Iowa Central Inducts 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees

Emily Denholm, Public Information Office
11/11/2024

Iowa Central Community College proudly inducted its 2024 Hall of Fame honorees on Saturday, November 9, in a memorable ceremony held on the college's campus. This year’s inductees, whose achievements span a variety of fields, were recognized for their significant contributions to both Iowa Central and the Fort Dodge community.

The evening featured a formal dinner, prepared by Humanitarian Award Recipient Great Western Dining, and induction ceremony attended by more than 250 guests, including faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Webster County community. Each honoree’s impact was celebrated through personal tributes, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and reflection on excellence.

Mark Campbell – Distinguished Alumni Award
Mark Campbell, an influential community leader and entrepreneur, graduated from Iowa Central Community College in 1990 with an associate degree in general studies. Since his election to the Webster County Board of Supervisors in 2012, Campbell has held critical leadership roles, including positions on the Webster County Board of Health, Solid Waste Commission, and the Mental Health Advisory Board. His dedication to public service extends nationally as a board member of the National Association of Counties, and he was recently appointed to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission by Governor Kim Reynolds. Campbell is also a successful business owner, operating the widely known and loved Amigos Restaurant in Fort Dodge.

Melvin Schroeder – Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award
A graduate of the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1959, Melvin Schroeder’s career is a testament to service and dedication. Schroeder began as a business education teacher before joining Iowa Central Community College in 1967, where he served until 2001, retiring as Vice President of Academic Affairs. His community involvement spans numerous organizations, including Fort Dodge Noon Rotary, the Greater Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce, and Lifeworks Community Services, among others. Schroeder is also a longstanding member of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight Board of Directors, where he currently serves as Treasurer.

Great Western Dining Service – Triton Humanitarian Award
Founded by Warren Hunt in 1990 in Tipton, Missouri, Great Western Dining Service has been a vital partner to Iowa Central Community College since 1996, serving as the flagship dining service for the college. Their commitment to Iowa Central extends beyond daily dining services; they have contributed over $1 million in support of the college’s initiatives. Great Western Dining enhances student life and creates memorable experiences for the campus community. An integral contributor to Iowa Central’s continued growth, Great Western Dining Service helps foster a sense of community and belonging for Iowa Central students.

Barb Crooks – Triton Athletic Award
Graduating in 1992, Barb Crooks left a legacy as Iowa Central’s all-time leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker in women’s basketball. Her remarkable stats, including a record-setting 588 rebounds, earned her consecutive 1st Team All-Region selections. Crooks’ athletic achievements have inspired countless athletes at Iowa Central, establishing a standard of excellence in Triton women’s basketball. She was celebrated by many friends and family in attendance, including niece Audi Crooks. 

Darrelynn Dunn – Triton Athletic Award
Darrelynn Dunn made a significant impact on Iowa Central’s football program, completing his associate degree in 2011. Known for his athletic excellence, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2010, helping lead Iowa Central to a decisive victory in the North Star Bowl. A standout both academically and athletically, Dunn earned Academic All-Region honors and secured a scholarship to Illinois State University, embodying the Triton spirit of dedication on and off the field.

Robert “Bobby” Thompson – Triton Athletic Award
Bobby Thompson, an All-American wrestler and 1986 Iowa Central graduate, helped the Tritons achieve top national standings during his time on the team. Following his academic career, Thompson became a dedicated coach, overcoming a severe accident to inspire and lead those he’s coached, including the Fort Dodge Dodgers, to significant victories. With an overall dual record of 293 wins and 143 losses, he has coached numerous state champions and was named the 2018 Des Moines Register All-Iowa Wrestling Coach of the Year. His resilience and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Iowa wrestling community.

Triton Athletic Team Award – 2009 Men’s Wrestling Team
The 2009 Men’s Wrestling Team etched their name into history by capturing the NJCAA National Championship. With a record-breaking team score of 161.5 points at the national tournament, they outpaced the runner-up by 70 points. Their accomplishments included five individual champions and six finalists, along with a flawless performance at the National Duals, where they defeated their final opponents 47-0. This exceptional team effort stands as one of the most impressive achievements in Iowa Central’s athletic history. More than ten years later, the bond shared by this team is just as strong as their winning record. 

The stories shared by the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Class underscored Iowa Central’s high standards and enduring impact. From Mark Campbell’s reminder to "never stop talking to others" to Darrelynn Dunn’s advice to "give your all, no matter what your 'championship' may be," the wisdom imparted by these honorees resonated deeply with attendees.

Since its inception in 2010, the Triton Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of more than 100 individuals and teams, recognizing faculty, staff, alumni, athletes, and benefactors who contribute to Iowa Central’s mission of providing transformative educational experiences. 

"Our annual Hall of Fame event is an important reminder each year of the role and impact Iowa Central has,” said Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College. “Each year, our honorees share their unique story and inspire others. It is humbling to learn how Iowa Central played a pivotal role in their life which is a testament to Iowa Central’s longstanding commitment to providing students with a quality education and college experience.”

Iowa Central Community College extends its congratulations to the 2024 inductees and thanks all who attended and supported the event. Their dedication to excellence continues to shape the future of Iowa Central, Fort Dodge, and the many other communities they may impact. 

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Iowa Central Community College serves a nine-county area consisting of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, and Wright. The college offers more than 99 academic programs, over 30 athletic programs, and numerous performing arts opportunities. Iowa Central partners with high school districts within the region to offer college credits as well. Iowa Central’s Fort Dodge campus spans across a 114-acre site where approximately 1,200 students live in apartment-style residences. Additionally, Iowa Central has campuses in Storm Lake and Webster City, and Career Academies in Laurens, Eagle Grove, and Jefferson. Besides traditional academic offerings, Iowa Central also provides services for local and area businesses through a variety of programs, career connections, and community education. To learn more, visit iowacentral.edu.