NEWS

Australians Visit Campus to Experience Iowa Caucuses

A group of 39 college students and professors from the University of Adelaide and Macquarie University in Australia visited the Simpson College campus from Jan. 20 - Feb. 4 for a first-hand look at American politics. The students traveled to the U.S. to experience the first vote of 2020 at the Iowa caucuses.

The program featured events that included participation in Simpson’s Mock Caucus and a tour of numerous media outlets in the Des Moines area. The group had a frontrow seat to multiple democratic presidential candidates who visited campus including: Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

“People outside the United States are entirely focused on American politics,” said Tom Buchanan, a senior lecturer

in history at Adelaide and one of the faculty members on the trip. “It’s in the news quite regularly and many have strong feelings — as Americans do — but we have only a very superficial clue. We hear soundbites but not the details we need to understand its complexity.”

Simpson’s study abroad program, the department of political science and the Culver Public Policy Center coordinated the visit.

Sport Administration Students Network in the Twin Cities

A group of 14 sport administration students took a networking trip to the Twin Cities in late January, getting an inside look at the operations of four professional sports organizations and the athletic department at the University of Minnesota. The students met with front office personnel for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, including Charles ‘Chuck’ Petersen ’06, director of team operations, the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx and MLB’s Minnesota Twins. They also toured the athletic facilities at the University of Minnesota with Brady Buresh ’08, director of operations at TCF Bank Stadium, and the group attended a reception and Gopher hockey game with the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter.

“The students gained a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in the industry and what kind of jobs are out there,” said Clint Huntrods, assistant professor of sport science and advisor for the Sports Administration Club that organized the trip. “Sport administration can be a very broad field. A trip like this gives students a clearer perspective of what to expect on their career path.”

"Owen provided exemplary service and set a standard of excellence that all of our board of trustee members aspire toward in their service to the institution." — Bob Lane '81

Former Simpson College President and LongTime Board Member Recognized for Service

The Simpson College Board of Trustees recognized the contributions of former president Jay K. Simmons and longtime board member Owen Newlin in a ceremony held Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.

The board recognized Simmons and his wife, Jennè, for their six-plus years of service. The ceremony included the unveiling of Simmons’ portrait, which is displayed in the Matthew Simpson Room inside College Hall.

The board also honored Newlin, who resigned his position on the board of trustees in October 2019 after nearly 40 years of service. Newlin who, turned 92 the same day, received a commemorative chair and became an honorary lifetime trustee member. The retired senior vice president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International served as board chair from 1985-93.

“It was an honor to recognize Jay Simmons and Owen Newlin for their contributions to Simpson College,” interim college president Bob Lane ’81 said. “Owen provided exemplary service and set a standard of excellence that all of our board of trustee members aspire toward in their service to the institution.”

Simpson College added a post-baccalaureate certificate in data analytics, providing students who already have a bachelor's degree with the opportunity for advanced training in the in-demand world of big data.

Data Analytics Certificate Now Offered

A certificate in data analytics allows individuals to gain the fundamental tools of data exploration, visualization and modeling that can enhance a wide range of careers.