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DMACCMagazine

Page 6 Big League Dreams Former DMACC Star is a Hit in the Majors

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Scott Schebler (Photo: The )

A PUBLICATION OF DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGEFIND US ONLINE | SPRING/SUMMERAT WWW.DMACC.EDU/FOUNDATION 2016 2 | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

DMACCMagazine SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Director’s Message After months of planning, This is the perfect option IN THIS ISSUE we are excited that DMACC’s for those alumni and friends Director’s Message ...... 2 50th Anniversary Gala is just spread far and wide who may weeks away. This event is the not have the opportunity to join 50th Anniversary Gala ...... 3 culmination of the efforts us at the Gala. If you of many and provides an Entrepreneurship Competition ...4 choose this option, we opportunity to formally encourage you to use recognize DMACC’s Calendar of Events ...... 4 the envelope included distinguished history in in the magazine. Student Profle: Central Iowa. It offers Blazing a Trail ...... 5 an opportunity to thank And, if you haven’t those who have been so already, we hope you Alumni Profle: generous in supporting will check out the Big Leauge Dreams ...... 6 our mission of educating special website for all who are motivated, the 50th Anniversary at dmacc. Supporter Profle: regardless of their fnancial edu/50. The site is proof that Committed to Community ...... 9 circumstances. during the past half-century, Program Profle: At the right, you will fnd courses, locations, technologies Developing Tech Talent ...... 10 details about the Gala. Please and facilities may have changed, note, we are limited to the frst but DMACC has remained true Travel with DMACC ...... 12 500 guests to register and to its founding purpose. we expect to “sell out” well in advance of the event. (That’s If you are able to attend CONTACT US the event, I look forward to DMACC Foundation a nudge to get you to register 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Bldg. 22 early so you don’t miss out!) celebrating with you. If you are Ankeny, IA 50023 In addition to the 50th not, I thank you in advance for Phone 515-964-6229 considering a gift in support of www.DMACC.edu/foundation Anniversary Gala, we are also putting an extra emphasis on our programs and students. giving in the coming weeks Sincerely, ABOUT DMACC MAGAZINE and months. DMACC Magazine is a publication As I have written about in this of the DMACC Foundation & Alumni space in past issues, we are Association. If you would prefer to encouraging alumni and friends receive your copy electronically, of DMACC to consider a $50 gift Tara Connolly please email [email protected]. to the Foundation during this Executive Director year of celebration. DMACC Foundation

SEARCH “DMACC” ON SOCIAL MEDIA SPRING/SUMMERFALL/WINTER 20162015 | 3 DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU AND YOUR GUESTS TO THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY Gala SA TURD A Y , APRIL 30, 2016

The Meadows Events & Conference Center Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Drive Altoona, Iowa 5:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner 8:00 p.m. Program and Entertainment by the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra 9:00 p.m. Desserts and Dancing Black Tie Optional $50 per person/$500 per table for 10 guests

Please RSVP online at www.dmacc.edu/foundation/50 or to Lisa Cappaert at 515.964.6229. Reservations and payment must be received by Monday, April 18, 2016. The event is limited to the first 500 guests.

For your convenience, we have arranged a special hotel room rate of $139 (plus tax) at the Prairie Meadows Hotel. To make reservations, please call 515-957-3000 or 800-325-9015 by Thursday, March 31, 2016 and reference the DMACC 50th Anniversary Gala. Reservations may also be made online at www.prairiemeadows.com using group code 02272016DMA.

