SAE Fraternity's Small-Town Football sPiRiT

I think this is SO cool!

The Des Moines Register newspaper recently featured Simpson's SAE fraternity's activity of SuRpRiSiNg random small rural Iowa high school football teams by sporting their school colors & showing up in their stands on Friday nights.

Ch, ch, check it out:

"Kyle Kelso heard that some SIMPSON COLLEGE students might be driving down to watch his Mormon Trail High School football team play at Martensdale-St. Marys last Friday.

Whatever, he said.

Then they showed up.

And while we won't say it was chaos, the 30 members of Simpson's Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity became what sportswriters call "a factor" in the game.

The SIMPSON men were dressed in Mormon Trail's black and gold. Their faces and bodies were painted. They stood on the sidelines and cHeErEd on the Saints, doing jumping jacks and push-ups when Mormon Trail scored. They helped the school's cheerleaders form a human tunnel when the players ran onto the field. The game officials even had to tell Kelso to keep "his fans" out of the corner of the end zone when they went WiLd CeLeBrAtInG a Mormon Trail touchdown.

"Hey, they're not with us," Kelso, Mormon Trail's head coach, told the officials.

But they were. For one night, anyway.

It's certainly unusual, a bunch of strangers going bOnKeRs over a rural Iowa high school football team, but Kelso thought it was wonderful.

"Just outstanding," he said. "They screamed for us for 48 minutes."

It wasn't exactly an accident, the fraternity men showing up in Martensdale to cheer for Mormon Trail in the eight-man game.

"We study things and look for an underdog that might need a little help at an away game when they don't have a lot of fans there," said Zach Rus, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a senior at SIMPSON. "People really seem to enjoy us, once they get used to us."

It usually takes a few minutes.

"We get there with body paint and our faces painted and some of us wearing these oBnOxIoUs clothes with the school colors and people wonder what in the world is going on," Rus said. "They look at us like we're cRaZy. We get a lot of CrAzY looks, anyway."

Then the game starts, the cHeErInG begins and the fans, players and coaches warm up in a hurry.

"The parents love us," Rus said. "We never yell anything negative about the other team. There's no alcohol involved. It's a totally sober event. It's totally positive."

The SIMPSON fraternity has been doing their small-town events the past 10 or 12 years. They do a few football games in the fall, then basketball games in the winter. It's always a small school - they know what three dozen extra fans can mean - and they arrive unannounced. Sometimes, it's a school where a former fraternity member is teaching, but often it's selected because they find a team that needs a bOoSt, playing a game a reasonable drive from Indianola.

"We all have supper together," Rus said. "Then we get in our cars and drive to the game. The fraternity uses it as a recruiting tool. We invite freshmen along and they have a bLaSt right along with us. It's RiDiCuLoUs, it's SO much FuN."

Last Friday's game at Martensdale-St. Marys was the first for the fraternity this year. The guys are looking at schedules, trying to decide where to make their next visit.

"We get invited back a lot," Rus said. "Some have even offered to pay us to come back to their games. We haven't done that, but it's nice they like us there. We sure have a BlAsT. It's fUn to go out and act like kids again. And we show you don't have to have alcohol involved to have a good time. Fraternities get a bad name sometimes. We don't want to do anything to give them a bad name."

It was such a good experience last Friday, people at Mormon Trail hope the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon come to Garden Grove for the Saints' homecoming game.

"My wife is in the boosters club," Kelso said. "She told the guys the boosters would grill hamburgers for them if they'd come back."

And why not?

Mormon Trail won 45-28 last Friday.

Did the loud, new fans make a difference?

It's hard to say, but Kelso knows one thing.

"Having them there sure didn't hurt."

Written by John Carlson of The Des Moines Register

Learn more about Simpson's Greek Life here!

Did You Know?

One quarter of Simpson students are part of Greek Life in one of 3 sororities (Pi Beta Phi, Delta Delta Delta & Kappa Kappa Gamma) or one of 4 fraternities (Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Theta Psi & Lambda Chi Alpha).

MISSION: POSSIBLE!

have no fear, hope is here!

This blog is dedicated to those of you are sick of hearing "so, where are you going to college... what are you majoring in...???" while feeling terrible about not having an answer.

Gather 'round for a true little Simpson story about one of the several "undecideds"-turn success. Believe it or not, you're not alone! Do keep in mind this case is the extreme, if this student can get through the unknown, you will to...

We'll call him Joe Dontknow. Joe was a typical 18 year old from a small high school in Minnesota. He was good with art, always had a fascination with airplanes & flying, was an Eagle Scout and an average student academically. His guidance counselor underrated his abilities & lacked encouragement, telling Joe "college isn't for everyone, maybe you should consider technical school."

