Fall 2018 Simpson Magazine

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BACK on Campus Simpson Alumni Fulfill Key Roles at College

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Invaluable Contributions Dear Alumni and Friends of Simpson: In this issue of the Simpson Magazine, we are highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of a special group of alumni.

More specifically, our focus concerns alumni who work for the College. This remarkable and talented group of individuals serve their alma mater in virtually every area of the College’s operations.

For example, our admissions, advancement, business and marketing operations are all led by Simpson College alumni.

On the faculty, outstanding alumni teachers like Derek Lyons ’07 in chemistry and Jacy Cowden Downey ’97 (see page 23) in health services leadership bring exemplary pedagogy and deep expertise to their students. In that sense, they and their fellow alumni working at the College are continuing a long tradition of graduates who have returned to campus to advance Simpson’s mission and purpose. As you read this issue, I hope you will enjoy learning about these unique individuals who are making invaluable contributions to the life of the College.

As we begin the new year, we are welcoming 360 new firstyear students to campus. Although we will not have official enrollment figures until after the time of this writing, about 150 of these students are here due to the Simpson Promise (see page 6), a recruiting and financial aid initiative we launched in November 2017 to ensure that Simpson remains accessible and

affordable. The Simpson Promise, which is open to families with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less, provides Iowa high school graduates the opportunity to enroll as full-time, residential students if they receive a federal Pell Grant and the Iowa Tuition Grant. These two sources will cover their tuition expenses for their first year at Simpson. In subsequent years, these students will be charged the margin of the overall tuition increase. Thus, for most students participating in this program, their tuition charge in their senior year will probably not exceed $6,000.

Due to this initiative, the College’s enrollment from students in this income range tripled as compared to last year. All of us at Simpson are grateful for the response the program has enjoyed.

Baccalaureate education is the single most important factor in promoting career success and personal fulfillment. Thanks to the Simpson Promise, we have another means of extending the benefits of the College’s extraordinary academic and cocurricular programs to the next generation of students.

Thanks to all of you for your support for Simpson. I hope you enjoy reading this new issue of The Simpson Magazine.

Sincerely,

JAY K. SIMMONS

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4 THIS IS SIMPSON 6 SIMPSON SUCCESS 8 FACULTY PURSUITS Heidi Berger Faculty & Staff Accomplishments 11 CONTINUING & GRADUATE PROGRAMS 12 CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE 13 ATHLETICS 16 CAMPUS POSTER Show your Simpson pride and hang it on your wall at work!

18 FEATURE STORY Back on Campus Simpson Alumni Fulfill Key Roles at College 26 EXTRA! • Extending the Simpson Experience • Success Throughout States • The Simpson Guild • State Fair • New Trustees • A Tremendous Loss: Michael Sadler

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29 TOURING THE YEARS 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS On the cover: Simpson College alumni fulfilling key roles at Simpson. Photo identification can be found on page 19.

The Simpson Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Send correspondence to alumni.office@simpson.edu.

THE MAGAZINE Jay K. Simmons Simpson College President Produced by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations Jill Ramthun Johnson ’85 Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations

Leslie Byars Diehl ’03 Art Director

Mary Fortune Administrative Assistant

Ken Fuson Marketing Writer/Media Strategist

Contributing Writers Ken Fuson Bryan Geelan ’07 Jill Ramthun Johnson ’85

Bryan Geelan ’07 Athletics Communication Director Oscar Preis Web Development Specialist

Photography Leslie Byars Diehl ’03 Danny Fast

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Office of Alumni Relations Andy English ’05 Director 515-961-1547 Office of College Advancement Bob Lane ’81 Vice President 515-961-1549

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TEN YEARS LATER

TEAM SIMPSON STILL PEDALING B Y E M I LY C A R E Y ‘ 19

FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS, AT THE END OF RAGBRAI, TWO PERFECT ROWS OF ABOUT 50 CYCLISTS PEDAL TOWARD THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Each rider wears a Simpson College jersey.

“I had always wanted to ride RAGBRAI but didn’t know the right people and could never figure out logistics on my own,” A sense of pride and accomplishment washes over the riders as she said. “The opportunity to ride with Team Simpson was a they dip their tires in the Mississippi River to officially finish no-brainer as it was the catalyst to helping me mark an item another year. off my bucket list.”

RAGBRAI is the popular border-to-border bicycle ride across Iowa, and in July, Team Simpson completed a decade of participation. Team Simpson is a group of alumni, students, faculty and staff who gather every year to take part in RAGBRAI. The task of coordinating this ride has belonged to Simpson staff members Chris Goodale ’86, Bob Lane ’81 and Andy English ’05.

But it all began with former Simpson President John Byrd.

“When he interviewed to be president, he and a few friends had already signed up to do RAGBRAI,” said Chris Goodale, the former assistant vice president for college advancement.

“He landed the job and still wanted to do RAGBRAI,” Goodale said. “President Byrd asked, ‘Why don’t we have a team for the college?’”

That was in 2009. As it happened, the RAGBRAI route that year planned an overnight stop in Indianola.

“Chris and I really thought this would be a one-year thing,” said Lane, vice president for college advancement. “But it was such a success the first year that we agreed to do it a second year, and the second year was even bigger and better.”

Team Simpson has now grown to more than 50 members, ranging from California to Maryland, who all continue to meet at Simpson in July to participate in RAGBRAI. One of their fellow 10-year riders is Simpson alum Jacki Harrison Askelson ’97 of Johnston, Iowa.

Andy English, director of alumni relations, says Team Simpson members look forward to seeing each other every summer.

“It’s to the point that it’s kind of like a family reunion of sorts,” he said. “We have a lot of the same people who are riding year after year.”

English became involved with the planning of Team Simpson five years ago, when he started his job as director of alumni relations. He soon discovered the appeal of riding.

“It’s a cool experience being out there with so many other cyclists,” English said. “My advice would be to just do it, but train for it.”

Charlie Fiedler ’86 of Hilton Head Island, S.C., a nine-year RAGBRAI veteran, also recommends getting involved as soon as you can.

“I waited until I was in my 40s and wished I had done it sooner,” he said. “Team Simpson is a really welcoming group and we have the best support crew of any team.”

Team Simpson members often stay overnight at the homes of fellow alumni along the route.

The cyclists hope to keep the tradition going. All involved are grateful for the experience and the chance for alumni to come together, and that includes the staff members.

“It’s been a great experience for us, and we’ve been very fortunate to have really good people ride with us,” Lane said.

“They’ve been appreciative of what we do for them, and they’ve made our job much easier.” ■

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KEEPING

THE PROMISE FOUR MINUTES TO GO! THE STAGE MANAGER’S WARNING CAME AS TATUM CLAYBURN WAS GLUING ON EYELASHES FOR HER LEAD ROLE IN THE SPRING PLAY AT ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL IN DES MOINES. This included students like Joslyn Cardenas-Flores from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, who will pursue her dream of being a doctor, and Vince Lloyd of East High School in Des Moines, who said, “I’ve never been more excited to go to school.”

Then her phone rang. She was annoyed: “What do you need?” And then she heard the magic word: scholarship.

“Then my brain kicked back in,” she said. “I said, ‘Wait, what did you say?’”

Dave Williams ’07, assistant director of admissions, notified Clayburn that she qualified for a Simpson College Promise Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition.

Clayburn called her mother, Tas Stills, who was sitting in the audience.

“Are you serious?” her mother asked.

“Yes.”

“I can go to college.

I can get an education. I can do what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

-Tatum Clayburn

“Really?”

Tracie Moore Pavon ’90 (see page 20), assistant vice president for enrollment and financial assistance, said The Promise is attracting good students who otherwise wouldn’t consider Simpson because they didn’t believe they could afford it.

“It tells us that students still desire this excellent product and value what we’re delivering,” Pavon said.

College officials would have been happy had 80 students signed up for The Promise.

The total: 157.

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’m very surprised,” Pavon said.

Stills exhaled, and then the tears began.

“I started telling everyone around me, ‘She did it. She’s going to be able to chase her dream and not worry about the cost.’”

Similar scenes were played out across Iowa as high school students and their families took advantage of Simpson’s program to make the College more affordable and accessible.

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The Promise has proven to be so successful that the Board of Trustees agreed earlier this year to extend the program another year.

Once again, the cost of tuition (inclusive of Simpson, federal and state gift assistance) will be covered for Iowa families with an adjusted gross income at or below $60,000.

For those who don’t qualify, Simpson is increasing the scholarship levels for everyone who enrolls.

Pavon said The Promise students match the rest of the first-year class in terms of grade-point average and class rank.

“They’re just really solid students,” she said. “This group is very prepared.”

For the most part, the students and families who qualify for The Promise had simply ruled Simpson out as an option.

TATUM CLAYBURN

“I didn’t want my family to be in debt the rest of their lives, and I don’t want to be in debt,” said Clayburn, who will major in criminal justice. “With The Promise scholarship, it’s very attainable for me to go to a private college and get the education that I think I deserve.”

After the play, Clayburn sought out her mother.

“I broke down crying after the show,” she said. “I said, ‘I can go to college. I can get an education. I can do what I want to do for the rest of my life.’ We both cried.”

This seems to be a common reaction.

Lloyd said he and his mother, Miranda Morris, shed a few tears when they opened the letter saying they qualified for The Promise.

“It was a pretty big deal for us,” he said.

