Winter 2009

THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2009 �

WINTER 2009

THE MAGAZINE

2 WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

| pres ident ’s message

elcome to the redesigned Simpson magazine. This new look is the result of input from you, our loyal Simpson alumni and friends, about how we can best communicate Simpson’s tradition of ongoing excellence. To those of you who responded to our reader

survey and joined our newly formed magazine advisory group on campus: thank you for your enduring pride in Simpson College.

We all know Simpson thrives in its small-town setting. The people of Indianola are woven into our spirit and culture. And yet our proximity to Iowa’s capital city provides so many opportunities for our students and graduates to make their mark. We are honored to feature in this issue a group of Simpson graduates who have reached high positions of leadership at Iowa’s most trusted institutions — in business, medicine, government and civic organizations.

You will hear how an exceptional academic foundation at Simpson propelled Rhonda Dodge toward a medical career, and why the role models she met on campus inspired her to be passionate in her daily work. Today Dr. Dodge is routinely honored by her peers at Blank Children’s Hospital, where she serves as medical director of the inpatient unit.

Simpson graduates are influencing our lives as Iowans in significant ways. For example, we live in the leading state in the country for the insurance industry, and Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan Lamb Voss strengthens our economy by regulating the licensing of nearly 65,000 insurance carriers and agents. As you will see when you read her story, Susan is proud of her Simpson roots. And we are undeniably proud of her footprint in the world.

The Simpson magazine is a wonderful way to showcase our continued successes while keeping you, our Simpson family, connected. In each issue we will present new content and features that will allow you to catch up with retired professors you will always remember and introduce you to the work of others you have yet to meet. We will revisit some of the most beloved places on our beautiful campus. We will demonstrate how the generous support of so many alumni and friends allows us to attract the highest quality students and faculty for which Simpson is known. We hope you will find the stories and images to be compelling examples of our vibrant success — both now and in the future.

Finally, we look forward to telling more of your stories in upcoming issues. Our alumni network is more than 18,000 strong, and each of you has a story about your own footprint in Iowa and beyond. Please keep in touch. And happy reading!

Sincerely,

President

A new look


contents

11

7

The Magazine

Simpson College PresidentJohn Byrd

PublisherJohn Fuller

Executive Director of College Relations

editorBonnie Harris

assistant editorCarole Conard Schipper ’70

Senior WriterElizabeth Ford

Sports editorBryan Geelan ’07

DesignerLeslie Byars Diehl ’03

PhotographerDavid Peterson

Web architectMissy DeYoung

Touring the Years editorSara Thompson

Copy Center ManagerJenifer Mertes

Contributing WritersLeslie Midget Held ’86

Jeff ParmeleeMurphy WaggonerFritz Wehrenberg

Office of alumni RelationsLeslie Midget Held ’86

Director515-961-1544

Office of College advancementBob Lane ’81Vice President515-961-1549

2� CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

24 A SIMPSON SPACE Unforgettable campus places

26 ATHLETICS

�0 EXTRA!- Joe Walt: more than 50 years of

shaping young lives- Intellectual and Practical Skills- Culver Fellowships announced- Homecoming 2009

�� UPCOMING EVENTS

�4 TOURING THE YEARS

4 THIS IS SIMPSON Inspiring stories about people who

demonstrate the fundamental ideals of Simpson College in the world of family, work, service or scholarship

6 INVESTING IN SIMPSON The generous support of alumni

and friends defines the Simpson Experience

7 FACULTY PURSUITS- Scholarly Work- Where Are They Now?- Faculty Accomplishments

�0 EVENING, WEEKEND & GRADUATE PROGRAMS

�� COVER STORY Footprints in the City

24

ON THE COVER: Simpson alumni show their spirit at the new Pappajohn Sculpture Garden in downtown Des Moines. Photo by David Peterson

Bonnie harrisDirector of

Print Communication

The Simpson magazine is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Letters to the Editor and story ideas are welcomed. Send correspondence to Bonnie Harris at [email protected].


Simpson graduate Tracy Robson cherishes the relationships she has formed through outreach at the Catholic Worker House.

BoTTom LefT: Robson poses with a group of Simpson students who

volunteer regularly for the organization.


our days a week, the Catholic Worker House opens its doors to the Des Moines community. On a typical evening, community members and

volunteers wander in and out of the large two-story house that serves as base for the group’s outreach projects. Some take seats inside, gathering around an old television set showing the nightly news. Others find a place at one of the many white picnic tables out back, smoking and telling stories.

In the middle of it all sits Tracy Robson ’08, conversing with the guests as they walk by. She can barely finish a thought before another person greets her. She smiles widely, seamlessly transitioning between English and Spanish as needed, calling almost every person by name.

“I love the people,” she says during a brief pause in activity. “I love the people I live with and the people who come here. It’s crazy because you really start to care about the people you get to know here. It’s really a family.”

Since January, Robson has been living in the Catholic Worker House, serving in the Des Moines community. She receives no payment for her work, only room and board.

“It’s not a job,” she said. “It’s a way of life.”

Those living in the Catholic Worker House follow the principals of the Catholic Worker Movement, which calls for people to live the Gospel by working for peace and justice and serving the poor. Members of Catholic Worker House serve in the community by providing the poor with basic needs, such as a warm meal, a clean shower, canned goods or even a dry pair of socks.

Robson first found the Catholic Worker House after what she calls a “life-changing” semester in Nicaragua her sophomore year of college.

“It opened my eyes to the poverty in the world,” she said. “When I got back, I really needed an outlet so I wouldn’t have to think only of myself.”

Through Simpson, she began volunteering at the Catholic Worker House every week, and she continued to work there for the next two-and-a-half years. After graduating from Simpson in December 2008 with degrees in math,

Spanish and education, Robson wasn’t sure of her next step. She was drawn to the Catholic Worker House because of the idea of having her life and her work intertwined.

Living at the house has also given Robson time to contemplate her future and explore her options. She works outside of the house as a substitute teacher and a Spanish teacher at St. Anthony’s Catholic School. On the weekends, she works for the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers,

reaching out to Des Moines’ homeless teenagers.

“This places makes me think a lot,” she said. “I’ve done a lot of developing since I was here.”

Despite some challenges, Robson has embraced her life at Catholic Worker House. For her, the most meaningful experience is interacting with and getting to know the community members who come to the house’s open hours. She loves that everyone is treated equally and fairly in the house and that it becomes difficult to tell who are the guests and who are the volunteers.

“It’s great,” she said. “It’s really where the Gospel is being worked out on both ends.” ■

cAtholic WORkeR hOuSe

This place makes

me think a lot.

I’ve done a lot of

developing since

I was here.

th is i s s impson |


| invest ing in s impson

a DeePeR aPPReCiaTiOn

n exchange program between Simpson College and Temple University in Philadelphia is going a long way to foster

unity between college students in two very different parts of the country.

The program, called the Dr. D. Willard Zahn/Dr. E.G. Booth Student Exchange Fund, helps future teachers learn about different cultural backgrounds.

“The student population is getting more diverse, even in Iowa,” said Professor of Education Patricia Young, who runs the exchange at Simpson. “Teachers must be prepared to work with diverse populations. This is one great way to do that.”

The exchange is the result of a donation by Carol Booth, whose late husband, E.G. Booth, was chair of the education department and a professor at Simpson for 30 years.

Booth’s donation was inspired by a childhood in the inner city of Philadelphia. Her father, Willard Zahn, who would eventually serve as Dean of the School of Education at Temple University, worked as a principal of a prominently black school during a time when racial conflict divided Philadelphia.

As she grew older, she began to realize that not everyone’s childhood was as culturally diverse as hers, and she was happy to financially support a program that would provide new experiences to students at both institutions.

“Both groups of students benefit from learning about the other,” Booth said.

Last May, four students participated in the first exchange.

First, Simpson juniors Betsy Knudsen and Luke Weber traveled to Temple for two weeks. The

students lived on campus, attended a class, visited Philadelphia’s sites and taught in an inner city school.

At Simpson, Knudsen and Weber were able to play host in their native state of Iowa to two Temple students who hadn’t spent much time away from the East Coast. This included introducing them to Iowa pastimes, like camping, in addition to work in the Des Moines schools.

“I think it was more of a culture shock for them to come here,” said Knudsen.

Both Simpson students said the opportunity to temporarily live in a large, diverse city like Philadelphia was an important learning experience.

“You get a deeper appreciation when you live there than when you are there to see the sites,” Weber said.

The program was so popular with the four students that Booth has decided to fund the exchange for at least another year. ■

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Simpson students betsy Knudsen and Luke Weber are gratetful for Carol booth’s support of the Dr. D. Willard Zahn/Dr. E.G. booth Student Exchange Fund

facu l ty pursuits |

ssociate Professor of Biology Jeff Parmelee isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

As a herpetologist (someone who studies the biology of reptiles and amphibians), the majority of Parmelee’s research requires him to go out into the fields and forests of Iowa to find the animals he’s analyzing.

Currently, Parmelee’s main undertaking is a book, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Iowa, which he is coauthoring with retired Drake University faculty member Jim Christiansen. It will provide an in-depth look at each of the 67 species of reptiles and amphibians found in the state.

The scholarly work, which is slated to be published next year by the University of Iowa Press, will be an important resource for other scientists who are interested in investigating any of the 67 species. Currently, no such guide for Iowa’s amphibians and reptiles exists.

Parmelee has examined many species during his nearly 10 years at Simpson, but one of his favorite subjects is rattlesnakes.

For three years, Parmelee tracked the locations and dens of rattlesnakes using radio tracking. To complete the task, Parmelee had to capture and administer anesthesia to the snakes before embedding a bullet-shaped chip into the reptiles that would broadcast their locations.

“Rattlesnakes are rare in Iowa, so I am trying to protect them,” he said.

In addition to the enthusiasm he has for his own work, Parmelee is passionate about getting students excited about research. Parmelee often includes students in his projects and also oversees independent research conducted by biology majors.

“That’s why I am teaching at a place like Simpson, so I can get students involved,” he said. ■

SChOlaRlY WORk

Jeff PaRMeleeAssociate Professor of BiologyArrived at Simpson in �999Education:

• b.A., Illinois Wesleyan University

• M.S., Illinois State University• Ph.D., University of Kansas

SiX QueSTiOnS fOR Jeff

Book you think everyone should read:Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond. A fascinating hypothesis about why some people on earth today are hunter-gatherers with simple tools and others have laptops and cell phones.

Movie you think everyone should see:A tough question, but “The Shawshank Redemption” is definitely in my top �0. “Get busy living or get busy dying.”

Sport teams you root for:Any Simpson team, of course. Also, KU basketball and Chiefs football.

favorite class to teach:I honestly could pick several for different reasons. Human Anatomy is one because we get to dissect cadavers, which is fascinating. I enjoy herpetology because that is my research specialty, and we go on field trips catching rattlesnakes and other creatures. I also like Principles of biology. I have almost 70 students this semester, but I get to share the excitement of many different aspects of biology.

The best thing about working at Simpson is:Good students in a small school atmosphere where I get to know them. I work with a great group of faculty and staff, so I truly love my job and enjoy coming to my office every day.

Words you live by:Carpe diem!

THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2009 7

ecause thoughts of Simpson are often intrinsically tied to memories of the staff and faculty, we thought it would be fun to start a regular feature to update

you on the latest pursuits of a professor or staff member from days gone by. This month, we caught up with Jane Kvetko who was professor of social work from 1981 until her retirement in 2003.

Where are you? My husband (1986-2003 associate professor of education Stan Malless) and I are living in a 100-year-old log cabin, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. We moved to this area from Indianola three years ago to be closer to family.

What are you doing these days? Stan and I are finishing the restoration of the cabin, started by the previous owners. We take full advantage of living in the mountains and have become white-water rafting junkies.

What do you remember about your time beneath the Whispering Maples? Of course meeting Stan and marrying in 1996. Professor Terry Hoy was our best man. I miss the students (but not the grading). I’m so proud of what the students who graduated from Simpson are accomplishing. The many students who spent time with my children, Alison and Peter, might be interested to know that both have earned their doctorates and are happily working in academic settings.

I loved teaching the Family Crisis Intervention class. Students seemed to take with them things they could use throughout their lives. I also remember a very special Campus Day that I spent with a student who happens to be blind. After picking her up in Kresge, she went with me to wake up the Pi Phi’s and then we spent the morning painting a bench. She hadn’t done anything quite like that before. I also remember every graduation ceremony and anticipating the futures of so many of the new graduates.

The accomplishments of Simpson alumni in areas of human service continue to amaze me. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with them. ■

� WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

WheRe aRe TheY nOW?jAne kvetko

I’m so proud of what the students

who graduated from Simpson are

accomplishing.

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faCulTY aCCOMPliShMenTSThe Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra, under the direction of John Benoit, professor of music, performed several times last summer, including at the Lakeside Dixiefest in Clear Lake, the Music Under the Stars series in Des Moines and Corydon’s Old Settlers Reunion. Jamie Poulsen, instructor of music, and Mike Short, affiliate instructor of tuba, also participated in these programs.

heidi Berger, assistant professor of mathematics, received a Research, Scholarship and Creativity (RSC) grant from Simpson to work with two Simpson students on a collaborative summer research project involving times scales calculus.

Dave Camwell, assistant professor of music, published two more articles in Saxophone Journal, “Altissimo Register De-Mystified,” and “1-3-5-7 Bootcamp!” He also completed his second CD project for the magazine based on his arrangement of W.A. Mozart’s Dissonance Quartet, K. 465.

Marci Carrasquillo, assistant professor of English, recently had an article titled, “Oscar ‘Zeta’ Acosta’s American Odyssey,” accepted for publication. It will be in a forthcoming issue of MELUS, which is the peer-reviewed journal for the Society for the Study of the Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States.

Carolyn Dallinger, assistant professor of social work and criminal justice, is on sabbatical during the fall 2009 semester. She is conducting a sociological study of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on one family.

Professor of History William friedricks will edit a series of books, “Iowa and the Midwest Experience,” which will be published through the University of Iowa Press. The series will discuss the social, cultural, economic, political and geographical issues that have shaped the history of Iowa and other Midwestern states.

During his sabbatical in the spring of 2010, Mark gammon, assistant professor of religion, will be studying the theology of John Saltmarsh, who Gammon believes is an overlooked and potentially valuable source of ideas about the relationship between church and state.

Tracy lucht, assistant professor of communication and media studies, presented at the annual convention for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication in Boston. Lucht’s idea for engaging journalism students in lead-writing exercises was selected as one of the 25 best in the nation.

Sal Meyers, professor of psychology, will be studying the social science of romantic relationships among college students during her sabbatical in the spring of 2010.

Associate Professor of Management Tom Schmidt will be on sabbatical in the spring of 2010. He will be working on a project titled, “Leadership Integration.”

Murphy Waggoner, professor of mathematics, will be working on a linear algebra textbook during her spring 2010 sabbatical.

nicolle Whalen, athletic trainer and assistant professor of physical education, attended the American College of Sports Medicine conference in Seattle and was a support presenter of a paper titled, “Calf and Forearm Venous Compliance in Older Adults.”

While on sabbatical in the spring of 2010, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Tom Woldt will be working on a project called, “The Play IS the Homework.” ■

hOnOR ROll Of The naMeS ThaT live aT SiMPSOn

10-foot granite wall mounted on the north side of the Matthew Simpson Room in College Hall — the Honor Roll of the Names That

Live at Simpson — is a permanent reminder of our most distinguished faculty, alumni and benefactors. Every five years, alumni may nominate new names to be added. Nominations are now being accepted through Feb. 1, 2010 for names that will be added during the college’s Sesquicentennial celebration in September 2010. letters of nomination can be mailed to the office of Alumni Relations at 701 North c Street, indianola, iowa 50125. For more information visit www.simpson.edu/alumni/association.

A committee chosen by the president will convene to consider the nominations and determine the names for the ballot, which will be included in the spring issue of the Simpson magazine. All alumni are eligible to make a nomination, and alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago are eligible to vote.

Criteria for Distinguished alumni:(Eligible alumni must have graduated between 1945-1960 and meet at least one of the criteria.)• Outstanding civil service• Scholarly, professional, occupational or scientific

achievement• Outstanding religious service achieved through election

to high office at a national or international level, or unusual achievement in the field of religious service

• Service to the nation or the world in lifelong commitment to humane endeavors

• Any additional achievement or service that exemplifies the highest expectation of the Simpson ideal

Criteria for Distinguished faculty:(Faculty must have served a minimum of 20 years and retired or terminated their full-time service prior to the year 2000. Exceptions may be made for faculty serving a shorter period if they receive unusual support from alumni and the committee. Faculty must meet at least one of the criteria.)• Distinguishing instructional ability• Sensitive attention to the needs and development of

students• Efforts that are reflected in the success of students

under their tutelage after leaving the college

Criteria for honored Benefactors:(Any person(s), foundation or corporation who has contributed cash gifts, properties or estate gifts equivalent to or exceeding $1 million. Nomination is made by the president of the college and the development committee and voted on by the Simpson College Board of Trustees.) ■

�0 WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

arlys McKibben’s Simpson Experience has been so transformative that she has become an advocate for education in her workplace.

McKibben, who works for Wells Fargo, has been taking classes through Simpson’s Evening, Weekend and Graduate Programs (EWG) at Simpson’s West Des Moines campus since 2002.

Encouraged by her husband to attend college, McKibben’s main motivation is to be able to say: “I did it. I accomplished it. I am walking across the stage.”

“Education is something no one can take away from me,” she said.

Since starting courses at Simpson, McKibben has encouraged other Wells Fargo employees to return to school.

“Furthering my education has done so much to raise my self-esteem that I want everyone to have that same opportunity,” she said.

McKibben has encouraged Wells Fargo officials to host education fairs at their offices. The fairs bring representatives from local colleges and universities to Wells Fargo to talk to employees about the opportunities available to them.

“We have a lot of people going to school because of the education fairs,” she said.

McKibben is also a major supporter of the EWG program, urging people to consider Simpson as their choice for their part-time education.

So far, her passion for Simpson has convinced nine people to attend the college’s EWG program.

One of those students is McKibben’s friend and co-worker Michelle Nelson. Nelson began taking classes at Simpson this fall.

“I knew I should go back to college but was a little nervous,” Nelson said. “I had a long road ahead of me, and it was a big decision. Marlys told me about her experiences with Simpson.”

McKibben’s encouragement also helped Kara Strabala, another co-worker, finish school. Strabala will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Simpson in the spring after taking classes at various colleges over the course of 14 years.

“[Marlys] has inspired so many people to go to Simpson because she points out how your life can change with that ‘magic piece of paper,’ ” Strabala said. “Every time I feel like giving up, Marlys just won’t let me.” ■

inSPiRing COMeBaCk

| evening , weekend & graduate programs

Simpson’s Evening, Weekend and Graduate (EWG) Programs provide convenient, flexible and affordable courses for students of all ages. Serving approximately �0 percent of Simpson’s total student body, EWG offers more than 200 traditional, FAStrack and graduate courses per year at campuses in West Des Moines, Ankeny and Indianola. For more information, visit www.simpson.edu/fastrack.

Education is something no one can take away

from me.

�0� Grand stands behind the Nomade sculpture at the new Pappajohn Sculpture Garden in downtown Des Moines.

THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2009 ��

n expansive network more than ��,000 members strong,

Simpson alumni are making their mark in cities around

the globe. Their influence, however, is most strongly felt in central Iowa, where nearly 40 percent of all Simpson graduates live and work.

Touching almost every major industry, from politics to health care to finance, Simpson’s alumni are among the movers and shakers who are excelling in their fields and championing progress in Des Moines’ dynamic community.

In the pages that follow, you’ll meet seven outstanding leaders in the Des Moines metro area. These exceptional individuals have one important thing in common: they all got their start at Simpson.

cover stor y |

by el izabeth ford & bonnie harrisphotography by david peterson

�0� Grand stands behind the Nomade sculpture at the new Pappajohn Sculpture Garden in downtown Des Moines.

erry Lillis came to Simpson to learn to be a teacher and a coach, and though he did not stay in the profession, the skills

he learned are still relevant in his role as senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Principal Financial Group.

“The thing I discovered was I have never stopped teaching; I have never stopped coaching,” he said.

Lillis, who is actively involved in Principal’s mentorship program, has also never stopped learning, saying everyone he works with teaches him something — from the company’s previous CFO to the employees he takes under his wing.

“The first time I meet with a new mentee, I tell them I will get more out of it than they will,” said Lillis, whose important mentors at Simpson included former Men’s Basketball Coach Dick Starr; Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Marv Van Wyk; and the late E.G. Booth, professor of education.

Joining Principal in 1982, after receiving a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Lillis has plenty of experience to share with his mentees. Elected an officer in 1988, Lillis held various senior actuarial and management roles at Principal before he was named CFO of the Retirement and Investors Services Division in 2000.

Lillis has remained at Principal because he enjoys Des Moines and the work environment at the

company. He has also continued with the company because his work has remained challenging — especially now. Lillis was named senior vice president and CFO in 2008, when the country was on the verge of a global financial meltdown.

“I became CFO about a year ago,” he said. “Since then, we’ve had a financial crisis, credit seizing up, companies failing, so I don’t know if I’ve had a typical day yet.”

As CFO, Lillis meets with other members of the company to monitor changes in the organization and to create strategies for Principal’s short-term and long-term health. Since becoming CFO, he has also spent time making presentations to important internal and external audiences.

“Communication right now is really key to avoid confusion,” he said.

Outside of work, Lillis is actively involved in the community and has been since his days of calling Bingo when he was a teacher in a small Iowa town. Now, he serves as a trustee on the State of Iowa Peace Officers Retirement System Board, a member of the Mercy Hospital Finance Committee and a Finance Council member for the Southwest Diocese. He also recently joined the Simpson Board of Trustees and Alumni Board.

Giving back is important, he said, because “everyone needs help in one way or another.”

Terry�2 WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

lilliSTerry

The thing I discovered was I have never stopped teaching; I have

never stopped coaching.

’77


C h i e f F i n a n c i a l O f f i c e r , P r i n c i p a l F i n a n c i a l G r o u p

orking for The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Jay Byers

certainly believes there are benefits to being in central Iowa.

And through his role with the Partnership, Byers is striving to make the region an even better place to live and work.

