Winter 1990
Presidential Comments p. 2
Science Education a Simpson Priority
By Dr. Stephen G. Jennings
Simpson Briefly
Cowles Fellows Named — Five Simpson College freshmen have been selected as Cowles Fellows for 1989-1990. These five are Alison Beaver, Gay Jones, Jane Krueger, Susanne Sheston and Adam Sullivan. p. 4
Enrollment Hits All-Time High – Jerry Israel, academic dean at Simpson tells of the large increase in students in the fall of 1989. P. 4
High Rate of Students Accepted at Med Schools — Dr. Joe Moody tells of the reason why so many Simpson students are accepted into medical school. P. 4
Dr. Norman Thomas to Retire — Dr. Norman Thomas, professor of philosophy will retire at the end of the 1989-1990 academic year. P. 4
Herny Gift is Simpson’s Largest – Simpson received a gift of $1.4 mission from the estate of Helen Harp Herny. P. 5
Pote Gift Announced – Harold F. Pote left his estate, totaling over $970,000 to Simpson College after his death in 1988. P. 5
U.S. News & World Report Sees Simpson ‘On the Rise’ – The U.S. News and World Report found Simpson to be one of the country’s “up-and-coming schools” and Dr. Stephen Jennings, president of Simpson comments. P. 5
Simpson Magazine Introduced – The former “The Alumnus” is now titled the “Simpson Magazine.” By Michael Adams, editor. P. 5
Endowed Scholarships Established – Simpson Guild gave $10,000 to establish the Simpson Guild Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Lena Bell Winson Endowed Scholarship fund was established at Simpson.
Delta Delta Delta has established a Delta chapter of Delta Delta Delta Centennial Endowed Scholarship Find with a gift of $10,000 to Simpson College.
Leon Fisk established the Frances Pauline Doft Endowed Scholarship fund at Simpson with a gift of $10,000. Doft had created the Floyd S. Doft Endowed Scholarship in memory of her husband.
M.W. “Bill” Proudfoot and his wife Marjorie Dalby Proudfoot gave Simpson a gift valued greater than $80,000.
Marjorie Craig Young established the Lawrence Bradford and Marjorie Craig Young Endowed Scholarship Fund. P. 6
Students Receive Indianola/Simpson Memorial Grants – Rick Demory, Tina Downey and Jeri Shutt all received the Simpson Memorial Grant in 1989-1990. P. 6
Simpson Chosen for Sears Award – The Sears-Roebuch Foundation awarded Simpson the “Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award Program.” P. 7
Grover Receives NCAA Award – Ian Grover was awarded, by the NCAA, $4,000 for postgraduate study at the school of his choice. P. 7
Science Faculty Awarded Research Grant – The Research Corporation awarded Simpson a Flora Hewlett Foundation grant worth $30,000. Dr. Pat Singer and Dr. Ron Warnet both comment. P. 7
Boomerang Students Return to Simpson p. 8-9
By Lisa Green
Paul Zastrow, Dan Wilcox, Julie Baker and Vickie Belcher all left Simpson for an amount of time and then chose to return to Simpson to finish their education.
Lou Mei-Ying Touched by Simpson Experience p. 9
By Kathy Rundle
Lou Mei-Ying taught Chinese language and culture at Simpson for the 1989-1990 academic year. Miriam Jenkins, registrar and assistant professor of English at Simpson will travel to China in 1991 to teach English.
Kuwait is Home for Simpson Grad p. 10
By Lisa Green
Cathy Hillman, 1980 grad of Simpson is now teaching kindergarten at the American School of Kuwait in Hawaii.
Simpson Bonds with Tuskegee University p. 11
Dr. Stephen Jennings met with Booker T. Washington on the Tuskegee University campus in Alabama. Dr. Jennings also spoke at Tuskegee’s academic convocation on January 20th.
Sports at Simpson p. 12
Football – The Simpson Redmen, under the coaching of Jim Williams, is headed for its second straight NCAA Division III playoffs.
Women’s Cross Country – The women won their 3rd conference title in 4 years in 1989. Sarah Cross won the Iowa Conference Individual and she was Simpson’s first woman to be All-American. Coach Jerry Fitzsimmons comments on the ladies performance.
Men’s Cross Country – Keith Ellingson, coached the men into a 4th place finish in the Iowa Conference. Dave Halferty and Steve Fairbairn both were All-Conference runners.
Women’s Golf – Coach Bob Darrah lead the women to a 6th place in the Conference Championships. Rita Doane, was a 1988 national qualifier.
Women’s Tennis – Coach Dick Starr lead the women to a 5th place finish in the Iowa conference. Players Katie Pohrem, Shanti Strathman, Lori Calhoun, Mary Clark and Lian Schmidt all played well.
Homecoming 1989 p. 14
300 Alumni returned to Simpson for Homecoming. The Redmen defeated the Eagles 56-12.
Simpson’s Dunn Library celebrated its 25th Anniversary. At the celebration banquet, Hout R. Galvin, class of ’32, spoke.
The women of Delta Delta Delta won the traditional Tomahawk Award.
‘Names that Live at Simpson’ Nominations Finalized – Distinguished Alumni nominations were: Robert w. Bates, Frances Leslie Dawson, Gerald L. Downie, E. Kingman Eberhart, Lyle A. Weed. The Distinguished faculty nominations were: Herbert Alberding, Ethel D. Anderson, Charles N. Burrows, Clayton Lane, Herbert A, Harvey, Helen M. Mullin, David Mobberley and William Helmer.
1989 Athletic Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees Announced p. 16
George D. Woolson and Perry L. Wilkins were awarded the Double S Award.
Dr. Joe Moody was awarded the Dick Buxton Award.
Rex Van Buskirk was awarded the E.G. Booth Award.
David M. Keller and Tomas L. Simmons were both inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lynn Schull received a $4,000 scholarship from the NCAA.
Kip Janvrin won 5 NCAA championships and he was Olympic Sports Festival Champion in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Championship Football Teams Return to Simpson p. 17
Members of Simpson’s championship football teams met in a special reunion during Homecoming. Those attending included H.T. Fawcett, Charles “Chic” McCoy, D. Russell McCarthy, George Woolson, Chet Wallace, John McFarland, L. Raymond Anderson, Paul Eggers, Everett Hidlebaugh John Mille, Norman Miller, Cecil Rhoads, Dick Kintner, Jim Wright, Rich Clogg, Tom DeSio, Mike Norton, Phil Wooderson, Bill Thompson, Tim Irving, Roger Overman, Tom Simmons, Chris Creason, Jim Kelly, Jymm Oplt, Tom Powell, John Sullivan, Coach Roger Thompson, Perry Hunter, David Walford, Don Zahs, Jim Cavanaugh and Mark Roberts.
Eleven to Receive Alumni Awards p. 18-21
Richard M. Cohen. Robert W. McGee, Margie Wells-Davis and David D. Orr all received an Alumni Achievement Award.
David B. Starr received a Young Alumni Achievement Award.
Phyllis Williams Pemble, Jane Johnson Pooley and Vernon H. Pooley all received the Alumni Loyalty Award.
Dr. John D. Hines received the Young Alumni Loyalty Award.
Carol Worlan Young and B. Wayne Kong both received the Humanitarian Service Award.
Head Earns Top Iowa National CPA Scores p. 22
Tom Head earned the highest Iowan score and the 2nd highest score in the nation on the Certified Public Accountant exam.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1990
Presidential Comments p. 2
By Stephen G. Jennings
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Buxton Family Donates Miller Painting to Simpson – Bill and Betty Buxton donated a Richard E. Millerpainting, worth over $200,000 to Simpson College.
Sayre Gift to Fund Library Acquisitions – Alice Sayre gave $150,000 to Simpson to establish the Alice E. Sayre Library Acquisitions Fund.
50-Year Class Endowment Established – The Simpson Alumni from the class of 1940 have “inaugurated the Golden Anniversary Class Endowment Program.” Dr. Elmo V. Barnum and Miss Bernita Barnumoffered a $10,000 challenge grant encouraging other graduates of 194 to give.
Former Stock Exchange CEO Visits Simpson – Paul Kolten visited Simpson as part of the Woodrow Wilson visiting Fellows Program in March.
Dr. Mitch Kalpagian to leave Simpson – Kalpagian accepted a position at Christendom College in Virginia.
Simpson Theme Houses: Alternative Living p. 6-7
By Lisa Green
Green covers the alternative housing on campus, called Theme Houses. She interviews many students on their views supporting these houses and she tells of the changes made within the theme houses for next year.
Heightening Art’s Presence at Simpson. P. 8- 9
By Michael Adams
Dr. Janet Heinicke has improved the art department greatly since her arrival on campus. She oversees 15 art majors and is the sole leader of the art department.
Carver Centennial Year Begins with Payton Lecture p. 10-11
Dr. Louis Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Payton visited Simpson’s campus to deliver the George Washington Carver Lecture in February, in honor of Carver.
Dr. Louis Sullivan to Visit Simpson As 1990 Commencement Speaker p. 11
Dr. Louis Sullivan, who works as U.S. secretary of health and human services, traveled to Simpson to speak at commencement his year.
Sports p. 12-13
Wrestling – Simpson placed as runner-up in the 1990 Iowa Conference Wrestling Tournament. Two Simpson wrestlers, Young and Ridout, earned All-American.
Women’s Basketball – Coach Brian Neimuth lead the ladies into a winning season of 18-7 and a fourth place finish in the Iowa Conference.
Men’s Indoor Track – Simpson won the Iowa Small College Indoor State Championship Title in 1990.
Men’s Basketball – The team placed 4th in the Iowa conference this year, with a winning record of 9-7.
Women’s Indoor Track – The women won their 4th consecutive Iowa Small College Indoor State championship Title this year.
Women’s volleyball – Coach Shelly Scott is pretty proud of her team, as they’ve won their second IIAC conference title in 3 years.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Returns to Simpson p. 14
KKG returns to Simpson after a 100-year absence. The chapter, Omicron Deteron, is the sororities 120thchapter and the ladies plan to help the sorority to gain strength on the campus.
Trustee and Long-Time Simpson Supporter Al Jordan ’26 Dies in Wisconsin
Alvin L. Jordan died April 11, 1990 in La Crosse, WI.
Music Department Featured I New Evelyn Lear Master Class Recording
The music department of Simpson featured a famous soprano, Evelyn Lear, in a master class on January 12.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1990
Presidential Comments
The Many Facets of a Simpson Commencement
Dr. Stephen Jennings
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Amy Robertson Cited by State Historical Society – Dr. Amy Robertson has been awarded a prestigious Peterson Harlan Award for 1990 by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Dean Israel to Attend Administrators Program at Harvard – Jerry Israel has been selected as one of 95 worldwide participants to attend an Institute for Educational Management at Harvard this summer.
Alpha Chi Round-Robin Letter Hits 50-Year Mark — 9 graduates of Simpson and members of Alpha Chi have stayed in contact for 50 years by writing “round-robin” letters.
Gartner Gift to Endow Periodicals – Michel Gartner, president of NBC has given $100,000 to fund the Carl and Margie Gartner Endowed Fund for Periodicals at Simpson.
Betsworth’s Book on Moral Traditions Published – Dr. Roger G. Betsworth published a book on Social Ethics this past spring.
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary Established at Simpson – Simpson has installed a new chapter of a national leadership recognition society on campus.
Juggling Motherhood, Job and Simpson p. 6-7, 16
By Chris Coon
Maria Davitt is a single mother, full-time worker and an adult student at Simpson College. She continuously juggles these duties in her day-to-day life.
DHHS Head Sullivan, Three Generations and Disney Make Commencement 1990 Anything But Dull. P. 8-9
Commencement is quite popular this year, with big names such as Dr. Louis Sullivan and Disney visiting Simpson. Sullivan came to campus to speak at Commencement while Disney came to record the graduation of three generations of one family from Simpson.
Sports p. 10-11
Women’s Track – The women won their 3rd consecutive Iowa Conference track title this year. Also, the women’s 4×400 meter relay team won a national title with runners Ashbacher, Hudek, Sheda andEverson.
Men’s Tennis – The Redmen finished fifth in the Iowa Conference Tournament this year.
Men’s golf – Coach Wilson lead the young team to a seventh place finish in the IIAC conference.
Baseball – The baseball team won their first NCAA Division III play-off berth after finishing with the best record in school history of 29-7. The team also took a spring break trip to Florida where they finished with an 8-1record.
Men’s Track – At the NCAA Division III Out door Championships, the team finished 16th. 8 of the athletes earned All-American Honors as the team set two school records.
Softball – The team won their 2nd straight NCAA Division III play-off berth and they placed third in the Iowa conference.
Alumni Weekend p. 12-13
Approximately 400 alumni returned to Simpson in June for this weekend.
Names that Live Unveiled alumni Weekend p. 17
New Names were added to the Honor Roll of the Names That Live at Simpson on June 16th. Robert W. Bates and Frances Ledlie Dawson were both named Distinguished Alumni. Honored Benefactors wereHelen harp Herny, Harold and Nellaby Finney Pote, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Robert F. Picken. Charles N. Birrws and Helen Manley Malone Mullin were named Distinguished Faculty.
New Alumni Officers Announced p. 17
New Alumni Officers were recognized at the Alumni weekend, also.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1991
Presidential Comments p. 2
Why Do Students Stay at Simpson?
Dr. Stephen Jennings
Simpson Briefly p. 4-7
Another Record Enrollment for Simpson – 285 new students make a new enrollment record for Simpson.
Students Visit Australia to Study Aborigines – Jim and Suzy Benjamin, two continuing education students at Simpson, headed to Australia to study family kinships of the Aboriginal people on Gouburn Island.
Iowa”>’s Talented and Gifted confer at Simpson – 300 high school junior attended the Talented ad Gifted Young Scholars Conference held at Simpson in October.
Hillmann leaves Kuwait in Time – Cathy Hillman left her teaching position in Kuwait only one month before Iraq invaded Kuwait. Hillmann is now left shocked and heartbroken.
May Term Trip to Central America Planned; Mueller, Warnet to Lead – Marilyn Mueller and Ron Warnet are leading a 12-day May Term trip to Guatemala and El Salvador to explore the causes of poverty and injustice in these two countries.
Walking Tour of Carver Sites Published – a 30-page tour guide of 9 George Washington Carver-related sites in Indianola was published by the Warren County Historical Society.
Species named After Simpson Faculty Member – Cathy Baker, assistant professor of earth science, previously collaborated with John Malinky, whom has now named a species of the molluscan family Hyolithidae from the Ordovician Period of North America.
Sabbatical Insights: Christians in Japan Wield Strong Influence on Culture – Dr. Ev Laning, along with his wife, to a sabbatical in Japan. He studied the lack of Christian influence on the population and he worked to set up an exchange program with the Junior college they visited.
Committee Formed to Study International Travel – A new committee has been started to study the international programs and set goals for oversees studies. The committee was appointed by President Stephen Jennings and chaired by Jill Rossiter.
Simpson Music Receives Excellence Award – Simpson was one of six schools to receive an award from the National Association Teachers of Singing this year.
As Convocation Pinch-Hitter, Appiah challenges Students to Confront Bigotry, Intolerance – Dr. Anthony Appiah spoke at fall convocation about George Washington Carver, cultural diversity and tolerance.
Alpha Phi Omega Service Organization Reactivated at Simpson – After an absence of 15 years, this service organization was reinstated at Simpson this fall.
Mariam Jenkins: Touched by China’s Patience and Balance p. 8
By Lisa Green
Marian Jenkins, Simpson’s registrar and assistant professor of English spent 6 months in China in an exchange program. She soon came to appreciate the Chinese way of life, which was at a much slower, healthier and less complicated pace.
Simpson Singers Achieving National Success p. 9
Simpson graduates Kimm Julian, Brad Cresswell, Beverly Thiele and Rose Bollin are all having success in the opera industry.
Chicago: Diverse Work for Three Simpson Alumni p 10-13
By Chis Coon
David Orr, Mary Catlett and Ramona Austin are all having success with their careers in Chicago.
Sports p. 14-17
Women’s Golf – The ladies repeated the 6th place finish of one year ago at the Iowa conference Tournament in Dubuque, Iowa.
Women’s Tennis – The team finished fifth overall, lead by Coach Dick Starr.
Football – The team ended with a 6-2 record in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Men’s Cross Country – The team finished their season with the Central Regional Championships, in which they placed 12th.
Volleyball – The Lady Reds became the first Division III volleyball team in Iowa to gain an NCAA Division III playoff berth, as a result of winning the Iowa conference championship for the third time in four years.
Sports Awards Announced Homecoming Weekend – Simpson alumni receive awards and are inducted into Hall of Fame
Women’s Cross Country Team Finishes Fourth at Nationals – The Lady Reds became the very first All-American team for Simpson by finishing 4th in the NCAA III Championships.
Alumni Awards Announced p. 18-20
Mary Rose Main Sumner Morris, Mildred Romedahl Steele, Max E. Whitlock, Sara L. Maltby, James R. Oplt, Diane Kurtzhalts Powell and William V. Graff all received alumni awards.
Homecoming 1990: A reminder of times past p. 21-22
With the homecoming theme as “Flashback,” many alumni and students are reminiscing about times past.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1991
Presidential Comments
Simpson’s Campaign is on Track
Dr. Stephen Jennings
Simpson Briefly
CASE Awards for Simpson Publications – The Simpson PR Staff won 7 awards in the CASE District VI Awards competition.
Chemistry Department chosen as Test Site for New Text – A test called, “Chemistry in Context” will begin on Simpson’s campus this spring.
Lehmann Donates Valuable Potter to Simpson – Mrs. Margaret Lehmann donated a 25-piece collection of Etruscan pottery dating from the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. valued at $26,000 to Simpson.
Senior Colloquium Lecturer Christopher Lasch Details the Decline of Liberalism – Christopher Lasch, a preeminent cultural historian in America, spoke on liberalism at this years Senior colloquium.
Faculty Adds Foreign Language, Global Awareness – Jerry Isreal tells of the addition of a language requirement for incoming freshmen and a required Global Awareness May Term Class.
Joe Walt: Putting the Finishing Touches on Simpson History p.6-7
By Connie Nordstrom
Joe Walt spends his days in the library compiling the history of Simpson College. This research has only been attempted by a few others, with all of them quitting before their research was complete, Joe plans to be the first to actually complete this goal.
‘The Civil War’ garners for Don Gibsom and the National Endowment for the Humanities the best kind of Attention p. 8-9
By Chris Coon
Donald Gibson, a Simpson graduate is the director of the Division of Public Programs for the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Dream Realized for Soviet Students p. 10
Sasha Plokhov and Gena Zubov realized their dream of coming to America to learn a new culture and to teach others about their own.
‘Boy Carver’ Story is Labyrinthine Tale p. 11
The third of the “Boy Carver” sculptures is placed at Simpson College.
Enthusiasm viewed as Key to Area Campaigns p. 12
Fundraising begins to develop for proposed new science building on Simpson’s campus.
Brokaw Will Address 1991 Grads p. 13
NBC’s anchor, managing editor and chief of correspondents, Tom Brokaw will speak at Commencement.
Sports p. 14-15
Women’s Basketball – The ladies finished out their season with a final record of 14-12 and 9-7 in the IIAC.
Men’s Basketball – The final score of the Redmen was 17-9 and 11-5 in the IIAC.
Men’s Outdoor Track – Coach Keith Ellingson lead the team to a prosperous year with 22 athletes qualifying for the state championship.
Women’s Indoor Track – The Lady Reds won the Indoor Track Championship for the 5th year in a row.
Simpson Wrestlers Win Conference Title – Darrah named ‘Coach of the Year’ — Bob Darrah lead the Simpson wrestlers to win the Iowa Conference Championship and 7 wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1991
Presidential Comments p. 2
A Presidential Commencement: Looking Back at four Years; Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
Dr. Stephen Jennings
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Simpson Students Receive Younkers Scholarships – Shae Gorman and Hilary Hanson are both tailoring their programs around retail management and they both were awarded a scholarship from Younkers.
Reds Hold tryouts at Simpson – The Cincinnati Reds organization used Simpson’s facilities for tryouts in June.
Simpson Goes Batty – Dr. Bill Gilbert, environmental science professor lead students in the Environmental Club and Beta Beta Beta to make and hang bat houses in the trees on campus.
Simpson to Join British Consortium – In 1992, Simpson plans to join the British Consortium which sends both students and faculty overseas to learn together.
McNeill Faculty Awards Presented – Three faculty members received awards. These three are: Dr. Bill Friedricks, Dr. Cathy Baker and Dr. Alan Magruder.
Exploring women’s Role in a World of Hate p. 6-7
By Lia Unrau
Kate Joeckel has been studying white supremacy groups and women’s studies by contacting members of the groups herself.
Guatemala & El Salvador p. 8-10
By Michael Adams
Marilyn Mueller and Dr. Ron Warnet led an eye opening May Term trip to Guatemala & El Salvador.
Commencement 1991: Tom Brokaw Recalls Years in Iowa, Urges Personal Commitment to Nation’s Needsp, 12-13
Brokaw outlined areas where he thought personal commitments cold be made by students as: preserving the environment, seeking shelter for the homeless and nurturing the community and family.
Alumni Weekend 1991 p. 14-18
Over 400 alumni returned to Simpson to reminisce in June.
Sports
Men’s Golf – Simpson earned a 6th place finish at the IIAC Men’s Golf tournament this year with a team total of 1,339.
Men’s Tennis – The men finished with a strong 4th place at the IIAC championships.
Softball – Three Lady Reds were names IIAS first team players Beth Harris, Traci Frasher, and Nikki Pena. The team attended nationals and they also placed 3rd in the conference.
Women’s Track — The women won their 4th straight conference this year.
Baseball Team Wins Conference, Region; Advances to Division III World Series – The Redmen won the IIAC conference title this ear with a 14-1 record and they also advanced to the regional playoffs.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1992
Presidential comments p. 2
Funding Higher Education: Unanswered Questions
Dr. Stephen Jennings
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Richard Pipes for McBride Lecture: A post-coup coup – Richard Pipes, Frank B. Baird Professor of history at Harvard will be this year’s McBride Lecturer.
Simpson Cited U.S. News and World Report — Simpson was cited as “up and coming” in the U.S. News and World Report.
Simpson’s Kresge Grant is Iowa’s Largest — Simpson received a $600,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation in Michigan to be used toward renovation of Carver.
Quinnett Overcomes Obstacles to Win Statewide Adult Learner Award – Pat Quinnett was names Outstanding Adult Learned in Iowa for 1991 by the Iowa Association for Lifelong Learning.
Morgan Joins Staff as New Chaplain – Rev. Michael Morgan joined the Simpson staff October 15 as college chaplain and director of church relations.
A League of His Own: Simpson Alumnus Jeff Cronin Works the Carolina League Hoping for a Shot at ‘The Show.” P. 6-10
By Chris Coon
Jeff Cronin has a busy life playing baseball, but he hopes that one day he will make it to “The Show.” The article contains a journal of a few days of his life on the road.
Tuskegee Exchange has Impressive Start p. 10
Dr. Denise-Margaret Thomson, assistant professor of engineering and business at Tuskegee University visited Simpson to lecture at various business classes.
Neighboring on the Air p. 11
By Chris Coon
Evelyn Birkby is a popular homemaker. She has authored 5 books, appeared on ABC’s “World News Tonight,” “CBS This Morning”, “Night Watch,” and many other radio shows.
Homecoming 1991 p. 12-13
Float building was added to the fun of homecoming this year, with many housing units participating.
Seeing Medicine Through Fresh Eyes p. 14
Cara Peterson job shadowed Dr. Raymond Schulte, M.D., through May Term to get an accurate view of what her future as a medical student may hold.
Sports
Football – Simpson won conference crown with record of 10-0.
Men’s Cross Country – The Redmen finished 5th in the Iowa Conference after being ranked in the top 25 of the NCAA Cross Country Poll for four straight weeks.
Women’s Cross Country – The women placed 3rd in the Iowa Conference after having won the three previous titles. Simpson has won four of the last six titles and is the most wins in a women’s cross country program in the history of the IACC.
Women’s Tennis – The 1991 Simpson team finished its season by placing fifth at the Iowa Conference Tournament
Women’s Golf – The women qualified for the Division III Championships and they placed third overall in the Small College Midwest Championships.
Volleyball – The women won their third straight conference title this year
Thomas Appointed to Missouri Supreme Court – Elwood Thomas ’54 was named to the Missouri Supreme Court in early September.
Dr. Thomas Hensley Wins Professor of the Year Award – Dr. Thomas R. Hensley 65 was named Ohio Professor of the Year by the council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1992
Presidential Comments p. 2
The Reasons for Changing the Redmen Nickname.
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Simpson Nabs Third in Midwest – The Simpsonian placed 3rd among Midwestern collegiate newspapers.
CASE Awards Garnered — Simpson won three awards in the 1991 Awards competition sponsored by District VI of CASE.
New Enzyme Discovered at Simpson; Students on Cutting Edge of Research – Drs. Pat Singer and Ron Warnet, along with a group of student assistants, discovered a new enzyme called a Peroxidase.
Joeckel wins National Teaching Award – Dr. Kate Joeckel won the 1992 Outstanding Young Teacher Award from the Central States Communication Association recently.
Wilson”>: Coach of the Year– Bruce Wilson, Simpson’s men’s basketball coach, was named the 1992 West Region Kodak coach of the year.
Simpson Receives Internal Auditing Grant – The Iowa chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors has awarded Simpson College a $100 grant for internal audit education, the first on of its kind in Iowa.
M1 – p. 6-9
Tammy Schumacher ’91 is a first year medical student at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. She is carrying a lot of pressure as she struggles through her first year.
Building a Working Definition of Life – p. 10-11
Brian Thomas spent two years in Nicaragua and a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and discovers some essential truths about what’s important.
Choosing the Right Note – p. 12
By Lia Unrau
Albrecht looks forward and stays active. These are the keys to his success.
The Iowa Canoeist’s friend – p. 13
By Chris Coon
Jeff Holmes ’89 is in his fourth year as editor and publisher of Canoeing Iowa, a magazine he created in 1988.
Simpson’s Role Playing Diplomats – p. 14
15 Simpson students participated in the Midwe4st region Model United Nations this year.
Bishop Reuben Job to Deliver Commencement Address – p. 14
Iowa United Methodist Church Bishop, Rueben P. Job, gave his remarks to the graduating class of 1992.
The Simp Comes of Age – p. 15
With a new advisor and editor, the Simpsonian has progressed to an award winning newspaper.
Simpson Initiates New Exchange with Wiley College – p. 15
Simpson is experimenting with an exchange program with Wiley College
Sports at Simpson – 16-17
Men’s Track – The men set 3 new school records this year.
Women’s Track – The women won the 1992 Iowa Indoor Small college State Championship for the 6thyear in a row.
Men’s Basketball – The men won the Iowa Conference for the first time in 50 years.
Women’s Basketball – The women won third place I the Iowa conference and they were one win away from earning a NCAA Division III playoff bid.
Wrestling – The squad won third place in the Iowa Conference.
Simpson Trustee Memorializes Daughter – p. 18
Gene and Eleanor Smith have helped to build the Sana Kay Danielson Memorial Chapel at The Village in honor of their daughter who recently passed away of cancer.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1992
Presidential Comments p. 2
Our ties to church remain strong
Friend, Benefactor, Trustee Amy Robertson Dies – p. 4
Amy Robertson, long time friend of Simpson, passed sway in May. She established a charitable remainder trust totaling $10 million and named Simpson as the sole beneficiary.
Simpson Briefly – p. 5
Simpson among most competitive in Peterson’s guide – Simpson was rated among the top 10% of national colleges featured in the 1992-1993 Peterson’s Competitive Colleges.
Class of 92 Gives Native American Art – the class of 92 chose to commission a painting or purchase artwork by a Native American artist.
Mellecker receives NCAA scholarship – Melissa Sue Mellecker has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship to study at the university or professional school of her choice,
Minority retention grant sought – Simpson is applying for a Lily Endowment, Inc. grant of up to $150,000 that would be awarded over a three-year period.
Carver Trust Interested in Carver Science Hall – Simpson received a $138,500 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to purchase equipment for the new Carver Science Hall.
A Gift of Art – p.6-9
A 1912 oil painting given to Simpson by Bill and Betty Buxton ’28 and ’29 captivates the crowd at Sotheby’s.
Kreidler’s Zaire – p. 10-11
By Lia Unrau
While at Simpson Tim Kreidler set his sights on Africa. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire he achieved his goal and more, until violence in the streets ended his work.
Simpson Becoming mecca for area’s young writers – p. 12-13
By Lia Unrau
Dr. Mary Lose’s research is inspiration for successful annual gathering of working writers and students.
Commencement 1992
Solutions to future problems may be simple or profound, Bishop Job tells 320 grads.
Sports at Simpson – p. 21-22
Softball – the team tied for place with Central in the conference competition.
Men’s Tennis – The team ended the season with an overall record of 6-8 and a conference dual record of 5-4.
Men’s Track – Five members of the team went on to compete in the Division III National Track and Field Championships in May.
Women’s Golf – The women finished a strong 2nd in the Iowa Conference and they earned a berth in the NCAA Division III Golf Championships.
Women’s Track – The women won their 5th consecutive conference title in May.
Baseball – the team is ranked 11th in the nation.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1993
Presidential Comments – p. 2
Negotiating the future with strategic planning
Simpson Briefly – p. 4-5
Church Recognizes Simpson Professor – Dr. Ron Warnet, professor of chemistry was recently awarded the United Methodist Campus Leadership Award.
Kresge Foundation Tops $1 Million with Gift – Ted Taylor attended the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees and he presented a check totaling $600,000.
McBride Lecturer Ellie Smeal likens ERA fight to suffragette movement – Ellie Smeal spoke as the 5thMcBride lecturer on women’s turn-of-the-century fight for the vote.
Miami U. Presents Award to Dr. Jennings – Stephen Jennings received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Miami University School of Education and Allied Professions.
Simpson Senior Debuts with Des Moines Symphony – Mark Fitzgerald Wilson was invited to sing with the Des Moines symphony at the annual Popcorn Pops concert.
The Anvil is New Homecoming Award – The Anvil will replace the tomahawk award at Homecoming festivities.
Chisholm is Carver Lecturer Feb. 25 – Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman to seek the office for president of the U.S. will speak at Simpson.
Hollywood– p. 6-9
For Simpson alumni John Whitesell and Ric Coy Hollywood is more than a mythic destination. It means business, their business.
The Rules Inside – p. 10-11
As a criminal justice and corrections major, Brian Riedl has read a lot about prisons. As an intern at the Iowa Men’s Reformatory, he crossed the line that separates textbooks from reality.
Powered by Columbus’ Wind – p. 12-13
Simpson alumnus Dick Gilbert ’60 recreates Columbus’ journey to the New World.
Turning Livingstone College Around – p. 14
Simpson alumnus Bernard Franklin applies his own brand of energy to difficult times at the historically black North Carolina College.
Miller to stress alumni-student interaction – p. 15
With all of the changes taking place on campus, Mark Miller, thinks the alumni would be amazed to hear about them.
‘Real World’ advice attracts student interest – p. 15
The first series of the Alumni Association’s “real world” programs, offered through the auspices of the Forum committee.
Sports p. 22-23
Football – The team posted a 6-2-1 record this past season.
Men’s Cross Country – the team placed fourth at the Iowa Conference Championships and eighth at the NCAA regional meet.
Women’s Cross country — the women placed 4th at the Iowa Conference Championships.
Women’s golf – The team claimed its first-ever Iowa Conference Championship and the women will be in the thick of the NCAA Division III title hunt.
Volleyball – The team collected its fourth consecutive Iowa Conference Championship this year.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1993
Presidential comments – p.2
The exhilarating role of the arts
Simpson Briefly – p. 4-5
Racism is nation’s greatest enemy, Shirley Chisholm tells Carver lecture audience.
Joe Walt named ‘senior professor.’ – The Board of Trustees has chosen Joe Walt to be named a senior professor.
Autry featured at Commencement—James A. Autry will speak at Commencement this year.
New dean is Richard Bernard.
The Northern Lights – 6-9
By Lia Unrau
Three Simpson graduates Jim Nelson, Cheryl Thomas and John Lawlor have all made a decent living in the city of Minneapolis.
Good Listener, Good Friend – p. 10-11
‘Bunny’ Peck has a new goal in lie. Unfortunately, she has to leave Simpson to achieve it.
Mr. Cunningham goes to Washington – p. 12-13
By Chris Coon
Ken Cunningham is soon to become the legislative director for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley.
Simpson Singers Impress Met Judges – p. 14
John Osborn and Amy Cope were both first place winners in the District Opera Auditions on the Simpson campus in January.
Leiber awarded Fulbright; headed for Costa Rica – p. 14
Dr. Todd Leiber will teach and conduct research in literature at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose from July through December.
Buxton gift to help Simpson radio – p. 14
250 shares of Iowa National Bank stock was given to Simpson’s proposed radio station as a gift from Elizabeth Carpenter Buxton.
Sports – p. 16-17
Men’s Basketball – The team ended its season with a record of 8-8.
Women’s Indoor Track – The women finished 3rd at the indoor state meet.
Women’s Basketball – The women finished11-13 overall with a 7-9 conference record.
Men’s Indoor Track – The team placed second at the Iowa Conference Meet at Luther college and placed second at the Iowa small College Championship.
Wrestling – The team finished the season with a 26-14 dual victory.
Simpson ranked 6th academically – The men’s cross country team was recently honored by being ranked 6th nationally on the 1993 NCAA Division III Cross country Coaches’ Association All-Academic Teams listing.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1993
Presidential Comments p.2
The annual fund: a source of renewal
Simpson Briefly p.4-5
Science center dedication set for Oct. 22, 1993 – The science center will be dedicated to George Washington Carver in October.
Simpson students spend spring break helping homeless – 23 Simpson students who are members of Habitat for Humanity chose to journey to Texas to help the homeless.
Mary Berry office named in honor of Thomases – Norman and Marjorie Thomas donated a generous donation for the Mary Berry Hall Maintenance Endowment Fund.
Today on General College… — 22 students gather together along with Dr. Todd Lieber and Jennifer Ross to produce a soap opera for May Term.
Rohm named chairman of the Board of Trustees – Charles E. Rohm was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the board of trustees in May.
