Olds, Rosemary

Honoree Biography

Name: Rosemary Olds
Campus: Urban
Title/Position: Professor, English
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Visit Professor Olds's Instructor Website (click here)


Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Rosemary, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Chase, Hal

Honoree Biography

Name: Hal Chase
Campus: Urban
Title/Position: Professor, History
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
"I was born in Des Moines, Iowa... married for 43 years. I have four children and five grandchildren and one on the way. For the last 25 years I've been involved with Farmer's Merchant's State Bank of Iowa. Our entire family owns, together, 53% of the bank. It is two worlds, and it is good, but sometimes it is taxing... [but] it is the other half that gives a feeling of completion."

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
"It will be a very big adjustment to not be in the classroom. I'm going to continue two projects. The library of Congress has a collection that is the most complete run of an African-American newspaper for basically 1880 through 1920... I would like to get it published. My other project regards my family history... I would like to try and find historical records that give a sense of who each person was, to try and get some personality with each photograph. Those, and time for reading."

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
"'Yes, I do... 'There are those who believe in their own existence, because its opposite is inconceivable; yet the most balsamic of all sweets of sweet philosophy is the lesson that personal existence is an illusion and a practical joke. Those that have loved themselves and not their neighbors will find themselves April fools when the great April opens the truth that neither selves nor neighbor-selves were anything more than vicinities; while the love they would not entertain was the essence of every scent.' Charles Sanders Peirce"

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
"To students: pay attention, expect the best, and go for it. To faculty: teach less, so they can learn more."

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Hal, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Miller, Helen

Honoree Biography

Name: Helen (Diane) Miller
Campus: Carroll
Title/Position: Administrative Assistant 3
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!


Diane is an Administrative Assistant to the Provost at Des Moines Area Community College in Carroll. Originally from Des Moines, she earned her education degree from Drake University and was an elementary school teacher in Urbandale, Iowa. She joined the DMACC Carroll staff in 1992. (Source: http://www.dmacc.edu/carroll/facultystaff.asp)


Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Diane, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Lawyer, Cathy

Honoree Biography

Name: Cathy Lawyer
Campus: Carroll
Title/Position: Librarian/Media Specialist
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
"My entire career has been in the education field as a librarian, media specialist, Spanish and computer instructor. I have been involved in many associations, committee work for DMACC, state and community. My husband, Keith, is also an educator in the math and computer technology field and has recently retired from the K-12 system but continues to teach as adjunct for DMACC. We are the parents of two girls Kay, and Julie and son-in-law, Nate (and soon-to-be first time grandparents). Our children attended DMACC and went on to receive advanced degrees. We do believe that their education at DMACC assisted them in achieving their higher learning goals and successes in life. I enjoy reading, golfing, volunteering, genealogy and family gatherings."

How long have you been with DMACC?
"I have worked full-time for 18 years. Before we had a campus in Carroll, I taught DMACC classes in the high school many years ago."

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
"Library Media Specialist 7-12 at Carroll Community School, Riceville Comm. Schools and acquisition librarian at USD in South Dakota.

What are your plans now and into the future?
Live in the moment…search, learn and explore, travel, play, and enjoy my “second act in life”… whatever it may be."

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"Student learning, student challenges and being able to overcome them. The collaboration of faculty, staff and students to continue to make our campus a strong educational system. There are no two days alike in the library."

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
"The DMACC district wide library automation project and the 2+2 UNI program implemented on the Carroll Campus."

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.” -by Eugnie des Alpades

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
"Never give up, no matter the roadblocks one encounters, continue to reach you’re your dreams."

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
"An advocate for student learning, friendships that were made, the laughs, tears, conversations, and fun, it has been truly a “great ride” and thanks for the memorable career at DMACC."


Thank you, Cathy, for all you have done for the DMACC community!


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Wimp, James

Honoree Biography

Name: James Wimp
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Transportation Program Specialist
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, James, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Whithurst, Cal

Honoree Biography

Name: Cal Whitehurst
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Professor, English; AAC Program Chair
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Big movie buff, like theater, likes to work out (fitness), avid reader, spend time with Jacob (wiener dog). My other dog, Josh (also a wiener), died about 1 ½ years ago.

• Started teaching with a BA in English & Reading Certification
• Went back to college and earned an MS in English w/ enfaces on comm. college education
• DMACC Learning Center Instructor & Program Chair (20yrs)
• DMACC experience – taught all of the English courses including writing, reading, introduction to education (my favorite), and others.
• Authored & taught Study Strategies course (6yrs)

How long have you been with DMACC?
nearly 22 years

What did you do before you came to DMACC?

• High School remedial teacher at Carroll Kuemper High School
• High School English & Drama teacher in Sherrard, ILL. directed plays, etc. (5+yrs)

What are your plans now and into the future?

• Moving to Minneapolis, MN (I have some old friends up there)
• Online job w/ DMACC
• Plan to adjunct for a local Comm. College there.

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"I will miss my work with the Academic Achievement Center (AAC), which is there as a valuable resource for DMACC students who are serious about their studies. It is a helpful place where students can come and feel welcome in an informal atmosphere… we like that. The AAC instructors are very dedicated to helping students succeed. I will miss my friends and colleagues that I have worked so closely with for the last 22 years."

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
"Losing a friend who worked here in the late 80’s to breast cancer. Linda Wehage had worked for DMACC for about four years; she was only 34 years old. I still miss her."

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Doubt is uncomfortable, but certainty is often ridiculous.”