“I think living in central Iowa really gives you tremendous business opportunities in an area that is small enough to allow you to get involved easily,” he said.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership supports economic policies and community development projects that will improve the quality of life in central Iowa, and the organization often accomplishes its goals through legislative initiatives. Byers, senior vice president for government relations and public policy, is responsible for developing the Partnership’s public policy positions and advocating for those positions on the state, regional and federal level.

Byers calls his efforts at the Partnership “a really good mix of my two previous careers.”

After acquiring an interest in public policy while a student at Simpson College, Byers pursued a career in law, attending the University of Iowa College of Law before moving to Indianapolis to join Ice Miller as a corporate attorney — a job he landed after making a cold call to Simpson graduate Sam “Chic” Born ’67, who worked at the practice.

Byers was only with the law firm for a year before he was drawn into the political arena by another Simpson graduate, John Norris ’81, who he met in law school. At the time, Norris was serving as Congressman Leonard Boswell’s chief of staff, and he hired Byers to run Boswell’s Iowa office, which Byers continued to do until taking the job with the Partnership in 2005.

“I took a 50 percent pay cut, loaded a U-Haul and moved back to Iowa,” Byers said of his transition from law to politics.

To this day, Byers considers Norris one of his greatest role models for his “example of living a lifestyle and choosing career paths that are both personally rewarding and can make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Byers was also influenced by his experiences at Simpson, particularly his participation in the fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, which helped him develop leadership abilities, and a May Term trip to Russia in 1992, which he said “opened my eyes to the big picture.”

“Looking back and seeing that we were there in such a critical time in history, it was really amazing that we were able to experience that,” he said.

Outside of work, Byers, who lives in Indianola, gives back to the community. He is chair of the Indianola Parks and Recreation Commission and a board member for ChildServe, the Simpson College Alumni Association and Alpha Tau Omega. He is also the cofounder of the Equal Justice Foundation’s annual benefit concert LawLawPalooza.

BYeRSJay ’93

S e n i o r V i c e P r e s i d e n t f o r G o v e r n m e n t R e l a t i o n s & P u b l i c P o l i c y , T h e G r e a t e r D e s M o i n e s P a r t n e r s h i p

Living in central Iowa really gives you tremendous business opportunities in an area that is small enough to allow you to get involved easily.

Dr.


DODgeDr. ’96

I n p a t i e n t U n i t M e d i c a l D i r e c t o r , b l a n k C h i l d r e n ’ s H o s p i t a l

R H O N D A

r. Rhonda Dodge can pinpoint two moments that changed the course of her professional career.

The first happened when she was almost 10 years old. Her youngest sister, Sarah, came down with a serious infection and had to be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Blank Children’s Hospital. One of the doctors took the time to explain to Dodge what was happening to Sarah — a memory that stuck with her.

“From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician,” said Dodge, who is now medical director of the inpatient unit at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, caring for admitted patients up to age 21.

The second happened several years later, during her senior year of high school, when she visited her friend’s sister at Simpson. She had already decided to attend another college, but after spending the weekend at Simpson, she knew it was the place she needed to be.

Though she had good grades and a good MCAT score, Dodge believes she wouldn’t have been accepted to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine without the opportunities she had for leadership and service while at Simpson. It was during college that she first returned to Blank Children’s Hospital as a volunteer.

“I think my whole life would have been different if I hadn’t gone to Simpson,” she said.

Dodge encountered professors, particularly Patricia Singer and Joe K. Moody, who would provide important support for her ambitions. Moody also served as an inspiration for what she wanted in a future career.

“He was just one of those people who had such a passion about what he did,” she said. “I knew I wanted a career where I was just as passionate and loved what I was doing.”

Dodge, who was involved in Religious Life while at Simpson, said the college’s former chaplain, Mike Morgan, also served as a role model. Morgan “had

a way of connecting with people and making them feel like they mattered,” and Dodge tries to use that same style when working with parents and their children at the hospital.

Dodge loves her job because children “have this unbelievably positive outlook on the world,” and her enthusiasm for her work has inspired those around her. Last year, Blank’s residents recognized her as the doctor who had the most influence on them during their residencies.

I really try to emulate what I learned at Simpson

and just help [residents] see how phenomenally

privileged we are to take care of kids.


MiTChellRose ’77

S e n i o r V i c e P r e s i d e n t o f E d u c a t i o n & G o v e r n m e n t A f f a i r s , H y - Ve e , I n c .

It was because of my experience at Simpson that I am who I am. because even today, I get to places I never thought I’d go.


K L E Y W E G

MiTChellRose

ose Kleyweg Mitchell was a self-described “scared kid” when she first arrived at Simpson College in 1973 —

so shy and unsure of herself that she did everything she could just to blend in. She had never painted her nails or pierced her ears. She asked permission to skip ahead in her English books because she didn’t want to be scolded for reading out of order.

“I was so sheltered as a kid. I had no idea what to expect,” said Mitchell, who was the first in her family to earn a baccalaureate degree. “I needed approval for everything. I couldn’t imagine making big decisions on my own.”

Now Mitchell is the highest-ranking woman at Hy-Vee, Inc., monitoring state and federal activity on issues such as food safety and alcohol and tobacco regulations as well as local issues like plastic bag ordinances. As a member of the company’s executive committee, she oversees all of Hy-Vee’s operations, policies and budget decisions.

Ask Mitchell how she managed to reach such professional heights and she answers without pause: “It all started at Simpson.”

At that time, Simpson’s English program was one of only a few in the nation to require undergraduates to pass oral and written comprehensives before receiving their degrees.

So terrified was Mitchell of the exams that she plotted her escape: “I thought I’d just transfer to ISU my senior year and avoid them altogether.”

It was a professor, as it generally is at Simpson, who ultimately made the difference. The late Donald Koch, who was chair of the English department, pushed Mitchell to stay the course. Not only did she pass the intimidating comprehensives, she did so with flying colors.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Mitchell said of the days-long exams. “If he hadn’t encouraged me, I wouldn’t have realized what I was capable of. He knew it way before I did.”

She thinks about those comprehensives even today, when she’s serving as the first woman to be elected to the 75-year-old company’s board of directors or giving a presentation to CEOs from around the world about Hy-Vee’s position on government affairs.

“It was because of my experience at Simpson that I am who I am today,” Mitchell said. “Because even today, I get to places I never thought I’d go.”

Mitchell never misses a chance to tell people about Simpson College — and expresses genuine glee when she’s able to hire another alum.

“Talk about the joy,” she said.

THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2009 �7

Monte�� WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

onte Shaw is a sit-in-the-front-row-and-ask-a-lot-of-questions type of guy. It’s what helped him earn a Presidential

Scholarship to Simpson College in the early 90s, a near-perfect GPA while dual-majoring in political science and history, and internships with countless political campaigns and elected officials.

“I had to get a waiver because I had so many internships,” Shaw said. “But Simpson recognized the value of real-life experiences and understood I had learning opportunities outside of the classroom, too.”

Today Shaw runs the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association — a trade association representing ethanol and biodiesel producers in what is now a $10 billion industry for the Hawkeye State each year. His job puts his political experience to good use: Shaw handles key regulatory and legislative issues as directed by IRFA’s nearly 100 current members.

“The big thing right now is the renewable fuel standards,” Shaw said of the federal requirement that big oil companies increase their use of renewable fuel incrementally over time. “We know some of the actions being taken in (Washington) D.C. right now will dictate our future for at least the next decade.”

Shaw was raised on a corn and soybean farm just outside of Shenandoah in southwest Iowa. His father was a farmer and John Deere dealer. But it was his interest in politics that ultimately directed

his career path toward an industry that turns both crops into fuel.

“Everybody pretty much knows I shouldn’t be around big farm equipment,” Shaw said, laughing. “I may have grown up on a farm, but I’m not fooling anyone.”

The only requirement Shaw had while deciding where to go to college was that it be small, he said. He got a late start in his campus search, collecting tubs of brochures and admissions materials from schools of all sizes — but never spent much time flipping through them. Shaw said he always believed you could get a good education no matter what, as long as you put your mind to it.

He decided on Simpson after being offered the Presidential Scholarship “that my dad found very attractive.” He lived in Barker Hall, joined the College Republicans and relished the opportunity to engage his professors in spirited conversations.

“I figured out it was pretty easy to get a B minus at Simpson, but it was pretty hard to get an A,” said Shaw, who still remembers “that one notorious B plus” in a string of A’s and A minuses.

“I worked hard to get those grades and I’m proud of them,” he said. “But it was the experience and connections I made during May Terms and internships and campus groups that really got me started. That, to me, was the difference between a good education and a great one.”

ShaWMonte

It was the experience and connections I made during May Terms and internships

and campus groups that really got me started. That, to me, was the difference

between a good education and a great one.

’95

E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r , I o w a R e n e w a b l e F u e l s A s s o c i a t i o n


usan Voss is a rabid Beatles fan. She collects funky pens. She can beautifully belt out

the National Anthem in less than 60 seconds — a talent that attracts regular invitations to perform at baseball games at Principal Park.

She also supervises 103 employees in the state’s second largest industry, licensing 1,600 insurance carriers and 63,000 agents. Her office alone returns $20 million in fees and $130 million in premium taxes to the state each year. She is arguably the most powerful woman in state government.

And yet Voss, who is serving her fifth year as Iowa Insurance Commissioner, knows the value in thinking small. Her love of learning propelled her to finish high school a year early, but she quickly realized her continued academic success would depend on a smaller campus environment.

“I went to (University of ) Iowa one semester,” Voss said. “I didn’t do very well. I found it very hard to relate to my professors there.”

At Simpson, Voss excelled. She graduated a semester early with a history degree and a teaching certificate. She recalls a campus life where everyone knew each other’s name and professors “held evening court” at the dorms — challenging students to talk about what they were learning and think about their futures.

“There always was this expectation at Simpson that you were paying attention, that you were engaged and thinking and learning,” Voss

said. “You were treated like an adult. And you were expected to do more.”

Voss did. After Simpson, she went to paralegal school in Chicago and then law school at Gonzaga University. “I had a bad experience in law school my first year,” Voss said. “I had to admit I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was. I had to remember what I’d learned at Simpson about expecting more from myself.”

She passed the Bar Exam and in the summer of 1981, returned to her hometown of Fairfield and “hung out with my parents until they decided they had to get me out of the house somehow.” Her father knew a state senator, who helped Voss land a job with the Attorney General’s Office in Ames.

“I’ve been in state government ever since,” she said.

Her introduction to the insurance division came in August of 1993, when she was hired to oversee flood insurance mediation procedures. It was supposed to be a temporary position, but Voss never left. As Iowa Insurance Commissioner, she regulates the state’s insurance industry, securities products and services, cemeteries and certain funeral services and other regulated business industries. She manages a $10 million budget.

“My job is challenging and fascinating and rewarding,” Voss said. “And I love working for this state.”

vOSSSusan

’76I o w a I n s u r a n c e C o m m i s s i o n e r

There always was this expectation at Simpson that you were paying attention, that you were engaged and thinking and learning.


MichaelL A M b

hough he’s always been interested in electronics and the latest gadgets, Michael Sadler wouldn’t describe himself as a “techie.” In fact, when he graduated from Simpson with

a management degree, Sadler thought he would use it to run his own retail business some day.

