Brent Clark ’88 shares basketball love with his superstar daughter, Caitlin
Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Lindsay Ditzler and Professor of Biology Dr. Ryan Rehmeier (above) were among the faculty and staff leading Simpson students all over the world this spring for unforgettable May Term learning experiences in Belize, England, India, Ireland, Italy and Portugal, as well as Colorado. You can see all their exciting journeys on Simpson social media, #taketheworldbySTORM!
When you travel, please post a picture of you with your Simpson swag using #taketheworldbySTORM! and tag @simpsoncollege.
All About the Students
My first year as president has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the last 10 months I’ve had the chance to engage with members of our Simpson community all across the country. Learning firsthand about the passion our alumni and donors have for advancing the mission of this special place has been truly inspiring. Your faithful generosity in supporting Simpson is paving the way for our promising future.
We jumpstarted our future this spring, when we celebrated the completion of our $10 million Dunn Library renovation. This beautifully reimagined space, as you’ll see in this issue of Simpson: The Magazine, demonstrates Simpson’s growing commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from an educational experience that exudes innovative excellence. Indeed, strengthening the student experience will always be job one for me as president.
I am reminded of that imperative every time I walk into my office, where I see a pair of posters illustrating the theme “It’s All About the Students.” Students Gracey Timm ’25 and Tenley Schroeder ’25 produced the art, stemming from a creative challenge I posed to their graphic design class. Also, this year, another graphic design student, Madison McDonald ’26, provided the winning design for our popular Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale beer. Madison, Gracey and Tenley are just three of our many extraordinarily talented students who distinguished themselves this year.
Here’s just a sampling of other great student feats: Speech & Debate rolled to its seventh national title in eight years; women’s soccer reached the NCAA Division III National Tournament; shooting sports claimed multiple team and individual national titles; three
students were part of Math Professor Heidi Berger’s research team that had an article published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics; and we had 125 students participating in this spring’s Research and Creativity Symposium. Beyond that, Campus Day featured 787 registered volunteers working on 49 projects on campus and throughout the community.
I’m especially excited to see how the Simpson Class of 2024 graduates will make their mark as alumni — just as their most recent predecessors are doing. Our newly released First Destination Report for the Class of 2023 reveals that 94 percent of bachelor’s degree holders were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. The impressive outcomes included a 100 percent placement rate for 16 majors across multiple fields of study.
As we bid farewell and good luck to the Class of 2024, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new first-year students in the fall. We expect to welcome another strong class — just as we did last fall with our largest incoming class in five years. We are also looking forward to seeing you and the rest of our alumni and friends back on campus for Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend, Oct. 11-12. You might also want to swing by earlier on July 24, when RAGBRAI rolls through campus.
Until then, please enjoy an outstanding summer — and Roll Storm!
Jay Byers ’93, J.D. President
Presidential Pickleball and Capitol Connections
President Byers continued his Reaching New Heights, Together Tour this spring for some truly grand gatherings of alumni and friends across the country.
In Washington, D.C., Byers hosted a special meet-and-greet at The Dubliner. From there, the president ventured to the sun-soaked baseball fields of Arizona for an afternoon of spring training excitement. Next, it was on to St. Louis, where the highlights included some spirited competition at the Chicken N Pickle Pickleball courts. The spring portion of the President’s Tour concluded with a journey to Denver featuring plenty of mile-high excitement. Be watching for an opportunity near you, as the tour continues in 2024-25.
Rush Hour Networking
Simpson partnered with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce to host a dynamic Rush Hour this spring. The evening provided a great opportunity to foster connections among young professionals while providing them with the latest opportunities to advance their education through the College’s Continuing, Graduate and Online Education program.
The Dubliner provided a great venue for President Byers to host a special meet-and-greet with Capitol City alumni and friends.
Simpson Trustee Barb Miller ’64 hosted a wonderful get together for alumni and friends in Denver.
The Simpson Spirit of St. Louis is alive and well. Alumni Board President Martha Davis-Goldstein ’08 (far left) hosted a great event at Chicken N Pickle in St. Charles, where she is the community coordinator.
Take DSM by Storm
Our popular “Take DSM by Storm” event series included some memorable spring semester events in the Des Moines area. The first event was hosted by Urban Dreams Executive Director Izaah Knox, who also serves as a Simpson Trustee and Iowa State Senator.
The final gathering of the academic year was held at Dink’s Pickleball in Des Moines. The burgeoning business led by David Lanning ’07 offered an inviting venue for some entertaining matches and an update on all things Simpson.
RAGBRAI Riders Assemble!
Team Simpson is Ready for You
Get ready to hit the open road this summer with Team Simpson on RAGBRAI LI, July 20-27. The deadline for week-long RAGBRAI registration has passed, but if you are a registered rider without a squad, Team Simpson would love to have you. You are also welcome to join us as a single-day rider.
This year’s route rolls from Glenwood to Burlington and includes a spin through Indianola, which serves as the Meet Town on Wednesday, July 24. Team Simpson members will get a ride from Simpson to Glenwood for the start of RAGBRAI, and from Burlington to Simpson at the conclusion of the ride.
Riders will be assigned an alumni-host in each overnight town. Team Simpson will transport your gear each day, feed you a light breakfast, and provide drinks and snacks at the end of each day. Weeklong riders will also receive a complimentary new Simpson College bike jersey.
Don’t miss out on this epic biking adventure – secure your spot with Team Simpson today!
Inauguration Headlines Homecoming,
October 11- 13
Get ready to paint the town red and gold during Homecoming Weekend Oct. 11-13. This year’s celebration is extra special, as we open festivities with the Inauguration of Jay Byers ’93, the 25th president of Simpson College. Please make plans to join us for this historic occasion. Watch your email and the College website for details to come.
After Inauguration, the weekend just gets bigger and better. Saturday, Oct. 12, we turn up the nostalgia dial with our Alumni Awards Ceremony, honoring the trailblazers and torchbearers who have left their distinctive marks on Simpson College and the community. The party Storm rolls on with good old-fashioned tailgating before the big football game. Head over to the Hillman Hall parking lot to mingle, munch and make memories with fellow alumni, students, faculty and friends. We can’t wait to see you all in October!
Renovation of Dunn Library
Lights up Learning
President Byers cuts the ribbon to officially open renovated Dunn Library, assisted by Board Chair Terry Handley ’09 (left) and College Librarian and Archivist Cyd Dyer (right).
Renovation of Dunn Library Lights up Learning
The much-anticipated re-opening of renovated Dunn Library is earning rave reviews. A towering open atrium, abundant natural light throughout and creatively re-imagined study spaces have come together beautifully to spark a sense of awe.
“Whatever I had pictured for the new library could never have prepared me for what I saw the first time I stepped inside,” said Angel Schewe ’25, while speaking at the Dunn Dedication and Open House on Feb. 16. “The smile never left my face.”
Dunn now serves as the new home for teacher education, as well as the Center for Academic Resources (CARS) and Student Support Services (TRIO). It also features spaces devoted to prized physical collections and expanded access to e-books and digital databases. All three library levels are thoughtfully designed to create an enhanced and effectively integrated learning environment. There is also an outdoor patio by the south entrance, made possible through funding from Simpson’s Student Government Association.
“Everyone on campus is buzzing about this remarkable renovation,” said President Byers. “The innovative redesign further distinguishes Dunn Library as the hub for heightened academic excellence at Simpson — creating a vibrant, optimally connected environment for individual and collaborative study.”
Perhaps no one is more pleased about the Dunn renovation than Simpson’s longtime College Librarian and Archivist Cyd Dyer.
“When we opened the doors, the students came in and their mouths were just hanging open,” she said. “They couldn’t get around to the different learning spaces fast enough. I am so thrilled with the engagement of students — they are excited to be here.”
