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Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard returning after heart surgery

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard will return to work Monday, six weeks after undergoing open-heart surgery.
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Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard will return to work Monday, six weeks after undergoing open-heart surgery, he announced in a letter to fans Thursday.

Pollard, Director of Athletics since 2005, suffered a heart attack on March 9 and had surgery that week.

Dear Cyclone fans,

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and kind words during the past several weeks. Although it is hard to believe it has been six weeks since my heart attack and open heart surgery, the time has flown by in large part due to the unbelievable support our family has received from the Cyclone community.

Our family feels blessed to be surrounded by so many thoughtful and caring individuals. Although the entire experience has been very humbling, it also has been very rewarding. The incredible support that we have received has certainly reinforced how proud we are to be part of the Cyclone family. I was not sure my love for the Cyclones could grow stronger but this experience has raised my love for Iowa State to an entirely new level.

Iowa State men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg also recently underwent open-heart surgery. Hoiberg was reportedly to be released from the hospital on Thursday. Pollard also offered support for the coach in his letter.

Finally, I ask that you continue to keep Coach Hoiberg and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Fred has a long, slow, journey ahead of him and the Hoiberg family will need all of our support.

Pollard's full letter can be viewed here.

Jeremy Woo