Winter 2011 by Simpson College

WINTER 2011

The Magazine

of IMPACT Simpson Fine Arts The

| president’s message

A vital element e are devoting this issue to a closer look at Simpson’s Fine Arts programs. The fact is, we could devote every issue to this subject. That’s how important Fine Arts have been to the college’s past and how important they will be in our future. But a full appreciation requires us to step back a bit. From Simpson’s very beginning, in 1860, music has mattered. Frank Barrows established the Conservatory of Music, teaching voice, piano and violin. In 1940, the Conservatory of Music merged with the College of Liberal Arts and Sven Lekberg joined the faculty. The tradition grew and gained a national reputation during the tenure of Dr. Robert Larsen ’56. Today, Simpson alumni perform on the world’s greatest stages. Our theatre program required a little more time to establish its own tradition of excellence. Did you know that theatre-going was prohibited in the late 1800s? Apparently, dancing was prohibited as well, which makes it a little difficult to stage an entertaining performance. But those dedicated to the theatre arts at Simpson pressed ahead, with the first productions taking place in the early 1920s. Today, the vibrant department is housed in the newest addition to campus, the expanded Blank Performing Arts Center. You’ll want to read more about this exciting development in “A Simpson Space.” We’re all familiar with, and proud of, the story of George Washington Carver’s time at Simpson College. But let’s not forget the reason he first arrived on campus - to study art. While the art program experienced some lean years during our early history, the program was revived in the mid-1960s and remains a vital element of campus life today. Farnham Galleries, open weekdays to the public, showcases work by professional artists, and will host nearly half a dozen exhibits this year. If you’re visiting campus, please stop in. Earlier, I mentioned Simpson’s Fine Arts in terms of our past and future. But it’s the present that has us most excited. A new generation of leaders in the music program is devoted to upholding and enhancing our national reputation. The Blank Performing Arts Center expansion will benefit all of our theatre students. An impressive and diverse array of artists choose to exhibit their work at Simpson College. The talent and creativity unleashed on this campus is a constant source of joy and inspiration. Experiencing the force of a dramatic performance. Feeling the passion through an artist’s work. Walking through the center of campus, hearing the melodic notes of a voice lesson floating on the breeze. It’s all there, every day, every year, waiting to be savored and appreciated. It’s why Simpson is more than a college for so many of us. It’s a work of art.

President

W W W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

contents

The Magazine Simpson College President John Byrd Produced by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations Jill Ramthun Johnson ’85 Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations Leslie Byars Diehl ’03 Art Director Ken Fuson Marketing Writer/Media Specialist

Greg Votava Digital Content Specialist Amanda Leichty ’10 Graphic Designer Bryan Geelan ’07 Sports Information Director

Oscar Preis Web Development Specialist Mary Fortune Administrative Assistant Jenifer Mertes Copy Center Manager

Touring the Years Editor Sara Thompson Contributing Writers Ken Fuson Bryan Geelan ’07 Liz Glodek Tina Mowry Hadden Leslie Midget Held ’86 Jill Ramthun Johnson ’85 Ben Robison ’10 Fritz Wehrenberg Photography Luke Behaunek Dave Peterson Greg Votava Office of Alumni Relations Leslie Midget Held ’86 Director 515-961-1544

6 Investing in Simpson 7 Faculty Pursuits - Ron Albrecht

- Where Are They Now? - Faculty Accomplishments

10 A SIMPSON SPACE 13 CHAPLAIN’S CORNER 14 Cover story

25 ATHLETICS 28 UPCOMING EVENTS 30 EXTRA!

- Homecoming & Family Weekend - Kent Update - Iowa Teacher of the Year

32 TOURING THE YEARS

The Impact of Simpson’s Fine Arts

Office of College Advancement Bob Lane ’81 Vice President 515-961-1549

The Simpson magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Letters to the Editor and story ideas are welcomed. Send correspondence to themagazine@simpson.edu.

ON THE COVER: Mike Fisher ’06 and the award-winning West Marshall High School marching band.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| this is simpson

Simpson

Legacy T h e C oy F a mily

olton Coy is a 12-year-old seventh-grader in Jewell, Iowa, who loves football. Might as well reserve a spot at Simpson for him right now. Consider: • His brothers, Ben, 21, and Casey, 18, are members of the Simpson Storm football team. A co-captain, Ben is a senior wide receiver. A freshman, Casey is a defensive lineman. • His father, Todd, played football at Simpson, where he met Colton’s mother, Missy Magill Coy ’87. Both graduated from Simpson. • Colton’s grandfather, Bob ’61, played football four years at Simpson and is a member of the Hall of Fame. He then went on to coach the Mosinee, Wis., high school football team to five state championships. Bob met his wife, Jodine Corell Coy ’63, at Simpson. • Colton’s great-grandfather, Robert, graduated from Simpson in 1932 and played basketball. He met his wife, Gretchen Carlson Coy ’34, on campus. • Colton’s great-great-grandfather, Wallace Carlson, attended Simpson from 1900-01. If you don’t have a scorecard, we’ll make it easy for you: That’s five generations of the same family to attend Simpson. They could fill a section of Bill Buxton Stadium all by themselves. So what’s it going to be, Colton – you going to Simpson, too? “Yep.” Bob Coy says his family’s longstanding connection to this “nice, small college” may be no more complicated than each generation passing down favorable memories of their time here.

WWW. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

He also says Simpson offered family members the opportunity to play sports, which would have been more difficult at larger schools. “I wouldn’t say I was a great athlete,” he says. “I was an average-plus athlete, but I got to do the things I wanted there.” He’s being modest. Bob still holds the college’s record in the long jump (24 feet, 10 inches), set in 1959. It’s Simpson’s longest-standing record. And he won several conference championships in the 100- and 200-yard dash. His Simpson football career was not as successful. “We lost every game my junior and senior year,” he says. “We were terrible. I knew one thing after playing football at Simpson. I knew if I was going to coach, I wasn’t going to lose.” His high school coaching record: 233-37. All three of Bob and Jodine’s sons – Robert ’84, Todd ’86, and Ric ’88 – graduated from Simpson. Robert played football for one season, while Ric competed in track and tennis. And that doesn’t include the other Coy relatives who went here. Put it this way: There’s probably no shortage of Simpson sweatshirts displayed at family reunions. “There’s a lot of family history there,” Bob says. “I keep telling them there should be a scholarship for fifthgeneration students.” Missy Coy says she and her husband, Todd, did not try to influence Ben and Casey’s choice. “With Ben, we kind of left it open,” she says. “We visited other colleges, but he really wanted to play football, so that was the final determination on where he wanted to go. When he chose Simpson, we were thrilled, of course.” Well, there you go, Colton. See you in five years or so. ■

The Coy family. Top: Todd, Missy, Bob. Bottom: Ben, Ric, Casey, Jodine

THE MAGAZINE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| investing in simpson

MORE THAN TIME ay Lebeda has invested more than half her life in Simpson College. Enough time to remember when work was done on typewriters and mimeograph machines, not computers. Enough time to remember the thrill of advancing from correction fluid to correction tape. “Oh, that was wonderful.” Mostly, though, what Lebeda will remember from her nearly 37 years at Simpson are the people. She is retiring in December. “I always saw myself more as a friend-raiser than a fundraiser,” she says. Lebeda has certainly collected a campus-full of friends in her various jobs, which included 20 years as alumni director and the past decade as director of research and donor relations. She doesn’t know everyone who has graduated from Simpson in the past four decades, “but the names are probably familiar. I’m always bragging about someone who went to Simpson and did something really great.” Lebeda began work here in 1975. At the time, she and her husband, Jim, had two young children, and she was looking for extra income. She interviewed for a job in the development office, which offered her $2.10 an hour. But LuJean Cole, then the alumni director, had a secretarial opening, and she could offer 30 cents an hour more. “So I took that,” Lebeda says, laughing. She essentially worked as Cole’s assistant until 1980, when she became the assistant director of development. She helped organize the Indianola-Simpson and Des Moines-Simpson partnerships, as well as the phonathon. A year later, when Cole resigned, Lebeda was named alumni director. “I liked it very much,” she says. “We were always very busy.”

residence program, in which faculty invite alumni to return and speak to current students. “Organization has always been my strongest point,” she says. “I’ve always been able to get done what I needed to get done in a timely manner.” In 1986, Lebeda learned just how many friends she had made. In what she describes as “such a freaky thing,” she was badly burned in an explosion at her home and spent five weeks in the hospital and two months away from work. “There were cards from people I had never met, but with whom I had corresponded, and they took the time to write,” she says. “I got so many cards from alumni that the nurses at the hospital just marveled at it. A woman in Arizona sent a note every week. Apparently what I had been doing meant something.” Lebeda has invested more than her time. She and her husband are members of The Presidents’ Society, a group of loyal alumni and friends who give $1,000 or more annually to The Simpson Fund.

There were challenges. She had to plan events on a limited budget that would appeal to graduates representing different generations. She also worked on moving Alumni Weekend from commencement to later in the summer, in order to devote full attention and facilities to the alumni.

“It’s important to show that we are willing to invest in the college if we expect other people to,” she says.

Among her accomplishments, Lebeda cites the alumni college classes, in which alumni and faculty give presentations during Alumni Weekend, and the alumni-in-

“In terms of facilities, yes. In terms of spirit, no. I think that’s one of the things that kept me here so long. It’s a family atmosphere. People care about each other.” ■

W W W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Has the college changed in her 37 years?

faculty pursuits |

Ron Albrecht

Professor of Music Education: • Bachelor of Music, Augsburg College, 1974 • M.A., University of Minnesota, 1979 • Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1983

Rock and Roll his is how you know you’re teaching a popular course: When the registrar’s office informs you that students signed up quicker than for the class called “Human Sexuality.” In the 20 years or so that Ron Albrecht has been teaching, “The History of Rock and Roll,” he has never lacked for students. Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s the history. Or maybe the students are enticed by the three-day field trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. “It’s a fascinating facility, and the students, according to their response papers, absolutely love it,” Albrecht says. “They’re like kids in a candy store.” But Albrecht points out that the May-term course requires a lot more than simply listening to the oldies. “It’s a great inter-disciplinary course, because it brings in political issues, social issues, cultural issues and musical issues,” he says. “We talk about all these things.” During the two-week class period, students meet every day for three hours. By the time it’s over, they will have read a book on rock and roll history, written four papers and taken two exams. “I go back to slaves singing in the fields, to African tribal music,” Albrecht says. “I have terrific historic recordings. We’re listening to authentic field hollers from the 1920s, and we look at other influences in rock and roll, such as boogie-woogie and New Orleans-style jazz from the early ’20s. “That’s an eye-opener for them. They basically think rock and roll goes back to Elvis.” That’s not all they learn. They study the role of racism in rock’s early history. They examine the British invasion, which Albrecht calls, “the most significant event in pop culture history.” They look at how music influenced – and was influenced by – the events in the 1960s, including the draft and the Vietnam War.

“We access those events through music, and that’s great,” he says. “The students love it. They often express regret that there’s been nothing in their lives similar to the passion generated by Beatlemania and those other events.” But the trip to Cleveland remains the highlight. The museum features everything from the jackets worn by the Beatles on the Sgt. Pepper album to the guillotine used onstage by Alice Cooper. At the end of the day, the class eats dinner — at the Hard Rock Cafe, of course. Albrecht also teaches piano, music theory and Discovering Music. In addition to teaching, he is a performer and a composer. “My approach has always been that music is music,” he says. “Lots of different parts of music are embedded in our culture. In all my classes, I try to expand their horizons. If they have Beethoven right next to the Beatles on their iPods, I consider that a victory.” ■ Six questions for Ron: • Best rock concert you’ve attended: Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1970 • Song on your cellphone: “The River,” by John Fogerty • Favorite band: Beatles • So much for the next question, Beatles or Rolling Stones: Beatles were much more creative, much more innovative, much more historically significant. The Stones are a good rhythm and blues band, but they didn’t evolve. • Most interesting thing in my office: An African tribal doll that a student gave me after her May-term trip to Zimbabwe. • If I won the lottery, I would: Set up a foundation to help children. I volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I see a lot of sick children, and the need for a lot of help. THE MAGAZINE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| chaplain’s corner

where are they now? B y L eslie mid g et h eld ’ 8 6

or many, our appreciation for Simpson increases with each passing year. Gratitude for challenges put before us by our professors to reach… to try… and to discover what lies within. In this monthly segment, catch up with Professor of Art, Chair Emeritus, Janet Heinicke at her home studio in Indianola as she reflects on her own journey of selfdiscovery. Art seems like a talent you are either born with or not. Where did your interest in art begin? As an only child, I often accompanied my working mother, a county welfare worker, as she drove through the rural Indiana countryside to make “home visits.” My mother encouraged me to observe and to draw the natural world I saw, often using as my drawing paper the cardboard liners which came in her hosiery boxes. It helped that the public schools in Richmond, Ind., had a strong emphasis on art; where being an artist was as acceptable as being an athlete or a musician. Why teaching? I attended Wittenberg College, a small liberal arts school in Springfield, Ohio, where I was able to certify in art education while at the same time acquire considerable studio hours. My choice of art education was motivated by practical reasons but once in the classroom, I discovered teaching was an activity of mutual benefit. Often I learn from my students; I am enriched by their experiences and their take on things. As a young teacher, I applied to become a missionary teacher in India through my church. A masters’ degree was recommended as a prerequisite so I began graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During graduate studies, I met a young doctoral student in biochemistry who shared my dreams of international work. We married and we moved to the western suburbs of Chicago. The dreams were postponed during early years of marriage and raising our family of five. Opportunities to begin collegiate teaching began quite accidentally with work as an adjunct professor at a local community college, and subsequently at newly opened Baptist College. I then attended Northern Illinois University where I earned a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and a doctoral degree. Why Simpson? When I learned that Simpson was looking for someone to reenergize the art department (at the time, there were only a handful of art majors, a few art classes, not much equipment and little space), I knew I had found an opportunity to make a difference. I found Simpson a place where there were opportunities to discover 8

WWW. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

the unique voice of each student. For me “wow-moments” were not always in discovering talent but just as often in encouraging a young person to discover their passion, whatever that it might be. Since retirement I have enjoyed teaching at the Des Moines Art Center. In addition, I have pursued this interest by teaching the Senior College in Des Moines, as well as teaching abroad in Tanzania. When asked, I teach a few private students each semester. And what are your passions? I’m passionate about authenticity. Deep within me I believe that effective teaching rests on the foundation of authenticity. By that I mean, I must be able to create effective work myself if I intend to tell someone else what is effective work. I test the effectiveness of what I do by competing with my work. This year I entered several national competitions. Not long ago my work was selected to be presented to the governor of Yamanashi prefecture in Japan as a gift from the state of Iowa. I’m passionate about our commonality as human beings, for I believe we are more alike than different. Such conviction leads me to work for causes that foster understanding of international issues. Currently I am program convener for Women Graduates-USA, an online organization affiliated with the International Federation of University Women. These interests led me to Mexico City last year for the triennial conference of women from around the world. The same interests led me to teach rural farm women in Africa how to create batik for marketable products to sell and they led me to work in a Teachers’ Resource Center in Tanzania. Finally, I’m passionate about each individual and their importance … just as I believe Simpson to be. ■

cover stor y |

faculty accomplishments Mark Juffernbruch, professor of

accounting, has been elected to the Board of Directors for Financial Executives International.

John Bolen’s traveling one-man show is

taking off. In August, he performed as the 19th century Disciples of Christ founder Alexander Campbell for the California/ Nevada Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Reno, Nev. Bolen has been performing as Campbell since Campbell’s 200th birthday, which was celebrated in September of 1988 at Bethany College, which he founded. Educational Review Services Spectrum, a peer-reviewed quarterly journal, has accepted an article by Barb Ramos, associate professor of education, for publication in the fall issue. “Breaking the Tradition of Summer Vacation to Raise Academic Achievement” focuses on math and reading achievement in school-withina-school programs, which offer both a traditional and year-round calendar.

Todd Little, director of the Hawley

Academic Resource Center, presented a paper at the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) conference in Detroit, Mich., in August. The paper, entitled “Role of Knowledge Asset Indicators in Understanding Knowledge-Intensive Processes” and coauthored by Dr. Amit Deokar of Dakota State University, provided a conceptual framework which emphasized the importance of developing organizational understanding of both internal and external knowledge asset indicators in enabling knowledge-intensive processes.

John Benoit, professor of music, led the

Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra (BFO) at the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Festival in Clarinda, Iowa in June. Titled “Friends of Glenn,” the program, which Benoit researched and wrote, profiled nine of Miller’s musical colleagues from early in his career. Instructor of Music Jamie Poulsen recently wrote and produced a jingle for a small Des Moines business called ‘Time to Spare.’ The voice talent on the television commercial is Simpson senior voice major, Shannon Stevenson.

Fritz Wehrenberg, chaplain, led the first retreat for the Iowa Conference delegation to the United Methodist Church General

Conference. The General Conference meets once every four years to conduct the affairs of the church. The primary focus was the creation of a working group communication and spirituality. Assistant Professor Tracy Lucht and six students from the Department of Communication and Media Studies participated in the Iowa Newspaper Association’s “Inspiring Women Leaders” conference in Des Moines in September. Dr. Lucht gave a presentation at the conference titled “Women Leaders in Journalism: How Iowa Compares,” discussing historical and contemporary trends in the representation, impact, and retention of women in the field. Shane Cox, assistant professor of accounting, recently became a member for the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE). In conjunction with Simpson’s Engaged Citizenship curriculum, he attended the NSEE 40th Anniversary Annual Conference in October in Dallas, Tx.

presentation was entitled, “Integrated Social Studies Teacher Preparation: Why Don’t We Do it in the Field?” John Pauley, professor of philosophy, was the invited commentator at a paper session on “Decision Theory and Deontic Logic” at The Central States Philosophical Association in St. Louis in September. Iowa and the Midwest Experience, the joint book series partnership between Simpson and the University of Iowa Press, has released its first two books. Iowa Past to Present, by Dorothy Schwieder, Thomas Morain and Lynn Nielsen, is an updated edition. Main Street Public Library by Wayne Wiegand is a new book. The book series is edited by William Friedricks, director of the Iowa History Center and professor of history.

Jackie Brittingham, professor of biology, and Justin Brown, assistant professor of biology, served the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) as pre-conference abstract reviewers. Dr.Timothy McMillin ’97, associate

professor of music, was inducted as a member of the Central High School (Elkader, Iowa) Alumni Hall of Fame in September. He gave a public address to all students K-12, teachers and many community members on the topic of finding vocational inspiration and visited numerous classes throughout the day.

Economics Professors Parul Mathur and Jim Palmieri participated in a five-day

seminar at Wheaton College in July. The seminar, “Equipping Strategic Professors,” focused on options and futures markets and how to incorporate discussions of these markets into economics classes. Professor of Education Steve Rose and Kathy Turnball, an adjunct instructor who is one of the “Master Teachers” employed as part of the Simpson Secondary Education Program, presented at the Iowa Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference in October. Their

Simpson’s Associate Vice President, Rosemary Link, and Professor Lynne Healy from the University of Connecticut, Center for International Social Work, have been writing and researching together. In 2010, Dr. Healy and Dr. Link signed a contract with Oxford University Press to compile a handbook titled: “International Social Work: Human Rights, Development and the Global Profession.” There are 72 short overview chapters from all continents and more than 70 authors, including the editors Healy and Link who together or individually wrote 10 of the chapters.

THE MAGAZINE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| a simpson space

Blank Performing college hall B y E mily S c h ettler ’ 1 0 Arts Center B Y T in a M owry H a dden

ntil this school year, the Blank Performing Arts Center was known primarily as a beautiful venue to enjoy a performance. Now, with the opening of the new addition, the building offers new comforts to audience members, but it also inspires dayto-day creativity. Students are invited to walk through the doors to study, work on a project together, or just sit and talk in one of the expanded spaces. Let us open the doors to show you what this new addition features. The Lobby: The building’s contemporary lobby is doubled in size, with a high ceiling that allows the second tier balcony to offer additional space during opening receptions or afterperformance discussions. There is natural light streaming in through large windows and the atmosphere offers a sophisticated calm, whether there are 400 people or just a handful gathering in the space.

of the theatre major now come to practice dance, cheerleading and attend yoga classes. “Students are using this building for all kinds of purposes, and the energy it brings to the space is remarkable,” explained Tom Woldt, theatre department chair. The “Crown Jewel”: The new building also added space for specialized classrooms. The “crown jewel,” according to the faculty, is the new performance and lighting studio. The mirrored wall, spring floor and new light controls creates a “stage-like” experience in the classroom. It also provides a space where students outside

WWW. WW W. SIM S IPMS POSN OM NAGAZINE. M AGAZINE. C OCM OM

Labs: In addition to the new studio, there is also a lighting lab and a fully-equipped computer design lab. Students now have access to the latest technology.

Travis Mickle works in his lab at KemPharm, Inc., in Iowa City.

Pote Theatre can now seat 465 for a performance in an intimate space that offers more leg room and comfortable cushioned chairs. There is an elevator to the second floor and an addition of handicap accessible seating.

Classrooms: Classroom space is four times the amount it was prior to the new addition. This additional space provides flexibility in class size and the number of classes offered. However, it also provides more room for practicing multiple performances at once. “This is exciting to the faculty because we can possibly expand our calendar to include more and/or different types of theatre experiences,” Woldt said. ■

THE THE MAGAZ MAGAZ INE INE |W |W I NITNETRE 2R0 21 01 1 1

| evening, weekend & graduate programs

John Gerlitz joined Simpson’s Evening, Weekend and Graduate Program after completing his service in the military.

