Alumni Achievements

Celebrated Cattle Producer

When Aaron Amstutz graduated from Kirkwood's Agriculture program in 2000, Amstutz Cattle, Inc. was composed of 80 head of cattle. Today, Aaron lives on the farm with his wife and young family, and continues to maintain the heard, which has grown to 550 cattle and counting. The Amstutz Cattle farm also raises swine, various crops, and stretches across three miles and 2,500 acres.

Aaron has served as a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Iowa Pork Producers and Cattlemen's Association, Davis County Pork Producers and Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and more.

In 2013, Aaron was named Iowa's Commercial Cattle Producer of the Year by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Beef Breeds Council. In 2019, he was recognized by Kirkwood and the Alumni Leadership Council with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Laying the Foundation

After high school, Tyler Cooksley worked in residential construction with his uncle, made a good living, and, in the process, discovered he loved it. From there, he didn’t know if he wanted to study design, architecture, or engineering in college, or explore on-site management.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but Kirkwood is a great place to figure that out,” he said.

Graduating with his A.A. in 2012, he planned to work summers and transfer to the University of Northern Iowa for a 4-year degree. He had the knowledge to begin testing his skills. He worked with Steve Gee Construction that spring. By summer, he needed more work; Larson Construction hired him, and he never looked back.

Building for the Future

In summer 2022, Tyler looked at the new Kirkwood Student Center and shook his head.

He was standing where he’d been a student in Construction Management 10 years ago and was viewing the completion of a major renovation he led as project superintendent for Larson Construction.

“For me, with this phenomenal project, I’ve truly come full circle,” he said.

Since 2015, he’s been a superintendent on building sites all over the state. He led several big school projects, including a new sports complex in North Liberty in 2018 and assisting in a three-year, $120-million project to build a high school in Waukee in 2019.

Tyler’s success started with choosing Kirkwood.

“No matter what you want to do, Kirkwood offers you the chance to pursue your dreams, explore yourself, learn what you want to do, and see what’s out there.”

Chris Wheeler is a leader in both his career and his community. The 1987 Kirkwood graduate is president of Point Builders and volunteers for several organizations including his church’s parish council, school boards of directors, and his local daycare board of directors.

Kirkwood Community College played an integral role in nurturing his natural leadership skills. “Kirkwood lets you explore and develop your own skills, knowing it relates to what you want to do at the end of the day.” 

While at Kirkwood

When Chris attended Kirkwood, CAD (computer-aided design) was a newer program, and he enjoyed using and adapting his skills in a team environment.  

Graduating with an associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting, Chris spent three defining years at Louis Rich as a CAD draftsman.

Career Experience

That experience led him to Design Build Associates in Davenport. After 12 years, Chris was the company’s vice president.

Point Builders soon recruited him to be general manager for their Davenport branch, and he rapidly moved up to the vice president position. In 2010, Chris took over as president of the company. His most memorable moment was getting his first job.

“Accelerating through what I wanted at Kirkwood and getting in the market with the skills I’d built—putting the college experience to the test—that was my most pivotal point for me in my career.”

Chris holds that, “In anything you pursue, knowing what you want to get has to be what you put into it. Maintain focus. Explore opportunities around you. Get involved. That’s the recipe for success.”

Award-Winning Marketer and Writer

"I made so many great friends at Kirkwood that I still talk to, and even have roomed with after my first year! Kirkwood offered so many on campus events that helped me interact with different people.

My best experience or favorite memory at Kirkwood was getting to know new people and connecting with different professors. Mark Abel was my main professor, and he was a great mentor. He helped me understand various types of marketing fields and covered almost everything I’ve needed in my position now. I graduated in 2022 with a Business Administration: Marketing Management degree and landed a job right out of college.

I am currently a marketing specialist at Fort Madison Community School District, and it is a very rewarding job. I am part of an organization of school public relations professionals, superintendents, and leaders interested in fostering understanding and support for education in Iowa. In my first year as part of this group, I won a total of 11 awards, one being a perfect score Blue & Gold Award for Excellence in Writing. Awards of Excellence included our social media pages, websites, infographics, e-newsletters, brochures, and other content I created throughout the year. Education is a huge part of your life, and I am lucky to be able to highlight all of the great things happening at my school."

Economic Development Dynamo

Dennis Jordan has facilitated billions in capital investment, raised millions of dollars for local nonprofits, and helped create thousands of jobs within our region. It all started with a degree from Kirkwood.