Plan A: Joe decided to join the U.S. Air National Guard & upon high school graduation, he entered & graduated from Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

Plan B: Joe Dontknow wanted to pursue his passion for flying, so the next academic year, he enrolled in a large state university for the Commercial Aviation program. After 1 year, he was thrilled to have successfully received his private pilot's license, but was very h e s i t a n t about going into commercial flying. If he were to fly for a large airline or company every single day as a career, he feared he would lose his passion & interest in it for fun.

Plan C: His girlfriend at the time was studying at a college in a different state, so Joe decided to move to the same city & enroll in a medium-sized university nearby. This time he thought he'd try his hand at engineering since that's what his high school best friend was studying. Yeah, just because they both liked dirtbiking didn't quite mean they were both gonna like engineering....Well, Joe was only there for 1 semester...he had no interest in classes, no motivation & participated in a few too many "social gatherings." He lost focus & did not do well; to be specific, he had a .7 GPA. Yikes!

Plan D: Joe Dontknow moved back home, this time his parents had moved to the Chicago area. He decided to take some time off & work until he had more of an idea of what direction to head. During the next year, he also spent several months traveling overseas with the Air National Guard.

Plan E: (think we'll make it through the alphabet?) :) j/k. When he returned from overseas, his parents then moved to Des Moines, IA due to his dad's job transfer. Joe continued to work throughout the next year & then finally decided to head back to school after being unsatisfied with the jobs he was having to work without at college degree. This time he tried a small private college in Des Moines with interest in graphic design since he was good at art & this was the up 'n coming career field in art. During the first week of his first class, a summer Intro to Literature course, Joe met a girl & they began dating. She was actually a full-time student at Simpson (we'll call her Simpson Susie), but was taking this cornerstone class that summer at this college. She was entering her senior year at Simpson & thought it would be a good idea to introduce Joe Dontknow to Simpson, who had treated her to the best 3 years of her life thus far with wonderful support from faculty & staff...

Plan F: Joe passed Intro to Lit, but was still struggling with what he truly wanted to major in...he continued working various jobs & dating Simpson Susie until she graduated. Joe planned to start at Simpson after Susie finished & began teaching. In January of 2003, Joe Dontknow did know he found the right college...finally. He entered Simpson as an undecided major, hoping classes & professors would help guide him down the right career path. All he wanted, was to get his Bachelor's degree so he could become an officer in the Air National Guard and enter training to become a C-130 or fighter pilot. That's it!...an epiphany...at age 25.


Are you feeling relieved for Joe? Well, don't say "hot diggity dog" just yet...

Plan G a.k.a. "GOT IT!": Joe Dontknow & Simpson Susie got married. I will now change their name to Joe & Susie Doknow. They started brainstorming subjects/careers they thought Joe would be really good at, because like commericial aviation, he decided to keep flying as a hobby. Also, his thoughts regarding military and the imposing war were cHaNginG...Joe, for the first time in his life, was introduced to some intense critical thinking and evaluation of the world, life, and his beliefs through the classes he took at Simpson & the conversations he had with his professors. Joe & Susie did know that he had a very outgoing & eNtHuSiAsTiC personality, was aggressive, enjoyed action & being the middle of attention, had good common sense, loved being challenged & taking risks, and was pretty much fearless. What about law enforcement?! Simpson's criminal justice program has such an outstanding reputation, why not check it out? TA DA...it was absolutely perfect, he clicked with the professors & really enjoyed the classes. He declared a criminal justice major with a justice concentration & could complete his degree in 2 1/2 years with transfer credits. His junior year, he completed an internship with a Criminal Intelligence Analyst at the Iowa Department of Public Safety in Des Moines. He learned a lot & made some great connections. The incredible support & advice Joe received from his professors was so surprising to him, since he didn't get that at the larger colleges he previously attended. He also loved having small classes & being involved in class discussions, unlike nearly falling asleep in a huge lecture hall with all information just being thrown at him. Life was good. The future looked bright.


With the help of professor recommendations, Joe's internship, his real-world experience, the qualities he gained & impoved from Simpson's education & his enthusiasm, he decided to attempt the long, intense 9-month long application process for the Iowa Department of Public Safety's next State Police Law Enforcement Academy.

Over 500 people applied for only 50 open positions as state troopers, Division of Criminal Investigation gaming agents & Division of Narcotics Enforcement agents. Joe surprised even himself after all he had been through & was hired as one of the few cadets of Iowa's 31st DPS Academy! This meant so much to him & was exactly what he wanted. His perseverence paid off!

Throughout the 5 months of Academy, Joe Doknow endured the most physically & mentally challenging experience ever.

