Simpson Set to Celebrate Commencement Saturday

Simpson College will award 231 bachelor’s and master’s degrees during its Commencement ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, in Cowles Fieldhouse. Simpson President Sue Stuebner will provide remarks, participating in her first signature graduation event since being named 26^th president in January 2026.

The College will also present honorary degrees to Robert (Bob) ’63 and Ardene ’62 Downing, along with Terry Handley ’09 on Saturday. Founder of Downing Construction in 1966, Bob has earned numerous awards and honors from his alma mater while also serving as a longtime member and former chair of the Simpson College Board of Trustees. He is also a member of ATO. Ardene remains deeply involved in Pi Beta Phi and is also active with the Des Moines Metro Opera.

Handley, former CEO of Casey’s General Stores, Inc., earned his bachelor’s degree from Simpson in 2009 as a non-traditional student. He joined Simpson’s Board of Trustees in 2015 and became Chair in 2021. Following the sudden passing of President  Jay Byers in 2025, Handley stepped in as acting president — providing steady and compassionate leadership during a time of uncertainty.

Senior speakers will be Anna Sharp ’26  from Altoona, Iowa, and Peggy Mongar ’26, Ankeny, Iowa, representing traditional and Simpson Online graduates, respectively. Ben Gaumer, D.O., RADM MC USN (ret) ’75 will serve as honorary grand marshal.

Be sure to follow official Simpson social media accounts to see extensive imagery and video from Commencement 2026.