Iowa State University Athletics
Cy's Favorite Alum: Don and Yvonne Greiman
10.13.2017 | Athletics
For more than 60 years, Don and Yvonne Greiman have taken their place in the stands in Iowa State's athletics venues, old and new. Whether it was Clyde Williams Field or Jack Trice Stadium, the couple has only vacated their seats for 15 home football games. In recognition of the couple's loyalty and accomplishments, the Iowa State Athletics Department is proud to honor the Greimans as recipients of the 2017 Cy's Favorite Alum award. Since the award's inception in 1955, Iowa State Athletics has recognized a graduate or friend of Cyclone Athletics with this award.
"I was quite surprised," Don said of learning about the honor. "It's pretty humbling when I think of others who have been recipients of this award in prior years. We'll enjoy the day."
The Greimans are the definition of a Cyclone family. Both Don and Yvonne graduated from Iowa State in 1952. Yvonne earned a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences and Child Development, while Don is an alum of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science. Their two sons and grandchildren also graduated from Iowa State University.
Outside of Iowa State, Don has used the skills he learned at the school to make an impact in the beef community. He has been a leader within the Air Force, the Iowa State Fair board, the Iowa Beef Breeds Council and the American Angus Association. Don was instrumental in starting the Certified Angus Beef program, while also receiving national recognition as a beef judge. His tenure on the Iowa State Fair board was one for the record books, as his 44 year tenure is the longest of anybody on the board, past or present. He is also the only person to have been president of the Iowa State Fair Board for two terms.
Don has served as president of the Iowa State Alumni Association, founder of North Iowa Cyclone Club, as well as a member of the Athletic Council and the Order of the Knoll. He credits his incredible involvement to the many activities he was able to partake in at Iowa State.
"I would get dragged along as a freshman, then I'd get on a committee," Don said. "As a sophomore, I would step it up a notch. By the time I was a junior or senior, I was a chairman for multiple events and got involved with a lot of student activities."
The couple's favorite part about Cyclone Nation is the incredible loyalty they display every year. They love coming out to Jack Trice Stadium and seeing all the fans that bleed Cardinal and Gold.
"Through thick and thin, I don't care whether we win all the games or lose them, the fans show up and support the team," notes Don.
Through all the work activities and board meetings, the Greimans still hold loyal and forever true to Iowa State, all the way down to their ISU license plates with the words "true fan."
"We are so excited to honor Don and Yvonne Greiman. The Greimans have been season ticket holders in football and basketball for over 61 consecutive years," athletics director Jamie Pollard said. "They watched the Cyclones win basketball games in the Armory and the football team win games at Clyde Williams Field long before Hilton and Jack Trice Stadium were ever built. Don and Yvonne's passion and love for everything Cyclone is second to none. We could not think of a more deserving couple to be this year's Cy's Favorite Alums."
Thank you to Don and Yvonne Greiman for your continued support of Iowa State Athletics!