Nine years after his guidance counselor gave him no hope & after nine years of questioning...

In April of 2006, Joe Doknow graduated from Academy as a certified State Police Officer and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent. 3 weeks later, he graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Simpson College.

Joe Doknow with other Special Agents at Academy Graduation

The new State Troopers & Agents being sworn in.

Joe & Iowa Department of Public Safety's 31st Academy Graduation March

His badge.

Did You Know?

Other Simpson criminal justice majors have interned or are currently working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Correctional Institute for Men, Border Patrol, Secret Service & U.S. Probation and Parole Service.

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

- Les Brown

Trip #1 dRaMa: The Sequel

Two blogs ago may have seemed pretty cRaZy...well, boy do I have news for you! The very next day (it was only an overnight trip) brought enough CrAzInEsS to create a sequel...

I flew home from Chicago to Omaha with a connecting flight in Minneapolis (the current evil of all airports right now, as they are down to only one runway!). Thankfully I made the connection after a delayed flight, only because this time my gates were right next to each other. SWEET, I was gonna make it home in time for the premiere of Survivor: China!

I arrived in Omaha around 6:00pm, grabbed myself some nourishment (a giant cinnamon roll & chocolate milk, mmm) to tide me over while I waited for the baggage claim to start going...

Well, sure enough, my luggage (one small suitcase) was nowhere to be found. Since I had such a close connection in Minneapolis, I thought, "No big deal, it'll just be on the next flight." So, I headed to the ticket counter to give them my info for delivery of my luggage.

I then hopped on the South Long-Term Parking Shuttle to my car, was going to stop by & visit my hubby working and then continue home for my good ole reality show...

"Ma'am, I guess I need you to take me back to the terminal...my luggage didn't make it & I just realized my car keys are in that suitcase." Yep, that's right, I was naive enough to think my suitcase wouldn't make it to Omaha from Chicago on an overnight trip. ;P I had my billfold & medicine with me, thinkin' those were the most important things to have. I tried packing as little as possible, so I hadn't brought my purse.

My cell phone is dead. Duh, why would anything else go smoothly after this?! So, I look in my billfold for the 50 cents needed for a

pay-phone to call Josh at work to pick me up. What?! I only have 38 cents...gosh, I feel pathetic. I then tried calling my parents Collect so they could call Josh...no answer (with no surprise, since they never answer calls from unknown numbers). I contemplated my other options & then remembered that I have a work calling card...so, I call both Josh's office phone & personal cell; leave a message on one. He's rarely at his desk & his work cell was in my dead phone's contacts. I then called his building's main number, who then transferred me to surveillance, who then gave me his work cell number. I called it & sure enough he was in the middle of an arrest & wouldn't talk to me. Those usually take awhile...

At this point, my Survivor viewing had gone bye-bye. :(

I head outside to wait for Josh & after putting it off for awhile out of fear of thinking it was a stupid question, I walk up to a taxi & ask if they take credit cards as payment - LOL! Guess what folks?! They do now. I hop in & tell the guy to take me to Harrah's where Josh is "based." I figured that would help, so Josh wouldn't have to leave work....

I get to the casino & check his office...no luck. Now, I'm panicked that he made it to the airport before I caught him. I head up to the guest services office to have them locate him & feel like a complete idiot walking through a casino carrying a big laptop case as if I'm some high-roller bringin' in a stash of cash for a long night of poker! They find him & he's now back at his office. Um, yeah...he was pretty ticked that he wasted time going over there, blah, blah, blah...then took me back to the airport, I hopped back on the stupid parking lot shuttle & finally get my car, crying that I not only don't have my luggage, but the husband is annoyed & I'm friggin' starving!

I grabbed some Fazoli's spaghetti & breadsticks to-go & headed home to veg out...it's now 9:00pm. :( Oh, believe me...the story has only just begun...

I get a call at 11:45pm that said, "Hi, this is Linda with Capitol Express & I have your luggage. I'll be there at 12:20am." EXCUSE ME?! After two days of delayed flights & you're bringing me my luggage at midnight of a weekday?! So, I go watch t.v. until she shows up. Phew, there's my bag! ...or not. It had my claim tag around the handle, but some foreign luggage tag attached to it. I immediately recognized it was not my bag. Nice, real nice. She took it back & I had no idea where mine was.

The next day I went to the airport to see if my bag was there. Well, 2 1/2 hours later, they determined....absolutely nada about the location of my bag! It was a tagging error in Chicago where they put the wrong tag on mine & this other person's bags...mine was most likely across the world in France! The phone number on the luggage tag was not operational, so they found some business cards & were gonna e-mail the person, as well as put a "watch" out for my bag that will hopefully be brought back to an airport somewhere...

