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Honoring Achievement: ISU Honors Ben Malin and Anand Medepalli for Global Leadership

Author: vsiefken

Iowa State University proudly recognized two distinguished alumni in 2025 for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields: Ben Malin and Anand Medepalli.

Ben Malin, an alumnus of Iowa State’s engineering programs and the Department of Mathematics with a minor in statistics, received the Citation of Merit Award for his exceptional work in economics. This award is to distinguished alumni of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and received national or international recognition. Now serving as a Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Malin pairs rigorous data analysis with real-world applications. Half of his time is devoted to research and publishing in academic journals, while the other half focuses on forecasting the economy and advising policymakers on the pros and cons of various policy options. His work directly influences decisions that shape the U.S. economy.

Anand Medepalli, also an alumnus of Iowa State’s engineering programs and the Department of Mathematics, was honored during ISU’s Homecoming week with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Mathematics and recognition in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Honors and Awards. These honors celebrate alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and exemplify the university’s values. Medepalli earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from ISU in 1992 and described this recognition as “among the most meaningful—alongside the day I received my Ph.D.”. Today, as Chief Product Officer at Shippeo, he is recognized for his leadership in artificial intelligence and supply chain innovation. With decades of experience in technology strategy, Medepalli drives global transformation initiatives that leverage AI to optimize logistics and improve operational efficiency. His vision and expertise have positioned him as a thought leader in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

These awards underscore Iowa State University’s commitment to preparing graduates who excel in diverse fields-bridging theory and practice to make a global impact. From shaping economic policy to revolutionizing supply chain systems, Malin and Medepalli exemplify the excellence and innovation that define ISU alumni.

-Information provided by Microsoft Copilot, based on publicly available sources and verified data.