Simpson College Simpson College is a four - year , coeducational liberal arts institution situated in Indianola , Iowa , USA , and affiliated with the United Methodist Church . Simpson , which has been fully accredited by North Central Association since 1913 , is a small school with approximately 1 , 400 full - time students and 500 part - time students . In addition to the main campus in Indianola , the college has classroom facilities in West Des Moines and Ankeny . Simpson has been recognized by " U . S . News and World Report " as one of the top 10 comprehensive colleges in the Midwest . In the 2004 report , Simpson College was named number 1 in the " Best Value " category for midwestern comprehensive colleges . Simpson was also named by " College and Character , A national initiative of the John Templeton Foundation " as one of 60 colleges that offer students an exemplary first - year program . And " Peterson ' s Competitive Colleges " guide features Simpson as one of approximately 440 colleges and universities that the top students in the nation attend . Simpson ' s campus is located south of Des Moines , providing Simpson students with easy access to various attractions , resources , and employment and internship opportunities in the Greater Des Moines area . History . Simpson College was founded in 1860 and was named and based on the beliefs of Methodist minister Matthew Simpson . Simpson is best known as the minister who spoke the last words at Abraham Lincoln ' s grave in Springfield , Illinois . His beliefs are passed on to the students and professors of Simpson . September 28 , 2010 marked the 150th anniversary of Simpson ' s establishment as an educational institution , being the anniversary of the first day classes were held at the school . To celebrate the event , current students and alumni were invited to attend a picnic in the center of campus , out in front of Carver Science Hall . Following the picnic , a time capsule was buried containing pictures and other memorabilia submitted by students . The capsule will be uncovered in 2060 , on Simpson ' s 200th anniversary . Campus . The tree - lined campus is bordered on the north by Buxton Park . Simpson blends tradition with practicality which is reflected in the architecture on campus . Many of the buildings have been renovated in keeping with their historic past , and new buildings blend the traditional look of the campus with an energetic dimension . The theater building , an example of the Brutalist architecture that dominated American campus construction in the 1970s , was renovated and added on to in 2010 - 11 , softening its features , but is a notable exception . The renovation and addition to the theater building is the first of many construction projects that Simpson has planned for the next five years . Other notable construction includes the building of the brand new Kent Family Campus center , which replaces the old Brenton Student Center as the center of student life . The 55 , 000 - square - foot campus center will house new meeting rooms and offices for student groups , a student activities theatre , comfortable living room settings , a grille and snack bar , a coffee house , a new book store and post office , and new professional space for the Student Development staff . Simpson also recently renovated their outdoor track and football field . In addition to rebuilding the entrances and fences surrounding Bill Buxton stadium , the school invested in what has been dubbed the most innovative artificial turf system in the world , FieldTurf Revolution , for the fall of 2011 school year . The new - era Beynon BSS 1000 running track , similar to the new tracks installed at the University of Virginia and The University of Iowa , was also installed for the 2011 - 12 school year . The renovation of Simpson ' s athletic facilities will continue in the future with a proposed design for a new bi - level weight room in the current pool area and two new classrooms in place of the current weight room . This move was made possible by the construction of a new YMCA on the north side of town that will contain an Olympic - sized pool and will host swimming meets for both Simpson College and the local high school . Simpson offers a variety of residential housing options , including two freshmen - only residence halls , other traditional residence halls , apartment - style living , theme houses and an active Greek system . All Simpson living facilities include air conditioning , lofted beds , carpet , furniture , social lounges and wireless internet . Organization and administration . The college had an endowment of $ 56 . 