Dee Reinhart Vandeventer

When Dee Reinhart Vandeventer (’75 psychology) started her college search as a student in Illinois, she followed her high school counselor’s advice to look at schools in Iowa.

“My mom, dad and I got in the car and headed down I-80,” Dee recalled. “First stop, University of Iowa. We drove around and around, until my dad said, ‘Can’t find the building. Can’t go to school here.’ So back down I-80 to I-35 where, in Ames, we found the building, found the campus, found the people and fell in love with Iowa State University.”

Dee found her psychology major to be a pathway to a variety of rewarding careers. A highly respected leader in marketing, public relations and fundraising consulting, Dee served as president of a marketing communications and fundraising company, as well as chief development officer for a multi-state health system.

“Having a background in psychology — the study of mind and behavior — prepared me well, not only for my craft, but for managing people,” she said.

Her psychology degree gave her a strong foundation in hands-on learning and research. Later, she earned a master’s degree in public relations and communications, with an emphasis on philanthropy, from the University of Northern Iowa.

Dee encourages future and current Iowa State students to “try on a major” through practical experience.

“Doing so will help you focus on what area of the field you gravitate to,” she said. “Additionally, get involved on campus. I learned so much by being active in leadership capacities for many student organizations. After graduation, stay involved with ISU. Join the alumni association. Serve on committees. Network. Use the university as a resource when you’re looking for a job or considering a career change or if you have challenges on projects you’re working on.”