LOL, how ironic! I just did a Google search for an image of "lost luggage" & this was the first result!!!

All my toiletries, my expensive Simpson college fair blanket, my contacts, my car/house keys, 2 nice
pairs of work pants & my favorite pair of jeans are all in that suitcase (& with my big bootay, I have a terrible time shopping for jeans!!). And a week from tomorrow I leave for Colorado for 2 full weeks....AAAHHHH!

I can't believe this is only the beginning of travel season.

A positive note about work last week: I already have 25 applications for next fall, including students from Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Florida & Wisconsin! Even cooler...they're really strong students at the top of their class & very involved!

Send in your application today, it's free, simple & requires no essay. It's one thing you'll be able to cross off your big to-do list! The sooner you complete your application process, the sooner we can show you how affordable a private college education can be for you.

Did You Know?

This Fall 2007 Simpson enrolled the most out-of-state students than any other year with over 70 first-year and transfer stutdents.

"This is an exciting opportunity for students at Simpson College to engage in an unparalleled educational experience at one of the world's finest primate research institutions. In addition to the one-of-a-kind undergraduate research opportunities, someday we hope to have students from a variety of fields engaged in work with Great Ape Trust."
- Steve Griffith, Simpson College Vice President & Dean of Academic Affairs regarding the College's new partnership with the Great Ape Trust of Iowa

RaNdOm Act of Kindness :)

I was laying in my hotel bed this morning & for some odd reason I started thinking about toiletries...very rAnDoM, huh?!

Well, I'm gonna turn that RaNdOm thought into a rAnDoM act of kindness...

Anyway, I was just thinking how I never use the shampoo, conditionar, facial soap or hand soap the hotels provide for me...I use my own. Then I thought...hey, I really am privileged to even be able to have the option to choose my own products vs. ones provided for free by the hotels. Some people struggle to even afford soap! So...

...without requiring much effort at all, I can help! I'm going to start collecting all those hotel products throughout my travel season (& ask my traveling co-workers to do the same) & then donate them to either a homeless shelter or a place that is a "safe haven" for women who have been abused.

It may be a small "act," but it could make a bigger difference than we realize! :)

"Pay it forward."

"on the road again..."

well, sure enough my first flight of travel season couldn't go smoothly...that's too easy! thankfully, though, my day ended on a good note...

This morning my flight out of Omaha was delayed 45 minutes, so when I arrived in Minneapolis my connecting flight to Chicago was supposed to be leaving at the exact time I was exiting the jetbridge...ARGH! I swear the airlines purposely delay flights just to get eNtErTaInMeNt out of watching disgruntled, sweaty, sprinting passengers. :P

Of course we arrived at Gate C2 - I needed to be at Gate G10...well, just like the alphabet, "C" & "G" aren't neighbors. It doesn't help that there's like 30 gates per letter! I started to jog in about 10 second i n c r e m e n t s with my heavy laptop case in hand, but that didn't last too long...not only could I not breathe, but my stupid jeans kept creeping lower & lower! It's nice to know they're a little big on me now, but probably not something I want the world to see. When I finally made it to my gate, there was a large group of people standing...rOcK oN, my connecting flight had also been delayed! I made it! I threw myself to the floor by the wall to relax & massage my tight, crampy calves from my speedwalking venture. It was so important that I make this connection since my only college fair of the trip was tonight! Thankfully my luggage also made it to Chicago since all my brochures were in it.

By the way, it always cRaCkS me up when people are so anxious to get in the boarding line only to then have to stand in a long, slow-moving line in the jetway & then sit in very warm & cramped seats for a 1/2 hour before the plane even starts to taxi. I mean seriously people, it's not first come, first serve! I wait till the final boarding call before I get on & usually still have to wait in a line on the jetbridge.

This plane was pretty cool - it was brand new, complete with more comfortable leather seats even for us second-class passengers in the main cabin! I also didn't have anyone sitting next to me, so off my seatbelt went, up the armrest went & I cozied my legs up in the seats to take a short snoozzzzze...

Well, I safely made it to Chicago around 1:00ish, picked up my rental car...another one I've never driven - a Mitsubishi Lancer & headed out to find some good eats. I was STARVING & hadn't had anything all day! I looked at the phone book hoping to find a Noodles & Co. & was disappointed...no Noodles in Chicago?! So, I went to my usual Ruby Tuesday for some alfredo pasta & then headed to my hotel to catch up on work e-mails.

