Southeastern Community College Alumni Association | Distinguished Alumnus Award 1999
John, the oldest of three Linquist brothers, graduated from Keokuk Senior High School (KSHS) in 1959. He graduated from Keokuk Community College (KCC) in 1961. He entered the Navy flight training program in 1961, was commissioned as Ensign, became a helicopter pilot and was deployed to SE Asia where he was a decorated officer. After active duty in 1971 he remained in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1989 in the rank of Captain (O-6). He received a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture in 1976 from the University of Oregon and worked for the National Park Service for 22 years. In 1997 he joined a firm of missionary architects and engineers designing hospitals, orphanages and other facilities for third world countries. [Mentor: Mel Leimer]
Phillip, the middle of the three boys, graduated from KSHS in 1963, from KCC in 1965 and from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1967. He graduated from the Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1971 and went on to become an otlaryngologist. He moved back to Des Moines and opened a private practice. Like, John, he has helped build orphanages in Romania. [Mentor: Chuck Peters]
David, the youngest of the three Linquist brothers, graduated from KSHS in 1965, from KCC in 1967, and from NEMSU in 1969, earning a BS and lifetime Missouri teaching certificate. After teaching at KSHS, he was drafted. Upon medical discharge in 1970, he entered Drake University Law School, receiving a JD in 1972. In 1973 David served as Lee County Deputy County Attorney and also opened his private practice. He was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the State of Iowa in 1973. He was appointed Iowa Deputy Industrial Commissioner in 1978, becoming Industrial Commissioner in 1987. He entered private practice again from 1990 to 1993. In 1994 he pursued his dream of sailing and living in the Caribbean and in 1995 obtained a Captain’s license from the US Coast Guard, delivering boats around the world. [Mentor: Tom Landis]
