PRESS RELEASE: STUDER RECEIVES OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
(ESTHERVILLE, IOWA) – The Iowa Lakes Community College Alumni and Friends Association presented Melissa Studer with the 2026 Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award during the 2026 Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15, in Estherville. Studer joins the ranks of other Iowa Lakes graduates who exemplified outstanding support of community, business, and service organizations while serving as positive role models for this distinguished award, established in 1992.
Lisa Renze-Rhodes, Alumni and Friends Association President, presented Studer with the award memorializing Jim Hall, a 1968 Iowa Lakes graduate, former Iowa Lakes assistant football coach, and ardent supporter of the College.
Melissa Studer grew up in Graettinger and graduated from Graettinger High School in 2003 before pursuing a career in health care and dedicating herself to serving others.
Earning her LPN and ADN from Iowa Lakes in 2010 and 2011, respectively, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2014. Further strengthening her expertise, she completed medicolegal death investigator training through the St. Louis School of Medicine, expanding her professional scope.
Currently serving as Chief Aging Services Officer within the Palo Alto County Health System, she continues advancing quality healthcare through leadership and innovation. In addition to her primary role, she owns and facilitates professional development programs, sharing her knowledge while fostering growth in others. Serving as a member of the Iowa Healthcare Quality Improvement Advisory Council and advocating at the state legislature, she works to advance mental health awareness, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Balancing an already dynamic professional life, she owns and manages the Six Eleven Company event space in Hartley, Iowa, while operating two Air B & B properties. Managing these diverse responsibilities with remarkable dedication, it should come as no surprise that she was recognized as a finalist for Siouxland’s Most Remarkable Women.
Supported in her pursuits by her fiancé, Steve Jarvis, and her sons, Jeremy, Lucas, and Ryan, she continues pursuing excellence while remaining grounded in family and community.
Described by those who know her best as a leader with both heart and determination, Melissa demonstrates a deep commitment to people, encouraging growth and instilling a sense of worth in others. Through her leadership, service, and unwavering support of family and friends, she exemplifies compassion, resilience, and a readiness to act when others need her most. Viewing success through the achievements of those around her, she balances ambition with kindness, strength, and humility.
In the spirit of Jim Hall, Melissa Studer is a sterling ambassador of Iowa Lakes who consistently celebrates and elevates those in her community through active leadership with community focus. The Iowa Lakes Alumni and Friends Association is proud to congratulate Melissa as he joins the ranks of outstanding alumni.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Jim and Bettje Willmore, Melissa Studer, recipient of the 2026 Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award, and Lisa Renze-Rhodes, President of the Iowa Lakes Alumni & Friends Association.