“Then I got this job managing a clothing store in the mall,” he said. “Within about three months I figured out I wanted to do something else.”

Sadler went to work for Qwest Communications, where for six of the past 15 years he has advocated on the company’s behalf before local, state and federal government officials. He is an expert in the issue of “net neutrality” — or whether the Internet should be regulated (his company says it shouldn’t) — and must stay current on emerging consumer trends so he understands what Qwest’s role will be in the digital future.

“I never would have pictured myself doing what I do now,” Sadler said. “But now I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. It’s funny how life takes you in different directions.”

At first, he didn’t plan on Simpson, either. A standout basketball player at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Sadler had settled on Wartburg College before Simpson’s former Head Coach Denny Dearden invited him for a visit.

“I went down there to Simpson and fell in love with it,” Sadler said. “I walked on campus and just felt at home.”

A self-described average student, Sadler admits getting “the first semester talk” from the two most influential people in his life: his mom and his coach.

“They both said something along the lines of, ‘OK, do you realize you are here to go to school?’” Sadler recalls with a laugh. “What I really learned at Simpson was how to study and how to learn. I was a sponge.”

As a student-athlete, Sadler said he spent a lot of time on the basketball court — where he still remembers Coach Bruce Wilson’s mantra: “We got to get after it from the get-go.”

“It means giving everything your very best, right from the start,” he said. “I’ve really tried to apply that to my whole life.”

vOSSSusan

THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2009 2�

SaDleRMichael ’89

What I really learned at Simpson was how to study and how to learn.

I was a sponge.

D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c P o l i c y & L a w , Q w e s t C o m m u n i c a t i o n s


Rich Willis ’74owner of Willis Auto Campus

ich Willis was a Simpson College student when he first started washing cars at Betts Cadillac in Des Moines — mostly, he says, “for beer money.” Chuck

Betts owned the dealership at the time, and before long the two formed a “father-son” relationship.

Eventually Willis entered into an agreement to buy the Betts dealership over a period of time, but it was with the former owner’s blessing and guidance — both in business and philanthropy. To this day, Willis blocks off at least 25 percent of his time to volunteer, either as a supporter of Blank Children’s Hospital, Simpson College, the Des Moines Civic Center or United Way of Central Iowa.

Now his dealership, one of only two that sell Lexus in Iowa, carries seven brands. He expanded Betts Cadillac to include Jaguar, Volvo and Infinity. Last year, he changed the name to Willis Auto Campus.

“I believe the saying’s true — the more you give, the more you get,” Willis said. “I’ve seen it over and over again.”

Making TheiR fOOTPRinT: bUSINESS OWNERS IN GREATER DES MOINES

andy Priestley ’00 &Matthew Mann ’00owners of DWebware

In 2001, Simpson alumni Andy Priestley and Matthew Mann, founded DWebware.Based in Urbandale, DWebware is a Web development company that does work for a diverse group of clients, including the Iowa Barnstormers, Mercy Hospital, Anderson Erickson Dairy, Kum & Go and the Girl Scouts.According to Priestley, Simpson’s small classroom environment helped him develop communication abilities essential to the success of DWebware.“Those skills were very important to selling ourselves, especially in the early days of starting our business,” Priestley said.Company Web site: www.dwebware.com

Dean Burtch ’71owner of Allied Travel and Cruises

After graduating from Simpson in 1971, Dean Burtch worked for several large, international companies before he decided to go into business for himself.In 1988, Burtch purchased Allied Travel and Cruises, a Johnston-based, full-service travel agency that currently employs 16 travel agents, because it “seemed like a good business opportunity.”Though Burtch majored in chemistry in college, not management, he said Simpson “absolutely” prepared him to be a business owner through its rigorous curriculum.“Simpson is a liberal arts school, which gives you a good foundation,” he said.

Sarah Parker Reid ’97owner of Wallypop

Pregnant with her first child, Sarah Reid began making cloth diapers and baby carriers to use once the baby was born. The items quickly became popular with her friends, and when other people started to ask for them, Reid realized she might be able to go into business for herself.Reid, who was a communication studies major at Simpson, founded Wallypop in 2004. Currently, she makes and sells cloth diapers, baby carriers, cloth bags and other projects that appeal to people who are trying to live naturally. She works from her home in Des Moines and sells her products through her company’s Web site: www.wallypop.net.

his is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves:

be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new.

It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is!

Isaiah 4�: ��-�9 the Message

Last summer I had no idea. While aware of Simpson College… small, private, Methodist, Indianola… it was not something I thought much about. I was not looking for any new thing that God might be doing, especially not with Simpson College. Isaiah’s confident invitation was literally a world away. I had completed eight years of Lutheran campus ministry at Iowa State and two years of interim campus ministry at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities. Ready for a different challenge, I accepted a half-time call to serve as the Pastor of Imaginative, Missional Stewardship in Urbandale.

Then the phone rang. Jim Hayes, a member of the search committee for the chaplain and a former colleague in campus ministry at ISU, wondered if I knew anyone who might be available for an interim year as chaplain at Simpson. Two searches had come up empty and students were arriving in less than a month. I am not so foolish to believe the Holy Spirit directed empty searches; rather, the Spirit enters through invitation and relationship. Listening to Jim describe Simpson and the ministry possibilities sparked interest, leading to a lunch with Vice President for Planning and Student Development Jim Thorius, interviews with the search committee and the student committee, and an offer to serve as the chaplain half-time for 2009-10.

On my initial tour of the campus, Thorius introduced me through the administrative offices. Everyone offered a warm welcome, inviting me to “enjoy the Simpson experience.” Since that first day, I have come to learn the “e” in experience, when used with Simpson, is to be capitalized. The Simpson Experience is a treasured part of the identity of this college and community. “Reshaping the Simpson Experience: preparing students to see, serve, and shape the world” directs the strategic plan from the president’s office to the new curriculum.

So, what is this Simpson Experience? What are its tangible dimensions? How is the Simpson Experience maintained as a unique expression of what a student encounters? It stems from a distinctly Methodist origin, focusing on

service and learning. It has something to do with how we discern doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people with the greatest amount of energy for the greatest amount of time. It involves learning in and out of the classroom, the residence halls and the apartments. It is found on the playing fields and at late night bull sessions. In the dedication of the faculty and staff, the Simpson Experience takes shape.

From the perspective of a new chaplain, an interim, not of Methodist descent, this is faith working in the midst of the Academy. Do all students experience this at Simpson College? Unfortunately, no; we have students who do leave and we need to attend to them. Is this present in every faculty member all the time? Of course not and we need to do a better job of making those connections. Do all of us on staff offer this to one another all the time? Well, on a perfect day here in Indianola… no, that does not happen. By grace we gather, privileged even when we don’t think so. We remain caretakers and innovators of an identity and a heritage. Something we share with you, dear reader. ■

chapla in ’s corner |

“The gReaTeST gOOD”bY FR ITZ WEHRENbERG | INTERIM CHAPLAIN



| a s impson space

ocated in the Amy Robertson Music Center, Department of Music Chair Maria DiPalma’s spacious office is a unique reflection of the only two

people to occupy the space since the building opened nearly 25 years ago.

Originally created to accommodate Dr. Robert Larsen, who was chair of the music department for 30 years, the office was built extra large to hold Larsen’s two pianos for teaching.

Dr. Larsen moved from the office when DiPalma became department chair, but even today, the office still has many of his touches. However, DiPalma has found a way to make it her own with the numerous items she has accumulated since she began working as a member of the music faculty in 1980.

Wild boar – Alumna Rebecca Couch Gruber ’82 made the head in 1980 as a prop for the opera “Dido and Aeneas,” and the music department still uses it for the occasional production. Gruber returned to Simpson to work in the music department for a while and was quite shocked to see that the prop was still around.

Decapitated Mozart– Though DiPalma thinks the bust looks much more like Beethoven, the statue is actually of Mozart. He was decapitated when he fell out of a box she was carrying, but Dr. Larsen refused to let her throw him away.

Antiques – Many of the large pieces of antique furniture in the office belong to Dr. Larsen. Much of the artwork that adorns the walls is also his, with the exception of a painting of a bright red shoe. “I am really into shoes, so when I saw it at an art fair, I thought, ‘I have to sneak that in some place.’ ”

Photography – DiPalma framed several photos of France she took while leading a January Term trip with Dr. Larsen during the early 1980s. It was the first travel course run by the music department. Today, Simpson holds its three-week term in May.

Heavenly chorus – The collection of angels that sits atop the built-in bookshelves was created by the mother of a student who then gave the musical angels to DiPalma as a gift.

eCleCTiC OffiCe


Thai art – DiPalma bought a colorful monkey mask when she and Professor of English Nancy St. Clair visited Lora Friedrich, assistant professor of sociology, while she was on sabbatical in Thailand.

Fox stole – DiPalma was given the fox stole by her aunt, who purchased the item back when such things were fashionable. DiPalma keeps it in her office because the stole occasionally makes a good prop for a performance.

Bookshelves – When Dr. Larsen moved into the office, he had the bookshelves specially built. He bought the columns from an old house that was being torn down and had them sawed in half to adorn the wall. DiPalma now loads up the shelves with old books, knickknacks and photos of herself with students. ■

Department of Music Chair Maria DiPalma enjoys her unforgettable collection of office decor in Amy Robertson Music Center.


| ath let ics

ong before either sibling was born, in 1969, their grandfather, Don Oviatt, then superintendent of the Norwalk, Iowa,

school district; hired a young teacher named Henry Christowski to coach softball at Norwalk High School.

During Christowski’s 11-year career at Norwalk, Whitney and Cameron Oviatt’s mother, Lori, as well as four of their aunts, played softball for Christowski.

And eventually, Whitney would too, as a standout pitcher for the Simpson College softball team.

Whitney first met Christowski as a junior in high school when she traveled to Indianola from her hometown of Carnation, Wash., for pitching lessons.

“She is a very intense young lady, usually not entirely satisfied with her performance,” said Christowski, head softball coach at Simpson. “She works really hard.”

He immediately began recruiting her, and after visiting the Simpson campus, she decided she wanted play for the coach.

“I wanted to play at a small school, and I wanted to go somewhere I could play multiple sports,” said

Whitney, who is also a middle hitter for the women’s volleyball team.

Two years later, her brother Cameron would follow in her footsteps.

“Whitney was a big factor in [my decision to attend Simpson],” said Cameron, who was recruited to Simpson by Head Football Coach Jim Glogowski.

According to Glogowski, Cameron, who is the Storm’s starting punter, shares his sister’s work ethic.

“He is a great kid,” Glogowski said. “He works really hard and he is just a fun kid to be around.”

Though their athletic schedules often conflict in the fall, Whitney and Cameron cheer each other on whenever they can, as do their grandparents, Janet and Lester Maudlin, who live in Norwalk.

“They are at every single game,” said Whitney.

The Oviatts’ parents also try to see the siblings play a few times a year, despite living more than 1,800 miles away in Carnation. Though Whitney and Cameron miss the Northwest, especially the mountains, they are enjoying living in Iowa — a place they used to vacation as kids.

“We knew the area pretty well before we got here,” said Whitney. “It’s far from home but close to family, so we have a lot of support.” ■

Despite being the first of their relatives to go to Simpson, siblings Whitney and Cameron Oviatt’s decision to move from Washington to attend the college was laced with family connections.

faMilY TieS

We knew the area pretty well before we got here. It’s far

from home but close to family, so we have a lot of support.


2� WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

COaCh TO CuRe hen Simpson faced Buena Vista on the football field for the 63rd time Saturday, Sept. 26, the two teams joined in the fight against a common

opponent: duchenne muscular dystrophy. Both teams participated in Coach to Cure MD, a national charity project of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

In September, thousands of collegiate football coaches nationwide came together to raise awareness and research funding for duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“This is a great cause and we are proud to be a part of it,” Simpson Head Football Coach Jim Glogowski said. “The players on the field today are blessed with the capability to play the game of football every day, and we think everyone should have that opportunity.”

The Simpson coaches sported Coach to Cure MD logo patches on the sidelines during the game and fans had the opportunity to make donations that went toward research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the United States focused entirely on duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“As a Division III football program, we encourage our student-athletes to become well-rounded individuals in all facets of life,” Glogowski said. “Serving the community and taking part in great national campaigns such as Coach to

Cure MD are just some of the ways we can set a positive example for our student-athletes while making an impact outside of football.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood and primarily affects boys across all races and cultures. Boys and young men with duchenne muscular dystrophy develop progressive muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure for duchenne muscular dystrophy and limited therapeutic options.

On the field, Simpson notched a 30-28 victory over the Beavers thanks to a game-winning, 29-yard field goal by freshman placekicker Kevin Morgan. Senior running back Renauld Shelton rushed for a career-high 179 yards and a touchdown, and freshman wide receiver Taylor Rogers made five catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Storm to its 12th straight home victory over the Beavers, a streak dating back to 1988. ■

On aiRHear from Simpson coaches and athletes every Monday as they broadcast live from the Sports Page in Indianola from 7 to � p.m. The Monday Night Coaches’ Show can be heard on �0�.� KEDb-FM or online at www.kedb.fm.

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Simpson coaches wear patches on their sleeves to show their support of Coach to Cure MD.


DReaM COMe TRueichael Godbout, a 1991 Simpson graduate, won the 40- to 45-year-old division of the 110-meter high hurdles at the 2009 World Masters Championships in Lahti, Finland Aug. 7.

Godbout, now a firefighter in Council Bluffs, led the pack in Finland with a time of 14.32 seconds. He was also a member of the 4x100 relay team that took the silver medal at the event.

“For me to win the USA championships, then compete in the world championships in the USA uniform was kind of a dream come true,” said Godbout. “I never thought I would get a second chance at age 40.”

Godbout stopped competing after narrowly missing the 1996 Olympic Trials. He returned to the track two years ago at the urging of his college roommate Marek Wensel ’92, who also participates in masters meets.

Godbout’s winning time in Finland was one one-hundredth of a second faster than his all-time best performance at Simpson. As a senior at Simpson, Godbout set the school record in the 110-highs with a time of 14.33 seconds. He also holds the Simpson record for the 55-meter hurdles indoors.

Godbout was a six-time All-American at Simpson. He placed in the top eight three times at the Division III national indoor meet in the 55-meter hurdles and took third back-to-back years in the 110-meter high hurdles at the Division III national outdoor meet.

“Everything I learned as a Simpson athlete helps me today,” he said. “I learned drive, dedication, motivation and sacrifice, and learned that these things pay off.” ■

Dig PinkWhen the Simpson volleyball team took on rival Central at Cowles Fieldhouse Wednesday, Oct. 7, the team did its part in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the national Dig Pink campaign.

“The Dig Pink campaign is a fantastic way to raise awareness about breast cancer, and we are proud to be a part of it,” Simpson Head Volleyball Coach Lana Smith said.

Dig Pink is a breast cancer awareness rally held in October to raise awareness and funds. It was the first time Simpson had participated in the campaign.

In 2008, 330 high school and college teams helped raise $390,000. In 2009, Dig Pink set a goal to raise $1,000,000 from more than 1,000 teams participating in the rally.

In the match, Simpson took care of business against Central, defeating the Dutch 3-1 (25-16, 18-25, 25-19, 25-18). ■

WaYne CaRSe STORM gOlf ClaSSiCBeautiful weather and good attendance made for a successful Wayne Carse Storm Golf Classic Sept. 24 at the Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk. Winners were:· Championship Flight: Gary Kahn and

Gene Spalding (59) · First Flight: Steve Sayler and Alan

Archibald ’87 (71)· Second Flight: Kip Janvrin ’88 and

Tom Pappas (75) · Third Flight: Dave Hutton and Tim

Davisson (81) ■

COaCh TO CuRe

ED C ARLSON PHOTOGRAPHY

s a professor at Simpson for more than 50 years, Joe Walt touched the lives of numerous generations of Simpson students.

But Walt’s influence also stretched far beyond the perimeters of Simpson’s campus.

For more than 30 years, Walt served as a host for Indianola High School’s international program. During that time, he welcomed 24 students into his home, providing them with a comfortable place to live and helping them get acquainted with life in America.

Of the 24 students, seven returned to Iowa to attend Simpson College.

“They say they really like Indianola, like the people and respect the college, which makes me feel great,” said Walt, professor emeritus of history.

Walt’s desire to host the students stems from his own international experiences. His father’s family was from Switzerland, so after college, he lived in the country for three years and “had a marvelous time there.”

It also gave him the opportunity to improve his German, which helped him communicate with the majority of the students he hosted in their native language. Many of the international students who lived with Walt were from Germany or Switzerland.

“It’s just great to work with these kids,” he said.

As much as Walt enjoyed hosting the teens, the students say they gained just as much living with him. Current Simpson students Michael Schwoll and Sebastian Hoffmann, both from Germany, stayed with Walt when they were international students at the high school.

“Living with Joe was a truly enriching experience that I enjoyed thoroughly,” Hoffmann said. “He treated me like a father treats a son. Joe shared his life with me, took me along on vacation trips, helped me whenever he could, and listened to my school stories at the dinner table where we had a lot of laughs.”

Hoffmann, who is currently studying abroad in Tahiti through Simpson, returned to the United States because he knew international experiences looked good on a resume. He picked Simpson because he had already gotten to know the campus and many of the professors during the year he lived with Walt.

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Michael Schwoll picked Simpson because of the welcoming atmosphere he experienced in Indianola while he was at the high school. His brother, Ben Schwoll ’08, also lived with Walt for a year and returned to Simpson to go to college.

“[Living with Joe] was really nice,” Michael Schwoll said. “It was a really great experience. Joe really helped me learn the language and got me settled. It was a great time.” ■

BeYOnD The PeRiMeTeRS

| extra!


Joe Walt and Simpson student Michael Schwoll reminisce at Walt’s home in Indianola.

t was once believed in higher education that by teaching our students many different subjects they could go out into the world and apply what they knew to real problems. This

type of education does not work. It didn’t work for me.

I was an A student and took every math course I could along with courses in business and science. But on the first day of

my job at Phillips Petroleum, I was completely lost when my supervisor said, “Here is the problem that we need you to work on. See what you can make of it and report back.”

I had a lot of knowledge, but I did not have any practical experience in critical thinking or communication, so I was unable to apply what I knew to a real problem.

One initiative of the Simpson strategic plan is to provide our students with intellectual and practical skills, so when they leave Simpson they have the necessary background and experience to immediately

be effective at work and in graduate school. We want our students to have the confidence to face and solve difficult problems, and we already have many programs that give students the chance to practice these skills.

Last year, more than 50 Simpson students participated in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and put their communication, collaboration and problem solving skills to the test.

During this international competition, teams of three students researched real-world problems and developed solutions. With teams made up of students from many different academic disciplines, the competition was a great way for students to learn the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Last summer, many of our students participated in undergraduate research projects, including building vacuum chambers in order to study the properties of metal films.

Four Simpson students gained valuable experience through the Dr. Albert H. & Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson. Under the direction of Heidi Berger, assistant professor of mathematics, students Kraig Thomas and Molly Peterson studied the destruction of ash trees by the emerald ash borer. Students Alonzo Barkley and Jennifer Griffiths created mathematical models of DNA recombination, supervised by William Schellhorn, assistant professor of mathematics.

How will Simpson meet the challenge of building essential intellectual and practical skills? Programs, like those mentioned above, are one way. The new curriculum being proposed by the faculty is another. It will enhance our current programs and make the cultivation of intellectual and practical skills more deliberate in the classroom as well.

I expect our students will be better prepared than I was for their lives after college because of the emphasis on communication, collaboration and critical thinking at Simpson. ■

knOWing iS nOT enOughbY MURPHY WAGGONER | PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS & DIRECTOR OF INTERDISCIPL INARY STUDIES PROGRAM

Professors Heidi berger and William Schellhorn with students Molly Peterson, Jennifer Griffiths,

Kraig Thomas and Alonzo barkley.


Joe Walt and Simpson student Michael Schwoll reminisce at Walt’s home in Indianola.

Simpson College recently established the John C. Culver Fellowship Program to support and encourage students with a passion for politics, history and public service.

The program honors former Iowa Senator John Culver’s career in public service. The fellowships will be awarded to five incoming students each year, beginning in 2010.

“We are honored to work closely with Senator Culver to engage a new generation of young

people in politics and public service,” said Simpson College President John Byrd. “We are especially proud that Senator Culver has agreed to lend his name and support to this important program.”

In addition to the scholarships, Culver Fellows will have opportunities to meet with local and national leaders, attend conferences, conduct research and participate in the Capitol Hill Internship Program.

neW fellOWShiPS PROMOTe PuBliC SeRviCe

Through an emphasis

on intellectual and

practical skills, Simpson

prepares students to

think critically and

communicate effectively

by encouraging inquiry,

analysis and teamwork,

along with the concrete

application of knowledge.


hOMeCOMing ’09Alumni Director’s LogbY LESL IE MIDGET HELD ’�6

MOnDaYWeather forecast calls for a high Saturday of 52. At least there’s no rain in it! The battle for the students’ coveted Spirit Stick begins with a late-night kickball tournament.

WeDneSDaYWeather updates for Saturday now show snow-showers and high of 44. Start calling for heaters, tents and finding indoor spaces. The students squeeze in Street Painting while they can.

fRiDaYA gorgeous day greets nine alumni-in-residence speakers and the Alumni Board. Tomorrow’s forecast still looks cold … and wet. E-mail sent to alumni to come anyway. The 1969 football team gathers at Friday Night Warm-Up and stays long after our bedtime. Yell Like Hell lives on and is still the No. 1 favorite student event.

SaTuRDaY 4:30 a.m. The cold front shows up in the form of howling winds.

Are the tents still up?6:30 a.m. The tents are up but it’s SNOWING and predicted to

continue until the afternoon. Plan B moves into action. Will a bounce house fit in the student center? (It did.)

9:30 a.m. Our loyal alumni are here! Time for the Hall of Fame brunch as we recognize 10 outstanding alumni athletes.

11 a.m. Brenton Student Center is filled with squealing, sticky young legacies who bounce, paint and gorge themselves on pink cotton candy.

1 p.m. The Storm face archrival, the Dutch. Great young men, great coaches, but not-so-great outcome. You can’t help but feel their pain.

5 p.m. Hopper is rockin’ with the annual Post-Game party. Nothing like good friends, food and song to help us remember what’s truly important.

