Shirley Knipfel Martino, From one of Cy's favorite fans, I will never forget your arrival sporting the color of the UNI Panthers--the day before the ISU vs UNI Football game. We will never let you live that down!! You will be missed. "LuvCy"
Katie Stowe Thank you for all of your support over the years. You will truly be missed. Good luck Martino!
Kat Worley Thank you for all you have done for Iowa State University. You made the campus a better place for students and professionals. You built trust when it was lacking, and you created space when it was needed. We're going to miss you!!! Here's a photo demonstrating your talent connecting with students. This is from ISSO orientation from 2018 when you led a back-and-forth ISU cheer with incoming international students at the Alumni Center. :) You'll forever have a fan-base in Iowa!!
pollard@iastate.edu pollard@iastate.edu Martino and Otis
Jean Kresse Thank you Martino for your Leadership on the United Way of Story County Board of Directors.
Greetings fellow Beardshear friend! Martino, congratulations on a fantastic opportunity to join UM. We will really miss you here at ISU and I have enjoyed working with you and catching up socially. Unfortunately, we could not add our final graduations to the millions of graduations spent hanging out and packed together with Reg in Hilton and on...
Joyce Hagley Thank you for always showing up. Good luck in Michigan
Jean Kresse Thank you for Living United!
Jennifer Suchan Martino, I am going to miss you so much. Your heart, passion, energy, empathy, courage, authenticity, and style are second to none, and make you the beautiful person you are. I deeply admire you and an incredibly thankful and blessed that our paths have crossed. I couldn't be more excited for you, as you begin your next adventure, though! All my best to you, and remember to stay in touch. HUGS to you, Dear Friend.
Dr. Harmon, It has been an extreme pleasure to work and learn from you during your stay at Iowa State University. You are a man of humility and compassion and I will never forget your ability to make others feel valued. I wish you the best of luck as you begin your next adventure. The students, faculty and staff of Michigan are fortunate to have y...
Thank you for your unwavering support and advocacy of students and staff. The genuine care and contagious joy you brought to Iowa State each and every day will be greatly missed! Best of luck with everything and thank you!
Neo Thurston Jr You will truly be missed! I have no doubt, that you will excel in your new role, at Michigan. Stay forever true!
Thank your service to Iowa State! I have appreciated you genuinely caring for people since you arrived. Despite all the complexities of of a role like VPSA, you always took time to have genuine interest in those around you and that was noticed. I have appreciated you bringing "you" to the role and showing others that is ok to do and leading with...
Dan Grooms Martino, thank you for all of your support of the studnets in the College of Veterinary Medcine. It has been greatly appreciated. Wishing you the best of luck at U* (Sorry, a Buckeye with Spartan ties has to maintain standards - and good luck getting use to yeller and blue colors). Dan Grooms
Kristen Constant ‘Celebrity Chef Breakfast for Seniors 2019’. What a pleasure to work with you, Martino. We’ll all miss you. I wish you the best.
I am going to miss seeing you in Beardshear Hall, Dr. Harmon! We will always treasure and respect the unwavering support and guidance you provided us through the years. Thanks for always being positive, motivating and for always saying "hello!" when we passed in the hallways. Best of luck at Michigan!!
I am so grateful to know you and to have learned so much from you. We are all better professionals because of your leadership, care, and support. You will be missed and you have left a legacy that will positively impact students and staff for years to come at ISU. Thank you for everything!
Dr. Harmon, Thank you for your mentoring, your leadership, and your advocacy on campus. You've helped me so much personally over these last few years, and I will miss having you here. Your work will continue on at ISU, and we all look forward to this exciting next step in your journey!
Jen Sass Well we stole a great one from Michigan years ago, so I suppose we owe them a great one in return! :) Thanks for showing care for ALL staff! We will miss you popping by campus visit days! It has been wonderful to work with you - best of luck on your next adventure!
Dr. Harmon, Thank you for being a great example of who a great leader is. Within my first few weeks of starting at ISU, you were one of the people who helped me feel confident about my future as a staff member within the division. Thank you for your advice and guidance. Again, you will be missed dearly! I hope to stay in touch. God bless you and ...
