Iowa State University Athletics
Cy's Favorite Alum: Ric and Carol Jurgens
02.25.2026 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State will recognize Ric and Carol Jurgens as the 2026 Cy's Favorite Alums during the men's basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, February 28.
The Cy's Favorite Alum Award, a tradition started in 1955, recognizes deserving graduates, supporters or contributors whose accomplishments and loyalty stand out.
"We have a great sense of gratitude for what the university has done for us," Ric said. "Everything good in our lives started at Iowa State and we're just proud and happy to help in any way we can."
The Jurgens' are long-time Cyclone Club members, season ticket holders across multiple sports and ISU Foundation Governors. The couple has also supported the Ivy College of Business, Bergstrom Football Complex and Stark Performance Center.
"We met as freshmen at ISU and married after our sophomore year," Ric said. "My mom was also pregnant with me while my dad was a senior at Iowa State, so my life began there. We feel contributing to athletics is our way to be part of the team."
Ric graduated from Iowa State in 1971 with a degree in industrial administration, while Carol is a graduate in elementary communication. After graduation, Ric spent his entire 43-year business career with Hy-Vee, working all the way up from Store Manager to Chief Executive Officer. Carol became an elementary teacher for several years before becoming the "CEO" of the family.
"Iowa and midwest values are strong at our campus," Ric said. "Iowa State has had tremendous leadership at all levels, presidents, deans and athletic directors. Most recently, Wendy Wintersteen, David Spalding and, of course, Jamie Pollard are wonderful examples and we consider them good friends."
Ric and Carol have racked up plenty of great memories in cardinal and gold over the years, but a few stand out from the rest.
"The two of us meeting at an exchange was clearly our favorite memory," Ric said. "Then our marriage and living at Pammel Court. We also loved getting dressed up to go to football games at Clyde Williams Field and became men's basketball fans at the Armory."
That passion for Iowa State is evident in the lasting impact they've made on the athletics department.
"I am so pleased that Carol and Ric were selected as this year's Cy's Favorite Alums," Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. "They have been long-time friends and very generous donors to the athletics program for several decades. Ric has always served as a critical sounding board for me on challenging leadership decisions given his keen ability to evaluate and navigate difficult situations during his career. In addition, Carol may be the most passionate, loyal and knowledgeable Cyclone basketball fan that I have ever met. Carol and Ric are the perfect alums to receive this year's award."
Thank you to Ric and Carol Jurgens 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
2026 Ric and Carol Jurgens West Des Moines