Simpson Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley ’09 said the impressive results of the $10 million renovation reflects the efforts of a strong “Team Simpson” and its intensely faithful community of supporters.
“A project of this magnitude doesn’t come to fruition without sound strategy and planning, creative agility and a healthy dose of patience and perseverance,” said Handley. “And it certainly doesn’t happen without exceptionally generous support from our loyal benefactors.”
In particular, Handley acknowledged several major donors for their difference-making gifts: Donna J. Helble ’71 (deceased); Anna Hunt (deceased); Joyce Lillis and Terry Lillis ’77; Sunnie Richer; Dick and Judy Smith; Jim Reed ’53 and Lillian (Rydell) Reed ’53; Leon Langlitz ’80 and Denise Griffey ’79; and Trent Murphy ’90 and his late wife, Renee Murphy ’92.
Helble’s Heart for Education
Described by her loved ones as energetic, witty and loving, Dr. Donna J. Helble ’71 was a woman who did not easily go unnoticed. If her infectious laugh or quirky comments didn’t draw you in, her passion for serving others and immense generosity were sure to catch your attention.
The Simpson community has experienced Helble’s generosity first-hand. In addition to the time and energy Donna poured into Simpson both as a student and alumna, she also supported the College as a faithful donor, providing generous gifts to both the Education Department and the College as a whole.
Upon her passing in 2017, Helble’s estate gift to the College provided more than $2.5 million to support her lifelong passion. Her final donation initially allowed the purchase of updated technology for student teachers. It later helped renovate Dunn Library, Simpson’s home for future teachers.
College and Early Career
Born in Davenport, Iowa, and raised in nearby DeWitt, Helble’s devotion to the College began from the moment she became a student at Simpson in 1967.
“When she arrived at Simpson, she was ready to make a difference,” said friend and Pi Beta Phi sister Sheri Thompson ’71. “She was very active on campus and always up for a challenge, volunteering for and working with various organizations.” In her four years at Simpson, Helble was involved in several organizations, including the Pi Beta Phi sorority, Student Government Association, Student Education Association and Alpha Mu Gamma Honorary Foreign Language Society.
After graduating with a degree in elementary education and French, Helble went on to earn her master’s degree in remedial reading from Winona State University and, in 1985, her doctorate in language arts education from the University of Northern Colorado. She began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Minnesota City Elementary School before moving on to Goodview Elementary School in 1973.
A Staple of Winona
In 1988, Helble began her career at Winona State University as a professor of education. She very soon became one of Winona’s most valuable volunteers. “We would laugh that she probably was the president of every service organization in Winona during her life there,” said friend and sorority sister Betsy Schwartz ’72.
While in Winona, Helble sat on more than a dozen organizational boards, many times holding leadership roles. Her professional and community contributions led to numerous local, national, and international awards and accolades for teaching, literacy, service and leadership, just to name a few.
Red and Gold Heart
Through all her career success, civic contributions and grand list of awards and honors, Helble remained loyal to her alma mater.
“Donna never forgot her roots at Simpson College and continued to be active in several projects with Simpson over the years,” said Schwartz. Donna served as a class agent, reunion committee member, and member of the alumni association board of directors. She also returned each spring for honors convocation, where she presented the Dr. Donna J. Helble ’71 Award, given to an outstanding junior in education.
Helble’s Legacy
Like her mother, who was also an educator, Helble always wanted to teach children and had an immense passion for children’s literature. She had committed her life to education, and that work wouldn’t stop after her passing. “She wanted to make sure to share her estate with the organizations that had been instrumental in building her sense of service and education,” said Schwartz.
Helble’s love for education, public service, and Simpson College came together to create yet another monument to her life. Her final gift helped build a home for future teachers to learn and grow just as she once did in the very same place.
The late Donna J. Helble ’71 (left) established an award in her name to honor the outstanding junior in elementary education. Here, Steffanie Elkin ’14 received the recognition in 2013, presented by Education Professor Barb Ramos (right).
DUNN RENOVATION –DONOR IMPACT
Dream Home for Education
Renovated Dunn Library is a game changer for Simpson’s teacher education program. For the first time in program history, classes, curriculum labs and faculty offices are all housed in one convenient and connected space.
“We’re together,” said Dr. Barb Ramos, who has served as professor of education since 2004. “We have a home and students feel like they’re at home. The level of faculty collaboration and interaction with teacher education students has skyrocketed.”
Department chair and professor of education colleague Dr. Kate Lerseth says shared proximity has made an instant impact. “It’s unreal to all be here together. We get to hold our classes right next to each other and collaborate. And I constantly have students coming into my office, and we’re working on projects together.”
Teacher education’s new home in Dunn also features redesigned methods classrooms that more effectively emulate today’s dynamic K-12 learning environment. That’s a huge advantage for students in the program.
“When our students go out for their practicum and student teaching experiences, they teach in classrooms where tables, desks and chairs are in constant motion,” said Dr. Chad Timm ’95, associate professor of education and director of Master of Arts in teaching. “Now our teacher education students are learning in classrooms where the technology, tables and chairs, and whiteboards allow us to better prepare them to hit the ground running and succeed in those realworld environments.”
Lab-Tested Teaching Innovation
Similarly, the new curriculum lab boasts all the amenities, tools and resources students need. The environment is ideal for lesson planning, group study and projects, and honing their pedagogical skills as they host reading sessions and other events with local elementary students.
“The curriculum lab is a great example of the space’s ability to promote community building,” said Angel Schewe ’25, honors student and educational studies and English major. “The lab not only gives students access to resources, but it also provides a space where they can work on and practice their lessons. They can invite their professors, classmates and friends to offer insights that give students the experience necessary to be confident in what they’re doing.”
Ramos says the vital connecting thread to all the impressive upgrades in renovated Dunn is the supportive community of Simpson alumni who continue to pave the way for today’s generation of aspiring educators.
“Not only did they give gifts for this amazing physical space, but they also come back as guest speakers,” said Ramos. “They so readily accept our students for practicums and student teacher placements. They mentor our young people — and that mentorship is life changing.”
Shewe says the new spaces and great faculty fuel optimism about her future.
“The Dunn Library renovations make me, and other students, excited to continue our journeys in becoming educators,” said Schewe. “Despite the daunting challenges associated with teaching, the future of education is bright and there are people [here] who believe in and care about the impact of learning and teachers.”
Professor Kate Lerseth (center) says the integration of newly designed hands-on, collaborative learning spaces featuring interactive wireless technology provides students and faculty everything they need.
Prepared for Impact
As a standout goalkeeper on Simpson’s women’s soccer team, Lani Mears ’24 says she was always mentally prepared for anything coming her way. Mears has taken that same vigilant mindset into the classroom at Emerson Elementary in Indianola, where she spent Spring semester student teaching kindergartners.
“As a goalie, you have to be on your toes,” said Mears. “You may not be in the action at the moment, but you have to be ready — and that’s totally like teaching. I’ve learned that no two days are going to be the exact same, and things can change on the flip of a coin.”
Mears, who earned the Dr. Donna J. Helble ’71 Award recognizing the outstanding junior in elementary education last year, says the new education space in Dunn is amazing — the ideal place to prepare her lesson plans and practice teaching.
Her growing confidence as a student teacher, comes from the design of Simpson’s education program and the faculty who prepared her. Going through a series of immersive experiences that build on each other provided the scaffolding that readied her for the challenge of student teaching.
“You’ve worked four years for this moment,” said Mears. “And you have so much practice by then: in your classes, in practicum, teaching lessons, and just being with kids — or even teaching your peers. So, it’s not so nerve-wracking to stand up in front of the class when you finally get there.”
