Iowa State University Athletics
Cy's Favorite Alum: Mel & Kathy Weatherwax
10.28.2022 | Athletics, Cyclone Club
Iowa State will recognize Mel and Kathy Weatherwax as the 2022 Cy's Favorite Alums at Saturday's football game against Oklahoma.
The Cy's Favorite Alum Award, a tradition started in 1955, recognizes deserving graduates, supporters or contributors whose accomplishments and loyalty stand out.
Mel and Kathy have been dedicated Cyclone fans for 50 years, have attended Iowa State sporting events in more than 30 states and have not missed a bowl game in the past 30 years.
"It is quite humbling to look at the list of all the outstanding, deserving past recipients of this recognition and realize, 'Wow, now we are one of them,'" Mel said. "We have had a daughter and grandchildren go to Iowa State and have supported them on their educational journey. As a couple, we give our own time, talent, and efforts to help other kids gain the resources they need for post-secondary education. We are blessed to be part of the Cyclone family. We are especially surprised, thrilled, and deeply appreciative of this honor."
The couple met when they were attending Grand View College and eventually married. Today, they have two children and five grandchildren, many of whom have or are currently attending Iowa State.
"Iowa State University helps people realize their potential and dreams by providing the skills and knowledge base for young people to chart a course for their future" Mel said. "Our family loves this university, and we are proud to support it in any way we can."
Mel went to his first Iowa State football game when he was 23 years old and instantly loved it, saying the atmosphere and people were what made the experience great. In 1972, the Mel and Kathy bought their first football season tickets and have renewed every year since.
They hold season tickets for football, volleyball and men's and women's basketball, but their favorite sport is difficult to decide.
"Whichever sport is in season is our favorite, but all-in-all, nothing beats a gameday at Jack Trice Stadium," Mel said. "Tailgating before football games and sharing good food and good times with our friends and family will always be a wonderful memory and hold a special place in our hearts."
Both Mel and Kathy are deeply invested in Iowa State and the surrounding Ames community.
Mel has served on the Iowa State Alumni Association Board of Directors, chaired annual golf outings for the Cyclone Gridiron Club, served on numerous non-profit boards and currently serves as an Iowa State Foundation governor. In 2013, Mel was presented an Honorary Alumnus Award from the university.
Kathy has been heavily involved in the Ankeny community, volunteering and serving in different leadership roles. She has served as the president of Ankeny Dollars for Scholars and currently serves as the scholarship manager.
Mel and Kathy have been actively involved in the Cyclone community, including the Cyclone Club, Clyde Williams Society, ISU Alumni Association and the Order of the Knoll's W. M. Beardshear Society.
The Weatherwaxes have made major gifts to the Bergstrom Indoor Football Facility campaign, the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center, Sukup Basketball Complex, Bergstrom Football Complex, South End Zone Expansion, Stark Performance Center, and the ISU Alumni Center. In addition, Mel and Kathy supported the All-American wall located on the front entrance of the Jacobson Building. The pair were also interviewed and highlighted in John Walters' children's book "Cy's Perfect Day."
"We are excited to honor Kathy and Mel Weatherwax as this year's recipient of Cy's Favorite Alums," Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said. "Kathy and Mel are as loyal of Cyclones as anyone I have met during my 17 years as Director of Athletics. They regularly attend home contests, in all of our sports, and Mel never misses away football games. Kathy and Mel simply epitomize the definition of the perfect Cyclone fans. Most importantly, Ellen and I are honored to call Kathy and Mel true friends."Â
Thank you to Mel and Kathy Weatherwax for your continued dedication and support of Iowa State Athletics!
