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SPRING 2011

The MaGazINe
| president’s message

Great minds on campus
cademic leaders understandably are concerned about the findings of two sociologists in the new
book “Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses.” The authors conclude
many students do not learn much in their first two years of college, that nearly half show no
significant growth in critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing.
You might ask, “How is that different at Simpson?”
In a recent issue of the Simpson magazine, we described our college’s new curriculum, an all-new
course of study to develop critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and writing skills into every course.
Simpson College graduates will not only be prepared to compete in a global economy, but will learn to
lead and be engaged citizens of the world.
As the spring 2011 semester concludes, we report on several sterling accomplishments by our students.
A team of four Simpson College undergraduates was one of only 74 selected nationally to present
their research at the U.S. Capitol later this month. Out of more than 700 applications, our students’
sophisticated work will be among the best in the country when presented to members of Congress at
the annual Posters on the Hill Conference in Washington, D.C.
The upcoming undergraduate research symposium on campus will also showcase projects from a wide
range of disciplines across campus. The projects involve everything you would expect from a premier
liberal arts education: inquiry, investigation, analysis, discovery, application and writing. There are
more than 40 entries in the research symposium this year; I encourage you to visit campus on April 14
and see first-hand the impressive findings by our students.
Finally, just last month, Simpson students competed with peers across the world in an international
mathematics symposium. We are awaiting the results of this competition, but last year Simpson ranked
in the top ten percent of teams across the globe. I have no reason to expect anything less this year.
Students not learning? Not at Simpson.
Part of the Simpson Experience is to bring the world’s great minds to campus. I hope you can join us
on campus April 7 for the inaugural Culver Lecture. Our guest lecturer will be George McGovern, a
distinguished former senator, statesman, diplomat and his party’s nominee for U.S. president. He will
be joined by Iowa’s own John Culver, one of Mr. McGovern’s colleagues in the Senate, one of our state’s
most accomplished leaders and a scholar in his own right.
In closing, I hope you enjoy reading about the unusual, even quirky pastimes of some of Simpson’s
faculty. The best teachers are interesting people with interesting lives. I am proud to be associated with
each of them.

President

2 W W W. S I M P S O N M aG a zINe. C O M
The Magazine

Simpson College President
John Byrd
contents
Publisher
Cary Jordan
Executive Director of Marketing

editor
Bonnie harris

art Director
Leslie Byars Diehl ’03

11
Sports editor
Bryan Geelan ’07

Web architect
Missy DeYoung

Digital Content Specialist
Greg Votava

Photographer
David Peterson

28
graphic Designer
amanda Leichty ’10

assistant editor

6
Mary Fortune

Copy Center Manager
Jenifer Mertes

Touring the Years editor
4 INVeSTING IN SIMPSON
Sara Thompson The generous support of alumni
and friends defines the Simpson
Contributing Writers experience
Leslie Midget held ’86 24 aThLeTICS
Kelsey Knutson ’11
allie Walker ’11 6 a SIMPSON SPaCe
Fritz Wehrenberg Unforgettable campus places 28 eXTRa!
- Slovenia
Office of Alumni Relations - Culver Center
Leslie Midget held ’86 7 ChaPLaIN’S CORNeR - accidental everything
Director
515-961-1544
- Student Support Services
8 FaCULTY PURSUITS - Research Symposium
Office of College Advancement - Ryan Rehmeier - George Washington Carver
Bob Lane ’81 - Where are They Now? Lecture
Vice President
515-961-1549
- Faculty accomplishments
33 UPCOMING eVeNTS
11 COVeR STORY
eclectic educators 34 TOURING The YeaRS

The Simpson magazine is published quarterly Your magazine is a winner!
by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. The Office of Marketing and Public Relations is proud to announce
Letters to the Editor and story ideas are the Simpson magazine’s two awards for excellence by the Council for
welcomed. Send correspondence to Bonnie Harris Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). A Gold award was
achieved for excellence in photography and a Bronze award was given for
at themagazine@simpson.edu.
last summer’s Sesquicentennial Special Section.

ON THE COVER: Professor Nick Proctor brings history
to life in the classroom. Photo by David Peterson. The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 3
Mary Rose Main lives in Manhattan.
| investing in simpson

ConneCTeD
or Mary Rose Main ’53, giving back to Simpson has
always made perfect sense.

“I’ve always thought Simpson was doing the right
thing and going in the right direction. It was consistent
with the things that I was trying to do with the Girl Scout
organization, to make opportunities for young people to
develop leadership. I could see that happening at Simpson
and I wanted to contribute to help ensure it continued in

PhOTO BY BeVeRLY O’ReGaN ThIeLe ’87.
that direction.”

In 1997, the Simpson magazine featured Main when she
retired as the national executive director of the Girl Scouts
of the U.S.A. In that story, Main spoke of her experiences
at Simpson and how they helped shape her career and her
agenda for the Girl Scouts. Fourteen years later she is still
grateful to her alma mater.

“Simpson was very much directly involved in my career. I
was about ready to graduate from Simpson and my advisor,
Don Koontz, called me in and he had a letter from the Girl
Scouts and thought I should apply,” Main said. “I applied,
got the job and I was a part of the Girl Scout organization
for 44 years, my entire career.”
“When I was invited to become a trustee, I decided that I
Main also feels that her experiences as a student helped wanted to do it and do it right, so I have always participated
shape her as the leader she eventually became. and given financially at the top level that I could give.”

“I was a Tri Delt and the sorority gave me a lot of As a trustee, Main has invested time and money to ensure the
opportunities that I may not have had otherwise. They were education students receive at Simpson continues to evolve
very important when I was there. My opportunities on and improve.
Student Council were important too.”
“I think it’s important for students to think creatively and
Today, 58 years after her graduation, Rose feels more analyze situations and solve problems. I think that’s possible
connected with Simpson than ever. especially today with the new curriculum that Simpson
is implementing,” Main said. “You really are a broadened
“I think it’s important to stay connected to things that you individual when you graduate from Simpson.”
really believe in and I wanted to provide even more of the
opportunities that I had while I was at Simpson to the Main also established the Mary Rose Main Endowed
younger generation.” Scholarship fund in 1997, which continues to help a Simpson
student finance her education each year. ■
Main was awarded the Simpson College Alumni
Achievement Award in 1991 and joined the Simpson Board
of Trustees in 1992.

4 WWW. S I M P S O N M aGa z INe. C O M
Jason Gutzmer with his family in 1997.

PaYing iT baCk
ike many kids, Jason Gutzmer ’97 dreamed about Clarinda, made the decision to pay back the financial
what he would be when he grew up. For him, it was assistance each of their three children received. The
a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He earned good grades Gutzmers made gifts to all three colleges with an enclosed
and did well on his ACT. He took enough college level classes letter requesting that the money help current students.
in high school and the summer after graduation through Simpson College, Iowa Western Community College and
Iowa Western to have several credit hours under his belt Northwestern College received the gifts.
while planning to attend Iowa State
University and apply for a ROTC “We now have the financial resources that enable
scholarship. We could not have sent us to replace the scholarship money Jason received
our kids to the colleges to be used by future students,” said Elaine
But another path presented itself Gutzmer. “We would encourage others to replace
to Jason. As a camp counselor, he they attended without scholarship funds when possible.”
discovered a calling to the ministry scholarships and grants.
and decided to attend Simpson At Simpson, 98 percent of the students receive
We hope our gift will some form of scholarship, grant or financial
College. Jason’s parents deeply
appreciated the financial aid package
allow other students aid. This means that gifts like the Gutzmers are
he received, which brought a to attend who may immeasurably important. If you would like to
Simpson education within reach for not be able to without help a Simpson student like the Gutzmers did, we
their son. Jason completed his B.A. invite you to visit our website and provide your
financial assistance. gift online at http://www.simpson.edu/alumni/
in religion in three years and is now
- Elaine Gutzmer give/online.html. You are welcome to direct your
a pastor with the United Methodist
Church appointed to churches in gift toward The Simpson Fund and designate
Lacey, Beacon and Eddyville. Married to Jennifer Smith your gift for scholarship support. With your
Gutzmer ’99, they are raising four children of their own. help, students like Jason will be able to live their Simpson
Experience today and into the future. ■
Recently Jason’s parents, Elaine and Marlin Gutzmer of

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 5
| a simpson space

neW beginningS
Saying Goodbye to Brenton,
hello to Kent
t’s got a face that only a mother could love.

But even with its shortcomings — internal and external,
aesthetic and architectural — there’s no denying that the
Brenton Student Center has earned its place in the hearts
of Simpson students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have
gathered there, walked its halls, and climbed its many steps
for nearly five decades.

Within a matter of months, Brenton will be torn down
to make way for the new Kent Campus Center — a
$14 million facility that will offer state-of-the-art
brenton Student Center kent Campus Center
technology, amenities and resources.
Year built: 1968 Year built: 2012
Thanks to a $4 million lead gift from longtime Square Feet: 25,000 Square Feet: 55,000
Simpson supporter and Trustee Gage Kent on behalf of
Cost: $720,000 Cost: $14,000,000
his family, the fundraising campaign has now brought
in $11.3 million and is well on its way to achieving namesake: Longtime Simpson namesake: The Kent family
the end goal. Although initially the plan called for friend Mr. W. harold Brenton, and of Muscatine, Iowa, which has
an addition and renovation of the existing building, family supported Simpson for nearly
the Board of Trustees voted in favor of moving ahead 80 years
with the construction of an entirely new building at its
February meeting.

“This has been a dream for a lot of people here for a long
time,” said Bob Lane, vice president for college advancement.
“We’re now making that dream a reality. We’re reaching out
to all alumni asking them to support this hugely impactful
project. It’s going to be an amazing facility for the entire
campus community.”

With plans to open in the fall of 2012, the Kent Campus
Center will be 100 percent handicapped accessible and
will house a blackbox performance theatre, a coffee shop,
alternative dining options and dedicated rooms for student
organizations. It also will offer space for banquets, meetings
and administrative departments, such as for the Center for
Vocation and Integrative Learning.