“Where I needed to be” Graduate Education Programs at Simpson B Y L i z Glodek

hen she was training to become a teacher, Sarah Davitt met a student with special needs. Everyone viewed the child as a big challenge. “My short time working with and helping this student made me realize I was where I needed to be,” she says. Davitt will graduate in December from Simpson’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. She is a member of the program’s largest graduating class to date. The morning of commencement, there will be a special hooding ceremony for all graduate students in the Matthew Simpson Room in College Hall. Now a biology teacher at the Central Academy/Gateway Secondary School in the Des Moines School District, Davitt says, “Interestingly enough, the same strategies I learned in those (MAT) classes are the same being implemented as a district-wide initiative where I work. I use them every day.” As Davitt’s experience demonstrates, the graduate education programs at Simpson offer opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds to enter the teaching profession. Programs include the Master of Arts in Teaching and Transition to Teaching, and in-service teachers are also offered the opportunity to earn endorsements in new areas. Through the years, Simpson has prepared thousands of teachers for their classroom work at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Eighteen MAT candidates graduated in the summer of 2011 12

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

with their master’s degree, and Simpson congratulates them. This fall 14 new candidates entered the Master of Arts in Teaching and Transition to Teaching programs. One of them, John Gerlitz, joined Simpson after completing his service in the military. He was stationed in Afghanistan. In his application to Simpson, Gerlitz noted that his exchanges with local Afghan leaders, who emphasized the importance of teaching their youth, helped reinforce his own desire to become a teacher. He wants to “pass down” his own knowledge. In talking with Gerlitz and his classmates, one can sense the passion they have for teaching, as well as their widening familiarity of the field. Simpson’s graduate education program provides the flexibility to not only complete the teacher education program, but also to take courses to add multiple endorsements to a teaching license. Several students are working toward these endorsements, according to a schedule that best fits their needs. There’s a common thread these students and alums share as part of their Simpson Experience. “Simpson cares for each student,” says Tina Muell, a teacher working to add a special education endorsement. “You are more than a number. You have a name and history, and people want to know about it.” ■

chaplain’s corner |

The greatest artist B Y F R I T Z W E H R E N B E R G | C HA P L A I N

You might start with an empty sheet of paper, or a blank canvas. It might be an empty stage, or a sheet of un-noted staff. Or an uncast script, or the hint of an image yet to be sculpted, a photo unimagined, a pot for which the clay is not yet acquired. Where does it come from, all the creativity that is required? can only imagine what it is like for the composer. He sits with a musical idea in his head, facing the empty-staffed-sheet. He must start with a clef and add a circle and then try to decide whether or not to fill it in. Following that, does he put a stem on it, flag it, and connect it to another circle? Then there is the determination of which voice or instrument to use, whether or not it shall crescendo, where and for how long … this is just the beginning. The artist pours herself into the art as energy ebbs and wanes. There surely are moments when it simply flows out of her body and, more frequently, the arduous discipline of returning again and again to the work. There are twists and turns which were unexpected, and dead ends from which she must back up, turn around, start over. The art takes on a life of its own and energy. Then, after pouring herself into the creative process, the art has to be let go. For the art to have meaning, it must exist beyond the artist. The composer’s music cries out to be sung and played. The poem, the painting, the exquisite sculpture and thrown jug – it is all, ultimately, given away. It is in the very nature of art to be shared, to inform, to give rise to new perspectives and insights. We call this creativity – drawing upon, drawing out, our experience, our imagination, our curiosity – in such a way as to make our world larger and more open. It both reflects and participates in the very nature of the Holy. God’s palette was dark and chaotic, without form and void, we are told. In the midst of this nothingness, an essential creative urge emerges and there is light in the midst of this aimlessness. There is an unexpected brightening that is distinguished into day and night, that is proclaimed good. There is the setting of boundaries for the firmament and

the waters, there is a breathing which shapes itself into all that we call life. At one point in the story (Genesis 1: 26), God declares the developing creation to be in God’s own image. Deeply imbedded in our nature, our being, are capacities that both express as well as participate in God’s ongoing, unfolding commotion in the creation. We are formed to be in community, as God is. We are formed to be playful, for surely God has been in creation. We are formed to be creative; it is as natural as light shining in the darkness and as breath is to life. What are the origins of the great piece of art? How does the sculptor see the shape in the stone, the composer and musician move from a blank page to the concert hall? How does a sonnet take shape, or a haiku? What brings the drama into the playwright’s imagination or the actor to the stage? Why a series of haystacks on canvas, or a Starry Night? In the midst of deep darkness, light crept in and the journey began. Deep in the imagination and soul of each of us lays the image of God as creator. We cannot help ourselves, we shall create. As with God in creation, it is something that must be given away! ■

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

ome on in. Have a seat. Do we have a show for you! It’s the feel-good story of the season, the critically-acclaimed tale of how Simpson College built a national reputation for excellence in its Fine Arts departments. We’ll tell you how the college’s Art Department is enjoying a surge of interest and one of its strongest enrollment years in a decade. “We provide students with the technical instruction and create an atmosphere that encourages them to find their own artistic style or voice,” says Justin Nostrala ’86, the department chair.

You will hear about the exciting improvements made to the Blank Performing Arts Center, which now includes a fully-equipped computer design laboratory. Starring in the new addition is a new performance and lighting studio, which is collecting rave reviews. “We have a strong theatre program at Simpson, with graduates all over the world and in various roles of theatre production,” says Tom Woldt, the department chair. “Now we can do even more.” But we’re not done yet. You also will discover how the Department of Music plans to build on its record of triumphs during a time of transition. “We have a remarkable success story here

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

IMPACT Simpson Fine Arts The

at Simpson, and we know that as we take stock of those successes and review what we have been, both to the students and to the world of music, those answers will provide direction for the future,” says John Benoit, the acting department chair. The department also includes the esteemed Simpson Opera program. It’s no exaggeration to say that opera is to Simpson what basketball is to the University of Kentucky. And Bernard McDonald, the new director, is excited about the opportunity to expand what Dr. Robert Larsen ’56 created. “I am thrilled to lead this opera program, because it is truly unique – there is nothing else like it,” McDonald says. “I have been working outside of Iowa, and I can tell

you, the public watches what the Music Department at Simpson produces.” We told you this was going to be good! Let us introduce you to some of the Simpson alumni who represent the Fine Arts program throughout the country – in theaters, art houses, classrooms. In fact, in all aspects of life. Because our graduates have discovered something important: The skills they learn at Simpson can be applied to all sorts of careers and pursuits, on and off the stage. The prelude is over. Time to tell the story. Enjoy.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

MUSIC

Mike Fisher ’06 Major: Music education, with emphasis on saxophone Occupation: Band teacher at West Marshall High School in State Center, Iowa

G N I H C R MA

to SUCCESS

hen Mike Fisher ’06, applied for the job of “They’ve made huge strides in their improvement,” Fisher teaching band at West Marshall High School in says. State Center, Iowa, the marching band consisted To understand how it happened, go back to Fisher’s of 12 students. boyhood in Oskaloosa, Iowa, when he visited Simpson Townsfolk were thrilled if they could perform the school College for the first time. His stepmother was completing fight song and “The Star-Spangled Banner” before home an environmental science degree, and they attended an Air football games. Force brass quintet concert. Today, the West Marshall marching band features 70 members, including the football quarterback, who plays snare drum. This year marked the third consecutive season the band has achieved a top “I” rating in state competition. The color guard is ranked third-best in Iowa. The band won a marching band festival in Fort Dodge this year; it had finished last in the same event a year ago.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

“The campus was so beautiful and the people were so friendly, that’s what turned me on to the place,” he says. Fisher’s love of music led him back to the campus after he graduated from high school. “It’s a wonderful college and a wonderful community, but it has a world-class fine arts and music program,” he says.

“The Simpson Opera program is known worldwide. The Simpson music experience is known throughout the Midwest as one of the top places. It’s very elite to be at Simpson. It means something.” Fisher majored in music education, with an emphasis on saxophone. One of his greatest influences at Simpson was Dr. Michael Patterson, professor of music education. In fact, when West Marshall band members miss a note, they are likely to hear Fisher say, “Boo, hiss,” one of Patterson’s pet phrases. “He’s a wonderful person,” Fisher says. “He taught me so much about music education, but even more about being a better teacher. About how we should help students have better lives because of our impact on them.” His West Marshall students say Fisher focuses on three core values: servant leadership, fun and family. “He’s not just my band director, he’s one of my coaches,” says Bradyn Beals, the West Marshall quarterback. “We have a lot of coaches who are good at teaching X’s and O’s. There aren’t as many as good about teaching you how to be a good person as Mr. Fisher.”

The Simpson Opera program is known worldwide. The Simpson music experience is known throughout the Midwest as one of the top places. It’s very elite to be at Simpson. It means something.”

Felicia Dighton, who graduated from West Marshall last May, says Fisher “wants each student to become a better musician, but he also wants each student to become a better individual.”

On Tour he Simpson College Madrigal Choir will be on tour January 15 in Mason City, Ia., and January 16 and 17 in Minneapolis, Minn.

When Dighton graduated, Fisher gave her a framed photograph of the senior band members. The title on the frame: Family.

The Symphonic and Jazz Bands will be on tour February 26 – 28 in the greater Chicagoland area.

The photograph now sits in Dighton’s dormitory room – at Simpson. A freshman, she hopes to someday be a music teacher.

Save the date and join us for a spectacular performance by students of the nationally acclaimed Simpson Music department. Watch for details regarding times and locations at http://www.simpson.edu/alumni/events/index.html

“Nothing gives me more pride,” Fisher says. “I told her that Simpson is a tough experience. They will make you great, so you better be ready for it. It will be the hardest experience of your life. But if you get through it, and do what they tell you to do, you will be among the best in the business.”

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

THEATRE

Heather Layman ’00 Major: Math and theatre Occupation: Deck electrician and moving light electrician for the musical “Memphis”

I work with numbers a lot. My problem-solving experience with math helps me with problem-solving here.”

BEHIND the

SCENES

eather Layman, ’00, arrived at Simpson expecting to become an engineer. She now travels the country, living out of a suitcase, helping to load and unload the lighting equipment for touring musicals, then making sure everything works as it should. That’s quite a career switch. Her story serves as a good example of how young people who show up on the Simpson campus expecting to pursue a chosen field find something else that interests them even more. When Layman was enrolling, someone noticed on her transcript that she had been involved in theatre at Corning (Iowa) High School, where she graduated. “So they asked me if I wanted to see about a theatre scholarship,” Layman says. “I said, ‘More money? Sure.’ And that’s how I got involved.”

W W W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

During her freshman year, she worked on a lighting crew and liked it. She also found faculty members who encouraged her. “When I started in the theatre, the idea of a career never went through my head,” she says. “It wasn’t something that you thought about growing up in rural Iowa. My professors showed me it was possible to make a career of it.” She says her advisor, Jennifer Ross Nostrala ’85, “encouraged me to see the possibilities,” while Steve McLean, professor of theatre arts design and technical direction, “gave me responsibilities early on, which allowed me to grow and understand what technical theatre is all about.” Says McLean, “As far as Heather being a math major and ending up with a career in theatre, the explanation goes to the very definition of a liberal arts institution such as Simpson. Because of our size and the character of a liberal arts degree, students with a passion in more than

Steven

’79

STOLEN

teven Stolen graduated from Simpson in 1979 with a music degree. He has sung with many of the country’s best orchestras. He still performs frequently, and has co-edited two song collections. He taught voice and directed the choir on campus between 1985-88.

Looking back, Stolen says he probably had better training for his theatre duties as a music student and singing actor than he might have realized. The opera program, for example, built scenery and used the same stages and equipment that a dramatic production would.

So what’s he doing in a section devoted to Simpson’s theatre program?

More than that, he says, he benefited from a campus-wide attitude that excellence was within every student’s grasp.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” he says. Today, Stolen is serving his sixth year as managing director of the Indiana Repertory Theatre in Indianapolis. That makes him one of 70 or so theatre CEOs in the country. He oversees 100 employees and is responsible for making sure 300-plus performances a year occur as scheduled.

“I suppose other campuses have it, but we music and arts students experienced something extraordinary there that’s just hard to find the words to describe,” he says. “It’s about being distinctive, and excellent, and an expectation to do so that is not unreasonable.

“Idealism reigns for me,” he adds. “Optimism reigns for me. We start with how we can do it, not with why we can’t, “Without question, Simpson absolutely set and I think Simpson taught me that. My the tone for me believing that I could do career shows how the disciplines are something like this,” he says. “The kind of inter-related. We just may not know it confidence that it instills in young people until later.” is a remarkable thing, and I run into other people with great frequency who had that Simpson Experience. It’s an intangible thing.”

one discipline are encouraged to explore both, or discover others.” Layman has worked on several productions, including “9 to 5,” “Legally Blonde,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Light in the Piazza,” “The Full Monty,” and “Annie.”

proves valuable. “I do a lot of problem-solving in my job,” she says, “and I work with numbers a lot. My problem-solving experience with math helps me with problem-solving here.”

What sorts of problems? She’s currently working as the deck electrician and moving “There have been a few experiences where we’ve lost control light technician for the musical “Memphis,” which opened in October in, of all places, Memphis, and is scheduled to be of the lights and the stage has gone dark,” Layman says. “And there have been a couple of sparking, flame issues. You performed in 31 cities through 2012. She’s also responsible just sort of go into fix-it mode and do what you need to get for loading and unloading the musical’s lighting equipment it done and fixed.” in every town. “Living out of a suitcase does get a little old sometimes, but I get to see so many different places,” Layman says. “I’ve seen a lot more of the country than I ever thought I would growing up.” She describes her job this way: “When things break, I’m the one who fixes them.” This, she says, is where her Simpson math background

Based in Altoona, Iowa, Layman says she may be able to visit the Simpson campus when “Memphis” stops in Des Moines next year. Then it will be off to another adventure in a new city. “I’ll just hop from show to show until there comes a point in my life where I decide I don’t want to hop from show to show anymore,” she says.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

ART

Emily Beckmann ’09 Major: Spanish and corporate communications Occupation: Project manager at Lessing-Flynn

Joel Clifton ’89 Major: Art and advertising Occupation: Art director at Lessing-Flynn

Chris Hanson ’99 Major: Graphic communications Occupation: Art director at Lessing-Flynn

BASICS T AR omewhere out there is a young person who will graduate from Simpson in the year 2019. Might we suggest he or she investigate the career possibilities at Lessing-Flynn Advertising in Des Moines? The agency, whose clients include Vermeer, Roto-Rooter, Bankers Trust and the Iowa Corn Growers Association, employs three Simpson graduates. There’s Joel Clifton, an art director. Simpson Class of ’89. There’s Chris Hanson, also an art director. Simpson Class of ’99. And, finally, there’s Emily Beckmann, a project manager

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

who also works in client services. Simpson Class of ’09. Do you spot a trend here? Every 10 years, like clockwork. “All of our offices are right in a row, and I’m in the middle of these two,” Beckmann says. “Often we find ourselves in conversations that begin, ‘Well, when I was at Simpson....’ “For me, it’s kind of neat, because I feed off of them, because they obviously have more experience than I do. So whenever I have a design-related question, I always pop in and say, ‘Hey, Chris, can you show me how to do this?’” When the Simpson trio compare notes, they can discuss the technological revolution that has swept through the art of graphic design.

Often we find ourselves in conversations that begin, ‘Well, when I was at Simpson …’”

Kyle

’89

BLEVINS

-Emily Beckmann Clifton, the veteran, can remember a time when the work was done by hand, not on a computer. Computers had just been introduced when he was on campus. There were no classes on desktop publishing. “It was such a difficult job because it required a lot of technical skills,” he says. “When I came here and we sat down to do a catalogue, we had to have physical boards with each one of the pages. You’d have to order the type, or have somebody set the type, and put down galleys and hope everything fit. There was a lot of hand-cutting, which is kind of a fine art in itself. Now all of that is done on the computer.” He looks wistful, saying, “I can still remember the smell of the waxer.” Beckmann stares at him, then laughs. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” she says. For Hanson, the late 1990s on campus ushered in a Mac Lab and computer programs like Photoshop. “We were talking about this the other day,” he says. “You look at some of the projects we did on the computer and you just think, ‘How did we think that they were any good?’ It was just the simple fact that you could do them on a computer that made it really awe-inspiring.”

yle Blevins did not learn how to become a professional photographer at Simpson College. But he learned about art, and he found an advisor who believed in him, and that made all the difference. Blevins, ’89, takes provocative photographs that tackle difficult subjects: sex, death and “those parts of life that are primal and true and instinctual and innate.” His subjects have ranged from portraits of people riding the El train in Chicago to haunting photographs of dead birds (more on that later). It was theatre, not photography, that lured him to Simpson from Creston, Iowa. But he quickly switched his major to fine arts, eventually earning a degree in arts administration. “I felt more confident in fine art, and it was a little more solitary,” he says. “It allowed me to really focus my attention without distractions.”

All three credit Simpson professors for focusing on basic art concepts, which provided the proper foundation for doing their own work.

He didn’t choose photography as his medium until he left Simpson, “but I felt like I had huge advantages” because of his art background.

Beckmann, who majored in Spanish and corporate communications, remembers how Art Professor David Richmond had students spend six weeks drawing, with compasses, protractors and rulers, before they could advance to computers.

He also credits Janet Heinicke, the former art department chair and his advisor.

“We had to start with the basics,” she says. Nodding to Beckmann, Clifton says, “I look at her, and the advantages that she had coming out of school, but it was the same thing when I got out. We had all the advantages at the time when we came out, too. “It’s just that the world has changed.” For the record, you don’t have to hold a Simpson degree to work at Lessing-Flynn. The agency also employs two Central College graduates. “We push them over to the other side of the office,” Hanson jokes. See? Not everything in the world has changed.

“She was someone to never give up on her students, even if they may have given up on themselves,” he says. “I’ve been in art programs in three different schools. There aren’t many people like her.” Blevins takes risks in his work. Consider, for example, his collection of photographs of dead birds, some of which were included in a Simpson exhibit. “The birds were very much a metaphor for me,” he says. “I was living in Las Vegas, and I kept seeing dead birds everywhere. They were treated like litter on the ground. I felt like I needed to honor them in some way. I couldn’t just let them lay on the ground as trash. It was about honoring them as creatures.” More of Blevins’ work can be seen at www.kyleblevins.com. THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

OPERA

Erik Lickiss ’09 Major: Music, concentration in voice Occupation: Opera tenor

Simpson doesn’t just teach you to be a musician, it teaches you to be a man.”

A LOVE for

SINGING

rik Lickiss had his life mapped out. He would attend a big university. He would play football. He would enjoy a long career as a physical therapist. Then everything changed. He suffered a serious knee injury during his last football game at Indianola High School. That same year, 2005, his mother, Nancy, learned she had breast cancer, the same disease that would claim the life of her twin sister. “What do I do now?” Lickiss asked himself. He enrolled at Simpson, so he could remain close to his mother, who eventually recovered fully. He majored in music with a concentration in voice. “I went to Simpson with the idea that if I didn’t like it, I didn’t like it, and I could try something else,” he says. 22

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Singing? That’s a story in itself. Lickiss only went out for choir in high school because his best friend bet him he wouldn’t make it. Tried out for the a cappella choir for the same reason. His buddy lost both bets. But there was a problem. During Lickiss’s freshman year in college, his weight ballooned to 326 pounds. He saw a family photo and couldn’t believe how he looked. His music teachers warned him that unless something changed, his career options would be limited. As Lickiss puts it, “nobody wants to see somebody who weighs 300 pounds playing the love interest.” He lost nearly 150 pounds, through hard work and changing his diet. A tenor, he now is cast in romantic roles. But there was another issue. Lickiss felt himself overwhelmed by the Simpson music program. He didn’t know music theory. His parents listened to oldies, not opera. Although he grew up in Indianola, he didn’t realize it was

Beverly ’87

THIELE

hen she arrived at Simpson, Beverly “You leave with such pride in where you’re Thiele was a country-western singer from, and there was such pride taken in you.You don’t get that everywhere.” who normally performed at wedding dances and in the Blue Bird Tavern in Elma, She mentions classmates and other alumni Iowa, her home town of 600 people. who have made their mark, including Today, Beverly O’Regan Thiele is a critically Richard Walters ’78 with Hal Leonard Publishing. acclaimed soprano who has performed leading roles in some of the world’s “He’s hugely important in classical music,” greatest opera houses. she says. What happened? Duncan died suddenly in 1988 at the age of 37. Thiele still toasts him with his favorite To hear Thiele ’87, tell it, she was drink – Tanqueray and tonic – after the influenced by two Simpson faculty opening night of every performance. And members, Douglas Duncan and Dr. Robert she has performed throughout the world, Larsen ’56, who heard more potential in including the Lyric Opera in Chicago, her voice than she did. Washington National Opera, New York Duncan was her voice instructor. Metropolitan and City Opera and Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe, Germany. “I really wasn’t interested in classical music, and I fought it tooth and nail at first,” Two years ago, she returned to Indianola Thiele says. Then she laughs, adding, “Doug to portray the title role in “Susannah” with and I really didn’t care for each other.” the Des Moines Metro Opera. She also rode with Team Simpson on RAGBRAI. That changed after her sophomore year. Duncan and Larsen, who created the Des “I had the time of my life,” she says. Moines Metro Opera, invited Thiele to When she’s back home in Elma, Thiele work there that summer. still performs at the Blue Bird Tavern and “I fell in love with it,” she says. “It was plans a future recital in town to help raise literally life-changing.” money for a community center. By the time she graduated, “I had never worked so hard in my life, and I didn’t know that I could do what I did,” she says. “They brought this out in me.

home to the Des Moines Metro Opera. Near the end of his sophomore year, Erik was pulled aside by Dr. Robert Larsen ’56, then the department chairman of music, and Bruce Brown, assistant professor of music. “They basically told me to get my butt in gear and really focus on this,” Lickiss says. “They said, ‘You have the talent, don’t waste it. If you don’t love it, get out.’” The result? “It drove me like crazy.” They had stoked the competitive fire that was part of his athletic DNA. Lickiss’s parents, who graduated from Simpson in 1975, were athletes. Hugh Lickiss was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played an entire pre-season with them before being released. Erik’s sister was a collegiate volleyball player. “Out of nowhere, I sing,” he says. “Makes no sense to me.” But he devoted himself to getting better. He received a

“When I do a recital at home, it’s more nerve-wracking than the bigger houses,” she says with a laugh. “Because I know everybody there.”

bachelor’s degree in music in vocal performance from Simpson in 2009. He received a Masters of Music in opera performance from the University of Tennessee two years later. He was invited two summers in a row to participate in the Des Moines Metro Opera’s young artists program. Lickiss, now 25, left Indianola this fall for Germany, where his voice coach will help him find auditions. “I just want to sing,” he says. “I want to sing all over the world. I just want that chance to express the art, to really give it my best shot.” Whatever happens, he knows his life changed at Simpson. “It was the best growing years of my life,” Lickiss says. “Simpson doesn’t just teach you to be a musician, it teaches you to be a man. And to really look at what you have, and learn to respect it, and learn to grow up. “If I make it, great. If not, I’ll know I gave it a helluva shot.” THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Iowa Energy mascot, Surge, says, “Go Simpson!”

