Celebration of 2025 Alumni Awards

Five outstanding graduates were recognized during Homecoming weekend with the presentation of Simpson’s 2025 Alumni Awards, recognizing leadership, service, and professional excellence.

Zachary Rus ’08 received the Alumni Achievement Award for his success in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Rus was recognized in the Des Moines Business Record’s “40 under 40” Class of 2025 for his work as engagement director at Ellipsis, a holistic provider of youth and family support services. In July 2025, Rus became the executive director of Iowa Safe Schools, which provides support and resources for LGBTQ youth, educators and administrators.

The Recent Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Robert Lyons ’17, who has excelled in his career and civic engagement endeavors at a pace and level that is uncommon for someone his age. After graduating from Simpson with a degree in political science, Lyons studied public administration at American University. After serving on a pair of political campaigns, he held several roles with USDA Rural Development before moving into his current role as outreach manager for AARP Iowa.

Mark Miller ’79 received the Alumni Loyalty Award in recognition of his long-standing dedication to Simpson and his many years of active involvement with the College as an instructor, trustee, volunteer, and generous supporter. Miller held several important business leadership roles during an illustrious career spanning nearly 30 years with DuPont Pioneer. Today, he serves as a part-time strategic advisor for Peoples Company.

MacKenzie Bills ’16 received the Recent Alumni Loyalty Award, recognizing her ongoing deep connection to the College through volunteer service and continuing support of the Culver Center and its alumni programing. Bills has had an active career in politics during a wide-ranging career that has included key positions with the U.S. Department of State and USAID.

The Recent Alumni Humanitarian Award was presented to Ishaya David ’17, whose leadership and advocacy work have strengthened communities and improved countless lives in his home country of Nigeria through his nonprofit organization Dreams Alive, founded by his late brother. Also serving as a pharmacist for UnityPoint Health, David’s work with Dreams Alive provides a wide range of free medical outreach services and health education programs in areas of desperate need all across Nigeria.