6 million as of June 30 , 2009 . Academic profile . Simpson ' s curriculum includes more than 40 majors , minors and pre - professional programs . Course work is structured in a 4 - 4 - 1 format , with classes running Sept . - Dec . and Jan . - Apr . before the 3 week May Term . This provides students with many unique learning opportunities , including internship programs , career observations and a variety of Study Abroad programs that take place over May Term . Beginning in Fall 2011 , most courses at Simpson are four credit courses . Simpson also implemented their new Engaged Citizenship Curriculum , which is largely based on the AAC & U LEAP initiative . The new curriculum attempts to build seven different Embedded Skills into all courses . The seven skills are : In addition to classes in their major , students are required to take courses in seven specified Areas of Engagement : In order to meet the global perspectives Area of Engagement , many students will take an overseas course , which may be completed throughout an entire semester ( with exchange programs in London , Germany , Argentina , Thailand , and Tahiti ) or over May Term , which provides different selections every year . Some the of recent May Term travel courses include trips to China , Thailand , Italy , London & Paris , Ghana , Belize , and the Netherlands . Simpson ranks among the nation ’ s top 100 colleges in percentage of students who study abroad , according to U . S . News and World Report . In addition to these requirements , students also take two courses to bookend their Simpson Experience : the Simpson Colloquium and the Senior Capstone . The Simpson Colloquium is taken during the first semester of college and is designed to help students make the transition to college life . The Senior Capstone is a culminating project in each student ' s major demonstrating their proficiency in a chosen field of study . Music . Simpson is notable for being the only college in the United States with an entirely student - cast undergraduate opera program that is supported by a largely professional orchestra . Two fully staged productions a year with admission open to the public and free to all students are staples of the Simpson calendar . Alumni can be found at the highest levels in opera performance , artistic administration , and music education . Music at Simpson has been fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1947 , and confers the degrees of Bachelor of Music in performance and in music education , and the Bachelor of Arts in music . It is widely recognized as offering a premier education for vocal , piano , and instrumental students . Simpson develops the unique gifts of each student through a combination of one - to - one music instruction , classroom teaching , and countless performance opportunities . Aspects of the program have been cited as " outstanding " by " U . S . News and World Report " and the program in voice as " exceptional " by the National Association of Teachers of Singing . Simpson College enjoys an historic close partnership with the Des Moines Metro Opera , which makes it home on the Simpson campus over the summer , with performances in Simpson ' s Blank Performing Arts Center . It provides Simpson students with the invaluable opportunity to experience professional opera on their doorstep , and to serve as interns and production staff in the summer opera festival . Many singers from Simpson have taken part in the DMMO Apprenticeship Program , an opportunity afforded usually to only the most talented graduate students and young professional singers from all over the United States . Athletics . Simpson College athletic teams are nicknamed the Storm . They compete in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in NCAA Division III . Simpson fields men ' s teams in baseball , basketball , cross country , American football , golf , soccer , tennis , track & field , and wrestling . Women ' s teams include : basketball , cross country , golf , soccer , softball , swimming , tennis , track & field , and volleyball . Simpson also fields cheerleading and dance squads . Simpson College has appeared in the NCAA tournament many times : Baseball appearances : 1990 , 1991 , 1992 , 1994 , 1999 , 2004 Men ' s Basketball appearances : 1976 , 1992 , 1995 , 1996 Women ' s Basketball appearances : 1983 , 1985 , 1999 , 2000 , 2005 , 2006 , 2007 , 2008 , 2009 , 2010 , 2011 Men ' s Cross Country appearances : 1986 Women ' s Cross Country appearances : 1990 Football appearances : 1988 , 1989 , 1991 , 1996 , 1997 , 2003 Women ' s Golf appearances : 1991 , 1992 , 1993 , 1994 , 1996 , 1997 , 1998 , 1999 , 2002 , 2006 Men ' s Soccer appearances : 2000 Women ' s Soccer appearances : 1999 Softball appearances : 1989 , 1990 , 1991 , 1992 , 1994 , 1995 , 1996 , 1997 , 1998 , 1999 , 2000 , 2006 , 2008 , 2010 Volleyball appearances : 1991 , 1992 , 1994 , 1997 , 2006 , 2008 , 2009 The Storm has achieved the honor of being Regional Champions also : Baseball : 1991 Football : 1997 Softball : 1996 , 1997 , 1998 , 1999 