Saying goodbye to an old friend is never easy. But for a college
with 150 years of rich history, the Kent Campus Center
presents a new beginning and will offer significant benefits
to our students today, as well as those to come. We thank the
Brentons, who will be honored in the new facility, for their
generosity. ■

W W W. S I O N O N M aGa e. C O C
6 WWW.SIM P SM P SM aGa zI Nz INe.M O M
| a simpson space
chaplain’s corner |
ExtREmE thinking
BY FRITz WehReNBeRG | ChaPLaIN

Outrageous teachers… outrageous expectations

know that I am yet a newbie here at
Simpson. However, in just over three
semesters, I know there is something about
the professors in this school. I have heard it
from students and I have experienced it in the
two classes that I have taken (Nick Proctor’s
May Term class which wrote and published a
complete Zombie novel; and in John Pauley’s
300-level course on philosophy of value). The professors
here at Simpson College have shocking expectations of
the students who enter their classrooms.

Our professors actually expect students to think
differently at the end of the semester! This is scandalous,
extreme. They expect their students will think more
expansively, approach the subject matter with a greater
capacity to question and probe. They expect their
students to think more deeply and to actually come out of
the classroom (and wherever else the learning experience
is designed to take place) with greater comprehension.
They actually expect that the in-and out-of-class work will
alter how a student approaches life’s decisions.

In an age and amidst culture where everything is supposed
to be at our fingertips (just watch an advertisement for
the iPad), these nutty professors actually create and teach The list continues: walking into the temple courtyard,
courses that have students working with new paradigms, Jesus threw over the tables and declared this to be his
altered world views and expansive understanding. It is Father’s house and that it was to be kept clean. Jesus
truly outrageous! invited one of his students to go walking on the water
with him — absurd. Jesus associated with prostitutes and
Then, again, maybe the Simpson professors are in good known outcasts. When it came to taking your turn, Jesus
company. declared the last to be first. Jesus washed the feet of his
students and told them this is how they shall approach
As I recall, Jesus was known as a teacher. Many addressed living. Jesus told a story about leaving 99 sheep to find
him as rabbi, the title used to identify a respected teacher. one lost one. He told a story about a foolish father giving
Yet, if we look at his pedagogy and how he invited his half the inheritance to a son who squandered it and then
students to learn and grow, he makes our professors look welcomed that son back with no penalties or repayment.
mostly tame by comparison. Jesus actually expected his Clearly Jesus would not be successful in our world!
students to use their eyes to see differently: he used the
blind to teach those with sight. How could the blind Jesus sent his students out in teams of two with nothing
teach anyone with sight how to see? Jesus drew upon the but the expectation that they will survive on the hospitality
offensively unclean foreigner, a Samaritan of all people, to and generosity of those they meet. The students were
instruct those who thought themselves clean and in step to heal and teach that the realm of God had come. He
with God’s rule. When asked about taxes, especially the expected his students to actually have new perspectives, to
offensive taxes Rome demanded, Jesus asked for the coin think and live differently. Throughout all of his teaching,
of the realm and observed, after noting Caesar’s face on Jesus expected his students to turn their lives around, to
the money: “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s repent. Why? Because the very realm of God has come
and to God that which is God’s. near, a realm in which the last shall be first. ■

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 7
| faculty pursuits

balanCe
hether it’s continuing research projects or
exploring the biology and natural history of
various locations, Simpson Biology Professor
Ryan Rehmeier has a passion for what he teaches, but biology
is only one of them.

Rehmeier has completed more than 28 triathlons, including
two Ironman Triathlons. The Ironman competition is the
ultimate test of endurance, taking more than 12 hours to
complete and consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike
ride and a full marathon run (26.2 miles).

“It’s one of those things where I sought out some sort of
athletic outlet because I spent so much time in graduate
school at a desk or at a computer,” Rehmeier said. “I realized I RyAn REhmEiER
was looking for something to bring more balance to my life to Assistant Professor of Biology
keep a sound mind and sound body.” arrived at Simpson in august 2006
education:
Rehmeier completed Ironman Coeur D’Alene (Idaho) in • B.S., Trinity University, 1997
June of last year, where he finished with his personal best: • M.S., Kansas State University, 2000
12:08:59. He completed his first Ironman in Wisconsin in • Ph.D., Kansas State University, 2005
2008; his 5-year-old son, Caden, joined him in the final 200
yards so that they could run across the finish line together.

As a husband, father of two and full-time professor, Rehmeier
Six QuEStiOnS fOR RyAn
said maintaining balance while training six days a week can be
a daunting challenge. the strangest thing in my office is:
The taxidermied flying squirrel jumping from my wall to greet
“It’s part of the reason that my wife only allows me to do these visitors.
every other year,” he said. “I love being married and having a
growing family and even though it’s extremely challenging to A book i think everyone should read is:
balance that with training, you just have to get your priorities Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and
straight.” Other Confusions of Our Time by Michael Shermer.

Rehmeier said one of the benefits of competing in triathlons One thing people wouldn’t know about me (other than
is the perspective it gives him to connect with students on being a triathlete) is:
another level. I have a man crush on Justin Timberlake.

“Training and competing for these races has helped me relate My inspiration is:
to students because I know that they have just as many things Setting a good example for my two boys and future generations.
going on as I do,” he said. “So when they say ‘I can’t learn
that concept,’ or ‘It’s too complex,’ or ‘I don’t have enough if i wasn’t a professor, i would be:
time to do that,’ I tell them if they are patient and if they put a sad panda.
in the time, it will pay off, just like my training.” if i won the lottery, i would:
Rehmeier is currently training for shorter distance races this have a garage full of extremely expensive bicycles, a personal
summer including the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines. He trainer to make me go out and ride those bikes, and a personal
hopes his next Ironman Triathlon will be in Arizona in 2012. chef to make my wife happy. ■

“You have to do what you love to do, and luckily I have found
teaching and triathlons, two things that I truly enjoy doing.”

8 W W W. S I M P S O N M aGa z INe. C O M
frAnk COlellA
whERE ARE thEy nOw? BY LeSLIe MIDGeT heLD ’86

hen alumni share recollections of Simpson, years, a student informed me that Coke was made from a
woven throughout the stories are memories kola nut, not a coke berry. Once, I had overheard my young
of faculty who became mentors, advisors son ask my wife how Coca-Cola was made. Apparently, she
and friends. For many alumni, Frank Colella, emeritus made up a fictional tale to entertain him on the car ride but
professor of economics, became all three. With an forgot to tell me. I also was known for a lecture explaining
infectious laugh, a sharp mind and a true love of teaching, supply and demand using the concepts of beer and pizza.
it is no wonder that he holds a special place in the hearts
of so many. and what keeps you smiling these days?
Jane Ellen and I do a fair amount of traveling to see our
how did a new york City native find his way to four children and seven grandchildren who live coast to
Simpson College? coast. When we are home, I do a bit of golfing. Since the
I grew up in NYC and earned my B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. at 1960’s, I’ve played guitar and sung. I have a pretty good
Fordham University. At 24, I moved to southwest New York ear, so over the years I’ve written down lyrics and chords
State and taught at St. Bonaventure University for ten years on scraps of paper for about 1000 songs. My latest project
where I met my wife, Jane Ellen. She was from California, is to catalog these on my computer (and in large print).
one of nine children while I was an only child, so when it I have about 300 finished. Some might remember me
came time to move on we looked to the west coast. But playing at Simpson Spirit shows at Homecoming or a
I happened to meet Simpson’s academic dean, Dr. Mel Guild event.
Henderson, at a conference and he invited me to dinner
then to visit campus. At Simpson, I found qualified faculty But what really makes me smile are the great memories
from all over the country, students who were eager to learn I have and am still making. At the college, we talk about
and an ideal setting close to a big city. the Simpson Experience, referring to the students. But
I had my own Simpson Experience in an atmosphere of
you’ve taught hundreds of classes and thousands camaraderie that started with the president and reached
of students during your tenure stretching from everyone from our catering staff to our faculty. Simpson
1977-2009. What story still makes you chuckle? is a miniature melting pot of people from different places
For years, one of my lectures encouraged students to discuss and cultures who work together in a community of great
the possible impact the rising cost of crushing coke berries respect and purpose. ■
might have on the price of Coca-Cola. After about fifteen

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 9
FaCulTY
aCCOMPliShMenTS
Steve Rose presented at the 2010 “Dispositions: A On Jan. 12, John benoit played piano and led the
Decade of Progress?” Symposium sponsored by The Center Ballyhoo Foxtrot Combo in a performance on the
for the Study of Educator Dispositions. The topic was Midweek Music Recital Series sponsored by St. John’s
“How do Teacher Preparation Programs Explicitly Teach Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Also participating in
and Promote Dispositions in Pre-service Teachers?” The the program was Mike Short, affiliate instructor of tuba/
event took place on Nov. 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio. euphonium.

Associate Professor of Management Tom Schmidt has Adjunct Professor nate boulton
been elected to the Iowa Association of Business and has had a law review article accepted
Industry (ABI) Foundation Board. This honor came after for publication by the Drake
the work he did with the Leadership Iowa University Law Review. His article, entitled
program during his sabbatical. “Establishing Causation in Iowa
Workers’ Compensation Law: An
Analysis of Common Disputes
over the Compensability of Certain
Adjunct art faculty member bob kling Injuries,” will be included in Volume 59, Issue 2 of the
has just completed this year’s balloon publication and will be printed this spring. Nate delivered
painting, “Hot Summer Ballooning” that a presentation on his article at the 2011 Iowa Association
was auctioned off at the National Balloon for Justice Workers’ Compensation Seminar in February.
Classic’s annual fundraiser Feb. 12. The
painting is a 40” x 30” acrylic painting from Steve Rose was the featured author at the annual
his experiences in crewing last summer for Winterset Arts Celebration on Feb. 8. Rose read from his
balloon pilot Tim McConnell. poetry collection at the Cellar Coffee Shop in Winterset.
Holiss Monroe, known for his work at Iowa Public Radio,
joined him.