Cardenas-Flores knew since she was five years old that she wanted to be a doctor. She will major in premedicine and neuroscience at Simpson, thanks to The Promise.

VINCE LLOYD

“It’s a great opportunity for me, since I’m from a lowincome family,” she said. “It would be hard for my Mom to raise the funds for college.”

She learned about Simpson from a Lincoln High School teacher who is married to a Simpson faculty member.

Starting college is a scary and exciting prospect, she said.

“Even though it’s only a few minutes from home, I still feel kind of nervous about leaving my family,” she said.

“On the bright side, I’m starting my dream. There’s still a long way to go, but I’ll get there.” ■

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Finding Beauty in Mathematics B Y E M I LY C A R E Y ‘ 19

SOME PEOPLE FIND BEAUTY IN A COLORFUL SUNSET, A BALLET DANCER’S GRACEFUL MOVES OR A PHOTOGRAPH OF A FLOWER. Heidi Berger finds the beauty in math, which was once her least-favorite subject.

Her view today? “It feels like a puzzle that could be solved using a combination of rules and creativity,” she said.

This love for mathematics would eventually lead Berger to Simpson in 2008, where she is an associate professor of mathematics.

Berger was drawn to the many options students had to get involved, such as the COMAP’s modeling competition and the Bryan Summer Research Program.

“During my interview, it was also clear to me that the faculty took student input seriously,” she said. “I found that refreshing and didn’t see that level of respect in other programs.”

Since her arrival at Simpson, Berger has conducted research in many fields.

These range from mathematics to the study of medical complexities and health care, which began after her son was born with Down syndrome in 2015.

At Simpson, most of her research lies in the field of differential equations—a method of modeling the way things change.

“I find the area intriguing because it combines my love of calculus with my fascination of science (especially physics),” Berger said. “Many of the problems that you can solve with differential equations are originally questions posed from different scientific areas.”

With this connection to differential equations, Berger has teamed up with Clint Meyer, associate professor of biology, on numerous projects, researching and teaching.

One of Berger’s most rewarding experiences is leading the Carver Bridge to STEM Success Program.

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Associate Professor of Mathematics

Education: B.A., Coe College, 2002 M.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2004 Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008

HEIDI BERGER “This is the first grant project of its kind that Simpson has received from the National Science Foundation, which in and of itself is both challenging and rewarding,” she said.

Berger’s heart lies in teaching, and she wants to leave students with the same impact mathematics had on her life.

“I always remember what it was like before I liked math,” she said, “and I try to work hard so that students can see how beautiful math is, even if that doesn’t match their first impressions of the field.”

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR HEIDI: If I weren’t teaching, I’d be: Working with families of children with special needs to help them gain access to healthcare.

My favorite books: In Cold Blood, The Things They Carried, Cannery Row. Favorite place you've visited: The UK. I lived in Reading when I was in high school and college. I met my husband through friendships formed in that community.

The most interesting thing in my office is: A differential analyzer. It's a precursor to the modern computer and it can solve differential equations numerically. It was built over the course of a summer by two math majors: Molly Peterson ’11 and Dani Peterson ’11. It has subsequently been used by Molly in work she's done with her students at the University of St. Thomas. ■

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This summer, Simpson’s Department of History hosted the annual Reacting to the Past (RTTP) Game Development Conference, which drew faculty from across the country to engage in playtesting games in development and attend workshops on researching, creating and writing historical role-playing games. Rebecca Livingstone, associate professor of history, Nick Proctor, professor of history and Judy Walden, associate professor of history, all served as presenters at the conference, focusing on the game development process and showcasing their active involvement in, and use of, the creative, scholarly and dynamic RTTP pedagogy.

Chad Timm ’95, associate professor of teacher education, authored a chapter titled “Doctor Strange, Socratic Hero?” published in the book Doctor Strange and Philosophy: The Other Book of Forbidden Knowledge. His contribution examines the ways in which Socrates’ life reflected a certain kind of heroism and whether the superhero Doctor Strange, or any of us for that matter, could be considered Socratic heroes. Timm also presented a paper at the national Popular Culture and American Culture Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., titled “Hamilton the musical: A people’s history or just another play about a rich white guy?”

John Benoit, professor of music, and his Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra performed at the Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa in Des Moines, his Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra was featured at the Lakeside Dixiefest in Clear Lake and he performed with Josh Duffee’s Graystone Monarchs at the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival in Davenport this past summer. Additionally, Tina Hasse Finlay and the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra performed one of Benoit’s big band vocal arrangements at the Yankee Doodle Pops concert at the State Capitol, and Chicago vocalist Rose Colella, daughter of professor emeritus Frank Colella, performed two of Benoit’s vocal charts with the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra at the Jazz in the Pines festival in Idyllwild, Calif.

Katie Smith ’09, assistant professor of sport science and health education, along with a group of exercise science alumni from the class of 2017, published a research article in Medical Research Archives 2018;6(7) titled, “A new approach to weight management counseling: Metabolic Factor in multiple populations.” The student authors are Jennifer Dobias, Nicole Ebel and Rachael Sauck.

Eduardo Magalhaes III, professor of political science, is currently serving as the chief reader designate for the Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government and Politics exam in preparation for beginning a four-year term as chief reader next summer. As chief reader, Magalhaes will be responsible for all the logistics associated with the grading of 22,000 AP exams by 100 high school and college teachers, including

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approving new readers, issuing invitations to serve as readers or in leadership positions, managing the reading of the exams and writing a number of reports on the reading and its results.

Mimi Kammer, assistant professor of theatre, presented her paper, “Greening the Curriculum: Introducing Ecocriticism and Ecodrama to Students,” at the spring meeting of the MidAmerica Theatre Conference in Milwaukee, Wis. This summer, Kammer also completed a competitive fellowship with the Directors Lab North of Toronto, Canada. The Directors Lab is an eight-day intensive program in dramaturgical and staging techniques sponsored by New York City’s Lincoln Center Theatre.

Allison Wolf, professor of philosophy, published an article in Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy, titled “Tell Me How That Makes You Feel” Philosophy’s Reason/Emotion Divide and Epistemic Pushback in Philosophy Classrooms.” Wolf was also invited to lecture at La Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia this fall as part of a colloquium on emotions in the social sciences.

Adam Brustkern, associate professor of chemistry, received grant funding from the Iowa Science Foundation to support his sabbatical research project titled, “Investigation of Mercury Contamination in High-Level Predatory Fish.” Brustkern, along with his research student, Alex Austin, have collected and analyzed approximately 130 samples from catfish in the Des Moines River, ranging in size from 1 to 62 pounds.

Kedron Bardwell, professor of political science, was featured on an Australian podcast/radio show to discuss President Trump, polarization and views of United States politics in Australia.

The interview aired on Adelaide’s Five AA, a popular talk radio station in Adelaid, Australia. Bardwell is currently leading Simpson’s semester abroad program in Adelaid.

Nick Proctor, professor of history, recently won The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry’s 2018 CuttingEdge Curriculum Award for his SC 101 course, The Galactic Senate, which uses the Star Wars world to engage students in big questions facing society, such as state power, terrorism, immigration, diversity and racism. Proctor also published continued >>>>

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Forest Diplomacy: Cultures in conflict on the Pennsylvania frontier, 1757, a Reacting to the Past immersive role-playing game, and facilitated a workshop on it at the Reacting Consortium’s annual Institute at Barnard College.

Mike Hadden, professor of sport science and health education, presented at the Federal Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury in Washington, D.C. His topic was the interaction of the gut-brain axis following sports-related concussions.

Hadden was also appointed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Brain Injuries.

Bernard McDonald, associate professor of music and Larsen chair in opera, continued his work as a conductor of operas

by Giacomo Puccini with La Bohème at the Mobile Opera, in Mobile, Ala. He also served as a vocal coach at the Accademia Vocale Lorenzo Malfatti, in Lucca, Italy, an international summer program for vocalists and pianists dedicated to the preparation and performance of Italian song. McDonald conducted Bizet’s Carmen at Opera Kelowna, in Kelowna, British Columbia, served a week in residence as a vocal coach at the University of Memphis, gave a lecture-recital on German song at the Mind and Music series at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan and played piano at a saxophone and piano recital and taught piano and vocal masterclasses at Troy University, in Troy, Ala.

Nicci Whalen ’98, associate professor of sports science and health education, and Katie Smith ’09, assistant professor of sport science and health education, along with 10 exercise science students attended the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Summit in Washington, D.C. where they learned the latest trends and evidenced-based practice in exercise and nutrition from world renowned industry leaders while participating in workouts taught by master trainers.

Maeve Callan, associate professor of religion, and Nick Proctor, professor of history, served as directors for the third annual Simpson Summer Humanities Camp. In addition to being the most heavily attended camp, including several out-of-state participants, a scholarship program was created to help cover the cost of attendance.

Pete Taggart, instructor of history, gave two public lectures in Des Moines, “The Nature of God” and “The Influence of Christianity on the Founding of the United States.”

Mara Lehew Bailey ’06, Simpson chaplain, had a devotional published in the book We Pray with Her: Encouragement for All Women Who Lead, due to be published this fall. Nearly 70 United Methodist clergywomen contributed to the project, including other Simpson College alumni.

