An Iowa State University Tradition Ending After 92 Years

The annual week-long celebration known as Veishea has been a tradition at Iowa State University for the past 92 years. The popular event is now officially part of the school's past.

Iowa State University President Steven Leath today (Thursday, August 7, 2014) announced his decision to permanently discontinue Veishea, supporting the recommendations of a task force assembled to examine the celebration's future. Last month, the group recommended ending the event.

For the past three decades, Veishea has been a magnet for excessive partying, riots and violence on or near the Iowa State campus.

“I understand that it is very sad and disappointing to see this 92-year tradition come to an end, and there may be some who are upset with this decision, but I am not going to continue to put students at risk so that we can preserve what, to many, has become a week-long party,” Leath said at a news conference. “I will not be the president who has to call a student’s parents in the middle of the night to say your child has been critically injured in another Veishea-related disturbance.”

Leath suspended Veishea 2014 following a late-night disturbance in the Campustown area of Ames on April 8th. During the rioting, a car was tipped over and one student was hospitalized with injuries.

Following the disturbance, Leath appointed a task force led by Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Hill. The task force submitted its final report and recommendations to the president on July 11.

In announcing his decision, Leath acknowledged numerous changes to Veishea and attempts to prevent related disturbances since 1992 – efforts that ultimately did not succeed. Citing student safety as his top priority, Leath said his decision was a difficult one, but it is the right one for Iowa State.

“It’s time to stop the cycle. We can’t continue to do the same thing and expect a different result,” he said.

Leath's decision means the Veishea name will be retired, however some traditions associated with the event will likely continue. Leath said the university plans a musical performance later this year to support the 100th anniversary of ISU Theatre.

Following the Veishea Task Force’s recommendations, Leath said he remains open to a future university showcase or events, but the content and time-frame are to be determined.

“We’re going to take a very thoughtful approach to this as we decide how to move forward to ensure student safety,” Leath said, adding that he plans to work with various school groups and collaborate with city and neighborhood leaders and local law enforcement to address the 2014 task force’s recommendations related to security, community relations and city ordinances.

Even as Veishea ends, Leath reiterated his pride in Iowa State.

“I don’t want (this) to, in any way, diminish all of the other extraordinary things we’re doing every day, in every college, department and unit on campus,” he said.