Dave Camwell had another article published in
Dave Camwell directed the Simpson
Saxophone Journal, and his Quartet — Oasis Quartet —
College Jazz Ensemble in the biennial
was also featured in the magazine. Camwell performed
Nostalgia Dance, Jan. 22, performed a recital
the Michael Colgrass Concerto Urban Requiem with the
and master class at Augustana College, Ill.,
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music on March 8, as well as
on Jan. 23 as well as at Simpson on Jan.
several solo and chamber recitals. ■
24. He also directed the CJC Jazz Honor
Band on Jan. 25 at Indianola High School.
Camwell directed the 6th Annual Simpson
College Jazz Festival on Jan. 27-28, which kuDOS
brought 36 high school jazz ensembles to More than 50 members of the Simpson Community, including
2011 campus to compete for an entrance to the 45 faculty members, were honored recently at the Celebration
Nostalgia Dance
held in Great hall. Iowa Jazz Championship that is held this of Professional Scholarship reception on campus. Hosted by
month. President John and Nancy Byrd in the Matthew Simpson Room,
the reception recognized those who have published or presented in
the last year. To see a complete list of the honorees and their work,
go to www.simpsonmagazine.com.

10 WW W. S I M P S O N M aG az INe. C O M
cover stor y |

T
hey’re leaders.
e teache rs. They’re mentors. T
hey’re scholars. They’r on faculty, like anyone
members of the Simps
But when it comes to interesting quirks.
quir ks. In some cases, very
else, they have their w
stuffy images of elbo
“pro fessor” brings with it .
So often, the badge of uroy. Not at Simpson
le lect urers and lots of cord
patches, inapproachab ction of distinct and
nus will attest, ours is a colle
as any student or alum e classroom as they
als who are as engaging inside th
distinguished individu
of the classroom.
are interesting outside
ators who truly help
a handful of these eclectic educ
Here’s a look at just
it is today.
make Simpson what

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 11
12 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
RICK
Spellerberg
M aT h e M aT I C S
Conversation piece
ou might not think ostriches and higher when she got to campus she was pretty frantic and
education have much in common. But if was telling everyone about it. So I went out with a
that’s the case, you probably haven’t gotten couple students to check on it, and as we got close I
to know Dr. Rick Spellerberg. saw a sheriff ’s car sitting in the middle of the road.
I thought something definitely wasn’t right. But
Having grown up on a farm, Spellerberg, a then as we got
professor of mathematics at Simpson, always had there, we found
a passion for raising animals and being outdoors. that the sheriff ’s
But it wasn’t until a conversation with a Simpson car was there
colleague that he became introduced to the idea of because someone
farming ostriches. was moving a
house. One of
“I think I responded the way most people would
the birds did get
respond,” he recalled. “Ostriches? Really?”
out, but its head
Still, his interest was piqued. Being a wasn’t missing.
mathematician and scholar, Spellerberg made sure The students and
to do the necessary research before making a move. I got it back in.”
Even though he knew farming ostriches would be
After time, and
a risk, it would be expensive and would seriously
his family’s growing desire to go on a vacation
limit opportunities for vacations since it would
without worrying about how the ostriches were
be hard to find someone close by to properly care
doing, Spellerberg made the decision to bring that
for the birds, he decided it was too intriguing an
particular adventure in farming to an end. He still
opportunity to pass up.
has friends who farm the birds, and remains very
“I saw this as something that would get me back into active with the Ostrich Co-op of Iowa.
my farming roots, in an interesting and unusual
Ostriches and higher education may not have much
way,” he said. “Having a bunch of ostriches running
in common. But as for what the experience taught
around is a pretty good conversation piece.”
Spellerberg, and what he thinks others could learn
And it was. from it, it’s simple.

Although he never incorporated his distinctive “If there’s something you have a passion for, don’t
hobby into his curriculum at Simpson, that’s not be afraid to take a risk,” he said. “When I bought
to say his students didn’t get plenty of “learning” those birds, that was a big risk. But it was worth it.
opportunities with the ostriches. Such as one You’ll never know what you’re missing out on if you
student’s impromptu lesson in crisis management. don’t follow your heart sometimes.”

“She drove by my place and apparently saw an Even if it means giving up a few vacations.
ostrich that had gotten out, and was lying on the
ground with its head missing,” he explained. “So

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 13
Fe eney
MART Y
C O M M U N I C aT I O N &
MeDIa STUDIeS
Shake it up
arty Feeney has been throwing Mason jars around his classrooms for 30
years, and he has yet to hear the sound of shattering glass. Part of that can
be attributed to the accuracy and skill he’s gained over the course of three
decades. But more often than not, it’s the soft hands of the students willing to go to
any length to make a tough catch since the jar, after all, is their personal prize.

“I’ve only had one jar break in the 30 years I’ve been tossing them to students,” Feeney
explained. “Students always mention the jars. I tell them they can fill them up with
root beer.”

Regardless of what the students do with them, the flying Mason jars represent Feeney’s
belief in keeping his classroom engaged and energized. For the adjunct professor
of communication and media studies, it’s also a unique way of grabbing students’
attention, while at the same time recognizing them for their work.

Every two weeks in Feeney’s public speaking course, students present in front of the
entire class. Those deemed to have done the best job in a few separate categories win a
trophy. Which, in this case, is a Mason jar — which Feeney buys in bulk from his local
Ben Franklin store.

Feeney began his awards ceremonies many years ago by giving away college mugs.
However, that all changed when he was at a thrift store and noticed these “unique and
durable” Mason jars. According to Feeney, the jars seemed to be the perfect prize. An
unusual trophy? Perhaps. But at least it’s rooted in tradition.
“I’m trying to shake it up,” Feeney said. “I want to break down the walls of the
classroom. Class doesn’t have to be deadly dull. Liven it up! Only one time in 30 years
have I had someone say that they didn’t want their Mason jar. The student already had
four, and he wanted another student to be able to receive one.”

That generosity and family spirit is common in Feeney’s classes. Through exercises
and interactions in class, the students are able to get to know each other in a more in-
depth, personal way, which creates a comfortable atmosphere for presentations. And for
catching jars.

Sophomore Tara Maurer is the recipient of three Mason jar awards, but the bigger prize
was the confidence she gained in public speaking.

“Professor Feeney always has an interesting story to tell,” Maurer said. “I came into this
class knowing no one. When I left, it was like we were a family.”

14 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 15
16 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
AMY Do ling BIOLOGY

basset madness
ith long ears, short legs and a stout “Of course I couldn’t give him up,” Doling
build, running can be somewhat tricky confessed.
for basset hounds Winston and Miles.
But when Amy Doling enters the backyard to greet Since then, Doling has volunteered with Hounds
her boys, they move to her with the determination Haven, located in Vale, Iowa. Doling and the other
of uncoordinated toddlers. Wet and sloppy volunteers work with basset hounds in and outside
toddlers. of the state. The
volunteers pay for
Doling, an associate professor of biology at many things out-of-
Simpson, didn’t grow up having a dog as a pet. pocket, but donations
But you’d never guess that after seeing her rolling and fundraising
around with Winston and Miles, each of whom efforts foot the bill for
weighs in at over 50 lbs. the veterinary visits
for the dogs.
“These dogs are resilient,” Doling explained.
“They’re loving pets. They don’t hold grudges. Their Doling says she is
personalities are interesting, they’re very beautiful usually a somewhat
and pretty independent.” private person, but
when it comes to her
Odds are, if the dogs could talk, they’d attest that “boys” she’s willing to
the feelings are mutual. It was Doling who, three talk for hours on end.
years ago, proved to be a lifesaver for then-puppy
Winston. After having a conversation with a friend “Although they are extremely naughty, drool,
who worked for Hounds Haven Basset Rescue of shed and generally make a mess, they show
Iowa, a foster and adoption organization for bassets, unconditional love in a way that is hard to
Doling agreed to foster Winston until another describe,” she said. “And who could resist laughing
owner was willing to adopt him. She already had when Winston breaks into the bathroom and
Miles since 2005, and his independence and drinks out of the toilet with the seat and lid resting
stubbornness is what attracted her to Winston. on his head?”
After fostering Winston for a short few weeks, And there’s no doubt that the pair love her just as
the knock at the door came — someone who was much as she loves them. Evidenced by the wet and
interested in adopting the wide-eyed pup. However sloppy greeting she gets from them every day.
by this time, Doling had fallen in love with
Winston herself, and wasn’t ready to part ways.

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 17
Revolutionary spirit
t’s Greenwich Village, New York City. The getting deeper and sharper,” Proctor said. “You
year is 1913. Gathered together is a collection learn it emotionally as well as intellectually. When
of suffragists, labor activists and Greenwich you’re screaming for the King’s blood at the onset of
Village bohemians. The issue at hand is how best the French Revolution, you get a whiff of what the
to sort out the conflicts and competing interests revolutionary spirit is in a way that even a very fine
of these three distinct groups and convince others book can’t convey.”
from the different groups to fight for their cause.
And Proctor has set the bar pretty high in this
The debates are lively. The speakers are convincing. regard. It was his May Term class last year — in
The verbal attacks are both personal and which students spent just three weeks plotting,
philosophical. A winning solution seems light outlining, writing and marketing the book “A
years away. There’s just one wrinkle. All of this is History of the Great Zombie War” — that earned
taking place in present day, in Mary Berry Hall, at a healthy dose of press and rave reviews from
Simpson College. students. That book project was inspired by the
Humans vs. Zombies game that overtook the
Welcome to the world of Dr. Nick Proctor. A Simpson campus earlier in the year, which Proctor
professor of history at Simpson, Proctor isn’t shy helped coordinate.
about his belief that history is best learned when it’s
brought to life — literally. As a kid, Proctor always was drawn to these kinds
of games, often war games that involved epic
“It puts contingency back into history,” Proctor said. historical struggles. But he admits, he never knew
“It helps students realize that history is made by how effective a tool it could be in the classroom.
people making choices. By doing this we’re focusing He never knew that his classroom could become
on the decisions, as opposed to just the outcomes of an amphitheater in ancient Greece, the setting for
decisions. It makes history come alive more.” America’s Constitutional Convention or a dive
restaurant in Greenwich Village.
For many of his classes, Proctor has adopted
Reacting to the Past, a series of learning “games” “It’s always interesting to see how students respond,”
based on real historical events that was launched Proctor said. “They come to realize that a situation
by a faculty member at Barnard College. Students is never as simple as they thought it was. Plus, it’s
take on roles and blend what they’ve learned fun. It gives you permission to be ridiculous. I
from readings and class discussions with the completely reject the notion that learning, at this
philosophical and intellectual beliefs of the level, can’t or shouldn’t be fun.”
historical figure they’ve been assigned to play.
It can. Unless you’re a zombie.
“What you see in a setting like this is the discourse