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
(to the students) "Stay motivated, manage your time, and ask people here for help, many teachers want to see you succeed."

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
"as a visible teacher on campus, always fair with students, willing to do my best to help them with kindness and humor"

Thank you, Cal, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Tomb, Carol

Honoree Biography

Name: Carol Tomb
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Manager, Bookstore Operations
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Carol, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Sullivan, Jane

Honoree Biography

Name: Jane (Penny) Sullivan
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Professor, Graphic Arts
Extended Bio: Click here
Photo Gallery: Click here (coming soon)

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself?
"I have three children and six grandchildren. There are a lot of things I enjoy doing, such as writing, painting, and travel... to name a few. In addition to being a DMACC instructor and program chair, I sponsor The Artery, a student graphic design club, as well as Skills USA, which is a national student leadership organization. I also do some freelance work and run my own graphic design business. As a Fine Artist, I have numerous one woman shows in the Des Moines area and currently have work displayed at Görtz Haus Gallery in Grimes, Iowa. My work and projects have taken me to places like France, Tibet, Peru, and other wonderful places." Please visit Professor Sullivan's extended biography for more information about her and the organizations she is passionate about.

How long have you been with DMACC?
"I have been full-time for 22 years and worked as a DMACC adjunct for a couple of years before that."

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
"I was a Program Consultant for a Center for students with special needs before my DMACC career. Also, prior to DMACC, I formed and operated my own business, Penny Sullivan, Graphic Design." Penny continues to freelance and run her company to this day.

What are your plans now and into the future?
"I will continue painting, traveling, writing, doing freelance work, and run my company."

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"I will miss the daily interaction with students. It has been an honor to be a part of their learning process. DMACC has been my home away from home and I have made lasting friendships here."

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
"There are so many… watching the students graduate, become successful and know that they are enjoying what they are doing in life. Taking students to state and national competitions and having them do well says a lot about the high-quality training they receive at DMACC. A trip led by to Peru and hiking the Inca Trail was pretty amazing."

Do you have a favorite quote?
"If only I had more time to think about that… to come up with something profound…"

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
"Just live life and have fun with it. I wish people the joy that I have experienced; it’s not always the case that you get to go to work and do something that you love."


Thank you, Penny, for all you have done for the DMACC community!


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Robbins, Rosemary

Honoree Biography

Name: Rosemary Robbins
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Student Employment Specialist
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
"I have a wonderful husband, three children and five grandchildren. My main hobbies are 'gardening/flowers', having the grandchildren come 'play', and all kinds of sports, especially the IOWA Hawkeyes. Love road trips exploring our United States!"

How long have you been with DMACC?
"18 years"

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
"licensed insurance agent"

What are your plans now and into the future?
"Get the house 'cleaned out and cleaned up'; relax, and spend time with family and friends"

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"Definitely the people, including the students. There are so many good people. I have always loved the college atmosphere."

What were some of your least favorite things?
"feeling inadequate to help more"

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
"I enjoyed doing the mock interviews and visiting with the students about their goals and ideas."

Do you have a favorite quote?
"too many to have a favorite!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
"Thanks. Thanks so much. I’ll miss you!"

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
"I hope I have helped and maybe even made some positive contributions in some young adult’s lives."

Thank you, Rosemary, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Pierce, Jeanne

Honoree Biography

Name: Jeanne Pierce
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Administrative Assistant 3
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
"We have two daughters, two great sons-in-law and five beautiful grandchildren. My extra time is spent with family, gardening and pursuing other various activities of interest."

How long have you been with DMACC?
"fifteen years in June"

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
"work experience was in a small bank and a very informative time in an attorney’s office."

What are your plans now and into the future?
"making the most of each day"

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
"I will miss working with so many great people."

Thank you, Jeanne, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Meredith, Sharon

Honoree Biography

Name: Sharon Meredith
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: STRIVE Professor
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
"I have been in teaching for 35 years at the secondary and post-secondary level as an English teacher and a special education instructor. I have a husband of 46 years, three children and five grandchildren. My family and my students have been my primary interest."

How long have you been with DMACC?
"twenty-four years"

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
“I plan to spend more time with my family, exercise, catch up with old friends and chase some dreams.”

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment at DMACC?
“When students come back to visit and recount their successes.”

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
“That it is important to be accountable for your actions.”

Thank you, Sharon, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Martin, Donald

Honoree Biography

Name: Donald Martin
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Mail Dispatcher
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Donald, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Kecy, Brenda

Honoree Biography

Name: Brenda Kecy
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Assistant Manager, Bookstore
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Brenda, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Jameson, John

Honoree Biography

Name: John Jameson
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Physical Plant Parts Clerk
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, John, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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Drake, Janet

Honoree Biography

Name: Janet Drake
Campus: Ankeny
Title/Position: Coordinator, Continuing Education
Extended Bio: Coming soon!
Photo Gallery: Coming soon!

Interview Questions

Please tell us a little about yourself—family, achievements, hobbies, & interests?
Coming soon!

How long have you been with DMACC?
Coming soon!

What did you do before you came to DMACC?
Coming soon!

What are your plans now and into the future?
Coming soon!

What was your favorite thing about working at DMACC—what will you miss the most?
Coming soon!

What is your most memorable moment as a DMACC employee?
Coming soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
Coming soon!

What would you like to say to the student body and/or staff as you leave DMACC? Advice?
Coming soon!

What would you like people to remember most about you and your DMACC service?
Coming soon!

Thank you, Janet, for all you have done for the DMACC community!

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