Iowa State basketball star Audi Crooks applauds as she sits with her aunt, 2024 Iowa Central Hall of Fame honoree Barb Crooks, at Saturday night's induction ceremony. — Photo courtesy of Iowa Central

Iowa Central Community College inducted its 2024 Hall of Fame honorees on Saturday in a 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 dinner, prepared by Humanitarian Award Recipient Great Western Dining, and an 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.

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 beyond Webster County as a board member of the National Association of Counties, and he was recently appointed to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Campbell is also a successful business owner, operating Amigo’s 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, 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 Growth Alliance, and Lifeworks Community Services, among others. Schroeder is also an original 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 food service for the college. Its commitment to Iowa Central extends beyond daily dining services. It has contributed more than $1 million in support of the college’s initiatives.

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 First 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, an Iowa State University basketball standout.

Darrelynn Dunn — Triton Athletic Award

Darrelynn Dunn made a significant impact on Iowa Central’s football program, completing his associate degree in 2011. He rushed for more than 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.

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.

Triton Athletic Team Award — 2009 Men’s Wrestling Team

The 2009 Men’s Wrestling Team etched its 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.

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