Proctor
NICK
h I S T O RY

18 W W W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 19
20 W W W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
Waggoner
MURPHY
M aT h e M aT I C S

The perfect calculation
t’s doubtful even Pythagoras himself could’ve major who’s going to someday teach fractions,
imagined this. Sure, the iconic Greek this is a way of letting them incorporate a visual
mathematician proved the theorem that’s been representation of fractions in a creative way. In
referred to as the most powerful equation used the end I think that just enhances their ability to
in construction. But it’s doubtful he ever realized understand that concept symbolically.”
that it would, one day, be art that you could sleep
under. Waggoner has always been fascinated by the
connection between art and math. Student quilts
Enter Dr. Murphy Waggoner. have included patches that visually represent
fractions, triangular numbers, regions of the plane,
Waggoner, a professor of mathematics at Simpson, Pascal’s Triangle, prime numbers and, of course,
never realized this either until one day, when she the Pythagorean Theorem. And the interplay
was watching a show about quilting. between art and math is indeed very real.
“I was watching Fons & Porter,” she explained, “If an artist were to look at one of these quilts,
referring to the show on IPTV. “They were they’re going to see something very artistic,” she
creating a quilt block and when I saw it I thought, said. “If a mathematician looks at it, they’re going
‘I know the mathematical concept that represents.’ to see something completely different. They’re
It’s funny, they have no clue what that one show going to see the mathematical concepts going on
spawned.” in there.”
What it spawned was an approach to teaching and Waggoner has taught the class as a May Term
learning at Simpson that truly is one of a kind. offering as well as a semester-long course. Next up
is a Simpson Colloquium course she is planning
Waggoner created a course — Symmetry,
for this fall — a course that will examine the
Sewing and Service — which focuses on using
history, economics and art of quilting, while
quilting as a way to teach mathematics. In it,
forsaking the mathematical components involved.
students use calculation skills to figure out the
symmetry involved with repeating designs, and An interesting twist, given that it will be taught by
they incorporate mathematical concepts into a mathematician who, by her own admission, is
those designs. From there they design and sew not a quilter.
their quilts and write a paper on the mathematics
involved. The quilts ultimately are donated to local “I’m not a quilter,” she said. “I’m a recycler. I’ll take
and area charitable organizations. old pieces of clothing and make quilts out of them.
But in reality, my quilts are just blankets. They’re
“To truly understand a mathematical concept, not art.”
you need to understand it symbolically and
visually,” Waggoner said. “If I have an education Actually, it depends on who you ask.

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 21
abracadabra!
t was during an interview with a prospective For years, students throughout many different areas
faculty member when Eduardo Magalhaes of study were calling him Eddie Magic — not just
III discovered what students at Simpson were the students he had in class. “A number of students
calling him behind his back. The candidate had I had never even encountered were calling me that,”
met with students earlier in the day, leading up to he said. “I’ve come to discover that the students
the awkward few moments with Magalhaes. thought they had created it. I shudder to think if
the nickname had been something else.”
“Well,” the candidate explained. “They call you
Eddie Magic.” He claims there is really nothing magical about
him, unless you count his ability to walk and
“What?” was all Magalhaes could muster, confused read at the same time, which he says is the only
and entertained by the odd bit of news. successful multi-tasking he’s ever been able to do.
Some, however, would disagree. With everything
And, it would seem, an iconic nickname was born.
else he has on his plate, Magalhaes still finds the
But after a short time, Magalhaes realized why
time to serve as advisor to Simpson’s Model United
students had tagged him with the unusual moniker.
Nations, offering students further insight into his
It was 10 years earlier, when the professor of
quirkiness.
political science was leading a May Term class, that
he mentioned the nickname — and where it came “If you ride in the van with Professor Magalhaes to
from — to his students. St. Louis for a Model UN trip, then be ready to
listen to fiction political suspense books on tape or
When Magalhaes was running for student body
a lot of Brazilian music,” said political science major
president in high school, he and his friends created
Aaron Sewell. “Six hours. There and back.”
posters to encourage classmates to vote for him.
The problem? His name was way too large to fit. And as for the name, Magalhaes believes it will
probably be around for the long haul.
“We didn’t have hallways long enough for that,” he
joked. So instead, they came up with the name, and “It stuck.”
‘Vote for Eddie Magic’ signs were posted all over
the school.

Magalhaes
EDUARDO

POLITICaL SCIeNCe

22 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
s
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 23
| athletics

In my early years working in
the suburbs of Boston, you
had to think outside the box
and you had to have a sense
of humor or you’d go nuts.

24 WWW. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
new TaCTiCs B Y B RYa N G e e L a N ’ 0 7

o smoking in the huddle. No gas at Davis is an entertainer. He could easily pass for a
meetings. stand-up comedian at postseason football banquets,
he does a great Santa Clause during the holidays and
Anyone who has played for Paul Davis of course, there’s the tutu.
knows these are two of his most important rules.
“Everyone always remembers the tutu,” Davis said.
For Davis, the defensive line coach for the Storm for
eight years, unusual rules are just one of the ways he The story of the tutu goes back to 2008, Davis’
gets athletes to tune in. second year involved with Indianola’s Polar Plunge,
an event to raise money for Special Olympics
“I’m willing to employ new tactics and drills that Iowa. Davis is a member of the committee which
might be unorthodox or crazy to get players’ organizes the event. He has been integral in the
attention,” Davis said. “I love to experiment with steady growth of the Plunge, which raised over
different things.” $22,000 this year.
For Davis, there’s a story behind everything. “After I retired I knew I wanted to do service work
Growing up in Boston and spending more than in addition to [coaching] football,” Davis said. “I
30 years as a police officer in both the suburbs of relate to this cause the best because it helps athletes.
Boston and Polk County, there’s plenty to tell. Being coaches and athletes, we can appreciate that.
His ‘no smoking’ rule goes back to his high school It’s a very worthwhile charity and the Polar Plunge
coach who played semi-pro football in the ’60s, is fun.”
when players would actually smoke on the field. The Each year, Davis leads a team of outgoing football
no gas rule? That’s just common courtesy. seniors and alumni called the Buxton Boys, and
One of Davis’ go-to drill that looks a little ‘nuts’ is each year he dons a different outfit. In 2008 he
called “Pig Drill,” where four defensive linemen get introduced the pink tutu with an old-school football
down on all fours, put their helmets together then helmet and red clown nose. It was such a hit, he
root after a loose football rolled between them. The brought it back again in 2010. The fishnet stockings
drill ends up resembling its namesake: pigs rolling showed off his not-so-bronzed legs to the Polar
around in the mud. Its purpose is to simulate the Plunge crowd for the first time this year.
pile-up following a fumble. Being able to share his passion for service to current
“For the guys here at Simpson, it has to be fun,” and former players is an added bonus for Davis.
Davis said. “They aren’t getting scholarships; they “I know what I’m doing is worthwhile,” he said. “If
aren’t going to the NFL. If you keep it light and still I were the only guy jumping in the lake, I’d still do
teach the game, you’ll be successful.” it. But knowing that there are other people out there
Success is something Davis is accustomed to, learning how to give and having fun while they are
coaching four All-American defensive linemen in his giving is pretty cool. Hopefully this continues to
stint at Simpson. grow until we drain the lake.” ■

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 25
helping students with special needs at the hot
Shot event, from left: Anne O’Neil, Stacey Schutjer,
assistant Coach elizabeth Curry and assistant
Coach Katie Kitzman.

StORm in thE COmmunity
hroughout the winter months, Simpson athletes districts completed 13 stations within a 75-minute time
took part in a number of events raising funds and frame. Stations included activities such as shooting, ball
awareness for causes such as cancer and the Special handling, passing, jumping rope, push-ups and sit-ups.
Olympics.
The women’s basketball team hosted its annual Women’s
The men’s basketball team participated in the national Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone
Coaches vs. Cancer initiative on Feb. 5. A nationwide game Feb. 19. The Pink Zone initiative is a global, unified
collaboration between the American Cancer Society and effort for the WBCA’s nation of coaches to assist in raising
the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in
Simpson coaches commemorated the event by wearing communities and beyond.
white sneakers to remind audiences about the ways people
can reduce their risk of cancer through exercise, healthy Fans on hand took part in a “Pink Outfit Contest” and a
diet, making healthy lifestyle choices and following cancer silent auction. Free-will donations were also accepted and
screening guides. representatives from Mercy of Des Moines set up information
booths in Cowles Fieldhouse, where fans could collect more
Fans bid on an autographed Simpson basketball and made information on breast cancer prevention and awareness.
free-will donations with all proceeds going to the American
Cancer Society. On March 5, Simpson football players participated in
Indianola’s Polar Plunge, an event to help raise money for the
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams assisted with Special Olympics. Two teams of Simpson football players —
Simpson’s annual Hot Shot event, a cooperative effort alumni and current — took the dive into the 30-degree water
between the college and Heartland Area Education Agency at Indianola’s Lake Ahquabi. In all, 13 teams participated in
for secondary students with special needs. The 21st year the event, which raised $22,000 for the cause. ■
for the event, more than 250 participants from nine school

26 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
PHOTO BY MaGGiE HaMilTON.
Bak, ellingson
earn all-ameriCa
DisTinCTions

Kinsey Bak placed
fourth in the high jump
and Catie Ellingson
took fifth in the mile,
Bak giving each All-America
honors at the 2011
NCAA Division III
Indoor Track & Field
Championships in
Columbus, Ohio on
Ellingson
March 12.