Simpson invited to join research alliance – Simpson was invited to participate in the Central Iowa Research Alliance composed of scientists and educators.
Generation X p. 6-9
By Paul Zastrow
Chris Coon, Laurie Dowd and Aaron Lester are all breaking the typical mold of the average “Generation X” adult.
Simpson’s Indiana Jones p. 10-13
By Michael Adams
Living and working in the Far East for 30 years provided Loris Craig ’37 with a front row seat to history and ample memories as “a merchant adventurer.”
The Education of Josh Tetzlaff p. 14-15
By Lia Unrau
Josh Tetzlaff has been home-schooled for his entire life, until college.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-25
Men’s Track – Damon Youmans lead the team through a successful year.
Softball – the ladies ended with a record of 14-11.
Women’s Track –Kelli Sheda was voted the Most Valuable Athlete in the Iowa Conference for the 2ndstraight year.
Baseball – Simpson finished fourth in the Iowa Conference with an 8-6 conference mark.
Golf – Simpson won the conference golf meet last fall.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1993-1994
Presidential Comments p. 2
Trustees leave indelible mark
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Rosavage’s flood relief efforts lauded – Ann-Marie Rosavage sought ways to help victims of Des Moines’ summer flooding and soon found herself coordinating regional mental health relief efforts for the National Red Cross
Sculpture donated to Art Center – Edward McCullough donated a sculpture called ELEGY #3 to the Simpson Art Center as a gift.
Lamar Alexander is commencement speaker – Lamar Alexander, former US Secretary of Education, will speak at Simpson commencement.
Simpson receives National Science foundation grant – The National Science Foundation has awarded a $29,914 matching grant to Simpson for the purchase of a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.
Simpson chosen as small business institute – In July, the Small Business Administration approved Simpson College’s application as a “Small Business Institute.”
The Gatekeeper p. 6-9+15
By Michael Adams
As one of only 100 immigration judges in the United States – the first Asian American appointed on the East Coast – Sandy Hom ’71 sits in judgment of today’s immigrants to the United States, a country in the midst of what some are calling ‘anti-immigrant hysteria.’ The pubic is getting ‘skewed information’ about immigration, he says.
Serious Heart p. 10-11
By Lisa Green
Last fall Ricky Ramirez started college and entered the family business—professional boxing—both in the same month.
Silver Screen Worship p. 12-13
By Lisa Unrau
Each Sunday, The Rev. Julia Poulsen ’77 and members of her New Creation Church transform a movie theater into a place to worship, attracting in the process many who had lost faith.
Sports at Simpson p. 21-23
Golf—Leah Willenborg, Janet Rooney and Tracey Voss led the women to Iowa Conference Championship
Football—Injuries leave team struggling to 5-5 record
Volleyball—The women sported a 20-12 record (6-2 in conference)
Men’s Cross Country—Team finishes fourth in Iowa Conference, eighth in regionals
Women’s Cross Country—Finished fourth in Iowa Conference, 13th at regionals
Women’s Tennis—Finished fifth in Iowa Conference
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1994
Presidential Comments p. 2
The information revolution at Simpson
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Tenor Osborn caps great year with Metropolitan Opera win, choice of grad schools—John Osborn given opportunity to attend Juilliard Opera Center as well as Metropolitan Opera School.
Walt’s history of Simpson due early 1995—Dr. Joseph Walt’s “Beneath the Whispering Maples—The Story of Simpson College” expected to hit shelves in 1995.
SC tops Iowa Conference for all-academic honors—Seventeen student athletes selected from Simpson as members to the Iowa Conference all-academic team.
Simpson radio is on the air—KSTM 88.9 begins operations
Introducing Thundercat—Simpson unveiled its new mascot “Thundercat” in February.
Simpson Guild celebrates 50 years—Simpson Guild celebrates 50 years of contributions to various programs.
Murphy estate gift a $278,000 surprise—Phyllis L. Murphy left a gift of $278,000 to Simpson College even though she never attended.
Lizotte appears on college ‘Jeopardy’—Elizabeth Lizotte was selected as a contestant on “Jeopardy”
Lessons in Costa Rica p. 6-8
By Todd Lieber
As a Fulbright Scholar, Todd Lieber spent six months teaching English composition and poetry to students at the University of Costa Rica. In this, his first essay on his experiences since returning to Simpson, he reflects on his time in this most democratic and peaceful of Central American nations.
The Archives: Where Simpson stores its memories p. 10-11
By Lisa Green
An in-depth look and memory filled piece about the seemingly lost artifacts housed in Dunn Library.
A Stitch in Time p. 12-13
By Michael Adams
For 25 years Mary Pembl Barton ’40 has studied the quilt and its place in the American culture. She’s been called a quilt expert, scholar and detective; she prefers quilt conservator.
Internet: The Information Frontier p. 14-15
By Lia Unrau
An early account of the Internet and its place as an academic resource for people.
Sports at Simpson p. 16-17
Men’s Basketball—Men finished with a 10-6 Iowa Conference record and 15-10 overall record.
Women’s Basketball—Finished fifth in Iowa Conference and posted 13-12 overall record.
Women’s Indoor Track—Nan Schlee qualified for nationals.
Men’s Indoor Track—Corey Carrell competed in nationals.
Wrestling—Five wrestlers qualify for nationals.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1994
Presidential Comments p. 2
‘Konnichiwa,’ Simpson: A New Dawn for Internationalism
Simpson Briefly p. 4-6
Sections of AIDS Memorial Quilt at Simpson—Four sections of The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt were on display at Simpson on April 11 for 12 hours as part of an AIDS awareness week.
Chicoine, Harrison named to Board—Jerry Chicoine and Lois Harrison were named to the Simpson College Board of Trustees.
Gene Carter remembered—A group of Simpson College alumni who were part of the Warren County Group Ministry held a memorial for the late Gene Carter, founder of their group.
Tenure, promotions announced—Kate Joeckel granted tenure. Promotions to professor: Ronald N. Albrecht, music; D. Kay Carter, accounting; M. Jane Kvetko, head of the department of sociology and applied social sciences. Promotions to associate professor: Cathy Baker, environmental science; Marilyn Mueller, management; Cynthia Dyer, director of library services.
Soccer, swimming are new sports at Simpson—Swimming and soccer for men and women are to be gradually phased into Simpson’s roster of intercollegiate sports beginning in the fall of 1994.
DOC is up and running—Dunn Online Catalog replaces card catalog.
Life after ‘Jeopardy’—Liz Lizotte recalls her appearance on the hit game show.
Departments merge—Psychology, sociology and applied social science merge into one department to be called social science.
Ukai fund established—An endowed scholarship fund of $20,000 has been established in the name of Reverend Isamu Ukai who graduated from Simpson in 1894.
Senior Class gift unique, successful—The class of 1994 raised $7,800 in gifts and pledges and will use the money to establish an endowment for the purchase of music for KSTM.
New faculty named—Four new faculty members join staff in August. New faculty include: Jennifer L. White, Katharina Tumpek-Kjellmark, Michael Patterson and David Lion Gardiner.
Simpson hosts women’s golf nationals; Storm golfers are runners-up—Simpson hosted the National NCAA Division III women’s golf tournament and placed second for the second straight year. Leah Willenborg and Tracey Voss earned All-American honors.
A Good Neighbor p. 8-11
By Michael Adams
Eric Youngberg ’72 is a neighborhood activist—on the job and off. He lives five minutes from his job, knows every one of his neighbors and has some innovative ideas about living in the city.
Top Gun p. 12-15
By Lia Unrau
They are described as aggressive, gutsy, a different breed. They are also called the best aviators in the world. There’s a certain mystique surrounding Naval aviators—compounded by movies like Top Gun and events like Tailhook.
Behind the Mask p. 16-19
By Paul Zastrow ’92
Rita Harvey ’90 takes on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.
Sports at Simpson
Men’s Golf—Led by Aaron Barriage, Parker Getter and Rob Heitman. Finished seventh in conference tournament.
Baseball—Team reaches Regionals, John Sirianni named co-coach of the year in the Iowa Conference.
Men’s Track—Team tied for second place in conference tournament and Corey Carrell picked up All-American honors.
Women’s Track—Placed fifth at the conference tournament.
Men’s Tennis—Placed fourth in the conference tournament.
Softball—Team reaches Regionals for fifth time in six years.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1994-95
Presidential Comments p. 2
The Walt era at Simpson
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Fall enrollment down slightly—Enrollment numbers down about 100 from previous year.
Feeney offers insider perspective on November elections—Susan Feeney gave Woodrow Wilson Lecture and gave insight into the Republican party’s domination of the November 8th mid-term elections.
Trustees see strategic planning report—Board of Trustees examined strategic plan and offer suggestions on facilities to improve.
Fall speakers reflect variety of fields—Major speakers in the fall included: Roger Betsworth (religion), Dr. Donald Moorman (human gene therapy), Eric Marcus (Gay and Lesbian Rights), Keith Robinson (Future of Education in Iowa), Sir Geoffrey Palmer (Problems of the global environment) and Robert McAfee Brown (Liberation and theology).
Langdons remember Herb Alberding with scholarship—Langdon family funded a $100,000 scholarship for Simpson students interested in the environmental sciences.
Letters to Joe Walt p. 6-13
Letters showing appreciation for, and insight into, the impact that Joe Walt had at Simpson College.
History in the third person p. 14-15
By Paul Zastrow ’92
A discussion of the impending completion of “The History of Simpson College,” Dr. Joseph Walt’s pride and personal demon for the past eight years, inevitably leads to a discussion of Walt’s role in the college’s history—specifically, the role he has literally written for himself.
A colleague’s view p. 16-17
By Owen Duncan
After 25 years, Owen Duncan has learned a thing or two about Joe Walt. He maintains resumes are helpful, but they don’t always tell the whole story.
Sports at Simpson p. 26-27
Football—Team finished 5-5 (5-3 in conference).
Volleyball—Team was undefeated in Iowa Conference play, won conference tournament and earned invitation to NCAA Division III championship tournament.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country—Women finished 3rd in conference while men finished 5th.
Women’s Tennis—Storm led by Kara Svendson and April Erickson to 4th place conference finish.
Womens’ Golf—Won their third consecutive Iowa Conference Championship. Leah Willenborg became first ever Iowa Conference woman to win three straight individual titles. Bob Darrah named IIAC coach of the year.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1995
Presidential Comments p. 1
Student financial aid threatened
Simpson Briefly p. 3-4
Sagan Lewis returns as visiting artist—Sagan Lewis, television and theatre actress and 1975 Simpson College alumna returned to Simpson as artist-in-residence in the theater arts department.
Heinicke visits Malaysia—Dr. Janet Heinicke, professor of art, spent five weeks as a visiting artist on sabbatical in Malaysia.
Brenton”> Student Center”>, Wallace slated for renovation—Renovations were scheduled for BSC and Wallace as well as the addition of an elevator to Great Hall and the relocation of the Bookstore.
Iowa Governor is 1995 Commencement speaker—Governor Terry E. Branstad presented the commencement speech.
Simpson now on World Wide Web—Simpson College established a presence on the World Wide Web with its homepage simpson.edu.
The Cowles-Hopper Fund p. 7-8
By Michael Adams
A $3 million plan to renovate and expand the Hopper Gymnasium and Cowles Physical Education Center was announced March 31 to some 200 supporters of the Simpson athletic program at a special reception in Des Moines.
Key Choices p. 9-10
By Greg Krakau
Besides hi professional role as a criminal justice analyst for the Iowa state government, Clarence Key, Jr.moonlights as a private detective, a jazz musician, a radio disc jockey on KFMG in Des Moines, an actor and a writer for the local multicultural newspaper, The Communicator.
Sports at Simpson p. 13-14
Men’s Basketball—Led by David Otte and Shane Cadwell, team ties school record for most wins in one season with 20. The team earned a share of the Iowa Conference title.
Women’s Basketball—Team finished fourth in conference, behind a three-way tie for first place.
Wrestling—Shannon McLaughlin and Phil Grimm earned Iowa Conference championships and NCAA Division III tournament berths. Bob Darrah retires as coach. Ron Peterson named as successor.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1995
Presidential Comments p. 2
Good planning reflected in new construction
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Mary Rose Main named to trustees—Mary Rose Main, national executive director of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and a 1953 graduate of Simpson College was named to the board of trustees.
CareerNet: Bringing alumni and students together—The Counseling and Career Services Office introduced a new way for alumni to be an active part of student life at Simpson.
Pi Phis claim national award—Simpson’s Pi Beta Phi members received the highest honor given by the national Pi Beta Phi sorority. Called the Balfour Cup, it distinguished the Iowa Beta members as the best among 128 chapters in the United States and Canada.
Honor roll of names that live—Eight individuals nominated for distinguished alumni award. Nominees include: Herbert Alberding, Donald A. Koch, Sr., Margaret Liebe Watson, James W. Angell ’41, Allan D. Bass ’31, Glenn R. “Bodge” Bowles ’39, John Byer Farnham ’43 and Alice E. Sayre ’42.
Alan Magruder: Stressing the positive p. 6-7
By Lisa Green
While at Simpson, Alan Magruder served in many capacities, not the least of which were teacher, counselor and friend. Reflecting on his years at Simpson, he remains appreciative of the richness of it all.
Prince of the City p. 8-9
By Michael Adams, Editor
Glenn Buhr and the program he founded in Schorndorf celebrate birthdays in grand style.
Life among the Lost People p. 10-13
By Christine Willmsen ’93
Newly arrived in New Mexico from Iowa, investigative reporter Christine Willmsen ’93 is struck by the lives of the Navajo Indians and their struggle to survive on the largest Native American reservation in the United States.
ER Doc p. 14-15
By Chris Coon
After a few false starts, John Hines ’80 finds his place in a southside Chicago emergency room.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-25
Baseball—Team earned second consecutive trip to regionals.
Men’s Golf—Team placed 7th in Conference tournament, led by Scot Bergman, Jeremy Larson and Doug Howard.
Men’s Tennis—Team records first ever dual win against Loras College, receives fourth place team finish.
Track and Field—Men and women finished 5th in the Iowa Conference tournament. Carrie Schroederwas voted Iowa Conference co-Most Valuable Performer. Schroeder, Pat Camp and Matt Chancereceived All-American honors.
Softball—Team made 6th regional tournament appearance in seven years, Shelley O’Meara retires as coach.
Women’s Golf—Team earned 4th consecutive trip to the National Golf Coaches Association Division III National Championships. Leah Willenborg earned All-American honors.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1995-96
Presidential Comments p. 2
Career development within a liberal arts education
Simpson Briefly p. 4-5
Simpson soars to top of U.S. News rankings—Simpson College was named among the top 10 regional liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, and in the magazine’s ninth annual America’s Best Collegescomprehensive guide to higher education.
Jane Smiley to address class of 1996—Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley addressed the class of 1996 as the commencement speaker.
SAE’s Iowa Sigma receive major regional award—Iowa Sigma SAE’s were named Outstanding Chapter in the Province.
Simpson has extraordinary success with NCAA award—Six athletes in the last 10 years have won the NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship, which is considered by many to be one of the most prestigious awards given to athletes in all three divisions of sports-related activities at the collegiate level.
Simpson sets record enrollment—College sets record for highest enrollment at 1,180 full-time students with 358 freshman.
Entranced by the dance of Huntington’s Disease p. 6-10
By Joan M. Bundy
Jane S. Paulsen’s “textbook” definition of Huntington’s Disease: “An inherited, degenerative, neuropsychiatric disease characterized by a progressive loss of control over movements, thinking and emotions.”
India p. 12-15
By Marilyn Mueller J.D. and M.B.A.,
With the opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest democracies, Marilyn Mueller embraces the richness of India’s traditions—a dancing lesson with the gods.
Simpson College in the NFL p. 16-17
By Greg Krakau
A look at athletes that Simpson has sent on to the National Football League.
Sports at Simpson p. 26-27
Football—Team finished 3rd in the Iowa Conference with 7-3 overall record.
Volleyball—Posted a 23-10 overall record and was ranked fifth in the central region.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer—The men posted an 8-10-2 overall record with a 2nd place finish at the Iowa conference invite. The women competed at the junior varsity level.
Women’s Golf—Team finished 2nd at the Conference tournament, but placed first at the Small College Championships.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country—Women finished 5th at the league championships while the men finished the same.
Women’s Tennis—Team placed 3rd at the Iowa Conference Women’s Tennis Championships.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1996
Presidential Comments p. 2
The sabbatical refreshes teaching
Simpson Briefly p. 5
Suzanne Miller: Simpson’s first HR Director retires—Suzanne Miller retires after 27 years with Simpson.
Haddox named permanent academic dean—Bruce Haddox was named vice president and dean of academic affairs effective May 1, 1996.
Simpson passes 10-year test—Simpson received the official seal of approval from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Simpson has been accredited since 1912.
Tomorrow’s Classroom p. 6-11
By Michael Adams
America”>’s classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse—racially, ethnically and culturally—posing enormous challenges for tomorrow’s teachers, most of whom are members of a majority culture. For Simpson’s elementary education majors, today’s curriculum offers significant exposure to tomorrow’s classroom.
Sports at Simpson p. 18-19
Women’s Basketball—Women suffered disappointing season after jumping out to a No. 8 ranking in the central region. The team finished 4th in conference with an 8-8 conference record (15-9 overall).
Men’s Basketball—Team advanced to NCAA Division III Championships for second straight year. Finished 2nd in the Iowa Conference.
Wrestling—Team placed 4th at the Conference tournament. Garth McGraw, Matt Young and Tim Nortonadvanced to Nationals.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1996
Presidential Comments – Inside Cover
First-year anxieties soothed by new program
Simpson Briefly p. 2-3
Franklin, Richer named to trustees—Bernard W. Franklin and Sunni Richer were named as trustees to replace Michael Gartner and Roger Witke.
Sports items sought—Athletic department was seeking old Simpson sports paraphernalia for decoration in the new seminar room.
The Simpson family reunions at Simpson—The Simpson family nationwide reunion was held at Simpson College. Descendants of Thomas Simpson (Grandfather of Bishop Matthew Simpson) came from as far as California to tour the campus, hold banquets and learn about the college.
Big changes to management department—Marilyn Mueller replaced Frank Colella as chairperson of the management department as Colella decided to give up the title. James Palmieri fills vacated full-time economics position.
Life on the Chaparral p. 4-9
By Michael Adams, editor
Simpson science students negotiate blistering heat, barbed flora and rattlesnakes to learn about the south Texas ecosystem.
Bruce Haddox: Good humor, good ideas interest new “familiar” dean p. 10-11
By Lisa Green
A profile of the permanently appointed academic dean, Bruce Haddox.
Friend and mentor Ev Laning retires p. 10-11
By Joan Bundy
A look at Everett Laning’s long route back to Simpson.
Mr. Smith and the high court p. 12-13
By Joan Bundy
It’s every lawyer’s dream: to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Simpson alumnus Dick Smith ’53 realized the dream and more. He won.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-26
Softball—Team placed 3rd in the nation behind efforts of freshman pitcher Kelli Schade, veteran Marci Potts and Chrissy Matthews.
Baseball—Team finished 3rd in the Iowa Conference.
Golf—Men’s golf finished 4th at the league meet.
Tennis—Men’s tennis finished 5th in the Iowa Conference Tournament.
Track and Field—Five individuals and the women’s 4×100-meter relay team placed in the NCAA division III Championships. Matt Chance, Nick Anderson, Chip Brundage, Loni Brewer and Kerry Flinn were the individuals who placed.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1996-97
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Religious Life Council stays active, has impact
Simpson Briefly p. 2-3
Simon Estes to deliver commencement address—World-renowned brass-baritone Simon Estes delivered the commencement address to the class of 1997.
Simpson”> College”> topples last year’s record enrollment—Full-time enrollment was 1,251 compared to the previous record 1,180.
Neil Postman cites media’s effect on culture—McBride Lecturer Neil Postman spoke on the topic of the media’s influences on culture.
Pi Beta Phi earn Balfour cup again—For the second consecutive year, Simpson’s Pi Beta Phi chapter received the national fraternity’s highest honor.
Simpson’s new home page goes online—Simpson’s second-generation home page went live Aug. 1.
Two days in Atlanta p. 4-9
By Joan Bundy
Kip Janvrin, Simpson alumnus and one of the country’s most honored decathletes, competes for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Real Money p. 10-11
By Cori Keeton and Ellen Colella
The Eberhart Student Aid Fund provides students with the opportunity to learn about investing—with real money.
The Joy of Home Work p. 12-13
By Lisa Green
An in-depth look at the job market from home. The following Simpson alumni were presently home employed at this time: Dawneen Blakeslee ’68, Ann (Roan) Galenis ’85, Dr. J. Ernest “Sunny” Breeding, Jr. ’60, Celeste Lauer ’75, Kim (McMartin) Schilling ’90.
The Reviews are in p. 14-15
By Michael Adams
Author Mark Green’s new global marketing textbook gets good, early reviews—in Mark Green’s class.
Sports at Simpson p. 22-25
Football—Team finished 10-0, picking up its 12th Iowa Conference title. Brad Jorgensen named Iowa Conference Most Valuable Player.
Volleyball—Team finished with 22-14 overall mark and a 3rd place finish in the Iowa Conference standings.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer—The men finished 14-5-3 which was good enough for second in the Iowa Conference in just their second year of varsity action. The women finished 11-8 in their inaugural varsity season, finishing 4th in the conference tournament.
Women’s Golf—Team captures 4th conference title in five years.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country—The men finished 6th overall and the women finished 5th.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1997
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Student-athletes enhance Simpson community
Simpson Briefly p. 2-3
Texas”> habitat trip attracts service-oriented students—Habitat for Humanity group made the trip to Texas over Spring break to help rebuild a home.
New CD for Madrigals—The first new recording in 10 years was released by the Madrigal singers, under the direction of Dr. Robert Larsen.
Simpson receives some $3 million in planned gifts—Six planned gifts were given to the college.
Communication studies branch out—The communications department was approved to offer more specific majors rather than the broad-scoped communication studies major.
Simpson honored for character building—Simpson was honored by the John Templeton Foundation, Radner, Pennsylvania, as a 1997-98 member of the Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges.
Grand Opera
By Michael Adams
John Osborn ’94 has a rare talent, a remarkable tenor voice suffused with strength and charm that is beginning to attract international attention in the competitive world of operatic singing.
‘Herr Behr’ leaves mark on Simpson, Schorndorf p. 12
A look back at the impact Glenn Buhr had at Simpson and in Schorndorf during his 36 years.
Dick Starr: The ‘quiet’ coach retires p. 13
By Kyle Proctor
A look at the coaching career of Dick Starr
Banking on Dan McGowan p. 14
By Kyle Proctor
Downsized out of a banking vice presidency, Dan McGowan ’71 does what comes naturally—he opens his own bank.
United in compassion p. 15
By Joan Bundy
As medical missionaries John and Jean Farnham ’43 and ’42 find they share a need to help others.
Sports at Simpson p. 19-20
Women’s basketball—Team posted an 11-14 record and a 6th place finish in the Iowa Conference.
Men’s basketball—Team posted an 18-7 record with a 2nd place finish in the Iowa Conference.
Wrestling—Team posted a school-record 18-1 dual mark and a 3rd place Iowa Conference finish. The team also had three NCAA Division III All-Americans and six qualifiers for the 1997 Division III National Championships. Jeremy Whalen, John Hatfield and Garth McGraw earned All-American honors.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1997
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Admissions crucial to enrollment goal
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Magruder gift to fund endowed chair—Alan Magruder and his wife Helene established the Helene and Alan Magruder Endowed Chair in Education.
Betsworth receives national Methodist award—Professor of religion Roger Betsworth received the 1997 Francis Asbury Award for Fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education.
Waggoner receives National Science Foundation grant—Murphy Waggoner, assistant professor of mathematics, received a National Science Foundation grant to create a computer lab for mathematics students at Simpson.
Former head of Philosophy Norm Thomas dies—Dr. Norman Thomas, professor emeritus in the philosophy department, former chairperson of the division of humanities and former head of the philosophy department, died Sunday Aug. 10.
President awarded honorary degree—Stephen G. Jennings received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri.
Berry”> collection returns home to Simpson College—The Don Berry collection of photographs and negatives has returned to Simpson College after a 19-year hiatus.
Second-best fundraising year—Simpson had the second-largest fundraising year in its history, raising $5,342,000.
Vice President Gore makes summer visit to Simpson—Vice President Al Gore visited Simpson for the Grassroots Leadership Academy.
Kerstetter, Barakat named to trustees—William E. Kerstetter and Douglas J. Barakat were named to the Simpson board of trustees. They replaced Robert F. Picken ’31 and William L. Peterson ’51, both of whom became honorary life trustees.
Indianola Our Common Ground p. 6-11
By Lisa Green
Regardless of hometowns, all past and present Simpson students have at least one place in common and that’s Indianola. But the town has changed in recent years—to some in very dramatic ways. Discover what some Simpson alumni have to say about their chosen hometown and of the ‘town and gown’ relationship that is so much a part of life in Indianola.
Reading for life p. 12-13
By Joan Bundy
Adults in the St. Louis area who have literacy problems have a strong advocate in Velma Clark ’72. Helping adults overcome a major barrier to self-sufficiency leads to fuller lives and better parenting skills, Clark believes.
Commencement 1997 p. 14-15
Commencement speaker Simon Estes was unable to appear, President Stephen Jennings filled in with some commencement thoughts.
No.1 p. 17-20
By Vicki Born
Propelled by a dramatic homerun, Simpson’s softball team captures a national championship winning the NCAA Division III playoffs in an inspired extra-innings contest in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Sports at Simpson p. 28-29
Women’s golf—Team finished 3rd in NCAA Division II and III Women’s Golf Championships.
Men’s golf—Team finished 5th in league play, led by Joey Kelso.
Baseball—Team struggled through 12-20 season where spring blizzard forced cancellation of 10 games.
Men’s tennis—Team finished 6th in conference tournament.
Track and Field—Both men and women’s teams placed 5th in the conference meet. Men were led by Corey Carrell and women were led by Loni Brewer.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1997-98
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Hosting conferences at Simpson rewarding
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Marcus Borg offers controversial view of Jesus—Matthew Simpson Lecturer Marcus Borg gives his take on who Jesus was.
Simpson”> College”> sees record-breaking enrollment—For the third straight year the college saw the enrollment records broken. This year enrollment was 1,958 total students.
McBride Lecture: Goryachev lauds and chastises American, Russian media—Sergei Goryachev, U.S. bureau chief for Russian Television News, delivered the 10th annual McBride Lecture. His lecture was entitled “The Freedom of the Press.”
Alumni venture into independent filmmaking—Three Simpson alumni, Robin (Hucke) Jons ’84, Brian Lynner ’72 and Mark Gruber ’83, starred in the independent film “The Yoo Fo Club.”
New strategic plan unveiled—New plan addresses teaching and learning environment at the college.
Sculpture donate—Artist Edward Lee Hendricks’ “1984-IV” was donated by Scott ‘70 and Diane Powell ’68.
Malless co-authors book on words coined by Shakespeare—Assistant Professor of Education Stan Malless co-authored a book about some 1,500 words said to be coined by William Shakespeare.
Mary Rose Main…for all the girls p. 6-10
By Carrie E. Holcomb
As Mary Rose Main retires as national executive director of the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., she leaves behind a legacy of determination, change, pluralism, accessibility and love.
Studying the history of history p. 11
By Julie Hay
Although it has a reputation for being a difficult course, history majors—and history buffs—find much to like about historiography.
Dangerous pursuit, gentle species p. 12-14
By Joan Bundy
Collecting Araceae has not come without its difficulties for Tom Croat ’62, master botanist at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. He’s survived guerillas in Mexico, malaria in Singapore and mountain crashes in Costa Rica, while discovering some 500 new members of the ‘aroid’ family.
The Henry A. Wallace Hall of Science dedication p. 15
Wallace Hall was re-dedicated following its renovation in 1996.
Jason Selby: The Simpson drawings p. 16-17
A display of Selby’s drawings of Simpson buildings.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-27
Storm Football: A playoff scrapbook—An account of the Storm trip to the NCAA Division III semi-final game. They were defeated by defending National Champion Mt. Union.
Women’s Tennis—Led by Kara Svendson, the team finished 5th in the Iowa Conference.
Volleyball—Team finished tied for 2nd in the Iowa Conference
Women’s Soccer—Team finished 3rd in the Iowa Conference behind Alicia Vegas’ 33 goals. The rest of the team combined scored 22.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country—Iowa Conference expanded to 11 teams. Men finished 6th with women finishing 8th.
Women’s Golf—Team won their 5th IIAC title in six years. Colleen Larson took 1st place, Julie Peterson took second and Fay Bradley and Hannah Willenborg tied for 3rd.
Men’s Soccer—Team finished 3rd in the IIAC Tournament.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1998
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Some reflections on leaving Simpson
Simpson Briefly p. 2-3
A week of transformations—Group of Simpson students take Spring Break trip to Texas to do ministerial work at Texas youth correctional facility.
Haddox appointed interim president—Dr. Bruce Haddox was named as interim president while the college searched for a replacement for Dr. Stephen Jennings.
Music reunion in New York City—Robert Larsen, head of the music department, hosted an informal reunion of Simpson music graduates while on sabbatical in New York.
New agenda for Roger Betsworth p. 4
By Michael Adams
Roger Betsworth, head of the department of religion and philosophy, retires from Simpson.
A look back at anger p. 5-9
By Jane Schorer Meisner
White crosses were erected on campus for every Iowan killed in the Vietnam War; chapel bells rang once for each 39,400 Americans killed in Southeast Asia, alienating large segments of the Indianola community; attorney William Kunstler was invited to campus and the FBI visited campus to investigate student leaders, only to be asked to leave by then-President Ralph John. The late 60s and early 70s were a tumultuous time for Simpson College, and those at the center of the action still ponder what it all meant.
The impressive Avery O. Craven p. 10-13
By Kyle Proctor
Avery Odelle Craven, Simpson class of 1908, lived a life lasting nearly a century. He was born in small-town Iowa, but would later be recognized across the world, rising through the ranks to become one of the nation’s premier Civil War historians.
The eye of the Rockies p. 14
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Baseball is Pat Daugherty’s life, literally. He talks baseball, he thinks baseball, he is baseball. His love for the game is apparent when he talks about it or when one sees his current office filled with baseball hats, plaques of recognition for his achievements in the sport or photos gracing the walls taken of him with numerous players and coaches. Daugherty ’58 is vice president of scouting for the Colorado Rockies.
The business of books p.15
By Kyle Proctor
Deborah Sanford ’72 has struck her own form of gold in California in the lucrative business of rare books. She and her husband James Pepper own and operate James Pepper Rare Books, Inc. of Santa Barabara, Calif.
Sports at Simpson p. 19-20
Men’s Basketball—Team finished with 22-3 record giving it its first outright conference title since 1942. However, the team was not awarded a bid to NCAA Division III Championships. Adam Doll was named second-team Columbus Multimedia All-American, Columbus Multimedia West Region Player of the Year, and Iowa Conference most valuable player. Coach Bruce Wilson was named Iowa Conference Coach of the Year for the 3rd time.
Wrestling—Team posted record 23 wins against three losses and finished 3rd at the Iowa Conference meet. Cory Christensen became the second Storm wrestler to win a NCAA Division III National Championship.
Women’s Basketball—Women also failed to secure NCAA Division III Championship bid. Team finished 21-4 and won the Iowa Conference Title. Coach Brian Niemuth was named both Iowa Conference Coach of the Year and Columbus Multimedia West Region Coach of the Year.
Indoor Track—Both the men’s and women’s teams finished 7th at the conference meet. Both teams also finished 4th at the Small College Championships in Mt. Vernon.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1998
Presidential Comments-Inside Cover
Confronting change with commitment and planning
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Simpson jazz band cuts CD—Jazz band took time after finals to make a CD of their work.
Poor first-hand; Students in Steve Rose’s class learn what it is like to be poor—Steve Rose’s “human relations in teaching” class worked with the Warren County Extension Agency and Iowa State Extension to create a poverty simulation for students.
St. Clair named acting dean—Associate Professor of English Nancy St. Clair was appointed acting academic dean for the 1998-99 academic year to replace Bruce Haddox who was serving as interim president.
Opera Hero Robert Larsen jets to New York City to ‘save’ a production of ‘La Rondine.’—Dr. Robert Larsen, head of the music department, flew to New York at the last minute to conduct an opera. Larsen was the only other person in the country who could conduct the opera as two other individuals were no longer able to be present.
New members join Board of Trustees—Allison Fleming and Thomas Graf were elected to the Board of Trustees while David Stout joined as an ex-officio member.
New e-mail listserv for Simpson alumni—Simpson started its own electronic alumni listserv that enables an Simpson alumni with e-mail access the ability to keep in touch and stay up-to-date with Simpson news and events.
Number 1 pre-season ranking for Storm—The Storm football team was ranked number one nationally among NCAA Division III teams in Bob Griese’s College Football Preview Pre-season Poll.
Women in Law p. 6-11
By Carrie Holcomb
Four very different women. Four very different jobs. One common denominator. Cindy Morrison, Susan Duncan, Amy Kluender and Kaia Frank are all excelling while working in what society has at times labeled a man’s domain: criminal justice.
Destination: Fiji Islands p. 12-13
By Carrie Holcomb
Murphy Waggoner led the Habitat for Humanity group that ventured to Fiji to build houses and in turn learned a lot about themselves and other culture.
Simpson’s 131st commencement is last for Jennings p. 14-15
Great weather and 308 grads mark commencement ceremonies as Simpson’s second-longest serving president says goodbye, calling his time here ‘the most rewarding work of my career’
London Theatre in Simpson graduate’s future p. 16
By Lisa Green
Serra Johnson ‘98 was accepted to a London Theatre school for post-graduate training in theatre. She auditioned while on Simpson’s first semester long trip to London.
Studying ‘the troubles’ p. 17-21
By Michael Adams
A peace and justice tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland lands a group of Simpson students in Belfast for an intense week of politics as the two countries prepare to vote on peace accords designed to end 30 years of sectarian violence.
Sports at Simpson p. 28-31
Softball returns to nationals—The Storm returned to Nationals for the second straight year but were unable to take home another championship.
