Management students to lead Homecoming Week

Clare Meyer

Also pursuing a minor in supply chain management, Meyer, from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, grew up with ties to Iowa State. Her mother was a graduate of the Ivy College of Business and took the family on trips to attend football and basketball games on campus throughout Meyer’s youth. These experiences made Ames feel like a second home and significantly impacted her decision to attend Iowa State.

From the moment Meyer entered college, she has been finding as many ways as possible to get involved in the campus community. She volunteered for Special Olympics Iowa and Make-A-Wish America and is a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, Sports Media Club, Letters of Love, and SALT Company. She has also been involved with Homecoming Central for three years, which helped set her up for the co-director position.

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in management and what have you gained?

I chose to pursue a degree in management because of its universal applicability in the real world. I enjoy taking classes in every business aspect and learning how to encourage and support people. I also love working with people and developing lasting relationships with them, which is an essential part of a manager’s role.

My management major has taught me leadership, motivation, support, and team-building lessons. These skills and countless others have directly informed my actions and decisions as co-director. It is crucial that every member of the team feels valued, respected, and trusted. One professor that sticks out in my mind is Ryan Bhattacharyya (a professor of practice in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship). He was my professor for Management 4220, but he taught me so much more than course material. He shared lots of advice for the real world.

How did you get involved with Homecoming Central?

I participated in the Homecoming activities my freshman year, absolutely loved everything about the week, and was encouragedby a friend to apply for Homecoming Central.

How have you balanced your time between academics and involvements?

My best strategy is to keep my planner and phone calendar updated. Knowing how to be the most efficient and effective you can be is also essential. I also schedule time in my weeks to relax and do something just for me, like hanging out with friends, reading, or going for walks.

What is your role as co-director like?

Our most significant accomplishment to date is interviewing and selecting our 2025 Central team. Bailey and I spent many hours going through applications and interviewing potential candidates, and we feel proud of and excited for the team that we have built. With this team, we aim to increase attendance at events, improve the quality and experience of events, and ensure that the Central team feels valued and supported throughout the year.

Bailey Manderfeld

Despite growing up in Owatonna, Minnesota, Manderfeld was drawn to Iowa State by her love of the campus. Planning to pursue a degree in business, she knew from her first visit that Ivy was the place for her.

“I appreciated the multitude of opportunities that the Ivy College of Business offers students. From the clubs to the experienced professors, everything was perfect.”

Much like her fellow co-director, Manderfeld wasted no time getting involved. She has picked up marketing as a second major, become Alpha Gamma Delta’s vice president of chapter wellness, is a peer-mentor at Ivy, a Business Learning Team peer mentor, and is a member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council, the Order of Omega Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the Fraternal Values Society.

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in management and what have you gained?

As someone who values bringing out the strengths of others, management provides opportunities to guide teams, make strategic decisions, and create environments where people can thrive. Major-specific courses have taught me a lot about different leadership styles, ethical decision-making processes, and team-building strategies. These practical skills show daily relevance to my role as co-director. My management courses have provided me with a strong groundwork for effectively leading Homecoming.

Ryan Bhattacharyya, who taught my management course on negotiation and conflict, truly left an impact on me. His incorporation of real-world examples, alongside his extensive professional experience, made the course one of the most influential I have ever taken. Another influential person has been Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, Peter Ralston.

How did you get involved with Homecoming Central?

I became involved in the spring semester of my sophomore year. I joined CySquad and was on the Special Events Committee. This committee was responsible for organizing the Friday night events for Homecoming, which included the Pep Rally, ExCytement in the Streets, and Awards Ceremony.

How have you balanced your time between academics and involvements?

Utilizing my calendar as much as possible has been the largest benefactor to my time management. I send meeting invites for every occasion, even grocery shopping or hanging out with friends.

What is your role as co-director like?

Thus far, in my role as co-director, we have accomplished a few major tasks, one of which is adding a Finance Committee to our team. We have a few other fun and new additions coming this year and are excited to carry on the long-standing traditions of Iowa State’s Homecoming.