Martino, Of course, you deserve gratitude for your positive impact on ISU and on the Division of Student Affairs. I want to specifically thank you for the way you go about your business and the way you treat people. Obviously, you are great at your work responsibilities but I will remember you most for the way you welcomed me into the office family...
Martino-- I wish you all the very best as you journey forward to the University of Michigan. I will miss your leadership and engagement in the ISU campus community, but am excited about the countless ways you will share your gifts and talents with the Wolverines. I am grateful for the opportunities we have had to connect on various committees and...
Martino, you are a special kind of leader. You exemplify compassion and respect in all of your interactions, raising the bar for us all and building a true sense of community. I am grateful to have met and worked with you and wish you ALL the best in your next chapters. ISU will most certainly miss you!
Ann Gansemer-Topf Martino - Thank you for being such a wonderful advocate for and collaborator with the ISU Student Affairs Program. Our students and faculty are better because of your dedicated partnership. Thanks too for co-hosting the ISU NASPA reception and for your willingness to co-present at several NASPA conferences. I will miss you but I hope our paths will cross again - perhaps at least one more presentation? :-) I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from you. Best wishes to you. Ann Gansemer-Topf
Martino, sometimes there simply aren't words to describe the positive impact that someone leaves behind. Your passion, your knowledge, and your desire to leave the world a better place are a testament to the mark you will leave on Iowa State. Thank you for all you have contributed here and for all the things I have learned from you. Don't forget...
Dear Martino, Thank you for being a wonderful and supportive collaborator with and champion for the Student Affairs Program. Our students have learned and benefitted so much from your leadership in the Division and on campus. You've modeled how to be a student centered, equity oriented, and compassionate leader and your presence will certainly be ...
I have only had the privilege to work with Martino for less than a year, and he has made me smile more times than I can count. Martino is incredibly attentive to everyone -- no issue is too small, and no issue is too big to tackle. I'm so sad I won't get his daily greeting of "Hi Haley!" as he hurries into his office, but I am so happy to have gott...
Martino, Thank you for everything you have done for Iowa State and our students. It was a pleasure working with you for the 7 academic years since we both arrived in Ames. Michigan is lucky to be having you join their leadership team. Best wishes, David
Vernon Hurte Martino, Thanks for your leadership, mentorship, and the positive impact you had on the entire ISU community, especially the students and those who were fortunate to serve on your team. We wish you all the best in the season ahead!
Larissa Holtmyer Jones Martino- Thanks for leadership at partnership. We know that you'll always be Forever True! Best wishes on your new adventure and enjoy being closer to your family! Larissa
I distinctly remember receiving a "welcome" phone call from you on a quintessentially warm Los Angeles July day back in 2016, just as Zach and I were packing up to move to Ames. I was anxious, to the least, about the move. You talked with such care and concern, asking questions and providing reassurance. Your kindness came through providing a true...
Thank you for all you’ve done for Iowa State during your years here, Martino. Your commitment to ISU has been admirable, and I will always remember the care and compassion you've demonstrated in your interactions with the many people you worked with and supported across campus. I’ve enjoyed working with you and have always appreciated your support ...
Sarah Merrill Thank you for being part of the NSPhamily and making such an impact of countless new Cyclones during orientation and Destination Iowa State. We will miss your fabulous emcee skills but even more so your genuine and student-centered perspective. Thank you for your leadership and service and always believing in our mission and our team. I will miss your leadership and mentorship, but know you will continue to make a difference at Michigan. Until we meet again. Forever True, ~ Sarah Rockwell Merrill
You have definitely left your mark here at Iowa State! I will miss your big smile and heart and your contagious laugh! It was great fun to serve meals at the Little Cyclone Camp through United Way--hairnets and all! Keep smiling! Keep laughing! Keep leading! And come back to visit! You're always welcome!
Martino, I've only had the pleasure of working with you for a few months. However, I have come to appreciate your incredible work ethic, your strong leadership and your mentorship. I will miss your outstanding sense of humor. Your departure is a massive loss to ISU and an incredible gain for the University of Michigan. I hope to see you again in Am...