Baseball—The team rebounded from a disappointing 12 win season in 1997 to take 4th in the Iowa Conference with a 28-12 record. Junior Matt McCollough earned second team All-Central Region honors and first team All-Conference honors.
Men’s Tennis—The team doubled last year’s win total to six.
Outdoor Track—Chip Brundage earned All-American honors finishing 5th at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Men’s Golf—Team finished 5th in the Iowa Conference.
Women’s Golf—Team finished 4th at the NCAA Division II/III Women’s Golf Championship. Hannah Willenborg earned All-American Honors.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1998-99
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Simpson exists beyond campus boundaries
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Simpson, Indianola Public Library join forces to enhance library cataloging and circulation—New cataloging system allows IPL and Simpson to view each other’s inventories with the click of a mouse.
Simpson”> College”> named to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Regional Schools List—Simpson was named one of the top ten Midwestern liberal arts colleges.
Juan Williams laments loss of community—MsBride lecturer chastises media’s role in deterring leadership.
Simpson sees fourth year of record enrollment—Simpson had another record-breaking enrollment year with 1,992(1,344 full-time)
Breakfast club provides cereal, smiles and highlights the importance of volunteerism—RLC students volunteer their time to serve breakfast to and share conversation with elementary school students at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines.
Simpson education department re-accredited, named a top program in state
Star Struck p. 6-10
By Rebecca Christian
With no small amount of encouragement from their mother, four of the five Mullican sisters chose to leave Indianola and Simpson to ply their talents in Hollywood and on Broadway. As the Lane Sisters, they starred with—and married—some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Their personal and professional fates found varying degrees of success, but their story continues to enthrall.
Life on a reservation still shapes the life of Alvera Kromer p. 11
By Kara Van Nordstrand
Even though Kromer hasn’t been in direct contact with the reservation of her youth, she is still profoundly affected by the experiences there.
Political Animal p. 12-15
By Carrie E. Holcomb
John Norris ’81 has spent virtually all his professional life behind the scenes in politics, winning elections, losing elections, living life one precinct at a time. As chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, he was credited with helping Tom Vilsack win his race for the Iowa governorship. Now as Vilsack’s chief of staff, Norris can forget elections—for now.
Foul Ball p. 16-17
By Dennis Sexton ’97
Forget McGwire and Sosa, playing professional baseball often entails hard work, broken promises and dashed dreams.
The Duncan Portfolio p. 18-19
A collection of photos displayed by Owen Duncan, professor of history.
Sports at Simpson p. 26-28
Football—Storm falls short of expectations following the previous season’s 3rd place national finish and preseason rankings as the top team in the nation. Guy Leman reset the Iowa Conference record for rushing yards in a season (previously held by Ricky Gales). Leman also recorded 33 touchdowns, the second highest ever in a season by a Division III player.
Soccer—The men finished runner-up again in the Iowa Conference tournament with the women finished 5th. Alicia Vegas became the first Simpson soccer player to be named All-Region.
Volleyball—Team finished 4th in the IIAC with a 3rd place finish in the IIAC tournament. Seniors Amy Trowbridge and Allison McGraw led the team. Head Coach Shelley O’Meara retired this season leaving next year’s duties to Lana Smith.
Women’s Tennis—Team finished 7th at the IIAC tournament.
Women’s Golf—Simpson won its third consecutive and sixth IIAC title in the past seven years. The team was led by Hannah Willenborg and Fay Bradley.
Cross Country—Freshman Joni Snakenberg led the way for the women and seniors Troy Owens and Joel Hoger led the men.
Simpson honors Bill Buxton with naming of stadium—Prior to the homecoming game against Buena Vista , the Simpson/Indianola Community Field was renamed Bill Buxton Stadium in honor of the support Bill Buxton offered for Simpson and Indianola athletics.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 1999
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
The difficulties behind creating a community of purpose
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
LaGree named 21st President of Simpson College—R. Kevin LaGree was named president and assumed his new office July 1, 1999.
Scoping the sting—Brian Cunningham and Angela Konrad spent time studying South Texas scorpions and their venom.
Accounting students are impressing “Big 5” firms—Simpson has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Simpson students being hired by the “Big 5” accounting firms due to increased quality of education in the accounting department at Simpson.
Coffin continues to challenge status quo—Reverend William Sloan Coffin challenged the 100 members of his Simpson audience to subvert the status quo in his lecture sponsored by the Simpson chapter of Amnesty International.
Barnum gift to enhance theater and organ at Simpson—A gift of $163,000 from Dr. Elmo and Bernita Barnum has made it possible to perform major facelifts on the organ in Smith Chapel and the Blank Performing Arts Center.
Dunn Library site resource for alumni surfers—Dunn Library has added guide pages on its Web site to help browsers facing difficulties with sheer size of the Internet.
Stormin’ the Metro p. 6-11
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Four of the head basketball coaches in the Des Moines Metro Conference are Simpson alumni, giving the city’s high school basketball scene a distinctly red and gold hue.
South Africa Chiaroscuro p. 12-13
By Professor Emeritus Everett Laning
A personal perspective by Everett L. Laning, Ph.D. Simpson College professor emeritus.
On the road p. 14-15
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Simpson’s admissions counselors hit the road to help secure a freshman class.
Sports at Simpson p. 20-21
Women’s basketball—Team went undefeated in IIAC play with a 20-0 record and earned a bid to the NCAA tournament. Trisha Heiden was a finalist for All-American honors.
Indoor track—Women finished 4th, men finished 8th.
Men’s basketball—Team finished 2nd in IIAC. Adam Doll was named Academic All-American and Division III News as well as All-American spots on two other teams, Division III News and Columbus Multimedia.
Wrestling—Team finished 7th in IIAC. Matt Young earned All-American honors after placing 3rd in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Young, Matt Corbett and Matt Lindholm were also named Academic All-Americans.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 1999
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Cultivating humanity, enhancing lives
Simpson Briefly p. 2-4
Antique Creche figures return to Simpson—Approximately 100 antique Italian creche figures were given back to Simpson after being on display at the Wayne County Historical Society’s Prairie Trails Museum.
Simpson buys former Hy-Vee—Simpson finalized the agreement on the purchase of the 404 North Howard building in July.
Simpson College and Indianola dedicate a new field—The field located north of the Indianola Aquatic Center in Vets Memorial Park was dedicated the “George Hladky Sesquicentennial Field.”
New trustees elected—Doug Shull and Barbara Gartner were elected to Simpson College’s Board of Trustees on May 15.
Simpson acquires new basketball floor—The college recently acquired a wooden basketball floor to be set up in the fieldhouse of Cowles Athletic Complex. The floor had previously been in the Sioux City Arena.
Watching the grass grow—Steve Emerman, assistant professor of biology, placed 95 pots of prairie grasses on the roof of the Carver Science Center. He hopes to create a better understanding of the effects of nitrogen on grasses indigenous to the Midwest and how farmers might use them to prevent damaging runoffs from cultivated fields.
Rohm to continue to work for Simpson College—After a successful six-year term, Chuck Rohm stepped down from his position as chair of the Board of Trustees. He will continue to remain on the board.
A conversation with Simpson’s new president, R. Kevin LaGree p. 5-9
By Michael Adams
During his career, he has been a lawyer, pastor and an academic dean. Since July 1 he has been the 21stpresident of Simpson College. In the interview, he talks about his early impressions of Simpson, his still-developing priorities for the college, his reactions to Simpson’s strategic plan, what it takes to be a president of a small church-related college and why he sought the role in the first place.
Kevin and Patty LaGree—off the clock p. 10
A look at the hobbies of the 21st president and his wife.
Zimbabwe journal p. 11
Angela Allbee
Last May Simpson student Angela Allbee journeyed to Zimbabwe as part of a Simpson-sponsored May Term trip led by Chaplain Gordon Shea and Professor Ron Warnet. The group spent two-and-a-half weeks in Africa visiting important sites, meeting African students and taking a safari. Much of the power of the trip, however, came from interactions with the African people, says Allbee. An accomplished photographer, Allbee chronicled her trip in photographs and journal entries, some of which are shared here.
Two women, one journey p. 12-15
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Rebecca Bentzinger ’77 and Kayla McClurg ‘76 share a similar goal. Living in Washington, D.C., both women are looking to find their spiritual place in the world. Helping others, especially those in need, has become an integral part of this journey.
Victory in Eau Claire: Softball team wins nationals—again p. 16-17
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Two years after their last national title, they win again defeating Chapman 4-1.
A land of ‘living stones’ p. 18-19
By Dr. Roger G. Betsworth, professor emeritus of religion
A peace and justice tour of ‘The Holy Land’ leaves Roger Betsworth with a pilgrim’s awe of the land where Jesus walked and many unanswered questions about the prospects for peace among Jews and Palestinians.
Sports at Simpson p. 28-30
Baseball—Sometimes lost in the shadow of the softball program, the Simpson baseball team had a record-breaking season in 1999. The team was 32-14 and earned an appearance in the regional tournament. Sophomore Adam Lueder was named second-team all-region.
Men’s Tennis—Team finished sixth at the Iowa Conference dual tournament.
Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track—Kerry Flinn ran a time of 57.79 in the 400-meter dash, which was good enough for 8th at the NCAA Division III National Championships and All-American honors for the 3rd time in her career. For the men, Brock Bedwell qualified for the national meet in the decathlon but finished just one place shy of earning All-American honors.
Men’s Golf—Team finished 8th at the IIAC tournament.
Women’s Golf—Team finished 8th at the NCAA Division II/III Women’s Golf National Championships.
Swimming—Team ended its second varsity season, improving throughout.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 1999-2000
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Updating the Carver story for today’s students
Simpson Briefly p. 2-4
Music, Larsen honored with $2 million gift—Anonymous gift creates the “G. Dewey and M. Maine Larsen Chair in Opera and Musical Coaching” and “The Robert L. Larsen Endowed Scholarship Fund.”
Simpson named by U.S. News and World Report—For the second year in a row Simpson College has been named as one of the top-ten best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.
Simpson granted PRSSA charter—Student public relations group formed on Simpson campus.
Red and Gold Commission appointed to study alumni role—Red and Gold Commission has been asked by President R. Kevin LaGree to submit a strategic plan addressing the role of Simpson alumni.
Simpson1999-2000 enrollment is strong—Enrollment stays steady, attracting 415 new students and showing higher retention rates than recent years.
Simpson’s 17th president Ralph John dies—Dr. Ralph John, Simpson’s 17th president, died Thanksgiving morning at the age of 80.
Albrecht records CD of live performance—Ron Albrecht, professor of music, cut a new CD of his solo piano performances “Ron Albrecht Live—Through the Years.”
Simpson honored for character building—Simpson College was recognized for leadership in the field of student character development in “The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development.”
Lessons in London, Lessons in Life p. 5-9
By Carrie E. Holcomb
It’s expensive, foggy, rains a lot and there are no free refills, but for 24 Simpson students, London offers endless opportunities for learning and living.
The Simpson Guild—A Helping Hand p. 10-11
By Alicia Held
Simpson Guild offers a number of donations and much-needed gifts to the college.
Rail Fan p. 12-13
By Angelina Lopez
For Dick Tinder his passion for train watching is hard to explain—‘There it is,’ he says. But the chance to catch a glimpse of a train lumbering across the countryside is his idea of a good time.
It takes a nation p. 14-15
By Michael Adams
A joint sabbatical project looks at the intersection of social services and education in France, a country that invest enviable resources in insuring that its children are healthy and educated.
USDA dedicates Carver facility; Simpson is involved p. 16-17
By Michael Adams
Joe Walt, senior professor emeritus of history, took part in the dedication ceremony of the new United States Department of Agriculture headquarters facility by telling the story of George Washington Carver’s journey from Winterset to Simpson College with $12 in his pocket.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-27
Alicia Vegas—Putting them in the net—A profile of the NCAA Division III career goals leader.
Men’s Soccer—Team finished 2nd in the conference, just missed NCAA bid.
Women’s Soccer—Team won conference tournament and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the programs short history.
Football—Team finished 6-4 with 4th place in the IIAC.
Volleyball—Team finished 3rd in the IIAC Tournament for the 4th straight season.
Women’s Tennis—Team finished with a 5th place at conference tournament.
Men’s Cross Country—Team finished 8th at IIAC Tournament during this injury plagued season.
Women’s Cross Country—Team finished 6th at the IIAC tournament and 16th in the Regional Tournament out of 24 teams.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 2000
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Reflecting on Simpson strengths
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Red and Gold Commission membership announced—listing of alumni who agreed to serve on The Red and Gold Commission.
Simpson”> College”> on national list of ‘safest’ colleges—APB Online, Inc. listed Simpson as one of the 25 safest colleges and universities in the country.
Ebrick offers weekly peek at campus events—Alumni can subscribe to the electronic version of the campus newsletter “The Brick.”
The hopeful observations of Lisa Mahon—Born, raised and schooled in Northern Ireland, exchange students remains hopeful despite some bad news from Belfast.
Theatre Simpson chosen for Kennedy Center festival—Simpson’s “Women in Black” was selected as one of seven productions to be invited to the regional competition for the Kennedy Center-American College Theatre Festival.
Simpson inspires book locale—Recent work of fiction by Max Collins called “Regeneration” drew inspiration from Collins’ father Max Collins Sr. who was a 1947 Simpson graduate.
Three named to honor roll of the Names That Live at Simpson—Two distinguished alumni and one former faculty member will be added to the list. Those being added include Ethel D. Anderson, Rev. Glen Lamb and Dr. Genelle Grant Morain.
Simpson to participate in joint educational venture—Simpson along with six other area colleges will participate in the Des Moines Higher Education Center. The center will be located in downtown Des Moines in a location yet to be determined.
Faith and Physics: The Big Bang…Whispers of Faith p. 6-9
By David Olsgaard, assistant professor of physics
Scientists—physicists and astronomers, in particular—are beginning to talk increasingly about the existence of God, thanks in part to new information about the ‘Big Bang’ and the beginnings of the universe. Assistant professor of physics David Olsgaard examines modern science’s current thinking about theological issues.
Doing the math p. 10-11
By Carrie E. Holcomb
Staying up late, eating junk food and arguing about mathematical concepts—not everyone’s idea of a great weekend, but for 12 Simpson students participating in an international math contest, it was worth every sleepless minute.
Running for Lori p. 12
By Carrie Mills
To Pat Singer, Lori Whitlatch was an inspiration, so she ran her first marathon in her honor.
Covering the Register p. 13
By Carrie Mills
For the topic of his second book, history professor Bill Friedricks chose the Des Moines Register, “the newspaper Iowa depends upon,” examining the paper from its founding in 149 until it was sold by the Cowles family to the Gannett chain. In many respects, it is a history of Iowa, too.
R. Kevin LaGree installed as 21st president p. 14-15
R. Kevin LaGree was inaugurated as Simpson’s 21st president April 8, 2000. The event capped a week of inaugural activities April 4-8 as the college community formally and ceremonially welcomed its new president.
Sports at Simpson p. 19-21
Indoor Track—Men placed 7th and the women placed 5th in the IIAC.
Wrestling—Team finished 7th in IIAC and 40th in the NCAA Division III tournament.
Women’s Basketball—Team won its 3rd straight IIAC title. Sarah Tonn was selected IIAC MVP. Head Coach Brian Niemuth was named IKON/WBCA District 8 Coach of the Year.
Men’s Basketball-Team placed 6th in the IIAC during this rebuilding year.
Women’s Swimming—Team finished 3rd in team standings behind Luther and Loras.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 2000
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Shaping the Simpson experience for the better
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
New trustees named—James F. Windsor, W. Steven Weeber and Phillip E. Harlow were all named new trustees on the Simpson College board of trustees.
Mitch Kalpakgian retires, his love of English literature as strong as ever—Dr. Mitch Kalpakgian, professor of English, retired from Simpson at the end of the 1999-2000 academic year.
Faculty chairs funded by surprise estate gift—A $1.4 million surprise gift from Helen Harp Herny of Prairie City in 1988 has jumped to $3.5 million and will fund three new faculty chairs. Gary Kinkel, assistant professor of religion was named the Matthew Simpson chair in religion, Todd Lieber, professor of English, was named the Helen Harp Herny chair in language and literature and John Epperson, professor of political science, was named the Ruth Harp chair in political science.
Simpson”> College receives gift of more than $2.3 million—The remaining half of a trust fund established by the late Carrie Johnston Guillams of St. Charles has been given to Simpson per instructions in Guillams’ will. The donation was added to the Simpson Endowment Fund, putting the endowment well above $70 million.
Kathy “O” says goodbye after 29 years—For 29 years Kathy Ohnemus made the 20-minute door-to-door commute from her farm in Milo to work for presidents and deans of Simpson. She’ll take the commute no more as she has decided to retire.
New program takes students to Nicaragua—In January of 2000 six Simpson students and Mark Bates, assistant professor of Spanish, took to Nicaragua and lived for four months living and studying in Managua, the capital of the Central American nation of some 4 million people.
In Times of War p. 6-11
By Jane Schorer Meisner
“The Greatest Generation” Tom Brokaw called them, those men and women who came of age, served, fought and died during World War II. His best-selling book chronicled the lives of ordinary men and women, military heroes, famous people of great achievement and community leaders who reacted to extraordinary times and forged the values that made a people and a nation great. Is that what happened to the students at Simpson College in the heat of World War II?
Magical Mystery Tour p. 12-13
By Steve Rose
Ron Albrecht’s history of rock and roll May Term class culminates in a trip to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For your Reading Pleasure p. 14-16
By Faculty
For Simpson’s faculty members, summer is a time to prepare, recharge and read. For people who find many rewards in a life of the mind, reading rests very high on their list of pleasurable pursuits. So the Simpson Magazine asked the faculty to share their summer reading lists with the hopes its readership might gain an idea or two about some interesting books to read. Offered, too, are a few photographs of faculty members in their favorite spots to read.
Sports at Simpson p. 26-28
Softball—Team tied for the conference title, forcing a playoff between three teams. Simpson lost out to Coe and Coe then lost to Central. Team still received a bid to Regionals. Coach Henry Christowskibecame the first NCAA Division III coach to win 200 games in his first five seasons. He has the most wins as a coach in Division III with an .857 winning percentage.
Baseball—Team finished a disappointing 20-17 with All-Conference honors being awarded to Chris Larson, Adam Lueder and Brian Baker.
Men’s Golf—Team finished 7th at the IIAC tournament. Josh Luehmann recorded the lowest Simpson score since 1975 with a 68
Track—B.J. Leeper and Lucas Carder qualified for nationals. The men finished 8th at the IIAC championships. Women finished 8th at the IIAC as well and had Brook Christianson and Becca Caseyqualify for national competition.
Men’s Tennis—Team finished 4th in the IIAC tournament.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 2000/2001
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
‘Bowling together’— building community is Simpson value
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Patty LaGree’s bible study class—It’s never too early—Patty LaGree’s bible study class meets every Tuesday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
U.S. News and World Report lists Simpson in its Top Ten—For the third year in a row Simpson has been named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top-ten best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.
Task forces to study diversity, marketing and retention—President Kevin LaGree has appointed three task forces composed of 10-11 members to devise a comprehensive plan of improvement to present to the cabinet for consideration in the Simpson College Strategic Plan.
Record-breaking year for Simpson College enrollment—Fall enrollment reached 1,351 full-time students, the highest in the school’s 140 year history. Freshman class was two students shy of its record.
Sigler house: President’s house dedicated during special ceremony—The president’s house was dedicate the Sigler House during a special Homecoming week ceremony on Oct. 20.
Emily’s Plant: Simpson student has rare tropical plant named after her—Emily Kinsinger had a rare plant named after her while she was in Ecuador working with Dr. Tom Croat ’62 who is curator of botany at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis.
Dems in August p. 6-9
By Michael Adams
Simpson student Nate Boulton journeys as national delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles and finds the surreal and intensely political atmosphere much to his liking.
Working the Room p. 10-11
By Ty Kamerman
A week before the presidential election and the Simpson College Republicans are at the center of the campaign to elect George W. Bush, their leaders entrusted with key roles during a campaign stop in Des Moines by the Texas governor.
After the legend—The story of Kate Shelley p. 12-15
By Kara Van Nordstrand
Many know the story of what happened that famous night in 1881, when 15-year-old Kate Shelleyrisked her life to stop the Midnight Express from crossing a washed-out bridge near Boone, Iowa, but few know what became of the young girl who is known as one of the true legends of 19th century America. One of her rewards was a scholarship to Simpson Centenary in 1992. But what else became of Kate Shelley? Did she enjoy her fame? Did she live a long and happy life?
Vendetta in Tblisi p. 16-17
By Joe Cockrell ’97
Sarah Dietch, a young Simpson grad, travels to the Republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union to help secure the release of an Iowan imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.
Homecoming 2000 p. 19-20
The three-year volunteer and staff effort to attract 2,000 alumni back to campus was a success.
Sports at Simpson p. 25-27
Football—Coach Jim Williams gained his 100th win, making him the 26th Division III coach to win 100 games.
Women’s Golf—Team fell just short of winning their sixth consecutive conference title.
Women’s Soccer—Team finished 2nd in IIAC.
Men’s Soccer—Men gained an IIAC title and a Nationals bid.
Men’s Cross-Country—Team finished 6th at the IIAC tournament and 13th at the Division III Regionals.
Women’s Cross-Country—Team finished 8th in the IIAC and 20th at Division III Regionals.
Women’s Tennis—Tying the school record for most wins in a season, the team finished 14-2 and placed 3rd in the IIAC meet.
Women’s Volleyball—Team finished 2nd in IIAC.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 2001
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Simpson at the Crossroads
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Unique football field will be ready for fall; the next generation of artificial surfaces to be installed at Simpson—The football field was resurfaced with AstroPlay, a revolutionary field surfaced touted as being less harmful to athletes.
Dr. Janet Heinicke retires—Dr. Janet Heinicke retired after 19 years with the Simpson art department.
Kresge, Pfeiffer get face lifts—The women’s dormitory and the dining facilities both received major renovations this summer.
Tenure, sabbaticals announced—Faculty granted tenure include: Mark Bates, assistant professor of Spanish, Sharon Jensen, assistant professor of education, Sarah A. Meyers, assistant professor of psychology and David A. Olsgaard, assistant professor of physics. Sabbaticals granted include: William Friedricks, history professor, Mark Green, management professor, Gary Kinkel, associate professor of religion, Michael Patterson, associate professor of music, Steve Rose, associate professor of education, Marvin Van Wyk, professor of computer science and Mel Wilk, professor of English.
Simpson’s permanent art collection: something for everyone—An account of a number of valuable and not-so-valuable works obtained by the college.
Mary Berry gets piece of the sky—A project of 16 students in the Vision and Invention II class is on display in Mary Berry Hall.
Nick’s Winning Ways p. 6-9
By Michael Adams
Nick Ackerman’s life is a study in intensity, a desire to compete, and a triumphant story of personal and athletic achievement in the face of adversity.
Determined and sound—The Tim Wilborn story p. 10-11
By Jennifer Whitham
An in-depth look at the story of Simpson graduate Tim Wilborn who had his education paid for by Gertrude B. Nielsen, the late widow of ratings giant A.C. Nielsen.
Remembering John Denver p. 12-13
By Julie Gammack
A reflection of the time spent listening to then Simpson artist-in-residence John Denver.
Alumni Weekend is last for Lebeda p. 16-20
More than 370 alumni returned for what would be Kay Lebeda’s last year as alumni director after 21 years of overseeing the weekend.
Sports at Simpson p. 21-23
Softball—Team finished 4th in the IIAC, its worst finish since 1987. Karen Smith earned 1st Team All-American Honors, hitting seven home runs ( a school record).
Men’s Golf—The team had several decent finishes in tournaments throughout the year, with Josh Luehmann pacing them much of the way.
Baseball—Team finished 4th in the IIAC tournament. Standout players included Brian Baker who broke numerous school records and Adam Lueder who broke a number of pitching records as well.
Track and field—Lucas Carder finished 10th in the NCAA National Outdoor Championships and 13th at the National Indoor competition. Becca Casey and Becky Kingery qualified for Nationals for the women.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 2001/2002
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Discovery and renewal in the wake of tragedy
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
New VPs named and marketing department formed—John Kellogg was appointed new vice president for marketing, Deborah Tierney was appointed vice president for enrollment and Kelley Bradder was named vice president for information services and chief information officer.
U.S. News and World Report lists Simpson in its top-ten—For the 4th year in a row Simpson College was named as one of the top-ten best liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. This year the college moved up to 6th.
The legendary Jim Williams leaves Simpson following the last game of the 2001 season—Head football coach Jim Williams announced his retirement Nov. 10 following the last game of the season. Williams is the most winning coach in the history of the Storm program with a career record of 106-48-1.
Major lectureships bring the world to Simpson—Five major lectureships provide students the opportunity to hear speakers like Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sister Helen Prejean and numerous other well-known individuals.
Waddle named chaplain—Simpson College has ended a search for a new chaplain and director of church relations with the hiring of the Rev. Chris Waddle.
Longtime”> Simpson College biology professor announces spring 2002 retirement plans—Joe Moody, professor of biology at Simpson College, announced his intent to retire at the end of the spring 2002 semester.
The Art of the Vine p. 6-11
By Jennifer Whitham
Simpson alumnus Doug LaVelle ’70 fell in love with the idea of making wine after a successful career in business. Now LaVelle Vineyards produces some of Oregon’s most respected wines.
Tolerance vs. theocracy in the Muslim world p. 12-13
By Jennifer Hedda, Ph.D.
A post 9-11 look at the Islamic culture from the view of Jennifer Hedda who teaches courses in Islamic, Russian and European history at Simpson.
Viewing victims and offenders as human beings:
Recent reflections on dead man walking p. 14-16
By Tobias Winright
Once a police officer, now a teacher, Tobias Winright shares why we should reject the death penalty, even for the most hate-filled and violent killers among us.
Roger Allen, a career in black and white p. 18-19
By Jennifer Whitham
A look at the career of Roger Allen, Simpson student in the late 1950s and current main advertising representative and associate editor of the Montezuma Republican in southeast Iowa.
Sports at Simpson p. 24-28
Niemann named head football coach at Simpson College—Jay Niemann, former defensive secondary coach at the University of Northern Iowa, was named as the replacement to long-time head coach Jim Williams.
Football—Team ended 4-6 in a disappointing final season for coach Jim Williams.
Women’s Golf—For the second year in a row the women finished 2nd in the IIAC.
Men’s Soccer—Team finished 3rd in the IIAC tournament.
Women’s Soccer—Women finished 3rd in the IIAC tournament after entering with a No. 1 seed.
Women’s Tennis—Team placed 7th in the IIAC meet.
Men’s Cross-Country—Team finished 4th at the IIAC championships.
Women’s Cross-Country—Team finished 6th at the IIAC championships.
Volleyball—The women entered the IIAC tournament as the No. 1 seed. Team finished 3rd in the tournament and 2nd in the IIAC.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 2002
Presidential Comments—Inside Cover
Science at Simpson ready for challenges
Simpson Briefly p. 2-5
Simpson’s Emerman receives Fulbright to teach in Nepal—Dr. Steven Emerman, assistant professor of geology received a Fulbright Lecturer/Researcher Award to teach geology at Tribhuvan University, the national university of Nepal located in Kathmandu.
Simpsonian, two staffers earn national awards—The Simpsonian won 3rd place in the nation in the Society for Collegiate Journalist’s Overall Excellence competition. Editor Patrick File won first place for Best News Story and news editor Erin Haller was given honorable mention in the Best Feature Story competition.
Simpson sciences receive Carver grant—The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, Muscatine, Iowa, recently announced that they would match the $123,407 grant awarded to the Simpson College Science Department last year by the National Science Foundation.
Simpson curling team wins bronze at nationals—Inspired by the Winter Olympics, Nate Boulton started a curling team at Simpson. In their first year of existence the team placed 3rd in national competition.
Immigrant entrepreneurs focus of Simpson study—Elitsa Banalieva and Melissa Manneter along with two faculty members, conducted research on the challenges, struggles and successes of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Des Moines area.
President’s Commission on multicultural affairs—An 11-member President’s Commission on Multicultural Affairs has been named to oversee and develop multicultural initiatives at Simpson until the college is able to hire an assistant dean for multicultural affairs.
Simpson College SIFE team scores in St. Louis—Students In Free Enterprise competed at the 2002 SIFE Regional Competition and Career Opportunity Fair April 11 in St. Louis, winning “Rookie of the Year” honors and receiving honorable mention for their submission in the Kauffman Entrepreneurship Competition.
Deserving of Protection p. 6-9
By Michael Adams
Twice each week during the spring, summer and fall, Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology at Simpson, journeys to the bluffs of Madison County, home of the famous bridges, to wade through tall prairie grass and climb rocky outcroppings looking for Crotalus horridus—Iowa’s timber rattlesnake.
A grandfather’s tribute p. 10-11
By Michael Adams
A look at Dee Brown’s “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and the dedication of the book to Nicolas Brave Wolf, also known as Nicolas Proctor, assistant professor of history at Simpson College.
>Inside Art p. 12-13
By Jennifer Whitham
Simpson’s new Upward Bound director spends her Tuesday and Thursday evenings teaching art to the women of Mitchellville—Iowa’s Correctional Institution for Women—helping them learn to give back and understand themselves.
>Some early thoughts on the Euro p. 14-15
By Michael Adams
Twelve European countries have linked their economic futures to a unified currency, something that, to an economist like Simpson’s Frank Colella, is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
>Sports at Simpson p. 20-22
Men’s Basketball—Team finished in 3rd place in the IIAC. Jesse Harris was a finalist for the Josten Award and a first team Academic All-American.
Women’s Basketball—Team finished 4th in the IIAC and 2nd at the IIAC tournament. Michelle Stover was named honorable mention All-American.
Indoor Track and Field—Lucas Carder placed 8th at Nationals, earning himself All-American honors. Sara Jensen and Becky Jolly ran well for the women.
Wrestling—Team finished 23-7, full of youth and promise.
Swimming—First year coach Mark Corley saw a successful season as Dana Kuiken qualified for National Competition, but didn’t receive an invitation. The team finished 8th at the Liberal Arts Invitational.
Touring the Years p. 23-27
1920s –D. Russell Schaal ’27 celebrates his 95th birthday in West Palm Beach, FL.
1930s — Mabel Schaal Hudson ’37 recently celebrated her 90th birthday in Boise, ID.
1950s — Gerald Farley ’53 recently earned the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Excellence in Leadership Award. Farley is president of Mount Prospect Village in IL.
1960s – Nan Stilwell Tebrinke ’62 together with her daughter published poetry book titled, “Nan and Lisa Nan’s Poetry and Stuff.”
William Harrison ’64 serves as the librarian at the Oaks Correctional Facility with the Michigan Department of Corrections after obtaining his master’s degree in library science in 1994.
Chere Burch Horel ’68 retires after 34 1/2 years of teaching music in Nebraska (1 1/2) and Albia (33 years).
Glenn Norris ’68 serves as a lawyer for Hawkins and Norris, P.C. in Des Moines. He also has served as president of C. Edwin Moore American Inn of Court.
1970s – Bob and Barb Perry English ’73 have two sons attending Simpson. Matt ’02 is a senior accounting major and Andy ’05 is freshman marketing major. The English family has now had had seven member attend Simpson and one work in the business office.
Stan Weeber’74 is an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at McNeese State University in Louisiana. He was also named the Shearman Research Fellow for 2001-2002 and received a grant to study citizen militias.
Michael Weeks ’75 received the highest civilian honor in North Carolina. Among some of his accolades, he counts the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” from North Carolina Governor Mike Easley for his efforts on behalf of flood victims following the devastation of Hurricane Floyd. He also headed a fundraising telethon that raised $2.5 million. Weeks is currently president and general manager of WITN-TV in Washington, North Carolina.
Kirk Norris ’79 is the president of The Iowa Hospital Association Board.
1980s – Spencer Fallgatter ’81 is a principal for the Vail School District in Tucson, AZ.
Jane Paulsen ’83 studies Huntington’s disease at the Huntington Study Group at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Beth Scaglione Sewell ’85 is assistant professor of biology at Valpariso University in Valpariso, Indiana.
Brenda Marlin ’86 works as vice-president of lending at Iowa State Savings Bank.
Debra Sterns Beauregard ’87 is founding director of a Health Care Consulting Company in California.
1990s – Erin Doherty Lemon ’90 is co-founder and practice administrator of Midwest Oral and Facial Surgery, P.C. in Johnston.
Peter Lemon ’90 is co-founder and oral surgeon of Midwest Oral and Facial Surgery, P.C. in Johnston.
Alissa McKinney ’90 is director of development for the Terrace Hill Foundation, residence of the Governor of Iowa.
Lora Duncan ’92 serves as director of The Learning Garden, a Bright Horizons Family Solutions center in Issaquah, Washington, a suburb of Seattle.
Michelle Anderson Bakken ’93 serves as marketing coordinator for Flooring Gallery in Urbandale.
Theresa Cannon ’94 works as an Academic Advisor at the Iowa State University’s College of Art and Design.
Pete Waltz ’96 is the freshman science teacher and sophomore football and assistant varsity basketball coach at Algona High School in Algona.
Merea Haugen Bentrott ’97 ; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold”>is customer support specialist at DFM Technologies in Des Moines.”>
Amy Rawson ’95 has several paintings on exhibition at Union Square in Manhattan (NYC), New York.
Lincoln Russian ’95 is a business consultant for Principal Bank in Des Moines.
Melissa Wittenburg Davis ’96 is an occupational therapist working for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA.
Eric Boatwright ’97 is financial consultant at AXA Advisors in West Des Moines.
Ben Montgomery ’97 was named Outstanding Young Iowa Journalist by the Iowa Newspaper Association. He works at the editor of the Spencer Daily Reporter in Spencer.
Anna Speas ’98 recently passed her Iowa bar exam and is a judge advocate general attorney in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps at the Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
Eric Strovers ’98 recently graduated from Creighton Law School in Omaha, NE.
Kimberly J. Fritz ’99 is director of student activities and first year experience at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO.
2000s – Charlotte Capper ’00 serves as a volunteer at the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She is an outreach assistant for the Loaves and Fishes Mustard School in Sacramento, CA.
Jessamy Helma ’00 is an accounting associate/billing specialist with Moss Godilis Law Firm in Englewood, CO.