HolDing CourT
Bak, a junior from Hinton, cleared 5-5
1/4 on her second attempt to finish in
a three-way tie for fourth to earn All-
America honors for the third time.
he 2010-11 season was another memorable year for the Simpson women’s
Ellingson, a senior from Indianola, ran
basketball team.
a 4:59.79 mile to earn All-America
The Storm went 22-7, won a share of their fourth-straight Iowa honors for the fourth time in track
Conference championship, went to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh year and field. She was also an All-
American in cross country in 2010. ■
in a row, watched two players enter the Simpson record books and saw their coach
reach an impressive milestone.
isaaCson
Along the way, Simpson went 14-2 in Iowa Conference play, winning the 10th nameD men’s
title in program history. Head coach Brian Niemuth captured career-win No. 450, soCCer CoaCH
closing the year with a record of 457-186 in 24 years at the helm.
On Feb. 18, Simpson
As a team, Simpson boasted the nation’s second-best scoring average during the announced the hiring of
regular season, putting up 82.2 points per game. Despite the high average, only Rick Isaacson as the new head coach
one player — junior center, Stacey Schutjer — averaged in double figures. In all, of the men’s soccer team.
10 players saw more than 12 minutes of action per game, nine scored at least five
Isaacson comes to Simpson from
points per game and 11 different players led the team in scoring.
Ankeny High School, where he served
Along with the team accolades, Schutjer and senior guard Amy Hamilton etched as head boys’ soccer coach for the past
their names in the Simpson record books. Both surpassed the 1,000 point plateau, six years. He led the Hawks to a 110-
becoming the 13th and 14th players in program history to do so. Schutjer — a 25 record during his tenure, winning
the Iowa High School Class 2A State
first team all-conference selection — also went over 500 rebounds, becoming only
Championship in 2007 and finishing
the fifth Simpson player to surpass 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in a career.
the season with a No. 7 national
Hamilton — a second team all-conference pick — became Simpson’s all-time ranking by the NSCAA.
leader in 3-pointers made, finishing her four years with 241.
During Isaacson’s tenure, he earned
Simpson began the season losing three of its first four games before rattling off CIML Central Conference Coach
16-straight wins. The Storm advanced to the NCAA Tournament as an at-large of the Year honors three times
bid, where they defeated Concordia-Moorhead 59-56 in the first round. Simpson’s while guiding Ankeny to the state
season came to a close against host Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the second round, tournament on four occasions. He
82-75. ■ also earned the State of Iowa Coach’s
Achievement Award in 2007. ■

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 27
evening, weekend & graduate programs |

slovenia
or the first time, a summer study abroad course will be offered
for Simpson students. This course will allow students who have
been unable to take advantage of Simpson’s wide range of study
abroad opportunities in the past to participate in Simpson’s nationally-
recognized program.

The new summer travel course, SOC 209 Global Citizenship: Rights
and Responsibilities as Portrayed Through Human Services in Slovenia,
will give students an understanding of the meaning of citizenship as
demonstrated through global policy instruments such as human rights
conventions created through the United Nations.

Dr. Rosemary Link, Simpson College’s associate vice president for
academic affairs, will lead a group of students, along with peers from
Augsburg College in Minnesota, to the city of Ljubljana in Slovenia for
two weeks as guests of the University of Ljubljana. The group will also
have a two-day stopover in London on the return for debriefing and a
visit with the European Child Poverty Action Group.

“Slovenia’s human services are considered exemplary and my guess
is that they have been more intentional about their legislation and
social policies because they have only been independent since 1991,”
Link said. “They were able to start with a fresh slate while they
were emerging from communism and now they are taking pride in
combining their capitalist mixed economy and maintaining their
attention to human well being.”

The two-week program marks the first time non-traditional students
and some student athletes are able to take a study abroad course
through Simpson due to previous scheduling conflicts.

“We’ve had interest from some life-long learners, and it’s a unique
opportunity for them to really enhance their education while traveling
to a beautiful and culturally rich place,” Link said.

Slovenia has one of the first offices of the Ombudsman for Children
and due to its strategic position in Eastern Europe, has leading services

PhOTOS COURTeSY OF The SLOVeNIa TOURIST BOaRD.
in working with homeless youth, refugees and vulnerable populations
as well as innovative community centers.

“The combination of strategic location, changing citizenship,
intentional environmental and human rights policies and becoming
a recent member of the European Union (EU) makes Slovenia a very
interesting place to study,” Link said.

Link led a similar trip to Ljubljana in the past while working at
Augsburg College and thought it would be a great addition to
Simpson’s Study Abroad Program.

“It’s refreshing to see a country that is looking to other countries for
ideas and innovation while it’s still developing,” she said. ■

28 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
e D C a R L S O N P h OTO G R a P h Y

sTuDenT supporT serviCes
impson received a grant last fall from the U.S. Department of
Education Office of Postsecondary Education for $238,496 each year
for five years.

The grant was awarded to Student Support Services, which is set in place
to increase the number of disadvantaged low-income college students, first
generation college students and college students with disabilities in the
CULVOEIR CY
U.S. who successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary
level. There will be 160 students served each academic year.
PUBLIC P L

CENTER The grant money will go toward resources and programming for the
students who will be awarded the assistance. Some money may be available
to help those students also purchase textbooks.

The grant process was competitive and was open to higher education
Simpson College institutions across the country. It will serve students through the 2014-15
and the academic year. ■
ic Policy Center
John C. Culver Publ t
are proud to presen aCCiDenTal everYTHing
ulver Lecture
The First Annual C velyn Birkby ’38 has written ten books,
n including cookbooks, genealogies and histories.
George S. McGover idate Her voice has been heard on the radio for
r, Presidential Cand
Author, U.S. Senato Hunger decades throughout the Midwest. She has penned a
r on World
and UN Ambassado newspaper column for the past 60 years, never missing
a single issue.

And yet, the 91-year-old Simpson alumna describes
herself as “an accidental everything.”
CulvER CEntER “I have done a lot of public speaking along the way and made wonderful
ou are invited to attend the inaugural friends and it’s been an exciting ride,” she said. “And it isn’t over yet!”
John C. Culver Lecture at Simpson Awarded a scholarship for children of Methodist ministers, Birkby
on Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. began her Simpson career in 1936. At that time, Simpson offered a
in Smith Chapel. The lecture is free and two-year program to earn a teaching certificate, which she did.
reservations are not required.
As a Methodist institution in the 1930s, the social rules that governed
Senator George McGovern, an the campus were strict. Birkby said: “Methodists did not play cards,
internationally significant figure in history, did not gamble, did not drink, and they had chapel three times a week,
will present “Reflections on American and it was required. You had to go.”
Politics Today.” McGovern has served his nation in a
number of different capacities over his lifetime: World War After graduating from Simpson, Birkby taught for several years
II bomber pilot; U.S. Representative; U.S. Senator; and before moving to Chicago to become the religious director for the
presidential nominee. A celebrated humanitarian, he was First Methodist Church there. After she came home to Iowa, married
also the first director of the Food for Peace Program and the Robert Birkby and moved to Farragut, she began to write a weekly
first United Nations Ambassador on World Hunger. newspaper column for the Shenandoah paper. This led to her weekly
radio program on KMA.
“I am honored that Senator McGovern will deliver the
inaugural Culver Lecture,” said John C. Culver, who Birkby is currently writing her 11th book, which is a compilation of her
served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the U.S. House favorite newspaper columns. She resides in Sidney with her husband.
of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. “I had the
privilege of serving with Senator McGovern, and I greatly At a recent Iowa History Center event, Birkby shared a bit of advice
admire his distinguished public service career.” for Simpson students today: “Stay positive and drink more milk.” ■

The Culver Public Policy Center at Simpson College was
established to encourage and promote the importance of Iowa at
Center
civic engagement and public service. ■
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 29
… you could get to the bottom of
whether justice truly is blind,
would you bother?

We DiD.

n April 14th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 Last year’s inaugural symposium was a great success,
p.m., Simpson will host its second annual and this year’s event will build upon that foundation of
Undergraduate Research Symposium, honoring excellence. Symposium organizers invite you to come and
excellence in student research, scholarship and creativity. see the impressive work of current students. ■
The symposium serves to showcase outstanding scholarly
works produced by Simpson students through the
presentation of papers, performances, posters and round
table discussions. The projects involve inquiry, design,
investigation, research, analysis, scholarship, discovery,
application, writing and performance.
2011 UndergradUate research symposiUm
Honoring Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creativity
April 14, 2011

gEORgE wAShingtOn
CARvER lECtuRE
he George Washington Carver Lecture and Medal Presentation are a part
of the George Washington Carver Legacy Series. The program pays tribute
to Carver’s legacy at Simpson and the college’s commitment to diversity
throughout its history.

This past February, Simpson bestowed the 2011 Carver Medal upon Dr. Johnnetta B.
Cole.

Cole currently serves as the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African
Art after being appointed in March 2009. The National Museum of African Art is the
only museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, conservation, study
and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art.

In 1987, Cole made history by becoming the first African-American woman to serve
as President of Spelman College. She also served as president of Bennett College from
2002-2007. ■

30 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
Lynae Gruber (junior), Jamie Corey ’10,
Senator Harkin, Sonja Hoover ’98 and
Jan Spreitzenbarth (senior) at work in D.C.

abOve anD beYOnD
any alumni go out of their way to help students Jamie Corey ’10 worked as an intern in Senator Harkin’s
find internships and jobs, but Sonja Hoover ‘98 office while she took two classes through the Capitol Hill
goes above and beyond to help students find Internship Program that Simpson offers. The internship,
work in Senator Tom Harkin’s office in Washington, D.C. supervised by Hoover, led to a full-time staff assistant
position in Senator Harkin’s office after
“We encourage all Iowans to apply for
internships and the best place to start is
What we hope graduation.

Iowa’s schools,” Hoover said. “However, interns take away “The experience I gained in Senator Harkin’s
it works out well that Simpson is one are teamwork office could never match anything in a text
of a few Iowa schools that have D.C.- book or a classroom,” Corey said. “Through
oriented programs for students in their skills, professional my internship, I had a front row seat to watch
curriculum.” decorum, having Congress in action. I looked at internships as

Hoover, the office manager for Senator grace under a three-month-long interview and when an
opening became available, I was one of the
Harkin, has been working for the pressure and time candidates considered for the position because
senator since 2000. She oversees the
management skills of my previous experience in the office.”
business aspect as well as the internship
program at the Senator’s office. after they complete Hoover says the atmosphere in Senator Harkin’s

“Times have changed since I was a
our program. office has the same feel that Simpson has, even
- Sonja Hoover ’98 though they are more than 1,000 miles apart.
student at Simpson and internships
are much more readily available and encouraged now,” she “My experience at Simpson was very much that the campus
said. “With all of our interns, I give resume, job training and and community were family. I try to instill that in my daily
interviewing workshops to help them succeed later on.” life and work every day,” she said. “Senator Harkin’s office is
much the same; we work and strive to exist as a family. We
Interns in Senator Harkin’s office work 40 hours a week all have our roles to play in helping Iowans get the most out
and have various responsibilities, including general office of their government.” ■
support, research of legislation, writing memos and attending
briefings.

