Rob's Retirement

December 30, 2025

Digital Guestbook

Messages of love and support from your guests.

Default guestbook entry

Ena Williams

Dana and I wish you and Pat all the best in your next life chapter. And many thanks for introducing me to Trail Point and a personal trainer. It changed my life! God bless, Ena

Default guestbook entry

Denice Fischer

Thank you for your years of dedication and your passion for all things related to DMACC! Your pride for DMACC showed in everything you did! Enjoy retirement!

Default guestbook entry

Chris & Denise Vernon

Rob, after 23 years of true dedication and inspirational leadership at DMACC, you have helped shape minds, inspire hearts, and strengthen our community (and Iowa) in ways that will echo for generations. You’ve been a guiding light—nurturing knowledge, fostering growth, and building numerous bridges between academia and the community. Pat and you have served more than a leadership role—it’s been a tangible gift to every student, colleague, and neighbor you’ve touched. Congratulations on this amazing journey and may your retirement be as rich and rewarding as the lives you’ve helped shape.

Guestbook entry photo

Chris & Denise Vernon

DMACC Alumni Awards 10/21/2025

Guestbook entry photo

Carroll Campus Holiday Party

Posted a photo.

Guestbook entry photo

Machelle Sabin and Bonnie Slykhuis

Pat and Rob with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Default guestbook entry

Sarah Becker

Thank you for all of your years of service to DMACC. It has been wonderful working with you these past 15 years!

Guestbook entry photo

Mike Jocic

Thank you for your extraordinary leadership and steadfast support of the technology team at DMACC. Your visionary commitment to advancing technology has profoundly enhanced our capacity to serve students, faculty, and staff with excellence. As you embark on a well-deserved retirement, please accept our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for all you have done.

Default guestbook entry

Jill Friestad-Tate

Thank you for your service, commitment, and joy over the years. Enjoy your retirement!

Default guestbook entry

Alex Bormann

Thank you for your continued support of the Honor's Program! Your support provided hundreds (maybe thousands?) of students with opportunities to test their academic abilities and expand their academic horizons. It also provided me with employment :P

Default guestbook entry

Tony Guerra

Sorry we're going to lose the only other Florida Gator on campus.

Default guestbook entry

Lauren

Thanks for a great few years! Best of wishes. :)

Guestbook entry photo

Julie Clark

President Denson visiting the DMACC Child Development Center for Hot Diggity Dog Day- a fan favorite!

Guestbook entry photo

Jennifer Wardyn

President Denson occasionally stopped by the DMACC Child Development Center to read his favorite book to the children. In this photo, his grandson joined in on the fun. We wish President Denson all the best in his retirement.

Default guestbook entry

Todd Holcomb

I was very proud to attend the 2023 Iowa Business Hall of Fame banquet and see President Denson inducted as a new member. We were very proud of his accomplishments but also for the recognition all community colleges received that night. Thanks for leading with your heart Rob!

Default guestbook entry

Bill Clark

Rob, I postponed my trip to Arizona until December 2 so I could be at your luncheon and then the storm got us. I will send an email and I want to provide you a book that I will explain. I’m sorry I will miss the luncheon. I’ve appreciated your friendship and being able to work alongside you on this great project.

Mark Janssen

Retirement Video Played at Party Dec. 5th

Default guestbook entry

Nancy Woods

Thank you for your constant support. Your impact has changed lives. I appreciate your kindness, patience, and dedication to excellence. I will miss you so much.

Guestbook entry photo

Creighton Cox

Braeden Cox & Rob at DMACC 5K September 2019 & October 2023

Default guestbook entry

Creighton Cox

Braeden Cox & Rob running the DMACC 5K

Default guestbook entry

Jane Bradley

Best wishes on your next adventure! It will be strange not having you at the helm of DMACC. Your can retire knowing your time as DMACC president was a job well done.

Default guestbook entry

Steve McCullough

Rob is will to do or try just about anything, especially to help students and advance DMACC’s mission. But he did let me be the one to jump off the pontoon boat on Lake Rathbun to go swimming with his grandson.

