Alumni Awards

Brittany Carlson BA ‘18 MSAT ‘21
Athletic Trainer, Select Physical Therapy & East High School

Brittany is the athletic trainer at Des Moines East High School. She prevents, diagnoses, and determines treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Her biggest impact as athletic trainer is her ability to help advocate for her students and families by creating a consistent, safe and inclusive environment for healthcare within the school. She works to help her students find comfort and overcome obstacles. Her personal philosophy in the workplace is lifelong learning and service to others. She strives to make the community a better place each day. Brittany currently lives in Ankeny.

Regan (Grossnickle ‘16) Doely
Owner/Designer, Doe A Deer

Regan has been a full-time business owner of Doe A Deer, a towel, kitchen and homegoods shop, since 2018. Located in Stuart, Iowa, Doe A Deer has been featured in Flea Market Décor Magazine and Magnolia Spring at the Silos 2020. Doe A Deer products are sold online, in her brick-and-mortar store and wholesale around the world. Regan believes, “there is purpose in every season. I believe God has placed me in the business that I’m in and the community that I’m in to ultimately impact the people around me for His ultimate purpose.” Regan continues to impact her community through her involvement in the Stuart Chamber of Commerce and Stuart Economic Development (SEED). Regan and her husband, Dave, live in Stuart with their two sons, Dax and Archer.

Sarah (Roemer ‘19) Engquist
Adjunct Professor, Grand View University, Simpon College, Drake University, DMACC

Sarah’s favorite memory from Grand View is when Grand View’s professional business fraternity, Phi Beta Lambda, traveled to compete in Baltimore, Maryland at nationals in 2018. Since then, she has worked to help develop the minds of future generations, encouraging students to think outside of the box, be confident and follow their dreams. As an adjunct professor at Grand View, Drake, Simpson and DMACC, she enjoys teaching students from diverse backgrounds and helping them reach their goals. Sarah also donates her crocheted hats and blankets to preemies, stocks the local library and food banks and volunteers at homeless shelters. Sarah lives in Windsor Heights with her husband, Thomas, and their daughter, Elvyna.

Bethany (Wilcox ‘15) Fast
Co-Owner/Operator, The Little Book

Bethany has turned her dream into a reality with the opening of her own small business in the Highland Park neighborhood. Co-owners Bethany and David Fast hope that when you step through the doors of their bookstore, The Little Book, you feel the love, thoughtfulness and care that was poured into every detail of the store, and when you leave, you look forward to your next visit. Bethany is incredibly proud of the work she and her husband have done to become a part of the Historic Highland Park Business District. Bethany and David live in Des Moines with their two children, Sullivan and Alden.

Zack Hollier ‘15
CEO/Head Chef, Cajun Belle

As the CEO and Head Chef at Cajun Belle restaurant in Johnston, Zack leads the vision and direction of the restaurant by ensuring the culinary experience reflects the rich flavors and traditions of Cajun cuisine. Zack’s passion for cooking and leadership drives both creativity in the kitchen and success in the dining experience. Cajun Belle is the proud recipient of the 2024 Cityview’s Best New Local Restaurant in Des Moines. Zack and his wife, Ira, live in West Des Moines.

Alex Krumm MS ‘17
Communications Director, Harvest Vineyard Church of Ames; Director of Training and Curriculum Development, Grand View University; Coaching & Leadership Development, Grand View University

Alex currently serves as the Communications Director at Harvest Vineyard Church of Ames and the Director of Training and Curriculum Development at Grand View’s Center for Mentoring, Coaching, and Leadership Development. He has spent his career focusing on helping good people lead well and tell their story. Alex credits Grand View’s graduate program with accelerating his growth as a leader. Alex spends his time volunteering for various organizations such as Vineyard Gaming, an international group of Christian gamers, being a musician and worship leader and serving as a board member of The Krumm Family Foundation. Alex and his wife, Sarah, live in Ames with their two cats.

Senalia (Sabic ‘15) Lowman
Registered Nurse, VA Medical Center

Sen credits Grand View’s nursing program and its emphasis on a holistic approach for being the nurse she is today. She values continued education and her role in health care has given her ongoing learning opportunities that increase her confidence and critical thinking to provide the best care possible for our service members. As a nurse, she believes it is important to be kind and remember that people come to nurses in times of need. She is most proud of being able to provide for so many patients throughout the global pandemic. She says, “although physically and mentally trying, I remained an advocate and caregiver to many during a very vulnerable time.” Sen and her husband, Chad, live in West Des Moines with their sons, Luka and Leo.

