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Current Culver Fellows

Serving as ambassadors for the John C. Culver Public Policy Center, welcoming distinguished speakers to campus and leading voter registration and civic engagement initiatives

CLASS OF 2024:

current-culverAlyssa Beckwith is a Culver Fellow from Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Southeast Polk High School before attending Simpson College. During her time at Simpson, Alyssa plans to major in Psychology. After college Alyssa plans to attend law school. As a Culver Fellow, she is eager to promote voter participation at Simpson College. 

 

Andrew FloryAndrew Flory is a Culver Fellow from Kansas City, Kansas, where he graduated from Piper High School. He plans to major in International Relations and Political Science, with a minor in philosophy with an emphasis on ethics. Andrew designed the website for a candidate running for the Missouri House of Representatives in 2020. He is a member of the Simpson Speech & Debate team. After graduating from Simpson, he hopes to go into polling analysis or run for office at some point himself.

 

Kacie Cowman

Kacie Cowman is a Culver Fellow from Winterset, Iowa, where she graduated from Winterset High School. Kacie is majoring in Biochemistry and plans to attend medical school after graduating from Simpson. In addition to the Culver Center, she is involved with the Wesley Service Scholars, Pre-Health Society, Rotaract Volunteer Club, and the Catholic Student Organization.

 

Scott Krueger

Scott Kruegeris a Culver Fellow from Eagan, Minnesota. He graduated from Eagan High School, where he was a Captain of the Debate Team. Scott is the Undergraduate Assistant for Parliamentary Debate at Simpson, Vice President of the Student Government Association, serves as Co-Chair of the Culver Fellows Programming Committee, was the President of Simpson's Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter, and is pursuing a degree with a major in Political Science with minors in Womens and Gender Studies, Legal Studies, and the Honors Program. He plans to attend law school after graduation.

Scout Peery Scout Peery is a Culver Fellow from Pittsburg, KS. She is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies and Philosophy. Scout is also involved in Speech and Debate, Wesley Service Fellows, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Honors program, Student Government, and is a Co-President of Pre-Law Society. Off campus, she has gained valuable law experience by interning with Warren County’s District Attorney's Office and at the Iowa Attorney General's Office. After graduating, she plans to attend law school.

CLASS OF 2025:

Ari Ari Ziegler is a Culver Fellow from St. Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated from Henry Sibley Sr. High School. At Simpson, he is active in Speech & Debate and on the Culver Center’s Programming Committee.

 

 

MeyerAbby Meyer is a Culver Fellow from Sumner, Iowa, where she graduated from Sumner-Fredericksburg High School and was involved in athletics, show choir, National Honor Society, student government, and other organizations. She is pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Business Management and plans on attending law school after graduation. Abby is a member of the Culver Center’s nonpartisan Voter Engagement team, which works to register all Simpson students to vote and empower them to participate in the political process as young voters. Abby is also a member of Simpson’s Student Government Association, SC Scholars, Pre-Law Society, the Simpson softball team, and works as a UGA in the Career Development office. She loves the opportunities presented to her as a Fellow and is excited to continue working with the Culver Center.

AbbyAbby Fry  is a Culver Fellow from Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Lee’s Summit North High School. She is majoring in International Relations and Social Justice Studies with minors in Spanish and Legal Studies. She serves on the Culver Center’s Voter Engagement Committee and is involved with Simpson Speech and Debate, Campus Activities Board, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the Honors program. Abby plans to attend law school to become a human rights attorney after graduating from Simpson. 

CummingsCarson Cummings is a Culver Fellow from Story City, Iowa. While in high school Carson was active in mock trial, speech, Boy Scouts, and shooting sports. Carson has a passion for civic engagement and volunteerism, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. While at Simpson College, Carson is majoring in Political Science and minoring in English and Legal Studies. Carson is on the Simpson Shooting Sports Team where he won a national championship title and earned All-American status. He is also a member of the Simpson College Mock Trial Team. Following his time at Simpson College, Carson plans to attend law school and continue his passion for American politics.

ElijahElijah Keopuhiwa-Carvalho is a Culver fellow from Kealakehe High School in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. He is majoring in Criminal Justice and Environmental Science with a minor in Coaching. His goal is to become a police officer or a game warden/wildlife conservation officer. At Simpson, he plays football and plans to be involved in student clubs and other outside organizations. He appreciates the great opportunities available through the Culver Fellowship.

Murphy

Ilianna Murphy is a Culver Fellow from West Burlington, Iowa. She is majoring in Political Science and Social Justice Studies. While at Simpson she is involved in Interfaith Programming, Student Government, and the Campus Activities Board. She has gained valuable experience working with a multi-client government relations firm that lobbies at the Iowa State Capitol. After graduating, Ilianna plans to attend law school and become a public defender.

jay

Jay Ceperley is a Culver Fellow originally from Hastings, Nebraska but now living in Clive, Iowa. Jay graduated from Hastings Senior High where he was a varsity swimmer and a member of National Honors Society. Jay is a double major in Political Science and History. At Simpson, he is also a captain of the Men's Swimming program. He hopes that as a member of the Culver Fellowship he can help build a more politically active community in the Central Iowa Area.