Mears says that gaining classroom experience and acquiring her teaching license are huge in paving the way toward her ultimate goal of serving as a speech pathologist in a school setting. In the short term, she plans to teach next fall while also preparing to pursue a master’s degree.
Lani Mears ’24 helps kindergartners learn the alphabet sounds, as part of her student teaching experience at Emerson Elementary School in Indianola.
Having classes and faculty offices in the same location creates more spontaneous opportunities for faculty-student interaction.
The reimagined curriculum lab provides abundant resources to help students prepare and practice lesson plans, while also serving as an ideal venue for teaching and tutoring local elementary students.
Enlightening Educators
Going the Extra Four Miles
Tamera Steenhoek ’98 Principal Four Mile Elementary, Southeast Polk School District
There is clearly a special chemistry between Simpson College and its many neighboring PK-12 schools. Last fall’s Science Celebration Day at Four Mile Elementary is a classic case in point. Simpson teaching education and science students, along with faculty members Adam Brustkern, Lindsay Ditzler and Kate Lerseth, came together there to stage a special day of STEM learning.
“It was a win-win,” explained Steenhoek, who was thrilled to have Simpson students and faculty presenting at her school. “Our students were engaged in meaningful science learning and Simpson students had the opportunity to teach and lead students in the various stations.”
A member of the education department’s advisory board, Steenhoek is an enthusiastic ambassador for Simpson. After spending several years as a classroom teacher, she became a literacy coach and coordinator at Southeast Polk Schools before taking on her role as principal at Four Mile Elementary three years ago.
“I am growing and learning every day. I believe my years at Simpson fostered a love of professional learning and career development. As an ongoing professional learner, I am humble, transparent, communicative and passionate about doing what’s best for students. I feel like I bring the human side to a role that can sometimes appear managerial and businesslike. I never want to lose my desire to build interpersonal relationships, serve our community, and be myself."
Teacher turned elementary school principal Tamera Steenhoek ’98 (center) loves her daily interaction with students, while striving to grow and learn more every day.
Teaching in Good Faith
Paul Beatty ’88 Executive Head of School Lighthouse School, Calebasses, Maurituis
Graduating from Simpson with a degree in history, Beatty’s first 30 years as an educator featured multiple stops throughout Iowa as a high school social studies teacher, coach and administrator. Then his career took a major turn — thousands of miles from his home state.
In 2018, Beatty embraced a calling into full-time Christian missionary work as an educator abroad through TeachBeyond. He ventured 8,000 miles to serve as the NGO CEO/administrative director for William Carey Academy (WCA) in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Beatty also taught economics and coached basketball at the international school, which featured an American curriculum in English medium designed to prepare Bangladeshi students for study at world-class universities.
“Having lived in Iowa my entire life, the decision to accept the position was stepping out in faith to serve God and the Bangladeshi students,” said Beatty. “Simpson’s liberal arts education was significant to the openness and perspective needed to adapt and educate in the vastly different culture and poverty of a developing country.”
During his four years in Bangladesh, Beatty, who holds an MBA and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Iowa, met his wife, Lucy — a Kenyan teacher at WCA. They intended to move back to the U.S. in 2022, but visa processing delays led them to accept positions at Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School — a Christian school on the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius.
As executive head of school at Lighthouse, Beatty oversees a rich diversity of preschool to senior student body of 580 students. It includes Mauritian descendants from India, multiple African nations, China, France, and the UK — along with expatriate students from Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Ukraine and the U.S. All socio-economic classes are represented, and faith expressions include Hindu, Christian and Islam religions.
“Regardless of where I’ve been an educator, I have always sought to change the odds for students. Engaging with Christian schools abroad has extended the scope beyond the college and career focus to changing the eternal odds for students.”
Class Act
Morgan King ’20 Drama Director,
English Teacher Hoover High School, Des Moines
As a student at Simpson, King made her mark on the opera stage while also enjoying incredible career-shaping internships with Des Moines Performing Arts and the Des Moines Symphony. Her education studies also featured plenty of hands-on experience, including an eye-opening opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica.
“That’s where I found my love for seeing the world and the impact it can have on a person’s perspective. It impacted me so much that I now take my own students on study abroad trips to London to experience professional theatre.”
King’s rich set of experiences at Simpson opened the door for her appointment as drama director and English teacher at Hoover High School in her home community of Des Moines, where she’s already making a big impact.
In 2022, she was honored with the Iowa Council of Teachers of English Award, which recognizes those who “demonstrate exceptional teaching skills as a beginning teacher.” And she’s taken her drama students to All-State in IHSSA Speech three times in her four years at Hoover. Along the way, she’s inspired tremendous growth in the drama program.
“In my first year, I started out with only 30 students signing up for my drama classes. But this year, I had over 120 students — maxing out each of my sections. I’ve had to double cast shows because I’ve had so many students excited about getting involved in theater.”
King is grateful to Simpson for thoroughly preparing her to thrive as an educator with a strong foundation. She says teaching is tough, but persistence pays off.
“Education is an area where success is found by one’s willingness to lean into learning through trial and error. There is no right way to be an educator; it takes being willing to fail and try again.”
Morgan King ’20, third from right, works with her drama students at Hoover High School in Des Moines.
From Iowa to Bangladesh and the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius, Paul Beatty ’88 has found his calling as a Christian school teacher and administrator.
in a Project Based World
Amanda Clark ’01 has distinguished herself as a class-room teacher, teaching consultant and coach, as well as an author and advocate for project based learning. Her teaching philosophy is based on a simple rationale.
“We live in a project based world,” she says, “so why not bring project based learning experiences into the classroom?”
And she has done just that — through her early career as an elementary school teacher and today as a national faculty member and senior professional learning designer for PBLWorks.
Clark’s educational views and methods are based on the principles of constructivism — where people “actively construct or make their own knowledge”— and learner-centered practices that comprised her experiences at Simpson. Through her coursework, classroom placements, and a May Term studying education in New Zealand, Clark says Simpson provided a firm foundation and practical preparation to help her thrive as an educator.
“The courses were meaningful and relevant, and we had opportunities to engage in work that mirrored what teachers actually do,” said Clark, who also holds a master’s degree and doctorate in education from Drake University. “Simpson helped me discover what I was passionate about, how I wanted to show up as a teacher, how to make decisions based on doing what is best for kids, and how to be a lead learner.”
Learning to Teach Downtown
While at Simpson, Clark completed a practicum and student teaching experience at the Downtown School in Des Moines for elementary students, one of the early innovators in project based learning (PBL) pedagogy. In PBL, teachers work with their students to create engaging projects that help them apply theoretical knowledge as they gain practice in solving real-world problems.
Acquiring PBL insights and skills as a student teacher, Clark continued at the Downtown School as a classroom teacher and instructional coach for 16 years. Along the way, she became a fervent believer in the profound value of PBL.
Amanda Clark ’01 provides curricula counsel and conducts teacher workshops to foster the growth of project based learning nationwide.
“I believe project based learning has the power to change the life trajectory for all students,” said Clark. “A great project engages students in learning that is meaningful, long-lasting, and relevant to their lives and futures. This transformational pedagogy can transform students’ educational experiences and set them on a path for whatever is next — college, career, or life.”
Employing PBL challenged Clark to be imaginative and resourceful in connecting with students — always striving to keep learning fresh and fun. Consider, for example, studying trees. One year, the project with her students included a field trip to a nature center to learn from a naturalist about color change in leaves; a group hike to learn how to identify trees by leaf type and bark; a visit to a family farm to see how sap becomes maple syrup; and a simulation experience where students took on the role of various parts inside the tree.