Deano Pape, assistant director of speech and debate, served as curriculum coordinator for the Harvard Debate Council’s Public Speaking & Argumentation Summer Program. He directed one of four divisions on the Cambridge, Mass., campus which featured students from across the United States and 27 different countries. Pape also served as tabroom director for the Great Communicator Debate Championships at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. Students competed for tens of thousands of scholarship dollars with the championship round held under the wings of Air Force One. Dawn Barnes ’95, research and prospect coordinator in the Office of College Advancement, was the recipient of the annual Staff Service to the College Award. The award recognizes the staff member who demonstrates service to the College beyond the scope of their normal duties. n

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EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS Entering the summer, Tim McMillin ’97 had high hopes. They were surpassed.

By all accounts, the first Master of Music in Choral Conducting summer term was a huge hit.

“Certainly there were a lot of lessons learned, and we’re excited about revising things for next year,” said McMillin, professor of music and director of Choral Activities. “By and large the feedback we got from students was that the program was just what they were looking for and they learned so much more than they anticipated, which was good.”

Nine graduate students participated in the eight-week program. They came from New Jersey, Illinois and Iowa, ranging in experience from undergraduates fresh out of college to veteran educators and conductors. The group included high school teachers, church musicians and community choir leaders, among others.

“They were a wonderfully varied group,” McMillin said.

This marked the first of three summers the students will study at Simpson, which works well with a teacher’s schedule.

“They don’t have to give up their jobs,” said Amy Gieseke, dean of Continuing, Graduate & Online programs. “We got a lot of traction through our Facebook posts. People said, ‘I’ve been looking for a program just like this.’ There’s definitely a market for it.”

Make no mistake: This isn’t summer camp. McMillin describes it as an intensive, academically rigorous course of study that requires the students to meet nine hours every weekday during the academic weeks of the program.

“I appreciated the amount of content we studied and amount of hands-on podium time we received,” said Jill

Sieverding, vocal director at Dubuque Hempstead High School. “My expectations have been exceeded.”

The graduate program is conducted in a partnership between Simpson and CORO—an Atlanta-based group that fosters the development and enhancement of choral music. Philip Moody, artistic director and founder of CORO, co-directed the new program, along with McMillin and four others.

The highlight of the summer was the Des Moines Choral Festival, which allowed the students to direct the CORO Vocal Artists, a professional ensemble, and gain experience conducting string players.

“I will definitely use what I have learned throughout this year of teaching,” Sieverding said. “My current students are aware that I, too, am now a student again. They are helping keep me accountable for the clarity of techniques I learned this summer.”

In addition to a Master of Music in Choral Conducting, Simpson offers a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Graduate Certificate in Justice Leadership. Each program is offered in an online, evening or intensive summer residency format.

“These creative formats and modalities are a really great way to cater to working adults, who are not able or willing to quit their full-time jobs and go back to school,” Gieseke said. “This allows them to do that.”

McMillin said he and other faculty members learned as well.

“I think all of us would agree that as much as we love teaching others to conduct, we got the opportunity to do some fantastic music-making ourselves,” he said. “Working with graduate students to meet them where they are in their experiences and give them new things to think about is also a great passion.” n

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A Step Out in Faith

BY MAR A LE H E W BAI LE Y ’0 6, C HAP L AI N

YES, 12 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION, IT STILL HAPPENS—I GET MISTAKEN FOR A STUDENT ON CAMPUS. I MOSTLY DON’T MIND IT. AFTER ALL, I WAS A PROUD STUDENT ON CAMPUS FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS (AND LET’S BE HONEST—AFTER TWO KIDS, IT IS BEGINNING TO FEEL MORE LIKE A COMPLIMENT!).

My usual response is something along the lines of, “I graduated from Simpson in 2006. But now I get to work here!”

As a student, Simpson gave me more than I even knew I needed. While here, I discovered my call to ministry; my involvement in the Religious Life Community gave me guidance, support and leadership opportunities that helped to shape my work in the local church.

Once I decided to work in campus ministry, the program at Simpson College became the pinnacle—the place I dreamed of returning to.

Well, the opportunity to return to Simpson came sooner than I imagined it would. I’ll be honest—I applied assuming I would not get the job. After all, I was applying with only a few years of full-time ministry experience as the University Minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

However, I knew that if I did not apply, the regret would

be harder than the risk to step out in faith. When I was offered the job, I had no hesitation before I accepted it. I felt like I had landed my dream job.

For the first few months after I started as the Chaplain in 2013, I had many “pinch me; I must be dreaming!” moments.

After all, every day when I walked in to the chapel I was walking into the place I loved as a student, where I met my husband, Jon ’06, and where we got married. I began to call former professors and supervisors colleagues and to collaborate on cross-campus initiatives. And I was constantly reminded of everything Simpson gave me when I transferred here at the start of my sophomore year.

Now, I feel fortunate to be giving back to Simpson, because Simpson gave so much to me. As I work with students today, my perspective as an alum makes it easy to show them all of the potential their time at Simpson holds.

I tell every student who takes Old Testament with Jan Everhart that they just might be sitting next to their future spouse. I encourage students on our spring break trips that their service to the community might open up a passion for meeting needs in the world. And I walk alongside students who are raising important questions about their faith, reminding them that they are in the right place to be able to ask those questions.

Simpson changes everyone who comes to spend time beneath the whispering maples. I am deeply blessed to be a part of this work and in a position to show others how Simpson formed me. n

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A WINNING ROLE SIMPSON DIDN’T HAVE TO SEARCH FAR FOR A NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. After all, Bob Nutgrass had done almost every other job in the department during his 28-year career.

Simpson President Jay Simmons announced that Nutgrass, who had been the assistant athletic director, would replace Brian Niemuth, who will remain on the staff as the head women’s basketball coach. The changes took effect on July 1.

Niemuth had served as athletic director for five years and will enter his 31st year as the women’s basketball coach.

“First off, I would like to thank Brian for his service to the College in holding this dual role for the past five years,” Simmons said. “The collegiality and professionalism Brian has brought to the position has been an inspiration to all of us.”

Regarding Nutgrass, Simmons said: “Bob has held numerous roles at the College spanning nearly three decades and we are indeed fortunate that he is willing to share his expertise and leadership as athletic director.”

Originally hired to teach at Simpson, Nutgrass has been an assistant men’s basketball coach, head tennis coach, assistant athletic director and NCAA compliance officer. And he’ll continue to teach one course per semester.

Nutgrass served as assistant men’s basketball coach from 199096, which included three NCAA tournament appearances, and he was the head men’s and women’s tennis coach for a combined 20 years. He still ranks as the winningest tennis coach in Simpson history.

“First of all, I would like to thank President Simmons and the administration for the opportunity to be the next athletic director of the Simpson athletic department,” Nutgrass said.

“I would like to thank Brian for his years of leadership and for being such a great mentor in athletic administration. I have watched and been able to serve with two excellent leaders in their roles as ADs [Niemuth and John Sirianni], and I am humbled and excited to carry on their work and continue with my vision for Storm athletics.”

As the NCAA compliance officer, Nutgrass made sure the College’s coaches and 574 athletes in 21 sports followed the rules.

“I have somebody at least once a day ask me a question about something,” he said of that role.

Niemuth began his tenure as athletic director in July 2013 following the retirement of John Sirianni, who held the role for 29 years. Niemuth’s efforts led to successful results in recruiting new head coaches in football, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, men’s tennis, men’s golf, baseball and softball. He also grew the department with the addition of a full-time assistant wrestling coach and graduate assistant positions in baseball and softball.

Under Niemuth, the coaching staff has built team rosters that encompass more than 40 percent of all Simpson College students. He also had overseen athletic fundraising activities that generate more than $200,000 annually in support of athletics programs.

“I would like to thank President Simmons and the administration for their support throughout my five years as athletic director,” Niemuth said. “This is a win-win situation for the department. I have the opportunity to once again follow my passion for coaching basketball, and the department gets an athletic director who will be allowed to focus solely on the advancement of its programs.” n

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POST-GRADUATE

SUCCESS

NICK JOSLYN ’18 FOLLOWED HIS OLDER BROTHER LOUIS ’16 FROM BALDWIN CITY, KAN., TO SIMPSON COLLEGE. He followed him to the soccer team at Simpson, where both players were named Academic All-Americans.

And now Nick has followed Louis in earning a prestigious Postgraduate Scholarship from the NCAA. Nick was one of nine men’s soccer players in all divisions nationally to receive the scholarship. He joins Louis as one of 15 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winners in Simpson history.

The $7,500 scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel on and off the field.

Nick certainly did that.

He was a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American and All-Iowa Conference performer as a senior, a key player on a Simpson team that went 15-3-2. A defensive midfielder, he anchored a defense that allowed the league’s lowest goals against average (1.05). He scored eight goals and recorded 16 assists during his career.

In the classroom, he scored a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while double-majoring in physics and mathematics.

“At Simpson, I was granted the opportunity to be a successful student-athlete,” Joslyn said. “As a student, I was able to take advanced courses and conduct high-level research both on and off campus. As an athlete, I was able to compete daily with some of my best friends and play my favorite sport at one of the highest levels.” n

14 SIMPSON COLLEGE

A TRUE PHILANTHROPIST Each fall, Simpson alumni and friends gather for the one-day Wayne Carse Storm Athletic Benefit to golf, bid on items and enjoy each other’s company to raise money for the Athletic Department.

BIG CHANGES

It was with great sadness and a profound sense of gratitude that this year’s event was renamed the Wayne Carse Memorial Storm Athletic Event.

Say hello to the America Rivers Conference and the Nike swoosh.

Fans of Simpson athletics will notice two big changes this fall.

