ANKENY, Iowa—The DMACC community is mourning the loss of Professor Lauren Rice, a longtime member of the DMACC English Department and coordinator of the DMACC London Study Abroad Program. Rice was killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking her dog on the morning of Sunday, April 5, in the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines.

Rice taught English and literature courses on the DMACC Newton Campus for the past 10 years, as well as on the College’s Ankeny Campus earlier in her career. She also helped lead the annual DMACC Celebration of Literary Arts Festival, hosting events with award-winning authors on the Newton Campus. Rice recently returned early from England, along with fellow DMACC instructor Bethany Sweeney and 23 DMACC students who were participating in the DMACC Spring 2020 London Study Abroad Program. Just last week, she had emerged from a self-quarantine at home following her return.

Statement from Rob Denson, DMACC President

“We are incredibly saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of Professor Lauren Rice, who was a beloved member of our DMACC community and who impacted the lives of many DMACC students throughout the years. I knew Lauren best for her service as a DMACC Group Leader for English, and I always enjoyed her participation because you always knew when Lauren was in the room. She was very smart, and fought for her students and quality instruction. Those meetings will not be the same. On behalf of the entire DMACC family, I extend our deep condolences to Lauren’s family, friends, students, colleagues and all who knew her. We are mourning with you.”

Statement from Dr. Joe DeHart, DMACC Newton Campus Provost

“Lauren was an exceptional teacher and had a great passion for her students. She worked hard to help students understand and appreciate the English language, and realized the value of literature and writing in helping students make connections with the world around them. Her interest and passion for learning was infectious. While in London, her students learned about British literature while visiting actual settings of novels and the authors’ birthplaces and hometowns. Studying in England brought English novels to life for her students, and she delighted in witnessing their experiences. Lauren was also a wonderful, energetic and collaborative leader on our Newton Campus and across our larger DMACC community. Most recently, she was mentoring and helping other faculty transition to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She believed very strongly in creating an inclusive and diverse atmosphere that welcomed all students, and her impact on their lives was profound. Lauren loved language and so often had just the right words, but we are simply at a loss to express how much she will be missed.”

DMACC students and instructors proudly display a DMACC flag in front of the iconic Tower Bridge in London during a February 2020 tour of the city. A group of 23 students from seven different DMACC campuses and centers participated in the annual DMACC London Study Abroad Program during the spring 2020 semester, and were able to enjoy several weeks of learning abroad before returning home early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DMACC English Professor and London Study Abroad Program Coordinator Lauren Rice (front row, far left) led the group together with DMACC Carroll Campus English and History Associate Professor Bethany Sweeney (front row, second from left). Students in the group were (pictured front row, third from left to right) Rachel Geyer, Newton (Newton Campus), Eric Spenceri, Des Moines (Ankeny Campus); Josie Coates, Indianola (West Campus); Bhattarai Bidhya, Des Moines (Urban Campus); Zoey Chumbley, Grimes (Ankeny Campus); Parker Walden, Nevada (Ames Hunziker Center); Rebekah Johnson, Carlisle (Ankeny Campus); Talissa Vegas, Des Moines (Ankeny Campus); and (back row, left to right) Grace Carlson, Urbandale (Ankeny Campus), Olivia Rowling, Des Moines (Ankeny Campus), Carlos Valle, Carroll (Carroll Campus), Ethan Jorgensen, Urbandale (West Campus), Spencer Swanson, Bondurant (Ankeny Campus), Aspen Winey, Carroll (Carroll Campus); Seth Franklin, Altoona (Ankeny Campus); Aubree Klug, Grimes (Ankeny Campus); Dakota Egenes, Hawarden (Boone Campus); Jeff Helgren, Dallas Center (Ankeny Campus); Nathan Dittmer, Grimes (Ankeny Campus); Aniyah Loftus, Vancouver, BC (Boone Campus); Cheyenne Wray, Waukee (West Campus); and Maddy Buys, Prairie City (Ankeny Campus). Not pictured was Samira Sayeed, Des Moines (Ankeny Campus).

The DMACC community is mourning the tragic loss of Professor Lauren Rice, a longtime member of the DMACC English Department and coordinator of the DMACC London Study Abroad Program.

(contributed article and photos, DMACC)