WWW. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

athletics |

NBA D-League

Powerhouse he newest member of the Simpson Storm doesn’t look like a typical basketball player. Sure, he’s tall, standing well over six-feet. The unusual part? He’s purple. New for the 2011-12 season, Simpson College will partner with the Iowa Energy in an advertising package that brings the Simpson name to Wells Fargo Arena. Included in the package is a Simpson patch on the Energy’s mascot, Surge. “We are very excited to partner with the Iowa Energy,” said Jill Ramthun Johnson ’85, Simpson’s executive director of marketing and public relations. “The Energy have been one of the top teams in the league since its inception and are a popular draw in the Des Moines area. This partnership will have a positive impact on Simpson’s presence in Des Moines and throughout central Iowa.” Since joining the league in time for the 2007-08 season, the Energy are 124-76 during the regular season, winning three division championships and taking home the D-League Finals Championship in 2011. The Energy set a league record with 37 wins in 2009-10 and matched the mark last year. A popular draw in the Des Moines area, the Energy averaged a franchise-record 4,364 fans per game in 201011. In fact, a league-record 14,036 fans watched game

two of the 2010-11 NBA D-League Finals at Wells Fargo Arena. In addition to the patch on Surge’s uniform, Simpson’s presence will be felt in a number of different places on game day. Radio ads, public address announcements, jumbo-tron ads and program ads will all be included. Two home dates — Dec. 17 and March 18 — have been designated as “Simpson Nights” and special Simpson promotional materials will be distributed to fans. Simpson’s presence will also be felt on the Energy’s website, IowaNBA.com. “The popularity of the Energy and their recent success made this partnership an easy decision on our end,” Johnson said. “The Energy represent a new market and an untapped resource that will really amp up our visibility.” The Energy – affiliated with the National Basketball Association’s Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Hornets and Washington Wizards – are scheduled to have 24 home games this season, in addition to potential playoff games. The season opened Nov. 25 at Canton Charge in Canton, Ohio. The first home game is slated for Dec. 3 when the Energy host Erie BayHawks from Erie, Pa., at 7 p.m. inside Wells Fargo Arena. For a complete schedule and promotion dates, visit www.IowaNBA.com. ■

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Turf and Track Project Completed hroughout the summer, Buxton Stadium was overrun with heavy equipment that pulled up and stripped the turf and track. The end result is two of the finest playing surfaces the Midwest has to offer.

“The new FieldTurf is without a doubt the finest playing surface in the region,” Head Football Coach Jim Glogowski said. “Having the same turf as 21 NFL teams is also a tremendous selling point in our recruiting efforts.”

In a continuing effort to improve the look and performance of its athletic facilities, new, state-of-the-art playing surfaces were installed on the home of Storm football, soccer and track and field teams.

The track features a 10-millimeter surface from Beynon, the same company which installed a new track at the University of Iowa in 2010.

“We are dedicated to providing our student-athletes and everyone involved in our athletic programs the finest facilities we can provide,” Simpson Athletics Director John Sirianni said. “The surfaces we installed set the bar not only in the Iowa Conference, but in the region.” The football field now sports a FieldTurf Revolution playing surface, designed to be the highest performing and most innovative turf in the industry. Simpson was the first college in the state to install a synthetic grass field in 2001 and is now the only school in the midwest with FieldTurf Revolution. Prior to 2001 the football teams played on natural grass.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

“Our ‘tuned’ Beynon track allows our athletes to train and compete on a surface that is conducive to fast times for both sprinters and distance runners,” Head Track and Field Coach Dave Cleveland said. “We will see benefits not only in our performances, but also in injury prevention. Our kids really like its feel!” The stadium’s exterior received a facelift in the summers of 2009 and 2010. The north and south entrances have new, brick ticket booths and wrought iron fencing encloses the complex. The south entrance also features a gateway donning Simpson Red and Gold. ■

Simpson inducts seven athletes, two coaches into Hall of Fame The Simpson Athletic Department inducted seven athletes and two coaches into the school’s Hall of Fame at the annual Red and Gold Celebration, held at the Indianola Country Club on Oct. 7. More than 250 people attend the event, which was held on the Friday evening of Homecoming for the second year in a row.

Storming

the Community Simpson Cross Country gives back at the Des Moines Marathon B y B en Robison ’ 1 0

ow do runners perform community service? By helping other runners, and there is no exception with the Simpson cross country team. At the IMT Des Moines Marathon in October, the Storm paired with the Des Moines-based running club Capitol Striders to provide an invaluable service to the participants of the race. You could see the Storm posted at the mile 11 water station, providing Gatorade, water, and most importantly, encouragement. “The best part about it was seeing alumni and old teammates,” said senior captain Matt Stone. “Seeing their eyes light up when they saw our SC jackets was awesome to see.” The 13-team members that volunteered agreed that it was a rewarding and entertaining experience. “It was a blast,” added senior Maddy McAreavy. “Being with a great group of people made the time fly, and it was a great bonding experience.” “It’s great to build positive relationships in the community,” said Head Cross Country Coach Heath Moenck. “I like seeing our student-athletes represent their team so well.” ■ ■

The 2011 Hall of Fame Class includes: • Robert “Bob” Foote ’75, basketball and tennis • Weston Sharp ’49, football, basketball, track and field • Nick Ackerman ’01, wrestling • Emily Tonn ’00, basketball • Amber Ridnour Williams ’00, softball • Matt Young ’99, wrestling • Trisha Heiden Zoske ’00, basketball The 2011 Coach Hall of Fame inductees were: • Ken Heizer, 1962-65, football • Larry Johnson, 1960-83, baseball, women’s basketball, football, track and wrestling Simpson also recognized Double “S” Award winners Kimberly Berg Cronk ’96 (tennis), Geoff Christy ’92 (baseball) and Chad Earwood ’94 (football). The Double “S” recognizes former athletes who have been successful in their careers after Simpson. Robert D. MacKenzie ’70 (football) received the Dick Buxton Award, presented to a member of the community who has given his/her time and effort in support of Simpson athletics. A special segment at the beginning of the program, sponsored by Gerry Berry ’67, recognized the 55th anniversary of the Barborka Award, an honor awarded - Mike Hadden to the best senior athlete since 1958. ■

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| upcoming events

On Our Calendar DECEMBER 1 Young Alumni After-Hours Event, Kirkwood Lounge, Des Moines, 5:30 p.m. 2-4

Theatre Simpson presents The Glass Menagerie, Pote Theatre, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.

Christmas Party at The Village, 6:30 p.m.

Sorority Alumnae Holiday Cookie Exchange, Matthew Simpson Room, College Hall, 7:15 p.m.

Simpson College Symphonic Band Fall Concert, Pote Theatre, 7 p.m.

9-10

Simpson Guild and the Indianola Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tour of Homes, Friday, 5 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Lessons and Carols, Smith Chapel, 2 and 5 p.m.

12-16

Final exams

December Commencement, Smith Chapel, 2 p.m.

Christmas recess begins

26-30

Offices closed

Last day for Simpson Fund gift for 2011 tax credit

JANUARY 7 Men’s Basketball Alumni Game, Cowles, tip-off 11 a.m., contact adam.urness@my.simpson.edu 10

Classes resume

Madrigal Singers on tour in Mason City, time and location to be announced

16-17

Madrigal Singers on tour in Minneapolis, time and location to be announced

26-27

Simpson College Jazz Festival, Lekberg Hall, Amy Robertson Music Building, all day and evening

All-American Concert, Lekberg Hall, Amy Robertson Music Building, 3 p.m.

FEBRUARY 3 Board of Trustees meeting 11

Simpson Guild presents International Education at Simpson College, Matthew Simpson Room, College Hall, 9 a.m.

George Washington Carver Lecture given by Lt. Gen. Russell C. Davis, Smith Chapel, 7 p.m.

17-19

Spring opera, Lekberg Hall, Amy Robertson Music Building Friday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m., advanced reservations required

Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting, Matthew Simpson Room, College Hall, 5:30 p.m.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

26-28

For details and a complete schedule of events, go to www.simpson.edu or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 515-961-1544 or 800-610-6369. Symphonic and Jazz Bands on tour in Chicago, times and locations to be announced

MARCH 3-11 Spring break 16-18

Simpson Theatre presents Peer Gynt, Pote Theatre, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.

Madrigal Singers in Concert, Smith Chapel, 3 p.m.

Annual All College Sing competition, Great Hall, 8 p.m.

Event for Simpson alumni and friends employed by The Principal, The Cosmopolitan Lounge, 800 Locust, Des Moines, 5:30 p.m.

Simpson College Jazz Ensemble in Concert, Great Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Omaha/Council Bluffs Area Event, Urban Wine Company, 5:30 p.m.

Junior Visit Day, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-362-2454 or email admiss@simpson.edu

APRIL 6

Annual Campus Day celebration

Easter Break, offices closed

1970s event, Des Moines. Watch website for details

13-15

Festival of Short Plays, Barnum Studio Theatre, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.

Simpson Guild Spring Style Show and Brunch, Matthew Simpson Room, College Hall, 9 a.m.

Simpson College Women’s Chorale, Smith Chapel, 4 p.m.

Honors Convocation, Smith Chapel, 12:30 p.m.

23-15

Final exams

Spring Commencement, Cowles, 10 a.m.

May Term begins

The excitement is building at simpson Save these dates and return to campus to be a part of it all! June 29 16th Annual Simpson Cup Golf Outing Presidents’ Picnic October 19-21 Homecoming, Family Weekend & Experience Simpson Including milestone celebrations for the classes of 1987 and 1962 * Kindly note the reorganization of activities as we look forward to the opening of the Kent Campus Center in the Fall of 2012.

The Presidents’ Society Dinner celebrates 30th year n October 20, John Byrd and his wife, Nancy, hosted the 30th Annual Presidents’ Society Dinner at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Members of The Presidents’ Society supported the college at the $1,000 level or higher during the 2010-11 fiscal year. This past year 265 individuals or couples qualified for membership, including 46 new or reinstated members. Together, the members of The Presidents’ Society contributed $494,205 in support of the College’s 2010-11 operating budget, 54% of the total raised for The Simpson Fund. The Presidents’ Society added three new Life Members whose overall gifts to the college total $100,000 or more. Sunnie Richer and Roger Brooks have been involved with Simpson since Sunnie joined the Board of Trustees in 1996. Steve Johnson, Simpson College class of 1981, and May Melvin Legg, Simpson College class of 1952, were also recognized as Life Members. The gratitude expressed by Simpson students present added a special touch to the evening. Anna Statz ’12, Stephen Henrich ’13, Blaise Mikels ’12 and Phil Seiwert ’12 were on hand along with Dr. Clint Meyer, assistant professor of biology, to

give guests a glimpse of their personal Simpson Experiences, which were enriched by an opportunity to conduct undergraduate research. They were asked to get up close Chris Goodale ’86, Chuck Kerr ’53 and personal with and Bob Keller ’50 catching up at The Presidents’ Society Dinner. reptiles, house flies and cicadas while using knowledge in math, biology, ecology and computer science in the discovery process. In the end, they learned something new- not only about the species but also about themselves and their individual potential. Pushing harder, going further. That is the quintessential Simpson Experience. If you are interested in how you can make a direct impact on today’s Simpson students by becoming a member of The Presidents’ Society, please contact the office of college advancement at (515) 961-1543 or (800) 610-6369. ■

M a k e a n impact

with T h e S impson

Fund, the campus- wide unrestricted fund, providin g th e colle ge with th e most INVEST in the Experience, FUEL the Future

importa nt type of resources — those that c a n be used wh enever a nd wh erever the need is greatest. W ithout these resources, ma ny importa nt initiatives including recruiting and retaining top - notch faculty, sch ol a rs h ip support a nd tech nologic al enh a ncements would not be possible.

S c h ol a rs h ips 35% Satudent nd F in a nci a l Aid

I n struction a nd 25% Ac a demic S upport 19% C olle g e S ervices

Activities a nd 15% SStudent ervices 6% B uildin g s a nd Fa cilities THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| extra!

We are SC!

ND E K E E W Y L I FAM p a c e R

It was one for the books. In the weeks leading up to Homecoming, Family Weekend and Experience Simpson, an admissions recruiting event for potential new students, there was a definite buzz of excitement. Phone calls from parents tickled by the opportunity to share in their student’s Simpson Experience, if only for a weekend. Emails between old teammates eager to spend a day together, just like old times. Well, with perhaps a bit less hair and much better cars. Faculty rounding up former students to catch up and to see how things turned out for the wiseguy they always knew would go far. Facebook posts between roommates. Tweets by current students.

But we have to admit, an 84-degree day probably had a bit to do with it. It was hard to resist the idea of tailgating in the Hillman parking lot in shorts and your favorite Simpson t-shirt. Repeatedly we heard, “This is so much fun. Can we come back?” You bet — October 20, 2012. And bring your friends. We think we’ll have something new to show you called the Kent Campus Center.

Prospective students and families on campus for Experience Simpson

Number of student and alumni networking at the Career Tailgate

Dinners served at the Red & Gold Athletics Celebration

Pancakes served

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Faces painted

Tailgaters in Hillman Hall parking lot

Balloon animals twisted

Score of the game (We WON!)

Post-game revelers

Kent Campus Center

is underway hen you drive past the site for the new Kent Campus Center it might appear as if there has been little progress made in recent days. However, there have been more than 130 deep wells drilled in the past few weeks to accommodate the geothermal system that will help to heat and cool the 54,000 square foot building. These geothermal wells are just one of the environmentally friendly parts of the Kent Center. Energy benefit windows, movement detection lighting, ultra-efficient water fixtures and building materials made from recycled materials are all part of the

construction process. The plan is to have the Kent Center join the new Blank Performing Arts Center as a LEED certified building, further illustrating Simpson’s commitment to the environment. The new parking lot will be the next step in the building process, followed closely by the construction of the outer walls. The target date for completion of this new campus hub is about this time next fall. If you have an interest in contributing to this major campus improvement please contact Bob Lane at (515) 961-1417, bob.lane@simpson.edu or Chris Goodale at (515) 961-1548, chris.goodale@simpson.edu. ■

Charity Halupnick Campbell ’96 named Iowa Teacher of the Year B y L eslie mid g et h eld ’ 8 6

harity Halupnick Campbell ’96 received one of the biggest shocks of her life when her husband told her there was a message she was a finalist for Iowa’s Teacher of the Year. “I never thought I would be a finalist, let alone selected by the committee. I had considered going to my principal, who nominated me, to tell him there may be better candidates.” In a school assembly in September, Gov.Terry Branstad announced Campbell, a P.E. teacher at Norwalk Middle School, had been selected. It was the combination of leadership and innovative programming which led the selection committee to Campbell who helped create and co-lead a mentoring program for first-year teachers in the district, including some from her alma mater. Campbell trains teachers to use activities to help students focus in the classroom. In 2010, Norwalk’s P.E. program was named an observation school through PE4Life, a non-profit organization that strives to improve children’s health and wellness through quality physical education programming.

Campbell credits her Simpson Experience with the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes of interest resulting in choosing a major and eventually a vocation that were a perfect fit for her and to accomplish the task in four years. Classes in education gave her a solid foundation as a teacher and science classes gave her a better understanding of health. As a member of the women’s track team and athletic trainer, she added skills which she uses daily as a varsity track coach. “Simpson gave me a great start to my career. It began my freshman year when an English class allowed me to work on my writing and speaking skills. In a foundations of education class, I remember a discussion regarding inequality of education related to schools in East St. Louis. That conversation became instrumental to how I developed my career.” And her advice to current Simpson students? “Take advantage of Simpson’s location and get involved with organizations that work with kids. Learn what motivates them as well as characteristics of different age levels. Find strong educational programs where you can observe or volunteer. Learn about cutting edge technology and how it can be used in the classroom. Lastly, get out there and network. It’s up to you to strive to be the best.” ■

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

| touring the years Thank you to the more than 2,000 alumni who responded to our summer Update Your Information mailing! By keeping your information current with the alumni office, we can inform you of reunions, events and other ways to make your Simpson Experience last a lifetime. You will be pleased to find an extended version of Touring the Years in this issue. Due to the number of submissions, we regret we were not able to include submitted pictures in this issue but invite you to view them online at www.simpsonmagazine.com.

CLASS NOTES Louise Kline Black ’33 of Maple Grove, Minn., celebrated her 99th birthday in July.

reside in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and have three children, six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and six greatgreat grandchildren.

Mary Tunman Bowen ’37 recently received her 75 year membership pin from Alpha Chi Omega. Mary resides in Audubon.

Dessamore Dickey Hillman ’43 now resides in Leawood, Kan., after living in Bowie, Md., with her husband, Ralph, for nearly 40 years.

Kenneth Henderson ’38 and Virginia Wheelock Henderson ’41 celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in August. Ken and Virginia reside in Mission, Texas.

Jean Thomas Cadwallader ’44 lives in a retirement community in Pasadena, Calif.

Josephine Williams ’39 and husband, Howard, of Sun City West, Ariz., celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June. Winifred Heaton Cox ’40 is busy with volunteer work for the YWCA, Dominican Hospital and the Methodist Church. Winifred resides in Aptos, Calif. Elmerine Sherman Flint ’40 lives in Pacific Grove, Calif., by the Pacific Ocean and reads books, has a book club, plays Scrabble weekly, sees family and friends often and reports that her senior years are great. Kathryn Bellman Brought ’41 is active in church activities, two book clubs and doing book reviews at her new home, Rivermont Retirement Community in Norman, Okla. Marjorie Fouts Fairly ’42 retired in 2010 after 50 enjoyable years of teaching piano. Marjorie lives in Portland, Ore. Stephen Hays ’43 is now the oldest member of American Legion Post 56 in Carson City, Nev. Stephen has performed in more than 200 military funerals as a member of the 21 gun rifle squad or as bugler. Audrea Larson Higgins ’43 and husband, Kenneth, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May. They 32

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Merle Matherly Lamb ’44, at the age of 94, published a book of short stories she has written. Harry Noblitt ’44 retired after 25 years in real estate and celebrated his 90th birthday in November. Harry lives in Thousand Oaks, Calif., with his wife, Sandra. Albert Sparks ’44, retired minister living in Newton, has written over 100 poems in recent years. Mary McLaughlin Barber ’45 lives at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Facilities in Fayetteville, Ga., where she is closer to her two daughters, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Helen Capell Johnston ’45 is the music coordinator for St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Dubuque, where she resides. She is the founder of Fabulous Friday noon musical programs and the Where Art & Music Meet series. Marian Grieve Bankus ’46 of Houston, Texas, attended the inaugural ball of Gov. Bill Haslan of Tennessee. Virginia Wayt Frank ’46 and Richard Frank ’49 reside in Shenandoah and get together with a group of Simpson friends at the Glenn Miller Festival each year. Belva Harper Beck ’47 is a retired music teacher and lives at Meth-Wick, a housing

community in Cedar Rapids. She reports that she is enjoying life very much. Helen White Coulson ’48 and her husband, Floyd, reside in Russell and have three children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Jean Neifert Fetters ’48 and Wendell Fetters ’49 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June. Jean and Wendell were married in Indianola in 1946 after he was released from prison camp in Germany after attending Simpson for just one year before going overseas. Ray Olson ’48 is living at the Restorium, an assisted living facility in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he assists staff and serves as gardener. He is active in Rotary and the Episcopal Church. Wayne Bruce ’49 celebrated his 90th birthday in November. Wayne and his wife, Florine Wright Bruce ’47, will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary in December. Vera Pratt Moser ’49 is now living in a retirement home in Everett, Wash., and is enjoying her children and grandchildren. Dean Newman ’50 lives in Longmont, Colo., with his wife, Margaret, and continues to serve the community as volunteer president of the Aging Services Foundation. Bill Weeks ’50 is retired after 20 years in education and 40 years in business. Bill and his wife, Joy, live in Grinnell. Charles Coffman ’51 recently moved into a retirement community in Raymore, Mo. Harold Button ’52 and his wife, Shirley, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August 2010 and reside in Adel.