Gustavo Martinez ‘15
Self-Employed & Operations Manager, Shockwave, LLC & Advanced Renewable Technology Inc. (ARTI)

Gustavo has spent the last 10 years as a self-employed operations manager, developing and commercializing industrial processes to help manufacturers reduce their environmental impact while improving profitability. He gives credit to Grand View for helping to develop his critical thinking and networking skills. While at Grand View, he was involved in Spanish club, Viking Connection and the Men’s Wrestling team. Gustavo says, “my work has taught me that leadership and innovation can come from anywhere,” and he encourages others to seek opportunities to get outside of their comfort zone. Gustavo and his wife, Hannah, live in Ankeny with their daughter, Sofia.

Val Veiock BA’15 MS ‘17
Owner, Bing’s

Val has owned the Des Moines retail store, Bing’s, since 2017 with her mother, Victoria Veiock. Bing’s has won several awards including Cityview’s 2018 Best Overall Local New Store, 5x Best Valley Junction Store, 5x Best Local Gift Shop. Val also serves as the affiliate director for I Support the Girls, an organization that collects and distributes essential undergarments and feminine hygiene products to those in need. Val spends her free time pursuing her passion for LGBTQ+ rights, including organizing the first ever Pride event in West Des Moines, Valley Junction Pride! She also serves as a volunteer track and field throwing coach at Valley High School and is a member of the Grand View National Alumni Council. Val and her fiancé, Chelsea, live in West Des Moines with their two dogs, Penny and Jimi.

Brandon Wright ‘15
Owner/Founder/Head Coach, Wright Way Wrestling

Brandon travels the country hosting clinics and camps for youth wrestlers through his company, Wright Way Wrestling, located in Indianapolis. Brandon has provided more than 100 children in his community with the opportunity to learn more about wrestling and has been working to create local partnerships during the last two years. He also volunteers his time coaching at Lawrence Central High School and serves on the board of Wrestling with Adversity. Brandon’s personal motto is to “Regret no opportunities”. It reminds him that some experiences will be painful, but they have the potential to be more rewarding. Brandon and his wife, Emily, live in Indianapolis with their five children Kozmo, Karma, Letti, Luna and Bravo.

Bailee Arnburg ‘19
Sports Event Experience Manager, Catch Des Moines

Bailee’s career with Catch Des Moines started in 2018 as a housing intern. After graduation, she was hired full-time and now serves as Sports Event Experience Manager. When organizations choose to host their sporting events in Greater Des Moines, Bailee is their go-to person to ensure they have the resources, contacts, and hospitality to make their events go off without a hitch, and she works hard so that they receive the service and attention needed so that they continually want to come back to our community with their event. Bailee is responsible for servicing all sporting events such as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, AAU Junior Olympic Games, IRONMAN, NAIA, NIKE, USA Wrestling, USA Volleyball, and more. Bailee gives her time and talents to various non-profits in Greater Des Moines including United Way of Central Iowa’s Book Buddy, Girls on the Run, and the Ronald McDonald House. She was also a dedicated youth basketball coach with Beyond Ball.  Bailee resides in Waukee.

Angelo Crinzi '14
Head Women’s Wrestling Coach, Grand View University

Prior to Grand View, Angelo Crinzi was the head men’s and women’s wrestling coach at Lindenwood University-Belleville for four seasons, where he coached a women’s wrestler who was a WCWA undefeated National Champion in 2018 and USA World Team Member. In 2019, Crinzi returned to Grand View to begin the new women’s program for the Vikings. The program launched its first season in 2019-20 and before being cut short by covid, his squad saw six student-athletes that earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors, six NAIA Invitational National qualifiers, and six NWCA All-American honors. Since then, his teams have won the Heart of America Conference title three consecutive years. He has coached 14 Heart Conference individual champions and 18 NAIA All-Americans.  His teams have twice finished in the top-four at NWCA National Dual with last year being Runner-Ups, and three times saw a top-8 finish at NAIA Nationals with last year finishing 3rd. Crinzi's proudest accomplishment of all is his son, William.

Jeri (Nagle BA ’15, MS ’17) Garretson
Communications Project Manager, City of Davenport

Jeri is responsible for the coordination of the City’s cross-departmental communications team while also ensuring the City’s brand management and communications strategies reach a diverse population of the community. Since joining the City of Davenport, she has assisted with crisis communication during large scale crisis including a record setting flood, civil unrest, and a partial building collapse in the downtown. Garretson is a member of 3CMA (City-County Communications & Marketing Association) and presented at their national conference in Florida during September 2023. She has also presented at the Iowa Parks Association Conference. Jeri previously worked as the Sports Information Director for Grand View Athletics and has a master’s in Organizational Leadership from Grand View. Jeri lives in Muscatine, IA with her husband, Nick.

Aly (Merschman ’13) Greim
Attorney, Mark Gray Law, PLC

Aly Greim is an attorney with the Mark Gray Law, PLC in Ankeny, IA. Aly represents clients in both commercial and residential real estate transactions, including plotting and development, title work, ownership transfers, closings and leasehold interests. She also represents a variety of small business, including corporations and LLCs, in their corporate matters. Greim was named The Real Estate Lawyers 2023 Lawyer of the Year for the State of Iowa. Aly serves as the President of the Grand View National Alumni Council, is a board member for the Ankeny Art Center, an Iowa State Bar Association Real Estate Section Council Member, and Ankeny Young Professionals past board member. Aly lives in Ankeny with her husband Nate and their son.

Devin Kono ’19, MA ‘20
Senior Account Manager, Mills Marketing

Devin Kono works as a Senior Account Manager with Mills Marketing where he is a senior strategist for banking and credit unions across the United States. Kono credits Grand View teaching him what it’s like to be a leader in his field of study. “GV also taught me how to juggle work life balance. Being able to work and effectively be a part of your family prepared me for the leadership position I am in now.” Kono volunteers with The IOWA Foundation, Grand View’s Young Alumni Council, Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, ARL of Central Iowa, and Bondurant Little League. Devin lives in Des Moines and has two sons.

Angela Lose ’18
Marketing & Engagement Coordinator, Orchestrate Hospitality

Angela Lose works to coordinate guest engagement for over 10 restaurant brands In the Orchestrate portfolio, developing social media content, fielding customer feedback and initiating a number of marketing campaigns. A large part of her work includes generating all of content in-house, including writing, photography and videography needs that is used for each brand’s social media, websites and digital marketing. In 2022, Angela was recognized as one of the Iowa Restaurant Association's 40 Women to Watch. Lose currently serves as Chair Person of Grand View’s Young Alumni Council, is on the IRA Education Foundation Board, is a Des Moines Hummingbird and lives in Des Moines.

Kelsey (Kennedy ’15) Nichols
Head Dance Coach, Grand View University

Kelsey, known as Coach KK, has spent most of her professional career with the Grand View Dance team. She has transitioned from being a four-year student-athlete on the team to serving as Assistant Coach and is now the Head Coach and oversees activities and scheduling in the Johnson Wellness Center. Her most proud moment was coaching the dance team to a program-best 3rd place finish at the NAIA Competitive Dance and Cheer Nationals. Nichols also volunteers with Miracle League, Ronald McDonald House and Wounded Warrior Foundation.  She lives in Des Moines with her husband Justin and their three sons.

Paul Riesthuis ‘15
Post-Doctoral Researcher, KU Leuven

A native of the Netherlands, Paul Riesthuis was accepted into a top Brain and Cognition program in Barcelona, Spain after Grand View. This required he learn to speak Spanish to study in this program. He graduated with two completed master's theses, one in comparative psychology and the other in cognition and linguistics. He was then the winner of a fully funded PhD scholarship at KU Leuven, a university in Belgium that's ranked 45th internationally, working with one of the most prolific researchers in criminology and psychology in the world. Riesthuis now works as a post-doctoral researcher where he studies how to improve the practical inferences of eyewitness memory research and the effects of lying on memory and the illusory truth effect. Paul has presented research in Belgium, Germany, and Uruguay and in the U.S.; Boston, Chicago, and Denver. He already has five published scientific research articles. Most recently, Dr. Paul Riesthuis, and Dr. Josh Woods of Grand View published a scientific article in the prestigious international journal, Psychological Research, challenging 30 years of established research on memory.

Sydney Sjaardema ’14,
Owner, Bark Avenue Pet Resorts

Sydney Sjaardema is the co-owner of Bark Avenue Pet Resorts with locations in Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Waukee. She's also co-owner of The Salty Paw Pet Salon and the children’s boutique Sunny Babe Boutique. Through her entrepreneurism, these businesses have created more than 85 new jobs in Central Iowa. Sydney’s pet businesses donate $60,000 every year in free training services to Forever Home Dog Rescue so that dogs available for adoption may learn new skills and training to help them find forever homes sooner. Sydney is proud to have wrote and published her first children’s book about a dog named Daisy. Sydney and her husband, Troy, live In Bondurant with their son and daughter.

Kodi Schroeder ‘14
Neurologically Based Chiropractor/Owner, Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Ashley (Van Gorp ’19) Wilson
Trainer/Owner, Iron Chapel Barbell

Since graduation at Grand View, Ashley Wilson has launched a new strength training gym but also entered the sport of competitive powerlifting which has resulted in her holding 36 state, national and world powerlifting records. Ashley has 2 All-Time World records in powerlifting: deadlift at 507 lbs. at 147 body weight and squat at 408 lbs. at 147 body weight. Within 1 year of competing as a drug tested athlete, she was hitting over a 400lb squat and 500lb deadlift at 147lbs of bodyweight giving her a world ranked DOTS well over 500. Meanwhile, in her first year she also attained the title of IPL Drug Tested North American’s Best Lifter in 2022. Ashley recently helped raise $6,000 in the community for the Wounded Warriors Project. She is also involved in the Raise the Bar Initiative that promotes strong bodies, strong women, and strong communities. Ashley and her husband, Anthony ’19, live in Ankeny and invite you to check out their gym!

Jessica (Garland '12) Carlson

Jessica Carlson is an advisor with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2011. She began her career as a student intern which quickly grew into launch her own business. Her mission is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. Jessica works with clients to identify their definitions of financial security and then focuses on solutions that can help make those financial goals a reality. She has been involved in the Northwestern Mutual internship program and is regularly booked for private speaking engagements on motivation, team building and success. Jessica is an active member of the Grand View National Alumni Council and a past member of the genYP Leadership Team for the Urbandale Chamber.

Alex (Olson '11) Clifton
Transplant Coordinator, UnintyPoint Health Des Moines

Upon completing her BSN in nursing at Grand View, Alex began her career by working with kidney transplant patients which led to finding her purpose within healthcare and ignited her passion for transplant medicine. Since then, she has become a certified organ transplant coordinator and jointed the UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist Transplant Team in Des Moines. Her team has been involved and performed more than 1,000 kidney transplants. Helping to improve someone's quality and life expectancy fuels Alex's motivation at her job and helps her push through the many late-night phone calls she receives notifying the team of donation organs becoming available.

Jordon Elwell '12

Jordon is no stranger to the entrepreneurial spirit having started his career working for the Denny Elwell company upon earning his degree in business administration and management at Grand View. By 2016, he was growing his career and had become the CEO of Midwest Foods, LLC. Midwest Foods, located in Ankeny, is a food manufacturing, co-packing, and private labeling company that also owns the established Gino's and Kramer's brands which are available in 500+ stores in Iowa and the Midwest. Midwest Foods is committed to supporting the local community that supports them by donating hundreds of pounds of food product to several central-Iowa organizations including the Food Bank of Iowa, St. Vincent DePaul and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the need for food donation increased, Midwest Foods distributed 8,500 meal kits in Central Iowa. He earned his degree from GV in business administration and management.

Gabby (Grgurich '10) Fisher

Coming from a recruiting and development background, Gabby began her career with Keller Williams in 2015 as a member of leadership until she decided to become a Realtor in 2018 and begin her own real estate practice. Since then, she's become a lead part of a team who is in the top 5% of all Realtors in the Des Moines area within just three years in the business. Building long-lasting relationships, communicating at a high level, and helping to navigate clients through the buying and selling process are at the utmost importance to Gabby. Serving as a member of the National Alumni Council for Grand View University is among her passions.

Sachin Gupta '19

Sachin begin his accounting career as a student intern at EY, was then hire full-time, and recently promoted into his current role of Audit Senior. Sachin continues to serve as a strong advocate for GV accounting and finance students who are seeking counsel from a young professional. He is extremely accessible, and helpful in supporting our emerging future professionals. When not working or assisting GV students, Sachin actively volunteers his time with Meals from the Heartland, United Way Junior Achievement, CyberChase, Hubbell Elementary, Adopt-A-Street Des Moines, and The Food Bank of Iowa. He also serves on the EY Ripples program, Ernst & Young's social responsibility program that designs volunteer efforts for employees to give back to their community. He majored in accounting and finance while at Grand View.

McKenzie McAdaragh-Wilson '12

McKenzie majored in nursing while playing women's soccer at Grand View. Following graduation, she began work at UnityPoint Health Des Moines as a nurse in the emergency departments at Iowa Methodist and Iowa Lutheran hospitals. Her compassionate care was recognized with a DAISY Award in September 2013 which is nominated by patients and awarded to nurses for extraordinary nursing care. She went on to earn her doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) from the University of Iowa in 2020 while still working as a nurse.  As part of her DNP training, she helped staff at IMMC ED understand, recognize, and better care for victims of human trafficking in the emergency department. She has volunteered her time as an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. McKenzie now lives in Minneapolis where she works as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Zach McClelland '15
Social Studies Teacher, Lincoln High School

Zach didn't need to go far from the campus of Grand View to begin his teaching career at East High School and now works at his alma mater, Lincoln High School. Zach has been recognized for not only educating his students in thoughtful, meaningful ways, but he has also been active in the Des Moines community’s pursuit of racial equity. He is credited for helping to educate adults as to how history, policy, and economics impact our most marginalized and vulnerable communities. Zach has been a featured voice in Des Moines Public Schools regarding equity and anti-racism. While serving on DMPS’s Equity & Racial Justice Team, he has been highlighted in education reports from local media, advocating for inclusive, culturally responsive spaces and experiences for all students in Des Moines Public Schools. He also serves as the head boys track & field coach and as an assistant football coach at Lincoln High School. He is pursuing Master’s of Education in Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction through Drake University.

Matt Sillanpaa '11
Personal Trainer, Brickhouse Fitness

Matt uses his degree In Health Promotion and background as a personal trainer as his opportunity to connect with people and build relationships. During his time at Brickhouse Fitness in Bondurant and previously Altoona Campus, Matt has fostered and built many relationships while helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. When not at the gym, he has assisted with multiple mission trips to Haiti for church construction, he serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for a high school rugby team and assists his wife with her non-profit music series that raises money for genetic disease research. He also serves on the executive council for the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a Bondurant Chamber of Commerce board member. He credits his proudest accomplishment of being present with his wife and raising their 4-year-old twins together while continuing to build a business.

Brett Turner '12
Director of Business Development, Storey Kenworthy

Brett established himself as a leader and trailblazer long before stepping foot on Grand View's campus, beginning his career at GV as a US Army Veteran having served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his service, he was awarded the Glen "Mac" McDole Award for frontline service during combat. While at GV, he was on the first NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championship team. Since graduation he has remained active in community service by serving as a past assistant wrestling coach at GV, currently serves as an assistant coach at Dowling Catholic, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Meals for the Heartland. He's also been Involved with ABI (Iowa Association of Business and Industry), the Downtown DSM Chamber, and was a member of the 2020 Class of the Community Leadership Program through the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. He majored in organizational leadership at Grand View.

MaeLee (Ung '14) Rahm
Project Coordinator, Baker Electric

MaeLee is a self-described accountant turned project manager with a passion to help others and make a positive impact on her community. She is proud of the community she lives in, the company she works for, and the contribution she makes for both. MaeLee has been involved with the JCI Iowa (Jaycees) since 2014 serving in numerous state roles including vice president and past president. Beginning In 2021, MaeLee is serving as JCI USA National Vice President. In this role she works to empower leaders from all over the country by providing mentorship, resources, and leadership. as a Chapter President of JCI Des Moines she traveled to Japan to present at a YP Conference and meet with JCI Kofu, Yamanashi Japan. It was a great learning and development opportunity and enriching cultural experience. MaeLee majored in accounting at Grand View.