Iowa State to celebrate International Tartan Day

For over a century, thousands of Iowa State Cyclones have spent their days going from class to class and having unforgettable experiences on a campus that provides a beautiful setting for their stories to unfold.  

That forever connection is represented in ISU’s official tartan and will be celebrated on International Tartan Day in April. 

“Tartan originated in Scotland during the third or fourth century and its history is rooted in connecting people who were part of a specific clan,” said Dr. Eulanda Sanders, chair of the apparel, events and hospitality management department and Donna R. Danielson professor in textiles and clothing. 

“Today, you’ll see brands, sports teams and universities using their tartan to visually represent what it means to be part of their family.” 

ISU’s tartan is called “Connected” and was designed by an ISU student in 2019. Madelyn Bunn, a graduate student in apparel, merchandising and design at the time, was inspired by the architecture and art that distinguishes ISU’s campus from other universities and created the tartan to reflect how all Cyclones are connected by their time at Iowa State. 

“As one of only a handful of colleges in the world on The Scottish Register of Tartans, tartan is now part of Iowa State’s history,” Sanders said. 

Innovate 1858 is ISU’s student operated retail store as well as the official designer and retailer of ISU Tartan products. Innovate 1858 is celebrating International Tartan Day and the connection all Cyclones share with a variety of specials. 

International Tartan Day Celebration Specials

April 6, International Tartan Day: Enjoy in-store Specials at Innovate 1858 (Located on the main floor of the Student Innovation Center). 

April 4 – April 9: Online Special