The Simpson College softball team were the national champions from 1996 to 1999 . To help support Simpson College athletics there is a non - profit organization funded by the Indianola community and other alumni called the Gold Club . The Gold Club was founded in 1976 by members of Simpson and the Indianola communities , the Simpson College Gold Club is designed to support Simpson College athletic programs . The Gold Club strives to inspire all athletic programs at Simpson College through a loyal display of school spirit and monetary contributions . Gold Club members are former athletes , alumni , faculty , parents , and other athletic supporters who share the common interest of fostering the development and growth of Simpson College athletics . Student life . The Simpsonian , the nation ’ s oldest continuously published college newspaper , is the student newspaper . It provides formal practical experience for students interested in journalism and serves as a forum for student opinions and ideas . The Zenith , the College yearbook , founded in 1890 , is published under the direction of a student editor and student staff and has copies for students at no cost . " Sequel " is an annual Simpson literary arts magazine , assembled from student and faculty contributions including : paintings , photographs , drawings , short fiction , and short non - fiction . KSTM , 88 . 9 , is the student operated campus radio station . It has limited wattage and the signal does not really carry outside of Warren County . Intramurals allows students , faculty and staff to become involved in recreational activities . The campus community is invited to participate , and participants may do as many activities as they wish . Over 60 % of the campus participates in one or more of the programs offered through the Office of Intramurals and Recreation . Events are widely varied and skill or expertise is not requirement when participating events . The goal is to participate and have fun . The Campus Activities Board ( CAB ) is one of the main programming organizations on campus . CAB is an organization run by students for students and provides programs like , comedians , bands , movies , hypnotists and the popular " Stormy Nights . " CAB provides many opportunities for involvement , ranging from being an active participant and member of CAB , to just attending one of the many programs offered . Simpson Forum . Throughout the school year , Simpson holds numerous forum events . These are events that are meant to extend a student ' s education beyond the classroom and allow for personal growth . These events include Simpson - produced arts events , faculty - organized discussions , research symposiums , and expert speakers from outside of Simpson who discuss a wide range of topics . Recent experts include Gabriel Ajak , one of the Lost Boys of Sudan , former U . S . Senator John Culver , and former U . S . Senator and presidential nominee George McGovern among others . Forum events are a requirement for first - year students , as they must attend at least four events throughout the fall semester , but are optional beyond that . Simpson also offers an additional credit to students who attend at least 90 % of designated forum events in a semester . John C . Culver Public Policy Center . The Culver Center was established at Simpson College in 2010 to honor the service of John Culver , who served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the US House of Representatives and US Senate . The Culver Center is dedicated to encouraging civic engagement and public service . The fellows program awards four year scholarships to up to five incoming Simpson students who demonstrate a commitment to public service . Ther annual John C . Culver Lecture brings a prominent figure in public service or politics to campus to meet with students and deliver a lecture , which is open to the public . Lectures have included Senator George McGovern , Political Journalist Mark Shields , and Supereme Court Reporter Linda Greenhouse . http : / / culvercenter . org / Campus Day . Campus Day has been an annual tradition at Simpson College since at least 1911 . The idea was conceived by the student body to suspend classes one Tuesday and put in a day of cleaning campus buildings and grounds . Faculty did not know until they arrived at campus to start classes , but were glad to pitch in . The cleanup of campus became an annual tradition and eventually expanded to the Indianola community . Today , nearly 60 % of Simpson students take part in campus day activities , which include campus - assigned projects , a grill out , and a late night dodgeball tournament . Historically , Campus Day was picked early in the year by the student government and reserved as a surprise to the rest of the student body , but today it is announced ahead of time so that