Cyclone Aide helps new students find their place at Iowa State 

Long before the first group of prospective students and their families gather outside the Memorial Union, Da’Marrion Wilson-Smith has already checked his schedule and started preparing for the day ahead. 

Wilson-Smith (‘28 physics) is one of 47 Iowa State Cyclone Aides who works with New Student Programs. His role goes beyond leading campus tours. He helps incoming students navigate orientation, answers their questions, and makes one of the biggest transitions of their lives feel a little less overwhelming.  

A friend first encouraged Wilson-Smith to apply for the position, describing it as a rewarding summer job and a chance to become involved with New Student Programs. 

“I wanted to help new students be set up for success better than I was,” Wilson-Smith said. “I wanted to make sure they knew about the resources that are available.” 

Throughout the summer, his responsibilities vary – from assisting with registration sessions to staffing evening activities. Even when he’s walking between assignments, Wilson-Smith is still working. 

“I’ll see confused guests walking around campus, so I will try to help them and answer any questions they have,” he said. 

Guiding future Cyclones through campus 

One of Wilson-Smith’s favorite responsibilities is leading campus tours. Here’s a look at his typical tour schedule: 

First stop: Memorial Union 

Standing outside the Fountain of the Four Seasons on the north side of the Memorial Union, Wilson-Smith welcomes families, introduces himself, and shares a brief history of Iowa State. He describes the building as one of the busiest gathering places on campus, highlighting student traditions like ISU AfterDark and ClubFest. It’s often the first glimpse families get of student life beyond the classroom. 

The Campanile tradition

A few minutes later, the group reaches the Campanile. Standing 110 feet tall with 50 bells and more than 50,000 bricks, the landmark is one of Iowa State’s most recognizable traditions. Wilson-Smith explains campaniling, the long-standing tradition that says students become true Iowa Staters after sharing their first kiss beneath the bell tower at midnight. 

A stroll through Central Campus 

Next, Wilson-Smith leads the group across Central Campus. Along the route, he talks about traditions, academic buildings, and campus resources while mixing in stories from his own college experience. He also explains how the open space was intentionally preserved to maintain the park-like atmosphere that has become a favorite place for students to study, play Spikeball, throw a Frisbee, or spend time with friends. 

All business at Beardshear 

When he points out Beardshear Hall, he delivers one of his favorite jokes. 

“The green dome is where all the money goes.” 

The joke always earns laughter from parents. 

Beyond the humor, Beardshear Hall serves as Iowa State’s main administrative building, housing offices such as Financial Aid and the Treasurer’s Office. It’s also where many students receive their ISU card during orientation, giving them access to residence halls, meal plans, and free rides on CyRide. 

Highlighting academics 

As the tour continues, Wilson-Smith highlights learning communities, career opportunities, and the wide variety of academic colleges across campus. When the group arrives at Catt Hall, home of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, he explains that it is Iowa State’s largest and most academically diverse college, offering more than 50 majors. He also points out opportunities beyond the classroom, including undergraduate research, study abroad programs, scholarships and career preparation – helping students see how they can build both their academic and professional futures at Iowa State. 

Creating connections beyond the tour 

Although each tour follows the same route, Wilson-Smith says every conversation is different. 

“I like to have them talk about themselves so I can connect with them on something they enjoy,” he said. 

As a physics major, he especially enjoys talking with prospective STEM students. He shares his own experiences with challenging math and science courses, explains resources like learning communities, and offers advice based on what helped him succeed. When students ask about majors outside his own, he connects them with someone who can answer their questions. 

Leaving a lasting first impression 

Before each tour ends at the Student Services Building, Wilson-Smith makes sure students know where to find support, whether they need academic help, campus resources, or someone to answer a question. 

“I hope they can use me as an outlet for class help or just talk about how they feel,” Wilson-Smith said. “I want to make sure people know where they are, know what resources they have, and enjoy themselves while they’re here.” 

By the time the last questions are answered, Wilson-Smith has done more than guide students across campus. He’s helped them imagine what life at Iowa State could look like, and made sure they know they already have someone cheering them on before the first day of class.