Dick and Judy Smith $90,000 Challenge

$90,000 Barker Hall | Kresge Hall Modernization Matching Challenge

This fall, nearly 400 first-year students arrived at Simpson College, marking our largest entering class in a decade! That kind of enrollment momentum is something few small liberal arts colleges across the country can celebrate. It’s an exciting milestone for Simpson, and it creates an important opportunity to invest in the places our students call home.

Nearly all of these first-year students live in Barker Hall and Kresge Hall, two of Simpson’s most historic residence halls. Barker opened in 1954 as the men’s dormitory, and Kresge followed in 1962 as the women’s dormitory. These buildings have been part of the Simpson experience for generations. Now, it’s time to bring their shared spaces into the modern college experience.

Thanks to the generous commitment of Dick and Judy Smith of Fairfield, Iowa, Simpson has an exciting opportunity to renovate the lounges in both residence halls. The Smiths have established a $90,000 Modernization Matching Challenge, giving your generosity twice the impact when you make your gift by December 31, 2026.

Your gift today will help turn outdated lounges into vibrant, welcoming spaces where students can study, connect, relax, and build lifelong friendships. Imagine the possibilities:

• Spaces to succeed: Modern study tables, desks, and excellent lighting will create inviting study areas students can use around the clock.
• Places to connect: Comfortable furniture and entertainment centers will give students room to unwind, build friendships, and enjoy the social side of college.
• Room to gather: Flexible meeting areas, a small kitchenette, and tasteful Simpson décor will make these lounges welcoming hubs for the entire residence hall community.

These improvements are about more than furniture and fixtures. They’re about creating an environment where students feel at home, develop a sense of belonging, and make the most of their Simpson experience.

Let’s meet the challenge, modernize Barker and Kresge, and make Simpson feel like home for the next generation. Your generosity will help transform two historic residence halls and make a lasting difference for the students who call them home.

Gift link to go here

If you have questions, or are interested in discussing a larger gift or an extended commitment, please contact Andy English, Executive Director of Advancement, at andy.english@simpson.edu or 515-201-6559.