Alumni Success Stories
As a Grand View grad, you play an important role in our continued success, and one way to spread the word about the good things happening at Grand View is by sharing your own success stories with us!
We hope to build a wonderful library of Alumni Success Stories, so if you are interested in being spotlighted or want to recommend someone, let us know!
Austin Strawhacker '11
State Director of America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa
With over six years of experience at the Iowa SBDC, Strawhacker brings a proven track record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His prior roles have uniquely positioned him to lead the statewide network, drawing on years of impact in data-driven performance, program development, and center operations that have strengthened the organization’s reach and results.
Strawhacker has held several leadership roles at the Iowa SBDC, most recently as Associate State Director since 2020. In that role, he managed operations across the statewide network of 15 regional centers and led the Federal and State Technology (FAST) program, which helps connect innovative entrepreneurs with critical funding opportunities through federal research and development programs. His prior roles include serving as Regulatory Data Coordinator, where he supported compliance, data management, and performance tracking efforts critical to the organization’s growth and impact.
“I am pleased to congratulate Austin on his appointment as State Director of America’s SBDC Iowa,” said David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations at Iowa State University. “His leadership has already made a meaningful impact on the organization. I’m confident he will continue to advance the SBDC’s mission and build on the strong foundation already in place. We look forward to the continued impact of his work and are excited to see how he shapes the future of the organization.”
Strawhacker holds bachelor’s degrees from Grand View University and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University, where he was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for Public Administration. He currently chairs the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) Research and Data Committee and serves on the Iowa Rural Development Council. In 2022, he was recognized nationally as an ASBDC 40 Under 40 honoree.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role as State Director of America’s SBDC Iowa, and thankful for the trust placed in me by our host institutions, particularly Iowa State University and our partner campuses across the state,” said Strawhacker. “Leading this talented network of center directors, business counselors, and community partners is a privilege, and together we will champion innovation, expand access to capital, and strengthen the economic vitality of every region in Iowa. I look forward to building on our collective successes, learning from our stakeholders, and serving our entrepreneurs with humility, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.”
Strawhacker succeeds Lisa Shimkat, who was recently appointed Associate Administrator of Field Operations and Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Under Lisa’s leadership, Iowa SBDC made significant strides in supporting small businesses and was recognized as a national leader in the SBDC network. As State Director, Strawhacker will oversee a strong network of business counselors serving all 99 counties in Iowa, continuing the mission to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Congratulations, Austin!
Brooke (Kruse ‘22) Groves
Teacher, Carlisle High School
Brooke (Kruse ‘22) Groves has been honored with the Golden Apple Award. Brooke is a Grand View and Carlisle graduate and is now a teacher at the high school she attended. The Golden Apple Award is a very special recognition given to one special teacher each month during the school year. Teachers are nominated for the award.
Mrs. Groves is the special education teacher at Carlisle High School and says students’ success in the classroom starts with getting to know them. “They come in every day, and they want me to be a part of their life,” Groves said. Mrs. Groves’ focus on relationships was rewarded when several of her students nominated her for the Golden Apple. The connections she’s making with her students are making a big difference.
Andrea Hoekstra is the principal at Carlisle High School. She knew Groves as a student and now a teacher. “She’s just been amazing,” Hoekstra said. “She has stepped right in since day one and really found her groove and has built such great relationships with her students and fit really well with our staff and just has that all in and buy-in and we’re just so happy she’s here with us.”
Congratulations, Mrs. Groves!
Bethany Fast (Wilcox) ’15
The Little Book
Bethany always wanted to be a business owner and her time at Grand View helped her make it happen. “I learned a lot about myself, it was the first time where I had to find my own motivation, gain confidence within myself, and figure out what gives my life meaning outside of religion,” Bethany said of her GV experience. Now she is the proud owner of The Little Book, a children's bookstore in Highland Park, not far from GV’s campus.
Bethany felt strongly about opening a business in the northern part of Des Moines, and she has found the culture in Highland Park to be incredibly supportive. Bethany’s hope for the future of The Little Book is that people hear the name and associate it with purpose and value as well as a great resource for the community. “I want people to feel safe in our space, somewhere for kids to go after school, where they are allowed to make noise and families feel welcome.” The Little Book opened its doors on February 9th, 2024 and looks forward to growing and welcoming neighbors to their space.
Congratulations, Bethany!
Devan Walker '14
Iowa STEM Teacher Award
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. In every subject she teaches, Walker strives to make the subject matter accessible and engaging.
Congratulations, Mrs. Walker!