First and foremost, congratulations on your new job! They are very luck to have you. Over the last three years I've been at Iowa State, you've been a huge inspiration and support system for me. I specifically remember my third day of work at Iowa State and we were getting ready for DIS kickoff. That day you walked right up and introduced yourself a...
Osomiyor (Somi) Abalu Thank you for your years of service to ISU; thank you specifically for your support of the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) and the African Students Association at ISU (ASA ISU). Thank you also for your support of the Department of Residence (DOR), I appreciate you always making the time to attend our CA staff training and recognition events, whenever we extended an invitation to you. You are truly a servant leader! I appreciate you always making a conscious made an effort to attend the many events hosted by BFSA, ASA ISU and the DOR, and when you could not make it to an event, you always took the time to send an email to notify us in advance. Thank you for always having a kind word of encouragement whenever our paths crossed, and for constantly going above and beyond to make ISU an inclusive and welcoming space for all! I will miss hearing you say "hey Somi, how is it going today?" We certainly will miss your presence during move-in week in the fall, when you would usually stop by the Residence Halls to welcome the new students and their families. I wish you the very best with your next adventure at the University of Michigan, I will be sure to do my part to keep in touch. All the best with future endeavors, you will be greatly missed!
Martino - I wish you the best of everything as you start your new adventure at Michigan. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with during your tenure at Iowa State. Your enthusiasm and passion for what you do is exhausting for me to even watch. You have truly made a difference at Iowa State in more ways than I can count. Your leadership and your c...
Dr. Harmon: Thanks for always being true to your word and being a leader-through-example. I'll always remember your great smile, optimism in tough times, and willingness to stand up, front and center when leadership was needed. U Mich got a really good one... Peace and prosperity for you in your next adventures. sm
Dr. Martino Harmon, thank you for all that you have done for Iowa State. I have never heard you say no to any opportunities to engage with international students! I have invited you to many events, and you have always said yes with genuine love and enthusiasm. My favorite moment was sitting next to you during International Night and also seeing you...
Dr. Harmon -- Thank you for your leadership and advocacy! You are a consummate professional who brings authenticity and transparency to each of your interactions. It has been an honor to work with you. I wish you all the best as you begin your new adventure at the University of Michigan! #OnwardandUpward
Martino, All, and only, the absolute best as your journey continues. Your laugh . . . I knew it was you before I even looked up. Your new colleagues will appreciate it from Day 1. Julie
Dr. Harmon, Thank you so much for your leadership at ISU over the years! I greatly enjoyed collaborating with you when I had the opportunity, especially with the Professional and Scientific Council. Your strong support of shared governance and staff representation was invaluable for me. You will be missed, but we're all excited for the great th...
Martino, on behalf of BFSA we want to first say CONGRATULATIONS. We are so excited to see you off to your next journey in Michigan. We all feel grateful to have you part of the Cyclone family and appreciate your continued support of BFSA. We hope that your heart is filled with all of the love and light you were able to give us. Our file was too big...
Thank you for your service and commitment to ISU and our students! It has been a pleasure getting to know you and have the chance to work together on advising issues and initiatives. Michigan better treat you right! Sending you all the very best. Diann Burright
Thank you Dr. Harmon for your inspiring leadership! You were one of the people who inspired me to go into the student affairs program at Iowa State. I recall a story you told of a student who couldn't get into an Ivy League school, you bought and hand-delivered them a t-shirt. These little things that we can do to love people well, see them, and li...
Katie Whipple Thank you for your leadership at Iowa State over the last 8-or-so years. I have always appreciated your candor and perspective. I love that you are are a leader who works hard to connect with and care for staff and students. That has served you well and will continue to do so at Michigan. I wish you the very best as you begin your next adventure. ISU will miss you! - Katie
Bonnie Whalen Martino, ISU is a better place because of the compassion and commitment that you showed our students and all who worked closely with you. We wish you all the best in your new adventures. Stay in touch and come back to visit. We will miss you!
Martino, Thank you. Thank you for the passion you brought to your work each day to Iowa State. Thank you for your strong partnership with my colleagues and me in the Division of Academic Affairs. Working together we have made progress in closing the achievement gap, and ensuring that every student gets the support they need to earn their degree....