After earning his associates in Business Administration, Dennis went on to achieve his bachelor’s at the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s at the University of Iowa (UI). He continues to demonstrate his commitment to lifelong learning today as an adjunct lecturer and faculty mentor at the UI. Dennis also sits on the Kirkwood Foundation Executive Board and is Chair of the Development Committee.

It's an appointment he is perfectly suited for. He spent 14 years leading business recruitment and retention at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, seven years as Small Business Development Manager at M.A. Mortenson Company, and, most recently, heads the Customer, Community and Economic Development team for Alliant Energy.

Dennis’ commitment to community service is equally impressive. He volunteers on the Campaign Cabinet for United Way, is Assistant District Governor and District Membership Chair for Rotary District 5970, and is a member of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, to name a few.

Dream It, Achieve It

"In 2014, I flew from Nepal with lots of excitement to achieve the American dream independently. I was also sad because I had to leave my family. I thought everything would be easy here as I saw on social media. After two months of struggling to find a job in Virginia, I got a call from the nearest store to join the night shift as a crew member. It was very hard for me to accept and adjust to American culture. I did not have anyone here to share my feelings and moments, and I could not share with my family that I was struggling here because I was the only person who was helping financially back there. With my hard work and dedication toward work, I was promoted to shift lead, then Assistant General Manager, and was ready to take the General Manager position.

In 2016, I met my partner. He was earning his Ph.D. in South Dakota. Everything happens for a reason. I believe in God, and he sent me a progressive man who supported me continuously through my journey. We share, support, care, and guide whenever we both need it even though we were in different states. I shared with him that I want to continue my education. He completed his Ph.D. and moved to Iowa. In 2020, with his suggestion and support, I moved to Iowa and joined Kirkwood Community College. He helped me in every step and taught me how to cope with the situation. Sometimes we just need emotional support to achieve our dream. His words, “There is nothing wrong to try,” helped me to be a better version of myself.

On May 13, 2023, I wore his “sash” representing Nepal proudly, and walked the stage for the very first time with the blue gown. The moment when I received my very first diploma was emotional. Full-time job and classes were not obviously easy, but all I can say is that it’s worth it. Finally, I graduated from Kirkwood Community College debt-free." 

Non-traditional Student Success Story

Before Kirkwood

While at Kirkwood

Ron Rausch spent his free time on campus as a video editor, creating accounting videos for students, and as a broadcaster for the Kirkwood radio program. Quick to share his love of media, Ron created the Kirkwood Student Productions (KSP) Program. The organization is still active on campus today.

Spotlighting His Success

Ron graduated in 1990 with an associate degree in Communications Technology. He traveled the country as a freelance videographer and editor before founding his own company, Rausch Productions, in his garage. Over the years Ron added 26 fulltime employees and services like LED technology and event planning.

A serial entrepreneur, in 2005 he established a second company, Mobile Xpress Productions, which rents video equipment. In 2016, Ron purchased the company’s longtime business partner, 16^th Avenue Music. He merged the two businesses to form Wired Production Group.

Wired Production Group follows live event and video production clients around the U.S., producing over $4.3 million in annual sales. Clients range from the president of the United States to Grammy Award-winning artists, to Cedar Rapids-based corporations.

Through it all, Ron has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He continues to be an advocate for small business owners.

In 2022, Ron was recognized by Kirkwood and the Alumni Leadership Council with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Learn more about his outstanding achievements as a Kirkwood alum:

Coming Full Circle

Like many students, life after high school didn’t go as planned for Mike Lingo. Mike thought a four-year, out-of-state college would launch his career, but that didn’t pan out. Determined to get a degree, Mike decided to take classes closer to home at Kirkwood.

While at Kirkwood

After enrolling, his friends and family encouraged him to explore culinary arts, since he had always enjoyed cooking and grilling with his family while growing up. The hands-on nature of the program and friendly professors ignited his interest in cooking as a professional career.

His talent propelled him through graduation from Kirkwood and on to the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York, and later allowed him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in food science from Iowa State University.

While going to school, he held research and development chef positions with food industry companies formulating products for various clients. One of those clients was McDonald’s, and it wasn’t long before he started working for them directly.

After Kirkwood

Today, Mike serves as McDonald’s menu innovation team manager and is responsible for the development of new menu items. His culinary creativity blends customer input with nutritional guidelines established by the company. Mike and his team carefully consider all aspects of introduction.