Simpson AlumNAE Turns 100 Catharine Gillett Fellows, ’34 of Galesburg, Ill., turned 100 on September 26. She joins an elite group of Simpson alumnae who can claim a century of life experiences. Her Simpson Experience was one of her most vital and enduring of all. She is proud of her life-long friendships with her Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters, many of whom she kept in touch with well into her 90s. As a student, Catharine kept busy with the Pep Club and as a Zenith yearbook staff. She is quick to tell you that English was her favorite subject, while Biology was her least. The best thing that happened to her at Simpson was that she met her future husband, Earl Fellows, Class of ’33. She chose marriage over graduation and relocated to Jacksonville, Ill. , where she worked as the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools.Today, she enjoys shopping, knitting, time with family and dining out.

F. Keith Davis ’52 and his wife, Virginia, celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in June. The couple resides in Huntsville, Ala. James Paul ’52 celebrated his 80th birthday in June, entering a new decade still enriched with Simpson memories. James is at home in Edwardsville, Ill. Gerald “Skip” Farley ’53 and Janice Meadows Farley ’55 visited Sevres, France, in early June. Sevres is a sister city of Mt. Prospect, Ill., where Skip and Janice reside. Skip was responsible for initiating this sister city relationship in 1999. The Rev. Donald Campbell ’54 and his wife, Dora, live in Klemme and have four children, 14 grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter. Lorna Taylor Grow ’54 and her husband, John, reside in Dallas Center. Lorna is in her 45th year as a 4-H leader and is active in Children’s Disaster Service, a Church of the Brethren ministry that provides childcare at disasters. Howard Hogshead ’54 lives in Jacksonville, Fla., with his wife, Jane Bartel Hogshead ’53, and is retired but keeps busy with family and occasional consulting work. Phillip Hunget ’54 is a 54-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He performed five years with the Cedar Rapids Harmony Hawks and 46 years with the River City Chorus in Mason City. Phillip is currently in his third year with the Cornbelt Chorus in Algona and resides in Corwith with his wife, Connie Lembke Hunget ’56. Jean Miller LeRoy ’54 recently moved to Midland, Texas, in order to be closer to family. John Lewis ’54 is a retired prison chaplain and recently participated in the NAMI Walk for the Mind of America. His team raised over $2600 for the Davidson County

Chapter (Nashville, Tenn.) of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In June, John’s family held a family reunion in the Shenandoah Valley at Woodstock, Va., where their emigrants, John and Margaret Lewis, were first settlers having arrived in the 1730s. John lives in Antioch, Tenn.

Keith Weigel ’57 is listed as second author on a scientific article quoted in the textbook entitled Skinner’s Science of Dental Materials.

Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University, Lloyd Anderson ’55, received the Distinguished Science Award of the Iowa Academy of Science in April. The award recognizes the best contributions of Iowans to science research, science education and service to science. Lloyd resides in Ames with his wife, JaNelle.

Pete Klisares ’58 lives in Westerville, Ohio, and winters in Sarasota, Fla.

Jaen Henry ’55 has been retired for 25 years from the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center in St. Louis, Mo. Jaen and his wife, Marjorie, reside in Ocean Shores, Wash. Erwin Frerichs ’56 retired from Iowa Workforce Development after 38 years. During his tenure at the state agency, he served six governors and the agency changed its name four times. Erwin and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Ankeny and he reports that retirement is great! Sally Hull Miller ’56 and her husband, Robert, reside in Oskaloosa. Sally is retired from the real estate business and the couple spends the winter months in Casa Grande, Ariz. Raymond Burchett ’57 retired to a golf course with wife, Carol Callies Burchett ’57, after 42 years as a professor and research geologist at the University of Nebraska. Ray and Carol reside in Sun City West, Ariz. Gwendolyn Groomes Marcum ’57 retired from the bookstore she co-owned with three friends after 30 years of bookselling. She and her husband, John, reside in Santa Cruz, Calif. Richard Ridenour ’57 is a retired compliance engineer. He served as captain in the Civil Air Patrol (the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force) and resides in Cedar Rapids with his wife, Carol.

Tom Zimmerman ’57 and wife, Jo Ann, reside in West Des Moines and remain active in church and politics.

David Piersel ’58 has resided in the Des Moines metro area with his wife, Myrna, since retiring from South Dakota State University in May 2000 with the designation of professor emeritus of music. Kenneth Ross ’58 has retired and moved to the Charlotte, N.C., area with his wife, Gerry. HLR Wilson ’58 is still farming, producing food for the human race, and enjoying life. His love of travel has taken him to all 50 states. HLR and his wife, Betty, reside in Indianola. Merlen Howe ’59 was elected as a national vice president of National Sojourners, Inc., an organization of Masons with military experience. Merlen and his wife, Judith Meloy Howe ’62, reside in Lockhart, Texas. Jeanne Wald Irelan ’59, retired director of the writing center at Volunteer State Community College, has recently published eight eBook novels on Amazon Kindle: three mysteries, three Southern novels, a thriller, and a coming-of-age novel set in Des Moines during the 1940s and 50s called Snusville. She and her husband, C. Max Irelan ’58, have lived in Tennessee for many years. Beverly Myers Wetzel ’59 is retired after teaching vocational home economics and consumer sciences in Bedford and WayneCorydon schools since 1959. She and her husband, Jerry Wetzel ’59, reside in Indianola. J. “Sunny” Breeding ’60 is working to educate the public about the threat of global warming by giving lectures to

groups on climate change and resides in Slidell, La., with his wife, Rebecca. Myrna Farver Battles ’61 works half days at Ankeny High School supervising special education students as they job shadow in the community and also tutors homebound junior and senior high school students through the school system. Robert Hale ’61 is retired from Blockbuster Video. He and his wife, Elaine, married for 34 years, have four children and reside in Minneapolis, Minn. Robert’s paternal grandfather, Earl M. Hale, was a Simpson graduate and later became a member of the Board of Trustees until his death. His paternal grandmother, Mary Nell Rea, was a student at Simpson at the same time as Earl. Mary’s three sisters and four brothers all attended Simpson. Bruce Hann ’61 and Sharon Hann live in Denver, Colo., and babysit their now 3-year old granddaughter, Tihun, every day. Tihun was adopted from Ethiopia in September 2009. Bruce accompanied his daughter to Addis, Ababa, to bring the 15-month old Tihun home to the United States. Sally Carmichael Hosfelt ’61 is retired after 28 years of teaching deaf children. Dean Hosfelt ’59 will soon be retiring after 50 years in the insurance industry. Sally and Dean celebrated 50 years of marriage in July and reside in Des Moines. In 2008, Darlene Norton Isaacson ’61 completed 45 years of choir at Central Methodist and Church of the Resurrection singing at annual and general conferences. She teaches quilting classes in hand and machine techniques. Max Isaacson ’59 has served the past four years as a lay member representative at the Kansas Annual Conference for the Church of the Resurrection. Darlene and Max reside in Overland Park, Kan.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Nova Turpen Kane ’61 recently attended clown school sponsored by the Cable Lions Club and will now be visiting nursing homes. As a retired teacher, she continues educating children by designing and presenting a summer program called “Elementary Historians.” Nova also serves on the board as the youth education director and resides in Cable, Wis. Linda Morrison Mahr ’61 is retired and resides in Indianola with her husband, Marvin. Simpson sweethearts Sue Hubbard Suchy ’61 and Harold Suchy ’59 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2010. Harold and Sue reside in La Crosse, Wis. Judy Rizer Wise ’61 retired as a librarian for a private prep school in Kansas City, Mo., where she resides with her husband, Bob. Margo Keil Beaver ’63 is semiretired. She and her husband, Robert Beaver ’67, reside in Friendship, Wis., and are enjoying their six grandchildren, ages one-17. Dianne Smith Davis ’63 and her husband, Dean, reside in Corning and enjoy spending winters in Mission, Texas. Giho Kim ’63 and wife, HaeJa, reside in Flushing, N.Y. Tom Murr ’63 and Anne Hasel Murr ’69 reside in Osceola. Tom was assigned to the Woodburn United Methodist Church in 1961 as part of the Town and Country Program. He returned to this congregation and in September marked the beginning of his 25th year of service at Woodburn. Robert Rinehart ’63 of Montezuma was one of 12 men picked to represent the United States in the International Shuffleboard Tournament held in Australia in 2008 and Germany in 2010.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Sara Timberlake Robinson ’63 and her husband, Raymond, reside in Bedford. In 2004, Sara served as Worthy Grand Matron of Iowa Eastern Star. Linda Jackson Wallace ’63 is retired and resides in Gulf Shores, Ala., with her husband, John. Lynn Wilson ’63 retired from 3M and now spends winters in Oestin, Fla., with his wife, Barbara. Kerry Doran ’64 and his wife, Christine, are retired and reside in Amityville, N.Y., and spend winters in Jupiter, Fla. Joanna Kimball Harmon ’64 of Albuquerque, N.M., is retired and has a book of poetry in the Library of Congress. Sapini Siatuu ’64 is retired after being director of the department of human resources for the government of America Samoa. He resides in Pago Pago, America Samoa, with his wife, Alauni. Phillip Simms ’64, retired from his claims adjuster position at Continental Western Insurance, spends his time consulting part-time, golfing and helping service organizations. He resides in Bettendorf with his wife, Ardith. Rodney Wahle ’64 retired in 2009 after over 40 years as a classroom teacher. Rodney and Karen Henderson Wahle ’67 live in Carson. Patricia Matthew Wallman ’64 and her husband, Norman, reside in Cortland, Neb. Sandra Haarvig Blinn ’65 and Dean Blinn ’64 now reside in Bellingham, Wash., after living in Flagstaff, Ariz., for 35 years. The Rev. Jay Croft ’65 was awarded the National Association of the Deaf ’s “Golden Hand” Award at the Alabama Association of the Deaf ’s Conference in June. Jay and his wife, Frances, reside in Montgomery, Ala.

Donald Gray ’65 retired from the University of South Carolina but returned to work for the third time this August as distinguished professor emeritus. Donald and his wife, Constance Wagner Gray ’64, reside in Irmo, S.C.

H. Roger Grant ’66 is the coeditor of a recently-published book by Indiana University Press, A Young Dutchman Views Post-Civil War America: Diary of Claude August Crommelin. This is Grant’s 28th book publication.

Tom Mehl ’65 enjoys yard work, golfing, biking, trips, grandchildren and spending time with his wife, Margaret Rendlemen Mehl ’62. Tom and Margaret reside in Des Moines and he reports that retirement is the best job he’s ever had.

Gary Hargis ’66 retired after 40 years as a high school counselor in Omaha, Neb. Gary resides in Omaha with his wife, Anne. They have six children and 15 grandchildren.

M. Frank Potter ’65 is retired but substitute teaches in the Dubuque School District. He lived in Prague for three months during winter 2010 while teaching English in high schools in Austria. Frank and his wife, Tamara, reside in Dubuque. James Seidel ’65 and his wife, Barbara, have travelled together to all 50 states and seven continents. The couple resides in Strawberry Point. Carol Ansley Anderson ’66 is retired from full-time teaching. She is now a substitute teacher at Pleasantville Elementary. Patricia Breeden Black ’66 and her late husband, Larry, started Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge in 1994. It is now a popular fall entertainment destination for central Iowans and is run by son, Steve, with family members helping on weekends. Pat resides in Ankeny. Charlotte Clark ’66 recently took cruises to Hawaii and through the Panama Canal. She also toured Peru and Machu Pichu. She belongs to the UNA and volunteers at the local library in Jamaica, N.Y. William Coy ’66 is retired and resides in Signal Hill, Calif. Lois Black Davis ’66 retired from Iowa State Savings Bank in 2009 after 32 years. Lois and her husband, Howard, live in Knoxville.

Robert Hill ’66 is a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. He and his wife, Julie Flora Hill ’65, reside in Coral Springs, Fla. Sue Willis Jones ’66 is retired from teaching. She is the founder and president of board of directors of Shenandoah Hispanic Center and was recognized as the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2005. Sue and husband, Floyd Jones ’66, reside in Shenandoah. Sharon Carnahan Keeley ’66 is retired. Since moving to Prescott, Ariz., Sharon and her husband, David, have discovered their joy of hiking. Kathleen Kosinski Simon ’66 resides in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., with her husband, Ronald. She is a member of a retired teachers organization and the “Feet Fleet” walking group of Dana Point, Calif. Susan Johnson White ’66 lives in Humeston with her husband, Daniel, and reports that Simpson shaped her life. Susan thanks Simpson for friends, experiences and forming her future and states that she could write an entire book about how her life revolves around her Simpson Experience. In August, the couple travelled to Seattle to connect with Simpson friends. Robert Crandall ’67 received The First Annual Bishop James S. Thomas Leadership Award, presented by Bishop Calvin Trimble at the 2011 Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bob and Carol Kirk Crandall ’67 reside in Des Moines.

One of a kind holiday gifts! Stephen Finch ’67 retired after teaching in the English education department at Han Nam University in Daejeon, South Korea, for 23 years. He resides in Bussey. Dale Hanaman ’67 and Nancy Bardole Hanaman ’68 have made their home in rural Rippey after their retirement. Dale was a pastor with the Wisconsin United Methodist Church Conference and Nancy was a public librarian. Karen Henderson Wahle ’67 retired in 2010 from a homebased business. She and her husband, Rodney Wahle ’64, reside in Carson. Linda Hinkle Zahn ’67 continues to sing and is a member of the Omaha Symphonic Chorus. Linda resides in Council Bluffs with her husband, George Zahn ’65. Dianne Skrivseth Day ’68 lives in Iowa City and is chair of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. Susan Hicks Ganz ’68 and her husband, William, retired from CitiGroup in the spring. The couple resides in Littleton, Colo. Carolyn Grush ’68 is retired and resides in Sioux City with her husband, Terry. Donald Heins ’68 is retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in various administrative supervisor positions. He also served as a military service coordinator for the Veterans Administration and has held federal government roles serving military and civilian personnel. Donald resides in Omaha, Neb., with his wife, Jean. JaneMarie Vaughan Hoekstra ’68 retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 32 years in field management. She now works part-time at Heartland Blood Centers in Aurora, Ill., allowing her time to enjoy travel and family. JaneMare resides in Batavia, Ill., with her husband, Fred.

Stephen Howell ’68 retired from Michigan Public Schools after 30 years. He then took a job as principal/superintendant in the Republic of the Marshall Islands/Kwajalein for nine years. Now retired (again), Stephen and his wife, Donna, reside in Midland, Mich. Diana Campbell Love ’68 is now retired and enjoying her four grandchildren. Diana and her husband, Dave, live in Toano, Va., near Williamsburg. Annie Laurie Davenport Points ’68 retired after 40 years as an educator, most recently serving as principal of DeLaSalle Hilltop School in Lee’s Summit, Mo. She and her husband, Dale, reside in Overland Park, Kan. Donald Rose ’68 completed 30 years as city manager in Wheaton, Ill., last November. He and his wife, Patti, reside in Wheaton. Ronald White ’68 retired in July after 43 years in education, including 31 years as a superintendant and 13 years with the Cameron R-I School District. Ronald and his wife, Susan, reside in Cameron, Mo. Tom Anderson ’69 is the senior vice president for Bank of America in Plano, Texas. Keith Dunbar ’69 is retired after serving as chief of planning for the National Park Service Pacific West Region for 35 years. Keith and his wife, Donna, reside in Kirkland, Wash. Carol Johnson ’69 is retired from Comcast Communications, where she was director of government relations. She and her husband, Terence, reside in Denver, Colo. Madelyn Vogelsang Loftin ’69 retired after 30 years as a technical writer and moved to northern New Mexico with her husband, Charles. Marjorie Emanuel Martin ’69 has published three devotional bible studies covering the New Testament letters and is the coowner of AYP Office, providing

COFFEE TABLE BOOK This beautiful hard-back edition commemorating 150 years of Simpson College history is filled with fascinating pictures and intriguing stories. To purchase, contact the office of college advancement Building on our Tra diTion s at (515) 961-1549. Books are $45 with $5 for shipping, if necessary. TASTES OF TRADITION COOKBOOK There are only a few remaining! A collection of over 400 delicious Tastes recipes are in Simpson Guild’s of Tradition Tastes of Tradition. To download an order form, go to www.simpson. edu/guild or call (515) 961-1547. Cookbooks are $20 each with $5 for shipping, if necessary. Proceeds help fund student scholarships & campus projects. Presented by

Simpson Guild

Celebrating 150 years and memories from of favorite recipes Simpson College

back office services for ministries and small business. She and her husband, Barney, reside in Alpharetta, Ga. Timothy Wilson ’69 has his own insurance agency and his wife, Marjorie Reid Wilson ’69, has a life-time career in teaching. Retirement is being considered in the near future. They reside in Stuart, Fla., and have two children and three grandchildren. Dennis Cumpston ’70 retired from Des Moines Public Schools in June. He and his wife, Sarilee, reside in Orlando, Fla. Dennis Frevert ’70 is an instructor at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids and lives in Marion. Judy Pratt Gilbert ’70 is a team manager for Benchmark Realty, LLC in Brentwood,Tenn. She and her husband, Richard, reside in Columbia, Tenn.

Mary Svetz Ingle ’70 recently returned from three weeks in India. With a passion for travel, she has been fortunate enough to visit Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, England, France, Germany, Italy and the Bahamas. Mary and her husband, Arthur, reside in Chandler, Ariz. James Kelly ’70 received the 2010 State of Iowa Golden Dome Award for 25 years of service. Mark Leibowitz ’70 retired from teaching after 39 years and is now an insurance consultant. He and his wife, Rhoda, reside in Cedar Grove, N.J. Rodney Turner ’70 is retired from Iowa Public Television. Carol Proctor Turner ’70 is a consultant for KForce. The couple resides in Ankeny.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

David Walford ’70 recently retired after 31 years at Iowa Bankers Association and resides in Urbandale with his wife, Anne. Elliot Yaro ’70 is an investigator for the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Plantation, Fla. Elliot has also written numerous books in children’s literature. Barbara Thiesen Ellis ’71 is a fourth grade teacher for Pierce Public Schools in Pierce, Neb. Barb and her husband, Donovan, reside in Pierce. Dan Summy ’71 retired from full-time employment at the University of North Alabama and is now working part-time there as a special consultant for the athletic department. He resides in Florence, Ala. Sarah Wilce ’71 is a social worker for JacksonWhite Elder Law and resides in Flagstaff, Ariz., with her husband, James. Cynthia Bass Brewbaker ’72 is retired after 38 years of teaching middle school science. Cindy and her husband, Bill, reside in Indianola. Jan Frank-de Ois ’72 is director of the Shenandoah Public Library and resides in Essex. Kathryn Rank Georges ’72 is retired after 28 years of teaching. She and her husband, Ed, reside in Cheyenne, Wyo. Jerome Hoxton ’72 is executive vice president for Tru Art Advertising Calendars in Iowa City and lives with his wife, Carolyn, in Coralville. Brent Hulsebus ’72 works at Hy-Vee in Des Moines where he resides with his wife, Martha Templeton Hulsebus ’72. Del “Saxman” Jones ’72 was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame. Del and his wife, Rebecca, live in Des Moines.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Richard Schwartz ’72 is a writer for the Wall Street Journal and resides in Crete, Ill. He is currently researching material and data for his mother’s life story. She was an Olympic champion pioneer in track and at one time was the fastest woman in the world. Eric Youngberg ’72 is senior management consultant at NeighborWorks America in Kansas City, Mo. In October at the National Preservation Conference in Buffalo, N.Y., he became Emeritus on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Board of Advisors after completion of three terms (nine years). Eric and his spouse, Gary Krough, reside in Kansas City, Mo. Linda Randall Beaver ’73 is the executive director for Nebraska Educational Finance Authority. Steven Beaver ’73 is a claims adjuster for FARA Insurance Services. The couple resides in Omaha, Neb. The Rev. Delmar Farnham ’73 retired from the U.S. Army in June at the rank of colonel. Delmar has three children and three grandchildren and resides in Manasquan, N.J. Thomas Jamison ’73 resides in Johnston with his wife, Barbara, and is retired from Xerox. Randall Wakefield ’73, after passing the California Bar Exam in 2008, is owner/attorney at Jotstick, Inc. Randal and his wife, Florismae, reside in Santa Clara, Calif. Michael Young ’73 is an accounting technician for the Iowa Department of Human Services and resides in Des Moines with his wife, Jennie. Linda Curtis-Stolper ’74 is retired and resides in Newton with her husband, Dave. Margaret Golden George ’74 has a private studio where she offers voice, guitar, piano and stage dialects instruction. She and her husband, Philip, reside in Des Moines.