The American Rivers Conference will replace the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which needed refreshening when Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln joined two years ago.

Members of the conference’s President Council soon began considering a new name and brand. The American Rivers Conference debuted on July 1.

“This is a milestone day for our conference,” said Joshua Merchant, president of Buena Vista University and chair of the President’s Council. “Our name will change, but our commitment to competitive athletics as part of a well-rounded educational experience will not.”

Don’t expect the level of competition to change. Long considered one of the best Division III group of teams in the country, the conference recently enjoyed one of its best years ever, capturing two national titles and having 26 student-athletes honored as CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.

More than the conference name has changed at Simpson. The look has, too.

The College’s athletic department signed a five-year agreement with BSN SPORTS to be the official supplier of athletic apparel and equipment for all 19 varsity sports. The partnership calls for Nike to be the exclusive supplier of the Storm’s uniforms, apparel and accessories.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Nike and BSN SPORTS,” said former Athletic Director Brian Niemuth, who completed the deal before turning his job over to Bob Nutgrass. “This move helps to strengthen our Simpson brand, unify all of our intercollegiate athletics programs and offer quality products to our 500-plus student-athletes.” n

15 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

Wayne L. Carse died on March 20 in Orlando, Fla., at the age of 89. A 1950 graduate of Simpson, he continually found ways to give back.

He served on the Board of Trustees from 1990 until 1999, when he was named an honorary life member of the Board. In addition to the annual benefit, he supplied funding for Carse Fitness Hall.

“Wayne was a true philanthropist and gave generously of his time, talent and treasure to the community and those causes he felt passionate about,” said Bob Lane ’81, vice president for college advancement. “Education, athletics and his home town were all beneficiaries of Wayne’s care and concern for others, and the leadership he provided in each of those areas will be sadly missed.”

Born in Hancock, Iowa on July 4, 1928, Carse attended Simpson on a basketball scholarship.

In 1987, he was named a recipient of the College’s Double “S” Award, which recognizes former athletes who have been successful in their careers, volunteer activities or hobbies.

Wayne was founder of Carse Oil Company, operator of a chain of highly successful gasoline and convenience stores located throughout central Florida, and served on many civic and business boards throughout the Southeast. He was a co-founder of the University of Central Florida and also a supporter of the University of Florida, which named him an honorary alumnus.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jimmie Pullig Carse; three daughters, Vicki, Candi and Cheri, all of Orlando; six grandchildren, Alaina, Carissa, Natalie, Nicole, Kiara and Jonathan; four great-grandchildren, Zoey, Kennedy, Oscar and Campbell; and numerous nephews and nieces. n

16 SIMPSON COLLEGE

17 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

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F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

•

BACK on Campus Simpson Alumni Fulfill Key Roles at College “I think everyone’s Simpson Experience is a bit different, and it’s my job to show each student how they can make their own mark once they get here,” said Kelsey Knutson Ritchey ’11,” assistant director of admissions.

From the time he left Simpson, Jeremy Reinert wanted to get back.

Reinert graduated in 2013. His major was sports administration, which seems appropriate for a student-athlete who was an all-conference soccer player.

His goal was to coach the Simpson College women’s soccer team, but he had no college coaching experience. What could he do?

A total of 61 full-time staff and faculty members on campus earned their undergraduate degrees at Simpson.

They include Michael Patterson ’75, professor of music; and Chaplain Mara Lehew Bailey ’06 (see page 12.)

The head football coach, Matt Jeter ’98, and head men’s basketball coach, Brad Bjorkgren ’82, are both Simpson graduates.

For many, working at Simpson represents more than a job or a career path. It’s a way to pass on to younger generations the traditions, culture and experience they enjoyed. For example, it’s a lot easier to explain Yell Like Hell to a first-year student if you yelled like—well, you know—when you were a student.

“I’m a perfect example of someone who chose to attend Simpson College for one reason but ended up falling in love with Simpson for its different opportunities once I arrived on campus,” she added. “I think that is the experience a lot of students have.”

Unlike Reinert, Ritchey didn’t even have to leave Simpson to start her career.

She was an intern in the Office of Marketing and Public Relations when Cole Zimmerman ’73, the recently retired admissions counselor, suggested she apply for an open position in that office after she graduated.

“I submitted my application, interviewed, and the rest is history,” she said. “I’ve been working in the Admissions Office for over seven years now.”

Her mission: “College is a place for growth as much as it is for learning, and it’s my job to share that story with prospective students each day.”

18 SIMPSON COLLEGE

Reinert may not have possessed any soccer coaching experience, but he owned a Simpson degree and the confidence that comes with it.

To start with, he knew soccer, having earned a letter all four years at Simpson, serving as a team captain for three years and winning the Dick Starr award in 2013.

“In my experience, Simpson graduates are prepared to be exemplary professionals in their field immediately after graduation,” he said.

So he went to work.

In 2013, he started as a graduate assistant in the soccer program at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, eventually advancing to the top assistant for both of the men’s and women’s programs.

During his four years at Briar Cliff, Reinert also earned a master’s degree in business management and served as an assistant for the Bishop Heelan High School girls, who won a state championship in 2015.

Reinert, who grew up in Indianola, returned to central Iowa in 2017 and worked as an assistant in the men’s program at Simpson and the boys team at Johnston High School. In 2018, he took over as head coach of the Indianola girls soccer team.

When the head coaching job became available for the Simpson women’s soccer team, Reinert felt he was ready.

The search committee agreed. He was named head coach in May, becoming one of the most recent Simpson graduates to return to campus.

Reinert calls it his dream job.

“Every job I applied for and was accepted for helped prepare me to earn a chance to give back as the head coach of the Simpson College women’s soccer program,” he said.

He now has a new goal: “Being able to give back to the College and preparing the next generation for the same successes makes working for Simpson incredibly rewarding.” n (The five profiles that follow tell the stories of other Simpson graduates who have found success at their alma mater.)

Alumni employees not pictured in group photo: Carolyn Dallinger ’80, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Tim McMillin ’97, Professor of Music Michael Patterson ’75, Professor of Music Kim Roberts ’98, Associate Professor of Music Reahnna Singleton ’17, Upward Bound Administrative Assistant Jenifer Welch ’12, Administrative Assistant for Student Development Andy English ’05, Director of Alumni Relations Chris Frerichs ’90, Director of Security Theodore Haag ’13, Assistant Football Coach James Hoffman ’06, Assistant Football Coach Rebekah Kimzey ’15, Assistant Athletic Trainer Stephanie Neve ’06, Student Support Services Retention Coordinator Michael Norris ’02, Director of Transfer Enrollment Jeremy Reinert ’13, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Kelsey Ritchey ’11, Assistant Director of Admissions Shane Cox ’05, Associate Professor of Accounting

47 26

46 45

27 25 21 24 22 2 23

1

42 44 43 30 29 28 31 32 33 41 19 18 40 17 20 34 35 36 16 39 5 6 7 15 37 3 4 8 9 14 38 10 13 11 12

1. Elyse Morris ’11, Area Coordinator - Buxton Hall 2. Dave Williams ’07, Assistant Director of Admissions - Out of State Recruitment 3. Justin Nostrala ’86, Professor of Art 4. Jennifer Nostrala ’85, Professor & Department Chair of Theatre Arts 5. Matt Jeter ’98, Head Football Coach 6. Mara Bailey ’05, Chaplain 7. Becky Hastie ’91, Academic Assistant - Carver 8. Terry Trunnel ’82, Acquisitions Business Manager 9. Aaron Page ’17, Administrative Assistant VP for College Advancement 10. Cathy Hoch ’90, Vice President for Business & Finance Division 11. Ginger Hermon ’15, Admission Counselor Continuing & Graduate Programs 12. Jenni Clark ’96, Administrative Assistant of Annual Giving 13. Nicci Whalen ’98, Associate Professor & Department Chair of Sport Science & Health Education 14. Andrea Biklen ’93, Director of Continuing & Graduate Programs West Des Moines & Academic Advisor, Adjunct Faculty 15. Marilyn Johnson ’99, Director of Conferences & Special Events 16. Loretta Collins ’01, Assistant to the Director of Continuing & Graduate Programs 17. Sarah Davitt ’09, Academic Coach 18. Cassie Foster ’12, Set-Up & Scheduling Assistant, PT Chapel Administrative Assistant 19. Trevor Vaughn ’12, Director of Student Ministries 20. Logan Edel ’09, Controller 21. Brad Bjorkgren ’82, Head Men’s Basketball Coach 22. Cal Busby ’09, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training 23. Chad Timm ’95, Associate Professor of Education 24. Jill Johnson ’85, Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations

19 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

25. Deb Tierney ’79, Vice President for Enrollment 26. Manda Gibson ’15, Instructional Designer 27. Jodi Eubank ’09, Administrative Assistant for Faculty Development - Mary Berry, Administrative Assistant Center for Academic Resources 28. Jeremy Johnson ’99, Assistant Director of Admissions 29. Nancy Kirkendall ’88, Faculty Services Secretary - Theatre 30. Walter Lain ’81, Assistant Dean of Multicultural & International Affairs 31. Derek Lyons ’07, Assistant Professor of Chemistry 32. Paul Craven ’94, Associate Professor & Department Chair of Computer Science 33. Mimi Bartley-Nancarrow ’83, Director of Human Resources 34. Tracie Pavon ’90, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment & Financial Assistance 35. Sharon Jensen ’85, Professor of Education 36. Murphy Waggoner ’09, Professor of Mathematics, Department Chair in Natural Sciences 37. Alison Swanson ’92, Director of Admissions Programs 38. Dawn Barnes ’95, Research & Prospect Coordinator 39. Leslie Diehl ’03, Art Director 40. Chris Goodale ’86, Former Assistant Vice President for College Advancement 41. Katie Smith ’09, Assistant Professor of Sports Science & Health Education 42. Chris Niemeyer ’93, Campaign Gift Officer 43. Bob Lane ’81, Vice President for College Advancement 44. Craig Peck ’89, Instructor for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice 45. Bryan Geelan ’07, Athletics Communications Director 46. Jacy Downey ’97, Director of Health Services Leadership, Assistant Professor of Health Services 47. Taylor Witzel ’15, Teaching Specialist/Athletic Trainer

Tracie

Pavon

’90

TWO WEEKS AFTER TRACIE MOORE PAVON ’90 ACCEPTED THE JOB AS DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, SHE FOUND HERSELF SOBBING IN THE SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE. It wasn’t the terrible case of poison ivy, which she contracted during an all-campus outdoor clean-up project and left her in such bad shape she nearly needed to be hospitalized, although that didn’t help.

