Travis ’99 and Sarah Fosdick Turnbull 2000

Through our SMA journey, we have been able to support other families and help advocate for treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration! Families will no longer be told there is nothing to help their child, so it’s a huge medical victory. We are also thankful to live in Pella because the community and our employers have been supportive of our unique situation.

Travis grew up in the large historic brick “spite” house east of Pella that his family worked hard to renovate. He graduated from Pella High School. He has been employed at Pella Corp for 20 years, first as an intern while attending Central and then hired full-time prior to graduation. Travis currently is executive director of Information Technology.

Sarah originated from Mediapolis, located in southeast Iowa. She first visited Central with a friend who was being recruited to play volleyball. Sarah is thankful she rode along for the campus visit that brought her to Central the following fall. For the past 10 years, Sarah has been a photographer and owner of Sarah’s Studio. She also is a teacher associate for Pella Schools. Previously she enjoyed her job as a study abroad adviser in the Central College Study Abroad office. The Turnbulls have three children: Treyton (13), Stella (11) and Sayer (9).

During our time at Central, Travis made many great memories with friends. Sarah studied abroad in London with friends, where she interned in British Parliament. An unforgettable experience! Central students are fortunate to be afforded this opportunity through excellent programs and there is no time like the college years to take advantage of it since you don’t know where life will take you after that. We are thankful for the Central connection which brought us together! Ironically, we later found out we both had planned to attend Iowa State before changing our minds and chose Central instead. Some things are meant to be!

Besides Sarah’s photography hobby-turned-business and Travis’s hobby of farming, their activities surround their children’s sports, music and theatre events. Travis serves as an elder in their church and Sarah is a worship leader. Travis recommends reading The Servant” and “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Leaders.” Sarah recommends “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, an inspiring book for women.

Words to live by from Travis: “Enjoy the journey and look for every opportunity to do a little more than what is expected.” Sarah quotes Ann Voskamp: “Trust in His timing. Rely on His promises. Wait for His answers. Believe in miracles. Rejoice in His goodness and relax in His presence.”