Key Information: Beyond the Blue Dawne Deppe - 1989 Graduate of Bellevue High School 23-Year Career supporting US government diplomacy in Africa and Asia Designed, managed, and implemented US federal government foreign aid projects in conflict-affected and developing countries, focused on gender equality, children s rights, basic and higher education, vocational training, agriculture development, and youth development Currently directing a US Agency for International Development (USAID) contract that provides independent monitoring of US humanitarian assistance in Somalia. Focus is on food distribution, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, gender-based violence prevention, and agriculture livelihoods restoration. Data and reports from this project are used by USAID to report to the US Congress, as well as to assist USAID to improve the effectiveness of their programs in Somalia. Directed a scholarship program for 5000 girls and young women in South Sudan to go to high school, where enrollment in high school was at 5% for high school-aged girls. Involvement in Kenya Youth Development project after Kenya s 2007 election where violence and ethnic cleansing (driven by political corruption and youth discontent). Technical Advisor volunteer for a young women-run activism project which links high school girls in the US to high school girls in Africa. Serves on the Board of Directors for Catholics for Choice, an International Catholic social justice organization advocating for women s rights. Nominated by Margaret Baugh
Key Information: Beyond the Blue Gerald Jackson - 1976 Graduate of Bellevue High School Professional Experience President and Principal Engineer of GJ Engineering, LLC, which specializes in analysis and reconstruction of complex accident events involving on-road, industrial, construction, and agricultural vehicles, equipment, and control systems. Recent projects with engineering have included performing commercial and passenger vehicle accident reconstructions; Investigating industrial incidents involving forklifts, cranes, and other specialized equipment; Analyzing passenger vehicle systems. Military experiences include attaining the rank of Captain in the US Army and he was instrumental in developing simulations of on- and off-road military systems. He holds a patent related to vehicle simulation and testing. Recipient of Army s Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Commander s Award for Civilian Service Medal Volunteer Experience in Rotary (Rotary Youth Exchange Student in HS) 21 year Rotarian; During this the he helped to start six new Rotary clubs, served multiple times as Club President and once as District Governor. In addition, he was involved in the following positive and lifechanging experiences for others: o Lead a $20,000+ fund to install 21 deep tube wells in Bangladesh providing clean water for 4000 people (2000); Jaipur foot camp in Thailand to provide prostheses to those in need (2006); Eye Clinic mission in Mexico (2013); Installation of internet and telemedicine services in Guatemala serving 12,000 indigenous people from over 40 different villages in a remote Mayan descendant s village (2013); Served as the de facto eye doctor in Guatemala (2015, 2016 and 2017) Nominated by Kay Pogemiller
Key Information: Beyond the Blue Albert Bud Knake - 1947 Graduate of Bellevue High School Board Involvement Bellevue Community School Board, Chairman 1972-1988; President 1976-1988; Iowa Association of School Board legal services committee in 1987 Bellevue Rural Fire Agency Helped start the agency in 1976, and was Chairman from 1976-1988 Buckeye Pig Corporation Organized the pig farrowing corporation in 1980 and served on the board until sold Awards Received Jackson County Soil Conservation Achievement Award, tenant operated farm with owner, Tom Bausch (1962) Des Moines Register Sweepstake Award for Conservation in 11 NE Iowa Counties (1965) Jackson County Soil Conservation District Outstanding Farmer Award (1980) Jackson County s Master Farmer (1983) and Wallace Farmer Magazine Master Farmer (1984) Community Service Started Little League basketball teams in Bellevue and coached youth baseball; Coached and financed grades 5-8 for several years (1985-1995), and was honored as Dubuque Youth League Coach of the Year (1995). Three of his granddaughters who he coached played in the state tournament in high school. Dedicated wife, Lillian, who made this possible. She milked cows, drove tractor, baled hay, cooked, raised 5 kids, and was the #1 fan in the stands. Nominated by Jo Ernst
Beyond the Blue Key Information: Tim Roth - 1976 Graduate of Bellevue High School The impact of Tim s time, service, and efforts for the benefit of the students and citizens of Bellevue are immeasurable. Tim served as one of the original founders of the Bellevue Community Club in 1991, and was elected President of the Community Club (and members have declined to have elections for office ever since (and Tim is still the President!) Leader in the Community Club in partnering with the City of Bellevue and other entities to improve facilities and programs for youth, with Cole Park and other areas as leading examples of his dedication and perseverance. City of Bellevue Volunteer of the Year 1995 Tim is always willing to assist others, and He can t say no to anyone asking for help according to a family member stated. Bellevue City Council Member 2009-Present o As one community member stated, His common sense approach to city government and fiscally conservative attitude is a constant benefit to our citizens. Transportation Director for the Bellevue Community School District Coaching for over 25 years in the Bellevue Community School District in basketball, softball and middle school football. o Conference Champions and State Tournament Participants o Coach of the Year honors at the conference level and the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Tim s outstanding work and relationships with athletes was always focused on what was right for kids, and served as a great role model. Relay Across Iowa participant in the Summer of 2017, which included a team of 10 other people running 359 miles across the state to raise money for charities and an African orphanage. Nominated by Rick Pogemiller and Tom Meyer