 

Jeremyah GarlandJeremyah Garland is a Culver Fellow from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently studying physics and engineering. In his free time, he plays football at Simpson. After graduation, he would like to continue to play football for a couple of years and pursue a career in Aerospace engineering.

 

 

 

Kyle Kyle Werner is a Culver Fellow from Winterset, Iowa. Kyle is majoring in multimedia journalism, looking to get his master's degree in mass communication after graduation. He currently works as a reporting intern with The Des Moines Register. He also competes in speech and debate, serves as an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador, and writes for The Simpsonian student newspaper. He serves as a co-chair of the Culver Center’s nonpartisan Voter Engagement Committee, which works to maintain Simpson’s high levels of student voter registration and voter turnout.

PetersenMadeline Petersen is a Culver Fellow from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where she graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School. At Simpson, she is majoring in Political Science and Spanish with minors in Latin American Studies and Legal Studies. On campus, Madeline is a Senator on Student Government Association and a Sexual Assault Response Advocate. In addition, she is involved in FCA, Pre-Law Society, SCscholars, Wesley Service Scholars, and the Simpson Softball team. After graduating, she is going to take a year to explore the world. After returning, Madeline plans to attend law school to become an immigration attorney.

Ryan Corcoran

Ryan Corcoran is a Culver Fellow from Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he graduated from Harrisburg High School. He is double majoring in English and Political Science on a Pre-Law track with minors in honors, history, and Legal Studies. As a sophomore, he is involved on campus with Speech & Debate as both a competitor and the UGA of public forum debate and is a member of band, jazz band, and orchestra.

 

townsend Teagan Townsend is a Culver Fellow who spent her high school years in Kansas City after growing up in the city of Boston. Teagan is Psychology and Criminal Justice major with a minor in Honors. She hopes to eventually add a minor in Legal Studies, as well. Teagan plans to go to law school after finishing her undergraduate degree.

 

CLASS OF 2026:

JacobJacob Cokeis Culver Fellow from Creston, Iowa. In High School, Jacob participated in student government and speech. Jacob serves on the Culver Fellows Voter Engagement Committee, represented Simpson College at the SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue at the Biden School of Public Policy & Administration at the University of Delaware, and participated in a presidential candidate town hall with former vice president Mike Pence. Jacob is majoring in Political Science and International Relations. After Simpson, Jacob plans to attend law school.

 

Brooklynn Brooklynn Ecklin is a Culver Fellow from Lenox, Iowa and a graduate of Lenox High School. In high school, she was involved in basketball, track, volleyball, softball, drum major of the marching band, and served as class president for all four years. At Simpson, she plans to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Human Services. After graduating, she plans to attend law school. Brooklynn is excited to help the Simpson Community being involved the Culver Fellowship.

 

landanLandan Fetters is a Culver Fellow from Altoona, Iowa, where he graduated from Southeast Polk High School and was active in National Honor Society and 4-H. At Simpson, he is a member of the Culver Center’s nonpartisan Voter Engagement Team. Landan is in the Honors program at Simpson and plans to major in religion.

 

JakeJake Gioffrediis a Culver Fellow from Indianola High School in Indianola, Iowa. At Simpson, he plans on majoring in Neuroscience with a Pre-Optometry concentration, and he is currently involved with the Cannabis Reform Club, Simpson Democrats, and the Pre-Health Society.

 

 

landanZach Harnden is a Culver Fellow from Clive, Iowa. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School, where he served as Class President and participated in Football, Debate, 4-H, and NHS. At Simpson, he plans to major in Political Science and be an active member in Speech and Debate and the Pre-Law Society. He is currently a field representative for Kim Reynolds’ gubernatorial re-election campaign and plans to attend law school.

 

zachLauren Jermain is a Culver Fellow from Raymore, Missouri where she graduated from Raymore-Peculiar High School. She plans to major in Biology and attend medical school after Simpson. She is involved with the Women’s Basketball team, Wesley Service Program, and FCA. She is very excited to make a difference in the community.

 

nickNick MacKrell is a Culver Fellow from Des Moines, IA where he graduated from Central Academy and Roosevelt High School. His current major is undecided, but Political Science and English are his main fields of focus. Through the Culver Fellowship he wishes to learn more about Political Science and hopes to increase voter participation during his time at Simpson College.

 

CameronCameron Martin is a Culver Fellow from Raymore, Missouri where she graduated from Raymore-Peculiar High School. She plans to major in Biology and attend medical school after Simpson. She is involved with the Women’s Basketball team, Wesley Service Program, and FCA. She is very excited to make a difference in the community.

 

elleEllee Mortensen is a Culver Fellow from Cambridge, Iowa and graduate of Ballard High School. At Simpson, she is majoring in Data Science and hopes to work as a sports statistician in the future. She is in the Honors program and a member of the Simpson softball team, for which she does data analysis. Ellee is excited to be a Culver Fellow in order to explore both her political and civic passions

 

Adrell  Adrell Mulgrew-Truitt is a Culver Fellow from Juneau, Alaska and graduate of Juneau Douglas High School. He plans to major in engineering. He is involved in the Simpson Swim and Dive team. He is looking forward to working with the Culver Fellows and getting more into politics.

