Andre, Avis

AVIS ANDRE has been around the world twice, but always comes back to Ames where she has lived for nearly 70 years.

Andre retired in 1997, serving 14 years as a member of the staff of the dean’s office in the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and 25 years as academic fiscal officer in the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Iowa always has been my home,” Andre said. “I was born and grew up in northeast Iowa in the small town of Lime Springs. In addition to my hometown, I lived in Decorah while attending Luther College and in West Union where I was on the staff of the public schools.”

Throughout the years, she participated in state and national associations related to her job, served on numerous university and church committees, and evolved as a volunteer for many university, church, and community activities.

After retirement, she was active in the ISU Retirees Association and the College for Seniors.

She was married to Floyd Andre (BS ’31, MS ’33 and PhD ’36 agriculture). He was an instructor in the ISU Department of Entomology and Zoology and served as Dean of the College of Agriculture from 1949 to 1972.

The Andres were the last inhabitants of ISU’s 1861 Farm House. The 14-room structure has 18-inch thick walls and a kitchen that Floyd Andre described as “cold” on Iowa’s iciest winter days. During her time living in the Farm House, Avis researched and collected information concerning the building’s past occupants and history.

“My personal interests include a love for cooking, reading, writing and travel – I have enjoyed two around-the-world trips.”

As far as her personal philosophy, she said: “My core beliefs lie in loyalty to and love for God and family and the importance of living so as to be a blessing to others.”

Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Wendy Wintersteen: Avis was a stalwart of administrative support vital to the operations of the College of Agriculture’s main office for many years. She still finds great pleasure in the success of the college and its students, and of University Museums.