My college fair was only 10 miles from my hotel, which is great for Chicago during rush hour traffic! When I pulled up to the parking lot it was like dejavu...it seemed like I was just there yesterday! It was good to see the other college reps again & I had a good turnout from students who had received mailings from Simpson, but didn't know much about it. One very enthusiastic gal I probably talked to for about 20+ minutes...her parents were really anxious to move on, but she kept asking such good questions...gotta love it when the students are more into it than the parents! Her dad was hesitant about the fact that Simpson is a small school - I get that a lot, because parents weren't aware of so many options when they were growing up. All you hear in the media is about large Division I universities with successful athletic programs! Well, sUrPrIsE, those aren't the only opportunities available, nor does being a sports fan get you a career after college. ;P This father thought he could stump me when asked how Simpson compared to a certain prestigious university in Illinois, but it didn't work...I succeeded in providing them with numerous positive qualities of Simpson & kept his daughter's interest. :) It's like comparing apples to peas - Simpson & this university are completely different types of institutions, each with their own unique opportunities; liked or disliked by different students for different reasons.

I always stress to students & parents how important it is to actually visit campuses during the college search, so that they can see firsthand if the colleges are a good fit. A small college isn't for everyone, nor is a big university...but, you won't figure that out until you interact with students & faculty at each place & do your research. College is a huge investment & home for four years of your life...you want to feel comfortable with the people and your surroundings. Your goal should be to find a "home away from home" where you have both the academic and social opportunities you feel will help you learn the most effectively way possible! After all, the hard work you put into your college education is ultimately leading you to something you may be doing for the rest of your life. Simpson will guide you on the path to discovering your passion! ...even if you have no clue what you want to major in (like most students)!

Hesitant parents end up being very pleasantly surprised after actually visiting Simpson & other small colleges.

On a lighter note...I enjoyed the people-watching at the college fair as usual. The rEtRo t-shirts that are really "in" right now are always a riot to read and I often see mothers who look just as young as their daughters! I have even mistaken one for a student before when asking a mom (I thought was a just a "friend") what she wanted to major in - LOL, how embarrassing!

Also, there were a couple interesting table decorations on a college's table across the way...myself & some other reps didn't quite "get it." This college had a large stuffed Thanksgiving turkey & another stuffed animal (couldn't make out the kind of animal) with those funny fake glasses & nose over it's head?!?! I won't mention the school name, but I'm pretty sure their mascot isn't a turkey. Needless to say, they didn't have much "business" tonight.

All in all, it was a good fair with outstanding students! However, I did forget how very sore my feet get from standing on concrete gym floors for a few hours straight...it's been awhile! So, I'm gonna head down to the hot tub here in a sec to rest 'em up against the jets...AAAHHHH! I also completed my evening with good ole Portillo's greasy, salty french fries & a chocolate milkshake. ...even if you're not supposed to eat past 9:00pm. :P

This past Sunday I also had a college fair in Grand Island, NE that went a lot better than I expected, since it's the first time we've ever been there! I really think many of those students will apply & visit campus sometime. It really helps that really rural states like Nebraska don't have as many options for higher education, because students are more willing to consider out-of-state colleges. Also, a really funny, charismatic Simpson alum showed up to my table to say "hello!" He was there representing a Nebraska college since he is their Mathematics & Statistics Department Head. ...small world, huh?!

it's been a big day, so I'm outtie & moving onto dreamland...

peace.

"mOnKeYiNg" around

So, yesterday I learned that I have more similarities to a chimpanzee than I have differences.

Hmm...not exactly something I expected to learn, let alone on the job! :P

I was so fascinated by the Simpson "field trip" up to the Great Ape Trust in Des Moines. I am amazed at the intelligence of the Great Apes and how quickly they're disappearing from our world! All of the Great Apes on Earth could fill 3 football fields & are too scattered for much reproduction to occur. How sad. :(

Why did Simpson & the Admissions Staff go learn about large monkeys you ask?!

Well, the Trust is creating a collaboration with Simpson for our students to intern or help scientists with research - pretty cool, huh? Actually, one of our '07 Simpson grads who double majored in psychology & philosophy is now working for the Great Ape Trust full-time. I'm so excited for such a great opportunity for our students!

During our little aDvEnTuRe, which felt a little incomplete without cargo pants, sack lunches & a walking stick, included a presentation about the place, the place's conservation, characteristics of different apes and then we headed out to see the big guys in action...communicating with their caretakers & scientists, understanding English, watching our every move & much to the presenter's surprise...even mating during our visit - LOL! I was absolutely left in awe at how very bright Great Apes really are!

The coolest thing about this place is how kindly the animals are treated...they aren't forced to do anything they don't want to & they make sure all their needs are met.

What exactly is the purpose at Iowa's Great Ape Trust:
Great Ape Trust of Iowa, formerly known as Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary, is a world-class research center dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes. Located in southeast Des Moines on 200 acres of lowlands, river forest and lakes, Great Ape Trust will be among the largest great ape facilities in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape: bonobos, gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans.