Clark says that kind of personal discovery experience over a sustained period of time illustrates the distinctive value of project based learning.
“We relied on experts, books, simulations and hands-on activities for learning. In the process, students learned so many important skills like collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving…that’s the 21st century skill set that they need. It’s about structuring a classroom around child development versus structuring it so tightly around the content.”
I believe project based learning has the power to change the life trajectory for all students.
Giving Students a Voice
Following her service at the Downtown School, Clark moved on to Central College for a five-year stint teaching future educators about the value of learner-centered education. For the last seven years, she has held a variety of consulting and leadership roles for PBLWorks, an organization dedicated to growing the capacity of educators to bring project based learning to their classrooms. As senior professional learning designer, she is responsible for leading the creation and revision of high-quality content to support diverse educators, leaders and school communities in implementing project based learning.
Clark says the vision of PBLWorks prioritizes supporting project based learning for minority and marginalized populations. Her workshops help teachers learn how to create projects that require a high level of cognitive demand and reflect an understanding of who their students are and what works for them. A big part of that, she says, is for teachers to be consistently intentional in giving their students a sense of “shared power.”
“We are all born with a voice,” said Clark. “Let’s let kids use their voice in school and let them make choices about their learning. I think the community and the culture that comes from learning in a space where you are empowered is exciting.”
Growing the PBL Movement
Winning over those who are skeptical about the feasibility of implementing PBL is an ongoing challenge for Clark. To address that skepticism, she coauthored a book with Sara Lev and Erin Starkey in 2020 entitled, “Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching Success.”
“There is a misconception that young kids can’t do project based learning,” said Clark. “Every chapter [of our book] unpacks different misconceptions that teachers might have because they argue, ’Those kids can’t read and write yet…they can’t get along. How are they going to do research?’ We redefine research in the book and teachers begin to see, ’Oh yeah, we can do this.’”
Sharing insights from their book, Clark and her coauthors Sara Lev and Erin Starkey recently held their first national conference on PBL, which attracted more than 80 educators from 11 states to participate in a two-day workshop. Clark hopes that many such conferences will follow as interest in PBL continues to grow.
She urges aspiring educators to be faithfully committed in employing a learner-centered approach to teaching, placing a priority emphasis on creating a genuine connection with each of their students.
“I would encourage pre-service educators to take the time to get to know their students and build relationships. It is absolutely essential to build a classroom culture for learning. When your students know that you believe in them, trust them, and respect them, they will show you kindness and respect in turn. Remember, you are teaching kids, not content or standards.”
I’m pretty clear on what I’m about – I stand for children.
CREATING BETTER BEGINNINGS
Deidre Anderson-Barbee ’93 is a powerful voice in the quest to ensure all families have equitable access to high quality, affordable education and care for their children — from the very beginning. Her relentless advocacy efforts are making a difference and gaining prestigious acclaim.
For the last 11 years, Anderson-Barbee served as CEO of EarlystART in Kansas City, an early childhood education center dedicated in large part to ensuring school readiness of children from low-income families. She has been tireless in growing support for that cause and, most importantly, pushing community leaders and elected officials to take difference-making action.
“Change happens when you put just enough tension on the system,” said Anderson-Barbee. “I think I’m known for being able to have hard conversations in a way where I don’t make enemies and I don’t lose friends. At the same time, I’m also known as someone that’s pretty no nonsense. I’m pretty clear on what I’m about — I stand for children.”
Indeed, she has moved the needle in changing the educational fortunes of preschool children. During her time at EarlystART, for example, 90 percent of students were kindergarten ready, and more than 90 percent met or exceeded benchmarks in cognitive skills.
Champion of Change
In recognition of her work as a champion for children, the NFL honored Anderson-Barbee as the Kansas City Chiefs recipient of the 2023 Inspire Change Changemaker Award — a tribute that included a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to her nonprofit organization and two tickets to the Super Bowl. In presenting the honor, the Chiefs lauded Anderson-Barbee for “creating a culture change in the Kansas City community on the importance of early childhood education.”
Anderson-Barbee says her greatest success at EarlystART was professionalizing the classroom — creating a structure similar to the K-12 system. As part of that effort, her organization raised funds that allowed teachers to return to school and attain their credentials, while also making it possible to attract higher-caliber teaching talent.
“Your zip code should not be a determinant of your future life outcome,” said Anderson-Barbee. “And we know that in some communities where the risk factors are greater, we need to provide even greater resources. Instead of having the least-credentialed talent [in the classroom], I believe we should have the best.”
In addition to her recognition from the Chiefs, Anderson-Barbee received the Missouri Lieutenant Governor’s Women of Achievement Award in March — an honor trumpeting the diverse accomplishments of Missouri women. Her role on the Governor’s Office “Zero to Three Committee” helped support the creation of the Office of Childhood for the state of Missouri.
It’s all part of a 30-year career devoted to helping others, including 10 years as the director of At-Risk Programs and Grants for the Hickman Mills School District in Kansas City. In that role, she managed all federal programs, discretionary grants and private funding for the district, while also chairing a collaboration of 12 school districts that provided input regarding public education needs.
Simpson Set the Stage
Her formative years at Simpson played a significant role in shaping her life journey. Following a long family legacy of Simpson students that included her mom, uncle and sister, Anderson-Barbee came to Simpson as a George Washington Carver Scholar.
“There was a lot going on in the world when I was at Simpson, similar to now. I was pretty active in trying to help with outreach to recruit minority students. I remember thinking ‘are you really going to make the experience for black students better? Or are we just going to recruit black students and get some numbers?’”
Processing those questions and becoming more actively engaged in issues at Simpson, Anderson-Barbee discovered her gifts and abilities to be a difference maker.
“I didn’t know then what I’m continuing to learn and fully cultivate, which is that I have a voice that people listen to and if I can use it for its greatest good… that’s what it’s all about.”
Unwavering in her commitment to affect change, Anderson-Barbee continues to move forward with great hope and confidence, grounded in the enduring value of a liberal arts education she received at Simpson.
Kansas City Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt presents Anderson-Barbee with the 2023 Inspire Change Changemaker Award and two tickets to the Super Bowl, as husband, Stephen Barbee, colleague and friend Tammy Buckner, and daughter Skyelar Anderson join her for the celebration.
“It prepares you for life and problem solving. You end up in classrooms with people studying something different from you, from a different background. We have to continue to support institutions like Simpson, because who I am today has a lot to do with that college experience. Hopefully I have done the institution proud while doing meaningful work.”
More Work to Do
A fresh chapter in Anderson-Barbee’s meaningful work has begun. Having poured her heart into leading EarlystART, she is embracing a new challenge in early childhood education advocacy.
In January 2024, she launched Starting Early as its founding executive director. Her focus will center on building the capacity of the early childhood workforce while advocating to secure expanded educational access and equity. Her goal is to train and credential 50 early childhood educators each year while also pursuing public and private investment that creates better pay for those educators.
“If we can equip the next generation of early childhood professionals to feel prepared and supported, and we can rightfully compensate at a rate that is commensurate with the wonderful life-transforming work that they do — then I can say I’ve actually done something.”
ENLIGHTENING EDUCATORS
Since meeting in their Chinese History class at Simpson, Allie Walker ’12 and Rawley Butler ’13 have been on amazing trek together. Their love for travel and culture has taken them to 17 countries — including for teaching stints in Peru and El Salvador. Today, the married teaching tandem is in Montana, serving as middle school educators.
Teaching together was not their original plan. Graduating from Simpson with degrees in history, they first focused on finding a path to feed their shared appetite for travel. Allie and Rawley saved money for a year and became certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Equipped with certifications and Spanish-speaking skills, they moved to Peru for English-teaching positions. Their teaching journeys took them from the bustling capital city of Lima and its 11 million people to the small town of Urubamba in the Andes Mountains. Along the way, they had an epiphany.
