Some may know him as the co-father of the interlude, others as the student body vice president…but now, Ian Goldsmith has been awarded quite a different name: UNI CAMPUS CUTIE! Mr. Goldsmith is a senior this year majoring in Psychology and Theater with a minor in Leadership Studies. If you’re all wondering what on earth he plans on doing with these seemingly unrelated focuses, you can bet that he’s in the same boat as you. “I could see myself anywhere,” Ian replied when I asked where he imagined himself in the next 10 years. He shook the question off with little worries, assuring me that wherever he ended up was exactly where God intended him to be.
As a local native of Dyersville, home to the Field of Dreams, Goldsmith never forgot to “live the dream” as he would say. Upon graduating, Ian began his life here excited to take advantage of every opportunity UNI had to offer—there’s no doubt in my mind that he did just that. Goldsmith has served his school not only as Vice President, but also as a Student Ambassador, past Campbell Hall RA, Summer Orientation Staff(er), and co-creator of a national dance craze. His long list of curriculars has led me to conclude that he must bleed purple and gold.
Upon asking Ian what he liked most about UNI he replied, “So many things…My serious answer would be the campus community. People are friendly and always take the time to say hello. But I can’t forget dance parties either.” In fact, Ian’s love of dance parties is what brought to life what we know today as the interlude. It all began as a simple arm move that quickly turned into an entirely choreographed dance. Little did Ian know, this dance would come to be the anthem of UNI fans everywhere—and would help create some of his most memorable moments spent here.
It’s hard to believe that it was around this time last year Goldsmith and President Spencer Walrath began making small strides toward their campaign—and what a year it has been! With all of the speeches he has made, campus sponsored events he’s attended, and big decisions that he’s had to make, one may wonder what makes the job worth the stress it likely causes. When I posed the question to Ian, he quickly remarked on the people.
As a people person, Ian values being surrounded by people most in his job. “It is the people around me every day that inspire me the most. They keep me remembering who I am and why I’m doing what I’m doing,” Ian stated. Whether it be in class, greeting students as they walk past, or within his office in the NISG headquarters, working alongside people for the good of his campus is what makes this true panther love his job.
But, what makes us love him? Besides his winning personality and mad dance skill, most girls I asked agreed that it was his eyes and goofy sense of humor that made him our next campus cutie. As an eye guy himself, Ian has crushed on celebrities such as Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Katy Perry for their eyes alone.
Despite his instant attraction to eyes, Ian values something far greater in a woman than their appearance. Above all else, Ian treasures women who are genuine and are not afraid to be themselves. A woman who never forgets to be real both in personality and appearance will surely catch this guy’s blue eyes.
After spending a mere hour interviewing Ian, I concluded he could very well be the most people-oriented person I have ever met. He is the kind of person that lights up a room just by walking into it. His love for the people around him is truly something to behold. It manifests itself not only in his job, but also in his very core.
“I want the people I come into contact with to feel bettered because of it,” Ian remarked when referring to his personal philosophy. I can’t help but imagine that anyone who has spent time in Ian’s presence feels not only bettered, but also finds themselves in a 100% better mood.
His contagious personality follows him everywhere, and I have no doubt that it will take him to places we cannot ever imagine. When he leaves this school, some may remember him for his dancing. Some may remember him for his Vice-Presidency. But, ladies, I encourage you to remember Ian for something far better than anything he may have done. I ask that you remember him for the caring, charismatic, and hug-loving man that he is. He has more joy than anyone I’ve met. His type of joy is pure, it is the most precious and hard to come by—it’s infectious.