“I was a disaster,” she said.

The bigger problem was a surprise visit by a program review specialist with the federal government. It was routine, “But it just happened when I started, which was very frightening and scary.”

That led to the tearful meeting with John Kellogg, then the vice president of admissions at Simpson. Pavon requested her old job back as an admissions counselor, fearful she would cause serious damage to the College. She never forgot what he told her: “I didn’t hire you for today. I didn’t hire you for tomorrow. I hired you for 10 years from today. You’ll be great in 10 years, and Simpson will be better for it.”

Although 10 years sounded like a lifetime to Pavon at the time, he was right. She survived the poison ivy and the federal government visit and has worked at Simpson for 26 years.

Almost every student who attends Simpson passes through the financial assistance office. Nothing pleases Pavon more than to help a student attend Simpson who didn’t think it was possible.

She recently met with a student, the student’s mother and grandmother to tell them about The Simpson Promise, the College’s new program to increase accessibility (see page 6).

After their talk, the mother asked, “Would it be really unprofessional for me to hug you?”

Pavon replied, “I love getting hugs at work.”

This isn’t the direction Pavon saw herself heading when she was a student at East High School in Des Moines. Her plan was to attend Iowa State; she and a friend were going to be roommates.

But the student council advisor, Walt Kennedy ‘75, and Pavon’s father, Thomas, persuaded her to give Simpson a chance.

“I figured I’d go just to shut them up,” she said. “My mindset was, ‘I’ll visit and then I’m out of here.’”

But the visit went great. Pavon loved her tour guide, and was impressed that she and her family were invited in to talk with then-President Robert McBride.

On the way home she said, “Dad, I think I want to go to Simpson.”

At Simpson, Pavon was class president, a member of TriDelta, a Simpsonian editor and a cheerleader. She graduated with a double major in communications studies and management, and spent less than one year with a private company before returning to Simpson as an admissions counselor.

She has stayed since.

Some things have changed. Instead of telling prospective students about her own Simpson Experience, she tells them about her son, Michael ’16, and how most of the young men who were groomsmen at his wedding were Simpson friends.

But one thing has remained the same. With the exception of the first two weeks as director of financial assistance, “I don’t dread coming to work ever, not even in hard times,” Pavon said. “I really love what I do.” n

20 SIMPSON COLLEGE

And it had to be at Simpson.

Having grown up in Indianola, Craven thought it would be, well, lame to attend college in his hometown. But he had seen people struggle at the big universities, and Simpson felt like home. No wonder: He’s one of 19 family members who attended the College.

“I just feel really comfortable here,” he said.

He sits in his office in the Carver Science Center, where Craven works as a professor of computer science and department chair of computer science. He started teaching at Simpson in 2006.

Has it been worth it?

“Oh, yes,” he replied. “I love it here. I’m a small part in a student’s quest to be more. I absolutely love that.”

PAUL

CRAVEN

As a Simpson student, Craven found himself in the middle of the technological revolution. He helped write new software for an investment company before he graduated.

’94

HE DIDN’T HAVE TO COME BACK.

BY MOST STANDARDS, PAUL CRAVEN ’94 WAS AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS. HE MANAGED 30 PEOPLE ON A $30 MILLION PROJECT AT WELLS FARGO TO CHANGE THE SOFTWARE FOR REFINANCING MORTGAGE LOANS. IT WAS ONE OF SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS HE HAD WORKED ON FOR VARIOUS COMPANIES IN THE DES MOINES AREA. “I was earning six figures before I was 30,” he said.

But something troubled him.

“It just wasn’t who I wanted to be,” he said.

Hadn’t Simpson taught him that living a full life means more than the career path you’re on?

“It also teaches you how to be a better person,” he said.

“There’s philosophy, religion and engaging in being a citizen, not just getting money and consuming things.”

“The ’90s were a great time in computer science,” he said.

“I was flipping jobs really quick, and every time there were hefty pay increases. But it was rather all-involving type of work.”

In 1996, two years after he graduated from Simpson, Craven accepted an adjunct teaching job in what is now known as Continuing & Graduate Programs.

He loved it so much that, in addition to his regular job, he flew back and forth to the University of Idaho to earn a Ph.D. in computer science, simply in the hope that he could use it to teach at Simpson.

“As a C & G teacher, you can help enable them to reach their particular goals in life, and that makes you feel like you’re really doing something,” he said. “I really enjoyed that.”

His job now allows Craven to work with students on video games and robots, among other things.

“I get paid for doing this?” he often asks himself.

He encourages his students to take courses in religion, philosophy, even physical education, just as he was encouraged to do as a student.

But Craven said “absolutely the best thing” about his job is to remain in contact with alumni.

“You don’t want to take credit, because it’s their work, it’s their accomplishments, but it’s so cool to have somehow been a part of it. It’s not so much the computer science aspect. It’s seeing them as a participating member of society and reaching their own personal goals that I find amazing.” n

Craven also wanted to teach.

21 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

CAROLYN’80

DALLINGER WALTER LAIN ’81

B Y E M I LY C A R E Y ‘ 19

CAROLYN DALLINGER ’80 WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. WALTER LAIN ’81 WANTED TO PLAY FOOTBALL.

involved with social justice issues on campus. That led them to law school and work in Alaska.

They both achieved their goals at Simpson College, but they found something more: each other.

“We moved back because my dad was still here in Iowa and ill with cancer,” Dallinger said. “Of all my siblings, we seemed like the most able to just switch and go.”

Dallinger grew up in Yale, Iowa, a town of about 300.

Simpson caught her attention with its criminal justice program.

“Simpson had this program at the time where they housed work-release women from prison in the basement of Kresge Hall,” she said. “I thought it was really cool they were helping in a different kind of way, so that’s why I chose the school.”

She ultimately left criminal justice to focus more closely on social work.

Meanwhile, Lain was recruited from Louisiana. “[Simpson] intrigued me because I was in a place I didn’t know; I didn’t know very much about Iowa,” he said. “I wound up coming here without ever actually seeing the campus.

“It was a small, inviting place that reached out to me, so I thought, ‘Hey, why not?’”

Dallinger arrived on campus in the fall of 1976 and Lain in the fall of 1977.

She was one of the first people he met on campus. And the rest, as they say, is history. The couple married in 1984.

As Simpson students, both Dallinger and Lain were

But then their plans took a turn.

She saw a newspaper ad for a faculty job at Simpson that fit her experiences perfectly. She returned to campus in August 2003 while Lain started in November 2003.

“It felt very comfortable to come back here,” Dallinger said. “We were so familiar with everything. We kind of grew up here and came back.”

Lain liked the idea of spending time helping students with social issues, something he studied and practiced during his time at Simpson and law school.

“When this opportunity came to work with students directly before they got into conflicts and issues in court, I can help them bypass that,” he said. “What I realize is that even though we have one of the better legal systems in the world, it still falls very short in terms of the application of issues like social justice and inequalities.”

Lain and Dallinger remain as dedicated to social justice and the needs of others today as they were as students.

Lain is assistant dean of multicultural and international affairs; Dallinger is department chair of sociology and criminal justice.

“At Simpson, it’s kind of hard to have a blind eye to the needs of others and suffering, because they still exist,” Lain said. “I think that this would be a wonderful place for those things to be challenged and to be corrected.” n

22 SIMPSON COLLEGE

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A T H L E T I C S

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It led her to pursue a master’s degree in public health from Des Moines University at the same time she was working full-time.

“It kept nagging at me,” Downey said. “I wondered what Dr. Moody saw in me.”

It was time to act. She reached out to Moody, who impressed her with the enthusiasm he still felt for teaching.

“Well, I’ll never know unless I try it,” she said. “It’s now or never. Career path take two, here I come.”

She returned to college and obtained her Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2014. During that time, she taught classes at several different schools, both undergraduate and master’s courses.

“None of it felt right,” she said.

JACY

DOWNEY

’97

WHEN JACY COWDEN DOWNEY ’97 GRADUATED FROM SIMPSON, IN HER MIND THERE WERE ESSENTIALLY THREE CAREER OPTIONS FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN HEALTH CARE: DOCTOR, NURSE OR PHYSICAL THERAPIST. But what if you couldn’t see yourself as a clinician?