Meet a Few of My New Hairy Buddies

Name: Azy (Orangutan)

Birthday: December 14, 1977

Favorite Food: Fruit juice & cooked onions

Favorite Toy: Blue barrel

Favorite Companion: Knobi

Favorite Activity: Naptime under a box

Where He's From: Wasington D.C.'s National Zoo of the Smithsonian

Weight: 270 lbs.

Arm Span: Over 8 feet! (Sorry Michael Jordan!)

Click Here to View Videos of Azy

Name: Kanzi (Bonobo)
Birthday: October 28, 1980

Favorite Food: Onions

Favorite Game: Chase

Favorite Toy: Red ball

Where He's From: Georgia State University's Language Research Center

Vocabulary: More than 500 words!

Note: He has played the piano with Paul McCartney & Peter Gabriel!

Click Here to View Videos of Kanzi

Name: Nathan

Birthday: June 18, 2000

Favorite Food: Grapes

Favorite Toy: Stuffed Animals

Favorite Game: Tickle

Born to Panbanisha & P-Suke at the Great Ape Trust

Click Here to See More Pics of Nathan

See how YOU can make a difference in preserving the life of our Great Apes: https://members.greatapetrust.org/

Did You Know?

'07 Simpson Psychology/Sociology Double Major & Storm Volleyball Player Tiffany Everding was awarded one of only twenty-nine presitigious NCAA postgraduate scholarships.

"The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality."
- Schopenhauer

Corn isn't all we produce...

What Do All These People Have in Common?

They're from Iowa!

T.V. Entertainer Johnny Carson

Pony Express Rider William "Buffalo Bill" Cody

World-Renowned Opera Singer Simon Estes

Actress Lara Flynn Boyle

Former U.S. President Herbert Hoover

Columnist Ann Landers

T.V. Commentator Harry Reasoner

It's a Wonderful World Actress Donna Reed

Oscar-Winning Actor John Wayne

American Gothic Painter Grant Wood

Inventors of the Digital Computer John Vincent Atanasoff & Clifford Berry

Nobel Peace Prize Winner &

Father of the Green Revolution Norman Borlaug

Actor/Comedian Tom Arnold

Office Space & Band of Brothers Actor Ron Livingston

Actor Nick Nolte

Leave it To Beaver Actor Jerry Mathers "The Beaver"

Little House on the Prairie Author Grace Pearl Ingalls

Bridges of Madison County Author Robert Waller

Inventor of the Steel Plow John Deere

Dear Abby Abigail Van Buren

The Music Man Songwriter Meredith Wilson

Former U.S. First Lady Mami Eisenhower

Wyatt Earp

Circus Stars Ringling Brothers

Circus Performer Tom Thumb

Former U.S. Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Wallace

Chemurgist George Washington Carver

That 70's Show Actor Ashton Kutcher

Lord of the Rings Actor Elijah Wood

Emmy-Winning Actress Marcia Wallace

Superman Returns Actor Brandon Routh

Superman T.V. Show Actor George Reeves

Academy Award, 9-Time Emmy &

Golden Globe-Winning Actress Cloris Leachman

Grammy-Winning Band Slipknot

Band Stone Sour

'07 U.S. National &

World All-Around Gymnastics Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson

Chicago Bears Quarterback Kyle Orton

1992 Miss Teen USA Jamie Solinger

Hall of Fame Baseball Player Bob Feller

1972 Olympic Gold Medalist & Wrestling Coach Dan Gable

1939 Heisman Trophy Winner Nile Kinnick

Current Cleveland Indians Outfielder Casey Blake

NFL Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, St. Louis Rams Quarterback Kurt Warner

The Biggest Loser T.V. Show Winner Matt Hoover

Current San Diego Chargers' Kicker Nate Kaeding

Current Philadelphia 76ers' Player Kyle Korver

Current Chicago Bulls' Player Kirk Kinrich

Green Bay Packers' Player Aaron Kampman

Olympic Gold Medalist &

4x NCAA Undefeated Champion Wrestler Cael Sanderson

Movies Filmed in Iowa:

Twister was filmed on a Central Iowa farm near Eldora.

The Bridges of Madison County was filmed near Winterest.

Field of Dreams was filmed on a farm near Dyersville.

The Final Season was filmed near the town of Norway - yet to be released.

Did You Know?
Simpson is the only school in Iowa that offers a major in forensic science; one of only 45 colleges in the United States.

"Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa."
- Shoeless Joe Jackson to Ray Consella in Field of Dreams

Who let the dogs out?!

I kept pretty busy this weekend & most of it involved Simpson...

