Rodney and Kimberly Collier

Kimberly Den Besten (C'89) began her college career at the University of Dubuque in fall 1985. Kim grew up in Clinton, Iowa, and always knew she wanted to go to UD. Her dad, Allan Den Besten (C'68), also attended UD and studied business administration. In fact, Kim was born just months before Allan graduated from UD. Following in her father's footsteps, Kim enrolled at UD and began studying business administration. She pledged to the Delta Phi Sigma sorority and kept busy with the weekly meetings and social activities. She even held leadership roles and served as the Delta Phi treasurer and president in consecutive years. Additionally, Kim worked in the dining hall and helped with University catered special events.

"I lived in Aitchison Hall," Kim said. "My dorm room was close to the hallway phone and it would constantly ring. Every time I would pick up the phone, it was Frank Smith, the director of the dining hall, looking for people who did not show up for their work study shifts. Finally, I asked him if I could help. It turned into great opportunities for me to work and to meet many people on campus. I would fill in for Marge Kremer as students checked into the dining hall. I also got to help with special presidential functions at Dr. Walter and Barbara Peterson's home."

Rodney Collier (C'89) did not have quite the same journey to UD. He grew up in Sheridan, Indiana, and attended one semester at Arizona State University. He quickly learned that ASU was not his college home and decided to transfer to UD with the intent to play basketball for Coach Jon Davison (C'61). In fall 1985, Rodney began his college journey at UD, studying biology and psychology.

"I played basketball until mid-season when I injured my meniscus, which unfortunately ended my basketball career at UD," Rodney said.

Kim added, "Now we need to watch VHS tapes of his old high school basketball games to confirm that he was, and could have been, an outstanding basketball player at UD."

Kim and Rodney would regularly hang out with other friends, often watching sporting events, especially the Colts or Pacers. Rodney remembers inviting Kim to come along with him and the guys to the Ground Round, where they served free buffalo wings. However, she only joined them a few times as it became uncomfortable when the guys would literally run up to the wings and devour them as they were replenished.

"I guess you can call that a date for broke college kids," Rodney laughed.

They both became resident assistants in their sophomore year. They had weekly responsibilities and Rodney would sit with Kim during her hall duty where they would study and eat Domino's pizza. Later that year, the Delta's started hosting social events and having a date was a necessity.

"My good friend Rodney was the guy. He was hysterical and very social, and we always had a great time. So, I asked him to go with me and figured we would see where this goes," Kim said.

Soon a friendship turned into a relationship and when graduation rolled around in May 1989, the pair were still dating.

After graduation, Rodney returned to Indiana and Kim went to the Quad Cities. They agreed they were not ready to settle down and wanted to see where their career paths were headed individually. In 1990, Rodney got into medical sales for Boehringer Mannheim, and Kim worked at Von Maur as a supervisor and buyer. Through Boehringer Mannheim, Rodney was able to take a sales opportunity and transfer to the Quad Cities. The couple navigated their relationship living in the same city and continued dating for a few months until Rodney asked Kim to marry him.

"I knew this was the perfect opportunity to work on my sales skills and ask Kim to be my lovely wife," Rodney said.

They both loved the idea of having a small, destination wedding. After being engaged for six months, the pair tied the knot in Jamaica surrounded by their close family on September 19, 1995. They remember it as a beautiful and stress-free day. When they returned home, Kim's mom planned a reception and the newlyweds celebrated their marriage surrounded by family and friends in Bettendorf, Iowa.

In 1997, Rodney and Kim moved to LeClaire, Iowa. Soon after, Kim opened Grasshoppers Gift Shop, a brick-and-mortar business in downtown LeClaire. Rodney served on the City Council from 2000 to 2004. During his tenure, he spearheaded downtown development and revitalization. As a couple, the Colliers have always been passionate about improving the community they call home. Their next venture began in 2010 when they started renovation projects, including four historical homes that they eventually opened as guest houses. Additionally, they have completed other residential and commercial property flips. Their biggest project was the revitalization of a dilapidated late 1800s hardware store that is now the home to ROOT 67 Shops, where four new businesses occupy and thrive along Route 67 in LeClaire.

The couple's biggest blessings are their three sons, Parker (25), Cade (23), and Logan (21). Parker graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019, and Logan will also graduate from Iowa in May 2024. Following his grandfather's and parent's footsteps, Cade attended UD, graduating in 2022 with a bachelor of arts degree in sports marketing and management, and will earn his master in management - sport management degree in June 2024. During his college career, Cade has enjoyed being a thrower on UD's track and field team.

"We have attended all of Cade's meets," Rodney said. "We love getting to come back to campus, to watch Cade do what he loves, to reminisce on fond memories, and to witness the University's continued growth."

Kim added, "We have such incredible memories here. One of my dad's best friends was Sergeant Jeffrey Dodge (C'68). I have heard many stories of when my dad and Jeff were left in charge of babysitting me. In fact, I have a photo of my one-year-old self sitting with an unlit cigar and cowboy boots - those Thirteeners liked to have fun! Three generations of wonderful memories were made at UD. And a fun fact, my brother's namesake is Jeffrey Allan."

Currently, Rodney works in sales for GE Medical, and together the Colliers operate Grasshoppers Guest Houses 1, Too, and III. They are also working on a property that sits on the Mississippi River called River Roots Retreat and The Gopher Hole. The property will include a golf simulator, an indoor/outdoor picnic pavilion, and hovercraft rides.

In their free time, the couple love cruising in their '88 topless Jeep with their Whoodle dog, Poppy.