Downey was looking for an environment that allowed students to experience the kind of undergraduate education she received at Simpson—the kind of campus where a professor knows his students well enough that he or she can change their life simply by suggesting they consider a career path like his own.

“You’re supposed to build relationships with students,” she said. “You’re supposed to have them in class more than one time, to watch them grow.”

The opportunity to return to Simpson began a few years ago, when Downey was invited to serve on an advisory board that would eventually inspire Simpson to create the Health Services Leadership major in 2015. When it was time to select a director, the hiring committee agreed that Downey would be the perfect fit.

Downey said she’s pleased with the progress of the new major.

“We’re never done, but we’re on our way,” she said.

Joe Moody, the longtime Simpson biology professor, had an idea.

Downey lives in Indianola. She and her husband, Jarid, are raising three children: Ryder (14), Bowen (13), and Sully (11).

“Have you ever thought about being a college professor?” he asked.

Maybe someday Downey will ask an undergraduate at Simpson if he or she has ever thought of becoming a college professor.

Downey laughed.

“I thought getting through my undergraduate years was a pretty big deal,” she says now. “I was the first child in my family to go to college. After me, one of my brothers and my sister followed me and also graduated from Simpson.”

She didn’t accept Moody’s advice, at least not then, but his suggestion stuck with Downey, who grew up in Pleasantville and studied biology and chemistry at Simpson.

“I kept it in the back of my mind for a really long time,” she said.

“I often tell students that you just never know where life will take you, so take advantage of college as a way to open your eyes to all the world has to offer you as well as all you have to offer the world. I took the long way to get back to Simpson and wouldn’t change a thing,” she said. “The examples I am able to provide help me explain complex concepts and bring vocabulary to life for students in a way that a textbook cannot. Connecting to personal and professional experiences from my life ‘between Simpson’ has become an incredibly valuable teaching tool.” n

23 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

ANDY

ENGLISH

’05

ANDY ENGLISH ’05 WOULD ACCEPT THE JOB, BUT WITH ONE CONDITION: HE WOULDN’T HAVE TO COMPETE AGAINST SIMPSON COLLEGE. It would simply be too difficult.

“It just wouldn’t feel right to recruit against the school you care about so much,” he said.

As it turned out, the job as associate director of admissions and financial aid at Drake University Law School in Des Moines allowed English to recruit Simpson students.

Even so, “When I went to Drake, I knew in the back of my mind that I always wanted to come back.”

That opportunity presented itself in 2013, when English was named director of alumni relations. He seems determined to persuade the more than 21,000 living Simpson alumni to reengage with the College.

“This has been a great fit,” he said. “It’s pretty cool when you arrive on campus each day and you walk into a place like this. It’s just a really good feeling.”

It also was Zimmerman who encouraged English to return to Simpson to be an admissions counselor, and who notified him about the alumni relations position.

“It all comes down to alumni engagement,” English said.

He has organized events to encourage that engagement. Alumni get-togethers have been held at Iowa Cubs and Iowa Wild games, the Jasper Winery and the Iowa Speedway. Alumni chapters have been formed in Washington, D.C./ Baltimore, Colorado and the Twin Cities, and more are planned. The Alumni Travel Program has hosted trips to Germany, Italy and, next year, Ireland (sorry, it’s full).

English said he’s pleased about a new mentoring program that matches alumni with current students. Over 65 students have already applied for alumni mentors this fall.

“Simpson alumni are really proud of our English grew up in Harlan, Iowa, with a alma mater,” English said. “We truly strong Simpson pedigree. At least eight loved our Simpson experiences. To be members of his family, including his able to pass that on is very rewarding. parents, attended Simpson.

We want alumni to know there’s a English describes himself as a shy, quiet, benefit to staying involved, because you get to continue that experience beyond reserved young man when he stepped those years that you were here and be a on campus as a student in 2001. The next thing he knew, Cole Zimmerman part of something bigger.” ’73, who was an admissions counselor English lives in Carlisle. He and his wife, and family friend (he and English’s Erin, are raising two sons, Hudson (5) father were roommates at Simpson one and Colton (3). semester), encouraged him to be an admissions ambassador, giving tours to Future Simpson students? prospective students.

English’s face brightens.

“I hope.” n 24 SIMPSON COLLEGE

FROM

c c a

e c n a t p e

N O I T A U AD TO

GR

THE SIMPSON FUND AIDS OUR STUDENTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Support the unique Simpson Experience by making a gift to The Simpson Fund today!

Make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift to help Simpson students year-round at www.simpson.edu/give.

25 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

•

E X T R A !

•

EXTENDING THE SIMPSON EXPERIENCE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHARTERS TWIN CITIES ALUMNI CHAPTER What can one person accomplish?

TWIN CITIES ALUMNI CHAPTER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Matt DeWolf ’03 - President Devin Linn ’11 - Vice President Brian Bradway ’99 - Secretary/Treasurer Nichole Coons ’96 and Kacie DeWolf ’03 - Social Events Dana Woods ’78, Angie Pankoff ’94, Paula Sliefert ’90 - Professional Advancement Committee

think our chapter is a great chance for us to create a similar environment here in the Twin If he or she is a Simpson alum, quite a bit. Ask Cities. It’s an opportunity to welcome alumni Matt DeWolf ’03, a member of the Alumni and friends of the College in the area in a way Association Board of Directors. that fosters professional growth, development and community.”

DeWolf decided, on his own, that the Twin Cities would be the perfect location for the To celebrate the establishment of the Chapter, next Alumni Chapter, following successful alumni and friends of the College gathered at launches of the DC/Baltimore Area and 612Brew, where the crowd was addressed by Colorado Alumni Chapters.

Terry Lillis ’77, chair of the Simpson College Board of Trustees, President Jay Simmons and His idea falls under the “Committee of One” DeWolf. project, in which members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors pursue a The Twin Cities Chapter is looking forward personal passion that will ultimately benefit to cultivating mentoring relationships and Simpson College. hosting regular alumni gatherings. For more information, contact DeWolf at DeWolf, who resides in the Twin Cities, matt.dewolf@gmail.com. realized that an alumni chapter in the region would allow for stronger local inter-alumni “The Twin Cities chapter is a great extension connections and mentoring opportunities of the Simpson College experience,” he said. for new alumni in the area. Ultimately, the “We want to bring alumni and friends of the chapter would carry out the Alumni Board College together as a community for social mission of extending the Simpson Experience. opportunities, but we are really interested in deepening the connection in the area by “Simpson alumni often talk about the providing tangible professional advancement relationships we formed with professors, and networking opportunities.” n coaches, other students, etc.,” DeWolf said. “I

22

SUCCESS THROUGHOUT THE STATES Throughout the pages of this issue, we have highlighted Simpson alumni who have found success by remaining at Simpson College.

But as you can see by the map, our Simpson Family of over 21,000 strong spans the United States and the world.

We want to make sure that our counts are as accurate as possible, so if you have relocated but have yet to notify the alumni office of your new address, please make sure to do so at simpson.edu/alumni/update or by emailing alumni.office@simpson.edu. This will also make sure that you are notified of alumni gatherings in your region! n

International: 127 179 40 125

26 704

30 31 61

569

8

43

43

289 86

68 532

33 26 SIMPSON COLLEGE

542

139

131

13,201

430 531

260

98

90

143

745 136

15 140

48

147

105

72 18

34

16

122

21 76 9 32 84 7 62 25

57

37 Map not to scale.

502 2

2

THE SIMPSON GUILD The Simpson Guild has been bridging college and community for more than 70 years. Each year, nearly 170 members of all ages, with and without direct ties to Simpson College, plan and host community events to raise funds for student scholarships. Guild members also operate the concessions stand during every Simpson STORM home football game— varsity and JV. In 2017, concessions, along with events like the Piccadilly Auction, Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Tour of Homes, raised more than $40,000.

Funds raised impact countless Simpson students through direct scholarships, non-traditional student scholarships and scholarships administered through the Simpson College Cares Scholarship Fund (SC Cares).

It is the SC Cares Fund that receives the majority of the Guild’s proceeds and has the most significant impact on students’ lives. The Guild is partly responsible for founding this discretionary fund, which is used to “fill in the financial gaps,” so to speak, for eligible students experiencing financial distress. Often these are students with nowhere to turn due to personal/ family income hardship, at-risk home environments or having no family in the country. SC Cares scholarships are issued in small amounts up to, and typically not more than, $1,000.

The Simpson Guild is committed to ensuring students thrive at Simpson College and that the college-community connection remains strong. The Guild is always accepting new members: $25 individual membership fee, $40 per couple. Contact Michelle Johnson at michelle.johnson@simpson.edu.

The Simpson Guild will host the following events in 2018-19: Piccadilly Auction Saturday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. auction, Kent Student Center, Black Box Theatre Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m., Kent Student Center, Black Box Theatre Holiday Tour of Homes Dec. 7-8, homes open 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Guild Night, STORM Basketball vs. Central Feb. 13, Women at 6 p.m., Men at 8 p.m., Cowles Fieldhouse n

27 S I MSPI SMOPNS.OE N D UC/OMLALGE AG ZE I N E

IOWA STATE FAIR Simpson College had another great 10 days at the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19.

Located in the Varied Industries Building, Simpson’s booth welcomed thousands of visitors, reconnected with alumni and friends and talked with hundreds of prospective traditional, evening, online and graduate students.