Saturday I headed over to Lincoln, Nebraska as a "Storm Chaser" to watch the Storm Soccer Team play @ Nebraska Wesleyan. It was perfect weather for a ball game & it was fun to watch - brought back many memories from when I played & watched my brother! ...not to mention the frustrations of a few poor calls by the ref & my uNcOnTrOlLaBlE urge to boo loudly!...back in the day when watching my brother play sports, it wasn't the coaches that were nearly ejected from the games...yes, it was ME. I'm really competitive. Ha! :P It was a very good game, which made it tough to lose 1-0 in sudden death overtime! :( That's okay, we'll blow those Prairie Wolves away another time!

It was cool to see one of my new students play so well after his first game back from a broken pelvis. What a great addition to Simpson and the team...Go Ryan Z.! His family from Nebraska was also there watching, so I got to chat with them for a few minutes. I was impressed to see so many of the players' families & other Simpson fans made the trip West! After the game I met some of my prospective soccer recruits who also came to watch the game...watch out Storm competition, here comes more Nebraska talent to Iowa! :)

Sunday I headed back into Nebraska, this time to the northeast part of the state for my 1st college fair of the season...yes, a 2 1/2 hour drive through a non-freeway part of the state! Ya know...don't underestimate the beauty of Nebraska, it really was a very pretty countryside to drive through this time of the year (with no sarcasm!). There were hundreds of these pretty yellow sunflower-type wildflowers, rolling hills & beautiful green fields! I do think each state has it's own cHaRaCtEr & beauty...I'm pretty sure we are the country with the most diverse types of land throughout different regions!

This fair was small and other than 2 very far northwestern Iowa colleges & 2 Iowa community colleges, Simpson was the only Iowa college represented! Those others really missed out, because I saw some fantastic students who were very interested - some of who also stopped by last year & already visited campus! Overall it was a good fair for the distance it was from campus (about 41/2-5 hours) & it being a very rural region of Nebraska. One of the most fun parts of college fairs is the people-watching, so I enjoyed that during my slower periods.

Following the college fair, I went on a hunt for somethin' to eat...pasta (surprise, surprise!). I found an Applebee's & enjoyed myself a delicious three cheese alfredo pasta with a chocolate shake while I watched the 1st quarter of the Bears football game on their t.v. I took my time before having to drive another 2 1/2 hours back home... Yeah, the Bears' starting QB, Grossman, pretty much sucks as much as he did last season & Coach still won't pull him...aarrgghh!

On the way home I noticed a really stupid-funny billboard with a GIANT hot dog & the phrase "Who let the dogs out" for a gas station called Bucky's Express...LOL! wow...

What else consumed most of my weekend? The oh-so-fun three hole-punching, alphabetizing & filing into binders hundreds of my prospective student information sheets! :) See, my job as an Admissions Counselor isn't all fun 'n games...we have the dirty, busywork, too! I guess the nice thing is that I can s p r e a d it all out in front of the big screen & watch or listen to t.v. while I do it...

Did You Know?

Approximately 150 employers visit campus every year to recruit Simpson graduates.

Double Quote Day (cuz I couldn't decide!)

"Referees are the only guys who can rob you and then get a police escort out of the stadium." - Rob Boulton

"The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle."

- Unknown

And the winner IS...

presenting...
"THE TRAVEL TROPHIES"
...brought to you by tiff.

These "Bests" are based on the following states I have traveled to for work: Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Texas & Florida.

Best Airport:

Phoenix

Worst Airport:

Dallas-Ft. Worth - not once have I left on time from this darn place!

Most Frequented (Best) Restaurants:

1.) Ruby Tuesday - the best alfredo sauce ever!
2.) Champp's - love their Tortellini Sylvina & Messy Sundae!
3.) Portillo's Hot Dogs in Chicago - yummy dog with delicious greasy crinkle fries & an awesome chocolate shake!
4.) Noodles & Company - Wisconsin Mac 'n Cheese, 'nuf said!
5.) The Olive Garden - all you can eat Pasta e Fagioli soup & breadsticks...or their penne alfredo.
6.) The good ole DQ! It's very rare if I don't have some form of ice cream EVERYDAY!
7.) any place that will deliver to my hotel room :)
**Other foods I tend to consume often, but wouldn't consider the restaurant to be a "favorite," include BK's Cinni-Mini's, McDonald's Cinnimelts & Godfather's Cinnamon Streusel dessert pizza.
**Hmm...notice a theme above? I LOVE ME SOME PASTA! Yeah, that Atkins Diet cutting carbs would pretty much starve me to death.

Best Hotel:
Chicago Lombard Fairfield Inn - great service, employees, location, breakfast, fitness room & hot tub!