Glenda Hahn ’74 retired as a corporate attorney in 2009 and is working on her golf game (with only limited success). Margaret “Pegg” Willis Havens ’74 teaches elementary music for the Storm Lake Community School District. Pegg and her husband, Philip, reside in Storm Lake. Sylvester “Sly” Hughes ’74 is the program manager of teen parent services for the State of Illinois, a program cited for having the highest graduation rate (81%) of all teen parent providers statewide. Sly resides in Chicago, Ill. Margaret Frank Magnusen ’74 is retired after 21 years at the Hawthorn School District. She resides with her husband, Steve, in Mundelein, Ill. Deborah McHose ’74 is a realtor for Coldwell Banker Mid-American Group. She resides in Prole with her husband, Rick Pitt. James Ullery ’74 is the president and owner of Center for Organizational Energy. He recently published a new book on sales which is used in the Sales Pro Professional Selling Systems program distributed around the country. James and his wife, Joanne, live in North Fort Myers, Fla. Stan Weeber ’74 is an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. He was the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship, presented at the McNeese State faculty retreat in August. Stan and his wife, Julie, reside in Lake Charles. Rosalie Rabe Babcock ’75 retired from Principal Financial Group as trainer for diversified retirement services, 401(k) and pension. Rosie and her husband, Don, will be relocating from Indianola to their farm in northern Missouri.

Pamela Bicek Borgeson ’75 is the co-owner, along with 5 other colleagues, of the private practice of Providence Counseling Associates in Naperville, Ill. She enjoys being a small business owner as well as a therapist and is thankful that the practice is thriving and they can be a service to the community. Pam and her husband, William, reside in Naperville. Jill Brooks ’75 was promoted to senior administrative associate in the Office of the Chairman of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Jill is still performing in local musical theatre and is entering her 17th season with the Dallas Symphony Chorus. Thank you, Dr. Larsen and Dr. Hanson! Sharman Tannatt Kahn ’75 is a senior director of human resources for American College of Cardiology in Washington, D.C. She resides in Columbia, Md., with her husband, Richard. W. Scott McClintock ’75 is a retired law enforcement officer/ dental technician and now works disaster relief, including three tours after Hurricane Katrina. Scott and his wife, Corinne, reside in Florida. Lorene Koniuszy Van Dam ’75 is a retired physician. Lorene’s husband, William Van Dam ’75, is a retired chaplain. The couple resides in Springfield, Mo. Sherry Johnson Cunningham ’76 is a teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools in Alexandria, Va., where she and her husband, Kenneth Cunningham ’77, reside. Alice Sanders Hamilton ’76 is a business services assistant for Tudor Oaks Retirement Community in Muskego, Wis. She and her husband, Thomas, reside in Greendale, Wis. Gene Kubli ’76 is an elder in the United Methodist Church serving in Conrad, where he resides with wife,

Jolene Geddes Kubli ’76. Jolene teaches K-4 music in the Marshalltown Community School District. Richard Maynard ’76 is managing director of the Repertory Theater of Iowa, central Iowa’s only resident theater company. Linda Culver Wolfe ’76 is a national board certified teacher in early/middle childhood care. She teaches for the Nodaway Valley Community School District in Greenfield and Fontanelle. Linda and her husband, Steven Wolfe ’73, reside in Greenfield. Jeffrey Arnold ’77 resides in Flint, Mich., and works for Genesys Integrated Group Practice. Monica McMath Crouch ’77 is retired from teaching. She resides in Red Oak with her husband, Kevin. Michael Gray ’77 is a national account manager for Group O in Milan, Ill. Michael and his wife, Laurel, reside in Rock Island, Ill. Stephen Mason ’77 is retired from his job as a probation/ parole office for the State of Iowa. He is currently a substitute teacher in area schools and owns a mowing business. Steve and his wife, Kathy Brandes Mason ’75, reside in Corydon. Monica McMath ’77 retired from teaching in May and is now a display representative for Books Are Fun. Monica resides in Red Oak. Julie Poulsen ’77 is the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson where she and her husband, Dennis Fox, reside. Rick Exline ’78 was promoted to executive vice president of operations management for LCS in Des Moines. Mark King ’78 is the chairman of the board of the Lutheran Health Network, Lutheran Hospital/Rehab Hospital and

The Orthopedic Hospital of Ft. Wayne. He is employed by Lutheran Medical Group as assistant director of Ft. Wayne F.P. Residency. Mark also serves as team physician for both NBA D-League, Ft. Wayne Mad Ants and San Diego Minor League affiliate Ft. Wayne Tin Cups. Mark Lemko ’78 is the president for NEOCUTIS, Inc. in Troy, Mich. He and his wife, Peggy, reside in Plymouth Mich. Cynthia McClaskey ’78 has her doctorate in clinical psychology from Indiana University and is director and CEO of Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, Va. Fred Norberg ’78, a deacon in the Community of Christ Church, has worked 17 years at Pearson Education. He resides in Iowa City. Leland Fish ’79 resides in Norwalk with his wife, Lisa. His family includes four children, two stepchildren and 16 grandchildren. Joseph Jones ’79 and his wife, Diana, reside in Louisville, Ky., with their son, Joseph Dubronski Jones, II (3). Duane Lookingbill ’79 is a pastor and teacher at the United Church of Christ in Osage, where he resides with his wife, Ruth. Linda Vanderpool ’79 is vocal music director at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Kim Newman ’80 is a research analyst for The Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband, Kevin House. Sheri Cook Cunningham ’81 teaches high school choral music and is also working on her doctorate in choral pedagogy at the University of Kansas. She and her husband, Kevin, have three children and reside in Leawood, Kan.

Spencer Fallgatter ’81 is the principal for the Kyrene School District in Tempe, Ariz. He resides in Chandler, Ariz., with his wife, Lilia. Tommy Fehlhfer ’81 is a logistic manager for Ag View FS, Inc. in Princeton, Ill., where he resides with his wife, Susan Crone Fehlhafer ’81. Penny Haus Gallagher ’81 was elected president of the Amuets Ladies Auxiliary Post 71 and is the proud grandmother of three grandchildren. Penny resides in West Chester, Ohio. Robin Benson Gardner ’81 works in accounting for Colorfx in Urbandale. She and her husband, Randy, reside in Grimes. Maribeth King ’81 and her husband, Chris, live in Blue Springs, Mo., with their daughter, Carly (13). John Norris ’81 is a commissioner for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., where he and his family reside. Debra Wyatt Perry ’81 recently received the 25-year milestone award for full-time teaching in the Urbandale School District. She has been employed by the district for a total of 30 years. Deb and Simpson sweetheart husband, Don Perry ’81, celebrated their 30th anniversary in July. Deb and Don reside in Urbandale. Steven Gonzalez ’82 was chosen by American Psychiatric Association as a clinical trials advisor for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition (DSM-5) and will be listed as a contributor to the manual to be published in May 2013. Steve and his wife, Linda, reside in Urbandale. Thomas Markey ’82 and his wife, Kathleen, live in Colo and have six children aged 15 to 27, Chris, Brett, Justin, Andrea, Stephanie and Lucas.

Craig Rupert ’82 is the assistant vice president for Riggs, Counselman, Michaels and Downes in Glen Allen, Va. James Sanders ’82 lives in Johnston with his wife, Kathleen, and their two daughters, Mackenzie and Madison. Dorothy Beck ’83 works as a substitute teacher in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools and at Wal-Mart as a cashier. She resides in Cedar Rapids and continues to stay busy enjoying her eight grandchildren. Beth Thurlby Cox ’83 was a volunteer for children’s projects in Nairobi, Kenya in 2010 and is currently working towards her Teaching English Language Learners certification. Beth is an L2 special education teacher in Burlington, where she resides with her husband, James. Robert Goedken ’83 is the general manager for Yamaha Electronics Corporation in Buena Park, Calif. He earned his Executive M.B.A. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2000 and was the recipient of the 2011 University of Nebraska at Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award. Robert and his wife, Catherine, reside in Carlsbad, Calif. Marilyn Henry Goodhue ’83 is semi-retired but still substituting teaches in the Carlisle Community School District. She and her husband, Mark, sell produce at their farm stand and at various farmers markets. Marilyn and Mark reside in Carlisle. Jack Hays ’83 is the CEO and founder of Miami Tan in North Miami Beach, Fla., where he resides. He is also the owner of Jack Hays Fitness and is one of the team leaders of the largest and strongest teams in Beachbody where people are trained to become independent Beachbody coaches and create their own Team Beachbody business.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Know an alum that rises above the crowd? Nominations are currently being accepted for: Alumni Achievement Award Recent Alumni Achievement Award Alumni Loyalty Award

Recent Alumni Loyalty Award Humanitarian Award Alumni Board of Directors

For more information or to make a nomination, go to www.simpson.edu/alumni/association or call (515) 961-1547. Deadline for nominations is Jan. 16, 2012.

Paul Hopkins ’83 and Elizabeth Davison Hopkins ’83 celebrated their 25th anniversary in June. The couple resides in Clinton.

Scott Horton ’84 is a district supervisor for Kum & Go in West Des Moines. He resides in Des Moines with his wife, Bobbie.

Kate Jacobsen ’83 completed all four levels of training for the Meisner Approach to Acting. She works as a recruiter for PeopleScout and resides in Chicago, Ill.

Thomas Kruse ’84 and Bill Spencer ’85 founded Landmark Real Estate Development in 2010, focusing on commercial and private land development throughout the metro Iowa Falls area.

Patricia McPherren ’83 is a senior quality assurance project chemist for Cargill in Eddyville and resides with her husband, Randy, in Unionville. Carlton Tarver ’83 is the vice president for family markets for Mid-Atlantic Insurance Group in Silver Springs, Md. Carlton and his family reside in Frederick, Md. Jill Tyler ’83 is an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D., where she lives with her husband, Stephen. Judith Warren ’83 of Oak Park, Ill., ran the Chicago Marathon in October. Randall Brown ’84 is a firefighter/EMT at the Charlotte County Fire/EMS in Punta Gorda, Fla. He resides in Sarasota with his wife, Catherine. Randy Calvert ’84 and Nancy Smouse Calvert ’85 reside in Saint Charles. Their two sons, Colton and Ethan, are currently attending Simpson. Michael Clement ’84 is deputy chief of the Broomfield Police Department in Broomfield, Colo.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Keith Moore ’84 retired after 28 years of public service at the Indianola Police Department as a police sergeant and is presently working for G4S Secure Solutions as a transit security officer and security officer for the City of Portland Security Detail. Prior to G4S Secure Solutions, he worked as a background investigator for 3½ years with the Portland Police Bureau. Keith and his wife, Penny, reside in Gresham, Ore. Christy Alsip Ross ’84 is a youth group leader, worship team member and member of the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Professional Women. She also works for the Law Offices of Bohdan Neswiachery as a paralegal. Christy and her husband, Eric, reside in Englewood, Fla., with their children, Stefan and Hanna. John Weida ’84 is the principal at Brentwood Elementary School in Sarasota, Fla., where he has lived for the past 22 years. In his spare time, John trains and runs marathons. Kristen Waltrip Benge ’85 is the human resource director at Vital Support Systems in Urbandale.

Garry Jeffrey ’85 works for Evergreen Metropolitan District in Evergreen, Colo., as water plant manager. Garry and his wife, Lisa, live in Morrison, Colo. William White ’85 and his wife, Michele, live in Roy, Utah, with their son, Nikolai (8). Brian Davison ’86 is an orthopaedic surgeon at the Cardinal Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Ohio. Amy Jenkins Davison ’85 is a physical therapist for the Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center, also in Columbus. The couple resides in Dublin, Ohio. Lisa Logue Hill ’86 is the assistant high school principal for Ankeny Community Schools. She is working on her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies at Iowa State University. Lisa and her husband, William, reside in Johnston with their sons, Quincy and Quaid.

The Rev. Dr. David Swinton ’86 has been appointed senior pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where he resides with his wife, Shari. Penney Ruth Braaksma ’87 is a rural carrier associate for the U.S. Postal Service. She resides in Russell with her husband, Randy. Scott Buising ’87 is operations manager for ING in Des Moines and resides in Clive with his wife, Sherri. Mark Crady ’87 is working as the central office curriculum director for the Norwalk School District. Last school year, he was a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Central Office Administrator of the Year. Mark and his wife, Bonnie, reside in Norwalk. Ivan Martin ’87 is contract administrator at Iowa Student Loan and resides in Urbandale. As contract administrator, he is responsible for reviewing existing and proposed new contracts to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations that pertain to student loans. Andrea McAreavy ’87 is an accountant for Best, Best & Krieger LLP in Riverside, Calif. She resides in Cathedral City, Calif.

Angela Allen Matthews ’86 received a bachelor’s degree in elementary teaching from Upper Iowa University in 2009. She is a preschool teacher at Southeast Webster-Grand Schools and resides in Boxholm.

Jill Johnson Wieder ’87 is an independent Avon representative after working for the University of Iowa for 19 years. She and her husband, Kevin, were married in 1988 and reside in Iowa City with their shi zhu, Jingles.

Joel Nelson ’86 was promoted to executive vice president and chief development officer for LCS in Des Moines.

Brian Brewer ’88 is the president of Brewer Engineering Consultants, PLC in Ankeny, where he resides.

Julian Sutton ’86 works for the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a special agent/ state police. He and his wife, Renee, were married in 2008 in Antigua in the West Indies and reside in Bettendorf with her son, Tre’ Alexander (9).

Janeal Felts Lyons ’88 is a K-5 English as a second language (ESL) teacher for Waukee Community Schools. She and her husband, Mark Lyons ’86, reside in Waukee.

Lorrie Petersen Pullman ’88 is a national sales manager for Pacific Farms and lives in Oakland, Calif., with her husband, David. Edwin Vazquez-Trujillo ’88 is in the seafood business importing and exporting seafood. He resides in Mexico with his wife, Nelda. Lori Jenkins Bullivant ’89 teaches kindergarten in Villa Park School District. Lori and her husband, Joseph, and daughters, Maddie (6) and Laney (4), reside in Lombard, Ill. Jennifer Bates Dorsey ’89 resides in Rogers, Ark., with her husband, Floyd, and daughters, Genevieve (19), Elsbeth (18), Gwynyth (16) and Anastasia (13). Calvin Held ’89 is a senior vice president of operations for Smithfield Packing Corporation in Smithfield, Va. He resides in Suffolk, Va., with his wife, Toni. Sue Roberts Ninemires ’89 is the handbell and children’s music director at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim, Wash., where she resides. Pamela Quackenbush ’89 is an accounting supervisor for Motor Coach Industries, Inc. in Schaumburg, Ill. Todd Rhoads ’89 works for Engle Hambright and Davies, Inc. as an account executive and lives in Lititz, Pa. Michael Sadler ’89 works for CenturyLink in Des Moines as a state legislative affairs director. He and his wife, Eleena, reside in Urbandale. Brian Moore ’90 works for Microsoft and resides in West Fargo, N.D., with his wife, Michelle. Lynn Ochiltree ’90 and his wife, Brenda, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in July. The couple resides in Winterset with their son, Christian (3).

Emily Wickman ’90 is the program director for Connecticut Valley Hospital’s S.T.A.R. Program, an inpatient setting that provides substance abuse and mental health treatment for women in Connecticut. She and Susan Wacht were married in 2008 and reside in Portland, Conn.

Melissa Schmied Kennedy ’91 does workforce predictive analytics for IBM. She and her husband, Forrest, reside in Raleigh, N.C.

Jeff Wilson ’90 works for Becker Underwood, Inc. in Ames as global project manager. Jeff and his wife, Yolanda, reside in Ankeny.

Tim Proudfoot ’91 and Dawn Henaman Proudfoot ’00 live in Johnston with their son, Luke (2).

Julie Alley ’91 is self-employed as a fitness and nutrition coach. Michelle White Arneson ’91 is a school improvement consultant for Prairie Lakes AEA in Spencer. She has her Masters of Art in special education from Morningside College and her educational specialist degree in administration from the University of South Dakota. Michelle resides in Spirit Lake. Rhonda Vry Bills ’91 is president and CEO of Long Term Care Strategies, the number one long term care producer in the state of Iowa for 2010 sales achievement by AALTCI. Gregory Cox ’91 is a mechanic for Maxim Cane Works in Phoenix, Ariz., where he resides with his wife, Jean. Holly Hartman Crivaro ’91 is a business underwriter at Wells Fargo in Des Moines and resides in Ankeny. Diane Lienhard Foote ’91 received her CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) designation in May from the Institute of Supply Management. Diane is a buyer for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and lives in Altoona. Mike Kellar ’91 is entering his 21st year as Lambda Chi advisor and also serves the general fraternity as a master steward, helping chapters throughout North America.

Patrick Miller ’91 is a regional manager for Sur-Tec, Inc. and resides in Lenexa, Kan., with his wife, Michelle.

Stephen Rowley ’91 is the owner and president at Heartland Solutions, Inc. in Grain Valley, Mo. Stephen and his wife, Kiers Downing Rowley ’91, reside in Independence, Mo.

Angela Miller ’92 completed her nursing degree at Mercy College Health Services and is now a registered nurse. Wendy Walker Rains ’92 is a senior environmental specialist for the Iowa Department Natural Resources and resides in Urbandale with her son, Henry (3). Maryel Roling Waddill ’92 of Carlisle is an underwriting consultant - property for EMC Insurance Companies in Des Moines. Jyl Scholl Wightman ’92 and her husband, James, live in Winterset and have three children, Brandon (17), Nick (12) and Meghan (7).

Kirsten Goodwill Sanders ’91 is a teacher for the California Montessori Project in Shingle Springs, Calif. Kirsten and her husband, Kurt, reside in Folsom, Calif.

Tim Baudler ’93 was promoted to associate publisher of Nutritional Outlook magazine, a global trade publication for UBM Canon in Los Angeles, Calif.

Ranessa Ashton ’92 is a public information officer for the San Diego Community College District.

Robin Hinshaw Blake ’93 is an art director at McLellan Marketing Group in Des Moines, where she resides with her spouse, Shari.

Kristin Dale Brown ’92 was awarded the Associate designation for successfully completing seven examinations that are administered by the Casual Actuarial Society. She also completed the required Course on Professionalism, which presents real world situations that contain ethical and professionalism issues for the actuary. Martin Dale ’92 is currently deputy of the political and economic section at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. James Gavin ’92 is a teacher for Des Moines Community Schools and lives in St. Charles. Wouter Hertzberger ’92 is a banking partner at Norton Rose in Amsterdam. Michelle Mackie ’92 is an associate vice president for investment officers at Wells Fargo Advisors in West Des Moines. Michelle and her spouse, Nancy, reside in Clive.

Laura Surber DeCook ’93 of Oskaloosa is a naturalist for the Mahaska County Conservation Board in New Sharon. Timothy Kluender ’93 is senior vice president at First National Bank in Fairfield. Troy Seeley ’93 was promoted to juvenile court officer IV in 2010 and now supervises juvenile probation officers in 10 counties in the 8th Judicial District of the State of Iowa. Adam Sullivan ’93 is the chief of staff in Rep. Jack Kingston’s office in the U.S. House of Representatives. He completed his MBA at Georgetown Washington University last January and recently worked in the defense communications industry and was previously a deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor. Adam and his wife, Melissa Hall Sullivan ’93, and their two children reside in Alexandria, Va.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Justin Aten ’94 is the vice president of business intelligence for Med Assets and resides in Flower Mound, Texas, with his wife, Monica, and son, Samuel (5). Benjamin Hill ’94 was awarded tenure and promoted to professor of philosophy at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. As a preschool teacher at Colo-Nesco, Jalene Miller Hornbuckle ’94 helped write grants that totaled over $50,000 for new preschool outdoor playground facilities in Colo and McCallsburg. Jalene and her husband, Brian, reside in Nevada. David Marshall ’94 is a software engineer IV for ITS, Inc. – Shazam in Johnston, where he resides with his wife, Tammie. Ken McCormick ’94 works for Graham Construction in Des Moines as a project manager. Ken was the project manager for the Blank Performing Arts Center addition and will serve the same role for the new Kent Campus Center on the Simpson campus. Ken and his wife, Kellie, reside in Chariton. Kelly Verwers Meyers ’94 is director of regulatory and governmental affairs for the Iowa Health Care Association in West Des Moines. She resides in Indianola with her husband, Gerard. Jennifer Pellant ’94 is a director of marketing for Bar1 Events, Inc. in Chicago, where she also resides. Meghan Shoultz Super ’94 and her husband, Matt, were married in September 2010 and live in Spring Lake Park, Minn., with their sons, Max (2½) and Gus (1). Diane Ernst Temple ’94 teaches dual credit composition and literature classes at Maquokata Valley High School and also teaches composition at the Kirkwood Academy in Monticello. Diane and her husband, Pete, reside in Monticello. 40

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Angela McDonald Axman ’95 received her MBA from Upper Iowa University and is a teacher and coach at Pomeroy-Palmer Community School. She and her husband, Bill, reside in Pomeroy with their daughter, Kristin (3). Danille Smalley Curtis ’95 is a loan operations specialist at Home State Bank in Jefferson, where she resides with her husband, Kent. Todd Larson ’95 works for the City of Yankton, S.D., as the director of parks and recreation. He and his wife, Angela, reside in Yankton. Julie Youngberg Nelson ’95 is a payroll analyst for MidAmerican Energy Company in Des Moines. Julie and her husband, Lynn Nelson ’99, live in Ankeny. Mary Ann Nielsen ’95, now semi-retired, chairs the IRIS Board of Directors and is vice chair of Iowa Dollars for Scholars, past chair of Mercy Auxiliary of Central Iowa and past chair/retired member of Everybody Wins! Iowa Board of Directors. She and her husband, Ron, reside in Johnston. Bryan Ott ’95 recently accepted a position at Digital River as director of technical sales. He lives in Minneapolis, Minn., with his wife, Jana, and three daughters. Timothy Perkins ’95 is a database administrator for EquiTrust Life Insurance in Des Moines, where he resides. Donelle Pyle ’95 is working for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations in Savannah, Ga., as ME investigator. Donelle earned her Master of Forensic Science at George Washington University. Amy Rawson ’95 graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. She resides in Plainfield, N.H., and is a clinical laboratory scientist, hematology, at DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center.