6:30 p.m. Our fascinating Theatre Simpson alumni reunite in Blank and show current theatre students a great time.

9:30 p.m. Let’s do it again! Join us Sept. 24 through Oct. 2, 2010 where we’ll kick off our 150th birthday with a weeklong celebration!

See a list of Homecoming awards in Touring the Years on page 37.

To see a special slideshow and view more photos from Homecoming 2009, visit www.simpsonmagazine.com.


upcoming events |

WinTeR & SPRing evenTSDeCeMBeR5-6 Handel’s Messiah: Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and

Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in Smith Chapel

10 Simpson College Symphonic Band in concert at 7 p.m. in Pote Theatre

11-12 Guild Event: Holiday Tour of Homes

13 Lessons and Carols at 2 and 5 p.m. in Smith Chapel

JanuaRY1/11-2/5 Farnham Galleries: Photography by Sandra Dyas

feBRuaRY2/9-3/5 Farnham Galleries: Mixed Media by

Benjamin A. Gardner

6 Simpson Guild Event: “Communicating with the Great Apes,” featuring Carl Halgren, professor of psychology at Simpson, at 9:30 a.m. in The Matthew Simpson Room

12-14 Spring Opera Performance: Production TBA. Feb. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. in Pote Theatre. Tickets: $15 each for all reserved seating

27 South Padre Island Red & Gold Reception

MaRCh3/10-4/9 Farnham Galleries: Photography by Mark Kawell

26-28 Theatre Simpson presents “Spring Awakening.” March 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and March 28 at 1 p.m. in Pote Theatre. Tickets: $10 for adults and $9 for non-Simpson students

28 Madrigal Singers in concert at 2:30 p.m. in Smith Chapel

aPRil 13 Simpson College Jazz Ensemble in concert at 8 p.m. in Lekberg Hall

16-18 Theatre Simpson presents “Festival 2010: Disturbing the Peace.” April 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and April 18 at 1 p.m. in Barnum Studio Theatre. Tickets: $10 for adults and $9 for non-Simpson students

17 Simpson Guild Event: Spring Style Show and Brunch at 9 a.m. in The Matthew Simpson Room. Reservations required

18 Simpson College Choral Ensembles in concert at 2:30 p.m. in Smith Chapel

22 Simpson College Symphonic Band in concert at 7 p.m. in Pote Theatre

TBa March 2010 — Denver Red & Gold

Reception

Spring 2010 — Washington, D.C. Red & Gold Reception

annOunCing TeaM SiMPSOn 2010

We will once again STORM the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGbRAI).

A limited number of spots are available!

If your community has applied to be an overnight town and you are interested in possibly hosting Team Simpson, please contact [email protected].

For details on joining the team or purchasing the 2010 jersey, go to www.simpson.edu/alumni/events/ragbrai.html.

For more events at Simpson, visit www.simpson.edu/forum or www.simpson.edu/alumni/events.


| tour ing the years

ClaSS nOTeS

Alberta Bart holaday ’39 is retired and living in Jamestown, N.D. This past spring was spent recovering from the inconvenience of living on a riverbank when melting snow from the worst winter in 50 years caused record releases behind both dams near town.

College roommates, Virginia core Borkowski ’58 and Joyce Noland hoffman ’57, recently visited campus and checked out their old dorm room in Mary Berry Hall.

carol Armington Dieterichs ’64 is retired and living in Janesville, Wis.

tom White ’67 is retired and lives in Fairfield with wife, Connie.

Thomas Denny ’69 is a retired USAF officer and resides with his wife, Patrice, in Ocean Springs, Miss.

Patricia (Murph) Murphy Steege ’69 is retired after teaching 39 years at Hatchery Hill School in Hackettstown, N.J. She and husband, Bruce, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in August.

Nancy Summers Brown ’73 is retired after teaching 31 years with the Osseo School District and lives in Brooklyn Park, Minn., with her husband, Stephen.

Scott Slechta ’80 teaches at Fairfield High School and recently achieved National Board certification.

Mike Furrow ’84 is an IT solutions developer for Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and lives in Urbandale.

David Swinton ’86 received his Doctor of Ministry degree through the Association of Chicago Theological School’s doctoral program in preaching. The degree was awarded by McCormick Theological Seminary at Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago last May.

tracy Juels ’89 lives in Memphis, Tenn., with his wife, Susan, and sons, Titan (6) and Jonathan (15 months). Juels is a first officer for FedEx Express and is based in Guangzhou, China, flying inter-Asia routes.

Angie Evans Sly ’89 of Des Moines was awarded Silpada Designs’ “Legacy Award,” a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Sly received the award at the Silpada Designs 2009 National Conference, July 23-26, in Kansas City, Mo. She is one of only 11 women among more than 28,000 Silpada Designs’ representatives throughout the United States and Canada to receive this award in the company’s history. She is shown with her husband, Tony, and daughters, Kylie and Evie.

Simpson classmates, Will cornwall ’90 and Wendy Wirtz chandor ’90 met up while in Sanibel, Fla. in April 2009. Their families spent the day on the beach and then went out to dinner. In photo from left to right: Peter Chandor, Trevor Cornwall, Will cornwall ’90, Wendy Wirtz chandor ’90.

Sara Martin ’90 lives in St. Paul, Minn., where she works in client development at GE Money.

Mike Kellar ’91 is production manager for the Des Moines Playhouse, the longest-running community theatre in the country — now in its 91st season. Melissa Wicker Kellar ’91 is loan administration manager at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Des Moines. Mike and Melissa live in West Des Moines with their two sons, Ethan and Colin.

Bryan ott ’91 lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and is senior sales consultant at Oracle. Bryan is the recipient of the 2009 Sales Consulting MVP award for Oracle’s North American inside sales division.

Sean Grant ’92 lives in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and works at PharmaForce, Inc. in Columbus as controller.

Kimberly Keller Senger ’92 lives in Golden, Colo., where she is director of corporate and foundation relations for the Colorado School of Mines Foundation.

Paul Zastrow ’92 is senior brand manager for ACT, Inc. in Iowa City. Julie Glass Zastrow ’92 is a differentiation specialist for College Community Schools. Paul and Julie live in Cedar Rapids.

Boyd Ellis ’93 and Julie Penningroth Ellis ’94 live in Coronado, Calif.

Jennifer Angarano Ricci ’94 lives in Harrison, N.Y., with her husband, Anthony, and 8-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. Ricci works as office manager for Sue Ham, M.D. She is also president of the local community theatre group and on the board of directors for Harrison’s Council for the Arts. Jennifer has sung for the Harrison Friends of the Opera and is a cantor and soloist at St. Gregory the Great Church.

James Rice ’94 and Joanne Rockwell Rice ’95 live in Cottage Grove, Minn. James is store manager at Play It Again

hOnOR flighTJim Weinman ’49, Rose Kleyweg Mitchell ’77 and Russ Long ’49 share a Simpson moment at the dinner preceding the Aug. 11 Honor Flight, which took 350 World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and other sights. In less than 25 hours, the veterans traveled from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. and back. The flight was sponsored by the Hy-Vee Foundation. Mitchell is senior vice president of education and governmental affairs at Hy-Vee.


Sports in Burnsville and Joanne is residential operations lead at Tubman in Minneapolis.

Jennifer Boothby ’95 was recently named the associate vice president for student success at Indiana State University. Jennifer received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from East Carolina University in 1997 and her doctorate from the University of Alabama in 2001. She now lives in Terre Haute, Ind.

Marie lindquist ’95 is excited to have moved to Little Rock, Ark., to work as the director of field service education at the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, the only school in the country that offers a Master of Public Service degree.

Brett Mauk ’95 is living and working in Chicago, Ill., as a literacy coach for the Chicago Public Schools.

Daniel Mcculley ’95 is director, medical economics, at Midlands Choice, Inc. in Omaha, Neb.

Kari langbehn Decastecker ’96 is an employee benefits consultant at Mel Foster Insurance in Davenport and lives in Eldridge.

JoAnn Ehler Rasmussen ’96 is the assistant editor and a contributing writer at The Denver Post’s parenting blog, Mile High Mamas (milehighmamas.com). She is also the creator of The Casual Perfectionist (thecasualperfectionist.com), a Web site where she’s been chronicling her adventures in parenting and beyond for the past two years.

Aubrey hubler Burress ’97 is working as an IM2 for the State of Iowa. She currently lives in Swan with husband, Woody.

Dennis Sexton ’97, a patrol officer with the Omaha Police Department, was named, along with two others, the Officer of the Month for August 2008. Sexton and his fellow officers entered a

burning house in an attempt to save a disabled woman who was unconscious and trapped inside her bedroom. Awarded the Medal of Valor, Dennis is now a detective with the South Investigations Unit.

Sarah Dietch ’98 is associate director, Office of Legislative Affairs, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

James Knepper ’98 is a seventh to twelfth grade math teacher at Western Dubuque Schools in Cascade. James earned his master’s degree in secondary mathematics education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2006.

Karl omdahl ’98 and his family live in Victoria, Minn. Karl is a sales manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica.

Serra Johnson Vickery ’98 completed her certification as a SPHR (senior professional in human resources) in December ’08. In February ’09, Serra joined her husband, Ron, fulltime in their business, Vickery Engineering and Consulting, as CEO. Serra and Ron live in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Mark Willett ’98 recently received his MBA from Drake University. Mark lives in Southside, Ala., and is a management trainee for Tyler/Union, Division of McWane in Anniston, Ala.

Scott Mergman ’99 works in business development for Paradigm Services and lives in Ankeny.

Keith Bryan ’99 and wife, Laura, live in Coralville. Keith recently received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Iowa and is working as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Iowa.

Mandy henderson Koehn ’99 recently received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Walden University. Mandy and husband, Jacob Koehn ’99, live in Des Moines.

Ryan Mickey ’99 is a senior programmer analyst for CDS Global in Des Moines. Ryan and wife, Tammy, reside in Melcher.

Jennifer Noble ’99 is a software analyst for West Interactive Corporation in Omaha, Neb.

Jennifer Staffenberg ’99 is production manager for the only repertory theatre company in Philadelphia. Jennifer resides in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Shawn hancock ’00 recently began a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wis. Shawn received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University in 2005. Shawn and his wife, Molly, and their children, Zach (3) and Ellie (11 months), live in Madison.

torryhe cook ’01 and wife, Melissa, live in Cary, N.C. Torryhe is account manager at Charco LLC in Raleigh.

Justin Davis ’01 is a regional claims supervisor for Pharmacists Mutual Insurance in Algona. Justin lives in Algona with his wife, Angie, and four daughters, Morgan (10), Makenna (8), Malyn (2) and Mara (1).

Emily Wiley haase ’01 recently passed the Medical-Surgical Nurse Examination given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization in the U.S. Emily is an RN-BC, BSN at Pella Regional Health Center and lives in Pella with her husband, Paul.

Megan Jameson hardin ’01 lives in Georgetown, Texas, where she is sports information director at Southwestern University.

Jocelyn Stull ’01 lives and works in Des Moines as a buyer for Wells Fargo, NA. Jocelyn recently received C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) certification in July.

James Butler ’02 is a sergeant for the Des Moines Police Department and lives in St. Charles.