Best Gym:
YMCA - since I'm a member of my local YMCA, I can work out at any of 'em in the country! Coolness, huh? Keep that in mind if you ever travel for work! :P

Biggest Gripes:

1.) Unprepared travelers going through airport security checkpoints! This is NOT the time to wear lace up boots, layered tops, complicated belts & an entire carry-on bag full of toiletries more than 6 ounces... The TLC show What Not to Wear needs to do an episode at an airport someday!
2.) Airport delays & cancellations
3.) Being stuck sitting over the wing on an airplane
4.) Idiot drivers who don't know how to drive in the city! No, you CANNOT slow down while entering a busy interstate!
5.) Toll booths - there's nothing worse than having to stop in the middle of a 70mph cruise, especially when in a hurry!
6.) Having night college fairs during NY Yankees MLB playoff & World Series games!
7.) Always having to miss Simpson's Homecoming...particularly my 5 year class reunion this year. :(
8.) Having night college fairs during March Madness NCAA Tourney basketball games!
9.) Not being able to meet with my students who are visiting campus while I'm gone

Easiest Cities to Drive In:

1.) Chicago - when comparing to other cities...
2.) Phoenix

Worst Cities to Drive In:

1.) Minneapolis-St. Paul - they have way outgrown their roads & have a million potholes!
2.) Miami-Ft. Lauderdale - just plain CrAzY traffic!

Best Rental Car Company:

Enterprise


Best Rental Car (since I've driven a different vehicle every time!):
1.) The new '07 Toyota Camry
2.) Pontiac G6

Best College Fair:
Western Slope College Fair in Aspen, CO - a.) it's in gorgeous Aspen, CO b.) it's so well organized with such friendly & appreciative staff c.) they provide us with great food & an incredible host condo/hotel with a balcony overlooking the main street, plasma t.v., stainless steel appliances & huge shower! d.) they offer free hiking, rafting & other recreational activities the day before the fair & e.) it's in gorgeous Aspen, CO! ;P

Best Ways to EnTeRtAiN Myself:

1.) Hottubbin' it at night in the hotel while catching up on the latest celebrity gossip from In Touch magazine or reading the hotel's copy of Newsweek & USA Today
2.) Crossword puzzles
3.) Laughing at products in the SkyMall catalog that could only be realistically sold to someone trapped in an airline seat for 3 hours!
4.) Text-messaging my brother
5.) People-watching in the airport - by the way, I think I'm the only business traveler that dresses for comfort on the road rather than a suit & high heels!
6.) Mall-walking isn't just a senior citizen activity anymore...
7.) Facebook & MySpace
8.) Sight-seeing, even if it is by myself!
9.) Photography
10.) Sitting & enjoying the view on one of Chicago's Lake Michigan North Shore beaches
11.) Checking out local boutique shops
12.) My iPod, whether it be listening to tunes or playing solitaire for the hundredth time...I actually caught myself accidentally singing aloud on my way to an airport gate, oops! :P
13.) Driving around the really fancy & wealthy neighborhoods admiring the really sweet houses

Coolest Lookin' High Schools:
1.) Hastings High School - Hastings, MN
2.) Wayzata High School - Plymouth, MN
3.) Lakeville South High School - Lakeville, MN
4.) The Woodlands High School - The Woodlands, TX
5.) Providence Academy - Plymouth, MN
6.) Omaha Central High School - Omaha, NE

Enjoy some pics of my past Admissions travel AdVeNtUrEs:

This is a large "globe" sculpture in front of Colorado Spring's Olympic Training Center

A view from inside the Olympic Training Center grounds

Pure serenity at 13,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies

I survived the super scary drive along Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road!

I thought this was funny - a dead tree log made into a caterpillar :P

My li'l travel buddy, a penguin, at the Rockies' Continental Divide

A rock shaped like a face profile in the Garden of Gods, Colorado Springs

Green Mountain, CO - Gee, I wonder how that town got its name?!

Inside the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs - breathtaking isn't it?!

An exterior shot of the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs

"I think I can, I think I can..." - during a break on the Pikes Peak Railway

"Honey, I shrunk the shoppers!" Me & some Student Ambassadors outside the Mall of America, Minnesota :P

Watching an MLB Spring Training Game on a beautiful March evening in Phoenix

Who says a load of fries doesn't make a good breakfast?!

Ocean Drive of South Beach Miami, FL

Chillaxin' on a South Florida beach

Ok, so I don't have the cartwheel form I used to have...

The new travel season of new people, places, photos, problems & 'ph'un is just about to begin!...

Did You Know?
'88 Simpson graduate Ric Coy appeared on Cheers, Married with Children, Santa Barbara & Rescue 911.

"Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else." - Lawrence Block