Simpson Celebrates 2025 Commencement

The Simpson College community gathered the morning of May 3 to celebrate the achievements of 240 undergraduate students during the 2025 commencement ceremony.

Graduates processed from Smith Chapel, through the red-brick gates in front of College Hall, and into Cowles Fieldhouse for the ceremony, led by honorary grand marshal Susan Voss ’76.

Acting President Terry Handley ’09 opened the ceremony with a tribute to the late President Jay Byers, sharing a special message with students.

“I truly believe that if he were standing here today, he would say this: ‘You did it. I’m proud of you. Now go out into the world and lead with the same passion, commitment and enthusiasm you’ve shown here.’ And he would leave you with two immortal words: ‘Roll Storm!’”

Following Handley’s remarks, the Simpson College Wind Ensemble performed One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux. The piece evokes Shakespeare’s “sweet sorrow” and reflects on the strength and fragility of life — what it means to truly live “one life beautiful.

Student Speakers

Two members of the graduating class shared their reflections during the ceremony: Andrew Samountry ’25, a traditional undergraduate student from Springdale, Arkansas, and Parker Anderson ’25, representing Simpson’s Online and Graduate Studies program.

Samountry earned a degree in computer science. He paid tribute to those who supported him and spoke directly to the first-generation parents in attendance.

“To every first-generation parent and guardian who has carried the weight of a dream bigger than themselves – this moment is for you, too,” said Samountry. “Today, we stand on the foundation you built, and we carry your dreams forward.”

Anderson earned a degree in marketing communication with summa cum laude honors. For the past seven years, he has worked in advertising for DART public transit in the Des Moines metro area. He reflected on the experience of balancing academics with personal and professional life as a nontraditional student.

“As I stand before you today, I am grateful to represent the nontraditional students who have worked to achieve their academic goals on top of their day jobs, their family lives and all the other real-world obligations that we call ‘adulting,’” said Anderson. “Our journeys have been unique and sometimes unpredictable. But here we are, celebrating our accomplishment together.”

Guest Speaker and Awards

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Robert G. Riley, CEO of Riley Resource Group. A respected leader in agriculture, sustainability and entrepreneurial innovation, Riley has more than 50 years of experience in the agriculture, fats and oil processing industries. During his speech, he reflected on his younger days of “getting into mischief,” sharing stories that brought both laughter and perspective. He encouraged students to stand up for what they believe in — even when it’s difficult — reminding them that courage and conviction are often the foundation of meaningful change.

Three individuals received special recognition during the ceremony:

• Maggie Fitzpatrick ’25, a social justice studies major with minors in computer science and multimedia communication, received the Trustees’ Academic Award. The award honors the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA and most quality points, who has lived on campus during at least their junior and senior years.
• Lindsay Ditzler, associate professor of chemistry, received the Distinguished Teaching Award, presented to a faculty member recognized by students and colleagues for excellence in teaching.
• Stephanie Neve ‘06, director of Student Support Services, received the Staff Student Impact Award, honoring a staff member whose efforts to mentor and challenge students go beyond the scope of their regular duties.

The ceremony concluded with the conferral of degrees and a recessional, officially marking the graduation of the Simpson College Class of 2025.

View the full commencement ceremony here.