Meagan McGlade ’01 had the highest score in the state of Iowa on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam given in the fall of 2001. She has been recognized as one of the top 120 scores in the nation among 58, 000 people who took the exam.
Tricia Martin ’01 is a staff assistant for Senator Tom Harkin in Washington D.C.
“Margaret Aldrich ’97 scores with the new quilt book” p. 24
Margaret Aldrich is currently employed as an editor/stock photography coordinator at Voyageur Press in Stillwater, Minnesota. At Stillwater, Aldrich recently had the opportunity to edit for a book called “This Old Quilt,” which is an illustrated coffee table book that’s become a popular read.
“Christine Willmsen’93 among finalists for Pulitzer” p. 26
On staff with The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News, Christine Willmsen was part of a team of investigative reporters who were named as finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Their nomination is credited to their investigative efforts in reporting a story titled, “The Foreign Game,” which scrutinized the recruitment of foreign athletes to American high schools and colleges.
“Dr. James E. McEldowney’28 reflects on active life in new book” p. 27
Since graduating from Simpson Dr. James E. McEldowney has authored three books including, “The Making of a Missionary,” which he wrote for his family. He has also served as an Old Testament professor and administrator at Leonard Theological College in Jabalpur.
New Faces p. 27
Carmen Bratz joined the college advancement office as coordinator of institutional grant support. Previously, Bratz was program manager for the Iowa Department of Human Services. Bratz is a graduate of Iowa State University.
Cindy Abbot has joined the Upward Bound office as assistant advisor. Formerly, Abbot worked as a correctional counselor at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville. Abbot earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Iowa State University.
Sonja Wright has joined the Upward Bound Program as academic advisor. Previously, Wright served as project coordinator for career services and cooperative education at the University of Central Arkansas. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Wright has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master of education in higher education administration.
Faculty Notes p.28
Ron Albrecht, professor of music, recently finished a series of recording sessions with flautist Sandra Wacha and Trifecta Recording. The result will be a CD featuring an hour of music for flute and piano. The CD will be available some time this spring. Albrecht’s newly composed “Jazzberries,” a set of three jazz-style pieces for trombone and piano, was performed during the solo piano recital presented by Albrecht on the Simpson campus.
Dan Bauer, assistant professor of English, delivered the sermons “Nature Stories and God Talk” at the Washington United Methodist Church bringing together his work in English and rhetoric with his role in the United Methodist Iowa Conference Board on Camps.
John Benoit, associate professor of music and faculty trombonist, was one of the three judges at an “in-house” concerto-aria competition held at Central College. Benoit’s Des Moines-based trombone ensemble, Resonus, performed a program on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Wednesday Noon Recital series. Two works by Benoit an arrangement of Duke Ellington’s “Creole Love Call” and an original composition titled “C Street Shuffle” (no reference to Hillman Hall), were premiered on the program.
Patricia Calkins, assistant professor of German, has been selected by the American Association of Teachers to join a program called TrainDaF, which trains leaders of German education in America. She also attended the joint conference of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and the American Association of Teacher of German in Washington D.C. She presented a paper with the topic “German Lifelines: Using Oral History for Communicative Competency.”
Jennifer Hedda, assistant professor of history, presented a paper titled “The Double Bind: Church, State and Society in Russia under the Old Regime” in San Francisco at the annual joint meeting of the Catholic Historical Association and the American Historical Association.
Scott LaGraff, instructor of music, performed “Songs of Don Quixote” on the Indianola Concert Association’s 2001-2002 season in Indianola and will perform the same recital at Baylor University, McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas and the University of Tulsa.
Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, was invited to Iowa State University’s Animal Ecology Seminar Series. Parmelee gave a presentation titled, “Feeling Ecology of an Assemblage of Tropical Frogs.” He also published a note in the December issue of Herpetological Review documenting blue-spotted salamanders in southeastern Minnesota for the first time.
A book by Nick Proctor, assistant professor of history, “Bathed in Blood: Hunting and Mastery in the Old South,” was published in April by University Press of Virginia. It will be available in both hardback and paperback.
Steve Rose, associate professor of education, was published in the January/February, 2002, issue of Social Studies and the Young Learner. His article was titled: “Using Current Events Media in the Classroom.” Rose was published in the March Iowa Educational Leadership sponsored by the Iowa Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The article was titled: “Teaching Teachers to Teach More Effectively and Equitably: An In-service Program for Indianola High School.”
Tom Schmidt, assistant professor of management, presented a paper titled, “The Impact of Voice and Justification on Students’ Perceptions of Professors’ Fairness” at the American Marketing Association’s Winter Educator’s Conference in Austin, Texas.
Tobias Winright, instructor of religion, published a book review of “Priorities and Christian Ethics,” by Garth L. Hallett in the summer edition of Pro Ecclesia 10.
A poem by David Wolf, instructor of English, titled “The Exchange” has been selected for the Voices on the Prairies series, a radio broadcast of poem and poets with Iowa roots and connections. Wolf also contributed an essay to a book chapter titled “Excavating the Ruins of Undergraduate English” which appeared in Beyond English Inc.: Curricular Reform in Global Economy. The chapter was co-authored with Bruce Horner, Kelly Latchaw, Joseph Lenz and Jody Swilky of Drake University.
Simpson Magazine
Summer 2002
Simpson Briefly, p.2-6
By Jennifer Whitham
Associate Professor of Music Michael Patterson received a commission to write the libretto and compose an opera based on Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit.” This was a joint commission pioneered by Dr. Robert Larsen, longtime head of the Simpson music department and philanthropist Doris Salsbury, a longtime student and collector of Beatrix Potter-related materials. In April 2001, this 25-minute opera, under the title, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” received its world premiere during Simpson’s May Term Opera Workshop.
Off the Press, p.3
By Michael Adams
In a joint effort with Warren Keegan of Pace University, Mark Green, professor of marketing, co-authored the third edition of a successful marketing textbook titled: “Global Marketing,” which will see its international release on August 8.
Back in the Fold, p.3
By Matt DeWolf
Simpson”> College was reunited with its long lost house, which served as the residence of Simpson College presidents from 1939-1976. However, this year Simpson College reacquired this house, which came to be known as the Herschel House and is located on 300 West Girard Street.
A Class of “Foodies,” p.4
By Michael Adams
The Division of Adult Learning, in its quest to add “unusual” classes to its curriculum, recently added a one-credit class titled, “Reading and Writing about Food.” The class is taught by Wini Moranville, a food critic who’s been writing reviews for The Des Moines Register for about five years.
Geological Grant awarded, p.5
Simpson”> College received a $6, 640 grant from the Geological Survey to fund a geological survey of Page County this summer. Two of Simpson students Kevin Hoffman and Kristin Robson, supported by assistant professor of geology Steve Emerman, worked for eight weeks during the summer surveying Page County with undivided focus to successfully complete a grant titled, “Bedrock Mapping of Buchanan and East River Township, Page County, Southwestern Iowa.”
Simpson Receives Charitable Remainder Trust from Buxton Estate, p.5
A generous gift, posthumously bestowed upon Simpson College by Bill and Betty Buxton, created two charitable remainder annuity trusts, one in each of their names. Amounting to a total of $308,000, this gift has been distributed to three areas of the college. Approximately $184,000 went to Hopper Gymnasium renovating project. The remaining $124,000 was divided, with $44,000 going toward the purchase of new equipment in the college weight room and $80,000 being placed in the endowed fund with the income from the fund each year used to update or replace weight room equipment.
New member to Board of Trustees, p.5
Sumner Worth, president of Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company in Waukee, was recently appointed to the Simpson College Board of Trustees. Worth currently serves on the board Wells Fargo Bank, Iowa and the Better Business Bureau, among many other offices he holds in various corporations.
Faculty Changes for new academic year, p.5
Lora Friedrich, assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice, will assume duties as the head of the department of social science replacing Jane Kvetko.
Nick Proctor, assistant professor of history, will serve as acting head of the department of history while Bill Friedricks is on a one-year leave of absence.
Replacing Dick Tender as head of the computer science department will be Mark Van Wyk, professor of mathematics and computer science.
Gary Kinkel, associate professor of religion, is the new chair of the department of philosophy and religion, replacing John Pauley.
Dean of Academic Affairs Bruce Haddox also announced several new faculty members for the 2002-2003 academic year.
Eun Hee Shin in religion replaced Katherine Komenda’s position.
Amy Doling will replace Joe Moody in Biology.
John Fry will join the history department for a one-year appointment while Bill Friedricks is on leave writing a biography of John Ruan.
Michael Duke in instrumental music will replace Rob Spence.
James Kim will replace Rebecca Gruber with a one-year appointment in vocal music.
Getting to Yemen the easy way, p.6
By Michael Adams
Simpson”> College senior Ian Morello lands an opportunity of a lifetime while involved in an off-campus study course called The United Nations Semester at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. In one of the sessions with the director of the Yemen Language Center Morello answered a trivial question, which afforded him a scholarship to study Arabic in Yemen.
In the Spirit of Change, p.7-10
By Jennifer Whitham
Simpson senior and Project Transformation intern Brett Majors spends time talking to youth at Gatchel United Methodist Church. Project Transformation is abut changing lives—the lives of inner city Des Moines, the lives of their neighborhood churches and the lives of four Simpson students who spent their summer doing good work. Other Simpson students and alumni doing similar work at different locations include Nicole Brooks ’02, Grant Woodley ’02 and Paula Cripps.
Worldly Ways: The story of Sven and Mildred Lekberg’s time at Simpson p11 -13
By Jennifer Whitham
The spirit of the Lekbergs still resonates among the Simpson music department and the rest of the Simpson community. Senior Professor Emeritus of History Joe Walt and longtime Professor of Music Robert Larsen share their memories of the Lekbergs.
The Lekberg sisters—Living the influence, p.14
Sven and Mildred Lekberg influence the lives of their two daughters Jane and Barbara Lekberg. Barbara is a sculptor and teacher living in New York. She’s been sculpting for 52 years and is also a recipient of two Guggenheim Fellowships. The sculpture located in the lobby of Amy Robertson Music Center is one of her pieces of work. Jane Lekberg currently resides in Maine and earned her living as a teacher, a writer for The New York Times and editor for a variety of other works.
Simpson and Pioneer: A model partnership, p.15
By Sharon Albright
The partnership between Simpson College and Pioneer Hi-Bred International is one that’s found a balance between giving and receiving. Simpson’s connection with Pioneer dates back to the corporation’s founder, Henry A. Wallace and his wife Ilo Browne, a Simpson alumna. Since then, the college has had a wonderful relationship with the Wallace family.
Commencement 2002, p.16-18
By Jennifer Whitham
380 Simpson seniors enjoy a perfect day for their graduation procession as they emerge out of Smith Chapel in their academic regalia. Dr. Raymond Greenberg, president of the Medical University of South Carolina was the appointed keynote speaker, delivering a message titled, “Follow Your Moral Campus.”
Alumni News
Alumni Weekend 2002—Timely and ‘Touching’ p.19-21
Simpson’s relatively new Alumni Relations Director Julie Methlie experienced several highlights this year. Two alumni college classes on the Middle East and Islam titled, “Middle East Dilemma: How did It Get That Way?” and “Islam and the World Today” generated a huge buzz among the alumni. The classes were taught by Joe Walt, senior professor emeritus of history and Jennifer Hedda, assistant professor of history. Among the highlights of this weekend was the unveiling of the Edwin Voigt portrait, which was commissioned by two energetic members of the class of 1951, Phyllis Warren Head and Mary Ogan Rose, who co-chaired the effort.
Sports at Simpson p.22-24
By Sara Opie
Track and Field—Pole-vaulter Andrew Hoopes jumps his way to second place in this year’s conference after tying for first and competing in a jump-off. The men’s 4×400-meter relay team qualified for NCAA division III Outdoor Championships in St. Paul, Minn. The team comprised of Jeremy Mohwinkle, Jeromy Keehn, Eric Karr and Zach Allison. Breaking the Simpson record twice in the discus was sophomore Jessica Capper with a 132-7 3/4 throw . Luke Carder of Indianola won the high jump with a 6.6 jump. Tony Ekman won the 1500-meter with a time of 4:02.67.
Men’s Golf – The team finished third in the Iowa Conference Tournament and according to Head Coach Chad Buchanan it’s the best the team has done in a long time.
Men’s Tennis – The Storm finished the season with an 11-8 overall record and 10-5 conference record.
Softball – The team finished fourth in the conference with a 12-6 record and ended with a 27-11 overall record. The season ended with a doubleheader shutout with second-ranked Central beating 22nd ranked Simpson 4-0 and 3-0.
Baseball – Simpson finished the season 19-19 overall and were 5-13 in conference play. Senior Tony Coppola reset two school records by getting the most hits (63) and total bases (107) in one season. Andy Walker set a record for career runs (118) and Scott Sibbel set a record for triples in a season (8) and senior Nick Sinn set a new record for career doubles (31) breaking the old record of 26 set by Brent Faber in 1996-1999.
In his 18th season as head coach, John Sirianni won his 400th game as Simpson head baseball coach when his team beat Wittenberg 7-6 during the team’s spring trip to Florida.
Presidential Comments p.25
By R. Kevin LaGree
President LaGree highlighted some of the attributes that make Simpson College one of a kind. Citing U.S.News and World Report’s recognition of Simpson College’s improvement by ranking the college sixth among regional liberal arts colleges in a 13-state region in the Midwest, LaGree also highlighted that the rankings also illustrated the lack of financial resources Simpson needed to “continue to improve the college at the pace we desire.”
Touring the Years p.26
1920s – Ray E. Morris ’27, author of “The First Eighty Years of Ray Morris” and “The Second Eight Years of Ray Morris” celebrated his 97th birthday on May 2, 2002.
1930s – Erma Brooks-Stich ’35 of Akron. Ohio will celebrate her 90th birthday in September of 2002.
1950s – Lloyd L. Anderson ’55 is Charles F. Curtis Distinguished Professor of Agriculture at Iowa State University in Ames. Anderson, an animal scientist, received the Mission Award in Research for 2002 from Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture at Iowa State University.
1960s – Marian Mann Harris ’62 retired after teaching 38yrs in the Des Moines elementary school system.
Dianne Skrivseth Day ’68 of North Liberty is a national freelance educator for Viking Husqvarna sewing machines.
1970s – Stephen Brown ’70 received a master’s degree from Oakland University in Michigan.
Rich McKinney ’71 has retired after 12 years as director of music for the First United Methodist Church o Honolulu. He remains active as composer-in-residence for that church and directed the first performance of his first full-length cantata, “The Heart’s Journey” in 2001.
Dee Goodwin Allen ’72 recently retired after 29 years as a teacher and principal in the Indianola school system.
Michael Feder ’73 is director of regional sales and marketing for the New Orleans Saints professional football team.
Carol McVey Fricke’73 is president and CEO of LKF Marketing, Inc. Fricke was awarded the Athena Award for professional excellence…
1980s – Rich Patrick ’84 became chair of the business administration and economics department in June of 2001 and was recently named the Durham Chaired Professor of Business Administration at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Annette L. Smith ’85 has been promoted to Director—Des Moines Regional Office for Fiserv Life Insurance Solutions in Cedar Rapids
Todd McConville’86 has been an actor with Sweetback Productions in Chicago, IL.
Anders Sjostedt ’86 is manager of treasury at Nokia Finance Int. B.V in Switzerland.
Dave Swinton ’86 is senior pastor at the Perry, Rippey and Fairview United Methodist Parish.
Wendy Foughty Vasquez ’88 is vice-president/management supervisor at Cramer-Krasselt Advertising in Chicago, IL.
1990s – Rod Liston ’91 is with the Special Traffic Investigations Unit in El Paso, TX.
Kristin Adkins McDaniel ’91 is director of presentational graphics at ASI Sign Systems.
Trisha Black-Romig ’91 is a third-grade teacher at Terrace Elementary in Ankeny.
Tom Berg ’92 is staff physician at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and is in diagnostic radiology and a clinical lecturer at the University of Iowa Hospital of Radiology in Iowa City.
Tom Galbraith ’92 is working on his Ph.D at the University of Virginia.
Bill Wright ’92 was named his office’s broker of the year and was inducted into Grubb & Ellis’ circle of excellence, which recognizes the company’s top brokers in the nation.
Jason Jones ’93 is moving from Raytown to the Grandview school district in the Kansas City are where he will teach and assume the head football coaching position.
Pamela Aden Glenn ’94 is a programmer/analyst for BCBS of Alabama in Des Moines.
Kim Bakker Jones ’94 works with Hallmark’s floral division in the Kansas City, MO area.
Nan Schlee ’94 and Babs Schlee ’94 recently completed a seven-week 3500-mile bike tour across the United States from Los Angeles to Boston.
Jackie Jones Gibbons ’95 is a second-grade teacher for Clarke Community Schools in Osceola.
Susan Faulkner ’96 bachelor of music in vocal performance, will graduate magna cum laude from Western Illinois University with a bachelor of arts in music therapy. Faulkner has been doing a six-month internship in music therapy at Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Jill M. Fox ’96 is an English as Second Language teacher and boys/girls cross-country coach in Knoxville, TN.
Sara Bucknam ’97 is a school counselor at Roosevelt Middle School in Mason City. She is also a candidate for a master of art in education degree at the University of Northern Iowa.
Jessica Johannsen Espenmiller ’97 received a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University and is an occupational therapist with Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
Michael Beckett ’98 earned an MD from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He has started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.
John Espenmiller ’98 is vice-president of commercial lending with Firstar Bank in Ottumwa.
Brad Schaeffer ’99 is a third through sixth grade music teacher at Mary Welsh Elementary school in Williamsburg.
Ed Wallace ’99 works for Senator Charles Grasley on the Committee on Finance in Washington D.C.
2000s – Lucas Carder ’02 is an application developer for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
Gaumer ’75 finds rewards in Naval Reserve p.27
Ben Gaumer was recently selected for promotion to Rear Admiral in the Naval Reserve, making him one nine reservists in the medical field promoted to this level nationwide.
Investigating Reality at Iowa’s Version of CSI p.28
By Matt DeWolf
For Jess Dunn ’92 the reality of the world has sunk in. His career working for the State of Iowa in the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation throws him into some of the most disturbing environments possible—from recent homicide scenes to grotesque filth at methamphetamine bust sites.
A Busy Man p.30
By Matt DeWolf
Rev. Keith Ratliff ’75 adds NAACP to the mix of family, work, church and politics. Ratliff is a senior engineer analyst at John Deer along with serving as minister for the Maple St. Baptist Church. On top of that, Ratliff also serves as president of the NAACP for Iowa and Nebraska where he coordinates and networks more than 16 different local branches in the two states.
Witke Named Alumni Relations Director p.31
Coreen Hjort Witke ’91 has been named director of alumni relations where she oversees all programming involving the college’s 10,000 living alumni, Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, Alumni College, Alumni-in-Residence Day, off-campus alumni events around the country and special projects. She’ll also serve as staff liaison with the college’s Alumni Association.
Hunt named to CASE board p.31
Dennis Hunt, vice-president of college advancement, recently accepted a position to serve on the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Commission on Philanthropy.
Faculty Notes p.32
Mark Freyberg, assistant professor of sociology, was voted president-elect of the Iowa Sociological Association at the group’s meeting in Cedar Falls last spring and will organize next year’s conference to be held at Simpson.
Bill Gilbert, professor of biology, and Simpson College students Nate Anderson, Matt Zadon, Sarah Lundy, Erin Scanlin and Bart George are working on several projects that will benefit the Annett Nature Center near Indianola.
Jennifer Hedda, assistant professor of history and Nick Proctor, assistant professor of history, participated as speakers in the Third Annual Criminal Justice Conference held at Simpson April 9. Proctor spoke on the history of terrorism and Hedda talked about beliefs and practices of Islam.
Steve Rose”>, associate professor of education, published a piece titled, “National Standards and Testing—A Progressive Impetus?” in the April/May issue of Iowa Educational Leadership. Rose also presented at the Iowa Middle School Conference at Simpson College.
Pat Singer, professor of biology, presented a lecture titled, “In Search of the CA125 Promoter” at Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center.
A book written by Nancy St. Clair, associate professor of English, “Declaration s of Independence Empowered Girls in Young Adult Literature, 1999-2000,” has just been published by Rowman and Littlefield. She has also had an essay on feminist popular culture accepted for publication in the winter edition of the Science Fiction Research Quarterly.
Brian Steffen, associate professor of communication studies, has had his research, “Freedom of the Private-University Student Press: A Constitutional Proposal,” accepted for publication in a special fall issue of the John Marshall Law Review that will focus on First Amendment issues.
David Wolf, instructor of English, joined poets M.L Hopson, Anthony Tracy and area high school students to read poetry at Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Wolf also served as literary judge for this year’s Periphery, Drake University’s literary and art annual.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 2002/2003
Simpson Briefly p.2-5
Bernstein Indicts press, Washington in McBride Lecture
Famed Washington–era investigative reporter Carl Bernstein had very little good to say about the state of the American journalism and politics today at this year’s McBride Lecture Oct.9.
Top Ten listing for Simpson from U.S. News and World Report
For the fifth year in a row Simpson College has been named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top-ten best comprehensive colleges in the Midwest.
Literature’s Empowered Girls Are Subject of Brown/St. Clair Book
By Jennifer Whitham
Associate professor of English Nancy St. Clair carries among other titles those of academic, feminist, writer and mother. The combination of these interests and responsibilities led in part to St. Clair’s decision to co-author the recently published book, “Declarations of Independence: Empowered Girls in Young Adult Literature 1990-2001.”
Simpson College Enrollment At All Time High
Simpson”> College”> has set a record with this year’s fall enrollment. Full-time enrollment was recorded at 1353 students and 492 students for part-time enrollment. There was also a record for full-time first-year students at 381 and full-time transfer students at 81.
; mso-bidi-font-weight: boldSimpson Acquires Ultang Photos
By Michael Adams
Famed Des Moines Register photographer Don Ultang donates exhibition prints, including his 1952 Pulitzer Prize photo at Simpson. The framed 100 exhibition-quality prints offer a overview of Ultang’s career, including his Pulitzer photo showing a black Drake football player, Johnny Bright, getting illegally and repeatedly slugged by Oklahoma A&M players.
Simpson joins forces with ISU,DMACC for Carver Teacher Education Program
By Matt DeWolf
In a unique venture, Simpson College has teamed-up with Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College to start the George Washington Carver Teacher Education program. The program is designed for members of minority groups or other underrepresented groups employed in a K-12 school in the Des Moines area.
Simpson receives Lilly Endowment Grant
Simpson”> College”> is one of 39 colleges and universities in the country to receive a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant’s purpose is to initiate or enhance programs that help prepare a new generation of leaders for church and society.
Nans and Babs’ excellent adventure p.6-7
By Matt DeWolf
For most, vacation would never involve a 3,500-mile bike ride spanning seven weeks. Nor would it entail waking up every morning at 7:15 a.m. with 7-8 hours of cycling ahead. But this was exactly what and Nan and Babs Schlee ’94 wanted. The twin sisters originally from Independence, Iowa decided to make the roughly 3,500 mile trip from Los Angeles, Calif. To Boston, Mass. as a way to reward themselves for getting their student loans paid off.
The Amish Way p.8-9
By Lisa Green
Despite their simple lifestyle, Simpson professor Lora Friedrich’s research into the Amish subculture did not yield simple explanations. Lora Friedrich grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana where there is a large concentration of Amish people. Frierich began her research into the Amish as part of her Ph.D dissertation.
A Happy Beginning p.10-12
By Jennifer Whitham
Adopting her foster child, Sharon Jensen finds becoming a single parent is filled with challenges and rewards.
Bill Gilbert finds retirement has its allure p.13
By Matt DeWolf
The man who helped start the Environmental Science program at Simpson College retired Dec.31, 2002. After 25 years with the college, Dr. Bill Gilbert, professor of biology, is taking advantage of early retirement and pursuing other interests.
Alumni News p.14-15
Alumni Award recipient announced
Seven alumni will be honored with awards next summer during Alumni Weekend. Honorees will include the following:
Dr. Michael Scribner ’78 graduated with a BA in Chemistry. While at Simpson, Scribner was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a Simpson Scholar and was awarded the Baker Chemistry Award.
E. Charles Brice ’69 is senior vice president of sales and business development for Kemin Foods in Des Moines. During his career, he has introduced new ingredients to the vitamin, dietary supplement, food, cosmetic, and personal care industries.
Matthew Oltman ’97, a Simpson and Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus, graduated with a BA in music. Following Simpson, he went to the University of York, England where earned his MA in music performance. Before becoming a member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble, Chanticleer, Oltman then went on to sing professionally in such places as New Mexico, Texas, California, Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic.
Dick Stoffer ’77 attended Ellsworth Community College and Drake University before enrolling at Simpson in 1975. He graduated with a BA in political science. While at Simpson Stoffer participated in the Student Senate, was on the dean’s list, and was chairperson for the college’s chapter of the Iowa Student Public Interest Research Group. After graduation Stoffer went to the University of Colorado to get his graduate degree in banking. Following graduate school, he began working for Citizens National Bank in Boone and eventually became executive vice president. Currently, Stoffer serves as president, CEO, and chairman of the board for Midwest Heritage Bank in Chariton.
Mary Lou Ogan Rose ’51 was the editor, writer, and owner of the Sycamore Messenger-News in Montgomery, Ohio from 1978-1987. She is now retired and resides in Cincinnati with her husband Maurice. Over the years, she has received and continues to receive countless awards and honors for her writings and participation in professional activities.
Dr. Everett Laning ’53 and Ruth Woolson Laning’53 both graduated from Simpson. Everett graduated with a BA in sociology and Ruth graduated with a BA in mathematics. While at Simpson, Everett was in band, the Blackfriars Theatre, and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta. Ruth participated in the choir, and was a member of Delta Delta Delta. After graduating from Simpson, Everett continued his education by earning a BD from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, an MA from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D from Iowa State University. While earning his Ph.D, Everett worked as professor emeritus at Simpson. He was professor of sociology ad applied social sciences at Simpson for 32 years until his retirement in 1996.
Presidential Comments p.16
By R. Kevin LaGree
Looking Ahead—Making Plans
After developing the college’s strategic plan in 1999-2000, President LaGree states that it became clear that a long-range look at the development of the college’s facilities was much needed. As a result, in the spring of 2001, the college hired the Baltimore architectural firm, Ayers/Saint/Gross, to engage the campus in a process which would create a campus master plan.
Simpson looks to its future p.17-21
A look around the Simpson campus reflects the true character of the college: Tradition, care, nurturing, a classical foundation, preservation of heritage, a progressive spirit, community involvement, individual attention—all aptly describe the physical nature of Simpson College and the educational legacy imparted to its students and alumni.
Sports at Simpson p.22-25
By Sara Opie
Football: New Season, new coach—Under the leadership of a new coach, the Storm ended the season with a 6-4 record overall, a 6-3 IIAC record and won four of the last five games. Coach Jay Niemann comes to Simpson from the University of Northern Iowa where he was a secondary coach. He said that having a few more wins than last year positions the Storm for a solid foundation for the future.
Women’s Golf: The winning looks easy—The women’s golf team had a lot of success and national publicity this season. The Storm women won the Iowa Conference for the eighth time in the past 11 years, making such an achievement look easy for this young team. Another highlight of the Storm golf season was Junior Senta Willenborg being featured in the “Faces of the Crowd” column of the October 24 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Women’s Tennis: Winning spirit—The Simpson women’s tennis team hoped to finish third in the IIAC conference this year but ended up in fifth. In spite of that, Head Coach Bob Nutgrass said it was a successful season with a 12-5 finish overall and 9-5 finish in the IIAC.
Men and women’s soccer: Pride and passion—Ending on a high note is a great thing for a coach and his team. The Storm men had an outstanding soccer season with a 15-4-3 overall record, 7-1 Iowa Conference finish and a huge win over #1 seeded Central in tournament action that resulted in a third place finish for Simpson.
Heart and Goal—The Simpson women finished third in the Iowa Conference soccer season this year capping off a tournament where, “the ball didn’t bounce our way,” said head coach Aziz Haffar.
Men and Women’s Cross Country—The men’s team completed the cross country season with a seventh place finish in the IIAC conference. Senior Tony Eckman had a “phenomenal” season, according to his coach. He ran the best time of 26:58 at the conference meet, then went on to run a faster time at regionals with a finish of 26:36.
A Run Down Memory Lane”>—This was the second year the Simpson Cross Country team hosted an alumni meet during Homecoming Weekend. The 5k run, open to the Indianola community members, Simpson students and student athletes drew 38 participants this year.
Volleyball High Hopes—The Storm finished the season with a 6-3 conference record, tied for third place in the IIAC conference and had more than 20 wins during the season.
Touring the Years, p.26-33
1920s—Fay G. Rolfsema Callies ’29 celebrated her 96th birthday on Sept. 9, 2002 in Titonka.
1950s—Arlyn Euken ’59 retired with his wife to Ft. Myers, FL. They had previously lived in Cincinnati, OH.
1960s—Bruce Hann ’61 recently retired from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny after teaching English and Speech for 33 years.
Flora Wood’64 celebrated her 90th birthday on November 4, 2002 in Pleasantville.
Jim Noseworthy ’65 was elected secretary-treasure of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Christian Schools this past February. He also received an honorary degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant.
Dr. Robyn Swanson ’68 of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is president of the Kentucky Music Educators Association.
Bill Carper’ 68 has retired after 31 years as classroom teacher and administrator with Murray Community Schools in Murray.
Edwin C. Haag’68 retired after 32 years of teaching at Cedar Rapids Community Schools.
The Reverend Nancy Shepherd Allen’69 and her husband, The Rev. Arthur Allen ’70 are directors of Camp Wesley Woods in Indianola.
M. Wayne Clark ’69 of Lincoln, NE was guest editor and author of “The Sequence of The Human Genome: Its Challenges, Questions and Issues for Marriage and Family Therapists.” The article appeared in The Journal of Systemic Therapies Vol.21 #2 The Guilford Press.
1970s—Jim Kelly ’70 participated in the 2002 Summer Iowa Games where he won a gold medal in the shot put, age group 55-59.
Linda Hickman Penly Miskel ’71 recently opened the Stone Haus Bed and Breakfast with her husband, Larry Miskel, in Hermann, MO.
Thomas Simmons ’72 is principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Academy of Math and Science in Des Moines.
Eric Youngberg ’72 was appointed to the Board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Kansas City, MO.
Denis Hildreth ’74 has recently been inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. In 2000 Hildreth was selected as the National Federation Interscholastic Speech and Debate Educator award sectional recipient. He was only the third Iowan to be selected for this honor.
Jeanne Larrison Zemarel ’78 is a customer service representative for America West Airlines at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
1980s—Lanny J. Johnk ’82 is director of operations/scheduling for Tyson/IBP Corporate in Dakota Dunes, SD.
Fritz G. Polite ’82 is associate director for University of Central Florida’s DeVos Sport Business Management Program in Orlando, FL. Polite is also a member of the North American Society for Sports Management and Internal Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance, and co-founded the European American Football Coaches Association.
James Todd ’83 is a claims manager at IMT Insurance Company in West Des Moines.
Greg Hancock ’84 & Brad Jones ’84 competed in the Men’s Masters 800-meter run final at the 93rdDrake Relays in April of 2002.
Kathy Reece Johnson ’85 and her husband, Randy, are the pastors of the Dallas Center Church of the Brethren in Dallas Center.
Kathy Sommerfeld Gedler ’87 recently received her Master’s in Education from Viterbo University in West Des Moines. Gedler is a middle school vocal music teacher in Johnston Community Schools.
Eileen Velharticky Larance ’87 is an enterprise software trainer for JD Edwards in Denver, CO.
Brian Parrott ’87 is a marketing services manager for Allsteel Inc. in Muscatine.
Jerry Roth ’87 received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and recently received a master’s degree in school administration from National Louis University. He is currently a principal at McKenna Middle School in Evansville, WI.
Kip B. Janvrin ’88, Central Missouri’s track coach, recently completed a world best in Finland. Janvrin holds the record for the most decathlons ever started (82), completed (80) and with 7,000-plus points (70). At the double decathlon in Finland, he scored 14,185 points, breaking the old mark (13,906) in a competition that includes the major events except the walks and marathons.
Ken Barloon ’89 been promoted from vice-president to senior vice president and chief financial officer at Communications Data Services Inc. in Des Moines.
1990s—Lynn E. Ochiltree ’90 is owner/manager of Ochiltree Funeral Service and Aftercare in Winterset. Ochiltree was recently installed as the secretary/treasurer of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association.
Beth Cummins Postigo ’90 is a board certified music therapist in Mankato, MN.
Jeff Wilson ’90 is the marketing manager for Firestone Ag. Tires in Des Moines.
Scott Foughty ’91 is assistant director for the Hy-Vee Food Store in Urbandale.
Michael Kellar ’91 recently received the “Order of Merit,” the highest award an alumnus can receive from the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. It denotes outstanding service to the local chapter, the campus and to the International Fraternity.
John Louk ’91 is pastor of the newly created Easter Lake Methodist New Church Development in Des Moines.
Kristina Carlson Sickels ’91 is the division director working in the Des Moines office for RHI Management Resources, a division of Robert Half International , Inc. that specializes in the placing senior level accounting and finance professionals on a project or interim basis.
Ellen Baugher Day ’92 is an Internet production consultant for Hewitt Associates in Lincolnshire, IL.
J. Brent Gavin ’92 is a business instructor for Des Moines Public Schools.
Teresa Lyn Wolf Hughes ’92 is a first grade teacher for Sidney Community Schools.
Tammy Hurley Ingels ’92 recently received her master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Ingels is a teacher and high school English and newspaper sponsor for Oelwein High School.
Steven Jacobsen ’92 is a self-employed carpenter for Jacobsen Construction in Ankeny.
Kelli Rahlf Jauron ’92 works out of her home as a project manager for Carlisle Communications in Dubuque.
Michelle Allen Johnson ’92 is a high school math teacher at George-Little Rock High School in George.
Ross Junge ’92 vice-president/portfolio manager of Amerus Capital Management in Des Moines.
Kim Heifner Lewiston ’92 is a fourth grade teacher in Ogden Community School District.
Dixie Duvall Miller ’92 is systems analyst for CH2Mhill in Greenwood Village, CO.
