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                                          Â
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
