State Fair
Hundreds sign the popular Beaver Alumni Wall
Several hundred Buena Vista University alumni signed their name to the Beaver Alumni Wall at the Iowa State Fair during its run from Aug. 8-18 on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
Alumni going back as far as seven decades signed alongside current BVU students who shared graduation dates four years into the future. Many posed for photos with President Brian Lenzmeier or with one another. They shared memories about their time as Beavers and shopped at the Spirit Store, which was a part of the booth for the third consecutive year.
“I reside in Massachusetts, and I consider returning home to visit my parents in Iowa a privilege. The cherry on top this August was a visit to the Iowa State Fair and the BVU booth with my 15-year-old daughter as I reminisced on the ‘good old BVU days.’”
-Jen (Book) Rocchi ’99
Jen (Book) Rocchi ’99 came from the East Coast to celebrate her BVU roots at the Iowa State Fair.
“I reside in Massachusetts, and I consider returning home to visit my parents in Iowa a privilege,” Rocchi said. “The cherry on top this August was a visit to the Iowa State Fair and the BVU booth with my 15-year-old daughter as I reminisced on the ‘good old BVU days.’
“My best friend of 28-plus years, Debbie (Eilers) Brasier ’99, and fellow classmate Ryan Harder ’99 laughed, high-fived, and recalled the strong bond those four years cemented for us each,” she said.
Rocchi then concluded her visit with a challenge to new students reporting to campus in Storm Lake: “BRING THE BEAVER TRAIN BACK!”
In addition to the many conversations that took place among alumni and friends at the BVU alumni booth, a separate wall was created for children to sign. The Future Beavers wall also had dozens and dozens of signatures each day.
Visitors could view a video that showed celebrations on campus while sharing images and information about construction of the new apartment-style residence hall, a Building Champions campaign to expand and renovate Siebens Fieldhouse, the 2024 Homecoming events, the 2025 Beaver Ball, and more.
Prospective students who stopped could visit with BVU coaches and staff members and learn about the growth of initiatives such as the new nursing program, a graduate program in education, and much more. Special guests throughout the week included Dr. Stanton Ullerich ’82, Professor of Economics Emeritus, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Mauricio Lozada, Head Softball Coach Tammy Utley, and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kylee (Heiland) Boettcher ’02.
The Beaver Alumni Association held a drawing among alumni visitors to the booth for a gift basket of Beaver swag. Jill (Witzke) Juhl ’94 was the winner of the gift basket.
Thank you to all alumni, friends, parents, and students who connected with Buena Vista University during a record 2024 Iowa State Fair. We can’t wait to see you again!