 

 

Adele Savannah Skaggs is a Culver Fellow from Nevada, Iowa, where she graduated from Nevada High School. She has a double major in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. Savannah is on the pre-law track to go to law school after Simpson. She is also a Speech and Debate, Pi Beta Phi, and Panhellenic Council member.

 

AshlynAshlyn Steen is a Culver Fellow from Mount Vernon, Iowa where she graduated from Mount Vernon High School at the top of her class. She plans to major in Political Science and pursue law school after college. At Simpson, Ashlyn is a member of the softball team and plans to be involved in other student clubs and activities. She is excited to be involved in the Culver Fellowship for the opportunity to expand her connections and experiences in the political realm.

CLASS OF 2027:

AlisonAllison Sigaran is a Culver Fellow from Des Moines, Iowa, who graduated from East High School. She plans to major in Political Science and possibly double major in Social Justice Studies. Allison plans to be involved in politically active events to learn about the government and local politics. She knows Culver Fellows will expose her to more political events and is excited about the opportunities to engage civically in Iowa.

 

BrookeBrooke Reiling is a Culver fellow from Carroll, Iowa, where she graduated from Carroll High School. She plans to major in Psychology and Political Science. She is a member of the Simpson Dance team and the Speech and Debate team. She plans to attend either graduate school or law school after graduating from Simpson.

 

DeniseDenise Alvarado Lopez is a Culver Fellow from Ottumwa, Iowa, and a graduate of Ottumwa High School. In high school, she completed her phlebotomy certificate from Indian Hills Community College, became a silver cord recipient, and received the seal of biliteracy in English and Spanish. At Simpson, she plans to major in Biology on a pre-med track. Denise is active in Latinos Unidos, the Honors program, and Wesley Service Scholars.

EMMAEmma Lange is a Culver Fellow from Edgewood, Iowa, where she graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School. Emma is majoring in Political Science and is in the Honors Program. She plans to attend law school after graduation.

 

JuliaJulia Wilson is a Culver Fellow from Ankeny, Iowa, where she graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School. In high school, she was a member of National Honor Society and the Speech team. She was one of only three students from her high school to be selected for American Legion Auxiliary Iowa Girls State. At Simpson, she serves on the Culver Fellows Voter Engagement committee and plans to major in Psychology.

Katie harryKatie Harryman is a Culver Fellow from Grimes, Iowa. She graduated from Dallas Center-Grimes High School and participated in National Honor Society, art club, and dance team. At Simpson, she plans to major in graphic design and interactive media. She is excited to be involved in the Culver Fellowship and be involved in public policy and politics.

 

LIZZYLizzy Orey is a Culver Fellow from Indianola, Iowa. Lizzy graduated from Indianola High School at the top of her class, while also being President of the National Honor Society Chapter, a Drum Major in the Pride of Indianola Marching Band, Secretary of Mayor’s Youth Council, and a member of A Cappella Choir, Side One Show Choir, Wind Ensemble Band, and Iowa Youth Congress. At Simpson, Lizzy is involved in Musicals, Band, the Community Orchestra, Choir, Mental Health Club, Psychology Club, Student Government Association, SC Scholars, and Honors. Lizzy plans to study a pre-med path, majoring in Biology and Neuroscience at Simpson, with a minor in Psychology and Chemistry. She plans on attending medical school after Simpson to become a Neuropsychiatrist.

MakennaMakenna Askeland  iis a Culver Fellow from Griswold, Iowa and a graduate of Griswold Community High School. At Simpson, she is majoring in health and exercise science and hopes to work as a physical therapist in the future. Makenna is involved in the Wesley Service Scholars program, plays on the softball team, and plans to become involved in more activities and clubs. She is excited to be a Culver Fellow to gain connections in the communications realm.

 

PeytonPeyton Robertson is a Culver Fellow from Bozeman, Montana where she graduated from Belgrade High School. She plans to double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. At Simpson, Peyton is a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, Wesley Service Program and the Honors Program.

 

TerynTeryn Shields is a Culver Fellow from Osceola, Iowa, and a graduate of Murray High School. During high school, Teryn was active in several sports, Band, FBLA, NHS, and was the president of a community focused non-profit organization named CCOPS. Here at Simpson College, Teryn plans to pursue a major in Health Services Leadership. Teryn is very excited to be a part of the Culver Fellowship and looks forward to positively impacting the lives of those around her.

Chris FChristopher Funk is a Culver Fellow from Indianola, Iowa. Growing up, he participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. He plans to double major in History and Political Science and pursue a graduate degree in dentistry after graduating from Simpson. He joined the Culver Fellows program to gain a better understanding of politics.

Interested in becoming a Culver Fellow? Download the John C. Culver Fellowship Application today.