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 31
SiMPSOn COllege was named to the
U.S. news & World report’s list of top 100 colleges
with the highest percentage of students studying abroad.
Simpson was one of only three Iowa schools to make the list.
Your gift every year makes a difference every day.

INVEST in the Experience, FUEL the Future

visit www.simpson.edu/alumni/simpsonfund.html to learn more.
Scholarships l The Retention and Recruitment of Top-Notch Faculty l Technological enhancements l The arts, athletics and Library
Campus Life I Community Service and Study abroad Opportunities l Daily Institutional Needs

32 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
COMMenCeMenT
SpEAkER AnnOunCED
Christine Willmsen ’93 will deliver the
Commencement address this year on
On OuR May 21. Willmsen is part of the Seattle
Times team that won the Pulitzer Prize

CAlEnDAR for breaking news last year.

ApRil MaY
7 Inaugural Culver Lecture at 7:30 p.m. in 4-6 Simpson College Habitat for Humanity build,
Smith Chapel. “Shelter From the Storm.” To volunteer for a
10 Iowa History Center presents Patrick Carr and shift, go to http://www.simpson.edu/alumni/
Maria Kefalas, authors of “Hollowing Out the habitat.html or call the alumni office at (515)
Middle: The Brain Drain and What It Means to 961-1547.
Middle America.” Des Moines Public Library 5 Alumni Gathering in Seattle. Join us for
at 7 p.m. dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Steelhead Diner. To
11 Chamber Singers and Women’s Chorale RSVP, call (800) 610-6369.
performing a Choral Evensong at St. Paul 12 Alumni Gathering in Denver at 7 p.m. at Casa
Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Des Karibou. Join students for dessert and coffee at
Moines at 4 p.m. their hostel as they reflect on their May Term
14 Academic Symposium spotlights top student service learning experience. To RSVP, email
academic work. Indianola campus at 8:30 leslie.held@simpson or call (515) 961-1547.
a.m., 9:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. For 21 Spring Commencement, Cowles Athletic
details, go to www.simpson.edu/symposium. Center. at 10 a.m.
15 Junior Visit Day. For more information, go to
admiss@simpson.edu or call (515) 961-1624 June
or (800) 362-2454. 15 Young Alumni After Hours event for the
15-17 Simpson Theatre presents “Festival of Short classes of 2002-2011 at Wellman’s in West Des
Plays 2011,” Fifty Years at the John F. Moines from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free soft drinks
Kennedy Center. Barnum Studio Theatre in & appetizers. To RSVP, email sara.roeser@
Blank Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. simpson.edu or call (515) 961-1816. Join us on
on Friday-Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Facebook! Young Alumni of Simpson College.
Reservations may be made online at http:// 23-25 Alumni Weekend 2011 with reunions for the
simpson.tix.com or call (515) 961-1601. Classes of 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961 and
17 Madrigal Singers in concert featuring a cluster reunion for 1970-72.
Renaissance and contemporary works for 24 Simpson Cup Golf Outing. New site!
vocal ensemble. Under the direction of Robert Indianola Golf & Country Club. Tee times
L. Larsen and Kimberly Roberts. In Smith available 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register early at
Chapel at 3 p.m. www.simpson.edu/alumni/events/weekend or
20 Simpson College Symphonic Band in its call (515) 961-1816.
Spring Concert under the direction of Michael Presidents’ Picnic. New site! We’ll be grooving
Eckerty. In Great Hall at 7 p.m. on the patio outside of Dunn Library for this
The Iowa History Center presents Des Moines annual favorite starting at 6:30 p.m. Register
Register columnist Rekha Basu during the online at www.simpson.edu/alumni/events/
Insights on Leadership series hosted by weekend or call (515) 961-1544.
Simpson’s Evening, Weekend and Graduate
program. On the West Des Moines campus JulY
located at 1415 28th Street at 5 p.m. 24-30 Team Simpson on RAGBRAI. For more
information, contact chris.goodale@simpson.edu
or call (515) 961-1548. Watch the Simpson
website for event details!

