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Peru Stater Fall 2010
Fall 2010 Vol. 55, No. 2
Todd Simpson to Lead Foundation The Peru State College Foundation announced in November that R. Todd Simpson, CFRE, of Omaha had been hired to lead the organization as its executive director. Simpson has worked in non-profit management and fundraising for more than 23 years, most recently as an independent fundraising and nonprofit leadership consultant and solutions provider. Prior to his time as a consultant, Simpson was the director of development for the Omaha Home for Boys for 14 years. There he was responsible for the entire development effort for the organization, including mailing 5 million direct response solicitations each year and the management of a database of more than 1 million contacts. In the early 1990s, Simpson worked for the Boston-based direct response firm Amergent, overseeing the direct marketing efforts of more than 30 clients ranging from educational foundations to religious organizations. PSC President Dan Hanson said, “I am excited for what the future holds for the Peru State College Foundation under Todd Simpson’s leadership. His extensive fundraising knowledge, enthusiasm and vision for the future will serve our mission of engagement well. I look forward to working with him to build an even stronger organization.” PSC Foundation Board Chairman Chuck Niemeyer (Class of 1965) said, “Todd’s expertise in fundraising, Midwestern sensibility and management skills are exactly the kind of attributes we sought in our new leader. He will bring a fresh perspective to this role that will compliment the President’s strategic vision for the institution by engaging alumni in the support of our students. The Foundation Board is excited to welcome him to the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.”
Foundation Executive Director Todd Simpson met National Alumni Association Co-President Arlene Borcher Fell (’67) and many other Lincoln-area alumni at an event in November
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Peru State College to Join Heart of America Athletic Conference Peru State will join the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) with full membership beginning in fall 2011. College President Dr. Dan Hanson said, “We are excited to join the Heart of America Athletic Conference, one of the most highly respected conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). It provides an opportunity for our football program to be part of the same conference as our other athletic teams, which had not previously been the case. We look forward to spirited competitions between Peru State and the other member institutions of the HAAC.” PSC Athletic Director Steve Schneider said, “The HAAC prides itself as a conference where intercollegiate athletics is a mission driven activity reinforcing the values of its institutions and that of the NAIA. The high level of professionalism, focus on the student athlete, and the quality academic and athletic programs provide a good fit for Peru State College’s Athletic Department. “Peru State Athletics is excited about the opportunity to be part of the HAAC. The member institutions are quality organizations lead by people of
integrity, and we welcome the opportunity to compete on the athletic fields and in the classroom.” Members of the HAAC, which was founded in 1971, include Avila University, Baker University, Benedictine College, Central Methodist University, Culver Stockton College, Evangel University, Graceland University, Lindenwood University, Mid-American Nazarene University and Missouri Valley College. HAAC Commissioner Larry Lady, who serves the NAIA national office on several levels and as an NCAA Evaluator of Basketball Officials for the Big 12 Conference, said, “The Heart of America Athletic Conference is pleased to launch a new chapter in its history with the addition of Peru State College to its membership. Peru State’s most impressive attribute observed during the application process was its commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative.” Champions of Character is a nonprofit organization with the mission to change the culture of sports by promoting integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant-leadership