Where are they now? Harold Kolenbrander ’60

Harold Kolenbrander graduated from Central College in 1960 and completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Iowa in 1964. Kolenbrander taught chemistry at Central, then became academic dean and provost. He later served as president at the University of Mount Union for 14 years and served on Central’s board of trustees. Kolenbrander now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, Laurie. Their children, Kim ’81, Kirk ’83, and Kerri Kolenbrander-Bickel also attended Central.

How did you come to Central?

A good part of it was my parents were Central grads, and in the ’50s, that was a pretty common thing to do. I came back in 1964 — I had really liked being a student at Central and had really liked my professors in the chemistry department. After completing my degree, I could join them. As a student, a faculty member and administrator, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Central. I look at that as a great experience.

What experiences were most important to you after leaving Central?

I had a wonderful 14 years at Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio and I had almost 10 years of working as a search consultant, helping colleges find presidents, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. I’ve had a wonderful life — I’ve got so much to be thankful for. Serving as a trustee of Central was also a very rewarding experience, and my 50th class reunion was a very special occasion.

What are you doing now?

I am active at church and stay involved with a food pantry that our church and others in our area sponsor, and many other things. Shortwave radio was my boyhood hobby, and I’ve gotten back into that in a major way. I am in contact with people from all over the world.

Any final thoughts you would like to add?

I think it’s important for all of us alumni to remember that Central College was there for us, and we need to be involved in making sure it’s there for the next generation — to contribute in the ways we can, both financially and otherwise.