News

Iowa Falls, Ia. – Ellsworth Community College men’s basketball coach Bryan Bender is being recognized on a national stage, but the honor he is receiving has far less to do with wins and losses and far more to do with people.

Bender has been selected as a 2026 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, one of the nation’s most respected recognitions for individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to community, service and the ideals that define the American experience.

The award will be presented during a formal ceremony May 15–16 at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration in New York City.

The distinction places Bender among an exceptional group of Americans whose contributions have shaped communities across the country. Past recipients include figures such as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, baseball icon Yogi Berra and former U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

For Bender, the recognition is humbling.

“This honor isn’t about basketball,” Bender said. “At the end of the day it’s about caring for people. No matter where someone comes from, what they believe, or what their background is, we all have the ability to do the right thing and support one another.”

During Bender’s three seasons leading the Panthers at Ellsworth Community College, the program has become a uniquely international environment. In that time, 36 players from outside the United States have joined the roster, along with two international coaches.

This season alone, eight members of the nationally ranked Panthers team come from other countries.

While the diversity of the roster is notable, what has drawn national attention is how Bender and his staff have intentionally built a culture where those differences become strengths.

“Our team shows that people from all over the world can come together and work toward a common goal,” Bender said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like or where you’re from. What matters is respect, teamwork and doing things the right way.”

That philosophy has had a remarkably powerful impact in a small Iowa community where students may not always encounter global perspectives.

The Ellis Island Honors Society established the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986. Each year, roughly 100 Americans are selected after being nominated and evaluated for qualities including integrity, leadership, service and dedication to humanitarian causes.

Recipients represent a wide range of fields, from education and public service to healthcare, business and athletics. The common denominator is their impact on society and their commitment to celebrating diversity and strengthening communities.

The honor is recognized by both chambers of the United States Congress and permanently recorded in the Congressional Record.

For leaders within the Iowa Valley Community College District, Bender’s selection reflects the values the college strives to instill in its students.

“This recognition speaks to Bryan’s character and the way he leads,” said IVCCD President Anne Howsare Boyens. “He has created an environment where students from around the world feel welcomed, respected and supported. That kind of leadership changes lives and strengthens communities beyond the basketball court.”

For Barb Klein, provost at Ellsworth Community College, Bender’s recognition highlights the educational impact of athletics when it is guided by purpose.

“Coach Bender’s influence extends beyond the game,” Klein said. “He is mentoring young people from many cultures and helping them develop as students, leaders and global citizens. That kind of impact reflects exactly what higher education is meant to do.”

Now, as he is preparing to attend the black-tie ceremony in May, Bender says he is proud to represent both the college and the community.

“To represent Iowa Falls and Ellsworth Community College in that space is really special,” he said. “This community has welcomed so many people from different places, and this recognition really belongs to everyone who has helped make that possible.”

In the end, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor isn’t about sports accolades or championships. Instead, it recognizes the power of bringing people together, building understanding across cultures and demonstrating that leadership rooted in compassion can make a lasting difference.