“When we were younger, I think a lot of our motivation to teach was so that we could travel,” said Allie. “That kind of flip-flopped into the discovery that we really enjoy teaching.”
Going Farther with More Education
Having made that discovery, Allie and Rawley recognized they were not fully prepared for careers in education. So, they came back to Simpson to pursue Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees through the College’s Continuing, Graduate and Online Education program.
“I think the program is structured in a way that makes it as easy as possible to go back and do it, while still being rigorous,” said Rawley. “You have a really good cohort support system of people there with you. And they just transition you so easily into the education community.”
“And the fact that we were both history majors [at Simpson] really helped us,” said Allie. “Simpson’s history program is so focused on being well spoken and analytical. And that foundation made the MAT program easy in some ways. With all the reading and work we had done, we were so prepared for it.”
Allie adds that she especially appreciated how the MAT program helped her see the primary importance of creating authentic experiences in the classroom for her students.
“My focus was on interdisciplinary learning, which opened my eyes to the fact that learning isn’t just writing on the board and taking notes. The more authentic you can make every single activity, the more impact it will have on kids — and not just on their test scores. It will help them develop into responsible adults and critical thinkers, who can reason out situations instead of just following the rules.”
Sharing a World of Adventures
Packing up lessons learned while completing their MAT programs, Allie and Rawley ventured to the American School of El Salvador for three years as middle school English and history teachers, respectively. Then came the move to Montana.
They are now completing their fifth year at Shepherd Middle School, where Allie teaches English and AP Language, and Rawley teaches history. The inseparable couple remains as close as ever with their classrooms conveniently situated just across the hall from each other.
“Our rooms have always been right next to each other,” said Rawley. “I love it because I get to see my best friend every 45 minutes. And having a very good teacher you can bounce ideas off is tremendous.”
Rawley, a California native, has many family resources from which to draw teaching wisdom. Both of his parents and grandparents were teachers, as is his twin brother, Zane Butler ’13, and Zane's wife, Savannah Butler ’13. Yet Rawley’s zeal for teaching goes well beyond shared DNA.
“For me, teaching is the right job because I enjoy working with the kids and seeing them learn every day,” said Rawley. “I love working here with a like-minded group of people who want to make a difference in kids lives. I think that’s a big deal.”
Allie and Rawley are loving life and teaching in Montana, so they’re content to stay there indefinitely. When school isn’t in session, their zeal for travel has them dreaming of new destinations. Allie has South Korea and Japan on her wish list; Rawley has his sights on Mongolia. If they make it to all three places, that will be 20 countries together — truly an impressive world of experiences to bring into their classrooms.
Allie and Rawley have been teaching and traveling together for more than a decade while experiencing 17 countries.
Speech & Debate Dynasty Rolls On
Simpson’s Speech & Debate Team once again had the last word in national competition. For the seventh time in eight years, the Storm captured the Combined Sweepstakes crown at the Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) National Tournament in March. Simpson also won the Debate Sweepstakes and took second in Individual Events, its best finish ever as a team. In all, 58 teams competed in the tournament.
“The prestige of Simpson’s program came long before my arrival,” said first-year Speech & Debate Program Director Tiana Brownen, “but I am delighted to be part of the continued legacy. Consistent success as a team is due to each individual team member’s extraordinary talent, passion and dedication. Our students’ willingness to work together and help each other is one thing that sets our team apart from others.”
Marketing Earns Educational Advertising Awards
Simpson received four golds and two bronze recognitions in the 39th Annual Educational Advertising Awards announced this Spring. Produced by the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communication, Simpson earned gold in outdoor advertising, special event campaign, special promotions campaign and total digital marketing. The College claimed bronze honors in integrated marketing campaign and special promotion categories.
simpson.edu/awards
The Simpson community came up big on April 3 for both Campus Day and #ONESimpsonDay. Nearly 800 student, faculty, staff and alumni volunteers joined forces to participate in 49 projects, including 34 off-campus endeavors — more than double last year’s number.
Meanwhile, Simpson benefactors demonstrated their giving hearts with another tremendous response.
$124,196Thank you to our 505 donors!
Faculty, Alumnus and Student Receive Seed Coalition Awards
Several members of the Simpson community earned awards this spring from the Seed Coalition, formerly known as the Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact. Araceli Tapetillo ’26 earned the Presidents’ Student Leadership Award for her commitment to civic responsibility and community involvement. Tapetillo tutored elementary students and was involved in numerous volunteer activities as a Wesley Service Scholar.
Faculty members Dr. Aswati Subramanian and Dr. John Pauley earned the Presidents’ Civic Engagement Leadership Award for their student support in advancing civic mission and increasing community engagement. Subramanian and Pauley guided students in field research to address water problems, while working alongside members of the City of Indianola, Warren County, and the state of Iowa.
Billy “B. Well” Weathers ’13 received honorable mention for the Engaged Campus Award for Alumni Leadership for his contributions to the community. Weathers is the founder of the B. Well Foundation, which supports students in the Des Moines community through support for educational tools, supplies and targeted financial support for at-risk students.
Math Faculty Gain National Recognition
Assistant Professor Dr. Marilyn Vazquez Landrover and Professor Dr. Heidi Berger are bringing some well-deserved attention to the Simpson Mathematics department.
Vazquez Landrover was selected to serve as a mentor in the SIAM-Simons Undergraduate Summer Research Program, a program targeted toward U.S. students from groups underrepresented in applied and computational mathematics. Vazquez Landrover is one of only five mentors from across the country to be chosen for the program starting this summer.
Berger and her renowned research team, including three Simpson students, recently published a manuscript in the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C. Students Kenneth Norris ’25, Katelyn Smith ’25 and Allison Young ’24 contributed to the article “Health care satisfaction and medical literacy habits among caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome.” This marks the third article published in a medical journal by Berger’s research group and the sixth peer-reviewed publication co-authored by undergraduate students in Simpson’s Bryan Summer Research Program.
Remembering Former President Lancaster
Former President Richard Bailey Lancaster passed away in Indianapolis on April 15 at age 92. He served as Simpson’s 18th president from 1972-79.
Lancaster and his wife, Reta, enjoyed 70 years of marriage. They were the first to live in Sigler House, which was donated to the College and renovated during his early years as president.
Lancaster helped strengthen the curriculum and stabilized declining enrollment all colleges were experiencing following the Vietnam War.
The Des Moines Metro Opera was established during his presidency, and he served on its board. Additionally, the Cowles Center was built during his tenure, which ushered in a new level of athletic involvement by Simpson students.
Dr. Marilyn Vazquez Landrover Dr. Heidi Berger
Araceli Tapetillo '26 Dr. Aswati Subramanian Dr. John Pauley
Students Shine at Symposium
More than 120 students gathered across the Simpson campus to present their projects at the 14th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. The participating students drew in around 500 attendees as they showcased their work through oral presentations, posters, artistic performances and class panel discussions.
Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley introduced Jays Byers as president at a May 16 news conference.
The event also featured a keynote address by Dr. Christina Johnson, curator at the NASA Open Science Data Repository. Dr. Johnson spoke to the unique problems faced in Space Crop Development research and current opportunities for involvement with NASA’s research goals.
Cross-Institutional Internship Program Launched
Simpson College will participate in I-RAISE, a crossinstitutional program designed to build a more robust regional research administration and grants professionals’ workforce for the future. The program, led by Iowa State, is funded through a competitive grant of $3.7 million over four and a half years from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
I-RAISE will prepare undergraduate and graduate students from partner institutions for careers in Research Administration (RA) and as grant professionals through a classroom-based RA boot camp and summer internship at Iowa State, followed by additional mentored internship rotations at each student’s home institution.