“When I was unsure about my career future, I wouldn’t have believed that I’d wind up where I am,” Mike said. “I’m a testament to finding out the range of possibilities within your industry. I encourage students like myself to explore the different disciplines college has to offer. Education opens doors.”

Education and Hard Work a Winning Recipe

Marketia Moore graduated from Kirkwood in 2007. In December of 2022, she earned a BA in Human Resources Management, and, just five months later, completed her master’s in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University.

Marketia puts her degrees to use as owner of Momma ‘Nem Soul Food and Catering. Inspired by her grandmother and mother’s cultural cuisine, Marketia is proud to bring delicious soul food – like fried catfish, candied yams and bourbon pecan pie – to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls region.

To further her business, she completed the Black Business & Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program and is currently collaborating with the University of Northern Iowa to manufacture products. Showing no signs of slowing, Marketia also competed and won first place at the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. She used the money to purchase a food truck.

Her impact extends beyond her business ventures. Marketia launched a ministry within her church called “Heart to Hands,” and she organizes free community meals every month.

Her passion for education, culinary, and community make her a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work.

Hands-On Learning Leads to Dream Career

Tanner Dickherber grew up mowing lawns. The Kirkwood Community College graduate still does it today, but on a grander scale.

Tanner is the sports turf manager at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa — not the one that was created for the 1989 movie of the same name, but the one that was built to host the state’s first Major League Baseball game on Aug. 12, 2021.

More than 5.9 million people tuned in to watch the Chicago White Sox take on the New York Yankees in a dramatic game even Hollywood couldn’t touch, with the White Sox clinching a 9-8 win with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Tanner was one of the lucky few who got to see it in person.

“The experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and just breathtaking,” the 20-year-old said. “To see all of the reactions on people’s faces when they saw the field for the first time was truly a great feeling knowing that the hard work my colleagues and I put into the field really paid off. It was definitely my best moment in the industry yet.”

Tanner graduated from Kirkwood in the spring of 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management. The Clinton, Iowa, native specifically chose to attend Kirkwood for the Agriculture Sciences program.

“We did a lot of hands-on stuff that I really enjoyed because I believe that’s the best way to learn the material,” Tanner said. “There are a lot of things I took away from the program ... I am thankful for the Kirkwood turf program and everyone that has helped give me this opportunity.”

Student Becomes the Teacher, VP

Troy McQuillen’s journey at Kirkwood began in 2002 as a student in the Golf Course and Turfgrass Management program. He was also a proud Student Ambassador. Those who knew him at the time will tell you he was regularly complimented for his enthusiasm, charm, and passion for Kirkwood.

After pursuing his Master’s in education at Iowa State University, Troy returned to Kirkwood to teach turfgrass management. He took great pride in his students and continues to support many of them to this day.

In 2016, Troy’s expertise and commitment to excellence earned him a new position, vice president of operations. In this role, he leads more than 100 employees and oversees all campus facilities, operations, and security. His contributions are immeasurable. He spearheaded Kirkwood’s response efforts to the Covid-19 pandemic, directed disaster recovery through the August 2020 derecho, and oversaw development of the college’s expanded campus security infrastructure and dispatch center.

Through it all, Troy continues to serve as a part-time instructor in the Turfgrass Program. He is active at his church, and volunteers for a variety of local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Iowa Turfgrass Water Quality Board.

Thriving in College and Career

A first-generation college student who overcame significant challenges, Tawnya Salsbery received her associate degree in Nursing from Kirkwood Community College before going on to achieve her master of science in Nursing.

After receiving her associate degree, Tawnya worked as a charge nurse at Willow Gardens Care Center. She always had a passion for caring for the elderly and people living with chronic diseases.

In 1997, Tawnya joined Mercy Medical Center as a staff nurse working in the dialysis unit. Like her education, she gradually worked her way up at Mercy over the past 25 years.

Life-Saving Leader

Tawnya was recently promoted to Executive Director of Post Acute and Senior Services, overseeing 10 departments and managing 300 employees, including Mercy’s new therapy dog Lyla. She is a member of Mercy’s Dementia Core Team and the operational owner of the transformation of care in Mercy’s HallMar, a nursing care facility.

In addition, Tawnya leads outside the hospital. She participates on the Young Parents Network and Linn County Public Health Board of Directors. To the community, she built administrative relationships with nursing facilities and has been the trusted person to support them through the Covid-19 pandemic and August 2020 derecho, saving countless lives.

