2025 Honor Roll Ballot

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Distinguished Alumni

Up to two alumni may be added to the Honor Roll this year. Please select up to two alumni to add to the Honor Roll from the list below:

Colonel Gerry Berry '67
Colonel Gerry Berry served for 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a CH-46 helicopter pilot. He is best known for flying the final mission of Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, evacuating U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin from the rooftop of the American embassy in Saigon. Later in his career, he held key leadership roles, including commanding Marine Aircraft Group 36 during Operation Desert Shield.

Richard Cohen '70
Richard M. Cohen was an award-winning journalist who served as a senior producer for both CBS News and CNN, covering major political and international events. He received multiple Emmys and a Peabody Award for his work, earning a reputation for his sharp reporting and editorial leadership. In addition to his journalism career, Cohen authored several memoirs that explored his personal experiences living with multiple sclerosis.

Dr. John Croat '65
During the 1980s, Dr. Croat played an instrumental role in the discovery of NdFeB bonded permanent magnets and holds eleven patents in this area. He spent twenty years on the commercial development of these materials and helped found two companies currently producing these materials. Today, NdFeB bonded magnets are used in a wide variety of computer peripheral, office automation, and consumer electronic products.

Dr. B. Waine Kong '67
Dr. Kong and his colleagues secured grants to establish blood pressure clinics in 100 Maryland churches, training over 500 community members as certified "Blood Pressure Measurement Specialists." When they noticed these clinics weren’t reaching many Black men, they expanded the initiative by training barbers to run hypertension clinics in barbershops, creating a new model of community-based care. With support from the American Heart Association, they also launched a media campaign and CPR training program, ultimately certifying nearly 10,000 people in life-saving techniques.

James Tyler '49
James Tyler led Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company for over six decades, serving as CEO starting in 1958 and later as Executive Chairman until 2024. A World War II Air Force veteran and dedicated civic leader, he served on the Iowa State Board of Regents, Atlantic School Board, and led multiple local organizations. He also played key roles in the business community, including leadership positions with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and national soft drink industry boards.

Select up to two alumni:

Distinguished Faculty

One former faculty member may me added to the Honor Roll this year. Please select one faculty member to add to the Honor Roll from the list below:

Dr. Glenn Buhr
Dr. Glenn Buhr served Simpson College as a professor of German from 1961 to 1997 and founded the German Semester Abroad Program, which offered students the opportunity to study in Schorndorf, Germany. Under his leadership, the program provided immersive cross-cultural experiences and academic engagement with local institutions. He also contributed to the development of international education at Simpson College and supported students’ academic and professional pursuits. Dr. Buhr was involved in community organizations, including the Des Moines Kiwanis Club and the American Legion.

Dr. Francis Colella
Dr. Francis J. Colella served Simpson College as a professor of Economics and Finance from 1977 to 2009, during which time he chaired the Management, Accounting, and Economics Department and led the Division of Policy Studies. He was a member of Epsilon Sigma and contributed to the college’s academic community through his leadership and teaching. Dr. Colella also worked as an expert witness in economic consulting from 1976 to 2009. Beyond his professional roles, he was active in community organizations including the Knights of Columbus and the Noon Lions Club.

Dr. Maria DiPalma
Dr. Maria DiPalma served Simpson College first as an admissions counselor from 1976 to 1980, then as a professor of music from 1980 to 2011. She chaired the Music Department for fourteen years, overseeing its daily operations, teaching numerous classes, and providing voice lessons to hundreds of students. In addition to her academic contributions, she served on various committees, including co-chairing a presidential search committee, and was a board member of the Des Moines Metro Opera.

Dr. Owen Duncan
Dr. Owen Duncan served as a history professor at Simpson College from 1969 to 2007 and contributed to the development of academic programs such as the Cornerstone Study Program. He coached both men’s and women’s tennis for ten years and provided individualized support to students. Dr. Duncan held leadership roles including chair of the history department and the humanities division and helped establish the Phi Alpha Theta honor society at Simpson. After retirement, he continued teaching and remained involved in campus activities.

Dr. M. Bruce Haddox
Dr. M. Bruce Haddox served Simpson College from 1969 to 2006 as a professor of philosophy, academic dean, and interim president. He received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1994 and the Dick Buxton Award in 2001. Throughout his tenure, he was actively involved in the Indianola United Methodist Church and contributed significantly to campus life. Known for his mentorship, Dr. Haddox helped many students discover their interests in religion, philosophy, and ministry.

Dr. Donald Koch
Dr. Donald Koch served Simpson College from 1960 to 1981 as an English professor, Chair of the English Department, and Chair of the Division of Humanities. He secured a grant to establish the American Studies Institute, which contributed to the creation of the American Studies major, and helped start the May Term travel program. Dr. Koch also served as Director of Planned Giving and was actively involved in the Indianola community, including roles on the City Council and the City Utilities Board. His academic work included being a Fulbright Lecturer and authoring a historical booklet on the United Methodist Church in Indianola.

Select one faculty member: