Alumni & Friends Class Notes

Whether you are moving forward in your career, announcing an addition to the family or honoring the life of a fellow alumnus, we want to hear about it. You can search through Grand View University's Alumni & Friends Class Notes below!

To add your own class notes, we invite you to share your news with us and fill out this form or email us at alumni @ grandview.edu. Class notes can include marriage, birth and death announcements, career advancement, relocation, military honors and more.

If you have any questions, please contact us at alumni @ grandview.edu.

Angela Ayala '07 was named the new museum educator and assistant director at Blanden Art Museum in Fort Dodge, IA beginning August 30, 2022.

Everett Reed '22 was named the director of the 70-member Ankeny Community Chorus

Holly Swanson '83 graduated in 2019 from Augsburg University with her Doctor in Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practioner credentials. She now works for a Level I Trauma Hospital as a Trauma APRN, CNP in Minnesota.

KCCI reporter Michelle Parker '77 was posthumously inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association (IBA) Hall of Fame during the organization's annual business meeting on Sept. 29. Parker began her career in the film department at KCCI in 1977. She joined the news department as a reporter in 1979, becoming one of Iowa's first female African-American reporters.

Grand View mourns the passing and celebrates the life of Alice (Olsen) Humphrey '47 who died August 12 at the age of 94. Alice was an extraordinary philanthropist who supported numerous causes, but at the top of her list was always Grand View. She is best known for her leadership gift in 1997 to restore Old Main into what we know today as the Humphrey Center. Alice's original restored dorm room is located on the third floor. Her gift inspired others that led to the building of several new facilities on campus over the past 20 years. Alice came to Grand View in August of 1945 from Connecticut. Alone as an 18-year-old Danish girl, on an un-air-conditioned train filled with GI's returning from World War II, she didn't sleep the entire trip. Later, she met her husband Bruce in Old Main and they forever remained connected to Grand View. Alice often said that Grand View determined the direction of her entire life and her gifts were simply her way of giving back. Grand View is clearly a better place because of Alice.

Congrats to Pat Hoberg '08 on the opportunity to represent Iowa, Grand View, and his hometown of Urbandale in the MLB game at the Field of Dreams location! Pat was selected to serve as the home plate umpire between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox in Dyersville, IA on August 12, 2021.

Evelyn (Sorenson) Petersen '48, age 93, passed away on Sunday, August 1st, 2021, at the Keystone Nursing Care Center. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian in Blairstown. Private family graveside services will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blairstown. v

Tara Antle '91 was named to the "2021 Top Women in Convenience" list by her professional peers. Tara works at Casey's in Talent Acquisition and was recognized as a top mentor in the industry. This year's TWIC program was the most competitive yet as more than 300 nominations were judged.

Janice "Jan" Pender Mattern, 79, died on March 9, 2021. She graduated from North High School in Des Moines and attended Grand View College until 1962. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from Drake University in 1964. She taught grade school and then special education in the Des Moines school system. Jan was working on her master's degree in special education at the University of Iowa before moving to Buffalo, NY. Jan is survived by her husband John Q. A. Mattern II '62 of 56 years and her daughter, Jill A. M. Allen (Kevin), son, John Q. A. Mattern, III (Robyn); bonus daughter, Julie M. Flint (Andy); and many grandchildren. Posted on March 16, 2021.

Dr. James A. Whyte died on March 9, 2021. He was born on October 15, 1946 to James and Annie Whyte. He graduated from the University of Nebraska and Iowa State University. Jim was a Professor of Sociology for 25 years at Grand View University, retiring as Professor Emeritus. He earned multiple awards for service and teaching, and was dedicated to his profession and his students. A connoisseur of the liberal arts and reading, he challenged students to learn concepts and theories through interdisciplinary readings and works, opening students' minds to a different way of learning. His other interests included spending time outdoors, bicycling, fine cuisine, and seeking various types of collectables. Posted on March 16, 2021.

Devan Walker '14, science teacher at Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie, Iowa, has been named as a recipient of the 2021 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries. The award is given to teachers who go above and beyond to inspire student interest in and awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For seven years, Walker has taught a variety of STEM subjects to students at Southeast Valley High School-including chemistry, environmental science, biotechnology, anatomy and physiology, food science and physics. Yet, in every subject she teaches, Walker strives to make the subject matter accessible and engaging. Posted on March 3, 2021.

Amara (Hartley '11) Huffine has recently accepted the position of executive director at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Posted on February 23, 2021.

Hope Catherine (Bintner '98) Spuzello passed away from heart failure on January 14, 2021 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Hope was born May 15, 1967 in Audubon, IA. She was the daughter of Jon David and Sharon Bintner. She moved to Des Moines after her mother's passing in 1981. Hope graduated from Dowling High School and Grand View University. Todd and Hope Spuzello were married from 1998-2017. She suffered from cardiac arrest in 2009 and was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Anoxic brain injury left her unable to care for herself, so she spent her last 4 years at Bickford Cottage in Urbandale. A special thanks goes to the great staff at Bickford and Hope's best friend Kynda Tollari for her years of dedication to her. Also a special thanks to Mary Murphy for the best caregiving. Hope is preceded in death by her mother and brother Paul Richard Bintner. She is survived by her sons Paul and Matthew; father Jon David (Deanna) Bintner; aunt Carol Ann Sorenson; and many other relatives. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory, 8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322. A service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Burial will follow the service at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Exira, IA. Posted on January 27, 2021.

Garey Smith, former women's basketball head coach, died Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Story Medical Center in Nevada at the age of 78. Garey was born October 24, 1942, in Clarinda, Iowa the son of Glenn Humphrey and Edna Irene (Thompson) Smith. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1961 and was united in marriage to Carole Ann Lee on March 21, 1964, in Cambridge. A public Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com. Posted on November 23, 2020.

Julie (Walters '84) Bell accepted the position in August of Advancement Director at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. Julie was previously employed by Quincy University in Quincy, IL. Posted on October 19, 2020.