Religious Life

Chaplain

Reverend Fritz Wehrenberg, Chaplain Fritz Weherenberg

What is a Fritz Wehrenberg?

A mysterious, imaginative concoction God jammed together, bathed in grace; started serving as the Simpson College Chaplain in August, 2009.

A Fritz Wehrenberg has been found graduating from Valparaiso University and Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and even spotted studying for a doctorate in ministry at Luther Seminary. He has been baked in the oven of experience for 34 years (we are hoping he’s not too overdone): serving congregations in St. Charles, Missouri, Berlin, Germany, and Darien, Illinois. There were two interims in the Chicago area as well. Since August, 1999, Fritz has been involved in campus ministry; eight years at Iowa State University, two years interim campus pastor at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and now Simpson. God has been most gracious!.

Lest you think this all work and no play, you might well find yourself eating a gourmet meal well served, at his hand . . . or a deft hand of cards (bridge is most favored, but any card game) played as partner or opponent . . . or round of golf in the mid-eighties shot, not too intensely . . . or an invite to solve the problems of the world and the riddles of heaven over a cup of tea or coffee. A Fritz Wehrenberg is known to walk into cinemas for all sorts of movies and especially enjoys live theater.

It is reported that a Fritz Wehrenberg finds Simpson College to be warm, welcoming and wondrous. In such experience is the realm of heaven made present; he hopes to extend that experience with you!

To contact Fritz e-mail him at fritz.wehrenberg@simpson.edu
Office phone: (515) 961-1684
Office hours: Monday: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
                          Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
                          Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
*Available Monday-Friday by appointment

 

Stephanie NevStephanie Nevee, Assistant Chaplain and Service Coordinator

Service Coordinator/Assistant Chaplain Stephanie Neve began serving Simpson College in this capacity in September of 2010. However, though she may seem new to Simpson her relationship with Simpson College has been ongoing.

Stephanie’s dedication to Simpson began in August of 2002 when she matriculated as a young freshman from Farragut, Iowa. During her four years as a student at Simpson College Stephanie highlights a few of her most memorable experiences: she majored in Religion, joined Delta Delta Delta, discovered her call to ministry, and perhaps most memorable of all, she met and fell in love with the man she would eventually marry in Simpson’s Smith Chapel (a wedding that was even officiated by one of Stephanie’s professors!). It is no wonder, then, that Stephanie refers to Simpson as “home.”

After graduating from Simpson in 2006, Stephanie went on to Duke University Divinity School to obtain a Master’s of Divinity. In addition to studying, Stephanie served as a ministerial intern for a small United Methodist Church in rural North Carolina, and as a Chaplain in a hospital, a domestic violence shelter, and a homeless shelter for women.

Upon graduating from Duke Divinity School in 2009, Stephanie and her husband returned to Des Moines, IA (where her husband currently studies Law), and Stephanie’s relationship with Simpson College resumed. She recalls having claimed as an undergraduate that working at Simpson would be her ultimate “dream job,” and Stephanie was given the first opportunity to work at her “dream job” when Simpson asked her to return to Simpson as an adjunct instructor in the Religion Department for the Fall Semester of 2009. Stephanie accepted with overwhelming joy, and realized then that she would do anything to become a “lifer” – one of those alums whose relationship with Simpson continues through years of dedicated employment.

Now in her current position as Service Coordinator/Assistant Chaplain, is Stephanie finally on her way to becoming a “lifer?” She seriously hopes so. Though in this position for just a short time, Stephanie already loves it! Among her favorite things is her connection to current students. Stephanie cherishes every opportunity to get to know the students.

Stephanie also can’t help but mention the one tidbit of personal information that currently adds to her excitement about life: Stephanie and her Simpson alum husband of four years are expecting their first child in March, and they couldn’t be more excited!

Finally, Stephanie wishes you all a blessed and exciting year, and looks forward to getting to know each of you! Feel free to pop in her office in the Chapel just to say hello, gawk at her expanding waistline, or for a longer chat!

Stephanie can be contacted at stephanie.neve@simpson.edu or 515-961-1716 (Ext. 1716 for on-campus callers). 

 

Ann Shepherd, Chapel Office ManagerAnn Shepherd

When you hear the phrase “Jack-of-all-trades” insert “Jane” and you have begun to describe Ann Shepherd, Smith Chapel Manager. After working for eight years in the bookstore, Ann has diligently and passionately managed chapel activities for the past 12 years. Ann remains deeply committed to students in the Religious Life Community. She has led several Spring and Fall Break trips to Texas, Mexico, Colorado and Minneapolis.

As Chapel Office Manager, Ann oversees all that occurs in Smith Chapel. She coordinates weddings in the Chapel and works closely with the Chaplain, Assistant Chaplain, as well as the Chapel Interns of RLC. Smith Chapel benefits, as do the students, from Ann Shepherd’s dedication, warm smile, and willingness to make Smith Chapel a hospitable place for all.

Outside Smith Chapel, Ann enjoys a very active life. She is married with three grown children, and three grandchildren. Together they enjoy camping, boating, tennis, and football. She has a love for painting, pottery, and wire-art. This passion took her to Iowa State University for a degree in graphic design. She later transferred as an adult student, to Simpson College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art in 1998.

Last Updated: 11/18/11