Dennis Piepergerdes Enters World of Retirement

Article Body: 11/29/2007
After an association with Graceland University spanning 50 years (back to his undergraduate days), Dennis Piepergerdes will enter what he calls the "exciting" world of retirement as of December 31, 2007.

Most recently Dennis has been chief photographer for Graceland's campuses in Lamoni and Independence, MO, and Director of the Creative Media Center (CMC), where Graceland’s photography, graphic arts, design and printing needs are carried out with great professionalism. He has also worked in the planned giving area recently for Institutional Advancement.

"I've had the opportunity to work at many diverse jobs at Graceland over the years," Dennis said, "and they have all been very rewarding. The people I’ve met along the way have been one of a kind.” He added, “It has been a tremendous blessing helping make Graceland the kind of community that inspires the wonderful students who walk through its doors. I wish for Graceland and our students, all the very best.”

President John Sellars conferred a high accolade when he said that Dennis’ sense of spirit for and commitment to the Graceland community epitomizes how faculty, staff and students feel about this very special place known simply as “the Hill.”

"Dennis has served Graceland and our sponsoring church, the Community of Christ, in so many vital capacities. That work has made such a significant difference during the development of both institutions," Sellars added. "Dennis is a true Gracelander."

But, don’t think you will not see Dennis around campus in the future. He will be frequently visible as our photographer, working on a contract basis, for special events such as Homecoming and major sporting events, and he will continue as manager of the Graceland farm properties, a position he has held for 10 years. The 1,000-acre GU farm operation involves growing corn and beans, raising cattle and managing government programs. “I’m not disappearing, just retiring,” Dennis quipped. The date of a reception to honor Dennis’ years of service will be announced soon.

That “exciting” world of retirement Dennis alluded to will of course include nature photography, a field at which he excels. His wildlife and landscape photographs are on display at The Gallery, a well-known custom framing, antiques, art consignment and art gallery downtown Lamoni which Dennis and his wife Mary Lou opened in 1999. It is also a showcase for area artists and though Dennis’ stunning photographs adorn its walls, he is quick to add that it is Mary Lou who makes The Gallery one of the most special shops in Lamoni.

In retirement Dennis speaks of a project he is working on and plans to spend more time at. He believes art and beauty “lie everywhere around us,” even in our own back yards. Shooting within the confines of the pastoral five acres behind the Piepergerdes home on south State Street, Dennis is creating a series of photographs to depict his theory. Displaying his familiar wry smile, he said, “You don’t have to travel to Estes Park to find true beauty!” He is also planning to publish an art book to feature favorite photographs he has taken over the years.

Not long after graduating from GU in 1961, Dennis married Mary Lou Hovenga, his childhood sweetheart where they grew up in Stewartsville, MO. They have known each other since the age of five. Mary Lou attended Graceland from 1982 to 1985. They have two children: son Todd, a 1985 GU grad, married to Lori (Isham), a 1986 grad. They live in Lee’s Summit, MO and have two children, Kelsey and Trenton, a junior and freshman, respectively, at Lee’s Summit West High School. And, daughter Sheri, a 1985 GU grad, married to Kent Allshouse, a 1984 grad. They live in Lamoni and also have two children, Blaiqe and Alex, a senior and freshman, respectively, at Lamoni High School.

Dennis first came to work for Graceland in 1982 as Associate Director of Development, responsible for the western third of the United States. In 1986 he accepted a development position with the World Church in which he was instrumental in raising funds to build the church’s Temple in Independence. He worked with the World Church for 11 years, the last five as a member of the Presiding Bishopric.

It was in 1997 that Dennis was appointed Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Graceland and for the next five years, under his leadership, the university experienced a vibrant period of growth. In 2002 he retired, as he explains, “to devote my full-time energies to helping Mary Lou operate The Gallery.” That didn’t last long. After 30 days of retirement, then-GU President Barbara Higdon lured Dennis back to Graceland to direct operations at the CMC.

Five years later, “finally,” he jokes, Dennis is really retiring. He’s going to help Mary Lou at The Gallery, he’s going to explore the natural world of that back yard of theirs, he’s going to carry on his good works with Graceland, and he and Mary Lou are going to continue to be two of the best citizens and friends Lamoni and Graceland have ever known.

Contact: Randy Meline 641.784.5213
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Posted by Steve Edwards on 11/29/2007 11:35:00 AM

Dennis Piepergerdes Enters World of Retirement

Dennis Piepergerdes Enters World of Retirement

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