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Taking the World by Storm

Class of 08 Benay Hicks: Growing Literacy from the Get-Go

May 28, 2025

Chief External Relations Officer, Book Harvest, Durham, N.C.
B.A. Psychology and Religion
ThM Boston University
Doctoral Student, Leadership Psychology, William James College

“I’ll never be able to fully articulate what Simpson did for me...My professors were exceptional and didn’t just teach me the subject matter, they taught me about life.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 09 Josh Blackford: On Top of His Game

May 28, 2025

Vice President, Operations & Stadium General Manager, Sporting Kansas City
B.A. Sport Administration
M.S. Counseling, Kansas State University

“Simpson provided the foundation for my professional journey. The small college environment helped make my education more personal, more relevant, and more well-rounded.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 10 Tara (Christensen) Wachendorf: The Joy of Leading and Giving

May 28, 2025

President, GreenState Foundation
Vice President, Public Relations, GreenState Credit Union
B.A.: Marketing

“Simpson is the best experience I could have asked for. It forced me to try new things, step outside my comfort zone and learn to communicate more confidently.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 11 Michael Schwoll: Doing Business in Good Taste

May 28, 2025

Sales Director, Grand Napa Vineyards
B.A.: International Business

“Simpson College helped me understand the importance of international business and marketing, especially in today’s world.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 12 Jessica Mallow Gulley: Making Magical Music Memories

May 28, 2025

President and CEO, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
B.M. Vocal Performance
M.A. Arts Management, American University

“My training at Simpson to be an opera singer and musician, and [Simpson’s] in-depth music curriculum set me up better than anywhere in the country could have for a professional career.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 13 Brenton Minish: Always a Team Player

May 28, 2025

Director of Partnerships, Otto
B.A. Business Management
MBA Wake Forest University

“Simpson has played a huge part in my success. It gave me exposure to areas I would have never been exposed to at other schools.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 14 Shanice Whitney: Finding Her Place in the World

May 28, 2025

Elementary Teacher, Dubai, UAE
Founder, Teach Travel Thrive
B.A.: Elementary Education

“Simpson helped me shape my ability to lead and inspire. There were certainly challenges, but those experiences taught me the importance of surrounding myself with people who truly care about me and want to uplift me.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 15 Mariah K. Young: Innovative Strategist

May 28, 2025

Customer Experience and Growth Strategy, VML
B.A.: Business and Journalism

“Professor Brian Steffen was the single biggest influence in helping to prepare and shape me as a person and professional. He challenged me to be a stronger critical thinker, while nurturing my natural curiosity.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 16 Louis Joslyn: Pursuing the Science of Healing

May 28, 2025

Principal Scientist, Genentech
B.A. Math and Computer Science
Ph.D Bioinformatics & Computational Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School

“The diverse and broad curriculum at Simpson allowed me to develop into an interdisciplinary student and researcher — an aspect I consider critical for successful research and collaboration in my field.”
Taking the World by Storm

Class of 17 Britney Appelgate: Transforming Communities

May 28, 2025

Vice President, Community Relations, Wells Fargo
B.A. Social Justice, Philosophy and Spanish

“I can’t thank Simpson enough for the profound impact it’s had on my life. My professors, mentors and friends helped me build the confidence to take on leadership roles I might not have otherwise pursued.”