Recent News

Upward Bound welcomed 75 high school students to Central this past summer for the residential program. The 2026 program will run from June 10 to July 11.

Central College Upward Bound Program Celebrates 60 Years of Transforming Lives

Central College's TRIO Upward Bound program marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, making it one of the first programs in Iowa and the nation to receive this federal grant in 1966. Central's TRIO grant award also encompasses Talent Search and Student Sup...

Feb 18, 2026, 11:42am EST

Paulina A. Mena, professor of biology, will be installed as the Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities Tuesday, Feb. 17. She is the second Denekas endowed chair at Central.

Installation of Paulina Mena as the Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities

Central College will install Paulina A. Mena, professor of biology, as the new Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Upper Chapel. The ceremony and reception are open to the public. Mena will...

Feb 10, 2026, 11:42am EST

Central’s 1853 Challenge encourages participants to commit to completing 18 hours of service and/or tracking 53 miles over the 53 days leading up to Hoo-Rah Day, April 8, 2026.

1853 Challenge Gives Lift to Hoo-Rah Day Festivities

Central College will kick off its annual Hoo-Rah Day celebration with the launch of the 1853 Challenge, an energizing call to action that invites the Central community to let their gifts and service take flight in doing a world of good. The 1853 Chall...

Feb 9, 2026, 10:13am EST

Central Red will host six programs during the spring semester.

Central RED Launches Spring Semester Program Schedule

Central RED Society offers an impressive schedule of programs for this spring that are open to the public. Details about each event are available at central.edu/red. Local authors Marijka Michmershuizen and Carol Van Klompenberg will discuss their boo...

Feb 4, 2026, 5:43pm EST

While attending the American Historical Association meeting, Central College students gathered for a photo with the AHA president. From left: Steel Anderson ’28, Caelin Barbour ’26, Chris Little ’26, Ben Vinson III, AHA president, Josh Kuhlers ’28, Lauryn Venema ’26 and Lori Witt.

Central College Students Attend American Historical Association Meeting

Five Central College history students traveled to Chicago in January to attend the 139th annual meeting of the American Historical Association, the largest gathering of historians in the world. Students attending were Steel (Reese) Anderson, Class of ...

Feb 4, 2026, 9:45am EST

Mike Main, Class of 1987, Central trustee and cardiology specialist.

Leading with Heart: Central Alum to Headline Commencement

Central College Class of 2026 will get a heartfelt message during Commencement with Mike Main, M.D., cardiologist, Central trustee and 1987 graduate. Central's Commencement program will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadi...

Jan 27, 2026, 9:53am EST

Rosalie DeWall Park, a 1960 Central graduate

Legacy Gift Supports Central College's Future

A gift given quietly - but with deep love and grace - arrived at Central College in memory of a life-changing education. Rosalie DeWall Park, a 1960 Central graduate, designated a portion of her estate to Central, continuing a legacy of generosity root...

Jan 26, 2026, 4:25pm EST

Jaime Schultz, professor of kinesiology at Penn State, will be the keynote speaker at Central's MLK Day program.

Central College Honors MLK with Special Day of Learning

Central College will observe its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration with a public session featuring keynote speaker Jaime Schultz, professor of kinesiology at Penn State. Her visit is made possible through a grant from the Moore Family Fou...

Jan 7, 2026, 10:09am EST

Central College shared its top stories of 2025.

Central College Staff Service Awards Announced

Central College recognized service award winners and employees who reached a milestone anniversary during 2025 at the annual Staff Service Awards celebration. Central President Mark Putnam and Jill Anderson, chief talent equity and engagement officer,...

Dec 17, 2025, 11:05am EST

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.