David C. Smith ’92 is an attorney for the law offices of David Smith, PLLC in Tacoma, WA.
Stephen VanBuren ’92 is a surgeon at McFarland Clinic in Marshalltown.
Donna Jo Wallace ’92 is a substitute teacher for the Des Moines Public Schools.
Leigh Rose McGivern ’93 is a public relations manager at the Integer Group in Des Moines.
Scott Richardson ’93 is president and owner of Richardson Fitness, Inc. in West St.Paul, MN.
Alison Beaver River ’93 is working as a family service counselor at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula, MT. She is pursuing her Mortuary Science degree to become fourth-generation funeral director in her family.
Laura Surber ’93 works as a naturalist for Warren County Conservation Board and works on a ranch where she lives in southern Iowa.
Theresa Cannon DeWitt ’94 is an academic advisor at Iowa State University’s College of Design in Ames.
Alison Hayes Foughty ’94 is a chiropractor for Iowa Health Systems, Center for Health and Well Being in West Des Moines.
Roberto Mancusi ’94 is pursuing a career in opera performance while working towards a DMA in vocal performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Jenn Peterson ’94 works at Wachovia Securities, is the co-convener of Lakeview Coalition of Welcoming Churches and is an active member of Broadway United Methodist Church.
Mark Pfeiffer ’94 is associate vice-president for finance at Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines.
Brad Bridgewater ’95 recently received a master’s in education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Cindy Sanders Dilliner ’95 works at Mission Mountain School, a girls therapeutic boarding school in Montana.
April Vorm Beckett ’96 is a programmer analyst III at Highmark Pennsylvania Blue Shield in Camp Hill, PA.
Carrie Hickman Belt ’96 is a first grade teacher at Bloomer Elementary School in Council Bluffs.
Dawn Soloth Ediger ’96 teaches gifted education and 7th grade English for the Treynor Community Schools in Treynor.
Nathan Jensen ’96, district manager of Vector Marketing Corporations in Lincoln, NE, has reached his $4 million career sales milestone as manager. Jensen joined Vector sales representative in May of 1995 and was soon promoted to field sales manager. He has won numerous sales and achievement awards with the company.
JoAnn Ehler Rasmussen ’96 is an independent team leader and independent beauty consultant and recruiter with Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Michelle Dirks Anderson’97 is a senior accountant at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Christine Gardner Brandt ’97 is a CPA at Learning Curve International in Libertyville, IL.
Jody Bunn Bridgewater ’97 is project director at The Arc of East Central Iowa in Cedar Rapids.
Sara Bucknam ’97 is a school counselor at Roosevelt Middle School in the Mason City Community School District. She recently received a master’s in education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Matthew Chance ’97 is a teacher and athletic director for Bowling Green High School in Curryville, MO.
Joe Cockrell ’97 manages public relations for the 16 branches of the YMCA in Milwaukee, WI. He is also performing for Comedy Sportz in Milwaukee.
Cori Keeton ’97 joined the public relations team of Barnhart/CMI Marketing in Denver, CO.
Ryan Lewis ’97 is a teacher at Northeast Community Schools in Goose Lake. He recently received a master’s in elementary administration from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Brad Melvin ’97 is production manager at Pella Corporation in Pella. In 2000, he received a master’s of business administration from Drake University in Des Moines.
Amy Nielsen Miller ’97 is an eighth grade teacher for the Brainerd Schools in Brainerd, MN.
James Poole ’97 recently received a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines. Poole will have a four-year residency in St. Louis.
Corbette Cavanagh Roberts ’97 is a researcher in the cancer lab at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Dana Sleezer ’97 owns and operates a family-owned farming operation, Sleezer Select Stock, in Aurelia.
Serra Johnson Dewey ’98 is the employee development and human resources manager/assistant vice president with Highland Bank in St. Paul, MN.
Angela Hoctel Johnson ’98 is a special education teacher at Hoyt Middle School in Des Moines.
Staci Peiffer Mancusi ’98 operates a home childcare center in Kansas City, MO.
Jeremy Oltman ’98 works for Pella Corporation in Murray, KY.
Emily Lynn Pfeffer ’98 received her MBA with a concentration in marketing from St.Ambrose University.
Tyler Cerveny ’99 is head varsity basketball coach for Creston High School in Creston.
Nicholas Dewey ’99, CPA, is senior analyst in business risk management services at United Health Group in Minnetonka, MN.
Shawn Farrar ’99 is currently a master of music candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a member of the Knoxville Opera Studio.
Michelle Fowler ’99 is head softball coach at Southeast Warren Schools. She was also recently inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame.
Becky Hirschman ’99 is head athletic trainer at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.
Jennifer Main ’99 is a reporter at the Creston News Advertiser in Creston.
Anne Peterson ’99 of St. Paul, MN recently graduated from Drake University Law School in Des Moines.
Shannon Combs Strickler ’99 recently graduated from Drake Law School and is now working for the Iowa Hospital Association as director of government relations and staff legal counsel.
2000s – Paul Bloomquist ’00 is a member of the “Nate and the Moonlighters” a 50s and 60s band.
Jennifer Briles ’00 is a high school music teacher for the Waukee Community Schools in Waukee.
Brook Christianson Byars ’00 is employed by the city of Indianola and coaches volleyball at Martensdale-St.Mary’s High School.
Tyler Kamerman ’00 is a residential sales representative with Pella Windows in Redondo Beach, CA.
Nate Lester ’00 is in graduate school at Cleveland Chiropractic College of Kansas City, MO.
Marty Princehouse ’00 is the inventory manager at the Onthank Co. in Des Moines.
Kara Van Nordstrand Abens ’01 is a marketing coordinator at Iowa Savings Bank in West Des Moines.
Amy Hoyle Burgess ’01 of Clive ran a 26-mile marathon for the Leukemia Foundation at Disney World in Orlando.
Jennifer Bellon Couchman ’01 is an accounting agent for NZMP (USA) in Allerton. NZMP is a worldwide supplier of milk proteins and other dairy-based ingredients.
Erin Gobel French ’01 attends the University of Glasgow in Scotland studying decorative arts.
Tracy Franks Gillespie ’01 is a graduate student in public health at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Bethanie Hershberger Hawkins ’01 of Coralville, is a project director for NCS Pearson and is working towards an MBA.
Lecia Paul Lampe ’01 is marketing manager for Newell/Rubbermaid in Virginia.
Dana Scott ’01 is a health systems analyst for Segal Corporation in Colorado.
Katherine Snyder-Princehouse ’02 is youth services program manager for The Homestead in Runnells.
Tara Biggerstaff Raymond ’02 works in sales and is a computer programmer in Des Moines.
Amber Harrington Severin ’02 is a commercial underwriter for Allied Insurance in Des Moines.
Mindy Thomas ’02 is an advertising assistant for Homemakers Furniture in Des Moines.
Brianne Trease ’02 is an account executive for The Des Moines Register in Des Moines.
Leah Van Maaren ’02 is worship/ministry teams coordinator for Central College in Pella.
Family Weekend: Three generations of the Harris family, p.27
Feder enjoys role as Saint, p.29
Mike Feder ’73 works as the director of regional sales and marketing for the New Orleans Saints. Feder is in charge of establishing media deals with radio stations, television channels and newspapers. Since his days at Simpson’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon house he’s been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of sports and took this interest and developed it into a very credible and rewarding career.
Alumni News, p.34
Area Alumni Events 2003
Simpson”> College”> will host a number of event s in various locations around the country during 2003. The events will range from Madrigal Tour at the Basilica of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis, a South Texas event hosted by Jim and Maxine Weinman ’49 and Gene and Braught ’41, a social hour with appetizers in Phoenix, AZ and a luncheon at the Phoenix Country Club and final one in San Francisco hosted by Lloyd and Mary Grant’49, ’48.
Faculty Notes, p.35
Professor of music Ron Albrecht’s new CD recording titled “Silver” with flautist Sandra Wacha is now out and available by contacting him or the Simpson bookstore. He also received a composition commission from the Music Teachers National Association.
Dan Bauer, assistant professor of English, wrote an essay titled, “Speaking Matters: Liberation Theology, Rhetorical Performance and Social Action,” which has been accepted for publication in the June 2003 issue of College Composition and Communication.
John Benoit, associate professor of music, recently had two original jazz compositions for trombone quartet—“Elbow Grease” and “Mr. Twister”—accepted for publication by TAP Music Sales.
Tricia Calkins, assistant professor of German, gave a presentation at the annual conference of the Iowa World Language Association in Cedar Rapids. The title was “Teaching the Berlin Wall in the Berlin Republic.”
Amy Doling, assistant professor of biology, gave a seminar at Des Moines University in November 15, 2002 titled, “The use of a modified form of anthrax toxin as a delivery system for the stimulation of CD8+ T cells.”
Jennifer Hedda, assistant professor of history, presented a paper titled, “The Role of the Orthodox Church in the Formation of Civic Society in Late Imperial Russia” at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies.
James Kim, instructor of music, was selected and invited as one of 18 conducting fellows for the Chicago Conducting Workshop and Master Class, which was held from Oct. 10-13, in Chicago, IL.
An essay by Gary Kinkel, associate professor of religion, “Jesus Projects: A Theological Critique,” has been published in the most recent edition of the journal Quaker Religious Thought.
Robert Larsen, professor of music, conducted a seminar on audition techniques for singers and a master class for singers and pianists at the University of Texas in Austin, TX.
Bob Nutgrass, associate professor of physical education, was a presenter at this year’s state convention of the Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance at the University of Northern Iowa.
The US Department of the Interior US Geological Survey’s Information and Technology Report 2002-2004, “A Field Guide to Amphibian Larvae and Eggs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa,” was written by Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, Melinda G. Knutson, and James E. Lyon, with illustrations by Simpson College student Pearl Podgorniak. This research was published in June 2002 and appears in professional journals around the world.
Steve Rose”>, associate professor of education, received honorable mention award in the adult general category for the poem “Windstock to the Seasons” published by Lyric Iowa, 2002. A piece titled, “Teacher Preparation and Supply” he’s written for the “Your Turn” section of the September 02 American School Board Journal was published.
Tobias Winright, assistant professor of religion, presented a paper “From Death Penalty to Life: The Liturgy as a Source for Reform” (with Dr. Allyne Smith), at the conference, “From Death to Life: Agendas for Reform,” at the University of Notre Dame, sponsored by the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. He also presented three workshops on “Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace” at the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines.
David Wolf, instructor of English, had six poems published in the September issue of “Short Stuff,” a journal devoted to poetry in short forms.
Tom Woldt, associate professor of theatre arts, has been elected vice chair and chair-elect for region V of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Starting in the spring semester, he will serve a three-year term as vice chair, overseeing the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions and assisting the chair with planning and logistics for the Region V festival, planning activities, coordination of regional respondents and financial matters, and will serve as the representative of Region V to the national festival and committee at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. One of the eight regions across the country, Region V includes eight states in the Upper Midwest.
New Faces, p.36
Sandy Condon joined the admissions staff as a receptionist. Before coming to Simpson, Condon worked as an office manager at Taylor’d Financial Services.
Amy Doling has joined the science department as assistant professor of biology. Previously, Doling was a graduate student and Ph.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School in the department of microbiology and molecular genetics.
Michael Duke has joined the music department as instructor of music. Prior to his hire, Duke was a graduate student at Indiana University.
Steve Ellens ’96 has been hired as assistant men’s basketball coach, freshman academic athletic liaison and to assist with athletic marketing. Ellens coached and taught English and journalism at Horizon High School in Phoenix.
John F. Fry has joined the history department as assistant professor of history. Previously, Fry spent five years as a graduate instructor of history at the University of Iowa.
James Kim has been hired as a vocal music instructor. Prior to joining the Simpson faculty, Kim was pursuing a doctorate at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.
Neal Nelsen ’01 has joined the athletic department where he will be working with the athletic trainers. Prior to his hire at Simpson, Nelsen was a substitute physical education teacher at Norwalk.
Michael Norris ’02 has been hired in the admissions office as an admissions counselor for southwest Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. Previously, Norris worked at Wells Fargo Financial in West Des Moines.
Jin Young (Jean) Park has joined the music department as instructor of musical accompaniment and piano. Previously, Park was earning her doctorate in piano performance and pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma.
Duff Ridgeway has joined the college of advancement office as director of gift planning. Ridgeway was director of planned giving at Indiana State University prior to coming to Simpson.
Kim E. Samek has joined the business department as an instructor of accounting. Previously, Samek worked as a Certified Public Accountant at Price Waterhouse Coopers and as a CPA with the Department of Justice, both in Phoenix.
Eun Hee Shin has been hired as assistant professor of religion. Dr. Shin was a visiting assistant professor of religion at Ohio Northern University.
Ken Smith has joined the student development staff as area coordinator for Kresge and Barker Halls. Prior to his hire at Simpson, Smith was a residence hall director at Iowa State University.
Charles Thomas, who will graduate from Simpson in 2003, has been named telecommunication and network technician in the information services office.
Ashley Tilka has been hired as assistant director of annual giving and alumni programs in the department of college advancement. Tilka worked as calendar editor at Cityview.
Adam Voigts has been hired as assistant vice president for business services/controller. Previously, Voigts worked as public accountant for Grant Thornton in Colorado Springs.
Andy Walker ’02 has joined the athletic department as assistant baseball coach and recruitment coordinator.
Denise Wichman has been hired as secretary in alumni relations. Previously, Wichman worked as a secretary in an elementary school in Kansas City, MO.
Simpson Magazine
Spring 2003
Simpson Briefly
Campus Day task force appointed p.2
President R. Kevin LaGree wants the Simpson community to take a fresh look at Campus Day. He has appointed a task force, chaired by Professor Ron Warnet, chemistry, to study “one of Simpson’s most important traditions.”
LaGree elected to NCAA task force p.2
President LaGree has been elected as vice-chair of the president’s council for NCAA Division III.
Promoting Diversity is goal of new gifts p.3
New gifts to Simpson College will benefit underrepresented population s beginning this fall. The largest of the three gifts, a $100,000 commitment from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will be used to establish the George Washington Carver Fellows program for underrepresented students.
Simpson opens center in Ankeny p.3
Simpson”> College has opened a new center in Ankeny with the first classes to be held there during the Summer Session I.
Van Buren and Hansell named to board p.3
Steve Van Buren’92 and Jordan Hansell, an attorney with Nyemaster Law Firm in Des Moines, were recently appointed to the Simpson College Board of Trustees.
Business Horizons finds new home at Simpson p.4
By Jennifer Whitham
Simpson”> College”> is taking on a new gig this summer. For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, Business Horizons will be held here on campus. Prior to the decision to change its location, Business Horizons, headed up by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), was held at Drake University in Des Moines.
Clarence Morgan, Philadelphia artist, visited Simpson in March in conjunction with an exhibit of his recent paintings. Story on page 4.
Metro Drama teaching high school theatre is calling for three Simpson alumni p.5
By Jennifer Whitham
Denis Hildreth ’74, Robin Vanderhoef ’75 and Cary Shapiro ’76 are teachers of high school drama and theatre in three of Des Moines’ biggest high schools, Lincoln High School, Hoover High School and Ankeny High School.
“Indie” Rebel p.6-11
By Michael Adams
United Artists President Bingham Ray ’76 puts his contrarian nature to good use as an independent film guru.
Fifteen weeks in the White House p.12-14
By Michael Adams
Political science major Garrett Piklapp spent fifteen weeks in the White House as an intern in the office of public liaison. This office is one of four politically oriented departments overseen by Karl Rove, senior advisor to President George W. Bush and strategic architect of the GOP’s stunning political success in the last midterm elections.
Malless publishes third “word book” p. 15
By Jennifer Whitham
Stan Malless, associate professor of education recently saw his third book on the words of the English language published. This past January, W.W. Norton published “Coined by God,” which Malless c-authored with Jeffrey McQuain.
Walking the walk: Simpson faculty and staff find rewards living their faiths in their daily lives p.16-17
By Steve Rose
Owen Duncan, professor of history and a United Church of Christ member; Jim Thorius, vice-president of student affairs and a Presbyterian; Ron Warnet, professor of chemistry and a United Church of Christ member; Kathy Witzenburg, an administrative assistant for the faculty in Wallace Hall and a member of the Disciples of Christ are some of the people whose lives exemplify Simpson’s mission statement, which reads “…the Judaeo-Christian tradition and the Methodist Church…guide members of the…community on issues of personal integrity, moral responsibility, social justice, and citizenship.”
Alumni News
Hall of Fame inductees named p.18
Christina Wickering Cunningham ’92 triumphed in both cross-country and track when she was a student at Simpson. She was a four-year letter winner in cross-country and a three-year letter winner in track. While at Simpson, she set five school records in track and still holds the second quickest time in the history of the cross-country program. Cunningham graduated with a degree in art. She is now the head cross-country coach at Clear Lake High School for boys and girls, junior high cross-country coach and head girls track coach.
Rose Michels Grover ’93 is Simpson’s only three-time all-American in volleyball and in 1992 she was named first team all-American. She graduated from Simpson with a degree in biology in 1993.
Kelly Sheda Wensel ’93 earned numerous all-conference, all-American and MVP honors as a member of the Simpson College track team. She was an all-American in 1991, 1992 and 1993 taking the national championship in the 400 meters in 1993.
Double S and Buxton awardees announced p.19
Steve McGraw ’69 is boys’ basketball, golf and tennis coach and teacher for the Waterloo Community schools. McGraw is an accomplished baseball umpire and has officiated at the state tournament several times. While at Simpson he received his degree in physical education. He was involved in baseball and basketball, was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and made the dean’s list.
Joel Shaner ’68 is retiring this year after a 35-year career as a history and social studies teacher for the Pocahontas Community School District, where he has served as the track, basketball and assistant football coach; and assistant athletic director. While at Simpson Shaner received his degree in physical education. He was an active member of the basketball and track teams.
Bob Sallee is the owner of Bob’s Custom Trophies in Indianola. He works closely with the Simpson athletic department on all of the plaques and trophies. He was an inaugural member of the Simpson Gold Club and has been an active member of the board of directors. He is also a President’s Society member at Simpson College and a major sponsor for the Simpson golf outing. While he did not attend Simpson, Sallee regularly attends college sporting activities and events.
Sports at Simpson p.20-22
Men’s Basketball–Crossing the line between winning and losing: The Storm men lost seven of their nine games on the road during the 2002-2003 season. With a 14-12 record overall and a 9-9 record in the IIAC, Bruce Wilson, head basketball coach, said his team had a season of close but not cigar situations.
Women’s Basketball—Conference champs but no tournament title: The Simpson women’s basketball team won their fourth Iowa conference championship in the past six years. Their only complaint was losing the championship game of the conference tournament to Loras College. The Storm ended the season with a 21-7 record overall, and a 14-4 IIAC record.
Swimming—First year as conference sport: The swimming season marked its first year as a conference sport in IIAC competition. The Storm women finished fifth at the Iowa conference championships in Cedar Rapids at Coe College.
Wrestling—Everybody’s All-Americans: Three Simpson wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Division III national wrestling championships this year and two were named all-Americans.
Men and Women’s Indoor Track—The young and the dedicated: The men and women’s track team had a good, solid indoor season according to their coach.
Presidential Comments p.23
By R. Kevin LaGree
The satisfaction of transforming lives
A deeper satisfaction comes from rediscovering what we seek for every student today is the same as those who preceded us worked for in their day.
Touring the Years p.24-31
1930s—Mildred Chambers Wynes ’34 recently celebrated her 92nd birthday with family and friends in Albia.
Ruth Sheppard Schultz ’35 celebrated her 90th birthday on Oct. 12, 2002.
1940s—Robert Day ’49 and Clarice Shawman Day ’49 of Albuquerque,NM, are Volunteers in Mission (VIM). In the past two years they have participated in trips to Panama, El Salvador and Sager-Brown UMCOR Depot in Louisiana.
1950s—Phillip Hunget ’54 and Connie Lembke Hunget ’56 enjoy working security for the Iowa Hawkeye basketball games in Iowa City; both are retired teachers.
Robert Calhoun ’55 has been elected chairman of SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives, in San Antonio, TX, for 2003.
Dennis Crabtree ’56 of Des Moines recently received the Iowa Lions Club Bud Klise Leadership Award at the state convention in Waterloo. He also received the Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Award from the Altoona Lions Club.
1960s—Jim Noseworthy ’69 is the 21st president of Hiwasee College in Madisonville, TN. Hiwasee is a two-year private college related to the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church.
1970s—John Pehrson ’72 recently received his doctor of ministry degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In January of 2003 he became pastor of Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Salina, KS.
Judy Fierce Pehrson ’72 will teach guided reading in the South Sioux City, NE school through May of 2003.
Kathy Worster ’72 of Appomattox, VA. has been appointed vice-president of diversity at Longwood College.
Linda Robbins ’75 worked for the IRS for 30 years retiring in 1999. She worked at the IRS part-time while attending Simpson and got credit for working and taking a tax course and writing about it.
John Arthur ’77 has served as senior pastor for the past five years of the Tulsa First Foursquare Church in Oklahoma. He continues to be partner and exploration geologist of Axis Exploration, L.L.C. and vice-president of Axis Management Corporation.
Mark Miller ’79 was recently named Johnston Business Person of the Year by the Johnston Chamber of Commerce.
Steven Stolen ’79 is director of development and capital gifts at Butler University. Stolen performed a solo for the New York National Convention of the American Choral Directors’ Association in New York. Stolen started a new concert series at Butler University called the Meridian Song Project.
1980s—Fritz Polite’82 is a professor at the University of Central Florida and works as a consultant for the NFL.
Rondelle Reed ’82 is manager for advanced selling at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Des Moines.
Carlton”> Tarver ’83 is an investigative case manager, United State Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Investigations and Counterintelligence, personnel Security Division in Washington D.C.
Amy Usher Gregston ’87 and Bryan Gregston ’87 are involved with the diabetes advocacy. They represented Colorado for the Call to Congress, a national event to inform members of Congress about diabetes and the need for increased funding.
Ruthann Wilson Burkman ’88 is a guidance counselor at West Elementary School in Knoxville.
Jody Gray ’88 of Thornburg, is superintendent of Tri-County Community Schools.
1990s—Matthew Kaldenberg ’90 owns Kaldenburg Landscaping in Johnston.
Eric D. Argo ’92 is a partner in the law firm of Abrahams, Kaslow and Cassman.
Ann Wagner Dieleman ’92 received her master’s degree from Drake University in 2000.
Sarah Berkson Turell ’92 of Maitland, FL., is office manager for The Cameron Group, a geriatric care management company.
Jay Byers ’93 is Iowa chief of staff for Congressman Leonard Boswell
Lisa Trewin ’93 is a K-5 music director at Purple Sage elementary school in Houston, TX.
Rob Beeler ’94 has been promoted from senior benefit consultant to partner at Benefit Source, Inc.
Jonathan P. Anderson ’95 has joined Optometric Associates in Indianola as an optometrist.
Maurio D. Coleman ’96 has been police officer in Clive since 1997.
Pete Waltz ’96 recently graduated from Northwestern Missouri State University in Maryville, MO with a master’s degree in secondary school administration.
Joe Cockerell ’97 is assistant director of university communications at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
David Siestra ’97 is a partner in the CPA firm of Van Maanen and Associates, P.C. in Pella.
Nancy Brosemer ’98 is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MO.
Kyle Proctor ’98 has joined Hetrick Communications Inc. in Indiana as an account manager.
Christopher Torrents ’99 has received a master’s degree in Chinese and Japanese History from the University of London.
2000s – Jane Jorgensen ’00 graduated with a master’s degree in sports health care in Mesa, Arizona in August 2002.
Holly Reid ’00 recently received her master’s degree in criminal justice from St. Ambrose University in Davenport.
Adam Shepherd ’00 is a Midwest region territory sales manager for Managing Editor Inc., a software company in Jenkintown, PA.
Erin Gobel French ’01 of Glasgow, Scotland, received her master of philosophy degree in decorative arts from the University of Glasgow.
Megan Jameson ’01 is assistant women’s basketball coach at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX.
Noseworthy assumes presidency of Hiwasee College p.27
Dr. James Noseworthy ’69 was recently named the 21st president of Hiwasee College in Madisonville, Tenn.
The past and future of Simpson
Paul Eggers a 1932 graduate of Simpson College, letter winner, inductee in the Simpson Hall of Fame, president of the S Club, all-conference first team, member of Alpha Tau Omega and great grandfather, taught accounting at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for more than 27 years.
Life trustee Marion Coons dies
Marion McDowell Coons, an honorary life member of the Simpson College Board of Trustees, died of a stroke on Jan. 26, 2003 at The Village in Indianola.
Department head changes p.31
Carole Richardson, instructor of education, will assume duties as the head of the education department, replacing Jackie Crawford, professor of education.
In the foreign language department Mark Bates, associate professor of Spanish will step down s department chair and Tricia Calkins, assistant professor of German will take his place. Rick Spellerberg, associate professor of mathematics will take over for Bill Dunning, professor of mathematics, as department chair. In the department of management, accounting and economics, Tom Schmidt, associate professor of management, will replace Marilyn Mueller, professor of management, as chair of the department.
Sociology Awards p.31
Three Simpson students won student-paper competitions at the Iowa Sociological Association conference. Sophomore criminal justice major Kate Guillen won the Mary Alice Erickson Award for Best Paper by a first year or sophomore student. Seniors Trisha Fry and Courtney Stiles won the W. Ward Reynoldson Award for Best Paper in Criminal Justice on Deviance.
Faculty Notes p.32
Jackie Brittingham, assistant professor of biology, served on a panel to review grant proposals submitted to the Natural Science Foundation’s Course Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) program that will serve as a basis for funding decisions made by the NSF. Michael Duke, instructor of music, presented a clinic titled, “Saxophone Essentials” to Iowa middle and high schools band directors for the Orpheus Band Festival at Simpson College. Duke recently gave a recital of works by Debussy. Hindemith, Gotvosky, and Cockroft. The recital solo featured the world premiere of Simpson College’s own Dr. Michael Patterson’s “Petite Variations for Alto Saxophone and Piano.” Robert L. Gieber,professor of French, has been named to a three-year appointment on the advisory council for the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. CoryAnne Harrigan, assistant professor of English, attended the Renaissance Society of America’s annual meeting in Toronto, March 27-29, at which she presented her paper, “Mars in Drag: Romanticizing Epic in Boccaccio’s Teseida.” The panel, “Violent Unions: Love and War in Romance Tradition,” examined the works of Italian and English poets of the Rennaisance. Scott LaGraff, instructor of music, gave a recital of German songs at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN and at McLennan Community College in Waco, TX. While at McLennnan Community College, he also gave a master class in vocal technique. Janet Meade, assistant professor of accounting, has been selected by the adult student honorary society, Alpha Sigma Lambda, to receive the Excellence in Adult Education Award for 2001. Murphy Waggoner, associate professor of mathematics, attended the joint meetings of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society in Baltimore, MD. Tobias Winright, assistant professor of religion, published “Roman Catholicism, Pacifism In,” in The Encyclopedia of Religion and War, ed. Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez (New York: Routledge, 2003).
Simpson Magazine
Summer 2003
Faculty Notes p.2
Professor of Music Ron Albrecht’s new composition for saxophone and piano, “Masada,” premiered at the state convention of the Iowa Music Teacher’s Association in June. John Benoit, associate professor of music, recently had four pieces published by Tap Music Sales—an original composition for trombone quartet titled “Bone Voyage,” a transcription for trombone trio of two organ preludes by Joseph Rheinberger, and new settings of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Angels We Have Heard On High” scored for mixed brass sextet. Michael Duke, instructor of music, performed two compositions at the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3 Conference at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Sal Meyers, associate professor of psychology, attended the Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago. One of her advisees, James Boswell, presented the results of his Psychology Honors Project at the conference. Marilyn Meuller, professor of management, and Tom Schmidt, assistant professor of management, attended the April 24 meeting and dinner of Financial Executives International in Des Moines. On April 13 Michael Patterson, associate professor of music, and Michael Duke, instructor of music, performed Patterson’s new composition “Petite Variations” at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, for the Iowa Composers Society concert. Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, moderated the Zoology section of the annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science in Des Moines. Associate Professor of Philosophy John Pauley’s essay “The Value of Hunting” will be published his fall in The Journal of Value Inquiry, an international journal in value theory. David Wolf, instructor of English, published two poems in the April 2003 issue of the poetry journal Buddha’s Temple. Tobias Winright, presented “Christian Attitudes Towards War and Peace” for the board meeting of the Iowa Ecumenical Ministries, consisting of representatives from ten denominations in Iowa. An article entitled “Creating Caring and Democratic Learning Communities” appeared in the April edition of Classroom Leadership (a national newsletter for K-12 teachers published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). The article, by Kathy Checkley, details Associate Professor of Education Patricia Young’s research comparing democratic and traditional classrooms.
Simpson Briefly
Benoit’s Way p.3
By Jennifer Whitham-Johnson
John Benoit, associate professor of music, finds using computers a great way to compose music. Benoit has written and arranged music via computer for about six years but is also prolific at the traditional method of composing with pencil and paper.
Art and social justice take student to Chiapas p.4
By Michael Adams
Gertrude Blom lived among the Lacondon Indians of Chiapas from 1940-1980 and in the process amassed a collection of 55,000 photographic negatives of the Mayan descendents, a people who continue to live in a mountainous region of southern Mexico. Beginning next spring semester, Lindsay Smith, a Simpson sophomore majoring in art and religion from Fairfield, Iowa, will help bring Blom’s work into the digital age.
Jane Kvetko prefers “transitioning” to retirement p.5
By Matt DeWolf
Professor of social work Jane Kvetko didn’t retire—she’s transitioning. Kvetko has been teaching at Simpson for 21 years and said that it’s just time to move on to something different. She’s been involved in a number of different areas while at Simpson, but one she has really enjoyed was her involvement in the chain gang football games.
Sustaining the future: Gary Valen has become one of the nation’s foremost advocates of sustainable agriculture p.6-7
By Jennifer Whitham-Johnson
Simpson alumnus and Humboldt, Iowa native Gary Valen ’60 is one such individual working to call attention to the virtues of sustainable agriculture. Valen was a history instructor at Simpson for 12 years and later served as dean of students before leaving the college in 1984. He is currently director of operations at Glynnwood Center in Cold Spring, New York.
“Getting” Anthrax p.8-9
By Lisa Golly
Amy Doling, assistant professor of biology, ‘gets’ anthrax. She understands how it works and is among a group of researchers who one day hope to reduce its danger. She says anthrax is not a very efficient biological weapon. In her opinion, the anthrax spores have to be desiccated or dried to a very specific size to be dispersed effectively, then the spores must be inhaled in order to germinate in the lungs.
Commencement 2003 p.11-12
Yet again this year, the weather was near perfect and about 4,000 family members and friends all gathered in Cowles Center for this glorious day. As he has done in the past during his time here, President Kevin LaGree requested those family members and friends of international students who made the journey to Iowa to stand and accept a warm Iowa welcome. Iowa Conference Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, the 2003 Kerstetter Commencement Speaker, acknowledged the role of commencement speaker as “kind of necessary filler” for the real business of the day.
Jazz in available light p.13-17
By Michael Adams
A native of Reasnor, Iowa JoAnn Krivin graduated from Simpson in 1955 with ideas of becoming an opera singer. She says it was at Simpson where she first gained her first real exposure to the arts. She is now a photographer who captures musicians and artists at the right moment, according to her husband Martin Krivin. After Simpson, she became a copywriter for the local CBS affiliate, then moved to New York City shortly after graduation, married and served as a public relations writer for Columbia Records. Later, she opened a small art gallery in New Jersey.
Alumni News
A step back in time p.18-20
In keeping with Alumni Weekend 2003’s theme, “A Step Back In Time,” the annual event proved to be just that for the 140 alumni in attendance June 19-21.
Presidential Comments p.21
By R. Kevin LaGree
Simpson Experience imbued with ‘love’s wisdom’
In his commentary, President LaGree describes and defines the very importance of the Simpson Experience, which is filled with love’s wisdom.
Sports at Simpson p.23-24
By Sara Opie
Men and Women’s Outdoor Track: Coach Tim Byers led the men to a sixth place finish in the conference, their highest finish since 1998 and the women to an eighth place finish, an improvement over last year.
Women’s Golf: The whole season was fairly exciting for the Storm golfers. After winning the conference, the team was seeded fourth going into the NCAA golf championships in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Softball: Rain was to blame for the complete cancellation of a double-header varsity game. It came at a pivotal time in the season for the Storm. The way the conference rules are set currently, the only way games can be made up due to weather is to play within 24 hours and at the same site. So the Storm didn’t finish as well as they had hoped but did better than most this season. Despite a 31-4-1 record, they were not invited to the NCAA Division III softball national tournament. They finished 12-3-1 in the conference and placed fourth in the conference tournament.
Baseball: Head Baseball Coach John Sirianni was pleased with the outcome of the Storm’s 24-19 season record and 12-9 conference record. The team finished second in the Iowa Conference Tournament, which put them third overall in the IIAC.
Men’s Tennis: The Simpson men finished their tennis season with a 9-9 record overall, a 9-5 conference record and a fourth place finish at the IIAC tournament in Cedar Rapids.
Touring the Years p.25-30
1940s—Maxine Smith Weinman ’49 recently retired after serving 25 years as curator of the National Ballon Museum in Indianola.
1950s—Lloyd Anderson ’55 is Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture at Iowa State University in Ames.
1960s—Tom Gruis ’60 of Des Moines retired in 1999 from high school teaching.
Mary Ann Wolf Johnson ’61 retired from Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, NC and moved to Denver, CO.
Tom C. Murr ’63 retired from teaching in July 2002 after teaching and coaching for 37 years.
1970s—Royal Corbin ’70 completed post-graduate clinical pastoral education training at Iowa Methodist, Iowa Lutheran and Blank Children’s Hospitals in Des Moines to become a chaplain.
Jim Kelly ’70 participated in the Iowa Games and received a Gold Medal in shot put in the 55-59 age division.
Kathy Worster ’72 is vice-president of administration and finance and chief financial officer of Longwood University in Farmville, VA.
John Tinley ’74 of Casper, WY recently received a second BA from the University of Wyoming in secondary social studies/teaching.