 World-Leading Physician

Determination Leading to Success

Bruce Teague moved from Chicago to Iowa City at age 17. He's grateful to have overcome being a recipient of food assistance and Section 8 housing. He worked many jobs to help support his family, eventually finding his way to Kirkwood's nursing program. He graduated in 2002 with an Associate of Applied Science degree and later transferred to the University of Iowa, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Passionate about service to others, Bruce now owns two businesses that support individuals in need. Caring Hands & More designs appropriate, coordinated plans of care for individuals of all ages, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. CHARM Homes specializes in providing rental properties to seniors, persons with disabilities, individuals in crisis, and people in hospice care.

Bruce was elected to the Iowa City Council in 2018, and elected Mayor in 2020. He continues to serve as Mayor today.

In 2019, he was recognized by Kirkwood and the Alumni Leadership Council with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner credits the deputy who lived across the street from him during his youth for helping to shape his future. “He asked if I wanted to ride with him on shift and of course I did,” Brian said. “That’s all it took.” That deputy helped Gardner get his first job as a dispatcher.

While at Kirkwood

In 1982, Brian completed the mandatory Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, which provided a good overview of police work, but not great depth, he said. “That’s where Kirkwood really helped. It gave me more depth, detail and background.”  

Based on his experience he would recommend Kirkwood to anyone. “It’s accessible, affordable and you get a quality education that’s transferrable if you want to go on to a four-year school. I wanted to continue on and get my BA and eventually my MPA.”

He graduated in 1991 with an Associate of Science Degree in law enforcement from Kirkwood.

After Kirkwood

From there he completed his BA in criminal justice administration at Mount Mercy College in 1995. In 2004, he received his Masters of Public Administration Degree in Criminal Justice from City University in Bellevue, Washington.

Brian steadily worked his way up through the ranks and became sheriff in 2009, an appointment he holds to this day. He is a past president of both the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association and the Iowa State Association of Counties.

Sheriff Gardner is also a member of numerous professional organizations and serves on several local boards and committees, including Kirkwood’s Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. This committee helps shape the law enforcement curriculum that impacts today’s young officers.

While at Kirkwood

Beyond the Call of Duty

Following in the generational footsteps of numerous family military service members, John Oxley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school. After completing his enlistment in the Marine Corps, he began his long and winding educational journey at Kirkwood. John graduated with his associates degree in 1994 and went on to receive a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

Like many of Kirkwood’s student Veterans, John's time in the Marines made a lasting impact on his life. According to the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), about 12 of every 100 Gulf War Veterans have PTSD in a given year. John is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) endorsed evidence-based psychotherapy provider for Veterans with PTSD and depression. He applies his education and experience to provide invaluable services to Veterans to improve their mental health and overall quality of life as a clinical social worker with the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

In 2022, John was recognized by Kirkwood and the Alumni Leadership Council with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Tami Schlamp graduated from Kirkwood in 1995. She speaks fondly of her time here and her former advisor, who encouraged her to complete her associate degree so all of her credits would transfer to the University of Northern Iowa.

Today, as director of member services at the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Tami has made a tremendous impact on the organization, Marion schools, and the community at-large.

Leading by Example

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tami worked around the clock to keep the Chamber’s communications up-to-date so businesses did not miss critical funding opportunities. She also organized a Curbside, Carryout & Delivery Facebook page allowing restaurants and retailers to continue selling their goods and keep their doors open. While many postponed gatherings, Tami brainstormed ways to continue building community – taking music events on the road and creating a safe space for the Farmers Market.

Of course, Tami could not have done this alone. She has built a loyal volunteer following because of her caring and compassionate spirit.

Tami is also a proud volunteer. She is Linn-Mar School Foundation Board Chair, and helps students learn interviewing skills and leads learning projects through Junior Achievement, Iowa Big, and Venture Academics.

Lindy Sherman always knew she wanted to attend Kirkwood. She believed the small class sizes and affordable tuition would set her up for professional success, and she had heard great things from her father and former Kirkwood Sociology Professor, Jeff Sherman.  

Lindy was the first Kirkwood student in eight years to be included in Coca-Cola’s National Community College Academic Team, which comprises the country’s top 1,500 community college students. She graduated in 2015 and went on to attain her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Her research spans illicit drug detection to nanoparticle surface reactions and targeted drug delivery processes.

