Iowa State University Athletics
Cy's Favorite Alum: Del and Linda Berghoefer
02.27.2025 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State will recognize Del and Linda Berghoefer as the 2025 Cy's Favorite Alums during the men's basketball game against Arizona on Saturday, March 1.
The Cy's Favorite Alum Award, a tradition started in 1955, recognizes deserving graduates, supporters or contributors whose accomplishments and loyalty stand out.
"Linda and I were surprised and humbled to learn that we would be named as Cy's Favorite Alum," Del said. "Our family has always had a strong connection to ISU and we wanted to do what we could to support the school via contributions to the athletic department and academics."
Del and Linda are lifetime members of the ISU Alumni Association and have been longtime members of the Cyclone Club and season ticket holders for all sports. The couple also supports the Gridiron Club, wrestling through the regional training center, volleyball with support for the new practice facility, the We Will Collective, CY Stephens Auditorium and the marching band, where all three of their daughters and two grandkids were or are members.
"Iowa State is special because of the people, from President Wintersteen and Jamie Pollard in leadership positions and the thousands of fans who travel to watch the Cyclone athletic teams wherever they may be playing," Del said. "It is also special because of the excellent education we received, which has given us the tools and science to be successful in our careers and to be able to give back to the university. Linda and I are indeed blessed to be a part of Cyclone nation."
Del graduated Iowa State in 1969 in Farm Operations, while Linda is a 1967 graduate in Home Economics Education. Del spent two-and-a-half years in the military and the same amount of time at the University of Iowa before transferring to ISU to finish out his college days. When he wasn't in college, Del was at home, farming with his two brothers.
The Berghoefers have three daughters, a son-in-law and a grandson who graduated from ISU, along with two granddaughters who are currently students in Ames.
"We truly are a Cyclone family," Del said.
When you've been in Cardinal and Gold for as long as the Berghoefer's have been, you rack up a lot of good memories with the Cyclones.
"Our favorite memories are any win over the Hawkeyes, along with watching a son-in-law in the 90s and, this year, his daughter leading the marching band, both as drum majors," Del said. "Other great memories include watching the Cyclones win their first ever bowl game in 2000 and traveling to other bowl games. We have also enjoyed traveling to many worldwide destinations with the Alumni Association and making lifelong friendships on these trips."
Del and Linda also love attending athletic events with friends and family, which has become easier now by moving to Ames six years ago.
"We look forward to honoring Linda and Del as Cy's Favorite Alums," Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. "They are long-time season ticket holders and donors to our athletics department and are very deserving of this special honor. Their support goes well beyond just football and basketball, They have been avid supporters of all our programs including forging personal relationships with our volleyball and wrestling coaches and student-athletes. It is our honor to recognize them for their continued dedication and support of our athletics program."
Thank you to Del and Linda Berghoefer for your continued dedication and support for Iowa State Athletics!
Cy's favorite Alum Honorees
1955 Orville Crowley Des Moines
1956 Waldo Wegner Ames
1957 Charles Shirey Waterloo
1958 Harry Hoak Des Moines
J.D. Armstrong Ames
1959 Carl Bluedorn Waterloo
1960 H.R. Hilstrom Sycamore, Ill.
1961 Leo Fitzpatrick Carroll
1962 Ralph Olsen Ellsworth
1963 Dr. Russell Anthony Cedar Rapids
1964 Ted Aulmann Des Moines
1965 Clair G. Mason Marshalltown
1966 Don Kaser Des Moines
1967 George Henningsen Des Moines
1968 Lloyd Bock Des Moines
1969 Al Hagen Des Moines
1970 H.D. Wilson Sioux City
1971 Ray Donels Ames
1972 Ray Hagie Clarion
1973 Sam Hamilton Chicago, Ill.
1974 Dean Knudson Ames
1975 John Ruan Des Moines
1976 Robert Wright Carroll
1977 Herman Holmes Newton
1978 Dr. James Hilton Ames
1979 Carroll Lane Carroll
1980 Walter Neumann Des Moines
1981 Deane Gunderson Rolfe
1982 Raymond Engel Marshalltown
1983 Ralph Engel Des Moines
1984 Dorothy Erskine Ames
1985 Robert Parks Ames
1986 Richard Grant Sanibel, Fla.
1987 Robert Eddy Des Moines
1988 Bernard Simmons Waterloo
1989 Lydia Adams Ames
1990 Dr. William Bliss Ames
1991 Isaiah Harris Plymouth, Minn.
1992 Mal Schmidt Ames
1993 Kathryn Engel Marshalltown
1994 Rich Severson Ames
1995 Dr. Jon Fleming Ames
1996 Erb & Marge Hunziker Ames
1997 Jack & Dilla Cosgrove Cedar Rapids
1998 Barb Houk Ames
1999 Al & Sara Sorensen Cedar Rapids
2000 Stewart Burger Ames
2001 Dick & Jane Seagrave Ames
2002 Rod & Connie French Des Moines
2003 Dick & Sandy Horton Ames
2004 Cecil & Dorothy Rueter Grand Junction
2005 Jerry & Nancy Hall Ames
2006 Don Voelker Ames
2007 Bill & Judy Hoefle Ames
2008 Mike & Karon Lacey Elkhart
2009 Richard & Deborah McConnell Johnston
2010 Dick & Marijo Marshall Griswold
2011 Dr. Gregory & Kathy Geoffroy Ames
2012 Gary & Janet Thompson Ames
2013 Gary Lynch Waucoma
2014 Fred & Kay Lande Ames
2015 Gene Meyer Des Moines
2016 Jon & Julie Schaben Dunlap
2017 Don & Yvonne Greiman Garner
2018 Julie Larson Ames
2019 John & Kay Mortimer Dallas Center
2021 Denny & Kathy Baker Ames
2022 Mel & Kathy Weatherwax Ankeny
2023 Craig & Virginia Petermeier Mingo
2025 Del & Linda Berghoefer Ames