Bill Utterback ’76 graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He is a resident chaplain at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA.
1980s—Joe Morrison ’82 won three awards at the Society of Professional Journalists/Mid-Florida Chapter banquet.
Revita Payne De Chalus ’83 and her husband, Roscoe De Chalus, are both pastors who host a web ministry for people to enhance their Christian growth or to begin their Christian growth.
Elizabeth Koch ’85 teaches voice part-time at Cornell University and Ithaca College in New York.
Todd McConville ’86 is part of the cast of “Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical,” a Hell In A Handbag Production, at the New York International Fringe Festival.
Patrick Hansen ’88 was recently appointed to the newly created tenure-track position at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York as music director for the opera/musical theatre program.
Abraham T. Morrison ’89 is a Broadway propsman for three shows: “Imaginary Friends” by Nora Ephron, “The Play What I Wrote” directed by Kenneth Brannagh and Long Day’s Journey Into Night” starring Vanessa Redgrave.
Michael Sadler ’89 is director of policy and law for Qwest Communications in Des Moines.
Lori Wallace Wray ’89 is employed part-time at Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center doing marketing and public relations. She recently started her own business, Watermark Productions in Geneva, IL doing public relations, graphic design and fundraising and specializing in serving religious and non-profit organizations.
1990s—Rob Ford ’93 recently received a direct commission to the Iowa Army National Guard Judge Advocate General Corps as a 1st Lieutenant.
Christopher Baas ’97 is an accounting and tax manager and IT consultant at Baas and Associates.
Joe Cockrell ’97 of Milwaukee has a role in the movie, “Mr. 3000” a comedy about a Brewer’s baseball player who comes out of retirement when his career is challenged.
Patrea Hill ’97 works as an inside sales representative at Percival Scientific in Perry.
Andrew Norton Isaacson ’97 is branch rental manager for Penske Truck Leasing in Lenexa, KS.
Heather Stevens Willrich ’97 is a first grade teacher for Dallas Center-Grimes.
Ben Carter-Allen ’99 graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio with a Master’s of Divinity. He is the associate pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer.
Karen Carter-Allen ’99 graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio with a master’s of arts in Christian education. She works at the Community Theater in Spencer.
DeeDee Randolph Chance ’99 recently graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha with a master’s of social work and master’s of public administration.
Holly Pfeiffer ’99 recently graduated from Drake University in Des Moines with a doctorate in pharmacy.
2000s—Mitchell Chance ’00 teaches special education at Albia High School and will coach junior varsity basketball in Albia.
Derek Lord ’00 is program manager at Scholarship America in St. Peter, MN.
Melody Parkins Michaelson ’00 is program coordinator of the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Honolulu, HI.
Meredith Jennings Poole ’00 is web site coordinator for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity in Town & Country, MO.
Joanna Schmolke ’00 is stage manager for Actors Equity Association.
Lisa Glick Darling ’01 is assistant purchasing manager at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. in Manhattan, NY.
Deb Melcher ’01 of Prairie Village, KS is sales representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Jeremy Crozier ’02 is high school choir director at Plano Independent School District in Plano, TX.
Holly Erschens ’02 is a study coordinator with the National Birth Defects Registry with the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Greg Vickroy ’02 is an executive management trainee for Simmers Capital Management Corporation in Phoenix, AZ.
Setting the Stage in Havana p.26
By Jennifer Whitham-Johnson
Jay Byers ’93 arranges trade and human rights meeting between U.S. delegation and Fidel Castro. He describes his experience eating chocolate truffles and strawberry ice cream at 1 a.m. with Cuban President Fidel Castro, as “surreal.”
Ty Kamerman: Theatre Mogul p.28
Ty Kamerman ’00 is not the first Iowan to move to California with the dream of a successful acting career. He is, however, among a rare breed to start a new and innovative theatre company. TheVampire Cowboys Theatre Company West Coast is a group of young people striving to give a new life and a new voice to West Coast theatre.
The Math Quilt p.30
By Katie Byrd
Murphy Waggoner, assistant professor of mathematics, took her passion for quilting into the classroom spring semester. Her Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers class made a quilt using math concepts found in elementary education.
New Faces p.31
Nicole Downing Faust ’99 has been hired in the student development office as area coordinator for campus apartments. She will also be in charge of health and wellness programming. Angela Gafford is Simpson’s new chaplain of spiritual development. Denice Ross Haynes has joined the career services office as director of counseling and career services. Brian Wright has joined the advancement office as director of gift planning.
Hamer appointed to board of trustees p.31
Susan Vogel Hamer ’72 of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas was recently appointed to the Simpson College Board of Trustees.
Alla’s perfect fit p.32
Alla Bondaruk’s family left the Ukraine in 1989 to escape religious repression and the disintegrating economics of the breakup of the former Soviet Union. Alla calls Chariton, Iowa her home and Simpson a perfect fit for her and younger brother Nikolay, also a freshman at Simpson.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 2004
Faculty Notes p.2
Ron Albrecht, professor of music, judged a piano festival of the Iowa Music Teachers’ Association held at Drake University. Albrecht performed a solo recital in Great Hall featuring an original composition titled, “Masada” for the saxophone and piano. Michael Duke was the guest artist on the saxophone. Jim Bohy, assistant professor of computer science, successfully defended his dissertation and earned his Ed.D from University of Northern Iowa. Tricia Calkins, associate professor of German, began a two-year term as president of the Iowa chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German. Jan Everhart, program director of the Lilly Initiative for Vocational Exploration, gave a paper in the “Gender, Sexuality and the Bible” section of The Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Atlanta. The title of the paper was, “Jezebel: Framed by Eunuchs?” Fred Jones, professor of criminal justice and Ako Abdul Samad presented information on gang activities in Des Moines for the faculty and staff at Wallace Elementary School. Gary Kinkel, associate professor of religion, gave a lecture titled, “A Biblical Theology of Ministry to the Bishop” to the committee on ordained ministry and all candidates for ministry of the ECLA, southeastern Iowa Synod. Andy McMahan instructor of music, served as chair of the annual Iowa Collegiate Honor Band Festival in Ames. Bob Nutgrass, associate professor of physical education, attended the Iowa State Physical Education convention run by the Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, attended the fall meeting of the Iowa Natural History Association in Cedar Falls. John Pauley’s article titled, “Evil and Intention: Chasing after Eichmann,” a philosophical discussion of two new books on the problem of evil, has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Philosophical Studies. Steve Rose, associate professor of education, published an article called “What the Quality School Literature and Brain-based Research Mean to the Caring Classroom” in the December 2003 issue of Iowa Educational Leadership. Professor of English Nancy St. Clair’s essay “World of Wonder: The Liberating Power of Children’s Fantasy” will appear in the March issue of Science Fiction Studies. Tom Schmidt, assistant professor of management, published an article in the Journal of Marketing Education, “ The Impact of Voice and Justification on Students’ Perceptions of Professors’ Fairness.” Iowa Health Systems applied for a patent on a stretch of Human DNA that may be useful in cancer gene therapy for ovarian cancer patients. The co-discoverers named on the patent are Pat Singer, professor of biology and His-Chou Liu. Brian Steffen, associate professor of communication studies, presented several sessions at the national College Media Advisers convention in Dallas, TX.
Simpson Briefly
Raising hell at 89 p.3
“Granny D”—Doris Haddock—brought her message about campaign finance to Simpson last fall as part of her ongoing effort to raise hell. As part of the college’s Liberal Arts Seminar, all first-year students were asked to read Haddock’s memoir, “Granny D, You’re Never Too Old to Raise a Little Hell” about her 3200-mile, 14-month journey across American at the age of 89, in support of campaign finance reform.
John Kellog accepts advancement challenge p.4-5
In the fall of last year, John Kellog was offered a challenge to lead Simpson’s advancement efforts—those of fundraising, alumni and marketing. Kellog accepted the appointment with his familiar “can-do” attitude.
In Memoriam: E.G. Booth p.6
E.G. Booth, professor emeritus of education, long-time head of the education department, former football coach and director of athletics at Simpson, died January 21 after battling Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Sabbaticals, promotions and tenures approved p. 6
Sabbaticals Fall 2004: Lora Friedrich, assistant professor of social science “Education and Life Transformation: Using the English Language for Social Status Enhancement in Thailand.” Nancy St. Clair, professor of English, “The Distant Mirror: Issues in Young Adult Historical Fiction, 1990-2002.” Mark Bates, associate professor of Spanish, “Study Semester in Brazil to Develop Latin American Studies.”
Spring 2005: Werner Kolln, professor of chemistry, “Current Trends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry.” John Pauley, professor of philosophy, “The Phenomenology of Faith: A Writing Project in Philosophy of Religion.” Steve McLean, associate professor of theatre, “Understanding Standards of Design and Technical Theatre Communications: A Proposal for Faculty Development in Theatre Tech.”
Promotions—from associate professors to professors: Jennifer Ross Nostrala, professor of theatre arts, chair of the division of fine and performing arts; Bob Nutgrass, professor of physical education, chair of the department of physical education; and Ruth Weatherly, professor of management.
Tenure recipients: Jack Gittinger, associate professor of education; Nicolas Proctor, associate professor of history; Carole Richardson, assistant professor of education and chair of the department of education; Dave Richmond, associate professor of art and chair of the department of art; and Tom Schmidt, assistant professor of management.
The Dean’s Day p.7-9
By Jennifer Whitham-Johnson
Taking a closer look into the day of Dean Haddox’s hectic schedule. His days involve building community and solving problems while juggling more meetings than anyone human should attend.
Final Preparations: Three young alumni choose a career in caring for the dead –and the living p.10-13
By Lisa Golly
Lynn Ochiltree ’90 is owner and funeral director for Ochiltree Funeral Service and Aftercare in Winterset, IA and president of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. Jamie Johnson ’98 is a funeral director at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines. Her stepfather is a third generation owner of Hamilton’s.
Alison”> River ’93 is fourth generation funeral director of Ohde Funeral Homes in Manning, Manilla, Coon Rapids, Bayard, and Kimballton/Elk Horn, Iowa.
Canyon Tracks p.14-17
By Jennifer Whitham-Johnson
Index Case knows what it’s like to generate excitement with their “art metal,” only this time a national record company has taken notice. Now someone’s spending thousands a day so they can tap their creative energy while living and working in Topanga Canyon retreat laying down tracks for their first national release. For four guys from Indianola, it’s a rock and roll dream. The band features Simpson alumnus Korey Birkenholtz ’03.
Alumni News
Homecoming p.18-21
By Ashley Rullestad
Homecoming at Simpson was packed with a variety of spirit-filled activities this year, spurring the Storm on to victory against Buena Vista, 42-21.
Simpson Send-Offs
The office of alumni relations paired with the office of admissions to host a unique event for Simpson alumni, students and parents. In August, Minneapolis alumni, returning students, incoming freshmen and all current parents gathered to share Simpson stories and to “send off” the new first year students as they started their time on campus.
Presidential Comments
By R. Kevin LaGree
At the intersection of “deep gladness and “deep hunger” p.22
Reflecting on the role a liberal arts college plays in helping young women and men discover their life’s work, President LaGree states that “Simpson’s curriculum encourages every student who comes here to think about the kind of life he or she will lead and nurtures them in reflecting upon the values needed, or as some people put it to make a life, not just a living.”
Sports at Simpson p.23-26
By Sara Opie
Gaining experience and confidence
Men and Women’ Cross Country: The Simpson men finished 22nd at the NCAA regional championships in Grinnell. Nick Bowerman, who placed 18th in the conference, was the top finishing runner. For the season, the Simpson Buxton Open was the men’s best finish with a third-place ranking. For the women, sophomore and first-time cross country runner, Jen Wendt proved to be a valuable weapon in the Storm arsenal this season.
Women finish Sixth in the Conference
Tennis: With an 8-5 record overall and 4-4 record in the conference, the Storm had key victories over Buena Vista, Wartburg and Graceland.
Simpson Earns National Playoff Bid
Football: Losing only one game to Wartburg in the regular season, the Simpson football team earned a bid to the NCAA Division III football tournament in De Piere, Wis. Matched up against #11 St. Norbert, the #20 Storm lost 26-20 in double overtime during the first round of the tournament.
A Good Spike Spoiled
Volleyball: The Storm volleyball team finished the season with a 23-10 record overall and a 6-2 record in the conference. Yet, despite the impressive numbers the team did not get a bid to the NCAA tournament.
Consistent and Centered
Women’s Golf: The women’s golf team had a strong finish to a good season when they placed second at the Iowa Conference women’s golf championships in Cedar Falls. A nail-biting sudden death play-off in the final round of the tournament placed the Storm second behind Buena Vista for the third time in the past four years during this tournament.
A Mighty Storm
Women’s Soccer: The women beat Wartburg their first round of the Iowa Conference tournament but went on to be upended by Luther in the semifinals. The Storm ended the season with an 11-8 overall record and a 6-2 record in the IIAC.
Men’s Soccer: The men’s soccer team finished the season with 12-7-2 overall record and a 4-3-1 record in the IIAC Conference. After a big win over Central College in the first round of the Iowa Conference tournament, the Storm lost to Loras in the semifinals.
Touring the Years p.27-33
1950s—Rebecca Moore Sherrill ’52 is retired but is busy doing volunteer work.
1960s—Ilene Ferrell Schnicker ’60 of Washington, recently retired but continues to be a lay speaker at various churches.
John Croat ’65 was honored as an “Outstanding Iowan” by the Iowa Hall of Pride.
1970s—Winston Johnson ’70 is a board member for Community Resources for Independence in Santa Rosa, CA.
Rob MacKenzie ’70 received the National Presidents’ Award at the annual Alpha Tau Omega national meeting.
J. Daniel McGowan II ’71 of Waukee, finished in the top 30 percent of the Army Ten Miler, a race that is held each year at the Pentagon.
Linda Turner Henderson ’71 received the City National Bank’s Cornerstone Award in Shenandoah.
Bernard Franklin ’74 joined the NCAA staff as a senior vice-president for governance and membership in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Keith Ratliff ’75 of Urbandale, was inducted into the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame.
Robin Sleeuwenhoek Young ’76 is associated with Grinnell Renaissance, which focuses on historic preservation, development of downtown upper-stories, retail and events in Grinnell.
1980s—Scott Carrigan ’87 recently passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam and received his state license as a professional engineer.
Bradford Sheren ’87 of Creston is licensed to sell real estate in Iowa.
1990s—Christine Willmsen ’93, a staff reporter for The Seattle Times, co-authored a series “Coaches Who Prey: The Abuse of Girls and the System That Allows It.”
Tyler Shaner ’94 of Palatine, IL is the Chicago District Manager for EFCO Forms.
Stacy Smith Funk ’96 is the finance manager/controller of the Champion’s Club, a private golf and country club in Omaha, NE.
Nathan Jensen ’96 is district manager of Vector Marketing in Lincoln, NE.
Jason Johnson ’96 joined USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Des Moines as a public affairs specialist.
Joshua Dorris ’97 is vice-president of operations for LBX Lighting Inc. in Houston, TX.
2000s –Matt DeWolf ’01 is a communication consultant for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity in Indianapolis, IN.
Holly Erschens ’02 accepted a position with the University of Iowa working as a study coordinator with the National Birth Defects Registry.
Tim Meyers ’02 is a manager at B&B Gas in Houghton. They are the largest suppliers of propane in Iowa.
Mixing art and golf p.30
Andrew Hunold ’89 works as director of the World Golf Hall of Fame, where he designs, contracts construction, and coordinates exhibits on top of creating works to pay homage to each year’s inductees.
Steve Ellens—Living in the now p.31
Steve Ellens ’96 tries to make everyday the best day of his life. In 2002, Ellens was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a rare type of blood cancer. At the time, Ellens, now Simpson’s assistant men’s basketball coach was teaching English at a high school in Phoenix.
The Village Makes Plans to Expand p.32
A home to over 26 Simpson alumni and former staff, The Village retirement home and Simpson College have a unique benefit. The proximity of The Village, which is just two blocks north of campus, has been a great factor to those alumni who have chosen to make it their home.
Stephen Garst dies p.33
Stephen Garst died of Alzheimer’s Disease. Garst has been a member of the Simpson College Board of Trustees since 1970 and was named an honorary life member in 2003.
New Faces p.34-35
Emily Brainerd has joined the theatre staff as assistant technical director/shop and theatre lab supervisor. Bruce Brown has joined the music department as instructor of music. Virginia Croskery has accepted a full-time position as instructor of music. Carolyn Dallinger ’80 has been hired as assistant professor of social work and criminal justice. Miss DeYoung has joined the information services staff as web architect. Cheryl Eaton has been hired as theatre department secretary. Kristie Elbert has joined the college’s advancement office as alumni relations secretary. Jan Everhart has been hired as program director for the Lilly Initiative for Vocational Exploration with rank of assistant professor of religion. Mark Gammon has joined the humanities department as instructor of religion. Susanne Gubanc has been hired as assistant professor of communication. James Hayes will serve as assistant program director of the Lilly Initiative for Vocational Discernment with rank of instructor of religion. Tiffany Berkenes-Hummel ’02 has joined the admissions staff as an admissions counselor. Emily Hurm is the new area coordinator for Buxton and Picken Hall. Walter Lain ’81 is the assistant dean of multicultural and international affairs in the office of student development. Ann Mathies has been hired as assistant controller in the business office. Brian Peer has been hired as assistant professor of biology. Karen Render has joined the Lilly Initiative Vocational Exploration office in the Maple House as administrative assistant. Erin Reser has been hired as assistant professor of speech and rhetoric. Sara Ringgenberg has joined the division of adult learning West Des Moines offices as evening administrative assistant. Kristina Carlson Sickels ’91 is associate director of annual giving in the advancement office. Wayne Stacey has been hired in the athletic department as men’s and women’s track coach. Erin Weber is part-time secretary/receptionist in the student development office.
A student’s story p.36
Jesse Harris scores big
Jesse Harris ’03 initially came to Simpson to study journalism and play basketball. He eventually changed his journalism major to political science/history double major. Besides a 3.97 grade point average and a host of athletic awards, including three-time first team, all-conference honors, his senior year he was considered for a Rhodes Scholarship.
Simpson Magazine
March/April 2005
Inside Cover p. i
Given a lot; now giving back
Rob and Marti Bower ’71 became sweethearts during their time at Simpson. Now they have two sons in college and decided it was time to give back. They have decided to give a donation to Simpson every year, for it has given a lot to them. They even put Simpson in their wills. They are contributors to the Office of College Advancement.
Contents p. ii
Note: by Michael Adams
Michael Adams explains the new touches to the Simpson Magazine. The new color changes, and adding “In Touch-Alumni News and Notes.” “In Touch” will be edited by Coreen Hjort Witke “91 and is excited about the new feature. Michael also mentions the new “Simpson Digest” which will include little facts about Simpson College.
Faculty Notes, p. 2
Jan Everhart, program director of the Lilly Initiative for Vocational Exploration, was one of four “Regional Scholars” honored at the annual Society of Biblical Literature meeting in San Antonio. She also gave a paper titled, “Naked Bodies: Transgendering the Gospel of Thomas” in the Religion, Gender and Sexuality section. Eduardo Magalhaes III, associate professor of political science, attended the annual meeting of the North Central Council of Latin Americanists at Luther College where he presented a paper titled, “tips from a Trip to Brazil,” and also chaired a panel on “Trends and Developments in the Study of Latin America.” Cliff Meints, professor of chemistry, co-authored an article with K.A. Burke of Iowa State University that was published in the Journal of Chemical Education titled, “Chemistry Everywhere: A Brief Report on the 18th Biennial Conference on Comical Education.” The article detailed the events of the 18thBCCE where over 1,000 participants from the United States and abroad met in Ames to attend tours, lectures and demonstrations related to chemistry. Dave Olsgaard, associate professor of physics, gave a presentation at the fall meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (IA-AAPT) in Ames. His talk was titled, “Assume a Spherical Rocket: Context Connections in the Laboratory.” He was also elected to a one-year term as vice-president of the IA-AAPT. Jeff Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, attended the fall meeting of the Iowa Natural History Association in Cedar Rapids. Over the next two year he will work on a $525,789 project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency titled, “Ecological Assessment of Compensatory Wetland Mitigation,” which he helped write with other members of the INHA. They will determine how selected wetland mitigation sites across central and eastern Iowa are performing compared to natural wetlands by doing surveys of the wildlife and water quality. Erin Reser, assistant professor of speech and rhetoric, resented a paper titled, “Conversations Between the Outlaw and Civic: ‘Trainspotting’ and British National Communication Association’s annual convention in Chicago. Rick Spellerberg, professor of mathematics, and Murphy Waggoner, associate professor of mathematics, attended the joint meetings of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematics Society in Atlanta, Georgia. Waggoner presented the paper “Do Students Value Writing as a Way to Learn Mathematics?” John Epperson, professor of political science teaches in the classroom and on the television. He is in close contact with WOI-TV in Des Moines and has appeared several times to discuss presidential debates and elections. Epperson’s knowledge of Iowa and politics were perfect for the job and him and WOI work very well together.
Simpson Briefly p. 3
John W. Byrd, executive VP at University of Evansville, named Simpson’s 22nd president
John Byrd will be named the 22nd Simpson president in June 2005. He succeeds Kevin LaGree, who served as Simpson’s president for six years. Byrd has served several positions at Evansville for 23 years. He is excited to come to Indianola and serve the community and Simpson. His wife, Nancy Byrd will join him later in March 2005.
Christopher Goodale ’86 was named vice president for college advancement in September of 2004. Goodale returned to Simpson after a sever-year leave. Goodale was asked by President Kevin LaGree to fill this position.
Simpson Briefly, p. 4
Simpson Habitat students raise funds to build house a half a world away
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
Angela Gafford led students to building a Habitat for Humanity home in Nepal. This idea started small with hopes of raising funds to build a house in the United States. After learning that building a house in the US would cost $49,000, they decided to look at other countries to donated their money. Gafford, along with Amanda Sheller, Maia Nikolova, and Shristi Upreti helped lead a group of students to raise the $2,900 needed to build a home in Nepal. The students were able to raise the money in a year and a half, although they estimated it would take over three years.
Simpson Briefly, p. 5
Simpson students adored by Adams kids
By Mindy Marks
Carolyn Dallinger’s Liberal Arts Seminar Introduction to Sociology course spends a half an hour a week at the Adams Elementary School in the east side of Des Moines. The elementary students talk in many languages, many are not English. There are also many races, which is hard for many students to be comfortable with, as many Simpson students are from small Iowa towns. They learn a lot, and are enthused about going there each week and learning and playing with the children. Dallinger will continue this as part of her course requirements in the fall.
LaGree reflects on 6 years at Simpsonp. 6-7
By Lisa Golly
As President R. Kevin LaGree leaves Simpson in June of 2005, he remembers many changes throughout his time with Simpson. He brought the Lilly Initiative to Simpson through his time at Emory, he increased the diversity of Simpson’s faculty, and worked to strengthen the marketing department at Simpson. LaGree said he was called back into the ministry after leaving it for several years. LaGree will take over as the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Des Moines. He says he will miss the life at Simpson, but will enjoy watching it change and grow.
Simpson Alumni create Adventure together p. 8-9
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
Walter Lain ’81 and Carolyn Dallinger ’80 are both passionate about social justice and civil rights, through many ups and downs, and returning to Simpson. Lain and Dallinger were married in 1984, after receiving degrees in accounting and social work, respectively, the couple moved Seattle. The couple spent much time apart pursuing different things, but both attended law school. They opened their own law firm, Law Firm of Lain and Dallinger, which they helped clients for six years. Then Dallinger and Lain came back to Iowa to care to Dalliger’s father and both accepted positions at Simpson.
Growth with a Capital G p. 10-11
By Steve Rose
Four students share their personal growth during their time at Simpson. Amanda Demichelis ’00 was married and a mother when coming to Simpson and felt out of place while being so much older than the other students. To overcome these feelings, Demichelis helped transform the commuter lounge and then joined the tennis team. Demichelis now works for Bull Law Firm in Des Moines.
Jessica Harvey ’07 learned a lot about her career choices while taking her general education classes. After learning that biology was not for her, she switched to corporate communication and marketing. Looking at different perspectives and discussing problems are important to Harvey as she enters the working world. Harvey has also learned many things from other people, including her roommate and others.
Ryan King ’05 came to Simpson just to play football, but left with much more than that. Through his criminal justice classes, King learned more about the criminals then he thought he would. King also praised professor Fred Jones for helping King find his real self.
Dan Carver ’05 found himself through the Campus Activities Board (CAB) through which he was a part. He learned how to set goals and to follow through with them. He learned how to organize and plan ahead. Carver learned that many of his ideas that he gained throughout high school were challenged and has come to know himself better through that.
The Fisher Collection p. 12-15
By Michael Adams
A rare collection of photos, found by James Hickman ’50, were comprised of old photos of Simpson dated by to 1918 to 1922. They include a picture of the administration building as it is being burned, the library, old fraternity houses and others.
Simpson Digest p. 15
By Krystal Berger
The needlepoint hanging that was once in the Barker Lounge has been relocated to the Mathew Simpson Room after being reframed. The needlework was given to Simpson by Doris Engleking Picken in 1954 in dedication of Barker Hall. This needlepoint is of Act I, Scene I of “King Lear,” appraised at thousands of dollars.
The Latin Tide p. 16-17
By Michael Adams
Eduardo Magalhaes, associate professor of political science and head of the political science department, talks about the growing Latino population. There are 36 million Latinos living in the United States, and only 5.7 are illegal immigrants. In Iowa, towns like Perry, Columbus Junction and Storm Lake have very large Latino populations. Magalhaes says that this growth is good for our nation and is excited to see it change.
Simpson Digest p. 17
By Krystal Berger
The first female lawyer has an interesting tie with Simpson College. Belle “Arabella” Babb, born in Des Moines County in 1844 later moved to Indianola and then married John M. Mansfield, a professor at that time. Then began studying to take the bar exam, and were both accepted in 1869. They were attorneys for several years before leaving to teach at Iowa Wesleyan and Depauw University.
Roots of Red and Gold: Genelle Morain p. 18
By Michael Adams
Genalle Morain’s family is a long line of Simpson graduates. From the late 1800’s to the late 1940’s Morain’s family was a part of the Simpson family. Morain now lives in Athens, GA taught at the University of Georgia for 28 years, and has received various professional honors. Morain talks about the strong Simpson tradition.
Simpson Sports p. 19-22
By Lisa Golly
Cross country-Rebuilding program is primary goal
Cross Country: New Head Coach Todd Deely, is planning on rebuilding the teams throughout the next few years. Women finished seventh in the Iowa Conference and the men finished eighth. The men’s numbers were down and the women’s team was very young. They would like to be in the top three next year and possibly qualify one for national championships.
Tennis-Nutgrass catapults to historic status
Tennis: Bob Nutgrass made the record for most wins in school history. This season Simpson also beat Loras, which why have never done before. They were up to fourth in the conference. Jen Gibson and Carrie Brannen were named most valuable players. They are looking towards leadership and victories in the future.
Football-optimism is the name of the game
Football: Simpson Storm closed the season with a 5-5 record. Defensive lineman Jason Ripke, a junior from Newell was in the top five in the nation, and named a first team All-American player on all three teams of the American Football Coaches Assisocation. Ripke broke Simpson’s record with 30.5 tackles for a loss in a season and tied the school record with most sacks in a game. Dusty Kain, Ross Parker, Jeremy Scott,B.J. Bengard, Nick McFall, and Kyle Westphal were all All-Conference. Westphal holds other records for career interceptions, and career passes defended. Also the record holder for most passes defended in a season, interceptions in a game, and passes defended in a game.
Soccer-strong showing for men and women
Soccer: Women were 15-8 and men were 9-9-1. The women’s team made it to semifinals, but the men did not make it to the final four, a first time in school history. Stand-out players for women were Heather Barett, Ashley Curren, Jessica Keyser, and Natalie Chizek. Stand out men were Kenny Chapman, Nate Ruhland, Mosa Shayan, Mark Pleiss, Jesse Kaufman, and Shane Wilson.
Golf- Looking toward Pinehurst
Golf: Women’s average improved over a 10-stroke average, with hopes to continue with that improvement. Most valuable players were Janelle Claiborne, who received a conference medal, Steph Shenfield, Jenny Goodall, Jessica Harvey, and Ashley Hill.
Volleyball-plying the home court advantage
Volleyball: Storm volleyball finished the season with a 16-19 record. The JV team won the IIAC Junior Varsity Conference 17-2. The varsity team was hurt by the injury of Shannon Stewart, and All-American player.
New Faces p. 23
Mary Fortune has joined the advancement staff as secretary to annual giving. Prior to her hire at Simpson, Fortune worked as secretary at the Carlisle United Methodist Church. She relocated to Indianola from Fort Dodge in April. While in Fort Dodge, she worked as secretary at Trinity United Methodist Church. Teresa Kreykes, ‘04, has accepted the administrative software support specialist position in information services. While at Simpson, Kreykes, who majored in computer information systems and math, was instrumental in the implementation of the Degree Audit module for the registrar’s office and worked extensively on the college’s web site. John Olsen has been hired in the advancement office as director of development. Prior to his hire at Simpson, Olsen served as dean for enrollment development at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. Olsen earned his BA from St. Olaf College and has worked in the enrollment offices of several Iowa Conference schools including Central and Wartburg. Olsen’s son Greg “Buck” Olsen graduated from Simpson in 2000.Jessica Minnihan has joined the theatre department as costume shop supervisor and designer. Minnihan, a May 2004 Central College graduate worked in creative costuming at Walt Disney World prior to her hire at Simpson. Sheri Michaels has joined the marketing/public relations staff as director of publication services. Michaels, who worked in the same position at Simpson from 1989 to 1991, spent the past 14 years working at the Iowa State Education Association in Des Moines before returning to work at Simpson. Melisse Walpole has been hired in the advancement office as assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations. Previously, Walpole was employed at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children in Jamestown, ND, where she worked in the foundation as annual giving officer.
Teaching is in her Heart p. 24
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
Terez Reznik relocated to Iowa twenty years ago and currently works as a Simpson overnight custodian. After an overnight shift one night, Reznik stumbled upon a math class taught by Dr. Rick Spellerberg. Reznik, having been a math teacher herself, was very interested in what Spellerberg has to say about math. Over time, Spellerberg invited her to sit in on his class, but the language was a huge barrier. She still has yet to come into one of the classes.
IN TOUCH (INSERT)
Touring the Years
1940s
The Class of 1940 will celebrate its 65th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.The Class of 1945 will celebrate its 60th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.
Mildred Romedahl Steele ’46 edited and published in hard cover the diaries of an aunt, Esther Fellos Merrill of Salisbury, MA.
Robert W. Day ’49 and Clarice Day ’49 recently took a mission trip to Creel, Mexico with the Methodist
Church Missions.
1950s
The Class of 1950 will celebrate its 55th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.
Nina Gibbs Johnson ’51 and her husband Kenneth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 13, 2003.
Robert L. Miller ’51 was named “Most Outstanding Career and Technical Educator of Montana” last year.
Donald ’52 and Mary Bonnett Craft ’52 would like to announce their change of address to 9512 Elm Lane, Johnston, IA 50131.
The Class of 1955 will celebrate its 50th reunion and induction into the Half-Century
Club during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.
Lloyd L. Anderson ’55 was the recipient of the Animal Growth and Development Award at the annual meeting of the American Society of Animal Science in St. Louis, MO.
Velma Myers Weber ’55 and her husband George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 8, 2004.
Robert D. Lamb ’57 retired from his position as Professor of Electrical Engineering at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK in 1997.
Barbara Bowen Snyder ’57 is the executive director for the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association.
Gerald ’59 and Mildred Shade celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on October 24, 2004.
Alice Zellmer ’59 has retired after 36 years as a bus driver.
1960s
The Class of 1960 will celebrate its 45th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.
Robert A. Readshaw ’61 retired on August 31, 2003.
Errol Biggs ’62 wrote The Governance Factor, a book on how hospital boards of directors should function.
Dr. Tom Croat ’62 recently spent nine weeks collecting species in Ecuador, making 3,600 collections, thirty of which were new species. In November, Tom went to Thailand,
Sarawak, and China. In Sarawak, Tom participated in the IX International Aroid Conference, presented five programs, and received the H.W. Scott Award for Excellence in Research with Araceae. In China, he presented a program and did training at the Fairylake Botanical Garden. In February 2005 he went to Miami, FL where he received the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration.
The Class of 1965 will celebrate its 40th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2005 – June 23-25.
1970s
Kathy McDougal Spracklin ’70 is the pastor of the Odebolt United Methodist Church. She is also a member of Clowns of America International. Kathy participated with a group of women in Hugger Clowns in Estherville at the various care centers in the area.
Phyllis Griffin- Garavaglia ’71 is currently directing the tragic comedy Insurrection: Holding History by Robert O’Hara at DePaul University.
Michael R. Norton ’71 and Beverly Norton are proud to announce the arrival of two grandchildren. Caleb Orwig was born September 9, 2004, and Vanessa Tayler was born
September 21, 2004.
Thomas ’71 and Deborah Duff Powell ’72 have two new granddaughters. Tessa Woods was born on June 2, 2004 and Presley Powell was born on September 18, 2004.
Deborah Farrell Menning ’73 received the 2004 Iowa Council of Teachers of English
Literacy Award for college teaching at the organization’s conference last October. Award
recipients are recognized for their contributions to language arts learning in the state of Iowa.
Julie Samson ’74 from Kansas City is currently battling stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Rosalie Rabe Babcock ’75 and Donald Babcock celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 29, 2004.
Barbara Schwartz Owens ’75 and Henry Owens have opened the Bristol Views Bed
and Breakfast that overlooks Canandaigua Lake in New York.
Barton E. Perrigo ’76 and his wife Rose Mary have been married since September 25,
1993.
Albert Knight ’77 and his wife Charlene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on
August 6, 2004.
1980s
The Classes of 1979-81 will gather for a cluster reunion during Alumni Weekend
2005 – June 23-25.
Rosalee Warner Allen ’81 and her husband Mike celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on August 31, 2004.
Steven F. Vankerckvoorde ’82 is an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church and is currently serving in the Dubuque diocese.