students can plan ahead for it . Greek life . Simpson College has a deep - rooted Greek life history . It is home to seven Greek organizations : three national fraternities ; Sigma Alpha Epsilon , Alpha Tau Omega , Lambda Chi Alpha , one local fraternity ; Kappa Theta Psi , and three national sororities ; Kappa Kappa Gamma , Pi Beta Phi , and Delta Delta Delta . Every April , one week is set aside in the Greek community for Greek Week , a series of coed competitions that instill a sense of unity among the houses , while providing friendly competitiveness . Alpha Tau Omega ( ATO ) is the oldest fraternity on campus , tracing its history at Simpson back to 1885 . The fraternity is known nationally as the " leadership development fraternity " . After briefly being shut down along with 3 other fraternities on campus in the 1890s , ATO was rechartered in 1905 and has been in continual existence ever since . The Simpson College ATO chapter has produced many prominent names at the school . Nick Ackerman , the wrestler who won the Division III national championship despite having no legs , was an ATO , as were some of the most prominent names at Simpson College , including Bill Buxton , Bill Buxton , Jr . , Dick Buxton , and James Weinman , all of whom have facilities on campus named in their honor . In Oct . 2010 , ATO celebrated its 125th year on campus . Sigma Alpha Epsilon ( SAE ) , founded in 1889 , is the second oldest fraternity on campus . It is currently the largest fraternity on campus in terms of members . The men of SAE pride themselves on living by the code of " The True Gentlemen . " Kappa Theta Psi ( KOY ) is the oldest local fraternity west of the Mississippi . It was founded in 1902 , shortly after a time when four other fraternities on campus ( including ATO and SAE ) had been shut down due to anti - Greek sentiment . After the quest for a national re - charter from SAE failed , KOY existed for many years as only a local fraternity . After the chapter was nationally chartered in 1969 as an Upsilon Delta chapter and subsequently was shut down by nationals and by Simpson college , KOY returned to campus in 1979 . The fraternity saw much success in the 1980s and 1990s , but membership died off in the 2000s and KOY was removed from their house on fraternity row . They currently have a house a couple of blocks from fraternity row , being the only fraternity on campus not located on fraternity row . However , due to recent growth by the fraternity and meeting standards set by Simpson College , KOY will return to their former residence on fraternity row , currently Worth Hall . Lambda Chi Alpha ( LXA ) traces its roots at Simpson to 1924 where it existed as the national fraternity Theta Kappa Nu , which merged with Lambda Chi Alpha in 1939 . Recently , Lambda Chi has become known on campus for having many members involved in music and theatre at Simpson . LXA is one of the leading fraternities on Simpson campus for scholastic achievement , as well as the only Greek Organization on campus which has ceased to use " pledging , " in favor of an associate membership program . Pi Beta Phi ( Pi Phi ) is Simpson ' s oldest Greek organization . Pi Phi has been at Simpson since 1874 . Kappa Kappa Gamma ( KKG ) was on Simpson ' s campus for nine years between 1880 and 1889 . After a 100 - year absence , it was re - established in 1989 . Delta Delta Delta ( DDD or Tri - Delta ) has been at Simpson since 1889 and is the longest running Tri - Delta chapter in the nation . Alpha Chi Omega ( AXO ) sorority also had a Simpson College chapter for over 100 years , before it closed its doors in the early 2000s . Alpha Lambda Delta ( ALD ) co - ed fraternity that is an honors fraternity for students who show exceptional scholarship . Nomination is mandatory for membership , and members can only join their freshman year . Notable people . Simpson College was the first college attended by George Washington Carver . Carver entered Simpson as an art major , but became interested in the natural sciences after receiving advice from a fellow student . Carver once remarked that his time at Simpson taught him that he was " a human being . " Carver left Simpson College to complete his undergraduate education at Iowa State College ( now Iowa State University ) . Both schools have buildings named in his honor Carver Science Hall , at Simpson , and Carver Hall , at Iowa State University . Nick Ackerman attended Simpson College in the late 1990s and early 2000s . His wrestling performance in which he won the 2001 NCAA Division III Championships was named as one of the top 25 moments in NCAA history . Nick lost his legs to bacterial meningitis as a baby but this did not hold him back . Former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner also attended Simpson College for a brief period of time in the early 1990s .