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Win $10,000 for Your Business! Find details and eligibility rules at www.dmacc.edu/foundation/ec For decades Des Moines Area Community College has helped thousands of individuals bridge the gap between idea and entrepreneurship. Every day, DMACC supports Iowa small business by providing current and future employees with access to the fuel that powers the American dream: education. Now the College adds to its business-building tradition by offering $10,000 to the winner of the 2016 DMACC Foundation Entrepreneurship Competition. The competition is open to DMACC students and alumni living in Iowa only, and the winner will be announced at the DMACC Small Business Awards on September 15, 2016. The $10,000 cash award was made possible by an anonymous gift to the DMACC Foundation. Pictured above is 2015 winner Titan Immel (center) with parents Jerry and Teresa. Calendar of Events April 24, 2016 July 30, 2016 September 15, 2016 Open House: Iowa Culinary Wild Wild West 3-on-3 DMACC Small Business Institute™ Expansion Basketball Tournament Awards Ceremony and Dinner Building 7, DMACC Ankeny Campus, DMACC West Campus. For info FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny Noon–2:00 p.m. This event is free or to volunteer, please contact Campus. Reservations required. and open to the public. Rick Dawson at 515-633-2443 or [email protected]. October 3, 2016 April 30, 2016 DMACC Foundation DMACC Foundation August 11—21, 2016 Scholarship Dinner 50th Anniversary Gala DMACC at the Iowa State Fair FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny The Meadows Events Center, Prairie Varied Industries Building. To volunteer, Campus. Reservations required. Meadows. Reservations required. contact Todd Jones at 515-964-6242 or [email protected]. June 9, 2016

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SPRING/SUMMER 2016 | DMACC CEO Golf Invitational September 1, 2016 1 Talons of Tuscany, Ankeny. Thanks! DMACC DMACC Pioneer Fall Kick-off Magazine Reservations required. FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny Thank you to the Ankeny Campus. Reservations required. Campus Student Activities Offce for sponsoring a Page 6 portion of the printing Big For reservations or more information, visit League costs to produce Dreams DMACC Former DMACC Star dmacc.edu/foundation, email [email protected] is a Hit in the Majors Cincinnati Reds outfielder Scott Schebler

(Photo: The Cincinnati Reds) Magazine. Your support is A PUBLICATION OF DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIND US ONLINE AT WWW.DMACC.EDU/FOUNDATION | SPRING/SUMMER or call us at 515-964-6229. greatly appreciated! 2016

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“Now they are seeing that college is a possibility for them. I’m very proud that I have provided that example for them.” Blazing

Valerie a Trail Shepherd

A native of southeast Des Moines, Valerie Shepherd After seeing her father struggle in the criminal justice says she didn’t have “a lot of direction” growing up. system, Shepherd set her sights on a career in law. Against the odds, she buried herself in school work She says she isn’t sure what kind of lawyer she wants and became the frst in her family to graduate from to be, but choosing to go to DMACC has allowed her high school. She followed that by becoming the frst the time and freedom to explore different areas. in her family to attend college when she enrolled at “I have time,” Shepherd says. DMACC. And when she completes her pre-law studies at DMACC, she will enter Drake and become the frst She has already been accepted to Drake University in her family to attend a university. and will complete an accelerated program there that will help her earn a Bachelor’s degree in three years And while any one of these accomplishments would and then jump right into law school. make most people swell with pride, she brushes them off. Most important to Shepherd is the legacy she Shepherd says that none of it would be possible is leaving. without the fnancial support she received in the form of a DMACC Foundation scholarship. “Once I graduated from high school and went off to college, my nieces and nephews saw what was “I was able to work less, study more and stay on possible,” the Lincoln High School alum says. “Now track with my studies,” she says. “It allowed me to they are seeing that college is a possibility for them. take honors-level classes and maintain an aggressive I’m very proud that I have provided that example schedule so I could enter Drake as soon as my work at for them.” DMACC is done.”

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“The small class sizes, the ability to work hands-on with other students and the support we received from the teachers helped me to settle in right away.”

SEARCH “DMACC” ON SOCIAL MEDIA Opportunity at DMACC SPRING/SUMMER 2016 | 7 Sets Schebler Up for Success on Biggest Stage

From a young age, there was at DMACC in Boone in the fall of something about the crack of 2009. The perfect combination of the bat that captured Scott challenging academics and the Schebler’s heart. Growing up in time and coaching necessary to Cedar Rapids, he spent many a take the next step in , summer day competing with his Schebler says choosing DMACC friends and honing his skills. And was a blessing. (Photo: ) while Scott was a standout during “DMACC was the perfect ft for his playing days at Prairie High me,” he says. “The small class School, it was a different sport he sizes, the ability to work hands- fgured he would play in college. on with other students and the “During my senior year, I was support we received from the looking at schools where I could teachers helped me to settle in play football,” Schebler says. right away.” “Baseball always had my heart, The relatively small campus also but there wasn’t much interest helped Schebler to focus a fair from colleges or the chance amount of time honing his craft that I would be drafted [by a on the diamond. He says that he professional team] out of and his teammates were able to high school.” strike a balance that helped them But, there was a high level of fnd success in the classroom and interest from one coach. on the feld. Dan Fitzgerald, then-coach at “Looking back, we were able Des Moines Area Community to focus all of our time on school College, was a regular at and baseball,” Schebler says. “On Schebler’s games. Fitzgerald saw a bigger campus that would have something in Schebler that others been very diffcult to do.” missed. He saw more than just a solid high schooler. He saw a (Photo: The Cincinnati Reds) THE BIGS COME CALLING potential college star and, very possibly, a major leaguer. Schebler’s 2010 season was a big one. Fitzgerald’s vision of a “His belief in me was greater power-hitting outfelder capable than my own,” Schebler says, of playing at the highest level was looking back. “He pushed my realized. As the amatuer draft buttons and got me going. I wasn’t really seen as a baseball rolled around, Schebler began player out of high school by to take calls from Major League anyone but Coach Fitzgerald. Baseball teams inquiring about how much money he would “He came to everything I was command as a signing bonus if involved in to be sure DMACC they were to draft him. was where I chose to go.” Schebler is quick to acknowledge that he didn’t have THE NEXT STEP a clue how to respond to his Continued Page 10 After Fitzgerald’s relentless suitors. For many, the price he recruiting, Schebler began school quoted to sign was too high. As a

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“His belief in me was greater than my own. He pushed my buttons and got me going.” BIG LEAGUE JOURNEY Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Schebler graduated from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School and then attended and played baseball at DMACC (Photo: The Cincinnati Reds) in Boone.

result, he fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 26th round. After Schebler was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers moving up through the ranks in the minor leagues, Schebler got in the 26th round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of his shot with the big league club on June 5, 2015. DMACC. A journey that began with the belief of Coach Fitzgerald years earlier culminated with a clean single on the frst major league He had a breakthrough season in 2013 with the pitch he faced. Schebler bounced back and forth between the of the California big club and the minors for the remainder of the season and then League. In 125 games, he hit .296 with 27 home was included in a trade to the Cincinnati Reds this offseason. runs and 91 RBI to lead the entire Dodgers farm He says he is excited to have an opportunity to spend the 2016 system in both homers and RBI. He was selected season in the majors. as a post-season All-Star and “I have to go in and fght for a job,” he says. “I can’t assume the Dodgers minor league player of the year. it’s mine. I have to work with everything I’ve got to win a spot.” After advancing through the minors, Schebler was added to the Dodgers 40-man roster in November SET UP FOR SUCCESS 2014 and was assigned to the AAA Oklahoma After a number of stops on his way to the major leagues, City Dodgers to start the 2015 season. Schebler says his time at DMACC stands out. From the small campus vibe and support from teachers to his academic Schebler was called up to the majors by the scholarship and the comeraderie shared among his teammates, Dodgers on June 5, 2015. He recorded his frst Schebler is grateful he chose DMACC. big league hit on a single to left feld on the frst “I’ve already made a number of calls to others in a situation pitch he faced. On December 16, 2015, Schebler similar to mine considering DMACC,” Schebler says. “I tell them was part of a trade to the Cincinnati Reds where how good a choice it was for me and all it can offer them.” he will compete for a spot on the big league roster in 2016. “All along the way, DMACC invested in me and helped me to focus on why I was there,” he continues. “I’m happy now that I can share with others how great a place it is.” Keep up with DMACC Athletics at www.DMACC.edu/athletics!