Bart Elliott ’02 lives in Indianola with wife, Amy, and teaches physical education and is head football coach at Wayne Schools in Corydon.

lindsey Rollins henderson ’02 is teaching at Riverside Community School in Oakland. Lindsey will be finishing her master’s degree in quality schools at Graceland University in December 2009.

John (hank) Norem ’02 and Melissa Mannetter Norem ’02 live in Norwalk. Hank is controller at Ramco Innovations and Melissa is a merchandiser for Scoular Company.

Mike Norris ’02 is director of graduate studies at Grand View University in Des Moines.

Jill Benson owens ’02 teaches at Charles City Schools in Charles City.

todd Parson ’02 lives in Waukee and works at Principal Financial Group as an IT System Analyst. Todd recently graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa with a Master of Business Administration degree.

geTTing invOlveD 101Interested in getting involved with Simpson but don’t know how? We can get you started. Whether it’s as a potential member of the Alumni Board, speaking to students or helping with an alumni event, there are several ways to volunteer.

For more information, go to: www.simpson.edu/alumni/connected/volunteer.html or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 515-961-1544.


Jake Abel ’04 lives in Los Angeles, Calif. He recently received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin and is employed as a marketing associate for Nestle in Glendale.

Kelly Dentlinger Barrick ’04 is a vice president – senior account manager at GE Capital in West Des Moines. Kelly and husband, Nic, live in Johnston.

lindsey Doonan cole ’04 is a senior subrogation representative at Nationwide Insurance. Lindsey and husband, Matt, live in Grimes with their daughter, Ellie.

Mandy Frohling Fincham ’04 lives in Beloit, Kan., where she is furniture manager for Schnell & Pestinger, Inc.

Rachel haas ’04 lives in Sister Bay, Wis., where she is owner of Drink Coffee/Cookie Lady.

Katy langgaard Victora ’04 is an in-charge auditor for Denman and Company in West Des Moines.

Joshua Brown ’05 is a teacher for the Des Moines Public Schools and recently received his master’s degree in education from Morningside College. Joshua and wife, Anna, live in Altoona.

Erin capps ’05 is a relationship manager for Water Street Solutions. Erin lives in Ankeny with her husband, Brandon Williams.

Eric Elben ’05 is an associate attorney at Whitfield & Eddy, P.L.C. Eric recently received a Juris Doctor degree and his Master in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. Eric resides in Indianola.

Adam leber ’05 received his MBA from the University of

Dubuque in 2007 and now lives and works in Council Bluffs as a credit analyst for U.S. Bank.

Bradi Smith Darrah ’06 lives in Kansas City, Mo., with her husband, Grant. In 2008, Bradi received her master’s in English from Northern Arizona University.

Reuben Garza ’06 and wife, Karen, live in Waukee. Reuben works as project manager at IFMC in West Des Moines.

casey howe ’06 and laura Spain howe ’06 live in Norwalk. Casey received his Master of Science degree in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida in 2008 and is working in rehabilitation services at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Laura is a bilingual assistant manager at Wells Fargo in Clive.

Ashley Kohles ’06 is living in Palmyra, Neb., while working toward her master’s degree in management at Doane College.

Andrew Mitchell ’06 is teaching special education in the West Des Moines Consolidated School District. Andrew and wife, Cassie, live in Des Moines.

Brooke overturf ’06 graduated from Des Moines University with a doctorate in physical therapy.

2009 SiMPSOn legaCieS

Simpson welcomes �7 new Legacies shown with their parents on Move-In Day: From left to right. Row �: Brian Coppess ’81, Casey Coppess, Taylor Norland, Melea Jensen Goins ’87, Brianna Goins, Timothy Goins. Row 2: Ryan Lane, Logan Roberts, Marcy Clark Norland ’89, Kurt Norland ’89, Shelby Dirks, Logan Dorpinghaus. Row �: Becky Oswald Lane ’82, Mark Roberts ’89, Kacee Arey, Jeff Young ’83, Erin Young, Bev Theede Dirks ’83, Jani Duea Dorpinghaus ’85. Row 4: Bob Lane ’81, Penney Parsons Arey ’99, Jeremy Reinert, Denise Crossett Reinert ’82, Jonathan DePue, Jim DePue ’83.

For more 2009 Simpson Legacy photos, please visit www.simpsonmagazine.com.

Robert Pugh ’02 and Katie Rolwes Pugh ’02 live in Urbana, Ill. Robert recently earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a post-doctoral research associate at Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Urbana.

Jennifer Smith ’02 recently moved from South China to Beijing. Jennifer is an editor for Delegation of German Industry and Commerce/German Chamber of Commerce.

Nolan carson ’03 and Amy leBlanc carson ’07 reside in Omaha, Neb. Nolan is a systems device analyst for The Burlington Capital Group and Amy is a grants specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and will be finishing up her Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May of 2010.

Alanah Davis Mitchell ’03 recently received her Ph.D. in Information Technology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Husband Jason Mitchell ’04 and Alanah recently moved to North Carolina as Alanah took on the job of associate professor in computer information systems at Appalachian State University.

Kasey Mathes Strosahl ’03 recently received her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University.

Julie Green Studer ’03 lives in Omaha, Neb., with her husband, Matthew.

Amy Brown Vickery ’03 is a reservations sales agent at Northwest/Delta Airlines and started school again this fall, studying veterinary technology at Minnesota School of Business in Plymouth. Amy and husband, Blake, moved to the Twin Cities area this fall.

ShOW YOuR PRiDeSimpson license plates are available for purchase through the Iowa DOT at http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/private.htm.


Zachary Sutton ’06 completed his Master of Science in anatomy at Des Moines University in May 2009.

Anthony Warnke ’06 lives in New York, N.Y., where he is an event planner for Elizabeth K. Allen, Inc.

laura Preston Edgington ’07 and Joseph Edgington ’08 live in Pullman, Wash., where Laura is a student at Washington State University.

Bryan Geelan ’07 lives in Indianola and was recently hired as the athletics communication director for Simpson College.

Jenna DeDecker huntley ’07 lives in Shoreview, Minn., and works for RSM McGladrey, Inc.

Breanna Byers Kreinmeyer ’07 recently received her master’s degree in English (rhetoric, composition and professional communication) from Iowa State University. Breanna is a grant writer for Rock In Prevention in Des Moines. Breanna and husband, Reid Kreimeyer ’06 live in Altoona.

Aaron Roland ’07 is an account executive for the Iowa Barnstormers. Aaron lives in West Des Moines.

Jessica harvey Rolwes ’07 is copy editor for The Stelter Company in Urbandale.

Kathryn Petersen Schorg ’07 and tyler Schorg ’09 live in Denver, Colo. Kathryn is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Denver and Tyler is employed at a Ford dealership in Wheat Ridge, Colo.

Jenna Simpson ’07 received her Master of Science in anatomy from Des Moines University in May 2009.

heidi Whaley Spear ’07 is a research associate-technical writer for Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Ankeny. Heidi and her husband, J.R., live in Newton.

Kenna Wheeldon Willey ’07 works as a physician assistant for Brooklyn Medical Clinic. She received her master’s degree

in physician assistant studies in 2009 from Des Moines University and now resides in Newton with her husband, Randy.

Beriet Bichel ’08 is a special education associate for the Williamsburg Community School District and lives in Marengo.

tara Brown ’08 is a kindergarten teacher at Altoona Elementary.

Eric Bruce ’08 works at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts while working on a Master of Art degree in arts and cultural management at St. Mary’s University.

Megan culbertson crawford ’08 is a research associate in biology/microbiology at Kemin Industries in Des Moines.

heather Gaffey ’08 lives in Owatonna, Minn., and works in Austin as a staff accountant at LarsonAllen.

Amy Jo Jacobsen ’08 resides in Bethesda, M.D., and works as a legislative assistant for Capital Edge Strategies in Washington, D.C.

Garett Kiley ’08 is assistant wrestling coach/strength coach at Concordia University in Seward, Neb.

Dawn Wolfe loudon ’08 lives and works in Knoxville as a teller for Wells Fargo Bank.

Robert lutter ’08 is a safety officer at AIB College of Business and lives in Roland with his wife, Andrea.

Kayla Burkhiser Reynolds ’08 and Jason Burkhiser Reynolds ’08 live in Des Moines. Kayla works for the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines.

Nathan Smith ’08 and Danielle Benson Smith ’09 live in Lincoln, Neb., where Danielle is a law student at the University of Nebraska.

Andrew conyers ’09 is a tax associate at McGladrey & Pullen and lives in Des Moines.

Sarah Schall Davitt ’09 and husband, Ben, live in Indianola where she is an assistant manager at Hy-Vee.

carolyne hall ’09 is pursuing a master’s degree in arts administration at the University of Cincinnati-CCM.

Becky house ’09 works in Des Moines as a lab technician at Bridgestone Firestone. Becky resides in Colfax.

Geoffrey Murtha ’09 lives and works in West Des Moines as a financial services professional at Mass Mutual.

carl Rowles ’09 resides in New Hampton where he is the band director at the high school.

Kathleen Schaben ’09 works as a bilingual representative for Wells Fargo in Clive. Kathleen resides in Adel.

christen Sondag ’09 currently lives in Newport Beach, Calif., as a fashion expert for Express Fashion, Inc.

Jesse Stock ’09 is pursuing his Master of Music degree in vocal performance at the University of Tennessee.

Kirsten towne ’09 is working on her master’s in social work at St. Ambrose University and lives in Davenport.

MARRIAGES

Arlys Moss ’82 and Ben Hill, June 19, 2009, Johnston.

Michael Duncan ’85 and Lori Osterberg, July 25, 2009, Bettendorf.

Marcy Welch ’94 and Doug Ostrander, December 2008, Waukee.

Daniel Mcculley ’95 and Jina Yi, September 5, 2009, Omaha, Neb.

Jennifer Pfeifer-Malaney ’97 and Shawn Malaney, June 27, 2009, Indianola.

Bart Elliott ’02 and Amy Day, July 11, 2009, Indianola.

Amy Brown ’03 and Blake Vickery, August 29, 2009, Hopkins, Minn.

Nolan carson ’03 and Amy leBlanc ’07, August 8, 2009, Omaha, Neb.

Alanah Davis ’03 and Jason Mitchell ’04, May 23, 2009, Omaha, Neb.

Emily Anderson ’04 and John Luna, March 6, 2009, Des Moines.

Amanda Frohling ’04 and B Fincham, May 30, 2009, Beloit, Kan.

OuTSTanDing fORMeR aThleTeSSix athletes were inducted into the Simpson College Hall of Fame. The athletes receiving this honor were: Chris Donohue ’94, baseball; Adam Doll ’99, basketball; Michelle Fowler ’99, softball; Kelly Schade-Fry ’99, softball; Michelle Mackie ’92, basketball and Jeremy Whalen ’99, football and wrestling.

Additionally, Denny Whalen ’7�, received the Dick Buxton award, which is given to a person of outstanding character who has supported Simpson College athletics.

Clark Ditzler ’��, Eldon E. Huston ’�4 and Jason Jones ’9� received the Double S award, which is given to alumni who have exhibited excellence in their communities as well as their careers.

�� WWW.SIMPSONMAGAZINE.COM

Kimberley lamon-loperfido ’04 and JV Loperfido, June 27, 2009, Iowa City.

