Presidents’ Society

PRESIDENTS’ SOCIETY  

Established in 1972, the Simpson College Presidents’ Society celebrates those whose leadership – past, present, and future – propels Simpson forward. This distinguished circle recognizes alumni and friends who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more to the Simpson Fund, demonstrating their belief in the College’s mission and dedication to seeing it carried out. Presidents’ Society members play a vital role in sustaining Simpson’s excellence, ensuring transformative, innovative learning experiences for today’s students and for generations to come. With each giving level, members gain greater access to the College through exclusive opportunities to connect, engage, and help shape Simpson’s bright future. 

Presidents' Society Levels

Members are recognized at the following levels:

THE GUIDING COMPASS CIRCLE — $5000+

Leading Simpson onward 

 The Guiding Compass Circle honors Simpson’s most visionary supporters each year – those whose leadership gifts illuminate the path forward. Like a compass, these donors help us keep Simpson aligned with our mission and values while providing the momentum needed to move boldly and purposefully into the future. Their investment leads the College onward – strengthening our mission, empowering our students, and shaping a future grounded in both tradition and bold aspiration. 

WHISPERING MAPLES CIRCLE — $2500 - $4999

Rooted in tradition, growing toward tomorrow 

 The Whispering Maples Circle honors donors whose annual giving reflects a deep connection to Simpson College’s legacy and a shared investment in its future. Like the iconic maples that quietly shape the character of campus, these supporters strengthen Simpson’s foundation in lasting ways. Their generosity helps ensure that Simpson continues to grow with purpose and resilience. 

1860 CIRCLE — $1860 - $2499

Honoring our heritage, sustaining our purpose 

 Named for the year the College was founded, the 1860 Circle recognizes donors who build upon the foundation of Presidents’ Society membership with increased annual giving, honoring Simpson’s history and advancing our mission. Through their elevated support, members of the 1860 Circle demonstrate their recognition of the resources and support needed in order to sustain Simpson’s excellence.   

RED & GOLD CIRCLE — $1000 - $1859

Pride in our past, passion for our future 

 The Red & Gold Circle celebrates the heart and spirit of Simpson College. These donors embody the pride, passion, and energy that make Simpson a special place—both on campus and beyond. With gifts that power everything from scholarships to new programs, Red & Gold Circle members are critical in helping Simpson build a brighter future while honoring the traditions that have shaped the College into what it is today.

BENEFITS

Presidents’ Society members receive benefits throughout the year, including 

  • Recognition opportunities (unless anonymity is requested) 
  • Invitations to special campus events, including the annual Red and Gold Gala 
  • Exclusive access to College programs, publications, and leaders  
  • Special communications from the President and other College administrators 
  • Dedicated access to College Advancement staff 
  • Opportunities to share your personal experiences and inspire others 

PRESIDENTS’ SOCIETY CIRCLE OF HONOR

Celebrating an enduring legacy of leadership 

 The Presidents’ Society Circle of Honor celebrates donors whose lifetime giving to Simpson College totals $100,000 or more – a milestone that reflects extraordinary generosity and enduring impact. Through their cumulative support, Circle of Honor members become lifelong stewards of Simpson’s mission, ensuring that the values, opportunities, and academic excellence at the heart of the College endure for generations to come. 

Doug Barakat 

Greta Bryan 

Jimmie Carse 

Mary Checchi 

Jerry and Sue Chicoine 

Karen Conner and Gary Gerlach 

Christine and Kenton Coons 

Jim and Pattie Cownie 

Patrick DeMouth 

James Dicke II and Janet Dicke 

Bob and Ardene Downing 

Gary Haynes and Kamie Downing Haynes 

Steve and Susan Fiterman 

Allison and James Fleming 

Jennifer Fleming-Smith and Martin Smith 

Dianna Frazier 

Barbara and Michael Gartner 

Ben Gaumer and Gretchen Breedlove 

Denise Griffey and Leon Langlitz 

Elizabeth and Michael Haddox 

Joe and Carrie Hall 

Terry and Nancy Handley 

Rebecca Hines 

Fred and Charlotte Hubbell 

John Iles 

Gaylen and Maureen Jacobson 

Steve and Sally Jennings 

Steve and Shannon Johnson 

Gage Kent 

Linda and Tom Koehn 

Karen and Jerry Lafferty 

Virginia and Nix Lauridsen 

Robert Lester 

Sanghwan Lew 

Terry and Joyce Lillis 

Helene and Alan Magruder 

Mary Rose Main 

Carolyn and Ron Mathias 

Barbara Miller 

George and Deb Milligan 

Kathryn Moore 

Trent and Laura Murphy 

Lizz and Nick Nichols 

Carol Nolin and Karl Nolin Jr. 

Jymm and Kathy Oplt 

Nile and Terry Ramsbottom 

Sunnie Richer and Roger Brooks 

Bob Riley Jr. and Kay Riley 

Craig and Kay Robinson 

Charles Rohm 

Gary and Dixie Ruble 

Craig Saunders 

Tom and Diana Schmidt 

Randy Seberg 

Robert Shaw 

Stephen and Ann Shepard 

Dough Shull 

Dick and Kathryn Smith 

Brian Smith 

Judy and Richard Smith 

Roger and Sandra Spahr 

Jim Spooner and Judy Quick 

Keith and Berniece Swanson 

Jim and Julia Thorius 

Kirk and Janel Tyler 

Steve and Janet Weeber 

Fred Weitz 

Dennis and Jane Whalen 

Juli and Christopher Willeman 

Rich and Kim Willis 

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