Donn Stanley ’95 was elected to represent Judicial District 5C on the Iowa State Bar Association Board of Governors. Daniel Syata ’95 and Rhonda Dodge Syata ’96 live in Ankeny with their children, Josilyn (6) and Braden (4). Justin Thompson ’95 is a member of the Le Claire Volunteer Fire Department. He resides in Le Claire with his wife, Rebecca Wells Thompson ’96. Melissa Brooker Zollman ’95 works for TMC Transportation in Des Moines in the human resource and legal departments. Melissa and her husband, Tony, reside in Pleasant Hill.

Kelly Faidley Kinney ’96 is a clinical therapist at Broadlawns Medical Center. She and her husband, Scott, reside in Altoona. Jessica Lorimor Persinger ’96 resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with her husband, Chris, and their two children, Maddison and Jericho. Shannon Hines Reasby ’96 is an instructional coach at Renaissance Academy in Kansas City, Mo. She was runner-up Imagine National Teacher of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year. Shannon resides in Olathe, Kan.

LCDR David Burmeister ’96 is a pilot in the U.S. Navy and resides in Omaha, Neb., with his wife, Janelle, and three daughters.

Jason Askelson ’97 is director of professional services for Sage Software in Scottsdale, Ariz. Jacki Harrison Askelson ’97 is a performance solutions strategist for ITAGroup in Des Moines. The couple resides in Johnston.

Jill Fox ’96 is a lecturer – ESL for the University of NebraskaLincoln and resides in Lincoln, Neb.

Renee Dolan ’97 is a business analyst at Michigan State University and lives in East Lansing, Mich.

Brenda Boers Grote ’96 is a paralegal for Fennemore Craig, PC in Phoenix, Ariz., where she resides.

Allison Stark Evans ’97 is a business relationship manager for Dardis Communications in West Des Moines. Allison and her husband, Rob, live in Waukee.

Teri Herron ’96 was awarded the 2011 Blackboard Catalyst Course Award for her online course, Music in American Culture, which she designed, developed and teaches at Delta State University. This prestigious international award honors members of the Blackboard online learning community who design and develop exciting and innovative courses that represent the very best in technology and learning. Teri resides in Cleveland, Miss. Stacie O’Brien Hickerson ’96 resides in Plainfield, Ill., with her husband, Greg, and son, Austin (8). Elizabeth Spreen Jahn ’96 a kindergarten-fifth grade music teacher at Yellow Medicine East in Granite Falls, Minn. Beth and her husband, Chuck, live in Montevideo, Minn.

Justin Evans ’97 is a compliance and coding specialist for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Children’s Hospital. Marcie Keeney Evans ’98 is the owner of Serenity Yoga and Pilates Studio in Iowa City, where the couple resides. Amanda Reaman Feeley ’97 works for Esscentual Alchemy as a botanical perfumer. She was awarded two Best of 2010 botanical perfume releases, one for her botanical perfume, Bennach, and the other for her seasonal botanical perfume, Christmas and Cookies. Amanda and her husband, Kevin, reside in Ames. Nelson Fry ’97 is the president and CEO for TEAM Restoration Ministries in Osceola. Nelson was

elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2010, serving the 95th district in the 84th General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature. Heather Bartenhagen Fry ’00 is the owner of and an instructor at To the Beat Dance Studio. She is also a home school consultant and teacher. Nelson and Heather reside in Osceola with their four children, Tanner, Mason, Reagan and Landon.

Jennifer Fleming Smith ’97 and Martin Smith ’96 live in West Des Moines with their children, Megan (7) and Jonathan (2).

Sarah Houska Shadle ’98 is a juvenile court officer for the State of Iowa and resides in Ely with her children, Courtney (6) and Thomas (3).

Tracy Struble ’97 is a senior account analyst for CDS Global, Inc. in Des Moines.

Terra Davids Strohmeyer ’98 lives in Dubuque with her husband, Scott, and children, Jaxen (5) and Jolee (3).

Traci Hill Havlik ’97 is a nationally-board certified teacher and Iowa Health Teacher of the Year. Traci and her husband, Lee, reside in Madrid.

Heather Stevens Willrich ’97 resides in Dallas Center with her husband, Daniel, and three children, Levi (7), Benjamin (3) and Seth (1).

Melissa Vos Henderson ’97 is the director of business development for CEC. Melissa resides in Cedar Rapids with her husband, Anthony Henderson ’97, and daughter, Emily (3). Amanda King ’97 is on the staff of the Colorado Reapportionment Commission, which is charged with drawing the legislative districts for the state of Colorado. She resides in Denver, Colo., with her husband, Kevin Brich. Troy King ’97 is company commander for an Army Reserve Engineer Company in Afghanistan. Sheri Geil Morrissey ’97 and her husband, Blaine, reside in Des Moines with their daughter Claire Macy (4). Jennifer Pfeifer-Malaney ’97 is owner/treasurer of McCoy True Value Hardware in Indianola. She was recently elected Zeta North province director of chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Zeta North covers all of the Iowa chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma including Simpson, Drake University, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Amy Runyon-Harms ’97 works for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains as the director of political outreach. She and her husband, Jason, reside in Denver, Colo.

Samantha Voss ’97 is an underwriter for AEGON, USA in Clearwater, Fla.

Russell Baugh ’98 is a sleep medicine recruiter for R.e.M. Group in Omaha, Neb. He and his wife, Marilyine, reside in Norwalk. Kathryn Dovenspike Egbert ’98 is working for Lucas County as a CPC administrator and resides in Lucas. Joel Hoger ’98 and Megan Moyer Hoger ’00 reside in Indianola with their children, Logan (7), Taylor (4) and twins, Paige and Lilly (2). Angela Johnson ’98 is a special educator at Waukee Community Schools. She and her husband, Chet Johnson ’98, reside in Norwalk. Michael McIlheran ’98 is serving as chaplain at the Minnesota Department of Correction Prison at Lino Lakes, Minn., and also at Minnesota Teen Challenge, a treatment center for adults and teens with addictions to drugs and alcohol. Mike and his wife, Debra, reside in Brooklyn Center, Minn. Ryan Morrison ’98 works for Community 1st Credit Union as a training manager. Ryan and his wife, Cheryce, were married in July 2010 and reside in Oskaloosa. Emily Schwery ’98 has her master’s degree in education school counseling from Drake University and is the guidance counselor for Indianola Community Schools.

Callie Slater Tangeman ’98 graduated from University of Nebraska Omaha with a Master of Social Work in August 2007. She resides in Lincoln, Neb., with her husband, Jeffrey, and daughter, Eliza Rose (5). Barry Waugh ’98 is a senior project manager at Cambridge Investment Research in Fairfield, where he now resides with his wife, Kara, and son, Kerrick. Kimber Kennedy Alexander ’99 is a registered nurse at Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, where she resides with her husband, Bret. Chad Allard ’99 is the band director at Marion High School in Marion, where he resides with his wife, Amanda. Brian Bradway ’99 and Jennifer Vanek ’99 reside in New Brighton, Minn. Jill Knepper Dowe ’99 is director of business office operations for Blue Chip Surgery Center Partners in Cincinatti, Ohio. Erin Harris ’99 has a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Justin Kelso ’99 is working at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Des Moines as a call center planning and analysis manager. Rachael Strom Kieschnick ’99 co-founded a wildlife education and outreach program nonprofit called “For the Love of Nature.” Rachael resides in Abilene, Texas.

Bryan Martin ’99 is associate head men’s basketball coach for the University of North Dakota and resides in Grand Forks, N.D., with his wife, Angie, and sons, Pearson and Evan (8) and Kellen (3). Jennell Connell Owens ’99 works for Wells Fargo. Jennell and her husband, Troy Owens ’99, reside in Ankeny. Marti Tiedeman-Bratt ’99 and her husband, Eric, have two boys, Simon (3) and Jonah (1). The family resides in Fonda. Ed Wallace ’99 was appointed by Gov. Branstad to deputy director of Iowa Workforce Development. He resides in Urbandale with wife, Jen, and sons, Jack and Tate. Dawn Webster ’99 is a chiropractor at WellnessFirst Chiropractic in Sullivan, Ind. Tyler Kamerman ’00 and his brother started an Australian football team, the Des Moines Roosters. The club recruits from the Des Moines area and is open to all levels of experience. Australian Rules Football has taken off rapidly in the United States, with nearly every major metropolitan area having representation at the 2010 USAFL National Championships. Charlotte Capper Leydon ’00 is an RN for Group Health Cooperative, returning to work part-time in May after staying at home and caring for Henry (3) and Grant (1) full-time. Charlotte and her husband, George, and boys reside in Madison, Wis. Natalie Ullerich McNaught ’00 recently obtained her Professional in Human Resources certification. She resides in Clive with her husband, Andrew. Kevin Oswald ’00 and Gwen Bigelow Oswald ’05 live in Winterset with their son, Abram Ace (2).

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Tara Abbas Staker ’00 is a field liaison manager for ING Financial Partners in Des Moines. Tara resides in Johnston with her husband, Damon. Shawn Ausborn ’01 works at Wells Fargo in West Des Moines and resides in Polk City. Sarah Bidney ’01 of Urbandale was named the 2010 Iowa PGA Teacher of the Year. She is the first female recipient in the history of the award. Jennifer Bellon Couchman ’01 is plant controller at DairiConcepts, LP in Allerton. She resides in Humeston with her husband, Eric, and sons, Dalton (6) and Dillon (3). Janet Jacobsen Crum ’01 is the director of business services at AIB College of Business in Des Moines. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband, Randy. Pamela Rush Davis ’01 works at Wells Fargo and lives in West Des Moines with her husband, Bill. Melissa Gesing ’01 is the vice president for Scott County Republican Women and secretary for Scott County Republicans and lives in Davenport. In September 2009, Traci Eichhorst Holloway ’01 added an awesome husband and two awesome stepchildren, Logan and Laura, to her life when she married Samuel Holloway. The family resides in Saint Peters, Mo. Becky Lumbard Johnson ’01 graduated from the University of Iowa with an MBA and is an accountant for Gits Manufacturing Company in Creston. Becky and her husband, Brad, reside in Creston. Matthew Jones ’01 is a senior commercial underwriter for Nationwide Insurance and his wife, Kristin Egesdal Jones

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

’01, is a senior market segment manager for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The couple resides in Waukee.

Tiffany Berkenes ’02 is the upward bound coordinator at Central College in Pella, where she resides.

Heidi Espenhover Mart ’01 and husband, Chris, reside in Waukee. Heidi is currently staying home to take care of their son, Brady.

Daniel Briggs ’02 is a high school science teacher and swim coach for Waukee Community Schools. Daniel and his wife, Tiffany Pettitt Briggs ’02, reside in Waukee.

Karen Rolwes Mathes ’01 is pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing at Des Moine Area Community College. She is currently working as a patient care technician in the RN program for Mercy Medical Center. Karen resides in Polk City with her husband, Jason, and daughter, Norah. Jennifer Miller ’01 is a vice president of business banking for Citizens Bank NA in Lenexa, Kan., and resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Heather O’Hara ’01 works for the State of Kansas in the Legislative Research Department as a principal analyst. She and her husband, Sean Tomb, live in Lawrence, Kan. Lisa Cowling Pecina ’01 resides in Urbandale with her husband, Mike, and daughters, Mari (5) and Baylor (3). Matthew Price ’01 and Jennifer Young Price ’01 reside in Indianola with their daughters, Hannah and Rebekah.

Rebecca Casey Carter ’02 is working as a physical therapist and director of rehabilitation for ONR, Inc. in Knoxville. She and her husband, Brian, live in Albia with their son, Casey. Anthony Coppola ’02 finished his residency at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines and joined the Gundersen Lutheran Clinic in Decorah as a family practice physician. He resides in Decorah with his wife, Kelly Davis Coppola ’99, and sons, Davis and Bennett. Brianne Trease Fitzgerald ’02 is working as the executive director of the United Way of Mahaska County. She and her family are moving from Muscatine to Oskaloosa. Annie Brogden Halsband ’02 is a second grade teacher at Clarke Community Elementary in Osceola, where she resides with her husband, Jason. Matthew Hemphill ’02 is now a partner in the law firm Bergkamp & Hemphill, P.C.

Stephanie Peiffer Hoopes ’02 resides in Grinnell with her husband, Andy Hoopes ’02, and their two sons, Jack (5) and Aaden (3). Karen Hursh ’02 resides in Omaha, Neb., with her husband, Warren, and children, Rylee, Anthony, Isabelle and Sonia. Kate Pagel Jeffryes ’02 works for A Child’s World in West Des Moines as a pre-kindergarten teacher. Kate and her husband, Joe, reside in Waukee. Michelle Archibald Kopp ’02 is the director of financial planning and analysis at Aviva in West Des Moines. Kyle Lehman ’02 is a project director for Trilliant Inc. in Redwood City, Calif. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla., with his wife, Christa. Alaina Hinman Ortiz ’02 is director of content management for PSL Group America in New York. She and her husband, German, reside in Iowa City. Ryan Schmitz ’02 is a software engineer for IBM in New York. Ryan and wife, Allison Smith ’03, reside in Des Moines. Scott Shoger ’02 is an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University and is working on his doctorate in patristics there. Michelle Wentworth Shoger ’02 is an assistant pastor at

Kylie Towers ’01 is an archivist and curator for Kappa Kappa Gamma in Columbus, Ohio. Kara Van Nordstrand ’01 is working for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a campaign manager and resides in West Des Moines. Jason Badger ’02 works for Chartered Financial Services, Ltd in West Des Moines. Jason resides in Norwalk with his wife, Tara, and their two-yearold daughter, Emily. Barbara Sobotka Baumgardner ’02 and her husband, Mark, live in Cambridge with their two daughters, Brooklyn (6) and Brenna (3).

Study abroad? While you were at Simpson, did you study abroad? Then we’d love to have you send us a picture for our next issue! In April, The Simpson magazine will look at how the study abroad programs have grown over the years and we want to feature photos of your Simpson study abroad experience. Please send scanned photos to leslie.held@ simpson.edu or mail them to Leslie Held, Director of Alumni Relations, 701 N. C Street, Indianola, IA 50125. Deadline is March 5, 2012. Please provide as much information as possible for each photo including names of people featured (as many as possible), where it was taken, and who led the trip. We look forward to sharing your study abroad memories!

New Hope United Methodist Church in Arnold, Mo. The couple lives in St. Louis, Mo., with their two daughters, Grace Felicity and Mary Ella. Jennifer Smith ’02 is managing editor for the German Chamber of Commerce in China. Jennifer is pursuing a master’s degree in contemporary development in China at the new Beijing Normal University. The Rev. Betzy Elifrits Warren ’02 was ordained an elder in full connection in the Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in June. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband, Brock. Gregg Berndt ’03 is working for Compass Group and resides in Johnston. Kelly Dreke Betsworth ’03 is a licensed independent social worker and works as supervisor of substance abuse services at Pace Juvenile Justice Center. She resides in Des Moines with husband, Matt, and son, Jackson (3). James Boswell ’03 is a clinical research fellow at Boston University. He recently completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at Penn State University and resides in West Roxbury, Mass., with his wife, Rachel Wasserman. Nick Claussen ’03 is working on his doctorate in endocrinology and reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. He races bicycles as a hobby. Michael Conway ’03 is employed at Dillards in West Des Moines. Brian Depew ’03 was promoted to assistant executive director at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Neb., where he resides. Matt DeWolf ’03 is a marketing and communication consultant for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity in Indianapolis, Ind., and resides in Plymouth, Minn.

Carrie Dunham-LaGree ’03 earned her Master of Science in Information Studies from the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., in December 2010. She returned to Des Moines with her husband, Michael, and is the librarian for digital literacy and general education at Drake University. Carol Edel Geil ’03 is a communication project director for Central College. She and her husband, Todd, reside in Knoxville. Benjamin Hermanson ’03 married Jana Hermanson in July 2009. The couple resides in Otsego, Minn. He loves the well-rounded engineering education he could only get at Simpson College. Christina Laughery ’03 is a business systems analyst for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Des Moines. She is working on her MBA at the University of Iowa and resides in West Des Moines. Sean McRoberts ’03 is pastor at the United Methodist Church in Mason City, where he resides with his wife, Colleen. Erin Haller Morain ’03 is a freelance writer. She and her husband, David Morain ’03, reside in Jefferson. Katie Egli Oltmann ’03 works for Granite Transformations in West Des Moines, where she resides with her husband, James. Ashley Ostroski ’03 is currently the only board certified dance/ movement therapist in the state. She is employed at Orchard Place and resides in West Des Moines. Jill Pecinovsky ’03 works for EMC Insurance Companies in Des Moines as an application system analyst. Erin Reed ’03 graduated with her MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Erin is now working at Rockhurst as the director of MBA advising.

Naomi Hoffman Sharp ’03 and her husband, Kurtis, celebrated their eight-year anniversary in June. They reside in Creston with son, Ryder. Kara Shultz Smith ’03 and husband, Tapp, are the owners of The Castle Bar and Grill in Littleton, Colo. They reside in Englewood. Tyler Smith ’03 is a project manager for AVI Systems Inc. in Des Moines. He and his wife, Megan, reside in Des Moines. Christy Vandonselaar ’03 was promoted to director of NTR at Des Moines Radio Group in Altoona. Christy and her husband, Keith, married in June 2009, reside in Altoona. Tate VanHouten ’03 is the co-founder and owner of Integrated Sports Performance, LLC. He resides in Ankeny with his wife, Kathy Hutchinson VanHouten ’03, and twins, Calen and Camryn (2). Amy Brown Vickery ’03 is a support professional for Stream Global Services in Sergeant Bluff. She and her husband, Blake, reside in Sioux City. Julie Wolfram ’03 received her doctorate in pathology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and has started post-doctoral work at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland. Julie resides in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Stephanie Schloemer Barrett ’04 works for Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa as a mental health counselor in Des Moines, where she resides with her husband, Beau Barrett ’05. Beau is a computer teacher for the Waukee Community School District. Kelly Dentliger Barrick ’04 is vice president and senior account executive at GE Capital in West Des Moines. She and her husband, Nic, live in Johnston. Erin Lane Christ ’04 received her Master of Arts in Spanish from the University of Northern

Iowa in May. She is teaching high school Spanish at Dallas Center-Grimes and resides in Dallas Center. Matt Edwards ’04 is an assistant director for global perspectives in the Undergraduate Program Office within the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa and resides in Coralville. Jessica Dyer Forinash ’04 is an admissions counselor for Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., where she resides with her husband, Michael Forinash ’05. Benay Hicks ’04 is pursuing a Master in Theological Studies at Boston University. Benay recently moved from Boston to Durham with her spouse, Leith. Erik Jacobson ’04 is an internal medicine resident at the University of South DakotaSanford School of Medicine. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern UniversityCollege of Osteopathic Medicine. Erik and his wife, Jill, reside in Sioux Fall, S.D. Jean Greiner James ’04 passed the CPA exam in 2007 and is an accountant/purchase supervisor for Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons, P.C. Ben Jauer ’04 is a dealer support representative for Polaris Industries in Medina, Minn. Ben and his wife, Brenda, reside in Plymouth, Minn. Patti Lacina Kelly ’04 is working on her master’s degree in nursing education. Kara Lambert ’04 is the youth minister and director of youth music ministries for St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, Ill., where she also resides. Kimberly Lamon-Loperfido ’04 works for Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board as a prevention specialist in alcohol and drug services.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

She provides technical assistance to community providers and performs evaluations and direct program implementation. Kim and her husband, JV, reside in Arlington, Va. Jason Mitchell ’04 recently completed his master’s degree in English and is working for Appalachian State University as an adjunct instructor in the English department in Boone, N.C., where he resides with his wife, Alanah Davis Mitchell ’03. Kate Oltrogge ’04 is a clinical pharmacist specialist and assistant professor (clinical) at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Joel Parker ’04 is a business systems consultant for Wells Fargo in Des Moines and resides in Urbandale.

Jacob Brosamle ’05 is a doctor at Whitmer Spine and Sports Chiropractic in Sergeant Bluff. He and his wife, Tyse, reside in Sioux City. Katie Skinner Cox ’05 works for Iowa Academy of Family Physicians in Des Moines as the director of communications. She resides in Altoona with her husband, Ben Cox ’04.

Caroline Capper ’06 spent the 2007-08 school year teaching English in China and in now a client relations specialist for Event Photography Group.

Hannah Elkin Lyons ’06 is a laboratory technician at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she resides with her husband, Derek Lyons ’07.

Calista Vasey Sievers ’06 is a financial services manager for Life Care Services in Des Moines. She and her husband, Chris, reside in Indianola.

Libby Ehrig ’06 is a financial services supervisor at First American Bank in Clive. Scott Ellens ’06 is an online ad traffic administrator for The Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Ariz., where he resides.

Benjamin Thompson ’06 is working for Pella Community Schools as the assistant high school band director while his wife, Laura Hupp ’08, is starting her first year of law school at the University of Iowa. The couple resides in Pella.

