Central Claims 5 Best of Red Rock Awards
Central earned five Best of Red Rock awards from the Marion County Economic Development Commission.
Central received awards for:
- Best Catering Service Provider
- One of the Top 10 Things to Do/Attractions
- One of the Top 10 Arts, Culture and Entertainment
- One of the Top 10 Photo Spots — Central’s red phone booth
- One of the Top 10 Venues
Members of Pella’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Pella Preservation Trust joined Central President Mark Putnam in front of the Prins House as the property changed ownership. First row: Dody Boat ’05H, Ann Vander Streek Summitt ’77 and Pella City Council member Lynn Hinga Branderhorst ’79. Second row: Central President Mark Putnam, Rhonda Hiemstra Kermode ’04, Bruce Boertje ’79, Wayne Stienstra ’73 and Bob Zylstra.
Central Donates Historic Prins House
The historic homes of Pella have long family connections with Central. The Prins House, 906 Independence, is one such home that avoided demolition and will be preserved in the Collegiate Neighborhood Historic District.
The City of Pella’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Pella Preservation Trust (formerly Historic Pella Trust) proposed a solution to Central to protect the house. The property had extensive water damage after a pipe burst in December 2022 affecting all three floors of the 1980 addition to the home. Central applied for a demolition permit from the city which instigated the conversation and eventual decision to donate the property to the Pella Preservation Trust.
Bruce Boertje ’79, Pella historian, explains the Prins House serves as an unofficial anchor and gateway to the Collegiate Neighborhood Historic District. The district is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and has the distinction of being the first historic district organized in Pella.
Pella Preservation Trust President Ann Vander Streek Summitt ’77, states, “We are beyond thrilled to receive this incredible piece of Pella history. The future of this beautiful home will remain in good hands. Thank you to Central for making this happen, as well as perpetuating this piece of Pella’s history.”
To read more on the history and family connections with the home, go to central.edu/prins-house-donation.
New Director of Career Development and Civic Engagement
Central named Jodie Smith as the director of career development and civic engagement. She joined Central’s career development office in October, serving as the associate director of career and professional development.
In her new role, Smith oversees four key areas of a Central education: Career development, civic engagement, pre-health advising and off-campus programs including international education. She directs the professional development series on campus with résumé and cover letter writing and job search strategies through presentations in classes. She organizes the internship fair, education fair and career workshops. Smith supports her team’s efforts in helping students find internships, study abroad, pursue health-related careers and complete service-learning opportunities with community partners.
Geisler Penquite Foundation Awarded Central $480,000
The Geisler Penquite Foundation awarded Central $480,000 for scholarships and the Geisler Library endowment. The foundation has committed $400,000 to expand upon the Geisler Penquite endowed scholarship fund to support students accepted into the education program. A total of 25 scholarships are given each year with 15 new awardees announced in Fall 2023.
“Central is so thrilled to receive this award from the Geisler Penquite Foundation to support student scholarships and the Geisler Library,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99, vice president for advancement. “The Foundation has such a heart for preparing future teachers who will shape the lives of students for generations. This gift will make a significant impact.”
Left to right: Russ Goodman, professor of mathematics, Stephen Fyfe ’87, professor of computer science, Dave Pavlat, associate professor of kinesiology, and Erik Insko, professor of mathematics and computer science. Not shown: Anya Butt, professor of biology.
PPI Donation to Enhance Decision Science
PPI, Inc., formerly known as Precision, Pulley and Idler, donated $50,000 to the college to explore a curriculum around artificial intelligence, digital transformation and analytics, known as decision science. This cross-departmental focus area addresses the changing demands of the workplace, growth of business insights, complex customer interface and technology changes.
This support will enable Central faculty to build out a pilot of an academic platform or portfolio around decision science. This concept will create a network across academic disciplines, knitting data analytics, visual analytics, business, math, computer science, marketing and more to better serve the needs of future employers of Central students.
The faculty-led team plans to implement the curriculum beginning in Fall 2025.
Lily Bardwell ’25 (left) and Veronica Johnson ’26 (right) received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to study in Murcia, Spain, during Spring 2024
Two Gilman Scholars Named
After graduation, Bardwell plans to work for a nonprofit or governmental agency that assists the Spanish-speaking population. Johnson intends to be a Spanish teacher after graduation.
MLK Day and Black History Month Brought Powerful Messages to Campus
The well-crafted plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day shifted when the weather prevented students from returning to campus on Jan. 15. Central faculty and students were gracious, creative and flexible, launching a semester-long program in place of the single day.
“Students in the social justice studies minor, many of whom have been minoritized, have thoughtfully organized the programming for MLK Day,” says Shelley Bradfield, associate professor of communication studies. “This sets a precedent for students initiating inspiring programming and that addresses the experience of attending college at a predominantly white institution.
To celebrate Black History Month, the traveling True Black History Museum brought a unique experience to Central and Pella titled “A Tribute to the African-American Journey.” The exhibit featured over 1,000 artifacts including original documents from historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, President Barack Obama and other influential African-American leaders. The museum is meant to preserve the history and educate others about African-American contributions to the world.
Spoken-word poet Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey.
“Liberation & Love: Spoken Word Poetry” with Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey helped round out Black History Month activities. Rainey shared his life, lessons and love through his captivating, powerful poetry.
The Zuzu African Acrobats wrapped up the month’s events performing traditional acrobatics set to high-energy beats within a cultural experience representative of the coastal regions of Kenya.
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