Emily Anne Weikert

For those who knew and loved Emily Weikert, December 27, 2012, was a day that will never be forgotten. As we continue to work through our grief and anger of that tragic day, we choose to honor Emily by taking one step at a time to live as she lived…to embrace life, to live and love each moment to the fullest.

Emily Anne Weikert, daughter of Kellie and Rod Weikert, was born on May 25, 1987, in Sioux City, Iowa. She became a big sister to brother Joel in April of 1996. Emily was dedicated to her family and treasured the life she shared with them. The love and support of family enabled Emily to develop into a remarkable young woman.

Emily was an accomplished scholar. In 2005, she graduated with honors from Valley High School in West Des Moines. She continued on to Iowa State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in French in 2009. Emily was an Iowa State University Scholars and Leaders Award recipient, being recognized as achieving an academic standing in the top 2% of the class in 2006, 2007, and 2008. She was also awarded the U.S. Bank Scholarship, Lee Hoover Memorial Scholarship, and the AEGON Transamerica Scholarship. Emily was selected by the university president to serve as the College of Business student marshal as top graduate at the 2009 fall commencement ceremony. This designation is a top honor to achieve; the student marshal leads the processional for his/her perspective college along with the dean and carries and presents the college banner.

Her passion and determination were not limited to the classroom. Emily was a member of the Finance Club, Investment Group, French Club, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the professional business fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma. She also worked in the dean’s office for two years, as well as held volunteer positions for VEISHEA and the Career Fair during her time at Iowa State. Emily was a talented violinist and enjoyed being a member of the Iowa State Symphony Orchestra for two years.

Emily’s adventurous spirit led her to a variety of professional and personal experiences. While in school, she completed an internship with Aviva Investors where she analyzed investment credit risk. She also spent four months studying abroad in the United Kingdom where she took a variety of business courses and then spent two more months traveling across Europe. France held a special place in her heart as she embraced the culture and spoke French fluently. After graduation, Emily took a position as a credit analyst with CoBank in Denver, Colorado. She was an active member of Toastmasters International. Emily thoroughly enjoyed life in Colorado and could be found hiking, rollerblading, golfing, skiing, and spending time with friends. Perhaps one of her most memorable activities was skydiving.

In addition to her many talents and accomplishments, Emily is most fondly remembered for the love and friendship she shared with others. Her zest for life, cheerful personality, integrity, confidence, and grace made her an incredible young woman, and we can think of no one more deserving to receive the recognition of “heroine” than Emily.

Submitted 12/11/2013

Paver inscription:

Emily Anne Weikert
ISU College of Business 2009
Devoted daughter and sister
Genuine and generous
Unceasing determination
Adventurous spirit
Talented violinist
Epitome of goodness and grace
Best babysitter
Friend to many, loved by all
Un amour pour la vie
A love for life