The 20,000+ keychain flashlights sporting Simpson’s logo were a hit with fairgoers.

Many arms, legs and cheeks across Iowa were emblazoned with a Simpson College tattoo and alumni visitors walked away with a special gift.

The State Fair is a great opportunity to create awareness for Simpson but it also provides a convenient entry point for potential students.

Currently, there are 14 students enrolled at Simpson whose first contact with the school was at the State Fair.

If you didn’t get to see us this year, please plan to stop by next year and say hello (after you get your pork chop on a stick, of course!). n

NEW TRUSTEES The Simpson College Board of Trustees has added four new members. They are: Rick Exline ’78 – The executive vice president/senior managing director of life plan communities for Life Care Services, an LCS Company. He is responsible for oversight of the company’s life plan community management services. He serves on the board of managers for Life Care Companies LLC, the board of directors for LCS Holdings, Inc., executive leadership and senior living management teams. He also is a trustee for the Company’s 401(k) benefits program. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees: one in business administration from Simpson College in 1978 and one in health care administration from Oklahoma Baptist University. He is also a graduate of the Executive Institute at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the father of five children and lives in Des Moines.

Kyle Liske ’09 – Has served as the Agricultural Retailers Association’s (ARA) Public Policy Counsel since May of 2015. His primary focus is on labor, homeland security and environmental issues. Notably, he oversaw ARA’s successful litigation against OSHA’s “interpretive memo” that would have subjected agricultural retailers to the Process Safety Management Standard, and

is continually active in comprehensive regulatory reform. Prior to joining ARA, Liske was the Director of Operations at the North American Export Grain Association, which represents more than 85% of grain trade around the world. There he advocated on international trade law and policy. He grew up in rural Iowa on the remains of his family farm and graduated Cum Laude from Simpson College in 2009, with degrees in Economics and Political Science. He earned his law degree from Drake University and is a licensed attorney in the State of Iowa.

Kamie Downing Haynes ’92 – A 1992 Simpson College graduate, with a B.A. in communication studies, she is the president and owner of Lula Belle Designs Boutique. She has devoted much of her adult life to passionate service within the Indianola community. She has served on boards/committees for the Indianola Community Youth Foundation, Kiya Koda Humane Society, Indianola Preschool, Irving Elementary PTO, I Back the Blue campaign, Indianola Public Library campaign and the Indianola High School Music Department.

She has also served as a youth leader at the Indianola First United Methodist Church for seven years. She is a member of the Simpson Guild, SC Cares Campaign team, Imagine the Impact committee, Wayne

Carse Golf Classic committee, and copresident of Indianola Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club. She is the recipient of the Simpson College Young Alumna Volunteer Award and Indianola Volunteer of the Year Award. She lives in Indianola with husband, Gary ’90, a radiologist at The Iowa Clinic, and their three children, Gaby, Grady and Maren.

Juli Willeman ’96 – The executive director for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation. After graduating from Simpson College in 1996, she married fellow Simpson alumnus Chris Willeman ’96 and moved to St Louis to pursue a career in public accounting at KPMG. In 2001, she became the controller at Pi Beta Phi’s central office. It was at that point the numbers in her daily work gained new meaning and Willeman’s interest in developing young women into leaders was born. Groomed to take the reins upon her predecessor’s retirement in 2005, she stepped into the role of executive director at Pi Beta Phi Headquarters. Always on a quest to learn something new, Juli thrives on building teams and developing individuals to reach their fullest potential. Juli and Chris have two children, Audri and Austin. n

A TREMENDOUS LOSS Anyone who met Michael Sadler ’89 would soon learn assistant vice president of public policy and government that he was a proud Simpson College alum. relations with CenturyLink.

“Michael was one of those individuals that if you met Michael, you liked Michael,” said Andy English, director of alumni relations. “He always had a smile on his face and was proud to share his pride in Simpson with all those he encountered.”

The Simpson and Des Moines communities were deeply saddened to learn that Sadler, 51, died in June from health complications.

He had served as a member of the Simpson Board of Trustees from May 2016.

He was recognized in 2005 by the Business Record as a member of the Forty Under 40 class, and in 2014 was recognized as a Forty Under 40 Alumnus of the Year.

In 2012, Simpson awarded Sadler a Double “S” Award, given to graduates who become successful in their careers, volunteer activities or hobbies.

“You could talk to a thousand people and they would all say he Sadler served on many community and business boards, and was one of their best friends,” said Bob Andeweg, the mayor of Urbandale, Iowa. “He was my friend. He had a way of making you was always eager to talk about his Simpson Experience. feel you were the only one in the room when he talked to you.”

“Michael’s passing was a tremendous loss for the College and the community,” English said. “He touched many lives, and this Sadler, who grew up in the Des Moines area, graduated from will leave a void for all those who knew him.” n Simpson with a Bachelor of Arts in management. He became 28 SIMPSON COLLEGE

• In an effort to be better stewards of our resources, we have transitioned to an online platform for our Class Notes portion of the Touring the Years section of the Magazine. We invite you to visit simpson.edu/classnotes to view the wonderful accomplishments of our alumni.

If you wish to receive a printed copy of Class Notes, please contact andy.english@simpson.edu.

To submit accomplishments and updates to be included in future editions, visit simpson.edu/alumni/update.

Marriages Christie Averweg ’97 and Rod Stortenbecker, July 12, 2018, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Melissa Wilson ’99 and Vern Lawrence, June 12, 2016, Des Moines.

Michelle Archibald ’02 and Justin Leonard, May 26, 2018, Norwalk.

Whitney Rasmussen ’10 and Elliot Hoff, May 5, 2018, Ames.

Robert Napoli ’10 and Christine Wulfekuhle, May 26, 2018, New Virginia. Christine is the sister of JJ Wulfekuhle ’09. The couple met at JJ’s wedding in 2014 where Rob was a groomsman. Rob has been a friend of the Wulfekuhle family since 2007 when he and JJ became friends playing football for the Storm.

August Severn ’13 and Abigail Loudon ’12, Aug. 4, 2018, Des Moines.

Leslie Downing ’13 and T.J. DesCamps, May 12, 2018, West Des Moines.

Brandon DeCook ’13 and Emily Stover ’13, July 22, 2017, Spirit Lake.

T O U R I N G

T H E

Y E A R S

Andy Hofbauer ’14 and Katie Lambert ’14, July 22, 2017, West Des Moines.

Kathryn Sebring ’15 and Thomas Fleming, July 14, 2018, Des Moines.

Alyssa Hanson ’16 and Spencer Henneman, July 15, 2018, at the Willow Creek Glass Chapel in Shelby.

Kelsey Townsend ’17 and Jarod Evans, July 1, 2017, Pleasant Hill.

Kaylee Fee ’17 and Austin Wolfkill, June 2, 2018, Smith Chapel, Simpson College with Chaplain Mara Bailey as officiant.

Jacob Gibney ’18 and Madelynn Wipperman ’18, Aug. 4, 2018, New Virginia.

Seth Van Maanen ’18 and Sara Moore ’18, June 8, 2018, Prole.

Births/Adoptions Blakely Grey McMillan, Dec. 29, 2017, to Stuart McMillan ’99 and Jamie Richards McMillan ’01, Glenwood, joined sister, Maddison, and brother, Brady.

Jack Robert Swanson, Dec. 11, 2017, to Rob Swanson ’99 and Emily Swanson, Pebble Beach, Calif.

Charlotte Jolee Lamphiear, April 11, 2018, to Andrea Hastings Lamphiear ’02 and Warren Lamphiear, Sioux Falls, S.D., joined brothers, Maximus (6), Bennett (5) and Samson (2).

Kael Meers, March 27, 2018, to Aubrey Bockwoldt Meers ’04 and Chris Meers, Moline, Ill., joined Payden (7).

John Greaves ’14 and Teona Sutfin, Oct. 8, 2016, Ankeny.

29 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

• Sloan Rosemary Hanson, Oct. 20, 2017, to Kyle Hanson ’05 and Julie Soukup Hanson ’07, West Des Moines, joins Parker (3).

Samuel Thompson Dau, Oct. 4, 2017, to Nick Dau ’06 and Maggie Anderson Dau ’09, Norwalk, welcomed by brother, William (2).

Triplets Emerson Rose, Miles Hannon and Nolan Dean Harman, Dec. 19, 2017, to Jennifer Wendt Harman ’06 and Michael Harman, Huntersville, N.C. Hazel Heltne, July 2, 2017, to Brett Heltne ’06 and Lindsay Wood Heltne ’06, St. Louis Park, Minn., joined Hudson (3).

Emersyn Jane McCarty, June 6, 2016, to Scott McCarty ’06 and Allyson Carlson McCarty ’06, Winfield.

Royce Lee Wells, Aug. 15, 2018, to Nathan Wells ’06 and Jessica Wells, joins sister, Tyne Ann (1), at their new home in Centerville.

Robert Boss, Feb. 25, 2018, to Katherine Wall Boss ’07 and David Boss, Overland Park, Kan., joins brother, George (5).

Charles Donald Stupfell, Jan. 18, 2018, to Kelsey Volkens Stupfell ’07 and Perry Stupfell, Council Bluffs, joins Eugene and Evelyn.

Oliver William Moffit, March 30, 2017, to Beriet Bichel Moffitt ’08 and Matt Moffitt, Burlington.

Luke Hayes, April 6, 2018, to Jason Hayes ’09 and Rhonda Boesenberg Hayes ’09, Storm Lake.