Carver Celebration Highlights Black History Month
Members of the Simpson and Indianola communities hosted a three-day George Washington Carver Celebration during Black History Month. The on-campus events included a presentation from the Carver Birthplace Association, the George Washington Carver Symposium, and an awards luncheon honoring change-makers from the Midwest and beyond.
The “Innovations in Food Production Symposium” featured a panel of globally recognized agriculture and food science leaders. Panelists included Dr. George Annor, University of Minnesota; Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, Purdue University and Purdue Center for Global Food Security; and Dr. Rosalind James from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Other Black History Month celebrations included Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, which featured a dialogue led by trained student facilitators, day service projects, a social concerns fair and ceremonial bell ringing to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Johnson ’05 Presents Women in America Lecture
Classically trained singer Audrey Johnson ’05 presented the Annual Women in America Lecture in March.
Johnson, who is founder, soloist, and program curator for the solo touring company Of Thee I Sing: American Heritage Through Song, took the stage for the award-winning “The Women’s Suffrage Concert Program: We’ve Come a Long Way, Ladies.” The program featured a collection of songs recognizing the struggle of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Simpson’s Chamber Singers joined Johnson for part of the performance.
Partially funded through a $2,700 grant from Humanities Iowa, the event was made possible by several collaborating sponsors, including The Women’s and Gender Studies Program, The Culver Center, The Iowa History Center, and Simpson’s Theatre and Music Departments.
2023 Grads Are Going Places
Simpson’s Class of 2023 is excelling at a high rate in careers and graduate school, as evidenced in the College’s latest First Destination Report.
Of those holding bachelor’s degrees, 94 percent were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, 94 percent of master’s degree recipients gained employment. The findings are based on a 98 percent response rate.
The report reveals perfect placement rates for 16 majors across multiple fields of study. Neuroscience, accounting, graphic design, elementary education, and interdisciplinary studies majors were among those with 100 percent of students employed or attending graduate school. Health services leadership, management information systems, and sports communication majors also earned perfect marks.
The Class of 2023 is also well represented at prestigious professional and graduate schools across America. Additionally, the grads are making their impact near and far — thriving in 19 states and three countries, with 77 percent residing in Iowa.
FOUNDATION
Emily and Colin Payne Jumpstart Gymnastics
Emily Barrett Payne and her husband, Colin Payne, never fathomed they would coach together at the same school. That remarkable reality came together rather quickly when Simpson announced plans three years ago to add women’s and men’s gymnastics. And judging by their first two seasons, the Paynes are perfectly paired to lead the new programs.
Their path to Simpson began at the Naval Academy, an NCAA Division I program where Colin was an assistant coach for a dominant team that claimed four conference titles in his four years there. During that time, he became a member of his coach’s association executive committee that was seeking ways to grow the sport beyond NCAA Division I.
Colin’s committee sought the assistance of USA Gymnastics, which opened doors to creating new programs in NCAA Division III — including at Simpson. As one of the few experienced coaches available for such an opportunity, Colin found himself on the short list of top candidates. He came to Simpson for an interview visit, and the rest is history.
“Meeting the staff and other coaches, it seemed like the right fit,” said Colin. “And for a sport that has given me so much, what better way to give back than to help build one of the first new programs in over 60 years.”
At the time, Emily was coaching club gymnastics, working with high school athletes. But as a former college gymnast she missed the college atmosphere. So, during Colin’s preliminary exploration of the men’s position at Simpson, he asked if there might be an opportunity for Emily to serve as an assistant for Simpson’s women’s program. The recruiter told Colin, “No, but she can be the head coach.”
The surprising response left Emily stunned — and a bit terrified.
“I was like, ’No, thank you — that’s scary!’ said Emily. “It took a few weeks of Colin’s reassurances and convincing before I moved forward. But I think it was the right move for the two of us. It’s very rare that he can coach the men’s side and I can coach the women’s side at the same time. We knew this opportunity probably wasn’t going to come open ever again.”
Growing Teams from Coast to Coast
Their immediate coaching challenge focused on recruitment and roster building during a year-long ramp up to their programs’ competition debuts in January 2023. Emily landed 15 first-year recruits — finding talent all across the country, from New York to California.
“I had a really great experience being recruited by Emily,” said Bella Dix ’26, an all-around gymnast from Naperville, Ill. “She just boosted my confidence to be a college gymnast.”
Kaelyn Tally ’26, an all-around competitor from Grants Pass, Ore., says it didn’t take long for the new team to form a bond.
“Only a few of us knew each other from previous gyms and half of us were from opposite sides of the country,” said Tally. “But I also knew that in gymnastics people grow so close so quickly because we’re in the gym all the time and just hanging out together or sharing the same classes. So, you kind of already have 15 new best friends. Having that sense of comfort makes coming so far away from home 10 times easier.”
This past season, the women’s program welcomed eight new team members, including Emma Charles ’27, who became the first in program history to qualify for the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships, where she competed on vault.
“Joining Simpson’s program has definitely been what I expected, probably even more because we’ve all gotten so close,” said Charles. “Since we are such a small team and a new team, we’re figuring things out along the way together, which I think has bonded us a lot more.”
Reaching for the Highest Bar
The men’s team, which also features a geographically diverse roster, sent five athletes to the National Collegiate Men’s Gymnastics Championships. Michelangelo Villani ’26, Shrewsbury, Mass., represented the Storm for the second time as an all-around competitor while Milo Staley ’26, Ann Arbor, Mich., made his nationals debut in the same event. Other Storm taking part in nationals included Brian Rollison ’27, Warren, Ohio, (still rings); Jake Smith ’27, Ocean, N.J., (high bar); and Alex Catchpole ’26, Nashua, N.H., (pommel horse and parallel bars).
“Being part of a new team, just creating that legacy, that’s so cool,” said Staley. “I want to be part of that and to help build it up. So, I figured I’d give it a chance — and I love it here.”
Looking to build on their early successes, Emily and Colin share the lofty goal of having their squads qualify for nationals as full teams. The men participate in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and next year the women will make their debut in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The competition is fierce, but the coaches like their teams’ trajectory.
“What I’m most encouraged about is the community piece and how these guys have come together,” said Colin. “I can see it. We’ve got things to work through and build on, but the group of guys that we have and the culture we are setting speaks volumes about these guys.”
Already anticipating the impact of adding six new recruits next season, Emily has plenty of reasons for growing optimism.
“We’re not graduating anyone yet,” said Emily. “So, over the next two years we’re just going to keep getting experience and more people that can kind of fill in the gaps of what we may be missing skill or score wise. I think I’ve also become more confident in my ability as a coach — and I’m pushing the team more. I’m excited about our future.”
Emma Charles ’27 is the first gymnast in women’s program history to qualify for nationals this season, while setting new team records on bar and floor.
Alex Catchpole ’26 was one of five Storm athletes to qualify for the National Collegiate Men’s Gymnastics Championships this season.
Hicks Wins Three Matches at Nationals
Women’s wrestler Emme Hicks ’27 won three matches at the NCWWC National Championships — just one victory shy of earning AllAmerican distinction. Hicks had qualified for nationals with a fourthplace finish at the NCWWC Region V Championships hosted by Simpson. The Ypsilanti, Mich., native compiled an impressive 20-11 record in her first collegiate season. As a team, the Storm finished the season with a 12-4 dual record.
Shooting Sports Claims Multiple National Titles
Simpson’s shooting sports team claimed the national team title in the Classic All-American competition and saw multiple individuals claim national titles at the ACUI/SCTP Collegiate Clay Target Championships this spring.
