Recent News

Students share in the Hoo-Rah Day celebrations. From left, Katelyn Freeman ’26, Castle Rock, Colorado, Riley Packer ’26, Erie, Illinois, and Estella Allen ’28, Newton, Iowa.

Hoo-Rah Day Raises Funds for Central College Students and Programs

Central College alumni, family and friends contributed $279,124 during this year's Hoo-Rah Day, making a significant impact on the college's World of Good service goal and providing vital financial support to students. Donors have the opportunity to su...

Apr 16, 2026, 1:07pm EDT

Attending the Great Plains Political Science Association meeting from Central were (from left) Isaac Stensland, Steel Anderson, Stephanie Wise, Dante Trinidad-Gomez and Lincoln Stensland.

Central College Political Science Students Present at 28th Annual Great Plains Conference

Students from Central College's political science program attended and presented during the 28th annual Great Plains Political Science Association conference. Dante Trinidad-Gomez, Class of 2026 political science major, Lincoln Stensland, Class of 202...

Apr 13, 2026, 2:44pm EDT

Papae Wymore, lecturer of education, teaching in the Foundations of Reading Test Prep class at Central.

Central College Demonstrates Strong Results on Foundations of Reading Test

Central College continues to demonstrate strong outcomes in literacy preparation, as reflected in results from the Iowa Foundations of Reading Test. In Spring 2025, Central education majors achieved a 73% pass rate, significantly above the statewide a...

Apr 9, 2026, 2:35pm EDT

Chemistry plays a key role in STEM education at Central and Vermeer Charitable Foundation helps fund the latest equipment.

Vermeer Charitable Foundation Supports Sciences at Central College

The Vermeer Charitable Foundation has completed a five-year, $500,000 commitment to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math programs at Central College, marking five years of sustained investment in STEM education. This most recent commitm...

Apr 7, 2026, 1:27pm EDT

Kim Huckstadt, UNI Emeritus Faculty, spoke with the Central’s Marburger Institute Fellows about leadership.

Central College Launches Leadership Institute in Memory of Principal Dan Marburger

Central College has launched the Marburger Leadership Institute, a semester-long leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of courageous, compassionate and community-focused educators. Eleven students have been selected f...

Mar 30, 2026, 4:36pm EDT

Hoo-Rah Day is the annual Central College spirit day of celebration.

Central College Ramps Up for Hoo-Rah Day

Once a year, something remarkable happens across Central College's alumni network and campus community. Social feeds fill with red and white. "Go Dutch" can be heard across the country. And donations begin rolling in from across the nation and around t...

Mar 26, 2026, 2:54pm EDT

Central’s mascot, Big Red, checked out the new dining options in Pella for students using Big Red Bucks.

Central College Launches Dining Option Expanding Student Connections in Pella

Central College introduces Big Red Bucks, a new dining option designed to deepen students' connection to Pella and expand their access to local food experiences. Launching after Spring Break 2026, Big Red Bucks will give students the flexibility to use...

Mar 25, 2026, 9:50am EDT

History Club Welcomes Jimmy Suong, April 7

Central College's History Club will host a special lecture for the Central community and public at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the Maytag Student Center Van Emmerik Studio on campus. Jimmy Suong will share his story as a child survivor of the killing...

Mar 23, 2026, 1:46pm EDT

Jay Wackerly, associate professor of chemistry and lead researcher, along with current students Piper Eighmy, Class of 2027, and Katie Morrison, Class of 2026, published research on cambiarenes molecules, leading to innovations in supramolecular applications.

Student Researchers Open Opportunities for Supramolecular Applications

Research conducted by Central College faculty, students and alumni was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal, Supramolecular Chemistry. The article, "A Practical Synthesis of Cambiarenes with Mechanistic Insights," was written by Jay Wackerly...

Mar 18, 2026, 2:23pm EDT

Front Row with Harry Smith will feature (top row) violinist Alina Ming Kobialka, pianist Eric Huebner and cellist Ru-Pei Yeh. Front row, violist Rebecca Young and Harry Smith ’73.

A Night to Remember: Members of the New York Philharmonic to perform Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and more

Chamber music performed by members of the New York Philharmonic will include Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and more. Front Row with Harry Smith, a Pella Corporation and Central College speaker series, welcomes a piano quartet comprised of members of the N...

Mar 9, 2026, 1:42pm EDT

About Central College

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.