Kathryn langgaard ’04 and Jason Victora, September 5, 2009, West Des Moines.

Ryan hildreth ’05 and Sandra Hansen, May 30, 2009, Honey Creek State Park Resort, Lake Rathbun.

Jennifer hirschman ’05 and Ryan Blackman, July 17, 2009, Indianola.

Macy Allen ’06 and Paul Hector, September 5, 2009, Oskaloosa.

Reid Kreimeyer ’06 and Breanna Byers ’07 were married on September 5, 2009 at Reiman Gardens in Ames. Pictured are (left to right): Katie Schell ’07, Reid Kreimeyer ’06, Breanna Byers Kreimeyer ’07 and Beriet Bichel ’08.

Andrew Mitchell ’06 and Cassandra Morrow, June 6, 2009, West Des Moines.

Joanna tebbe ’06 and Brian Chaplin, August 22, 2009, Des Moines.

Jessica harvey ’07 and Douglas Rolwes ’07, August 8, 2009, West Des Moines.

Morgan Kelly ’07 and Matthew terlouw ’08, August 8, 2008, Pella.

Dawn Wolfe ’08 and Chris Loudon, May 23, 2009, Knoxville.

Sarah Schall ’09 and Ben Davitt, July 18, 2009, Indianola.

Rachel Unekis ’09 and Dereck Klaassen, May 30, 2009, Indianola.

bIRTHS

Colin Andrew Kellar, May 2, 2009, to Melissa Wicker Kellar ’91 and J. Michael Kellar ’91, West Des Moines, joins Ethan (3).

Anna Leigh Romig, December 30, 2008, to trisha Black Romig ’91 and Pete R. Romig, Ankeny.

Megan Linda Underwood, September 23, 2009, to Michael l. Underwood ’93 and Cara Underwood, Panora, joins Collin (9) and Audrey (7).

Luci Rae Montgomery Baker, March 7, 2008, and Dylan Patrick Montgomery Baker, August 18, 2009, to Jolinda Montgomery ’94 and Ben Baker, Shanghai, China.

Kellen Michael De Castecker, June 4, 2009, to Kari langbehn De castecker ’96 and Chet De Castecker, Eldridge, joins Kira (4) and Karson (12).

Hannah Grace Gutzmer, December 4, 2007, to Jason K. Gutzmer ’97 and Jennifer Smith Gutzmer ’98, New Sharon, joins Evan and William.

Benjamin Theodore Kouba, February 19, 2009, to Kristen Riley Kouba ’97 and Brent D. Kouba, West Des Moines, joins Owen (4).

Jonathan (Jack) Clark Houghton, October 14, 2009, to Kristy Schoneboom houghton ’98 and Hiram Houghton, Johnston.

Nicholas Knepper, March 30, 2009, to James W. Knepper ’98 and Kathleen Knepper, Cascade, joins Jackson (8), Claire (6) and Grace (3).

Avery Jean Omdahl, April 22, 2009, to Karl B. omdahl ’98 and Kelly Omdahl, Victoria, Minn.

Kerrick James Waugh, July 7, 2009, to Barry G. Waugh ’98 and Kara Waugh, Urbandale.

Ty Justis Bane, September 9, 2009, to tamara lauer Bane ’99 and Justin Bane, Winterset, joins Tage (9) and Jensen (5).

Gillian Olivia Dowe, August 23, 2009, to Jill Knepper Dowe ’99 and Gregory Dowe, Cascade, joins Race (9) and watched over from heaven by Keenan and Isabella.

Samuel Thomas Holzmueller, May 17, 2009, to Jason l. holzmueller ’99 and Beth Woodard holzmueller ’01, Lawrence, Kan.

i lOve SiMPSOn COllegeIf you agree, the Office of Alumni Relations is now accepting nominations and applications for the 2010-11 Alumni Board of Directors.

Visit www. simpson.edu/alumni/association or call 515-961-1544 or 800-610-6369 to learn more. Applications accepted until January 8, 2010.

OuTSTanDing aluMni WanTeDNominations are now being accepted for 2010 Alumni Achievement Awards.

Categories include:• Alumni Achievement• Recent Alumni Achievement,• Alumni Loyalty• Recent Alumni Loyalty• Humanitarian Service

For more details, visit, www.simpson.edu/alumni/association/nomination.html or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-610-6369 or 515-961-1544. Deadline January 8, 2010.


William Joseph Neumann, June 5, 2008, to Kelly Behmer Neumann ’99 and Chad Neumann, German.

Ellie Katharyn Hancock, January 11, 2009, to Dr. Shawn M. hancock ’00 and Molly Hancock, Madison, Wis., joins Zach (3).

Aubrey Ann Marsh, August 13, 2009, to tyler A. Marsh ’00 and Amy English Marsh ’01, Elkhorn, Neb.

Roman James Reeder, September 27, 2009, to James R. Reeder ’00 and Amy Reeder, Manchester.

Annika Lynn Strong, September 13, 2009, to Kari Beyer Strong ’00 and Wesley G. Strong ’01, Hugo, Minn., joins Austin (2).

Morgan Lyn Goshon, April 22, 2009, to catherine Parks Goshon ’01 and Dana W. Goshon ’02, Marion.

Haley Lyn Walkup, November 12, 2008, to todd D. Walkup ’01 and Christi Walkup, Oak Park, Ill.

Ethan Martin Cross, October 3, 2008, to Kimberly Bell cross ’02 and Jeremy Cross, Indianola.

Dawson Ryan and Brody Mitchell Henderson, June 17, 2008, to lindsey Rollins henderson ’02 and Rhett Henderson, Oakland.

Landry Oliver William Myers, July 3, 2009, to timothy W. Myers ’02 and Brandy Miller Myers ’04, New London, joins Presley Blair (2).

Kinsley Shea Owens, August 30, 2009, to Jill Benson owens ’02 and Michael A. Owens, Rudd.

Isaac Zane Pugh, August 11, 2009, to Kathryn Rolwes Pugh ’02 and Robert A. Pugh ’02, Urbana, Ill.

Laney Madelynn Davis, June 3, 2009, to courtney Stiles Davis ’03 and Jeff Davis, Erie, Colo.

Peyton Aubrey Hegwood, September 18, 2008, to Megan oney hegwood ’03 and Chad Hegwood, Des Moines.

Drake Donald Cox, August 1, 2009, to Ben P. cox ’04 and Katherine Skinner cox ’05, Altoona.

Kyra Mae Darby, September 25, 2009, to Joseph E. Darby ’04 and trisha Atherton Darby ’04, Boone.

Manah Luna, September 18, 2009, to Emily Anderson luna ’04 and John Luna, Des Moines.

Cavan Christopher McCurdy, August 22, 2009, to Amanda Johnson Mccurdy ’04 and Kasey McCurdy, Ankeny.

William Rouse, May 8, 2009, to Emily Gerlock Rouse ’04 and Jason Rouse, Cumberland, joins Gabriel (5), Lydia (4) and Elizabeth (2).

Stella Rae Davey, July 10, 2009, to Joy Davey ’05, Des Moines.

Jaxon Thomas and Zoe Christine Howe, August 4, 2009, to casey J. howe ’06 and laura Spain howe ’06, Norwalk.

DEATHS

Grace cooper Mcclintic ’33, May 22, 2009, Norwalk, Calif.

helen Swisher Murdy ’35, July 5, 2009, Newton.

Rev. lester D. Strubhar ’35, October 3, 2008, Pensacola, Fla.

lois Mills Ziebarth ’36, June 27, 2009, Salisbury, N.C.

Bruce Farley ’38, April 8, 2009, Louisville, Ky.

Erma Brooks Stich ’38, October 9, 2009, Akron, Ohio.

isabel Goodwin Boss ’39, August 1, 2009, Rockford, Ill.

Kyle J. Dawson ’39, October 10, 2009, Des Moines.

R. carl Shankland ’40, September 16, 2008, Topeka, Kan.

caroline Edler Perrin ’42, January 22, 2009, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Wilma Vickroy lemons ’43, October 8, 2009, Altoona.

Ruth Bond ’44, July 21, 2009, Ankeny.

Ruby i. Davis ’45, November 10, 2008, Thayer.

Richard A. Grant ’48, February 26, 2009, Bainbridge Island, Wash.

Margaret Boylan Ritchey ’48, March 14, 2008, Fort Dodge.

Joan hulen holda ’49, April 28, 2009, Sun City Center, Fla.

Virginia Barnes Kinney ’49, September 15, 2009, Elkridge, Md.

Bob G. Norris ’51, September 2, 2009, Altoona.

Richard M. Stone ’51, February 24, 2009, Bradenton, Fla.

Marilyn Mcclelland Benbow ’52, July 6, 2009, Madrid.

Jane Blosser carpenter ’53, October 26, 2008, Salem, Ore.

Donald D. Dunkin ’53, March 25, 2009, Tampa, Fla.

Katherine Robertson King ’54, August 8, 2009, Geneva, Ill.

Janice heggs Duffield ’56, August 19, 2009, Cedar Rapids.

Dr. Pong S. lee ’56, February 3, 2009, Loudonville, N.Y.

Margery Baker ’57, July 26, 2009, Leon.

Peggy Ferrell Underwood ’57, May 2, 2009, Boulder, Colo.

Gloria Kopaska cleven ’58, August 5, 2009, Des Moines.

charles A. Richardson ’58, July 18, 2009, West Des Moines.

Mervin l. cronbaugh ’59, June 11, 2009, Cedar Rapids.

Ronald J. Averett ’60, October 4, 2008, Nixa, Mo.

caroline Judkins Moen ’60, June 19, 2009, Ackworth.

Freddie Goodnow Gilliland ’64, June 22, 2009, Indianola.

Mary Scott Fuhrman ’65, April 26, 2009, Elysian, Minn.

Stanley l. Spangler ’65, August 9, 2009, Denver, Colo.

harold R. Glann ’68, May 19, 2009, Swan.

Percy Baker Jr. ’72, October 23, 2008, Peoria, Ill.

Richard M. Walls ’73, April 27, 2008, King of Prussia, Pa.

howard M. Renaud ’74, July 27, 2009, Bondurant.

Dixie Fisher ’87, May 12, 2009, Knoxville.

Joyce Martinache Wensel ’92, June 19, 2008, Knoxville.

Barbara chiodo Gorman ’93, March 25, 2009, Altoona.

An esteemed member of the Simpson faculty has passed away. Dr. Margaret L. Watson (or Peg, as she was known), professor emeritus of biology, died Tuesday, Sept. 22. Peg taught at Simpson from 1937 to 1942 and again from 1955 to 1977. She remained active at the college attending Simpson events through this summer. She was 97-years old.

70� North C StreetIndianola, Iowa �0�2��00.6�0.6�69 l www.simpson.edu

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDDes Moines, IAPermit No. �740

Change SeRviCe ReQueSTeD

helP uS SOlve a SiMPSOn MYSTeRY!Do you know the story behind this Simpson College paperweight, which bears a quote on the back by George Washington Carver? Only two have been discovered. Our campus sleuths suspect they were made before �97� but are unsure of the reason for their creation. If you can provide any clues, send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Winter 2009

Documents

simpson roots

simpson family

redesigned simpson magazine

group of simpson graduates

loyal simpson alumni

simpson propelled rhonda

alumni network

formed magazine advisory