Kirby Pearson, Jan. 19, 2018, to Eden Olsen Pearson ’08 and Benjamin Pearson ’09, Norwalk, joins Eliana (3) and Lyman (2).

Marjorie Ensley Laird ’47, July 7, 2018, Indianola.

Aria Rose Christensen, Jan. 7, 2018, to Garrett Christensen ’09 and Kelsie Host Christensen ’10, Bondurant, joins brother, Nolan (3).

Vern Davis ’49, June 27, 2018, Indianola.

Kalpakgian died Aug. 27 in Warner, N.H. He was 76.

Maxine Smith Weinman ’49, June 27, 2018, Indianola.

At Simpson, Kalpakgian was chair of the English Department, an advisor for the Simpsonian and also ran marathons. He taught a wide range of subjects: survey courses in British literature, world literature, and the classics of children’s literature; period courses like Renaissance literature, neo-classical literature, Victorian literature; major author courses like Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, and Samuel Johnson.

Riot Riedemann, Jan. 20, 2016, to Aric Riedemann ’09 and Jasmine Crosser Riedemann ’09, Maribel, Wis. Theodore Lue Freml, June 29, 2017, to Blake Freml ’10 and Cassie Freml, Urbandale.

Matthew Mihalovich, Nov. 19, 2016, to Lucas Mihalovich ’10 and Jessica Mihalovich, Pella.

Kennedy Jo Nemmers, Aug. 7, 2017, to Steffani Johnson Nemmers ’10 and Brandon Nemmers, Knoxville, Edyn Ariel Greaves, June 18, 2017, to John Greaves ’14 and Teona Greaves, Ankeny.

Millie Simon, June 23, 2018, to Madison Boswell Simon ’14 and Doug Simon, Dubuque.

Deaths Dorothy Wilkinson Dobbe ’40, April 20, 2011, Hopkins, Minn.

Alice Kester Henderson ’42, Feb. 14, 2018, Holstein.

Marcia Livingston Harrington ’43, March 30, 2018, Ankeny.

Katherine Lefgren Felton ’44, May 11, 2018, Ojai, Calif.

Jean Hurst Nielsen ’44, Oct. 09, 2012, Sequim, Wash.

Margaret Bussanmus Carson ’45, March 21, 2018, Jersey City, N.J. Glen Hartman ’45, July 9, 2018, Cabool, Mo. Isabel Blee Nelson ’46, April 12, 2018, Truro.

Lois Miller Hale ’48, July 21, 2018, Indianola.

Doris Bunten Campbell ’49, January 13, 2018, Overland Park, Kan.

Charles Doolittle ’50, Dec. 25, 2017, Saint Augustine, Fla. Jeffery Mitchell ’50, April 2, 2018, Largo, Fla. John Roorda ’51, Dec. 28, 2016, Cedar Rapids.

William Wyatt Jr. ’51, Jan. 8, 2017, Suffolk, Va. John Kleymann ’52, Feb. 13, 2018, Norwalk.

Rex Devine ’53, June 16, 2018, Ankeny.

Ralph Stebbins ’53, Feb. 19, 2018, Nixa, Mo. Paul Borthwick ’55, Dec. 22, 2017, Grinnell.

Janet Wilson ’55, Sept. 11, 2017, Des Moines.

LaVon Ferger ’58, Feb. 21, 2018, Zionsville, Ind. Dan Newbury ’58, Feb. 27, 2018, Indianola.

IN MEMORIUM Services were held Sept. 1 for Mitchell Kalpakgian, an English professor who taught at Simpson for 32 years, from 1967 to 2000.

In Beneath the Whispering Maples, the history of Simpson, Kalpakgian is described as “a soft-spoken medievalist deeply committed to a conservative interpretation of Christianity,” who could be seen jogging through the streets of Indianola every day, regardless of weather conditions.

“A Kalpakgian English class was soon known to be well-taught and informative, a place where there was little toleration for laggards, procrastinators or dilettantes,” the book says.

He lived in New Hampshire near three children and several grandchildren. n

Robert Gamble ’59, May 18, 2018, West Des Moines.

Eric Linden Sr., Jan. 3, 2018, Sacramento, Calif.

Larry Sesker ’61, July 23, 2018, Ankeny.

Sue Ellen Goode Ballard ’62, July 28, 2018, Indianola.

Glen Dalton ’70, Aug. 29, 2017, Ankeny.

Marcia Stepp Lockard ’64, Sept. 28, 2017, Johnston.

Dee Goodwin Allen ’72, June 4, 2018, Indianola.

Darrell Hefte ’65, Aug. 9, 2018, Largo, Fla.

Paula Baker ’74, Feb. 12, 2018, Osceola.

William Siglin ’65, Aug. 10, 2018, Woodward.

John Tinley ’74, March 17, 2018, Shenandoah.

Karen Keeney Butchart ’66, Sept. 13, 2017, Beloit, Wis.

Michael Ostlund ’75, April 20, 2018, Iowa City.

Jane Flesher Humke ’66, Feb. 24, 2018, Ackley.

Joe Morrison Jr. ’82, Jan. 13, 2018, Orlando, Fla.

John Dunlap ’67, Jan. 30, 2018, Norfolk, Va.

Evelyn Nichols Gibbs ’86, Dec. 21, 2017, Greenfield.

Robert La Follette ’67, May 10, 2017, Edgerton, Minn.

Shane Greenwood ’89, June 18, 2017, Aurora, Colo.

30 SIMPSON COLLEGE

•

C A L E N D A R

O F

E V E N T S

•

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

JANUARY

Farnham Galleries: Elissa Wenthe Art Exhibit - Reception 11/1 (runs through 11/1) 3 McBride Lecture: Ari Berman 4-6 Theatre Simpson: Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson (director Ann Woldt) 5-7 Homecoming & Family Weekend 5 Alumni Recognition Reception

Red and Gold Celebration 6 Homecoming Admissions Visit Day

10th, 25th, and 50th Class Reunions 7 Golden Sweethearts Brunch 9 Matthew Simpson Lecture: Dr. Amy Laura Hall 11 High School Honor Choir Concert 17 World Food Prize Lecture 18 Presidents’ Society Dinner – by invitation only 19 Donor Appreciation Luncheon – by invitation only 19 Teacher Education Admissions Visit Day 19-21 Simpson College Opera: La Canterina by Haydn & Prima la Musica, poi le Parole by Salieri 20 Cheer Admissions Visit Day 21 Music Scholarship Auditions and Opera Visit Event 22 Forum: Archaeologist Geoff Emberling presents “Pyramids and Temples in Ancient Kush” 23 Symphonic Band & Jazz Ensemble Concert 25-26 Fall Break 31 Lation Expo Admission Visit Day

Iowa National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions 4 Choir/Chorale Concert 7 Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Vivo Chamber Players recital 9 Fall Admissions Visit Day

Music Scholarship Auditions and Visit Event 11 Chamber Singers Concert 12 Farnham Galleries: David Verluis Art Exhibit - Reception 12/6 (runs through 12/6) 13 Jazz Ensemble Concert 16 Startup Storm entrepreneurship conference and pitch competition (https://admissions. simpson.edu/register/ StartUpStorm) 16-18 Theatre Simpson: Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare (director Mimi Kammer) 17 STEM Admissions Visit Day

Simpson Guild Piccadilly Auction 19 Instrumental Chamber Music Recital 21-23 Thanksgiving Break 30 Madrigal Dinner

Classes begin Farnham Galleries: Megan Vossler Art Exhibit - Reception 2/7 (runs through 2/7) 20 Workshop in Music Education: Kathy Kuddes 25-26 Jazz Festival 27 Music Scholarship Auditions

1

2-3

DECEMBER 1 2

Madrigal Dinner Simpson College Community Orchestra Concert 4 Messiah Sing-Along 6 Symphonic Band Concert 8-9 Festival of Lessons and Carols 15 December Commencement 20-21 Men’s & Women’s Basketball Cruzin Classic Tournament in Fort Lauderdale

14

FEBRUARY 1

18 20 25

Music Scholarship Auditions and Visit Event Farnham Galleries: Geraldine Craig Art Exhibit - Reception 3/21 (runs through 3/21) Carver Medal Ceremony Sports Science and Healthcare Provider Admissions Visit Day

MARCH 1-3 9-17 31

Spring Musical: Kiss Me, Kate Spring Break Choir/Chorale Concert

APRIL

3 Campus Day 7 Chamber Singers Concert 12-14 Theatre Simpson: Festival of Short Plays 2019: Interfaith (producer Mimi Kammer) 14 Madrigal Singers Concert

Simpson College Community Orchestra Concert 16 Jazz Ensemble Concert 18 Instrumental Chamber Music Concert 22 Easter Recess 24 Honors Convocation 25 Research & Creativity Symposium (classes cancelled)

Symphonic Band Concert 28 Choral Evensong-Chamber Singers

Calendar events are subject to change. For complete details and updates, view the full calendar online at http://events.simpson.edu.

31 SIMPSON.EDU/MAGAZINE

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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

WHO INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AT SIMPSON? Perhaps it was a professor who encouraged you to stay in school; or an advisor who wondered if you would be happier pursuing a different major; or a coach who never stopped believing in you when you felt like giving up. In an upcoming issue of The Simpson Magazine, we want to feature alumni whose lives were changed on campus—and the person who most inspired that change. We’re looking for your story. Write to us at alumni.office@simpson.edu. n