Four Simpson College students earn scholarships from Principal®

Simpson College (simpson.edu) students Mary Hendon, Alyssa Pingel, Hattie Rhodes and Mikayla Vander Heiden have been named Principal Scholars for the 2020-21 academic year.

Scholarship recipients receive $5,000 from Principal and mentorship from a Principal employee. Scholarship funds are designated for students majoring in fields related to STEM or accounting and are part of the Principal Talent-Focused Higher Education Grant.

“We are deeply grateful for the strong support Principal provides Simpson College,” said Bobbi Sullivan, Simpson College director of career development. “The Principal Scholars program is a great benefit for our students because it provides both financial support and valuable industry exposure. Principal exemplifies an employer-focused partnership with our institution through active leadership on our Board of Trustees, serving as guest speakers, attending on-campus events, hosting students for visits and selecting students for both internships and full-time positions.”

To be considered for the scholarship, students must meet certain criteria and complete a written application. Finalists are interviewed by a committee before recipients are chosen by Simpson faculty and staff.

The Principal Scholars program at Simpson has resulted in a total of $40,000 in scholarships for eight students since 2018.

2020-21 Simpson College Principal Scholars

Mary Hendon is a junior double-majoring in data science and environmental science. A STEM scholarship recipient, Hendon is active in the Sustainability Club and serves as vice president of the Math Club. She has also participated in numerous math modeling and data contests. Last summer, Hendon gained valuable experience through a biology internship with PowerPollen.

Alyssa Pingel is a junior majoring in computer information systems with minors in management information systems and interactive media. A STEM scholarship recipient, Pingel serves as vice president of the Rotaract Club and is vice president of finance and housing for the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Last summer, she gained valuable experience through an information technology internship with Athene.

Hattie Rhodes is a junior double-majoring in accounting and business management. An accounting scholarship recipient, Rhodes is a member of the Simpson women’s basketball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Best Buddies. She applies her education as an undergraduate assistant in the college’s business office.

Mikayla Vander Heiden is a junior double-majoring in accounting and business management. An accounting scholarship recipient, Vander Heiden transferred to Simpson after graduating from Des Moines Area Community College. At Simpson, she is involved in the Accounting Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and serves as a Career Peer and student ambassador. She is currently gaining valuable experience through an accounting and finance internship with the National Pork Board.

About Principal^®
Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and portfolio sizes achieve their goals—offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has approximately 1,300 full-time undergraduate students and approximately 400 part-time students. Simpson offers more than 80 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.

Contact Information
Cathy Cole, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communication
Direct: 515-961-1595
Email: cathy.cole@simpson.edu