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 33
| touring the years

ClaSS nOTeS of Divinity in 2009. Justina is Bryan Gregston ’87 is senior
currently in the second year of manager, client experience, at
Alan Batchelder ’60 has been the Doctor of Ministry Program Charles Schwab in Englewood,
performing one-act play roles at NYTS and is employed part- Colo.
including Sampson in The time there as assistant to the
Monkey’s Paw at Pier Pressure Doctor of Ministry Program. Kevin protzman ’87 retired
Productions in Astoria, Ore., from the U.S. Navy as a
and Dr. Mallory in O’Henry’s Carolyn lindrum Knapp ’69 commander last September after
the Last Leaf, also at Pier resides in Wheaton, Ill., and is 21 years of active duty. He is
Pressure Productions. Alan and employed at Navistar. currently an associate for the
his wife, Nancy Lee, reside in management consulting firm
Seaview, Wash. Grant Dyer ’77 performed Booz Allen Hamilton. Kevin
his 24th show for Carousel and his wife, Grace, reside in
Charles Bohi ’63 was re-elected Community Theatre, Virginia Beach, Va.
to a second term as a state “Christmas Schooner,” a Eric Sorenson ’84 recently
representative in Vermont. musical based on the true story published his book, A Most
of a German-immigrant captain Dangerous Profession: Why the
Susan Klepp ’65, professor of who sailed Christmas trees from Pastoral Ministry is Hazardous
history at Temple University in northern Michigan to Chicago, to Your Soul, with Wipf &
Philadelphia, was awarded the until a storm in 1912. Stock, 2011. Eric is dean of
Joan Kelly Memorial Award the seminary for Pacific Islands
for Women’s History by the Michael Bruns ’79 has been Evangelical Seminary, Pacific
American Historical Association appointed chief financial officer Islands University in Mangilao,
at its annual meeting for her at Hamilton Thorne, a leading Guam. His book is available on
recent book, “Revolutionary provider of advanced laser Amazon.com.
Conceptions: Women, systems for the regenerative
Fertility and Family Limitation medicine, developmental Marsha Eubank ’85 was named
in America, 1760-1820” biology and stem cell research 2010 female athletic director Beverly O’regan Thiele
(University of North Carolina markets. of the year by the California ’87 has released a new CD,
Press/Omohundro Institute for Coaches Association. Eubank Live in the Light, available at
Early American History and became athletic director for Taft Digstation.com, I-tunes and
Culture). Union High School in Taft, Amazon.com. The CD features
Calif., in 2004. a mix of styles from classical to
Steve Hemping ’66 recently Celtic including “Ava Maria”
completed his third year as lou Ann Daum Stout ’85 and other favorites.
chairman of the Collier County recently received the Presidential
Democratic Party. Semi-retired Award for Community Service
from his human resource at University of Colorado
consulting business, he lives Hospital for work with an
in Naples, Fla., with his wife, annual reunion party for the
Norine. premature graduates of the
neonatal intensive care unit.
Dr. Scott Shackelford ’66 Lou Ann and her husband, Paul,
retired in September from a reside in Westminster, Colo.
40-year career in fundamental Jeff Cook ’80 received the
chemistry research conducted 2009 Centennial Lion Award Dr. Debra Nolan Franklin
in U.S. government, presented by the Kansas City ’86 recently completed a
pharmaceutical industry and Alumni Chapter of Sigma Doctorate in Education degree
at Loyola University in Chicago
pEACE CORpS
academic institutions. During
his career, Dr. Shackelford
Alpha Epsilon. The award is
presented to an alumnus whose in cultural and educational REuniOn
presented over 110 lectures accomplishments are above and policy studies. Debra is a school
counselor in the Chicago Public CElEbRAting
at conferences, seminars and
institutions in eight foreign
beyond that which is expected
and whose thoughts and actions School system. 50 yEARS
countries and the U.S. He and bring honor to the fraternity. In celebration of the 50th
his wife of 41 years, Marilyn, Mark Crady ’87, principal/
reside in Lancaster, Calif. curriculum director, is anniversary of Peace Corps,
currently in his 6th year as an
administrator in the Norwalk Simpson College is planning
Justina Moorhead Serlin
’68 retired in 2002 from Community School District. He a fall reunion of our Peace
working for the City of New recently completed a specialist Corps volunteers and an
York Human Resources degree in school administration
(superintendency certification) opportunity to share your
Administration after 34
years. She entered New York at Drake University. Mark experience with current
Theological Seminary (NYTS) and his wife, Bonnie, reside students. If you are a Peace
in 2005 and earned her Master in Norwalk with their two
daughters, aged 9 and 11. Corps volunteer or have
served in the past, ensure
your name is on our invitation
list by emailing leslie.held@
simpson.edu.
34 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
James Cavanaugh ’89 works in TeaM SiMPSOn
Washington, D.C., as assistant
director, federal government You can flaunt the Red and Gold in style in a limited
relations, for Principal Financial edition 2011 Team Simpson bike jersey!
Group. James and wife, Cara
logue Cavanaugh ’89, reside A fun conversation starter, this apparel promotes
in Vienna, Va. Simpson College in a unique way. Supplies are
Mike Kellar ’91 is the limited, so don’t delay. To purchase, contact Chris
marketing director for First Goodale at chris.goodale@simpson.edu or call
Class Credit Union in West
Des Moines. Prior to becoming (515) 961-1548 or (800) 610-6369.
the credit union’s marketing Jacki harr
director, he was production
Cost: $65 + $5 for postage, if necessary. Askelson ison askelson ’97
manager for the Des Moines for their ’97 will join Team and Jason
third year Sim
Community Playhouse. Mike this summ pson
er.
and his wife, Missy Wicker
Kellar ’91, live in West Des
Moines with their two sons,
Ethan and Colin. Julie Bowlin Foughty ’96 was Amy Hanson Stegeman ’97 Drake University in 2009.
elected to a three-year term is working on her specialist Rodrigo and his wife, Alaina,
rod liston ’91 was recently on the Lewisville Independent degree in education leadership reside in Urbandale.
promoted to lieutenant for School District (LISD) Board at Drake University. Amy is the
the City of El Paso Police of Trustees last May. LISD, program coordinator for the Jocelyn Stull ’01 is a buyer for
Department. Finishing as the currently the 92nd largest Drake University Head Start. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
#1 ranked lieutenant applicant, district in the nation and 17th
he is assigned to the Westside largest district in the state of Dustin lutgen ’98 is a U.S. Todd Walkup ’01 is strategic
Regional Command Center as Texas, employs approximately Probation Officer for the U.S. account manager at Total Safety
a patrol watch commander for 5,600 employees and holds an Courts in Sioux City, where he and lives in Oak Park, Ill., with
the graveyard shift. Rod co- enrollment of 51,000 students. and his wife, Amy, reside. his wife, Christi, and children,
authored a Pedestrian Collision Julie and husband, ryan Haley and Addison.
Reconstruction course for the Foughty ’94, reside in Frisco, Christiana Bradshaw ’00
Texas Engineering Extension Texas. recently became an Elder and Tiffany Berkenes ’02 is the
Service (TEEX), which is part chairs the Board of Elders at the assistant director of residence
of the Texas A&M University lisa Cary Hovar ’96 is a social First Christian Church Disciples life and AmeriCorps program
System in College Station. He worker in Marshalltown for of Christ in Osceola. She is director at Upper Iowa
and his wife, Nora, reside in El the State of Iowa. She resides also the choir accompanist and University in Fayette.
Paso, Texas. in Nevada with her husband, serves on the current search
Matthew. committee. Justin papian ’02 is retired
Coreen Hjort Witke ’91 is the from the Des Moines Police
director of Christian education Chad Simpson ’96 is director David Fisher ’00 is a derivative Department and lives in Clive
at Grace United Methodist of Program Development reporting manager for AEGON. with his wife, Rebecca.
Church in Des Moines. at Grand Lodge of Free & He earned his CPA in 2003 and
Accepted Masons of Ohio in his MBA from the University rev. paula Cripps-Vallejo
Wendy lee ’94 teaches Worthington, Ohio. of Iowa in 2006. David and his ’03 is a pastor at the United
kindergarten in Evansdale. wife, Heather, reside in Cedar Methodist Church in Storm
April Vorm ’96 is manager, Rapids with their daughter, Lake, where she resides with her
Chad Alley ’95 is working in application development, at Elise. husband, Santos.
business development for Story Highmark, Inc., in Camp Hill,
Construction in Ames. Pa. Joanna Schmolke ’00 is Tim reuter ’03 was awarded a
development leader for Rebuild Graduate Certificate in Public
Diana Birkenholtz Elrod- Resources, Inc., in St. Paul, Management from Indiana
Sarnecki ’97 is an adjunct Minn. Last August, Joanna University’s School for Public
instructor at Des Moines completed a dual Master of Arts and Environmental Affairs,
Area Community College in in nonprofit management and a where he is currently pursuing
Des Moines. Diana and her MBA from Hamline University a Master of Public Affairs with
husband, Edward, live in Des in St. Paul. a specialized concentration in
Moines. organizational change theory.
Jesse Ofner ’01 is a business
Matthew Oltman ’97, music account manager for Qwest in Sarah lauterbach ’05 is
tRAnSCRiptS director of Chanticleer, has
been recognized by Cambridge
Denver, Colo., where he resides
with wife, Christian.
working on her master’s degree
in occupational therapy at
ARE nOw fREE Who’s Who for demonstrating Washington University in St.
fOR Alumni dedication, leadership and rodrigo Santizo ’01 is a
senior police officer for the Des
Louis School of Medicine.
excellence in the interpretation
To request a copy, contact the and arrangement of music. Moines Police Department. He Michael Schrodt ’05 is a
Chanticleer, a Grammy Award- received his master’s in public consumer loan underwriter at
Registrar’s Office Wells Fargo in Des Moines.
winning a capella chorus group, administration degree from
Phone: (515) 961-1642 was founded in 1978 and is
Fax (515) 961-1310 entering its 33rd season.
email tammi.perry@simpson.edu.
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 35
Adrian Aitken ’10 is a claims Kasey peters ’10 is the county
bRing thE kiDS. representative associate/trainer youth coordinator for the
for United Health Group in Dickinson County Extension
hOMeCOMing & Illinois. Office in Spirit Lake and resides
FaMilY WeekenD in Milford.
OCtObER 8-9, 2011 Erika Amfahr ’10 is a sales
associate at JCPenney in West Brianne Sasek ’10 is a project
Celebrating reunions for the Des Moines. manager in Des Moines.
classes of 1986 (Silver), 1991, 1996, Jessica Christensen Amit Singh ’10 lives and works
2001 and 2006. Boltinghouse ’10 is a staff in Kansas City as a business
accountant at Dairy.com in analyst — U.S. consulting for
Plano, Texas. She and her Cerner Corporation.
husband, Bennett, live in Dallas.
ryanne Skalberg ’10 is a
Taylor Browning ’10 is research coordinator at Mercy
operations manager at LA Ruan Neurology Clinic and
lindsay Wood Heltne ’06 Cindy Fisher ‘08, senior Fitness in Queen Creek, Ariz. Research Center.
is project manager at Data supervisor at Citi Cards in
Recognition Corporation in Urbandale, is working on Michael Christensen ’10 Jessica Smith ’10 is a substitute
Maple Grove, Minn. She and her master of science degree teaches 5th grade for the teacher in Ankeny Community
husband, Brett Heltne ’06, live in computer information Waukee Community School Schools.
in Minnetonka, Minn. system engineering at Western District.
International University. Jodie Stewart ’10 is a
lisa rasmussen Ott ’06 laura Storm DeBoer ’10 is subrogation supervisor for
completed her Master of Music Seth lampman ’08 is a a picker/packer for Staples Nationwide Insurance in Des
Education at the University of financial advisor with Edward Promotional Products in Orange Moines.
Northern Iowa in 2009. Jones in Osceola. Emily Keller City.
lampman ’09 is a realtor with Stephanie Vampola ’10 is
Michelle Wonderlich ’06 is a Iowa Realty in Indianola, where Brett Depue ’10 is store attending medical school at
residential treatment worker for she and Seth reside. manager for RAYGUN, LLC. in Kansas City University of
the State of Iowa in Woodward. Iowa City. Medicine and Biosciences.
leonard lieser ’08 is a district
Emmalee Bowlin ’07 lives in sales manager for Gannett Stephanie Eide ’10 works at
Indianola with her two-year old Publishing and lives in Des Wells Fargo and resides in West
son, Waylon. She is a Warren Moines with his wife, Edythe. Des Moines. MaRRIaGeS
County mental health social
worker. Benay rankine-Hicks ’08 is Jessica Eilbert ’10 is a corps luana Marrier ’95 and
working on her master’s degree member for City Year Rhode William Holecek, February 27,
Michelle Boyd ’07 is a social in theology , biblical and Island in Providence, R.I. 2010, New Orleans, La.
worker II in Webster City for historical studies, at Boston
the State of Iowa Department of University School of Theology. Blake Freml ’10 is a research Amy Hanson ’97 and Eric
Human Services. Benay and her husband, Leith, assistant at Pioneer in Dallas Stegeman ’06, October 16,
reside in Brighton, Mass. Center. 2010, West Des Moines.
In February, Jenna Simpson
’07 became one of the first Meghan Kloubec reutzel ’08 lyndsay Howell ’10 works in
students to graduate with a and Adam reutzel ’09 live in customer service at Marsh in
Master of Science degree in Cedar Rapids. Urbandale.
anatomy from Des Moines
University. Simpson teaches at logan Edel ’09 is an associate Jenna lamparek ’10 is a sales
Mercy College Health Sciences. auditor for KPMG, LLP in Des specialist at Wells Fargo in Des
Moines. Moines.
Melissa Stone Stewart ’07 is
an account executive/marketing Diana Garcia ’09 is a non- Cheryl larson ’10 works at
specialist at Bernie Lowe & injury claims adjuster for Principal in Des Moines.
Associates in Ankeny. Melissa Nationwide Insurance in Des
and Robert Stewart ’06 reside in Moines. Kathryn lisk ’10 is a care giver
Bondurant. at Mechanism Digital in New
Shateau Hartney ’09 was York.
Nicole Cleveringa ’08 received promoted to operations
her master’s degree in secondary associate at Midwest Heritage Justin Mark ’10 is a loan Crystal VanDeCasteele ’05
education from the University Bank in Indianola. servicing specialist at Wells and Justin Mistretta, August 21,
of Missouri St. Louis last year Fargo in Des Moines. 2010, Ankeny.
and is now teaching 7th-8th lisa Fiene Tubaugh ’09 is
grade humanities at ASPIRE a personal banker at Wells Eric patten ’10 is youth and
ERES Academy Charter School Fargo Bank in Clive. Lisa and family ministries director for
in Oakland, Calif. Nicole husband, Brennen Tubaugh Bethlehem/Hope Lutheran
resides in San Francisco. ’08, live in West Des Moines. Churches in Royal and Everly.

