Perry Parks Director Reflects on a Rewarding Time at BVU
Sports management and exercise science major praises sibling, friends, and Coach Berry
When John Anderson considers his experience as a Buena Vista University student, he immediately thinks of his older brother, Jake, who literally showed him the way.
“My brother is about three years older than me,” says John, who serves as the Director of the Parks & Recreation Department for the City of Perry, a community of 7,660 residents merely 15 minutes northwest of Greater Des Moines. “Jake’s positive experience at BVU is 100 percent the reason I chose BVU.”
Jake Anderson, a 2006 BVU graduate, serves as City Administrator in Grimes. The younger brother is still in frequent contact with his sibling as well as a host of other BVU friends.
“My brother and I talk about city issues, concepts, and projects all the time,” says John, a 2009 BVU grad. “I get administrative input from him, and he probably likes my perspective from a director.
“I’m also in frequent contact with my former football teammates and friends from BVU who are advancing in their careers,” he says. “I find BVU to be extremely valuable with the network I’ve been able to create.”
A faculty member also played a role in his success.
“Coach Janet Berry (Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Emeritus) was the best advisor I had,” John continues. “She was instrumental in getting me where I needed to be academically and then professionally.”
John, a native of Harcourt who played on the offensive line for the Beavers, earned a position as Assistant Director in the Parks and Recreation Department in Creston in 2010. In 2014, he landed his current position in Perry and now directs 10 full-time employees, 30 part-time employees, and facilities and amenities that range from 350 acres of green space to a 55,000-square-foot facility that features a gymnasium, fitness center, swimming pool, senior center, and much more.