SEARCH “DMACC” ON SOCIAL MEDIA SPRING/SUMMER 2016 | 9 Committed to Community Langston Relishes Role on DMACC Board of Trustees The daughter of a school teacher, to be successful in a competitive Cheryl Langston has always had a marketplace. Truly, the most important healthy appreciation for the value of a word in our name is ‘Community’.” solid education. From her childhood When Langston was initially years in north-central Iowa to her approached to consider running for a professional position at Iowa State seat on the nine-person DMACC board, University and elected roles on the she says it was an easy decision. Ames Community School District and “I was intrigued by the challenge Des Moines Area Community College of learning about a segment of the boards, she has repeatedly seen the education system I wasn’t very familiar life-changing impact of an education. with,” she says. “Going in, I had a Langston has served on the DMACC feeling that more than universities or board since 2004 and is currently also even K—12 education, community president of the Iowa Association of colleges had the ability to change Community College Trustees, a group people’s lives.” that includes representation from all 15 Langston’s hunch has been proven Iowa community colleges and offers time and again during her tenure. She a forum for communication among says that the payoff she receives for her the institutions. She says community investment of time and talent is better colleges are a vital component in than a paycheck. building a vibrant regional economic “When you see the real-world impact engine. During her time on the board, on individuals and families resulting she says DMACC has worked hard from their experience with DMACC, to develop relationships with key you cannot help but be proud to be employers. part of it,” Langston says. “And it’s not From advisory boards in the various just the individual or the family. The academic disciplines and career entire quality of life in the community is training programs to internships, job improved.” placement assistance and more, this Going forward, Langston says it is open dialogue has helped students and important that community colleges industry alike. continue to grow and evolve to ensure “Community colleges offer a win-win they are meeting the needs of their proposition,” Langston says. “Students various constituencies. are able to affordably gain the skills “I think we are doing the right and hands-on training necessary to things and we are doing them well,” fnd success in the job market, or to Langston says. “We need to remain transfer on to a four-year institution. nimble and tuned in to the needs of And businesses can be confdent our businesses so we can continue to that colleges like DMACC are turning serve our students specifcally, and our out the type of talent they require community in general.” Cheryl “When you see the real-world impact on Langston, DMACC Board individuals and families resulting from their experience with DMACC, you cannot help but be proud to be part of it.”

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“With identifed Developing shortages and specifc skill needs in the market, it was time Tech Talent for us to step up our DMACC has a long history of game.” reaching out to the business community to gather input on the DMACC IT INDUSTRY wants and needs of the area’s PARTNERSHIP BOARD employers. To aid in steering programming that develops the talent necessary to establish Central Iowa as a leader So when this outreach turned up feedback that in the provision of IT services, the DMACC Industry there was a shortage of Information Technology Partnership Board was formed in 2015. Membership (IT) talent in the state, DMACC led an effort to pull includes Chief Information Offcers and IT Executives together local leaders with the aim of implementing from leading Central Iowa companies charged with providing a new vision and strategy for educating and a strategy to develop IT professionals. The DMACC training local IT professionals. Membership to date: Industry Partnership Board is comprised of executive-level technology professionals from the • Dan Greteman, Farm Bureau Financial Services region and has developed a vision for instruction • Dan Carlson, Meredith Corporation at DMACC that will have a meaningful, immediate • Larry Casey, Farmers Mutual Hail impact in Central Iowa. • David Collison, Shazam “As a whole, IT is a critically important economic driver,” says MD Isley, Dean of Business • Doug Cretsinger, GuideOne Insurance Management and Information Technology at • Dave Duncan, Iowa Communications Alliance DMACC. “With identifed shortages and specifc skill • Travis Ensley, Workiva needs in the market, it was time for us to step up • Rob Frew, Xpansion our game.” • Chris Hanson, Nationwide Insurance A glaring shortage, highlighted by a study published by the National Center for Women and • Ryan Heard, Principal Financial Group Information Technology, was among women in • Doug Jacobson, Iowa State University IT. The study showed only 26% of professional • Terri Jensen, Holmes Murphy computing positions were held by women and only • David Nelson, Integrity Technology Systems, Inc. 18% of recent Computer and Information Sciences • Jerry Owen, Nationwide Insurance bachelor degree recipients were women. Motivated by the study, one of the DMACC • Cindy Rockwell, Keyot Industry Partnership Board’s frst initiatives was • Rich Schappert, Casey’s General Stores implementing a cohort aimed at bringing more • Steve Sikkink, Alliance Technologies women into the complex feld of Java application • Laura Smith, UnityPoint Health programming. The Diversity in Application • Lori Smith, Principal Financial Group Development (DIAD) program was launched in September 2015, and key aspects of the 30-week • Brian Waller, Technology Association of Iowa program include:

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DMACC’S FIRST DIAD COHORT A group of 14 women began a 30-week one-half day per week accelerated program on Friday, Sept. 11, at the DMACC West Campus. The Diversity in Application Development (DIAD) program is designed to close the diversity gap in the IT talent of Central Iowa by training women to become JAVA application programmers. Pictured above, front row: Kelli Kleindorfer, Instructor, DMACC; Sandy Bergman, Farmers Mutual Hail; Sophy Yang, Nationwide Insurance; Katie Sullivan, Workiva; Libby Lundgren, Principal Financial Group; Shelly Fry, Farm Bureau Financial Services; Kristin M. Clark, Dyscover Learning, L.L.C.; Millissa Parmentier, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. Back row: Mary Larsen, GuideOne Insurance; Erin Harris, GuideOne Insurance; Heather Bowling, Principal Financial Group; Ashley Risius, Principal Financial Group; Kerty Levy; Amy Harbert, Workiva; Paula Bintner, Farm Bureau Financial Services; and President Rob Denson, DMACC

• Weekly instruction including to ensure all students can Financial Services chairs the four hours online and four continue working full- Board and says the potential is hours in the classroom at time while completing the unlimited. DMACC’s West Campus. program. “The unique aspect of this • The award of a Java Isely says that while the frst partnership is that DMACC is Application Developer DIAD cohort was inspired by the actively listening to the needs Certifcate from DMACC National Center for Women in of those of us in industry and upon successful completion Information Technology study and creating curriculum to specifcally of the course. aimed at bringing women into IT, address our needs,” he says. “It is • Preparation for students furture cohorts could include any helping to increase the quality and taking the exam for Oracle number of diverse groups. The quantity of talent. I’m proud to be Certifed Associate, Java SE overarching goal is to bring as a part of an effort that is bringing Programmer designation. many talented individuals into the so many together to develop the • Arrangements made with workforce as possible. workforce here in Iowa.” participants’ employers Dan Greteman of Farm Bureau

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DMACC Foundation 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Bldg. 22 Ankeny, IA 50023

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Page 6 Big of DMACC Magazine! League Dreams Former DMACC Star is a Hit in the Majors (Photo: The Cincinnati Reds) Cincinnati Reds outfielder Scott Schebler FIND US ONLINE| AT WWW.DMACC.EDU/FOUNDATION A PUBLICATION OF DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Travel with Friends, Travel with DMACC! The Alumni Association is once • Alaska Adventure Cruise again partnering with Mayfower July 10 departure, 13 days, 27 Tours to offer national and interna- meals tional travel opportunities in 2016. • Romantic Rhine and Mosel When you register with Mayfower River Cruise Tours as a friend, alum or sup- September 10 departure, 11 porter of DMACC, a percentage of days, 23 meals Mayfower’s trip proceeds goes to • California’s Wine Country support DMACC student scholar- September 30 departure, 5 ships. It’s a win-win! You travel and days, 5 meals DMACC students beneft. Each trip offers discounts for early registration. Again, don’t forget to 2016 Trips mention the DMACC Alumni Asso- • A Taste of Spain ciation when you make your reser- April 6 departure, 10 days, 11 vation. A portion of the proceeds meals support our annual Alumni Associa- • Holland Tulip Festival tion scholarship fund! May 7 departure, 6 days, 9 Looking for a particular trip and For trip itineraries, meals don’t see it on our list of offerings? • Pacifc Coast Tour featur- details and pricing, visit Mayfower Tours would be happy ing Oregon’s Coast and San to try to accommodate your needs. www.mayfowertours.com Francisco Please contact them at 800-728- June 20 departure, 9 days, 13 0724. meals SEARCH “DMACC” ON SOCIAL MEDIA