Competing against 18 other schools representing all three NCAA divisions and NAIA teams, Simpson claimed the team title in the Classic All-American discipline — consisting of trap, skeet, and sporting clays.
Breydon Paxson ’24 was the combined singles national champion, scoring a perfect 200 with 100’s in both the skeet and trap disciplines. Paxson also won his third national title in trap, competing in the Class AA division. Riley Ericson ’24 also claimed a national championship in Class A trap — the only competitor out of 309 to shoot a perfect 100. Taylor Busho ’27 captured a national title in the women’s Class B skeet competition.
Moon on A Mission
Spencer Moon ’24 continued his remarkable run of record-setting performances while earning All-American accolades in track and field this spring. Moon placed sixth in the men’s 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships to earn First Team All-American honors, followed by a 14th place finish in the 3,000 meters to claim Second Team All-American distinction. His indoor season also included A-R-C MVP and Midwest Region Track Athlete of the Year honors.
Patterson, Cleveland, Kallem Shine at Nationals
Ulysses Patterson ’25 and Max Cleveland ’24 also achieved All-American status at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships. Patterson took ninth in the heptathlon, highlighted by a third-place finish in the 1,000 meters, to earn Second Team All-American honors. His 4,918 points broke the school record for the third time.
Cleveland captured 13th in the 60-meter hurdles at the national meet, following a second-place finish in the A-R-C Championships. He holds both school and conference records in the event.
Qualifying for nationals for the first time in her career, Lara Kallem ’24 took 19th in the 5,000 meters. She owns the school record in the event.
Nash Nets Soccer, Basketball Honors
Cassie Nash ’24 added multiple honors to her long list of career accolades as a two-sport star. Nash was named A-R-C Defensive Player of the Year in women’s basketball for the second straight season. She led the conference with 74 steals overall, while also dishing out 93 assists and netting 15.5 points per game.
In soccer, Nash became the first in team history to earn All-American honors for the second time, leading the Storm to the NCAA Division III Tournament while scoring 22 of the team’s 50 goals. She was also named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region IX Team for the third time, where she was joined by teammates Julia Wagoner ’24 and Maddie Hays ’25. Wagoner, a midfielder, also became the first player in program history to earn A-R-C Defensive MVP honors while anchoring a defense that notched 10 shutouts.
Bjorkgren Steps Down
Simpson College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Bjorkgren ’83 announced his decision this spring to step down after nine years.
“After taking some time to evaluate and reflect on my future, I have decided to step down from my position of head men’s basketball coach,” Bjorkgren said. “I have dedicated the past nine years to Simpson Basketball, and I believe it is time for a fresh start and new direction.”
Bjorkgren led Simpson to the conference tournament in each of his first six years en route to a 103-111 record.
“I would like to sincerely thank Brad for his dedication and loyalty to the Simpson College basketball program,” said Athletics Director Marty Bell. “From his days as a student-athlete through his coaching tenure, he has demonstrated the highest level of integrity, character, and class. We wish him and his family all the best, and he will always have a home here with the Storm.”
All-American Worth
For the second year in a row, football wide receiver Reed Worth ’23 has been selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Second Team. Worth graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in sports administration.
Last fall, Worth set career-highs in receptions (77), yards (1,160) and touchdowns (15) on his way to becoming the program’s leader in career receiving touchdowns (35) and yards (3,265).
Jones Named New Basketball Coach
Kyle Jones has been named the College’s 24th head men’s basketball coach, following an extensive nationwide search.
Jones spent the last three years as the top assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. During that time, the program made two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, advancing as far as the Elite Eight in 2023.
“With a deep understanding of our region and proven track record as a coach and player in Division III, Coach Jones brings a wealth of experience to our program,” said Bell. “We are excited to welcome Coach Jones and his wife, Lori, to the Simpson Athletic Department and the #ONESimpson family.”
Originally from East Troy, Wis., Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Carroll University in 2012, where he was a four-year starter for the Pioneer men’s basketball team.
In an effort to be better stewards of our resources, the Class Notes portion of Touring the Years is published electronically. We invite you to visit simpson.edu/classnotes to view the accomplishments of our alumni. If you wish to receive a printed copy of Class Notes, please contact alumni.office@simpson.edu.
Marriages
Births / Adoptions
Jean Mullen Nicholson ’13 and Derek Nicholson married September 8, 2023. The couple resides in Des Moines, IA.
Chelsea Hamerlinck Stout ’16 and Tyvan Stout will be married August 8, 2024. The couple resides in Kewanee, IL.
Sarah Nolting Dredge ’21 and Tyler Dredge ’20 married October 14, 2023. The couple resides in Indianola, IA.
Rowan Finnegan Bunnell, November 17, 2023 to Dakota Bunnell ’16 and Kara Bunnell, Adel, IA.
Gweneviere Sigler, November 11, 2022 to Rachel Sigler ’20 and Cole Sigler ’20, Adel, IA
Remy Jade Ankeny Vriezelaar, November 15, 2023, to Elizabeth Ankeny ’06 and Blaine Vriezelaar, Des Moines, IA.
Elena Jo Davison, February 2024, to Kayla Davison ’13 and Brad Davison ’13, Stillwater, MN
Conrad Allen Roen, October 3, 2023, to Kaylee Roen ’19 and Drew Roen ’19, Pleasant Hill, IA.
Mila Sara Hill, April 3, 2023, to Sarah Ostroski Hill ’03 and Heath Hill
Births / Adoptions (Continued)
In Memoriam
Alice Eberle Jones ’47, December 30, 2022, A
Norma Walk Pegram-Kliment ’50
October 17, 2023, Carlisle, Iowa.
Samuel “Chic” Born ’67
October 20, 2023, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bernadine Frame Kells ’45
October 20, 2023, Russell, Iowa.
Gerald “Skip” Farley ’53
November 13, 2023, Mount Prospect, Illinois.
H. Roger Grant ’66
November 17, 2023, Central, South Carolina.
Lyle Ball ’70
November 18, 2023, Washington, Iowa.
Larry Verbick ’64
November 22, 2023, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Robert “Bob” Camblin ’59
November 23, 2023, Atlantic, Iowa.
James Hemphill ’54
November 24, 2023, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Gerald Toner ’72
November 28, 2023, Hst Newcastle, Delaware.
Kay Biddick Ramsbottom ’64
December 3, 2023, Charles City, Iowa.
Heidi Kendall-Newgard ’80
December 5, 2023, Spencer, Iowa.
Lance Vanderzyl ’67
December 13, 2023, Yuma, Arizona.
Kenneth Keil ’65
December 17, 2023, Des Moines, Iowa.
Bernard Nash ’66
December 21, 2023, Indianola, Iowa.
Betty Taylor Nystuen ’48
December 23, 2023, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Doris Boruff Peterson ’51
January 5, 2024, Papillion, Nebraska.
Angela “Angie” Mikkelsen Kendall ’87
January 7, 2024, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Alyce Paul Bramer ’54
January 15, 2024, Denver, Colorado
Leo Kirk ’97
January 15, 2024, West Des Moines, Iowa
Carol “Janice” Focht Lewis ’49
January 20, 2024, Shenandoah, Iowa
Jack VanderLinden ’57
February 7, 2024, Georgetown, Texas
Diane Wrage Chamberlain ’61
February 13, 2024, Grundy Center, Iowa
To submit accomplishments and updates to be included in future editions, visit simpson.edu/alumni/update
Elizabeth “Betty” Marsh Ward ’50
February 20, 2024, Villisca, Iowa
Denise Johnson Sebek ’09
February 24, 2024, Norwalk, Iowa
Margaret Bender King ’59
February 27, 2024, Des Moines, Iowa
Beverly Crawford LaGree ’51
March 2, 2024, Overland Park, Kansas
Robert McDowall ’51
March 4, 2024, Homosassa, Florida
Mary Dyer Frahm ’52
March 12, 2024, Ames, Iowa
James “Jim” Tyler ’49
March 14, 2024, Atlantic, Iowa
Roger Mason ’68
March 16, 2024, Des Moines, Iowa
Lyndon Overholser ’55
March 16, 2024, Littleton, Colorado
Diana Campbell Love ’68
March 26, 2024, Williamsburg, Virginia
Simon Frederick Fullas-Chechik, August 26, 2023, to Annie Fullas ’14 and Alex Chechik. The family resides in Baltimore, MD.