Julie Allen ’83 has joined Avantair, Inc. as their manager of training. Avantair is a fractional ownership company with bases in Tampa, FL, Reno, NV, and Caldwell, NJ.
Paul Hopkins ’83 earned his master’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Iowa in December 2003.
Denise Ganfield Knaack ’83 was a presenter at the Iowa Composer’s Forum Festival. Her topic was “Ten Steps for Ten Year Olds to Compose: Controlled Composition in
the General Music Classroom.”
Carlton”> Tarver ’83 has been accepted to the Washington District Official’s Association which covers Montgomery County (Maryland), Washington DC, and Northern Virginia.
This association is one of the largest and most comprehensive high school football
officiating organizations in the nation.
Darian L. Bebout ’84 is a core member of the Boeing Aerospace Support’s writing team that received the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Only 58 companies have received the award since its inception in 1988. In November 2003, they received the Atlas Achievement Award as a member of one of 17 teams recognized throughout Boeing Aerospace Support for teaming excellence. Also, in March 2004, he was one of 50 Boeing employees present at the ceremony when President George W. Bush presented the awards to seven 2003 Malcolm Baldridge Award recipients.
Bob Matthews ’84 recently received his doctorate in computer science from the College
of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.
Dave Dalton ’85 is the broker/owner of Dalton Realty in Hammond, WI. He is also the owner and developer of two major housing subdivisions as well as Double D Property Rentals. He is the Chairman of the Hammond Planning Commission, Chairman of the
Hammond”> Building Board, and Vice President of the Hammond Lions Club. He is currently finishing his doctorate at the University of Minnesota.
Karen Kono Halfpop ’85 serves on staff at Skyline Southern Baptist Church I Branson, MO.
Andrea Frantz ’86 is a professor of communication studies at Wilkes University. She was recently named National Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Small Programs Interest Group at their national meeting in Toronto, Canada.
Paula Witke Green ’86 was recognized as one of the Twin Cities’ Top 40 Professionals Under The Age Of 40. In January 2005, she was named the vice president of business
development and clinic relations for St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN.
Mark A. Swessinger ’86 is currently working on his master’s degree.
Mary Catlett ’88 and many other Simpson alumni were in attendance for a mini Simpson College Reunion prior to a memorial service held for Mary’s father Roscoe in April 2004. For the past two years, Mary has been the sole caregiver for her father as he battled cancer.
John S. Cavanaugh ’89 is the senior vice president of compliance and risk management for Legent Clearing in Omaha, NE.
Mark D. Evans ’89 received a doctorate in education from Appalachian State University.
Donald J. Mosinski ’89 is a member of the Iowa National Guard and is currently serving
in Iraq.
1990s
Alissa McKinney ’90 is the director of development for Blank Children’s Hospital.
Chris Baltimore ’92 is the chief operating officer of Cost Containment Strategies in Kansas City, MO. The company is owned by
Chad”> Earwood ’94.
David S. Ekman ’92 is currently working towards his doctorate in general psychology
at Cappella University.
Douglas L. Tagtmeyer ’94 was admitted to the State Bar by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Arlene Kell Fjellman ’95 mourns the loss of her husband, Dick Fjellman, who passed away on November 16, 2003.
James Nedved ’96 was awarded Central Florida Manager of the Year for Wells Fargo
Home Mortgage. He is now the mortgage resources area manager in the Orlando area.
Amy Wallman ’96 has opened HOPE (Honoring Opportunities for Personal
Empowerment) in Des Moines. HOPE coordinates employment for people with disabilities.
Troy King ’97 is a 2LT engineer officer and is currently serving with the 463rd Engineer
Battalion from Marion, VA in LSA Anaconda, Iraq.
Dennis M. Sexton ’97 is a police officer with the City of Omaha working in the Northeast Precinct.
Brittin K. Witzenburg ’97 received her master’s degree in public administration
in environmental science and policy from Columbia University in May 2004. She has accepted a position with Olympia Public Schools as a Resource Conservation Manager
in Olympia, WA.
Tricia McCoy ’98 has recently been promoted to area manager for Ticketmaster. She has also earned a master’s of education-sports management from Iowa State University.
Kelly Howard ’99 graduated from the University of Missouri- Kansas City with a master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management emphasis.
Uriah A. Mixdorf ’99 has started his own business, Consulting Solutions Inc.
Benjamin J. Sodey ’99 graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in May 2004. He is currently an attorney at Senniger, Powers, Leavitt & Roedel in St. Louis, MO, specializing in intellectual property law.
2000s
Sarah Daniels ’01 is attending graduate school at Baylor University.
Dustin F. Dooley ’02 has started a recording studio named The Pharmacy. He is a member of the band Stricken With Trip.
Betzy Elifrits ’02 has graduated with a master’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee—Knoxville.
Justin Papian ’02 is nearly fully recovered from an on-duty accident with a drunk driver in December of 2003. He is currently enrolled at Drake University as a fulltime graduate student in the College of Business and Public Administration. He will be returning to
work as a senior police officer for the City of Des Moines Police Department in mid- 2005. He would like to send his thanks and appreciation to Simpson College for its support and prayers following his accident in December of 2003.
Valerie Pilling ’02 graduated in December with a master’s degree in psychology from Kansas State University. She will continue to work towards her doctorate in social psychology there.
Leah Van Maaren ’02 is nearly finished with her master’s degree in church music from
Concordia”> University of Wisconsin. This fall she started work on her Master of Worship Arts at Briercrest Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Andrea Monroe Baker ’03 is teaching high school mathematics at South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, NJ.
Ami Pierce ’03 is currently employed as a special education teacher at Weeks Middle School in Des Moines.
Jennifer Merryman ’03 has joined Vierbicher Associates, Inc. as an administrative assistant. She will be responsible for assisting the engineering, architecture, and planning service groups with reports specifications, contractual documents and proposals in addition to handling various clerical duties.
Sarah Stanley ’03 worked as a crew member on the Indiana University production of Eugene Onegin and on the Nebraska Theatre Caravan production of A Christmas Carol.
She was the assistant stage manager and props master for the Pensacola Opera productions of The Barber of Seville and Madame Butterfly.
Andrew Baker ’04 is attending Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ.
Heather Borton ’04 is teaching 7-12 vocal music in the Logan-Magnolia school district.
Ben Ramsay ’04 has been accepted to the orthotics school at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Alumni Weekend 2005
Classes of 1940,1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, and 1979-1981 celebrated their milestone reunions June 23-25, 2005. Several alumni were recognized with awards. Richard White ’82 and Robert Kresse ‘82 received the Alumni Loyalty Award. Rita Harvey Berg ’90, Dr. Craig January ’69, Patrick Daugherty ’58 and Dr. Drew Appleby ’69 received the Alumni Achievement Award. Dr. Suzanna Keller ’98received the Recent Alumni Achievement Award. Percy Baker ’72 received the Humanitarian Service Award.
The following people were inducted into the Simpson College Athletics Hall of Fame 2004: Randy Rowray ’93, Melisa Mellecker Becker ’92, Marek Wensel ’92, Michael Kelly ’91, and Ricky Gales ’94. Paige Riggs Fiedler ’87 and Dr. Alfred Lawton ’37 received the Double S Award, and Dr. Bob McBridereceived the Dick Buxton Award.
Simpson Magazine
2005
Inside cover, p. i
50 years of Simpson’s history through Joe Walt’s eyes
Brian Wright, director of gift planning, planned the first-time annual Matthew Simpson Society luncheon. This was the time for all 20 Society members to come together and be shown their appreciation. Joe Walt, a member of the Mathew Simpson Society since its’ beginning in 1988, delivered the speech. Walt talks about the past Simpson presidents, Kerstetter and Ralph John. He talks about how each shaped Simpson into what it is today.
Faculty Notes p. 2
Mark Bates, associate professor of Spanish, presented a paper, “Interweaving Narrative Discourse Sergio Ramirez’ Margarita esta linda la mar” at the 6th annual Cefiro conference at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. Gary Kinkel, associate professor if Religion, wrote an essay called “Orthodoxy and Pietis as the Necessary Dialectic of Christian Existence.” It will be published in a Finnish journal, called Perusta, which means, “Foundations.” Justin Nostrala, assistant professor of art, had a charcoal drawing, Charcoal on Paper, titled “Prayer” in an exhibit at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Jamie Poulsen, instructor of music, won the 2005 Iowa Motion Picture Award in May for Best Original Score for his music for the Iowa Hall of Pride welcome video-“The Iowa Experience,” This is the fourth time Poulsen has won this award. Mark Miller ‘79 has been elected a new member of the Simpson College board of trustees.
Young Writer’s conference attracts area students p. 2
The Young Writer’s Conference was held at the end of April at Simpson College with help from the Iowa Arts Council and the Simpson education and English departments. This all-day conference was to help young writers explore careers in writing, interact with Iowa artists and advance their writing skills. This conference began in the 1990s but stopped once creator Mary Lose left Simpson. This year, Sharon Jensen took over the program.
Simpson Briefly p. 3
Mark Green’s ‘Global Marketing’ sees fourth edition
By Michael Adams
The fourth edition of Mark Green’s textbook, “Global Marketing,” hit the academic marketplace late last year, months ahead of a scheduled revision cycle due in large part to the rapidly changing face of international business. Green, who shares authorship of the Pearson-Prentice Hall textbook with Warren J. Keegan, Distinguished Professor, Lubin School of Business, Pace University, said “ There have been a lot of changes out there,” citing three in particular: the enlargement of the European Union; “China’s presence on the world stage;” and the digital revolution. Pearson-Prentice Hall recently granted licenses for the book to be translated in Chinese, and it is now being used in main land China and Taiwan. The book is also translated into Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Retiring Bill Dunning found Simpson to be a ‘family-like place’ p. 3
By Shara Tibken
Simpson College’s Professor of Mathematics William (Bill) Dunning recently announced his plans to retire from teaching after 21 years at Simpson.
John Byrd- Early thoughts on becoming Simpson’s president p. 4-5
By Michael Adams
Simpson’s 22nd president, John Byrd looks to the future with excitement. He answers several questions about his past and also his future plans for the college.
The Leaving Home Blues p. 6-9
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
Six first-year students tell about how they are coping with being away from home for the first time. Nick Doehrmann was mainly worried about leaving his family. Brittany Hilgenberg says that it was hard to leave her long-time boyfriend. Geoff Murtha says that the balance between work and play is hard for him to cope with. Beth Hansen says that right when she was leaving her parents were getting a divorce and it was hard to leave her family. Mackenzae Webb found it hard to be on campus with her older brother. Alfredo Sanchez talks about the struggle with money.
Schorndorf revisited p. 10-13
By Michael Adams
Thirty-three Simpson alumni returned to Schorndorf, Germany to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Simpson Semester in Schorndorf. This was in celebration of Glenn Buhr, the founder of the program that has lead many, many students to Schorndorf for this opportunity. Thirteen students are attending this year’s program alongside Patricia Calkins, who is the leader of the program.
The Purdys see challenges and rewards with new Berlin assignment p. 13
By Michael Adams
Laura Roe Purdy ’93 was one of the students that experienced Schorndorf when she was a student. Now many years later, she will return to Germany for business. Laura, her husband, Chris Purdy ’93 and their 3 children will move to Germany in August when Laura begins her now job with ADC as a customer service operator.
Commencement 2005 p. 14-15
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
350 students received their degrees as well as two honorary degrees to deserving individuals. R. Kevin LaGree gave his final welcome address, followed by the commencement speaker, Richard Cohen ’70, journalist and author of the 2004 New York Bestseller, “Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness.” Faculty awards were given to Jeffery R. Parmelee, assistant professor of biology, winner of the Distinguished Junior Faculty Award; Dr. Michael Patterson, associate professor of music, received the Faculty Award for Distinguished Research, and Dr. Marilyn K. Mueller, professor of management, who received the Distinguished Teaching Award.
‘La Primavera’ is right time for Nia Kos to retire after 30 years teaching Spanish at Simpson College p. 16
By Jennifer Whitham Johnson
Professor Nia Kos retires after 30 years of teaching at Simpson College.
The fight for victims continues- in the classroom p. 17-19
By Shara Tibken
After being a prosecutor for 24 years, Roxann Ryan comes to Simpson to teach students criminal justice, focusing on the victims of crime. Ryan taught previously at Iowa State and Drake University. Ryan is excited about working at Simpson and teaching the students the importance of the victims of crime’s rights.
American Smooth p. 20-21
By Michael Adams
Jim Benjamin, assistant professor of computer science, and his wife Suzi have started taking dance lessons, and have become quite good at it. Jim and Suzi have been in many competitions, taking home awards and medals throughout the Midwest. The couple became interested in dancing at the Simpson holiday gathering. Jim wanted to dance and Suzi refused, saying she did not know how. After that the couple began taking lessons and the rest is history.
A call to service in Denver p. 22-25
By Jim Hayes
A new May Term course, which soon became known as “The Call of Service” is a course led by Jim Hayesunder the Lilly Endowment. The course is based on the meaning of community, good citizenship, and differences between charity, volunteerism, and civic engagement. Then the class spent a week in Denver, CO to give back to others- painting a house and working at a food shelter.
Simpson Digest
Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America’s Heartland p. 23
By Krystal Berger
The true story of a Warren County murder was published on April 5, 2005. This book by Patricia Bryan and Thomas Wolf wrote about this murder about John Hossack and his wife, suspect Margaret Hossack.
Simpson Digest p. 25
The Simpson Eleven, the football team of 1893 is still a legend. The team, with no recorded coach, had an undefeated season with no scores against the team either. They played five games, scored 174 points and is one of the greatest accomplishments in Simpson history.
Simpson Sports p. 26-28
By Lisa Golly and Shara Tibken
Swimming-best of times-worst of times
Swimming: The swim team finished tenth in the Liberal Arts Championships and fourth place at the Iowa Conference Swimming Championships. Coach Mark Corley is recovering from a bicycle accident.
Men’s Tennis-an interesting mix of vets and newcomers
Tennis: Men’s tennis finished with a 9-6 overall season and placed sixth in the conference.
Men and women’s outdoor track- hampered by injuries
Outdoor Track: The men’s outdoor track and field team finished seventh at the IIAC Championships. They had several injuries throughout the season. The women’s team placed six in the IIAC Championships. Even though they did not have as many injuries, they had inexperienced members. Both teams felt they had a good season.
Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track-showing great improvement
Indoor Track: Women were sixth in the conference and men were fifth in the conference. Ross Parker and Matt Albert both qualified for nationals.
Men’s Basketball-young team has potential
Men’s Basketball: Finished the season with a 8-18 record. The team is young, but coach Bruce Wilson says the team has much potential in the future.
Men’s Golf- Martin has strong finish
Men’s Golf: The team finished fifth in the Iowa Conference Championships. Senior Mike Martin received his third year All-Conference honor.
Wrestling-a national presence
Wrestling: The team had a 13-9 season, and finished sixth in the NCAA Division III national tournament.
Softball-strong showing with young team
Softball: This years’ team finished with a record of 27-11 and tied for fourth in the IA Conference. They have several freshmen on the team and had several seniors leave.
Women’s Basketball- Niemuth wins 300
Basketball: The team finished the season with a record of 22-7, the third most wins in school history.
Baseball-saving the best for last
Baseball: The team finished the season with a 19-19 record and three players received All-Conference honors.
IN TOUCH (INSERT)
Alumni Weekend 2005
The Alumni Recognition Dinner was held during Alumni Weekend on June 24. Eight alumni were recognized. Rita Harvey Berg ‘90, Dr. Craig January ’69, Pat Daugherty ’58 and Dr. Drew Appleby ’69 were awarded the Alumni Achievement Award. Suzanne Keller ’98 was the recipient of the Recent Alumni Achievement Award. Rich White ’82 and Percy Baker ’72 received the Humanitarian Service Award, and Dr. Ron Albrecht received the Faculty Service Award for 25 year of service to Simpson College.
Touring the Years
1930s
Elizabeth Hillman Sharer ’37 granddaughter of Simpson’s former president John Hillman, visited her granddaughter Kat Claassen ’06 on campus last fall.
1940s
Dr. Lloyd A. Latta ’40 and his wife Beulah celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on
May 22, 2005, which is the same day as his 91stbirthday.
The Class of 1941 will celebrate its 65th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 22-24.
Marjorie Meyer Bucklew ’43 is retired and has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Class of 1946 will celebrate its 60th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 –
June 22-24.
Phillip F. Elgin ’47 has been practicing law in Indianola for 57 years.
George Wesley Buchanan ’47 recently completed another article, The Area of the
Temple at Zion, which answers questions regarding the City of David and the temple
site.
1950s
The Class of 1951 will celebrate its 55th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 22-24.
Robert E. Starrett ’51 has a website, www.edogshirts.com, for his t-shirt business.
Don Cottong ’54 served as the Simpson representative at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Inauguration on April 29, 2005.
The Class of 1956 will celebrate its 50th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 22-24.
1960s
Gary L. Rosengreen ‘62 served as the Simpson representative at the Young Harris College Inauguration on April 23, 2005.
Nan Stilwell Tebrinke ‘62 and husband John celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary
March 31, 2005.
Richard Pemble ‘63 has been awarded The Dille Distinguished Faculty Lecture Award. He teaches at Moorhead State University.
Kerry P. Dora ’ 54 retired in June 2005 after 41 years in education. He was a teacher and athletic director in the Amityville Public Schools for 36 years, the assistant director at The Suffolk Learning Center and adjunct professor at Suffolk Community College for
five years.
The Class of 1966 will celebrate its 45th Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 22-24.
Larry Kunstler ’66 recently retired after 33 years in the mortgage field. He enjoys golf, boating, travel and RVing.
Dewitt Jones ’ 69, is currently the superintendent of schools for the Waterloo Community Schools. He recently published a book titled “Inside the Not So Hallowed Halls.” His web site is www.realschoolstories.com.
1970s
The Classes of 1970-72 will gather for a cluster reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 –
June 22-24.
Royal Corbin ’ 70 is an insurance auditor with Information Providers Inc. in their Urbandale office. He will be a supervisor training other auditors.
Peg Murphy ’ 71retired from her position as an elementary principal (McKinney ISD in the Dallas area) on June 1, 2005. She has 32 years of service in the field of education, the last ten in administration.
Randall Allen ’ 73 has been the owner of a commodity-hedging firm for 25 years. He
has been married for 35 years and has two grown children, both married, and three
grandchildren.
Steven Beaver ’7 3 has a grandson Nathan Tuller, who was born June 28, 2004.
Stephen Craig Ely ’ 73 and his wife Marcia celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary
April 12, 2005.
Paul Lounsberry ’ 73 has been named offensive line coach at Temple University. He has 32 seasons of coaching experience, including 20 years at the Division 1-A level.
David Summy ’ 73 was selected as a member of the Class of 2004 Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Richard D. Burk ’75 appeared as Claudius Gertrude in the Casper College (WY)
production of Hamlet.
Susan Malmberg ’77, professor of music for Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL was recently appointed the music coordinator of the Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Department. Joliet Junior College is the oldest public junior college in the United States and the music program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Ben Akers ’ 79 took the bench as Judge of County Court at Law No. 2, Parker County,
Texas in November 2004. Prior to taking the bench, Akers practiced law for 17 years. As an attorney, Akers was certified as a specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Judge Akers is also a licensed certified public accountant.
1980s
The Class of 1985 will celebrate its 20th Reunion at Homecoming 2005 on October 22.
Kip Janvrin ’88 won his 15th Drake Relays decathlon title in May 2005. Janvrin announced his retirement from the Relays decathlon competition.
Mary Catlett ’88 will be a featured character in the Des Moines Playhouse production
of High School Reunion. In April of 2005, Mary joined KDLS Radio of Perry, Jefferson and Adel as director of special projects.
1990s
The Class of 1990 will celebrate its 15th Reunion at Homecoming 2005 on October 22.
J. Michael Kellar ’91 is a performance strategist with ITA Group in West Des Moines.
He is also entering his 14th year as the chapter advisor for the Lambda Chi chapter at
Simpson. He and wife Melissa Wicker Kellar ’91 remain actively involved with the Des
Moines Playhouse and Stage West.
Trisha A. Black-Romig ’91 graduated from Drake University on May 14, 2005 with her master’s degree in education with the focus on Educational Leadership (PKprincipal
licensure).
Melissa Mellecker Becker ’92 is a marketing assistant at R&R Realty Group in West Des Moines. She is responsible for the advertising and marketing materials for the company, as well as administrative brokerage duties.
Jay Byers ’93 is senior vice president for public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Byers is the group’s lead governmental expert.
Ian E. Hiaring ’94 is owner of Hiaring Technology, a computer sales and service company.
Dr. Roberto Mancusi ’94 received his doctorate in May 2004 and joined the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University.
The Class of 1995 will celebrate its 10th Reunion at Homecoming 2005 on October 22.
Heidi Workman ’95 earned her master’s degree in teaching in 2004 and is currently
the chair of the physical education department at Bell Junior High in San Diego, CA. During her 4-year stay at Bell, she wrote and received a $25,000 grant from the
San Diego Chargers Organization to renovate the fitness and weight room. She will be returning to Iowa in the fall of 2005 to teach in the Waukee School District.
Brooke Christoffeson ’95 recently earned her master’s of business administration from
the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She is employed as the
strategic marketing manager at The Arizona Republic in Phoenix, AZ.
James Nedved ’96 was awarded Central Florida Manager of the year for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. James is the mortgage resources area manager in the Orlando area.
Joe Cockrell ’96 is the director of media relations in the office of public affairs at the
University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Benjamin T. Montgomery ’97 recently moved to Bend, OR, and is working as the
special projects editor of The Bulletin, a Central Oregon daily newspaper.
Cory M. Sinclair ’97 is an insurance agent with Country Insurance and Financial Services in Indianola.
Rebecca Grinager Trefz ’98 earned her master’s of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL in May 2005. As of June 2005 she is the associate pastor at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, SD.
James “Jeb” Burt ’99 is earning his K-6 teaching credential and earned a master’s degree in 2004.
Annie Hurd Burt ’99 works for the Therapeutic Research Center in the marketing department.
2000s
The Class of 2000 will celebrate its 5th Reunion at Homecoming 2005 on October 22.
Julie Kostner ’00 recently began a new job as an account supervisor with Relay Sponsorship & Event Marketing, a division of the Leo Burnett Company.
Jessica Sprouse ’00 works in the Human Resources Leadership Program for General
Electric. She also recently completed her first marathon.
Valerie Pilling ’02 graduated in December 2004 with her master’s degree in psychology
from Kansas State University. Pilling continues to work toward her doctorate in social psychology at Kansas State.
Rebecca A. Casey ’02 is completing her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Ryan Campbell ’02 is working at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE as a registered nurse.
Grant Woodley ’04 and Nicole Brooks Woodley ’04 graduated from Duke Divinity School on May 15, 2005. Both are candidates in the (ELCA) Lutheran candidacy process
for ordination and will be moving to Minneapolis, MN to complete further requirements for ordination. Grant will be attending Luther Seminary for one year to attain his master’s
of theology degree and Nicole will serve as a hospital chaplain resident at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Minneapolis.
Simpson Magazine
Winter 2006
Inside cover, p. i
Simpson opened world’s doors to Mathias’s
Ron and Carolyn Mathias, both graduates of Simpson, are putting Simpson into their estate plans. The Mathias graduated in ’62 and /63 respectively, and have been moving around the world since their marriage in 1971. They felt that Simpson has a high quality of teachers, and needs to be recognized in their estate plans.
Contents, p. ii
Faculty notes, p. 2
Ron Albrecht, professor of music, received the Faculty Service Award from Simpson College Alumni Association on June 24, 2005. Jackie Brittingham, associate professor of biology, attended the 45thannual meeting of the Midwest Regional Society for Developmental Biology in June at the University of Chicago. Her students, Lonny Miller ’05 and Tabitha Ireland ’06 presented the results of their work: “Characterization of the fool’s gold zebra fish mutant.” Bruce Brown, instructor of music, sang a concert in August with his wife, Tara Starr, titled “Vienna to Broadway” as a part of the Performing Arts Series featured on television in the Rossmoor Community of Walnut Creek California. Virginia Croskey,assistant professor of music, sang the role of Alice Fordin in a production of Verdi’s Falstaff with the Rossini festival orchestra under the direction of Joseph Rescigno. Jennifer Hedda, assistant professor of history, published an article in Vol. 18/19 of the Modern Greek Studies Yearbook, which is published at the University of Minnesota. It is entitled, “The Russo-Japanese War and the Delegitmization of the Autocracy.” Bob Nutgrass, professor of physical education, presented a session at the Iowa Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance on November 6. Nutgrass’ session was “Adding steps to Your Basics in Fox Trot, Cha Cha and Waltz.” Jeff Parmelee, associate professor of biology, has joined the advisory board for a new journal: Herpetological Conversation and Natural History. He also published an abstract, The Ecology and Conservation of the Timber Rattlesnake in The Agricultural Landscape of Central Iowa. Tom Schmidt, assistant professor of management, has been contracted to edit the accuracy of the solutions provided in the instructor’s manual of Principles of Managerial Finance.
Simpson Briefly p. 3
New Barker Hall wing opened
A $4 million renovation to Barker Hall opened the fall of 2005. This new wing will add living spaces for 76 students. This was due to Simpson’s growing enrollment and to put all of Simpson’s first-year students into one area. This new wing also contains laundry, vending, and a lounge.
Simpson receives $220,000 Department of Education Grant
Simpson College recently launched a Student Support Services for qualifying students with the help of a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. First-year generation students, those who have a limited income, or a documented disability will have assess to the program. This program includes support with personal, academic and financial aid counseling.
Simpson named to U.S. News and World Report’s top ten list for Midwest
This is the eighth year that Simpson was listed in the top ten list for best comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Simpson ranked eighth this year.
Simpson College claims record enrollment
Simpson’s enrollment record has been broken once again. With 2,035 students enrolled in the fall semester of 2005, is the highest enrollment yet. Full-time students are 1,485, and part-time students are 550.
Biloxi Blues p. 4
By Emily A. Roush
On Oct. 26, the students, along with Chris Waddle, Simpson College chaplain and director of church relations, headed for Mississippi for a four-day journey to help with the massive disarray that still remained from hurricanes that had struck the area two months before. The students traveled to Gulfport, worked in a community center in Biloxi, visited a country church in DeLisle, picked up debris, ripped out carpet, replaced drywall, and more importantly learned a valuable lesson about community service. The trip was initiated by student Benay Hicks who knew she wanted to help, but didn’t know how. Waddle, who is originally from Hattiesburg, MS, contacted a friend at a Gulf Coast college to see how Simpson students could help. College chaplain Angela Gafford helped the students find money for the trip by working with the Lilly Initiative for Vocational Exploration.
The talented Gwen Dickmanm
By Michael Adams
Gwen Dickmann is a music major at Simpson, but also has another passion, jewelry. She began designing and selling her own jewelry under the Rococo Designs brand. Her jewelry is made from wires and stones; she has several places where she sells her jewelry and also a website.
Jen Wendt claims conference cross-country title p. 6
By Emily A. Roush
Senior Jen Wendt from Bettendorf became the Iowa Conference champion in October by running the 6,000-meter race in 22.28 minutes. Jen began running in junior high and continued through high school and college. She competed against 60 other women from nine schools. The last time a woman from Simpson won the championship was in 1990.
Kate Paulman interns in Washington, D.C. p. 7
By Shara Tibken
Senior Kate Paulman was an intern in Washington, D.C. for Talk Radio News Service and College media News. She did interviews, attended press conferences, and launch parties. Paulman plans on attending graduate school in the fall of 2006 with majors in law and journalism.
Persistence results in NYC fashion house internship
By Michael Adams
Kenna Stouwie was always interested in fashion and when she became a Simpson student, she began shooting for the big leagues. After sending out many resumes, Stouwie began talking to different professors at Simpson who could possibly be of help. Stouwie finally landed an internship with Cloak, through professor Mark Green. Stouwie then lived and worked in NYC for the summer and learned all aspects of the design and fashion world. Stouwie currently is a local rep for Chanel.
The Lilly Initiative looks to the next chapter p. 9
By Jessica Harvey
Lilly initiative for Vocational Exploration (L.I.V.E.) is in it’s third year at Simpson. It is under a five-year grant from the Lilly endowment Program for Theological Exploration of Vocation and is looking to stay on campus. They provide service opportunities, scholarships and internships. The program is also linked to 21 other Simpson activities throughout the year.
The Chemistry of Alzheimer’s disease p. 10-11
By Ashley T. Rullestad
Dr. Ron Warnet, professor of chemistry is teaching a class on Alzhemier’s disease during alumni weekend every year at Simpson. He first became interested in 2000 and has been teaching about the causes and effects to alumni ever since.
Gaming p. 12-15
By Michael Adams
Lora Friedrich and Nick Proctor came together to form a new stimulus to teach students- a game. This game is putting students right into the action wit discussing topics and voting on issues based back into the mid 1700s. Here students learn all about and discuss many issues- like slavery and other topics, to enhance their learning.
Crime Science p. 16-19
By Emily A. Roush
Fred Jones, professor of sociology and criminal justice, began throwing around the idea of offering a forensic science major about four years ago. To see if it could become a reality, Jones contacted officials with Des Moines Area Community College and with the state crime lab, as well as police personnel with the Des Moines Police Department. Jones found it could become a reality, and a good fit for Simpson, and after two years of serious effort to create a forensic science major at Simpson, it is a reality. Simpson is now one of only a few schools in the state to offer such a program. Simpson’s forensic science program is designed to prepare students for continued work in chemistry, biochemistry and forensics. Students learn to do analysis in laboratories, learn to work with law enforcement agencies and with state and federal criminalistic programs.
The Berry Collection p. 20-23
By Emily A. Roush
Photographs from the late Don Berry are newly restored and soon to be on display. The photographs come from a collection of negatives bestowed to Simpson College after the death of Berry, a long-time publisher of the Indianola newspaper. With a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the negatives were restored and 40 of the photographs will be on display Jan. 6 through 30 in Simpson’s Farnham Galleries on North C Street in Indianola. The NEA grant is the first NEA grant for Simpson College and one of only a few received in Iowa in 2004. The collection features 4,000 negatives that were given to the college in 1974 in envelopes and old boxes. Not long after they were given to the college, a member of the Berry family asked for the negatives back to create a coffee table book, but it was never made. The negatives remained out of Simpson’s possession for nearly 20 years until they were returned in the late 1990s, but not after they were damaged by time and smoke.
Simpson Digest p. 24
By Michael Adams
Novel-in-progress inspired by time at Simpson
Margy Gibson McCarthy’84 is writing a novel, “This Above All.” She describes it “sometimes gentle, sometimes tense—dramatic.” It’s about three young women who are students in the early eighties who are brought together by a major event in their lives that changes their relationship. This is likely the first time the actual Simpson has been used as a backdrop for a novel, although Iowa mystery writer Max Allan Collins did set his 2000 novel, “Regeneration” at Simmons College in Indianola. Collins’ father Max Sr. was a 1947 graduate of Simpson. Her story centers on the three young women, but it is the attempt to save the building from the wrecking ball that serves as a catalyst for their transformation. McCarthy also mentions the legendary haunting of Old Chapel in her book, although she’s quick to point out that her novel is not a ghost story. Her husband, Michael, who also attended Simpson in the eighties, describes her story as “a kind of Big Chill meets Casper the Ghost,” and to a degree, Margy is comfortable with that.
Simpson Sports p. 24-27
By Lisa Golly
Volleyball- players take second in conference
Volleyball: Finished with a 21-14 season. Jessica Martin named first team All-Cinference and Tiffany Everding named second team All-Conference. The team will lose two seniors, Sarah Pearson and Ashley McGraw, who set the school record with 1,408 digs.
Women’s Tennis-team builds to end season on upswing
Tennis: The Simpson Storm Tennis team landed fifth out of nine in the season. Emily DeBolt, Jen Gibson were named most valuable players. DeBolt was a four-year letter winner.
Men and Women cross-country-improvements all around
Cross-Country: Women’s CC team received 5th overall and then men received 6th overall in each conference. Eric Osterhaus was the top male runner, and Jen Wendt, the top female runner.
Football-big class of seniors returning
Football: The Simpson Storm ended their 2005 football season with a 5-5 record. “We had three games decided by a touchdown or less, so if it had gone in the right direction we probably could have won seven or eight ball games,” said Jay Niemann, head football coach. Several individual Storm team members brought in honors and broke school records this season. Dusty Kain, a senior wide receiver from Prairie City-Monroe, crushed three school records, all which had held since the mid-1960s. Kain wound up his Simpson career with a total of 27 touchdowns, smashing the former school record of 25 formerly held by Jim Henderson (1965-68). Kain’s school career of 3,210 receiving yards also surpassed Henderson’s former record of 2,860 yards. Kain had 233 receptions at Simpson, breaking Henderson’s previous school record of 196.
Defensive Lineman Jason Ripke, a senior from Newell-Fonda, was a pre-season All American who broke his own school record in tackles for a loss with six in the last game of the season against Coe. Ripke holds Simpson’s record for most tackles for a loss in a career (73) and is second in sacks (37).Another record breaker this year was sophomore Bill Nelson from Carlisle who now holds the longest field goal mark with a 52-yard kick.
Women’s Golf-looking to return to dominance
Golf: Women’s golf team landed third place for the first time in 15 years. For the other 14 years, they were first or second place. Six teams members earned adcademic All-Conference.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer-finishing strong
Men’s and Women’s soccer: Men’s soccer team was fourth in the conference, while the women tied for third in their conference. Two Simpson women players were named to All-Conference: Ashley Curranand Jessica Keyser. Angel Salcido was named first team All-Conference for the men’s team.
Simpson wrestler’s win named to NCAA’s top moments
Wrestling: Nick Ackerman’s, ’01 national championship victory at the 2001 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships is chosen as the top 25 defining moments in the past 100 years. ESPN will produce the features throughout the year.
New Faces p. 28-29
Debra Lord has been named the visit coordinator in the admissions department of Simpson College where she was a receptionist.
Gail Fennelly has moved to the admissions department at Simpson College as a receptionist. She was previously in faculty support in the college’s art department.
Andy English has joined the admission department at Simpson College. Previously, English is a recent Simpson graduate.
Beth A. Peck has been named the assistant director of admissions for Simpson College. Prior to this position, Peck was an admissions counselor for the college.
