Summer 2010
Departments
So Much to Appreciate
Denny '75 and Jane '90 Whalen's commitment to Simpson College is strong, much like their commitment to family. In fact, the two go hand-in-hand.
Both are Simpson graduates along with their son Jeremy '99 and daughter-in-law Nicolle '98 (Nelson), who is now an assistant professor in the Department of Sport Science and Health Education.
Denny and Jane have long believed in the importance of giving back to the school they say has given them so much. Most recently, the Whalens provided financial support for the entrance a rch at the southeast corner of the stadium, which is now known as the Whalen Gate. The gate was the first step in a series of structural upgrades for Bill Buxton Stadium.
"When we first came when Denny was a student, there was a tarp around the fencing. You couldn't even see into the stadium," Jane said. "We always thought it would be nice if it was gated. That's been a discussion for a long time."
The stadium is particularly special to Denny. He was a cocaptain of the football team and ran track before graduating in 1975. He coached the Indianola High School team there and watched his son earn football All-America honors on that field.
Over the years, he's grown more appreciative of what Simpson was able to provide him.
"It's just like anything else," Denny said. "The older you get the more you appreciate. And with Simpson, there's so much to appreciate. For myself, back in the old days, we still had athletic scholarships so I went to Simpson for free basically, and I received a good education. I need to give something back."
After graduation, Denny went on to teach in Martensdale and Indianola for more than 30 years. Jane's career in the financial services industry evolved, and in 1990 she was one of the first students to graduate from Simpson's evening and weekend program. They have had opportunities to move away bu t chose to stay in the community, and their contributions to Simpson have been numerous.
Jane is an active member of the Simpson Guild, which sponsors scholarships for students. The Whalens are also involved in organizing the annual Wayne Carse Storm Athletic Benefit, a primary fundraiser for the athletic department.
Jane cites Simpson's role within the city of Indianola as another incentive to stay involved.
"We see the integral role Simpson plays in the community, and we value that," she said. "Volunteering is important, and so is reinvesting in your community. You need to take an active role in that."
They have enjoyed watching the school expand and develop over the years.
Denny remembers living in rental houses and parking
in gravel parking lots when there were only a handful of buildings on campus.
"We've been able to watch the campus evolve," he said. "When I was here, there were probably under 1,000 students. It's been neat to watch the programs grow."
Since they first arrived at Simpson, their roles have changed, but that's what makes it exciting, Jane said.
"That's the thing about Simpson, it spans the ages," she said. "You can be real active and other times you can pull back a little bit, but there is always something you can do to be a part of the community."