Shirley Knipfel Martino: Please know that I have enjoyed working with you, doing life with you, and gaining new knowledge from you. Our relationship grew as we experienced Destination Iowa State, ISCORE, Eta Boule, sporting and community-related events, commencements, and numerous student and staff-related activities together. Thanks for sharing your backstory, family, and dreams with me and others. The University of Michigan is receiving a wonderful student advocate, student personnel professional, and community treasure. Do well, purchase that Iowa State Alumni Association life membership (as you are now mine!), and remember you’re still in the same boat—Ohio State is not Iowa State and Wolverines don’t root for Buckeyes. Be safe, well, reflective, and forward-thinking. Jeff Johnson P.S. My colleague at Michigan is Steve Grafton. Like me, he too grew up in Mississippi. I warned him about you, already!
Martino, It's been great working with you the short time that I have had the opportunity. I have really enjoyed it. I look forward to continuing the work you began with the Jack Trice Commemoration Committee. I wish you all the best in Michigan! Stay in touch, Jacy
Dr. Harmon has been such a positive and welcoming person since my first day at Iowa State. I remember the first time I met him, he was so down to earth, so inviting, and so dedicated to supporting students. I serendipitously wear a yellow jean jacket whenever I see Dr. Harmon and I think I have become synonymous with that yellow jacket whenever w...
You were one of the first people I met on campus a little over six years ago, and you have always been a friend with a smile any time I saw you on campus. Thank you for your leadership and friendship. You will be missed!
Andrew Allen Wow...just wow. So grateful you said "yes" to YSS and agreed to come on the board when you did. Thank you for leadership at YSS, at ISU, and in our community. Keep championing kids, and cheering on the Cyclones. Blessed to know you Martino. Wahoooo!!!!
Steve Winfrey Farewell from your MU Family, Martino! Here is the video we shared at our MU Awards Ceremony this year. It's so hard to say goodbye. So, until we meet again, you will forever be in our hearts. The Memorial Union.
Brad Freihoefer Martino, On behalf of all of us in the Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success, thank you for your all your leadership and support for LGBTQIA+ students at Iowa State. Thank you for your guidance, wisdom, care, and ability to keep the most important things in life centered as we advocate and support students. I am grateful for the leadership tools you shared with me and the laughter and fun you brought to this work. Thank you, too, for the joy you brought to the faces of all those Lavender Graduates over the years and thank you for being a champion for students, always. I will miss you greatly and look forward to staying in touch. I wish you all the best in your next adventure with those wolverines! #GoBucky #Whoops #GoBlue :) #OnceACycloneAlwaysACyclone
Thank you for being an inspiration to so many in your time here at Iowa State. We wish you all the best in your next adventure. Loyal Forever True
Jenny Pollard That was a fun but bittersweet parade!
Thank you very much for your leadership! I have been lucky to have strong role models like you that demonstrate what leadership and compassion look like here at Iowa State University. I wish you the best of luck at the University of Michigan. Go Cyclones!
Elaine Tan Dr. Martino, We are going to miss you! -ISSO
Martino, It has been a pleasure working with you and getting to know you during your time at ISU. I appreciate how genuine, welcoming and caring you are to everyone; you will always be part of the family! :) Take care and good luck. You will be missed! Kyla
Jen Curta Leptien Thank you for being an inspiration to so many of us, Martino. We will miss you greatly at ISU. - Jen Leptien
Martino - Thank you for having the vision and courage to create a role like mine at Iowa State. The last four years have been wonderful, and the support you've provided to me and my efforts has been phenomenal. I am honored to have been able to begin this work at Iowa State with you. You will be sorely missed here, and while I can't bring my self t...
Dr. Harmon, Thank you for your amazing leadership. I learned a great deal by watching how you worked with others, advocated for those who needed it most, and always showed great respect to everyone. You have done so much for both the students and the Student Affairs staff at ISU and we will miss you greatly! I wish you all the best in Michigan. -...
Family and friends
Martino is heading to new adventures at the University of Michigan. His last day at Iowa State is June 5. Leave a farewell message, video, or photo of a favorite memory by clicking on ADD A MEMORY.
Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Martino's memorial with others who loved them.
Join Memories