*Disclaimer: The individuals in the accompanying photos are representative of the many students who have passed through Central College and the areas in which happenings, well, happened. The specific individuals involved in these tales prefer to remain anonymous — after all, some secrets are best kept within the walls of Central.
Central College is known for its individualized educational experience, rigorous academics and the lifelong relationships formed here; and perhaps less so for the memorable, sometimes mischievous, moments that happen along the way. Among the proud traditions and historic buildings are tales of pranks, playful escapades and the kind of shenanigans that only college students could dream up. Here are a few lesser-known stories that capture the spirited side of Central graduates.
The Proposal
If you’ve gone to Central, you’ve heard “ring by spring” mentioned (or yelled) at least once, if not any time someone passes a friend with their significant other.
There was a point in time that if you proposed to your beloved during the academic year, it was going to cost you — and not just the price of a ring. Legend has it, a group of friends would “celebrate” their friend’s engagement by tying him to a mattress, dumping water on him and leaving him outside his fiancée’s window. This happened no matter the time of year, and many times after curfew.
Tray Sledding
When the snow fell thick and fast, the dining hall trays would disappear faster than caramel bars at a Central alumni event. In the wintertime, the trays went from being just a way to carry food to a mode of transportation and form of entertainment.
Students would sneak them out, race to the nearest hill, and go tray sledding. It was a fun and thrilling ride down the snowy mounds with the added challenge of avoiding getting caught by those on the lookout for missing trays.
The Central-Simpson rivalry goes back to the early days of the friendly, sometimes fiery competition.
The Campus Shortcut
Central’s campus has never been unwalkable, but like anything, walking across campus takes more time than none. Back when the railroad still passed through Central’s campus, some daring students found a way to get from one side to the other faster than before — and certainly more exhilarating.
Students would hop onto a slow-moving train as it passed through campus, catching a ride to the other side. It wasn’t exactly encouraged by the administration, and definitely not by the railroad, but it sure made for an unforgettable shortcut.
A Fiery Affair
The rivalry between Central and Simpson College has always been intense, but one year it nearly caught fire.
Members of the football team had heard members of Simpson’s football team were going to burn the letter S in the field the night before the big game. Central’s students hid waiting for them to arrive. Once they were on the field, the lights came on and they were caught.
Intending to leave a mark, they received one themselves in the form of a new haircut (and in the shape of a Central C). Frustrated, Simpson’s coach forced the players to warm up without helmets the next day for all to see their new ‘dos. Some might call it a prank gone wrong — or perhaps just a spark from the fiery spirit of competition.
This I Believe
“This I Believe” essays have long been a way for students in the A Cappella Choir to express their deepest convictions and learn about and from one another. Not so mischievous, but certainly memorable, members of the choir have shared their hearts, minds and voices with one another for years. This level of respect, trust and understanding speaks to the type of graduates Central proudly sends out into the world — the very best, or so we believe.
Central’s pond, located in the heart of campus, and other recreation areas have provided their fair share of competition and fun over the years.
On the Road Again
Central’s trips — no matter if they’re rooted in service, the arts, research or athletics — are known for their impact. They’re also known for the stories that come back with the students.
Whether it was sneaking out after curfew to explore a new city, pulling pranks on the trip leaders, busting into a friend’s room to scare them or inventing creative ways to entertain themselves during long bus rides, these trips created memories that would last a lifetime.
The Pond
The pond at Central has seen its fair share of activity, especially on birthdays. The lucky many whose special day fell during the academic year know the tradition of throwing your friend in the pond all too well. While some have gone willingly, others have had to be “encouraged” (read as: carried from their rooms to the pond and thrown in while everyone sings “Happy Birthday” or maybe even snaps some photos, so you can relive the moment).
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there — on any given winter day, some use the frozen pond as a shortcut, sometimes with hilarious (and wet) results. Boat races, hockey and other activities have kept the waters moving throughout the years.
Cooling Off
Another water feature on campus has proven popular in warmer weather.
Warm nights at Central often led students to the Geisler Library fountain, where they would cool off with a quick dip. Never allowed or encouraged, it was hard to resist. On more than one occasion, students would be found splashing around late at night, enjoying a spontaneous and refreshing break from studying, which could come to a screeching halt if an employee or member of campus safety happened upon them.
Douwstra Auditorium has seen many changes over the years — and maybe a ghost or two.
Haunted Halls
Every college has its ghost stories, and Central is no different.
The legend of the Penguin Lady — a mysterious figure said to haunt what’s now a storage closet in Graham Hall — has been passed down through generations of students.
And then there’s Central Hall, where some claim to have seen unexplained shadows, strange sounds and even organ music late at night.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories have added an eerie edge to late-night study sessions and rehearsals on more than one occasion.
Residence Hall Feuds
Living in close quarters will inevitably lead to some rivalry between and within residence halls. From blaring music at odd hours and relocating someone’s laundry to elaborate toilet papering missions (both decorating spaces and removing from bathrooms), students found creative ways to one-up each other.
The payback? A truce sealed with more pranks, of course.
A Legacy of Laughter
These stories are just a glimpse into the spirit that has always been part of Central. They’re the kind of moments that may not make it into any official, recorded history or graduation speeches, but they’re the ones that alumni remember with a smile. After all, the other side of all the studying, preparing, writing and more holds a lot of memories, laughter and moments when friends turned into family that make a place like Central unforgettable.
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