Default guestbook entry

Samantha OHara

What a legacy you have created at DMACC! As a resident of Ankeny, and a faculty member teaching, I’ve benefitted and enjoyed seeing the growth of DMACC over the years. So many students have been impacted in large and small ways. It’s so amazing to hear of the reach of this community college. Thank you so very much and best wishes for your next adventures! 😊

Guestbook entry photo

Gina Chandler

Rob, it’s been a pleasure working with you this past year. The impact and legacy you’re leaving at DMACC is truly incredible. Wishing you all the best! — Gina, Marketing

Default guestbook entry

Connie Ferguson

Congrats to you, and sending wishes for a wonderful retirement! You were a caring leader for us and you will be missed! I loved your Friday emails. They were full of information and each one had me smile or laugh outloud. Enjoy!! Connie Ferguson Boone AAC/Testing Center

Default guestbook entry

Kay Ruggiero

Congratulations on your retirement! It takes a bit of adjusting at first, but you will really love it! Thank you for all of your dedicated years to DMACC!

Default guestbook entry

Pam and Bob Douglas

A well earned retirement and sendoff, DMACC is a star in the education community under your leadership, more importantly, you have done it all with integrity, thoughtfulness and honesty.

Default guestbook entry

Will Bond

Rob, Thank you for all of your years of leadership! I appreciate how you were always present in every area of DMACC and how you constantly showed up to support our students and faculty. You will be missed. Have a relaxing and enjoyable retirement! Will Bond

Guestbook entry photo

John Liepa

Photo that goes with previous entries

Default guestbook entry

John Liepa

Rob Denson, Hillary and John Liepa and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education

Default guestbook entry

John Liepa

In my 55 years of teaching, I’ve had a number of memorable moments. This was one of the best. Being with my daughter and her boss along with my boss! Thank you, Rob!

Guestbook entry photo

Patrick Bevilacqua

Congratulations on your retirement President Denson! Your leadership and passion for education has enabled DMACC to enable lifelong success for Iowans. Constantly amazed by your incredible vision and tireless work ethic and I truly hope you and Pat enjoy the next phase of your journey!

Guestbook entry photo

DMACC West

Posted a photo.

Default guestbook entry

Fred and Charlotte Hubbell

Congratulations on all your many successes at DMACC. You truly made a positive difference. We wish you and your wife all the best in your retirement.

Default guestbook entry

Kyle

Thank you, Rob, for your leadership and support of Iowa's Community Colleges.

Default guestbook entry

Dave & Loree Miles

Rob, Congratulations to you on your outstanding contributions to DMACC and central Iowa these many years! All best wishes to you and Pat as you begin your next chapter. Best wishes, Dave & Loree

Default guestbook entry

Don Zuck

Congrats on a great career and best wishes for a happy retirement. You are leaving DMACC a much better place than you found it. My only regret is that I had already retired when you arrived and thus missed the opportunity to work under your leadership. Don Zuck

Default guestbook entry

Mark Clark

I hope nothing but the best for you an Pat in your retirement. It's been a pleasure working with you and watching you lead our organization!

Default guestbook entry

Kristin Brookover

Thank you for your many years of leadership and good care and kindness to students, staff, and faculty. Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

Guestbook entry photo

Chris & Denise Vernon

ICI Gala (April 2024)

Guestbook entry photo

Peter Kosgei

DMACC Foundation 5k 2022. Center: Dr Jennifer Wojcik.

Default guestbook entry

Peggy Urtz

Since I started teaching at DMACC as an adjunct instructor, I have always been impressed with Rob’s innovative leadership. It was very easy to brag about DMACC with all its programs, affordability, and great teachers. I enjoyed his weekly email updates. I’m sure he will be hard to replace, but his legacy will live on.

Guestbook entry photo

Chris & Denise Vernon

ICI Dinner March 2025 -- Rob delivering wonderful DMACC updates

Default guestbook entry

Chris & Denise Vernon

ICI Dinner March 2025 -- Rob delivering wonderful DMACC updates

Default guestbook entry

Vada Grantham

Small Business Awards

Default guestbook entry

Vada Grantham

Rob, congratulations on your retirement. You and I started at DMACC the same year. I want to extend a personal thank you for your support over the years for my various Entrepreneurship events!!! God Bless you and your family as you charter a new chapter in your life!