Tara Iverson is a recent graduate in animal science here at Iowa State University. Iverson’s hometown of St. Charles, Missouri, hosted no agriculture programs in her high school, making her path to Iowa State unique. She grew up with a limited background in animal agriculture from her numerous family members that had farms or worked in agriculture fields.
Tara first experienced Iowa State by tagging along with her cousins for an all-out college visit. She got to tour the Department of Animal Science's farms, where her cousins worked. Iverson was always interested in animals and had the desire to pursue a career as a veterinarian. After arriving at Iowa State, Jodi Sterle spoke to her about the numerous paths a degree in animal science can take you.
On this trip, Tara also experienced a Cy-Hawk basketball game, and immediately, she knew that the fan culture here was unlike anywhere else. Iverson describes Cyclone Alley as “The Students of Hilton Coliseum.” Anyone with a student ticket is part of Cyclone Alley. Tara Iverson served as the President of Cyclone Alley and describes their goal as using student ticket funds to create the best possible fan experience for Cyclone Alley members. This means supplying big heads, streamers, and other fan paraphernalia that we see on game day. They work to help students have as much fun as possible during a game, while staying within Athletic Association regulations.
Iverson found herself well-equipped to balance her roles as Cyclone Alley President and an animal science student. She has always been highly involved in numerous clubs and organizations at Iowa State. This gives her the ability to switch and wear many different hats to pursue her passion for joining every club or event that catches her attention.
Cyclone Alley gives her the chance to have something of her own, outside of her animal science-related clubs and duties. She suggests to others who want to be more involved on campus that you just have to decide you are going to do it, and use grit to do it.
Cyclone Alley has brought about many opportunities for Iverson to learn the ins and outs of Hilton Coliseum and work alongside the Iowa State basketball teams. Her favorite part about being Cyclone Alley President is the people she gets to interact with. Iverson gets to talk to many different students with a variety of majors, bonding over their love for Cyclone sports. She also enjoys all the time she spends with her fellow committee members. Her favorite Cyclone Alley memories were made during the numerous 6-hour sessions spent setting up for games.
Tara Iverson was highly involved on campus and was part of Pi Beta Phi sorority, the Line Dancing Club, Homecoming Central, Greek Week Central, Swine Production Advocates, the Block and Bridle Club, She Runs Sports, Agriculture Business Club, and the Bacon Expo committee.
After graduating in May, Iverson began working as an Associate Territory Manager for Pioneer Seed. During her time at Iowa State, she enjoyed many classes, but her favorite was Swine Science with associate professor Laura Greiner.