Jared Rokke ’05 is a civil engineer for Foth in Johnston and resides in Grimes.

LeeAnn Clifton Fulton ’06 resides in Urbandale with her husband, Michael, and daughter, Evelynn (3).

Rae Crawford Vandehaar ’06 and John Vandehaar were married in September 2006 and live in Des Moines.

Michael Schrodt ’05 is a consumer loan underwriter for Wells Fargo in Des Moines. He and his wife Amy, reside in Waukee.

Marjorie Kinsel Harper ’06 is a human resources generalist for Vangent, Inc. and lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband, Bryan.

Jennifer Cattell ’07 works for the Polk County Youth Services in Des Moines.

Christopher Shaver ’05 works for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Des Moines as a loan administration supervisor.

Jennifer Humphrey Harris ’06 is a teacher for the Newton Community Schools. She and her husband, Jonathon, reside in Des Moines.

Meghann Kehoe ’05 recently completed her master’s degree in higher education: student affairs at Iowa State University.

Brady Spangenberg ’04 is the senior editor at BASF SE in Limburgerhof, Germany. He recently completed his doctorate in comparative literature at Purdue University where his dissertation was selected by Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts for the “Distinguished Dissertation Award.”

Jerry McQuiston ’05 started On Target Consulting LLC, a management and marketing consulting business, in Des Moines in May 2010.

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Megan Hauswald Calfee ’06 is a teacher for the Urbandale Community School District. She and her husband, Tyler, reside in Urbandale.

Brenna Maher Coughenour ’06 and William Coughenour ’06 celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in June. The couple resides in Granger.

Christin Fara Slorah ’04 and her husband, Adam, reside in Indianola with their two children, Carson and Kendall.

Sara Leichty Yoder ’04 is an internal control accountant for John Deere in Milan, Ill. She and her husband, Donovan, reside in West Liberty.

Ashley Bennett Tomson ’05 is a math teacher for Norman High School in Norman, Okla., where she resides.

his studies on faith-based non-profit organizations, at the University of Delaware. Shawna Baker Huston ’07 graduated from Iowa State University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and is now an associate veterinarian at Keystone Animal Hospital. Roger and Shawna reside in Oxford, Pa.

Brandon Claxton ’06 is a detective for the City of Blue Springs, Mo. Brandon, his wife, Emily Kimzey Claxton ’08, and son, Colson, reside in Grain Valley, Mo.

Erin Goettl Putrah ’04 is working for Zirous, Inc. in West Des Moines as an application development architect.

Kathryn Langgaard Victora ’04 passed the CPA exam and received her CPA license. She is an accountant at Valley E-Free Church. Katy and her husband, Jason, reside in West Des Moines.

Amanda Chizek Sturgeon ’05 resides in Grimes with her husband, Chad, and son, Tyler.

Kara DeNoon Rhodes ’06 earned her National Board Certification in EAYA Instrumental Music in November 2010. She is the 6-12 grade band director at Bethany Public Schools and resides in Moore, Okla., with her husband, Clayton.

Lindsey Ingles Guetter ’05 is a safety and quality assurance analyst for Mesaba Airlines in Eagan, Minn. She and her husband, Aaron, reside in Saint Paul, Minn. Matthew Haberl ’05 recently completed his orthopedic residency to become an orthopedic clinical specialist in physical therapy in Onalaska, Wis.

Candi Ruff Vernon ’04 is a compliance consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and resides in Waukee.

Emily Wheatley Akers ’05 is the owner/manager of J Bruners Restaurant. She and her husband, Joe, reside in Clarinda.

Miles Shultz ’05 and Jean Clipperton ’07 are busy living the dream in Ann Arbor, Mich. Miles loves eradicating employment discrimination with the EEDC and Jean is well on her way to completing her doctorate at the University of Michigan.

Roger Huston ’06 graduated from Iowa State University with a Master of Public Administration in May and is now pursuing his doctorate in public policy and administration, concentrating

Kelly Drobac ’07 works for Elsmore Swim Shop in Apple Valley, Minn. Natalie Chizek Ketcham ’07 is a department assistant for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Natalie and her husband, Mark, reside in Victorville, Calif. Josh Ludwig ’07 is a performance auditor II for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Des Moines, where he resides.

Jason Parkinson ’07 works for GoDaddy.com in Scottsdale, Ariz. He and his wife, Lesley, live in Phoenix.

Elena Halbmaier ’08 is pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wis.

Doug Rolwes ’07 is a high school business teacher for Walhert High School. Jessica Harvey Rolwes ’07 is the director of communications and marketing at Holy Family Catholic Schools in Dubuque. The couple resides in Epworth.

Derrick Hatfield ’08 is a commercial lines associate underwriter for Allied Insurance in Des Moines.

Stacy McClure Smith ’07 is working on her Master of Science in higher education teaching and learning through Kaplan University. Britta Johnson Wey ’07 is an annuity operations processor for Met Life. Bretta resides in Johnston with her husband, Kevin, and son, Adam. Caitrin Leslie Wheeler ’07 is a claim team coordinator for Principal Financial Group. Christopher Wheeler ’07 recently completed General Motors specialized training and is currently working on World Class Technician status. He works at Shottenkirk Chevrolet as a technician. The couple, married in February 2008, resides in Windsor Heights. Brett Barber ’08 is parks and recreation director for the City of Grimes. He lives in Waukee with his wife, Carey. Sara Westfall Boudreau ’08 is a pet trainer at PetSmart in Joliet, Ill. She resides in Plainfield, Ill., with her husband, Michael. Lacey Danielson Cherniss ’08 is a training specialist for Iowa College Student Aid Commission. She and her husband, Travis Cherniss ’07, reside in Carlisle. Jessie Cotton ’08 is a voice instructor for SNJ in Omaha, Neb., after completing her Master of Music in vocal performance in 2010. Jonathan Feld ’08 is a bank teller for Wells Fargo in Chaska, Minn. He and Kayla Dvorak Feld ’09 reside in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Kelsey Hedrick ’08 is a retired Peace Corps volunteer. She is still in Cambodia and is working for Jay Pritzker Academy (JPA), a private school, one of only two in the world (the other is in Chicago). While she misses the United States, Kelsey loves her job and the Cambodia people. Alison Jepsen ’08 is working in her master’s degree in English language and literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Calie Hohneke Lukenbill ’08 is an accountant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Des Moines. She is working on her Master of Accounting from the University of Phoenix and resides in Norwalk. Jeanie Hills McVay ’08 is a timeline/workflow manager at Petosa, Petosa & Boecker, LLP in Clive. She and her husband, Lance McVay ’06, reside in Indianola. Annette Marshall Nickel ’08 graduated from the Ohio State University College of Optometry and is practicing optometry in Cedar Rapids. She and her husband, Jake, reside in Fairfax and are very excited to be back in Iowa. Cassie Norman ’08 is an account executive for Feinstein Kean Healthcare. She recently completed her Master of Arts at Washington State University. Cassie resides in Chevy Chase, Md. Brandon Ortale ’08 is an assistant ticket office manager for the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines and lives in West Des Moines. Mike Redeker ’08 is the advertising director for Redeker’s Furniture in Boone.

Jason Rokke ’08 works for Audubon County in Audobon, where he also resides. Sheena Smitley ’08 teaches high school English at Norwalk Community Schools and resides in West Des Moines. Jason Stanbro ’08 and his wife, Cynthia, have founded central Iowa’s first professional theater, the Winterset Stage. Andrew Whitlatch ’08 is a staff accountant at Shepard, Schwartz and Harris LLP in Chicago. He and his wife, Kathryn, live in Elmhurst, Ill. Katie Wiggenjost ’08 is working as a physician’s assistant at Eagle View Community Health System in Oquawka, Ill. She graduated from Des Moines University with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree in May. Travis Benning ’09 is a consultant in process management for Nationwide Insurance in Des Moines. Tim Bolten ’09 ran the Chicago Marathon, his first marathon, in October and finished in the top third. Tim works at Wells Fargo in Des Moines and lives in Waukee. Amanda Brown ’09 is teaching kindergarten at Southeast Warren Community Schools and resides in Indianola. Cal Busby ’09 is an assistant athletic trainer/SPSC instructor at Simpson College. He completed his master’s degree in teaching, majoring in athletic training and history at Simpson. Tara Eggers ’09 works for Orchard Place as a primary milieu treatment counselor and resides in Johnston. Carolyne Hall ’09 works as the assistant to the artistic and general director at Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, N.Y., where she resides.

Emily Kacere ’09 works for Mandate Pictures in Santa Monica, Calif., as assistant to the executive vice president of physical production. Debra Lane ’09 works for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Des Moines as an accountant and resides in Indianola. Josh Maher ’09 is a production scientist I at Integrated DNA Technologies in Coralville. Josh and his wife, Karla Wood Maher ’05, reside in North Liberty. Leslie Emal Mecham ’09 is a preschool teacher for the Indianola Community School District. She and her husband, Cody, married in February 2010, reside in Indianola. Raena Gordon Morgan ’09 is a forecasting analyst for MidAmerican Energy Company in Urbandale. She resides in Madrid with her husband, Curtis. Tracy Robson ’09 teaches Spanish at St. Pius X School in Urbandale. Carl Rowles ’09 is a graduate assistant in the band department at Tennessee Technological University, where he is working on his Master of Arts in teaching. Brenna Abel Stoffa ’09 is the assistant director of annual fund programs at Drake University. Brenna and her husband, Justin Stoffa ’09, reside in Norwalk. Meridith Sayler Swoyer ’09 and her husband, Zachary, were marred in November 2010 and reside in San Diego, Calif. Kristen Towne ’09 is a social worker for Iowa Hospice in Fort Dodge. Kelsey Ubben ’09 is a lab assistant at Drake University, where she is working on her Master of Arts in school counseling.

Rachel Jones ’09 is a school psychologist for Great Prairie AEA and lives in Fort Madison.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Katherine Petrak Vasquez ’09 works at Mercy Medical Center and is pursuing an associate of science in nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Craig Vasquez ’06 works for the City of Des Moines. The couple resides in Pleasant Hill. Erin Vinnedge ’09 is working on her law degree at the University of Montana School of Law. Andrew Wingen ’09 has completed a two-year Masters of Science program in science, technology and environmental policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Kristin Behounek ’10 is a day rehabilitation services program specialist for Friendship Program, Inc., in Omaha, Neb. Kristin resides in Council Bluffs. Matt Behounek ’10 is a system support analyst for Wells Fargo Card Services in West Des Moines. He and his wife, Paige, reside in Windsor Heights. Kayla Hamilton ’10 is a volunteer coordinator for Rainbows United, Inc./ AmeriCorps VISTA in Wichita, Kan., where she resides. Sarah Hammel ’10 works for Pfizer in Charles City as a quality scientist. Alyssa Hedrick ’10 is an admissions counselor at Simpson College and resides in West Des Moines. Cortney Jensen ’10 is a recovery specialist at the Iowa Donor Network in North Liberty and resides in Coralville. Andrew Kirkegaard ’10 is a business analyst for The Iowa Clinic in West Des Moines and resides in Indianola. Jennifer Ludemann ’10 works in Des Moines for the Iowa State Treasurer’s Office as an administrative assistant and lives in Indianola. Allison McNeal ’10 is a newswriter/reporter for the Dallas County News in Adel. 46

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Sonya Nielsen ’10 is the K-8 music teacher for OA-BCIG Schools in Odebolt, where she resides.

District in Cedar Rapids. She and her husband, Matthew Winegard ’10, reside in Iowa City.

Christine Dunn ’11 teaches grades 3-6 music in the Harlan Community Schools and resides in Atlantic.

Noelle Papial ’10 is a placement services specialist for Marsh & McLennan Companies in Urbandale, where she resides.

Michael Worden ’10 is working for Anderson Erickson Dairy as a sales representative and resides in Pleasant Hill.

Randy Ervin ’11 is an area supervisor for United Parcel Service in Des Moines and resides in Newton.

Amanda Yanchury ’10 is a communications assistant for the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.

Suzanne Feight ’11 is an IT applications developer for Nationwide Insurance in Des Moines.

Katheryn Pearson ’10 is pursuing her law degree at Drake University School of Law and is working as a law clerk at Fiedler & Timmer, P.L.L.C. Whitney Rasmussen ’10 works for Meredith Corporation in Des Moines as a search engine marketing analyst. Greg Sibbel ’10 is pursuing his doctorate in developmental biology at Washington University in St. Louis. Nathaniel Simpson ’10 is an inventory control specialist III for Citigroup in Urbandale. Nate and his wife, Cassandra, reside in Ankeny. Shane Smith ’10 is working for Wellmark in Des Moines and resides in Urbandale. Stephanie Jacobson Stockton ’10 teaches first grade for Oklahoma City Public Schools in Oklahoma City, Okla., where she resides with her husband, Jeff. Brandon Thompson ’10 is a call center supervisor for Maximus in West Des Moines. Greg Thompson ’10 is an application developer at Nationwide Insurance in Des Moines. Rebecca Varner ’10 is pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy at Duke University. Heather Weeda ’10 is a substitute teacher for the Clarke Community School District and resides in Osceola. Ashley Weiland ’10 works at Businessolver and resides in West Des Moines. Amanda Carson Winegard ’10 is a first grade teacher for the College Community School

Laura Anderson ’11 is a silk screen printer for A Plus Designs in Atlantic.

Tracy Gordon ’11 is an accounting specialist at Wells Fargo Bank in Des Moines and resides in Runnells.

Shawn Bash ’11 is employed by Aviva USA as a software implementation analyst and resides in Urbandale.

Nicole Grethen ’11 is employed as an SAP key user at Marel Townsend Further Processing in Des Moines and resides in Ankeny.

Elizabeth Hungerford Belden ’11 is a teacher at Apple Tree Children’s Center in Clive and resides in West Des Moines.

Amy Hamilton ’11 is a service representative for Premier Credit Union in Ames, where she resides.

Amy Brandt ’11 is a preschool teacher at Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll and resides in Manilla.

Zachary Haugland ’11 is working as a math teacher at St. Edmond Catholic Schools in Fort Dodge, where he resides.

Alicia Carlo ’11 is category supervisor at Victoria’s Secret in Ames.

Laura Henderson ’11 is the deputy treasurer for Wayne County in Corydon and resides in Seymour.

Veronica Cooper ’11 is a substitute teacher for various southern Iowa school districts and resides in Melcher. Stephanie Corbett ’11 is the AmeriCorps Vista volunteer coordinator for the Volunteer Center of Story County in Ames. Thomas Cotter ’11 is a Spanish teacher at Carlisle High School and resides in West Des Moines. Pamela Rush Davis ’11 works at Wells Fargo. Cheyenne DeMoss ’11 is a 5th grade teacher in the Fairfield Community School District. She resides in Mount Pleasant. Angela Dierenfeld ’11 is a senior identification technician for the Des Moines Police Department.

Mackenzie Hinrichs ’11 is working at Clay Elementary for the Southeast Polk Community School District and resides in Altoona. Bryn Johnson ’11 is a dental assistant at Olson-Bieri & Christensen, D.D.S. in Laurens, where she resides. Kaylee Koster ’11 is director of discipleship/pastoral assistant at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Webster City. Courtney Lezanic ’11 is a mobilepack team leader for Feed My Starving Children in Minnesota. Ashley Drogo Mosier ’11 is a second grade teacher at CAM Elementary School in Massena. She resides in Lyman with her husband, Lucas.

Keeley O’Keefe ’11 is a skill development and respite assistant at Childserve/The Respite Connection in Johnston and Clive. He resides in Grimes. Aren Olson ’11 is a software engineer for Google, Inc. and resides in Lake City. Molly Peterson ’11 is an AmeriCorps tutor for Federal Way Public Schools and resides in Tacoma, Wash.

Ryan Hancock ’00 and Sarah Biewen, May 1, 2010, Riverside. Jane Jorgenson ’00 and Tony Leick, July 15, 2011, Council Bluffs. Rebecca Casey ’02 and Brian Carter, October 1, 2011, Albia. Kyle Lehman ’02 and Christa Walker, October 2, 2010, Jacksonville, Fla.

Katie Rooney ’11 is the events manager for the Historic Valley Junction Foundation.

Lacy Harrington ’04 and Brian Glosser, September 2010, Moravia.

Lara Roy ’11 is a Spanish teacher at Dallas Center-Grimes High School and resides in Des Moines.

David Given ’05 and Amy Stanberry, September 10, 2011, Decatur, Ill.

Katelyn Teachout Sewell ’11 and Aaron Swallwell ’11 reside in Jefferson City, Mo. Jan Spreitzenbarth ’11 is a logistics trainee at Robert Bosh GmbH in Waiblingen, Germany. Anna Stemsrud ’11 is a preschool teacher associate at Whittier Elementary in Indianola, where she resides.

Sarah Meyer ’05 and Tyler Downing, August 6, 2011, Charles City. Jayson Aldrich ’06 and Cassie Aldrich, July 2, 2011, Urbandale. James Brown ’06 and Laura Duvall, July 8, 2011, Des Moines.

Army Reserve Captain Troy King ‘97 is stationed in southern Afghanistan and commands the 322nd Engineer Company from Decorah, Ia. He is pictured with some members of his platoon in front of the dining facility which will support a company of infantry soldiers at Combat Out Post Little Blue. The location is about 75 miles north of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. Troy’s love for Simpson has become legendary in his post with a Simpson flag and t-shirts adorning his tent. Proving you can support Simpson from anywhere, he is recruiting new students from within his platoon.

Daniel Carver ’06 and Rebecca Briggs, July 16, 2011, Reno, Nev.

Nathan Ruhland ’07 and Erin Palmer ’07, May 21, 2011, Richfield, Minn.

Erin Weaver ’09 and Derek Brotherson, May 14, 2011, Avoca.

William Coughenour ’06 and Brenna Maher-Coughenour ’06, June 10, 2006, Granger.

Tonya Thomas ’07 and Jordan Gaffney, September 4, 2011, Waterloo.

Nicole Foster ’10 and Chad Rawson, June 12, 2010, Pleasant Hill.

Christina Weaklend ’11 is working as a library assistant at DMACC in Des Moines.

Bryan Llewellyn ’06 and Joanna Llewellyn, June 26, 2010, Indianola.

Heather Gaffey ’08 and Matt Walker, September 17, 2011, Faribault, Minn.

Blake Freml ’10 and Cassie Main, June 18, 2011, Corning.

MaRRIAGES

Craig Vasquez ’06 and Katherine Petrak ’09, November 13, 2010, Pleasant Hill.

Jessica Leete ’08 and Bradley Painter, December 19, 2009, Elk Horn.

Tasha Stroud ’11 works for Nationwide Agribusiness in Des Moines and resides in Urbandale.

Winston Johnson ’70 and Michele Cohen, May 5, 2011, Rohnert Park, Calif. Bradley Gater ’72 and Tracy Buie, January 1, 2011, Nome, Ala. Lori Benisch ’88 and Michael Snow, August 21, 2010, Wheat Ridge, Colo. Lori Banks ’92 and Brett Ashford, June 11, 2010, Silver City, N.M. Ryan Morrison ’98 and Cheryce Daugherty, July 2010, Oskaloosa.

Shannon Blair ’07 and David Backstrom, July 17, 2011, Des Moines.

Katelyn Whiton ’08 and Colby Brelsford, June 26, 2010, Panora.

Anna Grauer ’07 and Christopher Boals, July 2, 2011, Oxford.

Jamie Bradley ’09 and Afton Allen ’09, June 18, 2011, Smith Chapel on the Simpson campus.

Jessica Haug ’07 and James Hendricks, May 28, 2011, West Des Moines.

Kyle Disney ’09 and Alicia Hagerty ’10, July 23, 2011, Waukee.

Jason Rench ’07 and Ashley Paton ’09, October 3, 2009, Smith Chapel on the Simpson campus.

Erica Shannon ’09 and Nathan Stueve, January 8, 2011, Indianola.

Miranda Knake ’10 and Adam Kracke, June 18, 2011, Delhi. Emily Pearson ’10 and Austen Banks, May 21, 2011, Ankeny. Chanceller Porter ’10 and Jamie Eddy ’10, July 10, 2010, Osceola. Ashley Drogo ’11 and Lucas Mosier, June 25, 2011, Lyman. Joanne Halbur ’11 and Patrick Schoessler, October 22, 2011, Manning. Molly Tubaugh ’11 and Andrew Felton, July 9, 2011, Centerville.

Angela Smith ’09 and Walter O’Donohue, May 21, 2011, Omaha, Neb. THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

BIRTHS & Adoptions Jacob Ryan Coffey, April 8, 2009, to Maureen Sullivan Coffey ’93 and John D. Coffey, III, Plain City, Ohio, joins siblings, John (10), Erin (8) and Katie (5). Maggie Kay Garrison, June 30, 2011, to Keri Kruse Garrison ’93 and Daniel Garrison, Knoxville. Benjamin David VanEe, March 13, 2010, to Brent R. VanEe ’94 and Mara Sensenig VanEe ’97, Cumming, joins big sister, Ava (4).

Eli Dean Klaiber, June 22, 2010, to Jennifer Lorentzen Klaiber ’96 and Brent W. Klaiber, Urbandale, joins Emily and Joey. Brady Hamilton, December 15, 2010, to Sarah Affeldt ’97, Marion, joins sisters, Emma (6) and Lexie (10). Maxwell Robert Lara, November 23, 2010, to Stacey Bochart ’97, Fort Dodge.

