Matthew Van Zetten Establishes Endowment with Central's Leave a Legacy
Pella, IA (05/14/2025) — Central College's Leave a Legacy Challenge is inspiring alumni and friends to make a lasting impact! This program encourages supporters to document their estate plan intentions with Central - and thanks to generous matching funds, their planned gifts can make an immediate difference.
When individuals document a planned gift, the Leave a Legacy Challenge match directs 10% of the gift's estimated value (up to $10,000) to their chosen Central scholarship, academic program, athletics or campus initiative - creating an instant impact.
Matthew Van Zetten, a Class of 1996 graduate, and his wife Amy were the first to step up and chose to direct their 10 percent immediate impact gift toward the unrestricted endowment. A retired Assistant Kent County Administrator in Michigan, Van Zetten dedicated his career to nonprofit and government work, improving services for vulnerable populations. Now, he's investing in Central's future.
"I think it turns our tagline 'Forever Dutch' into a verb," Van Zetten says. "A gift to an endowment is forever. Many gifts collected over time with compounded interest create a Dutch legacy that will forever support our college."
"In my professional life, I learned the importance of endowments," Van Zetten adds. "Colleges can give scholarships to students or endow professorships, helping ensure an affordable quality education. For Central to thrive, we need to grow its endowment."
His decision reflects his deep appreciation for the education and experiences he gained at Central.
"My Central experience consisted of incredible friendships; starting the soccer program; traveling to China in 1994 while it was still in a development phase; and a general opening of my mind," Van Zetten remembers. "I read new texts that challenged my thinking. I learned to write effectively. And I learned how to really listen - differently than before."
It was his college friendships and relationships that moved Van Zetten to document his estate plans. He hopes his decision will inspire others to think about how they can leave their own mark and take advantage of the Leave a Legacy Challenge.
Central family members donated $300,000 to establish the Legacy Challenge match. Contributors included Rich '62 and Mary Roorda Glendening '62, Emily and Larry Reynen '71 and the Terry Garvin '72 family.
Van Zetten's endowment gift will provide ongoing financial support for Central, helping fund scholarships, faculty development and innovative programming. By designating Central in his estate plan, he is ensuring that his generosity will have a lasting impact on the institution he holds dear.
"Central College played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional life," Van Zetten says. "The education, mentorship and lifelong friendships I formed there gave me the foundation to succeed. I want to ensure that future students have access to the same transformative experience."
"Giving back to Central was an easy decision," Van Zetten explains. "Estate planning is a powerful way to contribute to causes that matter most to you. For me, Central is at the top of that list."
Central College welcomes discussions with alumni and community members interested in making a planned gift. These contributions help sustain the college's mission and create new opportunities for students to thrive.
For more information about including Central in your estate plans or the Leave a Legacy Challenge, contact the Central advancement office at development@central.edu or 641-628-5154. Match funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so act now.
Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Our students learn collaboratively with supportive educators who share a commitment to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.
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Central College launched the Leave A Legacy Challenge and Matthew Van Zetten ’96 and his wife, Amy, were the first to participate.
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Jeanette Budding (641) 628-5282, buddingj@central.eduShare this Story
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