36 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
Cora Louise Hatfield, Elizabeth June Banks, June
September 28, 2009, to 18, 2010, to Tara Carlson
Elizabeth Waage Hatfield ’99 Banks ’02 and Stephen Banks,
and Terry p. Hatfield ‘00, Des Johnston.
Moines, joins Bode (4½).
Sydney Ann Paz, February 17,
2010, to Julie Hatting paz ’99
and Brad Paz, Littleton, Colo.,
joins Michael (2). Mason James Cole, April 14,
2010, to lyndsey Doonan
Cole ’04 and Matt Cole,
Grimes.
robert Stewart ’06 and
Melissa Stone ’07, June 12, Hannah Grace Cook, March 3,
2010, Sacred Heart Catholic 2010, to Joshua C. Cook ’02
Church, Boone. and Tonya Hegland Cook ’02,
Pleasantville, joins Caleb (5).
Mason Logan Burkhart, Landon Joseph Davis, May 21,
November 8, 2010, to 2010, to Brianne Bachman
Christina Opatz Burkhart ’00 Davis ’02 and William B.
and Gabe Burkhart, Urbandale. Davis ’03, San Jose, Calif., joins
Blake (3).
Elise Christine Fisher,
September 24, 2010, to David Liliana Mae Shepherd, July 15,
l. Fisher ’00 and Heather 2010, to Blake E. Shepherd
Fisher, Cedar Rapids. ’04 and rachel Fogt Shepherd
Seth lampman ’08 and Emily
Keller ’09, May 30, 2010, ’04, Urbandale.
Oliver Wade Hintz, September
Honey Creek Resort on Lake 1, 2010, to Amanda Weston
Rathbun. Hintz ’01 and Scott Hintz,
Altoona.

BIRThS & aDOPTIONS
Ean Snyder Scott, February 15,
2010, to Amy Hild Snyder
Scott ’89 and David Scott,
McKinney, Texas, joins Eli (8)
and Ethan (7).
Jaren Jay Parker, October 25, Drake Michael Elliott, July 12, Graham Homan King, July 20,
Piper Lynn Marchant, October 2010, to Jay r. parker ’01 and
8, 2010, to Wade l. Marchant 2010, to Bart J. Elliott ’02 and 2010, to ryan M. King ’05
Annika Gustafson parker ’03, Amy A. Elliott, Melcher. and Tiffany Homan King ’06,
’96 and Christa Marchant, Urbandale.
Indianola, joins Morgan (2½). Des Moines.
Addison Lou Walkup, October Trevor LeRoy Ott, February 1,
Katie Anne Allard, August 20, 29, 2010, to Todd D. Walkup
2010, to Chad r. Allard ’99 2010, to lisa rasmussen Ott
’01 and Christi Walkup, Oak ’06 and Justin Ott, Nevada.
and Amanda Allard, Marion. Park, Ill., joins Haley.

Claire Marie Norem, September
16, 2010, to John H. Norem
’02 and Melissa Mannetter
Norem ’02, Norwalk, joins Ava
yOung Alumni AftER-hOuRS (3).
especially for the Classes of 2002-2011 Riley Marie Bunde, October
WeLCOMe NeW GRaDS! 10, 2010, to Dr. Ellie Kinkel-
Schuster Bunde ’04 and Joshua
The fun begins at Wellman’s, 597 Market Street in West Des Bunde, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Moines, on June 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free appetizers &
soft drinks! RSVP to sara.roeser@simpson.edu.
The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 37
ShEltER fROm thE StORm
alumni & friends are invited to join the
Simpson community as we partner with
warren County Habitat for Humanity
to build a home for one of our own.
F R O M T H E No experience necessary.

STORM To volunteer to work a shift on May 4, 5 or 6 go to
www.simpson.edu/alumni/habitat.html or call
the alumni office at (515) 961-1547.

DeaThS Genevieve Aldrich Kluever Jean Blouse Clore ’52, Sgt. russell B. Baumeister ’71,
’40, February 11, 2011, December 3, 2010, Lucas. September 12, 2010, Las Vegas,
Alice Fitzgerald lindburg Papillion, Neb. Nev.
’27, December 19, 2010, Wendell M. Stone ’55,
Algonquin, Ill. Edith pemble Mcinnis ’41, November 8, 2010, Des Norma Ehler Greubel ’72,
January 9, 2011, Tucson, Ariz. Moines. June 24, 2010, Indianola.
Myrtle Alice peters riley ’30,
November 4, 2010, Gustavus, Virginia Hopp Moore ’45, Dr. Charles E. Carson ’56, Jo Ann robuck ’72, October
Ohio. December 14, 2010, Council October 13, 2010, Fergus Falls, 16, 2010, Des Moines.
Bluffs. Minn.
Wendell G. Heaton ’31, June David E. Barber ’73, October
11, 2010, Santa Cruz, Calif. S. robert payne ’45, December roger r. Hughes ’56, May 22, 20, 2010, Monterey, Calif.
14, 2010, Newton. 2010, Las Vegas, Nev.
Gladys Nuzum Mark ’33, rebecca Shepherd Borchert
October 15, 2010, Casey. Dr. Spencer G. Hull ’46, Walter E. Keen ’56, August 19, ’74, November 15, 2010, New
December 2, 2010, Gibson. 2010, Broken Arrow, Okla. Virginia.
Beulah Flesher Wolfe Woody
’33, October 18, 2010, Winter V. Jane Campbell lorimor ’47, Evadna Wickett Keller ’57, Timothy J. reiland ’81,
Park, Fla. September 14, 2008, Council November 5, 2010, New November 17, 2010, Clarion.
Bluffs. Virginia.
ruth Corrie Gerhardt ’35, July Carol Frazier ’07, January 11,
4, 2010, Mesa, Ariz. richard N. Butler ’48, January Dr. robert E. Miller ’58, 2011, Des Moines.
20, 2011, Murphys, Calif. December 20, 2010, Naples,
Elizabeth loraine Henry Fla.
Hurst ’36, February 22, 2011, Arthur l. Davis ’49, November
Indianola. 3, 2010, Cedar Falls. Denis l. Schaefer ’60,
September 26, 2010, Ames.
Norma Strawn Cornick ’37, Charlotte parker Elliott ’49,
January 15, 2011, Winterset. February 21, 2011, Newton. Julia Gracey Goodrich ’61,
October 18, 2010, Waynesboro,
Charles D. Bell ’38, September Vera Doolittle proffitt ’49, Va.
10, 2010, Prescott, Ariz. October 4, 2010, Des Moines.
Gary l. Klaver ’63, September
John p. piffer, Sr. ’38, January H. ronald Huber ’50, May 8, 8, 2010, Ames.
12, 2011, Indianola. 2010, Laguna Woods, Calif.

phyllis roberts ’38, December James G. Wright ’50, October
30, 2010, Des Moines. 5, 2010, Omaha, Neb.

Alan N. Major ’39, January 22, Bob Burkhart ’51, October 17,
2011, West Des Moines. 2010, Des Moines.

Evelyn Gill O’Neal
’39, February 16, 2011,
Nancy Voigt Mahoney ’51,
December 23, 2010, Bellevue,
DEAR fAmily,
Wash.
Marshalltown.
PleaSe COMe &
Josephine Hoyt Freeman ’40, richard r. Barnes ’52, viSiT.
October 30, 2010, Des Moines. December 6, 2010, Memphis,
Tenn. P.S. DOn’T
fORgEt thE
COOkieS.
homecoming & Family Weekend
October 8-9, 2011
38 WW W. S I M P S O N M aGaz INe. C O M
MariaDiPalma
in REmEmbRAnCE…
| Faculty
Dr. Maria DiPalma, professor of voice and chair of the Simpson College
Music Department, passed away on February 27, 2011 while in hospice in
Des Moines. She was 60. Maria received her education and musical training
in the Philadelphia area, where she studied at Temple University, the Curtis
School of Music, and the Philadelphia Musical academy where she met her
late husband. Maria first began at Simpson College with the Admissions
Department and soon began teaching voice at the college. She attended
graduate school at the University of indiana, where she received her D.M.a.
in Vocal Performance. DiPalma served as chair of the Simpson College
Music Department for the past 14 years and was a board member with the
Des Moines Metro Opera. Preceded in death by her husband, Douglas J.
Duncan, and her mother, she is survived by her father, Dr. Joseph DiPalma
and four sisters.

harold a. goldman | Honorary Life Trustee
Harold A. Goldman, honorary life trustee, passed away on November 24, 2010 at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center.
He was 99. A graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, he earned his baccalaureate from the University of
Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law. He launched his career by partnering with his father at
C.C.Taft Company then in Thriftway Stores and Big G Stores. He developed Iowa Paint from a one-store location to a
regional paint and wallpaper company. He was a leader in the Jewish community and many civic organizations including
the Des Moines Human Rights Commission,The Iowa Republican Party and Iowa Development Commission. He served
Simpson as a Trustee for 14 years, earning Honorary Life status in 1976. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kate, and
is survived by sons David,Tom and Bart.

John Sullivan | Former Coach
John Sullivan, Simpson head football coach from 1966-1970, passed away on November 27, 2010 at his home in Ames.
He was 72. Sullivan graduated from Spencer High School in 1956 and from Iowa State Teacher’s College (UNI) in 1960,
where he also played football for four years. He earned a master’s degree there in 1961. He re-started and coached the
football program at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls from 1961-1966, prior to coming to Simpson. His career
at Simpson was highlighted by his 1970 season when the Redmen achieved an 8-1 record during the regular season,
earning a conference title and an invitation to the prominent Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Mo. He was
inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Ellsworth and Simpson. Leaving coaching in 1970, he then ventured into
a career in sales before retiring with his wife, Georgiana, in Arizona in 2000. He is survived by his sons, Michael and Joel.

The MaGa zINe | SPR I N G 2 0 1 1 39
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
701 North C Street PaID
Indianola, Iowa 50125 Des Moines, Ia
800.610.6369 l www.simpson.edu Permit No. 5740

ChAngE SERviCE REQuEStED

Weekend 2011
ALUMNI

D O O R S T O O U R P A S T. . . D O O R S T O O U R F U T U R E

June 23-25
Thursday Saturday
• Dress rehearsal of Des Moines Metro • State of the College Address
Opera’s Don Pasquale • Alumni College Classes
• Tours of newly renovated
Friday Blank Performing arts Center
• Alumni College Classes • Lunch & Learn previewing vision for
• Tours of newly renovated Simpson athletics Facilities
Blank Performing arts Center • Sorority Luncheons
• Alumni Awards Luncheon • All Alumni Reunion Dinner
• Simpson Cup golf outing at • Post-Party for Classes of 1970-72
Indianola Country Club
• Presidents’ Picnic

all alumni are invited to attend. honoring the classes of 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956,
1961 (Golden Reunion) and a cluster reunion for the classes of 1970-71-72.
Go to www.simpson.edu/alumni/events for more information. Brochures will be
mailed in early May.