Iowa State University Foundation Announces Six New Governors

Ames, Iowa—Six individuals with strong ties to Iowa State University were recently elected governors of the Iowa State University Foundation.

ISU Foundation governors, who are appointed for life, serve as ambassadors and advocates for Iowa State and the ISU Foundation, providing volunteer and financial support to benefit the university. This group meets semi-annually and many serve on a standing committee, including audit, awards, governance, communications, finance, and investment.

The following individuals were elected:

Julie Blake of Eden Prairie, Minn., is a 1978 physical education graduate of Iowa State. Along with her husband, Mark (’77 agricultural business), Blake is the owner of the Bank Financial Services Group, where she serves as the company’s marketing director.

Diane Patton of Rockwell City, Iowa, serves as president of the Iowa Association of American University Women. A 1968 home economics graduate of Iowa State, Patton is the recipient of the Helen LeBaron Hilton Award from the College of Human Sciences.

Larry Pithan of Rock Island, Ill., is the senior vice president and secretary-treasurer of KJWW Engineering Consultants. A member of the College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Council, Pithan graduated from Iowa State in 1973 with a mechanical engineering degree.

Suku Radia of West Des Moines, Iowa, is the chief executive officer and president of Bankers Trust Co. A 1974 industrial administration graduate of Iowa State, Radia has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Iowa State and the College of Business’ Citation of Achievement Award.

Dr. John Thomson of Kelley, Iowa, is a professor of veterinary medicine and the former dean of Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Thomson received a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1965 and earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1967, both from Iowa State.

Dee Vandeventer of Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a founder and partner with ME&V, an integrated marketing communications and fundraising company. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and child development from Iowa State in 1975 and is currently serving as the chair of the ISU Foundation’s Women & Philanthropy Committee.

The Iowa State University Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to securing and managing gifts and grants that benefit Iowa State University.