Brent Clark '88 congratulates his daughter, Caitlin, following her recordsetting performance to become the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader.
Brent Clark ’88 enjoyed his share of memorable seasons as a four-sport athlete at Indianola High School and a two-sport star at Simpson. He made a big name for himself with amazing athleticism that earned him numerous accolades and honors. Today, the Clark name is one of the most famous in all of sports — thanks to the phenomenal story of his daughter, Caitlin.
Brent has seen the daughter he coached as a youngster rewrite virtually every NCAA scoring record while taking the University of Iowa women’s basketball program to historic heights. Watching Caitlin perform her magic on the court and winning the hearts of fans across the nation has left him in grateful awe.
“Starting out in COVID and then coming to this point where you’re playing in front of sell-out crowds home and away is certainly humbling,” said Brent. “On the other end of it, it’s special — it’s spectacular.”
SPECTACULAR FROM THE START
Caitlin’s dominance in sports started from the moment she took the basketball court, softball diamond or soccer field as a five-year old. Coaching her in all those sports, Brent says it was clear early on that she was in a league of her own. Caitlin was an unstoppable scoring machine in both co-ed hoops and soccer — dribbling by the competition with remarkable ease.
“It finally got to the point where somebody said, ’Caitlin, you’ve got to pass to your teammates,” said Brent. “So maybe that’s where her passing skills started. But at the time, Caitlin was like, ’Why do I want to do that when I can just score every time?’ She certainly had a feistiness even at that age.”
Brent continued to coach Caitlin until about fourth grade, when she started ascending in club competition enroute to her remarkable career at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. She left high school as the #4 scorer in Iowa history, setting the stage for far greater glory in college.
Photos: Courtesy of University of Iowa Athletics
Team Clark: (Left to Right), Anne, Colin, Caitlin, Brent and Blake
DAD HAS GAME, TOO
While jaw-dropping performances are the norm for Caitlin, Brent also turned heads with his stellar play back in the day. The Simpson Athletics Hall-of-Famer was an all-conference performer in both basketball and baseball. His hometown college has always been close to his heart.
In his early days, Brent spent a lot of time on Simpson’s campus, where his mom, Carole, worked for many years as an administrative assistant. He says he attended many football and basketball games, getting to know and idolizing the players. And though he originally had hoped to play NCAA Division I basketball, Brent ultimately landed at Simpson as good fortune fell into place.
“The best thing that ever happened was that my high school baseball coach, John Sirianni, became the athletic director and baseball coach at Simpson. So, it just became a natural transition for me.”
HOOP HEROICS, DIAMOND GEMS
Many of Brent’s Simpson contemporaries contend that he was actually most impressive as a baseball player. Sirianni, who led his teams to five conference crowns in 22 seasons, including one in 1987 with Clark patrolling center field, says Clark was indeed one-of-a-kind.
“I can go through all 22 years of the kids I coached, and we had some really good ones,” said Sirianni, a member of Simpson’s Coaches Hall-of-Fame. “But Brent’s speed, his arm strength, his ability to go catch a ball, his ability to play anywhere in the field, and his overall competitiveness puts him clearly at the top of the list.”
On the hardcourt, Brent — most certainly like Caitlin — was never afraid to dial up a shot from downtown — and he connected on a lot of them. In fact, Brent led the nation in three-point field goal percentage during his junior year.
“Out of all the guys I coached, he probably had the best range of any of them,” said Simpson Hall-of-Fame Coach Bruce Wilson, who led the team for 25 seasons. “It was effortless for him. He would pull up from the 24-foot hashmark and shoot. It was one of those things where I’m yelling, ’No, no, no... oh yeah, good shot!’”
The Simpson archives chronicle Brent’s basketball and baseball glory, including winning the Barborka Award (bottom right).
COMPETITIVE FIRE AND SEEDS OF MATURITY
Beyond their shared love for shooting threes, Brent sees other competitive similarities between him and Caitlin — especially in terms of their passion for the game.
“I was a pretty emotional player,” said Brent. “I even recall fights in a couple of games. I wasn’t the instigator, but the competitive juices just flow. Caitlin and I see a lot of me in her in that way, but I think she does a much better job of controlling her emotion. She’s got fire, but she has the presence of mind not to react when someone says something or does something to her. I wish I had a little bit more of that maturity when I was at Simpson.”
But there were seeds of maturity planted in Brent during his Simpson days, most notably through the example of Coach Sirianni. Brent recalls how Sirianni would invite players to join him at Catholic Mass during baseball road trips. Though Brent chose not to go, it left a lasting impression on him — a significant influence on the strong Catholic faith he cherishes today.
“That was an impactful thing, even though I wasn’t comfortable with it. There was just that element of his faith and the way he was as a father. He was such a great leader — always super positive.”
WINNING WITH PURPOSE
Boasting a career filled with highlight reel performances, Brent most treasures his Simpson education. Today, he’s making a global impact with his degree in international management and business. As executive vice president of Concentric International — a Ruan
company that sells ag/industrial components — he oversees all operation areas while doing business with companies in China, Taiwan and South Korea, as well as a few European countries.
“Even though I went to college in my hometown, Simpson just felt like it was a different world within that space. It gave me the ability to think and write and made me more well-rounded as an individual with skills I’ve had to use a lot in my career.”
For all his professional success, Brent says it’s his faith and family that matters most to him. His wife, Anne, a multi-sport athlete herself at Dowling Catholic, enjoyed a thriving career as a marketing executive and now oversees day-to-day elements of the Caitlin Clark Foundation.
Brent and Anne’s oldest child, Blake, played football at Iowa State, where he was a four-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection. He earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering and works at Chevron in Ames. Their son, Colin, meanwhile, starred in basketball and track and field in high school and is completing his first year at Creighton University, where he intends to major in one of the medical sciences.
Always rooting for each other, the Clark family has rallied around Caitlin for every step of her incredible journey. Brent is soaking it all in while remaining focused on letting Caitlin shine alone in her spotlight.
“I get a little teary-eyed thinking about the thank you card Caitlin wrote me about a year ago telling me that she appreciates my selflessness. That’s something I really wasn’t in college or high school. I’m very intentional about keeping a lower profile. This is her moment.”
Her moments just keep getting bigger. After leading Iowa to its second consecutive NCAA Championship game, Caitlin joined the Indiana Fever as the #1 pick overall in the WNBA draft. And when this story went to press, she was also competing for a roster spot on Team USA for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Brent hopes her journey is really just beginning.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Caitlin. She handles the attention with such grace and poise. Her impact is difficult to measure, but it’s generational, notable and real. My advice to her is simple — stay humble, stay hungry.”
Brent and his “Red Shoe Gang” teammates (left to right) Brad Rose ’88, Charlie Schilling ’88, Ed Johnson ’88 and Eric Held ’88 (far right) recently presented their legendary coach, John Sirianni (center), with Simpson’s 1987 conference championship banner.
Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 . Simpson College . Indianola, Iowa