Kaitlyn Rae Warren, July 1, 2010, to David A. Warren ’94 and Stacey Shore Warren ’01, Laredo, Texas, joins brother, Jackson David (5).

Augustus Robert Brown, June 28, 2010, to Ryan D. Brown ’97 and Deidre Hindman Brown ’98, Ankeny, joins Parker (10) and Amelia (7).

Sadie May Rippentrop, June 30, 2011, to Dr. Gayette Grimm ’95 and Ryan M. Rippentrop ’97, Prairie Du Chien, Wis., joins Sophia Joy (3½).

Owen Wayne Lewis, June 12, 2011, to Ryan J. Lewis ’97 and Jill Lewis, Las Vegas, Nev.

Mark Jacob Morse, III, May 27, 2010, to Heidi Workman Morse ’95 and Mark Morse, Jr., Waukee. Scarlett Elise Ott, May 20, 2011, to Bryan M. Ott ’95 and Jana Ott, Minneapolis, Minn., joins sisters, Krissana and Sophia. Ryken Asher Barriage, July 13, 2011, to Aaron R. Barriage ’96 and Shelbi Barriage, Waukee, joins big brothers, Anden (7), Tayven (4) and Kallen (1). Emma Rose Burmeister, June 8, 2011, to Lt. Cmdr. David A. Burmeister ’96 and Janelle Burmeister, Omaha, Neb., joins Maddie (4) and Lilly (3). Ian Russell Fleming, May 19, 2009, to Stacy Anderson Fleming ’96 and Ian Fleming, Chicago, Ill. Jackson Ryan Henderson, August 20, 2009, to Melody Zamora Henderson ’96 and Matt A. Henderson, Chandler, Ariz., joins sister, Lauren.

Amelia Jane Kelsick, October 14, 2010, to Jason J. Kelsick ’96 and Stephanie Reinhart Kelsick ’98, Alleman, joins Evan (5) and Aidan (7).

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Emma Courtney Anstey, September 10, 2011, to Amy Spaur Anstey ’98 and Cory Anstey, Cumberland, joins brothers, Gabriel Vernon (7) and Riley Vernon (4). Dylin Ball, September 15, 2009, to Dr. Nicole Hollinrake Ball ’98 and Jason Ball, Atlantic. Reese Ball, April 27, 2011, to Dr. Nicole Hollinrake Ball ’98 and Jason Ball, Atlantic. Blaine Andrew Dixon, February 2, 2010, to Lisa Wagoner Dixon ’98 and Jonathan B. Dixon ’00, Seward, Neb. Paige Riley McClintock, October 12, 2010, to Bert W. McClintock ’98 and Tia McClintock, Fairfax, joins brother, Collin (3).

Ava Jackson, June 2010, to Leah Voorhees Jackson ’99 and Robert Jackson, Jr., Ankeny, joins brother, Lucas (3).

Maya Elizabeth Cruz, October 8, 2009, to Laura Gaumer Cruz ’01 and Jonathan Cruz, Valley Stream, N.Y.

Sloan Edwards, March 10, 2010, to Kristi Loeffelholz ’99 and Jason R. Edwards, Cumming, joins Slade (3).

Alexis Lynn Dominick, September 8, 2010, to Matthew J. Dominick ’01 and Letitia K. Dominick, Humboldt.

Molly Grace Morgan, March 19, 2011, to Joshua C. Morgan ’99 and Dawn Artelli Morgan ’99, Indianola.

Adyson Laine Erwin, October 3, 2011, to Lindsey McGraw Erwin ’01 and Tyler J. Erwin, Omaha, Neb.

Malachi Norton, February 17, 2011, to Todd H. Norton ’99 and Amity Norton, Georgetown, Ky.

Ellen Hinders, January 28, 2011, to Maria Vivone Hinders ’01 and Brent L. Hinders ’01, Norwalk.

Adelyn Kelsey Soenen, December 28, 2009, to Jeremy G. Soenen ’99 and Jill Daniel Soenen ’00, Earlham.

Elyse Grace Kallal, June 2, 2011, to Sarah Bishop Kallal ’01 and Michael C. Kallal, Kansas City, Mo.

Charlie Aldrich to Jill Overturf Aldrich ’00 and Chad Aldrich, Henderson, Nev., joins sister, Riley (4).

Brady Christopher Mart, December 10, 2010, to Heidi Espenhover Mart ’01 and Chris Mart, Waukee.

Betsy Lynn Byars, September 9, 2010, to Brook Christianson Byars ’00 and Justin Byars, Cumming, joins sisters, Kit (7) and Dottie (5).

Colton George and Zoe Susan Nixt, June 7, 2010, to Jenni Waldron Nixt ’01 and Eric G. Nixt ’02, Earlham.

Hannah Margaret Haselhuhn, June 15, 2011, to Traci Stephens Haselhuhn ’00 and Adam Haselhuhn, Boone, joins Tyler (2½). Brady Johns, August 9, 2010, to Benjamin A. Johns ’00 and Kari Bales Johns ’03, Waukee. Alex William Princehouse, August 22, 2010, to Marty L. Princehouse ’00 and Katie Snyder Princehouse ’02, Des Moines, joins Andrew (7) and Molly (4). Jagger Dillon Roberts, October 26, 2009, to Jessamy Helma Roberts ’00 and Jason C. Roberts, Frisco, Colo.

Alex Bjorn and Campbell Kaye Omdahl, January 28, 2011, to Karl B. Omdahl ’98 and Kelly Omdahl, Victoria, Minn.

Chloe Linn Worley, September 21, 2011, to Tori Dales Worley ’00 and Cary Worley, Altoona, joins brother, Chase (4½).

Jonathan Aaberg Chedester, February 15, 2010, to Charles D. Chedester ’99 and Jennifer H. Chedester, Des Moines, joins sister, Emma Jean (4).

Katelynn Marie Bidney, October 26, 2010, to Sarah Bidney ’01 and Stephanie D. Bidney, Urbandale.

Sophia Marie Perkins, July 20, 2010, to Nathanael A. Perkins ’01 and Rev. Christina Hart Perkins ’02, Renwick, joins sisters, Hannah, Lydia, Julia and Libby Ann. Wade James Ranniger, December 9, 2010, to Kari Bahrke Ranniger ’01 and Alex Ranniger, Manning. Caleb George Shepherd, February 24, 2010, to Aimee Seberg Shepherd ’01 and Greg Shepherd, Mount Pleasant. Claire Avery Willemsen, December 23, 2010, to Jessica Page Willemsen ’01 and Patty Nutial, North Canton, Ohio. Maggie J. Wright, May 26, 2011, to Justin W. Wright ’01 and Anne M. Wright, Des Moines, joins sister, Nora (2). Ottilie Allen, August 1, 2009, to Nathan S. Allen ’02 and Aimee L. Allen, Tucson, Ariz. Mady Ryan Blake, February 16, 2011, to Abigail Archibald Blake ’02 and W. Casey Blake,

Indianola, joines Bailey (10), Lauren (8), Dana (4) and George (2). Casey Brian Carter, May 29, 2010, to Rebecca Casey Carter ’02 and Brian Carter, Albia. Cassius Dohlman, October 9, 2009, to Lindsey Dohlman ’02 and Matt Peters, Pleasant Hill, Calif. Kylie Faith Jolly, April 10, 2010, to Rebecca Kingery Jolly ’02 and Jeremy R. Jolly, Pleasantville. Sophia McNab, August 25, 2010, to Jaimie Millward McNab ’02 and Brandon McNab, Colorado Springs, Colo., joins sister, Alexandria (4). Alyssa Maria Park, March 25, 2010, to Renae Kingery Park ’02 and Kristopher M. Park ’02, Indianola. Maddox Pitzen, January 8, 2010, to Michael B. Pitzen ’02 and Katherine Weisz Pitzen ’03, Urbandale, joins brother Jackson (4). Isabel Auderly Ramirez, April 17, 2011, to Britnee Schoonover Ramirez ’02 and Jason Ramirez, Kenosha, Wis. Jayden Steven Schaack, April 27, 2010, to Daniel T. Schaack ’02 and Dr. April Foss Schaack ’02, Rosemount, Minn. Benjamin Joseph Spiker, September 13, 2010, to Andrea Hejlik Spiker ’02 and AJ Spiker, Ames, joins Johnny (2) and Katherine (8). Kennedy Nicole Johnson, March 19, 2010, to Brooke Christensen Johnson ’03 and Matt Johnson, Grimes. Aubree Kellogg, July 16, 2010, to Adam A. Kellogg ’03 and Jenna Kellogg, Prescott, Wis., joins Addison (3). Ryder Sharp, April 2, 2009, to Naomi Hoffman Sharp ’03 and Kurtis J. Sharp, Creston. Iyla Mae Smith, April 2010, to Kara Shultz Smith ’03 and Tapp Smith, Englewood, Colo.

Reed Patrick Studer, April 6, 2011, to Julie Green Studer ’03 and Matthew P. Studer, Omaha, Neb.

Tate Michael Samuels, March 4, 2011, to Todd M. Samuels ’04 and Jennifer Lashier Samuels ’06, West Des Moines.

Kort Raymond Eugene Akers, August 11, 2010, to Jacey Stephens Akers ’07 and Jeremiah Akers, Winterset.

Cohen Bauer, May 7, 2010, to Janine DeHaai Bauer ’04 and Jeff Bauer, West Des Moines.

Rya Wilhelmena Von Behren, June 8, 2011, to Meghan Kelso Von Behren ’04 and Jesse J. Von Behren ’04, Ankeny.

Macie Bonita Krogman, January 19, 2010, to Colleen Scharff Krogman ’07 and Matt Krogman, Saint Charles.

Frank B. Williams, March 15, 2011, to Frank B. Williams, III ’04 and Connie Williams, Urbandale, joins sister, Ava (3).

Andrew William Martin, February 9, 2011, to Monica Sawyers Martin ’07 and Branden D. Martin, Indianola.

Taylor Josephine Woitalewicz, March 6, 2011, to Jacklyn Crowl Woitalewicz ’04 and Brian Woitalewicz, Pearland, Texas.

Brody Reed Weston, April 1, 2011, to Reed J. Weston ’07 and Meredith Shelquist Weston ’08, Ankeny.

Dempsey Michael Biller, March 23, 2011, to Garrett M. Biller ’04 and Kelli Demetri Biller ’06, Dekalb, Ill. Caleb Ryan Buckner, June 26, 2010, to Jeffrey L. Buckner ’04 and Jill McIntire Buckner ’05, Urbandale. Kinlie Ann Crow, November 19, 2010, to Elizabeth Campbell Crow ’04 and Garrett Crow, Lacona. Austin Cole Elrod, May 2, 2010, to Amanda Arrington Elrod ’04 and David Elrod, Indianola, joins Madyson Leigh (5). Rylan David Fridley, November 2010, to Stacy Myers Fridley ’04 and Brent D. Fridley, Prairie City. Ayla Ann Gingerich, May 23, 2011, to Jeffrey M. Gingerich ’04 and Myrissa Gingerich, Iowa City, joins Saylee and Caeson. Our apologies to the Gingerich family for mislabeling Ayla’s picture in the previous edition of the Simpson magazine. Landon Michael Kenney, June 10, 2011, to Julie Kock Kenney ’04 and Mark Kenney, Ankeny, joins sister, Lauren (2½). Payden Jean Meers, March 11, 2011, to Aubrey Bockwoldt Meers ’04 and Chris Meers, Moline, Ill. Harper Grace Murphy, May 27, 2011, to Jennifer Burch Murphy ’04 and Brett C. Murphy ’04, West Des Moines, joins big sister, Riley (3). Charles Wayne Rouse, March 17, 2011, to Emily Gerlock Rouse ’04 and Jason Rouse, Cumberland, joins Gabriel (7), Lydia (5), Elizabeth (3) and William (2).

Kacy Mae Bonnes, March 16, 2011, to Kelley Bell Bonnes ’05 and Jeff A. Bonnes, Indianola, joins sister, Kaitlyn.

Emma Jo Hajduch, February 23, 2011, to Joseph B. Hajduch ’08 and Carlie Beals Hajduch ’08, West Des Moines.

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hickman, March 15, 2011, to Laura Nedved Hickman ’05 and Brian Hickman, Creston.

Clay Isaac Painter, March 13, 2011, to Jessica Leete Painter ’08 and Bradley G. Painter, Enterprise.

Tyler Sturgeon, December 19, 2009, to Amanda Chizek Sturgeon ’05 and Chad Sturgeon, Grimes.

Bronson Joseph White, February 7, 2011, to Aaron R. White ’09 and Dana Dunn White ’10, Carlisle.

Juhl Caden Bengard, May 20, 2009, to Rebecca Cermak Bengard ’06 and Brandon J. Bengard ’07, Grimes.

Aviela Lea Naidenova Savov, May 20, 2010, to Elissa Crawford Savov ’10 and Naiden S. Savov ’11, Fort Dodge.

Colson Arlan Keith Claxton, November 11, 2010, to Brandon B. Claxton ’06 and Emily Kimzey Claxton ’08, Grain Valley, Mo. Hannah Dilts, May 30, 2011, to Tiffany Urquhart Dilts ’06 and Brad Dilts, Sedgwick, Kan., joins Ray (5), Samuel (3) and Lyndsey (1). Easton Ryan Groenendyk, December 20, 2010, to Nicole Anderson Groenendyk ’06 and Ryan Groenendyk, Pella, welcomed home by Ally (4). Kourtney Jade Hoffman, July 30, 2010, to Kasey Keimig Hoffman ’06 and James R. Hoffman ’06, Des Moines. Hayden Coughenour, February 3, 2010, to Brenna MaherCoughenour ’06 and William D. Coughenour ’06, Granger.

Abigail Lynn Vestal, July 7, 2011, to Christopher D. Vestal ’10 and Vicky Mann, Indianola.

DEATHS Vera Goodale Morey ’35, May 13, 2010, Clearfield. Corinne Campbell Price ’36, October 20, 2009, McCook, Neb. Corwin O. Nussbaum ’37, June 27, 2011, Mecosta, Mich. Dr. Bernard Ehrenberg ’39, August 2, 2010, Jupiter, Fla. Persis George Flint ’41, December 16, 2009, Sioux Falls, S.D. Ralph H. Jones ’42, October 17, 2011, Audubon.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

IN REMEMBERANCE… Cliff Meints Professor An excerpt of chemistry professor Ron Warnet’s eulogy of Cliff Meints at the Sept. 8, 2011 memorial service: Many years ago, I received a card with a picture of a large elephant with a tiny bird sitting on its back. The caption inside read, “We have a wonderful and strange relationship.” That is how I view my 42-year relationship with Cliff. It is a strange relationship because we are so different, and a wonderful relationship because we discovered more important things than our differences. It was Cliff who mentored me into the teacher I am. I have always sought advice from Cliff. The last time was just this past week. Always his advice was honest and considered. It often was a viewpoint I had not considered, and it was valuable. For over 50 year Cliff Meints has been Simpson Science. He is the person who is most responsible for how the division has developed. To sustain a teaching career for more than fifty years is a remarkable achievement in itself, but Cliff maintained his interest and excitement in chemistry and in his students as well. So my hope for Cliff is that there is a chemistry lab in heaven and lots of angels who don’t know much chemistry. And that there is a supply of chalk and a portable hood for him to do his demonstrations for them. Otherwise St. Peter will get a scolding for a lack of proper equipment for Cliff to go on teaching. John Eddy Honorary Trustee Longtime Simpson College trustee John Eddy passed away Sept. 5 at his home in West Des Moines, Iowa. He was 86. Raised in Hanover, N.H., and Geneva, N.Y., Eddy graduated from Dartmouth College as part of the class of 1946, but he actually left the campus in the fall of 1944 to serve in the United States Marines. After his discharge in 1947, he graduated from the University of Virginia Law School in 1949. He served during the Korean War from 1951-52, and was discharged as a 1st lieutenant. Eddy was first elected to the Simpson Board of Trustees in June 1955, retiring to honorary life trustee in 1982. He served as the board’s secretary from 1968-77. 50

WW W. S I M P S O N M AGAZINE. C O M

Donald T. McDonald ’43, September 4, 2011, Apache Junction, Ariz. Dorothy McNaughton Sonksen ’43, December 9, 2010, Oakland. Faye Colwell Woody ’43, September 20, 2011, Knoxville. Naomi Allen Bowen ’47, January 8, 2010, Cedar Rapids. Margaret Macklin Brownlee ’47, January 15, 2011, Lincoln, Neb.

Eleanor Barchus Barnes ’61, April 21, 2011, Chariton. M. Blaine Edgington ’61, April 3, 2011, Kalamazoo, Mich. Robert R. Risberg ’61, December 10, 2009, Eau Claire, Wis. Keith C. Macumber ’64, August 10, 2009, Livingston, Texas. Jeanette Jaacks Flagge ’65, July 23, 2011, Ft. Dodge.

Phillip F. Elgin ’47, August 25, 2011, Indianola.

Jeannette Shook Nutting ’65, July 29, 2011, Indianola.

Agusta Schaaf Sheldon ’48, January 9, 2010, Percival.

Frances Mason Tate ’65, July 23, 2011, Enid, Okla.

Kermit Tannatt ’48, September 9, 2011, Pleasant Hill.

Rev. John J. Therkelsen ’65, May 18, 2011, Lexington, Ky.

Kenneth F. Finck ’49, October 22, 2011, West Des Moines.

Dr. David L. Berryhill ’66, June 26, 2011, Fargo, N.D.

Betty Ackley Lathrum ’49, July 17, 2011, Indianola.

Timothy J. Griffith ’66, August 13, 2011, West Des Moines.

Robert Willhite ’49, April 28, 2011, New Hope, Minn.

Eugene R. Sturtz ’67, October 30, 2011, Waukee.

Roger B. Labouteley ’50, April 16, 2011, Blairsville, Ga.

Joanne Coffin Scott ’68, October 13, 2011, Irvine, Calif.

Robert D. Severns ’50, August 19, 2011, Knoxville.

Dr. Carol McClurg Field ’71, July 7, 2011, Saint Johns, Mich.

Francis D. Rullestad ’51, October 20, 2011, West Des Moines.

Dr. Paul D. Knouf ’72, August 23, 2011, Rockwell City.

A. Mardell Acker Hancock ’52, October 8, 2011, Waverly. Donna Riggle Lehmkuhl ’52, May 15, 2011, Indianola. William Allen ’53, March 30, 2010, Sacramento, Calif. Theola Henrichs Van Arkel ’53, April 15, 2010, Pella. Grace Bennett Dodd ’58, May 31, 2010, Grand Junction, Colo. James L. Benson ’60, June 8, 2011, Dumas, Texas. Dennis L. Crossett ’60, October 21, 2011, Indianola.

Robert E. English ’73, July 25, 2011, Harlan. John R. Myers ’74, January 7, 2011, Santa Rosa, Calif. Steven E. Gould ’77, July 24, 2011, Clear Lake. Roger L. Hogate ’80, October 23, 2011, Oskaloosa. Sam L. Schrank ’83, August 15, 2011, Rochester, Minn. Brian E. Hartz ’89, May 11, 2010, Menomonie, Wis. Jennifer Koppie Sells ’94, August 4, 2011, Granville.

It’s a question asked by nearly every prospective student, and one that all proud alumni and friends of the college should be eager to answer without hesitation. To help, we’ve created a list of several areas in which Simpson stands apart. Of course, this is in addition to all the other reasons why Simpson is great - small class sizes, personal attention, caring professors, challenging programs and a fantastic learning environment. • The Simpson Curriculum is leading the way in developing not only the academic skills of our students, but also in making sure all classes focus on the skills employers are looking for and are necessary to succeed in today’s environment. The skills include collaborative leadership, critical thinking, information literacy, intercultural communication, oral communication, quantitative reasoning and written communication. • Simpson’s Guaranteed Internship Program makes sure every student has the opportunity to participate in an internship during their time at Simpson, providing them with valuable experience that will give them a leg up in their career search. Simpson’s location, just minutes from Des Moines, and the broad reach of our alumni network throughout the metropolitan area, creates even more opportunities for placement in a variety of businesses and industries. • Simpson’s “SC in 3” pathway allows high school students entering college with 24 or more college credits to finish a full, high-quality Simpson College degree in three years, decreasing the cost of college and increasing their earning potential. • Simpson’s undergraduate research opportunities are unparalleled in the liberal arts higher education arena. The breadth and depth of the opportunities for students to get their hands “dirty” in research are often times limited only by their imaginations. Many students have their work published in prestigious journals even before graduation. • Simpson’s public forum debate program is the first of its kind to be offered at the college level in Iowa. Debate is an activity that fosters strength in public speaking, critical thinking and collaborative problem solving while preparing students for their future careers. • Simpson is investing in the future with the recently completed addition of the Blank Performing Arts Center, resurfacing of the track and football facilities, and the new Kent Campus Center, which is currently under construction. All facilities enhance the campus for student learning and the quality of student life. New features in the Campus Center will include Iowa’s very first Red Mango smoothie and yogurt shop, Au Bon Pain bakery, and Starbucks.

THE MAGAZ INE | W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Des Moines, IA Permit No. 5740

701 North C Street Indianola, Iowa 50125 800.610.6369 l www.simpson.edu

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

S N O I T C A R

G N I M CO

ATT

No show is complete without a sneak preview. Coming next year: A redesigned Simpson Web site that will highlight the best Simpson has to offer. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but you won’t want to miss it. Keep visiting www.simpson.edu for more details. We think it’s going to be a hit!