Many Paths to Supporting Simpson

She started her college career at Drake but transferred to Simpson after just one semester to be closer to her boyfriend. Deb’s mom, the late Donnabelle Skinner John ’41, may not have liked her daughter’s motives, but Donnabelle blessed the move because of her love for her alma mater. And so began Deb’s memorable Simpson journey from standout student to faithfully supportive and generous alumna.

Deb’s time at Simpson opened her eyes to a whole new world and life-shaping growth opportunities.

“Simpson’s classes and instructors and new friends challenged me to step out of my little bubble of predictable academic achievement,” she said. “I was successful in high school speech competitions, but at that time Simpson only offered a speech/theater combination as a major. Dramatic performance terrified me, and I usually worked behind the scenes with minimal on-stage presence. However, others believed that I could meet an acting challenge. My final semester I played the female lead role in “Unfinished Sympathy,” written by then department chair Joe Graber.”

After graduation, Deb was offered the opportunity to teach English in Woodbine, Iowa. The position, however, required a major in English. Fortunately, Simpson English Professor Dr. Donald Koch worked with her to complete the necessary requirements during the summer following her graduation. She went on to teach in Woodbine for two years before relocating to Colorado, where she earned her Master of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and enjoyed a distinguished career of more than 35 years teaching in the Thompson School District in Loveland, Colo. She taught English and speech at both the high school and college levels, while also serving as an instructional coach the last 10 years of her career.

Inspiring Legacy

Since her retirement, Deb has continued to find creative and highly impactful ways to support Simpson. Following her mother’s passing in 2021, Deb honored her mother’s legacy by establishing the Donnabelle and Deborah John Endowed Scholarship. Funded through Deb’s estate that includes three annuities naming Simpson College as beneficiary, the scholarship will provide financial assistance to students majoring in English, education, or theatre arts who demonstrate financial need.

Eager to make an immediate impact as well, Deb established the Deborah John Endowed International Experience Fund with a cash gift in 2022. Fondly recalling her international travel experiences to the Mideast, Italy, Greece and the UK during her Simpson days, Deb created the fund that will support students with financial need who participate in international experiences during May Term.

Deb’s generosity extends even further. In addition to her longstanding support of the Simpson Fund, she is working with the Simpson Advancement Office to arrange for her home to be transferred to Dechomai Asset Trust upon her death. Net proceeds from the sale of her home will be directed into a donor-advised fund that will provide support to the endowed resources Deb has established at Simpson College, ensuring a lasting impact on Simpson students for generations to come.

“Supporting Simpson College financially is an investment in individual students and their liberal arts education to help them become well rounded, confident, authentic people,” said Deb. “I choose to do so because I value education not indoctrination, because I believe in developing rational discourse, because I support the personal and academic growth of each and every student, and because I view these financial contributions as investments in our shared humanity.”