Lane Advances to RETIREMENT

After 26 years of distinguished service to Simpson College, Bob Lane ’81 will retire in June. His profound impact as a student, vice-president for Advancement, and interim president place him among the College’s giants who have given their hearts to the red and gold.

“It has been a privilege to work for my alma mater for so many years,” said Lane. “I’ll always be grateful to those who have made Simpson what it is today. From the leadership on the Board of Trustees to the alumni who have been so supportive of the college, I owe a debt of gratitude for their generous and genuine spirit in making Simpson all it can be.”

As a first-generation college student, Lane set off for Simpson from Marion, Iowa. A generous scholarship helped defray his college costs, a gift that fueled a driving force in his life’s work — ensuring that other students received the same support and opportunity that he did.

As a sophomore, Lane met the love of his life, Becky Oswald ’82, while planning a campus social event. The rest, as they say, is history. Preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary in June, the Lanes are mainstays in the Indianola community. Their children, Allison Lane Whitney ’10 and Ryan Lane ’13, are also proud Simpson alumni.

“I am so blessed to have met Becky at Simpson, and to have had Simpson play such an important role in the education of our family. This place has been such a special gift to us.”

At the same time, Lane has given so much to Simpson. In 1982, he served as an admissions counselor at the College, as well as an assistant coach for both football and golf at Simpson. He left the College briefly in 1984 to pursue a sales management position with Pepsi in Arizona. But a year later, Lane eagerly returned to Simpson to begin his career in advancement work.

In 1993, he became the executive director of Advancement at Cornell College for two years, before his appointment as vice president for College Advancement at Illinois College. Lane returned to his Simpson home for good in 2007, taking on the role of vice president for Advancement. Lane took on the huge role of interim president in 2020, leading the college through the unprecedented challenges created by COVID.

Lane says he is now looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and family, playing golf, and cycling. You can also bet he will remain a fixture on Simpson’s campus — taking in all the big events and rooting on the Storm.

“I will miss my co-workers and the many people I have come to know over the years,” said Lane.

“I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues and mentors, as well as make some longtime friendships with so many kindhearted people.”

In honor of Lane’s service to Simpson College, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as his friends and colleagues, have established The Lane Family Scholarship Fund. To make a gift in Lane’s honor, visit simpson.edu/give and select “other” as designation and input Lane Family Scholarship in the text box or send check made payable to Simpson College to Simpson College Advancement, 701 N C Street, Indianola, IA 50125. Be sure to reference “Lane Family Scholarship” in the memo line.

We learned many things throughout the pandemic. We learned that technology extends our reach beyond Iowa and a handful of cities throughout the nation. Lecture series like Legends of Simpson (simpson. edu/legendsofsimpson) featuring some of Simpson’s most well-known retired faculty and staff were born. Alumni affinity groups began reconnecting via Zoom, Alumni Association Board of Directors committee meetings went online, and Alumni Mentoring partners connected from time zones away.

But we also learned that nothing will ever replace the importance of faceto-face reconnection. The Alumni Association is excited to spearhead a new initiative – Simpson Alumni Meetups. These casual happy hour style gatherings, hosted by alumni volunteers, will bring additional opportunities to alumni throughout the nation to connect with fellow alumni in person.

"I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues and mentors, as well as make some longtime friendships with so many kindhearted people."