• Skip to Content

Central College

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

Eugene Wormhoudt Leaves Central Estate Gift for Scholarship

by Central College

Pella, IA (11/23/2020) — Central College received a gift of more than $100,000 from the estate of Eugene E. Wormhoudt, helping establish an endowed scholarship.

Wormhoudt's scholarship was created in honor of his parents, Lon and Bess Wormhoudt, to assist students with financial need. It was awarded the first time during the 2018-19 academic year.

A native of Pella, Iowa, Wormhoudt started college in California to study architecture. He returned to help care for the family business, Wormhoudt & Kempkes Clothing Store, following the passing of his father, who also was a founding member of the Pella Historical Society and Tulip Time.

Wormhoudt graduated from Central in 1947 with a degree in history. He was the credit manager for the Rolscreen Company (now Pella Corporation) from 1961 until his retirement in 1984. Wormhoudt died Oct. 10, 2018, at age 95 in Pella.

"We are grateful for donors like Gene who give to Central students with a financial need," says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy '99, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. "Gene's gift will carry on that legacy forever. He was such a blessing to our community over many years and now will be for generations of future Central students."

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts college. Central is known for its academic rigor, leadership and character development, global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and sustainability education, athletics and service. For more information about Central College: www.central.edu.

Media Attachments

Eugene E. Wormhoudt

Central College

Jeff Bersch (641) 628-5282, berschj@central.edu

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Mat Kelly Book Exhibit at Central College's Mills Gallery
  • Central College Students Elect Governance Leaders
  • Central College to Host Kid Captains on Grandparent Day
  • Central Graduates Present Research at Iowa Communication Association Conference
  • Central College Announces Geisler-Penquite Scholarship Recipients
  • Central College Mathematics Professor Delivers Two Publications
  • Rob Lindley '95 Returns to Central College in "Working Actor" Career Conversations
  • Middle School Bandfest and Honor Band Concert to be Held at Central College
  • Mills Gallery to Feature Works by Cedar River Artisans
  • Central College Awarded $500,000 Annual Grant for Federal TRIO Talent Search Program
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out