Kimberly Roberts has been hired by Simpson College as instructor of music. Roberts, a Simpson graduate, was a professor at Southern University of Louisiana before joining Simpson.
Justin Snyder has joined Simpson College as a full-time strength and conditioning coach. Previously, Snyder owned Justin Snyder Sports and Fitness Training and worked in strength and conditioning at Iowa State University.
Amy Day has been named an outreach specialist for the Division of Adult Learning at Simpson College. Prior to joining Simpson, Day worked in marketing and advertising at Northland Travel in Huxley.
Levi Lyle has joined Simpson College as an academic advisor in the Upward Bound program. Previously, Lyle taught high school science at the Meskwaki Settlement School in Tama.
Kedron Bardwell has accepted a position as assistant professor of political science at Simpson College. Previously, Bardwell worked at Grand Valley State University as an assistant professor in the department of political science.
Jon McAlister has been hired as a learning specialist for Student Support Services, a new program designed to help limited income, disabled and first generation college students at Simpson College. Prior to joining Simpson, McAlister was an adult high school instructor at Kirkwood Community College.
Denise Kalbus, a non-traditional student at Simpson College, has joined the college’s Student Support Services as an administrative assistant. Before joining Simpson, Kalbus worked for Warren County Information Technology.
Julie Schlarman has joined the Simpson College faculty as assistant professor of art. Prior to her hire, Schlarman was a member of the department of art and design, lecturing and leading seminars at Iowa State University.
Emily A. Roush has joined the public relations department of Simpson College as news services manager. Before joining Simpson, Roush was a reporter for the Record-Herald and Indianola Tribune and previously a news assistant at The Des Moines Register.
Debra Czarneski has been hired as assistant professor of mathematics at Simpson College. Prior to joining the Simpson staff, Czarneski worked as a graduate assistant at Louisiana State University.
Chad Roberts has joined the communications department of Simpson College as instructor of communication studies. Prior to his hire at Simpson, Roberts was the news director of KVSC-FM at Saint Cloud State University.
Tracy Rutledge has been hired as instructor of Spanish at Simpson College. Previously, Rutledge taught classes at Texas Tech University.
Graeme Armstrong has been named the director of Student Support Services, a new program designed to help limited income, disabled and first generation college students at Simpson College in Indianola. Previously, Armstrong was the assistant director and academic advisor with the division of adult learning at the college’s West Des Moines campus.
April Goers has joined Simpson College as the assistant director of Student Support Services. Goers joined the college in May as the academic advisor of the Upward Bound program before her hire with Student Support Services.
Kara May has been hired as the assistant director of the Hawley Academic Resource Center at Simpson College. Most recently, May was the associate director of the admissions department at Simpson.
Dave Camwell has joined the music department as instructor of music at Simpson College. Previously, Camwell was a doctor of musical arts at the University of Oregon.
Beth Jorgensen has joined the Simpson College faculty as assistant professor of English. Previously, Jorgensen worked at Iowa State University.
Jay Nugent has accepted a position of instructor of music at Simpson College. Previously, Nugent spend eight years as the band director at Saydel High School in Des Moines.
James Zohrer has been hired as an adjunct professor of biology at Simpson College. Previously, Zohrer was an executive officer at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
IN TOUCH (INSERT)
Homecoming 2005
Three people were added to the Honor Roll of the Names the Live at Simpson. These people were Dr. Elmo Barnum and James and Maxine Weinman. Dr. Joseph Walt was elected the distinguished faculty member.
The Simpson College athletic department honored eight individuals at the Hall of Fame Brunch. This year Kris Michels Anderson ’95, Larry Burnett ’66, Toby Finck ’49, and Nicole Pena Goodman ’95 were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Double S award was given to Glenn Mason ’49, Kirk Norris ’79 and Michael Norris ’75. Dr. Bruce Sloan received the Dick Buxton Award.
Touring the Years
1930s
Carolyn Evans Daland’36 of Redwood City, CA celebrated her 90th birthday in May 2005.
1940s
The Class of 1941 will celebrate its 65th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 23-24. The Class of 1946 will celebrate its 60th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 23-24.
Daryl Mayberry ’49 of Columbia, MO moved from Louisiana to be closer to Iowa and
family.
1950s
The Class of 1951 will celebrate its 55th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 23-24.
Charles Coffman ’51 of Kimberling City, MO and his wife Mary Beth Root celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 11, 2005.
Wanda May Stout Phillips ’52 of Round Rock, TX is retired. She would enjoy visitors or hearing from people.
Ruth Nielsen Barry ’54 of Irwin and her husband Milton recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Lorna Taylor Baldner Grow ’54 of Dallas Center was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall
of Fame at the 2005 Iowa State Fair.
The Class of 1956 will celebrate its 50th Reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 23-24.
1960s
Ilene Ferrell Schnicker ’60 of Washington is enjoying her retirement.
Nyno Vargas ’60 of Aurora, CO retired from teaching in 2004.
Dale Weaver ’60 of Ottumwa is serving as the Lt. Governor of Division 15 of Kiwanis-
NE-IA District for the year 2005-2006.
Nova Turpen Kane ’61 of Cable, WI just became a grandmother for the first time. Grandson Nicholas was born in September 2005.
Grace Blaschke Arrowood ’65 of Parkersburg, WV is teaching
Music Strategies 315 at the University of West Virginia – Parkersburg.
Dr. Matthew Sah ’65 of Sandy, OR has retired after 35 years as a physician
and surgeon.
Jim Seidel ’65 of Strawberry Point, and his teammates on the Cedar Rapids’ Iowa/
Hinrichs team placed seventh in the national at the USTA 2005 3.5 Mens’ Senior Doubles Championships in Tucson, AZ.
The Class of 1966 will celebrate its 45th Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2006 – June 23-24.
Charles Brice ’69 of Indianola is the senior vice president, global account executive for”> Kemin Health, L.C., an international ingredient manufacturer headquartered in Des Moines. He has been elected chairman of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), one of the dietary supplement industry’s leading trade associations.
Keith B. Dunbar ’69 of Bothell, WA has received the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Award for his contribution to the National Park Service over the
past 30 years in the area of park planning and special studies. Mr. Dunbar serves as the
chief of planning and environmental compliance for the NPS Pacific West Region, based in,Seattle.
Kathie Hutcheson ’69,of Pella retired in May 2005 after 36 years of teaching first grade at Martensdale St. Mary’s Community School. She was named to the 2005 Who’s Who of American Teachers.
Craig Weiss ’69 of St. Louis, MO is the owner of Kirkwood Metal Sales, a steel consulting company. He represents Steel Dynamics and Kentucky Electric Steel Co.
1970s
The Classes of 1970-72 will gather for a cluster reunion at Alumni Weekend 2006 June 23-24.
Ginny Hilmers Hotaling ’70 of Glenview, IL is the director of government affairs at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Jim Kelly ’70 of Pleasant Hill earned a silver medal in the shot put in the 55-59 age bracket at the 2005 Iowa Senior Olympics. He earned a gold medal in the shot put and silver medals in the discus and long jump at the 2005 Iowa Games in the 55-59 age bracket.
Kathryn A. Goodwin ’71 of Hoffman Estates, IL retired from Sears Roebuck and Co.
after 34 years of a distinguished career.
Nancy Ruffin ’72 of Kapolei, HI was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the United
States Army on September 1, 2005. She has been on active duty for 25 years and is a social worker for the Army.
Kathy Ruby Weddum ’72 of Davenport has retired after teaching algebra in the Davenport Community School District for 33 years.
Mary Worden Horton ’73 of Dubuque is proud to announce the birth of her first
grandchild, Max Thomas.
Debi Weddell Schutt ’73 of Woodward will be retiring in June 2006 after teaching elementary school for 33 years.
Rev. David Kruse ’74 of Anita and his wife Annette recently celebrated their 25th
wedding anniversary.
Kay Porter ’74 of Covington, GA has completed course work toward a certificate
in arts administration with a concentration”> in performing arts from New York University.
Currently she performs and teaches music, including private lessons in the metro-Atlanta,
GA area.
Mike Ostlund ’75 of Iowa City and Kerry Lehmkuhl Ostlund celebrated their 30th
wedding anniversary in August 2005. Mike has written a book, tentatively titled, “Find Em Chase Em Sink Em” which is slated for release around Father’s Day 2006.
John Tinley ’75 of Casper, WY graduated in May 2005 with a master’s degree in
counseling education from the University of Wyoming and is a community therapist
at Eastern Wyoming Mental Health in Douglas Wyoming.
Linda Graber Terry ’76 of Shreveport, LA is moving back to Shreveport after three years in Montgomery, TX.
Sue E. Malmberg ’77 of Shorewood, IL professor of music for Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL was recently appointed the music coordinator of the Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Department.
1980s
Ida Huber Mitchell ’80 of Everett, WA was married in 1996 to Thomas Mitchell. They have two daughters together, Emma (5) and Hannah (3). Prior to getting married Ida sang
with Opera Company in Europe and played the primary role Violetta in La Traviata. She also taught at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida and was heard in recital on public radio.
Connie Moore Brewbaker ’81 of Indianola is a K-6 media specialist for the SE Polk School District.
Charles Kline ’85 of Omaha, NE is active with owning and managing residential and
commercial real-estate. He is the owner of two premium tobacco stores.
The Class of 1986 will celebrate its 20th Reunion at Homecoming 2006 on October 14.
Todd Bloom ’86 of Tacoma, WA was recently assigned to sea duty as stock control of-ficer aboard the USNS San Jose. He was also recently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for meritorious service.
Trent Lensch ’86 of Carrollton, TX was promoted to vice president of operations for
Fastsigns International, Inc. Trent and his wife,
Karen Nielson ’86 live in Carrollton with their two children.
Pam Wylie Spangler ’86 of Des Moines received her master’s degree in reading and
literacy from Walden University in August 2005. She is currently teaching second grade
in Des Moines. She was inducted into the fall 2005 edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
Nancy Sammon Goering ’87 of Indianola is a member of the Indianola Chamber of
Commerce Board.
Heidi Raymond Slinker ’89 of Des Moines earned her master’s degree in education Drake University in May 2005. She is a fifth grade teacher at Hillis Elementary School.
1990s
The Class of 1991 will celebrate its 15th Reunion at Homecoming 2006 on October 14.
Kim Roland Harkness ’91 of Clive is a first grade teacher in the Waukee school district.
Tamara Baugh Swessinger ’91 of Rock Island, IL is working towards her master’s
degree.
Geoff Christy ’92 of Urbandale earned his master’s of business administration from Drake University in May 2004.
Martin Dale ’92 of Decorah is a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department.
In July 2005 he began a one year tour as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Saudi
Arabia.
Nicole Payne Hadley ’92 of Reno, NV is a senior pastor’s wife. She and her husband Steve attended the movie premiere of Left Behind.
Sean Kennedy ’92 of St. Charles is the vice president of research and development forIMT Insurance Company.
Jay Byers ’93 of Indianola is the senior vice-president for government relations and public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Jason Carlstrom ’94 of Des Moines graduated from Drake University Law School in May 2005.
Jennifer Peterson ’94 of Chicago, IL is the office manager for a newly formed property management company in Chicago. She also runs an interdenominational, nonprofit
organization called The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches.
Douglas Tagtmeyer ’94 of Chattanooga, TN is the assistant general counsel with Covenant Transport, Inc.
Kristen Agena ’95 of Cresco is an athletic trainer and instructor at Luther College
Eric Bennett ’95 of Lake Oswego, OR is a strategy and implementation consultant with Health Net of Oregon and California. He has also recently obtained his state of Oregon
pharmacy license.
Danielle Kuehl ’95 of Phoenix, AZ has earned a master’s of information systems
management from Keller Graduate School of DeVry University in Phoenix, AZ.
Heidi Workman ’95 of Des Moines has returned to Iowa after residing in San Diego
for six years and teaching at an inner city junior high school for four years.
The Class of 1996 will celebrate its 10th Reunion at Homecoming 2006 on October 14.
Chad Bennett ’97 of Waterloo is a biology instructor at Hawkeye Community College
in Waterloo, where he teaches anatomy and physiology. During 2005 he has done fiddler crab research in Jamaica and at the University of South Carolina’s marine
field station on the Atlantic. He is finishing his master’s degree at the University of
Northern Iowa, with a thesis titled “Osmoregulation by Fiddler Crabs of Jamaica.”
Joe Cockrell ’97 of Las Vegas, NV has been named assistant vice president of public affairs and director of media relations at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas.
Mark Denniston ’97 of Longmont, CO is currently pursuing his doctorate in political science at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Martin Poock ’97 of Chicago, IL has just begun his third season with the Lyric Opera chorus, and his first with the notable Chamber Singers at Holy Name Cathedral. This
past summer he performed with the Grant Park Chorus, Chicago Symphony Chorus at the
Ravinia Festival, DaCorneto Opera and Light Opera.
Amanda Vogel Edwards ’98 of Indianola joined the Iowa Realty office in Indianola. She will specialize in residential real estate sales.
Nicole Hartvigsen ’98 of Kansas City, MO graduated from the pediatrics residency
program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in June 2005.
Megan Keep ’98 of Tinley Park, IL graduated from Loyola University in May 2002 with her master’s of social work. She is currently the parent coordinator with Community
Consolidated School District #146 in Tinley Park.
Michael McIlheran ’98 of Rolfe has recently been accepted to the pastoral program at the American Lutheran Theological Seminary in the master of divinity program.
Rebecca Grinager Trefz ’98 of Piedmont, SD graduated from Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary with her master of divinity degree. She is currently the associate pastor at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, SD.
Emily Roush ’99 of Indianola has joined the public relations department of Simpson
College as news services manager.
2000s
Mandy Carlson Caffee ’00 of Gowrie graduated from Drake Law School in May 2005.
Julianna Sieck Cullen ’00 of Adel is a realtor with Iowa Realty in West Des Moines.
Jerad Lally ’00 of Windsor Heights is an industrial engineer with Communication Data
Services in Des Moines.
The Class of 2001 will celebrate its Fifth Reunion at Homecoming 2006 on October 14.
Brian Boka ’01 of Waukee is a variable annuities licensing manager with ING in Des Moines.
Eric Goodhue ’01 of Blaine, MN is the project supervisor in a new home construction for Cottagewood Partners in Deephaven, MN.
Megan Swanson Grier ’01 of Williamsburg graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry on June 3, 2005. She opened a new general dentistry office in Williamsburg on July 8, 2005.
Emily Wiley Haase ’01 of Pella is a newly inducted member of Sigma Theta Tau, the
national honor society for nurses.
Emily Kinsinger ’01 of Ottumwa graduated from Washington University- School of Medicine in St. Louis with a master’s of science in occupational therapy.
Tricia Martin ’01 of Washington, DC is a development assistant in the office of alumni
development at the Georgetown University Law Center.
Lori Whitlatch ’01 of Overland Park, KS is a campus director for Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). As a campus director she will lead Bible studies and teach students about the Catholic faith.
Nathan Allen ’02 of Des Moines graduated from Drake University Law School in May 2005.
Matt Behrens ’02 of Madison, WI graduated from the University of Iowa with his master’s of science in statistics in May 2005. In August 2005 he joined Epic Systems Corporation in Madison, WI as a technical services engineer.
Corey Bix ’02 of Clarinda graduated from the New England Conservatory in 2004 with a master’s degree in vocal performance. He has been singing opera with many companies including Des Moines Metro Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Santa Fe Opera and Opera Omaha. Corey is currently in Miami, FL and performed a recital at Simpson in February 2006.
Wendy Cooper Boka ’02 of Waukee graduated with honors from the Drake University Law School in May 2005.
Nathaniel Boulton ’02 of Des Moines graduated from Drake University Law School
in May 2005.
Tara Carlson ’02 of West Des Moines graduated from Drake University Law School
in May 2005.
Lisa Glick Darling ’02 of New York, NY is vice president of global sourcing for Lehman Brothers in Manhattan.
Ben Grier ’02 of Williamsburg is teaching lower elementary physical education
at Williamsburg. He is also the head varsity baseball coach and assistant football coach
for Williamsburg.
Brent Hinders ’02 of Des Moines graduated from Drake University Law School in May
2005.
Robert Hutt ’02 of Knoxville, TN has received his masters in sports studies from the
University of Tennessee. His concentration will be in sports management.
John Jacobsen ’02 of Coralville graduated from Drake Univeristy Law School in May 2005.
Michael Johnson ’02 of Hanford, CA is a criminal investigator with the Navy Criminal
Investigative Services. He and his wife Jana Hendricks ’02 are living in California.
Rob Pugh ’02 of Urbana, IL graduated from Drake University Law School in May 2005.
Katie Rowles Pugh ’02 of Urbana, IL graduated from Drake University Law School in May 2005.
Brian Depew ’03 of Lansing, MI graduated from Colorado State University with a
master’s degree in philosophy. He is now in the sociology doctoral program at Michigan
State University.
April Reineke ’03 of Omaha, NE received the Technical Support Award of Excellence
honorable mention from the Nebraska Society of Clinical Sciences while
working for Alegent Health in Omaha, NE. She is currently enrolled in the Rosalind Franklin University pathologists’ assistant program in Chicago, IL.
Timothy Reuter ’0 of Indianapolis, IN is the associate director of Lambda Chi Alpha
Fraternity. He has been inducted into Manchester Who’s Who Executive and Professional
Registry.
Matt Lane ’04 of St. Petersburg, FL is teaching third grade in St. Petersburg and was
featured in a CNN report that examined education experiences in several states.
Abbey Sinclair ’04 of West Des Moines has joined Marketlink, Inc. as a business link supervisor.
Nicole Molt ’05 of Alexandria, VA is working as a staff assistant for Lesher
and Russell Inc., an agriculture lobbying and consulting firm in Arlington, VA.”>
Simpson Magazine
Spring 2006
Inside cover, p. i
Joe and Christy Heller-Knowing the value of helping
Christy and Joe Heller both of class of 1991, know the value of giving back to the community. They have supported Simpson since their graduation, through early jobs after graduating and through the birth of their four children. They feel like Simpson was a place that gave so much to them, that it is important to give something back to Simpson.
Faculty Notes p. 2
John Beniot, associate professor of music, led the Des Moines-based trombone ensemble, Resonus, in a performance on the St. John’s Wednesday Noon Recital series on January 25. Mike Short, affiliate instructor of tuba and euphonium, also participated in this program. David Camwell, instructor of music, directed the first annual Simpson College Jazz Festival on January 26, 2006. Jackie Crawford, professor of education, was invited to speak at the National Center for Teacher Quality forum in San Diego. Carolyn Dallinger, assistant professor of social work and criminal justice, presented a paper titled “Making College Connections with Immigrant Children” discussing her service learning sociology course research outcomes at the Students in Transition Conference in Costa Mesa, CA. Steve Rose,coordinator of secondary education and associate professor at Simpson College, published an article in the February 2006 Iowa ASCD Educational Leadership. Virginia Croskery, instructor of music, traveled to Rwanda for two weeks in March. She spent these weeks teaching children. David Wolf, assistant professor of English, recently published the poems, “Sway” and “Boxthorn” appeared in Caveat Lector and “Temple” appeared in Word For/Word. Julie Schlarman, assistant professor of art, gave a paper titled “Stepford Wives or Peyton Place: Changing Gender Roles in the Mass Produced Suburbs” at the third annual Feminist Symposium at Cornell College on Saturday, March 18. Ron Albrecht, professor of music, is the winner of the Marilynn Etzel Commission Award for 2006. Nancy St. Clair, professor of English, Published her second book, A Distant Mirror: Reflections on Young Adult Historical Fiction.
Simpson Briefly p. 3
Mallory Higgins connects with Fox and Friends
By Michael Adams
Mallory Higgins, a junior at Simpson, spent the fall semester in New York City doing an internship for Fox and Friends, a national morning broadcasting show. She will continue at Simpson and plans on returning to New York after she completes her degree.
A Good Year for Coaches p. 4-5
By Crystal Berger
It was an amazing year for Simpson coaches. As they do not receive as much attention as their top players, they too are winning awards and breaking records.
John Sirianni won his 500th career baseball game on April 15 when Simpson defeated Buena Vista in both games of a double-header. He is only the 38th baseball coach in the Division III to compile 500 wins.
Bruce Wilson, men’s basketball coach, won his 300th career game when Simpson defeated Luther on January 24, 2006. In his 21st year of coaching at Simpson he set his career record at 303-241. He became Simpson’s most winning coach in 2001 with 239 wins.
Women’s basketball coach, Brian Niemuth won the IIAC coach of the year award, which made him a finalist for the Region 8 coach of the year. He gives his credit to his basketball team.
Bob Nutgrass, men’s tennis coach, became Simpson’s top winning tennis coach on April 3, 2006 after defeated Buena Vista. Nutgrass has a record of 87-73. This is his first year not teaching the women’s tennis team as well.
Bob Darrah, former wrestling coach, has been selected as an inductee for the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame. During his time at Simpson, Darrah complied a record of 86-25-1 through 1989-1995.
Simpson honors Kip Janvrin
Simpson’s premiere track event, formerly known as the Twilight Open, is renamed The Kip Janvrin Simpson College Open. Janvrin is a 1988 graduate who won the national championship in the decathlon three years in a row and won the Drake Relays decathlon a record 15 times. In 2000 he represented the United States at the Sydney Olympics.
Gieber’s post-retirement agenda is full p. 6
By Michael Adams
Professor of French Bob Gieber will retire on the spring of this year. Gieber says he has a lot to keep him busy. He says he will spend most of his time reading, gardening, cooking and going to the movies. Gieber spent 31 years at Simpson teaching English, French and some Spanish classes.
Kat Fenneman joins Peace Corps p. 7
Senior Kathryn Fenneman has been accepted into the Peace Corps to work in the eastern Caribbean section. While at Simpson, Fenneman was involved in Religious Life Council, Upward Bound, the Breakfast Club, track, theater and photojournalism.
Simpson’s future tied to Iowa’s past p. 7
Bill Friedricks, professor of history at Simpson College is proposing a new program with Iowa’s past. This program would contain courses on Iowa history, research opportunities and grants to K-12 students. Friedricks thought of this idea after teaching a course in the spring that dealt with national events tied with an Iowan town. This would be the first program like this in the state of Iowa.
Haddox, Kellogg retire; both leave strong legacies p. 8-9
By Emily A. Roush
Academic Dean Bruce Haddox will retire this year after being at Simpson since 1969. Since then he has served several positions throughout campus. He was hired as an assistant professor of religion, then associate professor of philosophy, then awarded tenure in 1974. Since 1987 he has served as associate dean and interim president, and then became the dean of the college in 1994.
Vice president for marketing and research John Kellogg will also retire this year. He joined Simpson in 1977 as the director of admissions. Kellogg also served as vice president for institutional advancement, vice president for enrollment and planning, vie president for college advancement and vice president for marketing and research.
Giving Llamas p. 10
By Karl Lang
A Global Right Senior Colloquium class instructed by Patricia Calkins has purchased two llamas to give to families in need of a source of food. This idea was brought on by a class discussion about how people could make a difference in someone else’s life.
Using basketball to reach troubled youth p. 10
By Emily A. Roush
Christopher Allen, a junior sports administration major, is finding more time to spend with youth. He has worked with more than 100 kids during the summer when he lives with his uncle, who is the executive director for the George Washington Carver Center in Peoria. Allen hopes to be an athletic director someday, but if teaching kids becomes more prominent in his life, he will follow that course.
Art at Simpson p. 12-14
By Michael Adams
Three art department professors at Simpson talk about the importance of creativity among their students. Justin Nostrala, art professor, says that artistic freedom is very important and not having pressure to have your art look at particular way. David Richmond, chair of the Art department, talks about time and location of photographs and how no picture can be taken twice. Julie Schlarman is also in the art department as an art history professor.
Theatre Simpson-A lab for life p. 15-17
By Emily A. Roush
Jennifer Ross Nostrala, professor of theater arts and chair of the division of fine and performing arts talks about the importance of the art of theater and how learning it can help students in whatever they plan on doing in the future. Skills learned in the theater department go beyond acting and set design. Students learn time management, creative problem solving, communication and creative thinking. Part of the departmental mission states that courses and projects provide students with cultural and artistic experiences and develop their abilities to observe, reflect, think critically and express themselves, and to develop their leadership skills.
McLean has design in mind p. 18
By Emily A. Roush
Steve McLean, instructor of design and technical theater came to Simpson 15 years ago and has since become the go to guy for set design. McLean creates designs for Theatre Simpson productions and the Des Moines Metro Opera. His designs have been honored at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre twice.
Simpson alumnus takes on world of Opera p. 19
By Emily A. Roush
John Michael Moore, a 2005 graduate from Simpson has been busy in the opera world, recently being named a finalist in the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council auditions. Today he is a resident artist with the Minnesota Opera. This is John’s third time auditioning for the Met, and is one of nine finalists this year.
Making music for 146 years p. 20-23
The history of the music department at Simpson is almost as old as the college itself. In 1882 it became an official department, but ran under its own program, hiring its own teachers and under its own financial account. In 1891 it became the Conservatory of Music, and by 1910 had 335 students. Frank Barrows was the active director there for 33 years. After Barrows’ death in 1923, the department saw many changes until Sven Lekberg came and saved it in 1940. Lekberg brought the department back onto its feet, and when Lekberg retired, his student Robert Larsen took over as chair of the department. The high reputation continues today under the direction of Maria DiPalma.
Simpson Sports p. 24-27
By Matt Turk
Men’s and women’s indoor track-women turn in strong performances; men look to rebuild
Indoor track: Men’s team placed ninth at the Iowa Conference Indoor Championships. Women placed fifth at the IIAC Indoor Championships. Jen Wendt became the first Simpson athlete to win an Indoor Championship title since it became an official sport in 2002.
Valley’s famed Mark Wagner joins coaching staff
Swimming: The Simpson swim team finished fourth at the Iowa Conference Championships and 14th at the Liberal Arts Championships. Former Valley High School swim coach Mark Wagner will replace Mark Corley.
Wrestling-national championships bring out the best
Wrestling: Simpson finished in the top ten in the NCAA Division III national championships. This is the third season in a row Simpson made it to the championships.
Women’s basketball-Storm women cap best season in school’s history
Women’s basketball: Simpson enjoyed the program’s most successful season to date. The Storm won its fifth Iowa Conference Championship in the past nine years, going 15-1 in the regular season. Simpson won its second straight Iowa Conference Tournament title, defeating Luther 81-68 in the finals. The Storm advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time. Simpson tied the school record by winning 24 games (24-5). The Storm ended the season ranked No. 20 in the USA Today/ESPN Division III Top 25 and No. 21 in the d3hoops.com Top 25.
Men’s basketball- Wilson wins 300th, Storm battle to the buzzer
Men’s basketball: Simpson finished fifth in the Iowa Conference and was seconds away from advancing to the IIAC Tournament finals. During the season Simpson head coach Bruce Wilson won his 300th career game when the Storm defeated Luther 69-57, giving Wilson more wins than any head coach in Simpson history. In his 21st season, Wilson has compiled a 303-241 record, earning him a ranking of 54thnationally among Division III coaches.
A quartet of surprises in the European Union p. 28-30
By Frank Colella
Professor of economics, Frank Colella, writes an essay about his trip to four Eastern European countries throughout his trip he ran into several surprises. First was that Eastern Europe was still a part of central Europe, which is still like the Soviet Union. Second, he was shocked that he only needed a passport to visit these countries, but to visit the US took much more. He was also surprised that the countries were so beautiful and the people were so nice. Lastly, he was surprised that al of the countries he visited had very high unemployment rates.
Maya goes Googling p. 31
By Emily A. Roush
Maya Hristakeva was selected as one of the 200 women to attend the Google Workshop for Women Engineers. This opportunity was a great one for her, as she plans on pursuing a career in engineering.
New Faces p. 32
Paul Lounsberry, a 1973 graduate of Simpson College, has joined the college as assistant head football coach and offensive coordinator. Previously, Lounsberry was a coach for 33 years, including at the University of Florida and the University of South Carolina.
Jenny Flora has been named an admissions counselor at Simpson College in Indianola. She is a recent graduate of Wartburg College where she studied communication arts with an emphasis on public relations.
Michelle Bradley has joined Simpson College as the student loan coordinator. Previously, Bradley worked for Community State Bank.
Denise Hudson has joined the Division of Adult Learning at Simpson College as the part-time evening administrative assistant. Hudson is an association at the Indianola Middle School by day.
Julie Manatrey has joined Simpson College’s Division of Adult Learning Indianola campus as the day administrative assistant. Previously, Manatrey was the executive director of the Norwalk Area Camber of Commerce.
Tammi Perry, previously an in-home claims processor, has joined Simpson College as part-time faculty support in the art department.
IN TOUCH (INSERT)
2006 Almuni Award Recipients Named
Simpson College awarded ten alumni this year at the annual Alumni Recognition Luncheon on Friday, June 23rd.
The following people received the Alumni Loyalty Award: Robert Kresse ’82; Joe and Chris Schulte Blake ’71
The following people received the Alumni Achievement Award: Dr. Richard Pemble ’63; Jo Ann Guthrie Krivin ’55; H. Richard Smith ’53.
He following people received the Humanitarian Service Award: Dr. Keith Swanson ’54; Carrie Miller Hall ’58.
The following people received the Recent Alumni Loyalty Award: Marty Smith ’96.
The following people received the Recent Alumni Achievement Honor: Bejamin Sodey ’99.
Forty Under Forty
The following people were selected as members of the class of the 2006 Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under Forty list: Bill Wright ’92, Keith Snow ’96, Jay Byers ’93, and Rush Nigut ’91.
Touring the Years
1940s
Class of 1942 65th reunion June 23-25, 2007
Virginia Groomes Toenes ’46 of Westfield, NJ and her husband George will celebrate their 53rdanniversary on July 5, 2006.
Class of 1947 60th reunion June 23-25, 2007
1950s
Charlotte Garlock Jamison ’55 of Ames has three grandchildren in college on academic scholarships.
Class of 1952 55th reunion June 23-25, 2007
Class of 1957 50th reunion June 23–25, 2007
1960s
Class of 1962 45th reunion June 23-25, 2007
Terrence Farley ’65 of Souderton, PA retired in June 2005 from his job as a principal. He is busy with volunteer work at his church.
Class of 1967 40th reunion June 23- 25, 2007
1970s
Doug Hall ’70 of Leavenworth, KS retired from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Jim Kelly ’70 of Pleasant Hill and Lynn Kelly will celebrate 25th anniversary in Alaska.
John Hancock ’75 of Spokane, WA, a nationally recognized management executive
of major symphony orchestras, has been named executive director at The Pasadena POPS
Orchestra.
Mike Ostlund ’75 of Iowa City has completed his book entitled “Find Em
Chase Em Sink Em: The Mysterious Loss of the WW II submarine USS Gudgeon.” It will be available in major bookstores everywhere in July 2006.
Classes of 1976-78 30th reunion June 23- 25, 2007
Linda Graber Terry’76 of Shreveport, LA announces the birth of her grandson Jakob
McBee. In addition to his grandmother, Jakob’s great grandpa, great-grandma, great
uncle and great aunt are all Simpson College alumni.
Bruce Wilson ’76 of Indianola won his 300th game as Simpson’s men’s head basketball coach in February 2006. He became head basketball coach in 1985.
Bobby Sandquist ’79 of Johnston won his 300th game as a high school boy’s basketball coach in February 2006. He was recently named head boy’s basketball coach for the Johnston School District.
Debra Wyatt Perry ’81 of Urbandale was named the 2005 Teacher of the Year by
the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce.
Lori Carnes ’82 of Mediapolis was selected as one of five favorite teachers in the Mediapolis School District. There were 300 teachers eligible for this honor.
Paula Witke Green ’86 of Prior Lake, MN is the vice president for ancillary and support services at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN.
Ann Anthony Forrester ’87 of Ft. Riley, KS married Dr. Grant Forrester in 1994,
they have traveled the world due to his career in the U.S. Army and Ann is staying at home with their two girls.
Tony Costa ’88 of Carlsbad, CA is vice president and chief information officer at
Bumble Bee Foods in San Diego, CA.
Wendy Brimmer Johnson ’89 of West Des Moines graduated from the Iowa State
University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and now practices at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital.
1990s
Carolyn Hull Boswell ’90 of Derby received her national board certification in 2002.
Sarah Cross Wright ’90 of Ottumwa is a 5th grade teacher at Pekin Community Schools, is the head coach for the girls’ track team and assistant boys’ and girls’ cross country coach. She placed 4th in the women’s division of the 2005 Des Moines Marathon with a time of 3:20.51, which qualified her for the 2006 Boston Marathon.
Class of 1991 15th Reunion Homecoming October 14, 2006
Rod Liston ’91 of El Paso, TX is a police officer for the City of El Paso, investigating and reconstructing serious/ fatal traffic collisions. He was recently hired by Texas A; mso-bidi-font-style: italic”>M University as an adjunct instructor to teach collision reconstruction courses throughout the state and country.
Mike Sherman ’9 of Milo is a technology support teacher with Des Moines Public Schools. He has two children, Justus (9) and Zoey. (2)
Brian Nelson ’96 of Des Moines earned his law degree from Drake University in 1999 and is an attorney with the Nelson Law Firm in West Des Moines.
Christina Baranowski ’98 of Colorado Springs, CO is the assistant director at Bright Horizons at the USAA Child Development Center in Colorado Springs. She recently obtained her director’s certification from the State of Colorado.
Emily Wiley Haase ’01 of Pella graduated from Grand View College in December 2005 with a bachelor’s of science in nursing.
Carol Beronich ’0 of Des Moines has been named publisher of the Dallas County News, which also publishes the Northeast Dallas County Record and Waukee Today.
Alanah Davis ’0 of Crescent received her master’s degree in e-commerce from Creighton University in December 2004 and is working on her doctorate in information technology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Kama Rasmussen ’04 of Gainesville, FL is currently enrolled in a master’s program at the University of Florida.
Mark Fuller ’05 of Orlando, FL is the operations executive at Cultural Vacations and Safaris.
Nick Pingel ’05 of Hays, KS is working on his master’s of exercise science at Fort Hays State University and works for Paul-Wertenberger Construction.
Josh Hummel ’06 of Des Moines graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in April 2006 and is now with the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a DCI Agent in Council Bluffs.