Setting an Example for Women in Science

Since graduating from Notre Dame in 2022, Lindy works at PRECISIONscientia in science communications. She partners with pharmaceutical clients to develop effective communication materials targeted to the public, patients, and physicians, with a passion for increasing awareness of and supporting therapeutics for rare diseases.

Lindy consistently uses her scientific background to help others. She has taught over four years in higher education, has over eight years of research experience, six published scientific articles, been awarded over $350,000 in research fellowships, mentored over 20 undergraduates, and is a strong advocate for women in science.

Fostering Family Business and Community 

John’s Grocery has been an Iowa City staple since Doug Alberhasky’s grandfather bought the business in 1948. Doug began working at the store full-time in 1987. He started managing it after his sophomore year at the University of Iowa, and went on to graduate from Kirkwood’s Food Store Management program in 1997.

John’s Grocery has thrived under Doug’s leadership. Like the family business he loves, Doug has also become a community staple.

He helps foster a sense of pride for many Iowa City residents and business owners through events like Northside Oktoberfest, and he spearheaded a number of neighborhood initiatives surrounding beautification and tourism, such as the Northside Marketplace and underground beer cave tours.

Proud of his Czech heritage, Doug also volunteers at the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library. He is a key player in the organization’s annual BrewNost festival.

Last but not least, Doug serves as a board member and president of the Hawkeye Area Council of Boy Scouts, and Scoutmaster for Troop 212. Doug continually dedicates his time and resources to ensure the troop advances to their full potential. This includes speaking fondly of his time at Kirkwood and encouraging the boys to consider attending one day.

Michael Gould came a long way from washing cars in Iowa City. The eastern Iowa native held that job for five years at the University of Iowa, cleaning hospital ambulances and other vehicles until late in the night.

That was before Michael began a journey of learning and service that led across the U.S. and through several careers. In 2006, the successful Florida-based medical business owner decided to give back to "the college that was there when I needed a direction."

Kirkwood's Impact

Michael spent multiple stints at Kirkwood, earning an associate's degree in Health Sciences. He worked as an orthopedic physician's assistant and a healthcare salesman for about 15 years, and eventually started his own company alongside his wife, Jan.

Gould & Lamb LLC provides medical and financial information to companies involved in worker’s compensation settlement cases.

A Generous Gift

Kirkwood Community College celebrated a milestone June 30, 2006, when Michael and Jan announced a donation of $1 million to the college. Kirkwood officials commemorated the gift by dedicating one of Kirkwood's newest student facilities as the Michael J. Gould Recreation Center.

The Goulds' seven-figure gift established an educational endowment in perpetuity, designated to meet the areas of greatest need for Kirkwood now and in the future.

"The biggest failure is in just watching and not participating,” Michael said. “We want Kirkwood students to always know that they should believe, try, and never give up.”

Ahna Soenksen Fiora’s success as a graphic designer rests squarely on a solid base of Kirkwood training to hone her craft. The Cedar Rapidian says she always knew she would go to Kirkwood; her mom, Ruth Main Soenksen, worked in Kirkwood’s financial aid department for 41 years. Ahna also always knew that working with art was her destiny.  

While at Kirkwood, Ahna had a graphic design internship at the University of Iowa (UI). From Kirkwood, Ahna transferred to MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) in metro Kansas City, which had an excellent art program. She graduated in one year because of the extra classes she had taken at Kirkwood.

Designing a Life She Loves

Her Kansas City connection from MNU and top standing in her design classes ultimately led her to an interview with the Kansas City Chiefs and a one-year internship in 2014. In 2015, she began her master’s studies at UI, finishing in 2018. She then went to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to pursue a doctorate. Her thesis was “Designing with All Five Senses and How that Shapes the Workplace.” She graduated in 2019.

Simultaneously, Ahna had been doing contract work for the Chiefs; she went full time in 2019.

From 2019 through May 2022, Ahna lived in Kansas City. But her priorities changed when she got married and wanted to return to Cedar Rapids. The Chiefs revised her contract so she works 30 hours a week while living in Cedar Rapids. Today she loves her work designing team T-shirts, and she has established her own design firm — Fiora Designs — with an office in Marion. She hasn’t forgotten the good start she got at Kirkwood.

“Kirkwood started me off right,” she said. “Their skilled professors and smaller classes were key. They made a huge difference for me.”