Summer Internship Unexpectedly Brings Alumnus Back to DMC

When Garrett Penland (‘21) applied for a Baker Group internship last summer, he did not know the business had a close relationship with Des Moines Christian School. Today, his fingerprints can be found on many different projects within the school.

Throughout the summer of 2024, Penland worked closely with Dan Koenigsfeld, DMC’s Facilities and Property Director, to create life cycle graphs and pricing projections for all of Des Moines Christian School’s equipment, including, but not limited to, air handling units, rooftop units, split systems, and our heating and air conditioning systems.  The project is meant to help DMC keep a closer eye on equipment in order to ensure proper functioning. This will keep building guests comfortable no matter the weather, and it will also give DMC a useful tool for future budget plans. 

Penland is currently studying finance at Iowa State University. His career plans include financial advising and managing real estate, and he readily acknowledges how the Christ-centered education he received at DMC built a foundation for how he sees the world and does his job today. 

“DMC taught me that, whatever you do, do it for the glory of Christ,” he says. “That message has shaped my work ethic and how I treat people within my job. Getting a chance to work with the school and Mr. Koenigsfeld was a huge honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with DMC and, in a way, give back to the school because that place has had a tremendous impact on my life.”

From left: Head of School Cade Lambert, Garrett Penland ('21), Dan Koenigsfeld DMC Facility and Property Director, and Clint Evans with Baker Group.