Recent News

Central College Earns Two Best of District VI CASE Awards

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VI announced Central College as the winner of two Best of District awards - a video for fundraising and stewardship (long-version), "Baking a Difference," and a written profile (1,000+ words...

Dec 14, 2023, 10:24am EST

"Standing on the Shoulders" to be published by Central Alumnus

Six weeks. Maybe six weeks sounds like a long time to you. Or maybe it feels short. For Tim Brand, a 2002 Central College alumnus, walking with his ailing father, Denny Brand, a 1965 Central graduate, for the last six weeks of his life, inspired him to...

Dec 12, 2023, 11:38am EST

Each year, the Geisler Penquite Foundation invites the Central scholars to a luncheon. The 2023 scholarship recipients are: front row, from left: Grant Beach, Amber Vroman, Gwen Kahlke, Maureen Timmer — Geisler Penquite Foundation board member, Sara Goodenbour, Kalina Schubert, Aidan Johnson and Brooklyn Cassens. Back row, from left: Cally Gribbs, Kira Baldus, Gary Timmer— Geisler Penquite Foundation board member and Central Class of 1955 graduate, Cheyenne McDaniel, Riley Davidson, Savannah Sexton and Drake Drish. Not shown: Cory Fairbanks and Delia Hintz.

Geisler Penquite Foundation Awards Central College $480,000

The Geisler Penquite Foundation awarded Central College $480,000 for scholarships and the Geisler Library endowment. The foundation has committed $300,000 to expand upon the Geisler Penquite endowed scholarship fund to support students accepted into th...

Dec 11, 2023, 12:45pm EST

Professor of art Mat Kelly’s handmade books will be exhibited at Olson-Larsen Gallery.

Central's Mat Kelly Selected for Olson-Larsen Galleries Show

Mat Kelly, professor of art at Central College, will exhibit his work in the Olson-Larsen Gallery's Hybrid Practices showcase. This exhibition features 14 Iowa-based artists who work in two different media, curated by Alyss Vernon and Kathy Edwards Hay...

Dec 7, 2023, 10:00am EST

Giving Tuesday generated $128,645 for Central College and the next generation of students who will do a world of good.

Giving Tuesday Donations Exceed Previous Year for Central College

The Central College family raised more than $128,645 for scholarships and other college programs through Giving Tuesday donations on Nov. 28. This strong support for the college and its students came from 197 donors - a new high level of giving and par...

Dec 5, 2023, 9:19am EST

Members of Pella’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Pella Preservation Trust joined Central College President Mark Putnam outside the Prins House as the property changed ownership. First row: Dody Boat, 2005 honorary alumna; Ann Vander Streek Summitt, Central Class of 1977; and Pella City Council member Lynn Hinga Branderhorst, Central Class of 1979. Second row: Central President Mark Putnam; Rhonda Hiemstra Kermode, Central Class of 2004; Bruce Boertje, Central Class of 1979; Wayne Stienstra, Central Class of 1973; and Bob Zylstra.

Central College Donates Historic House

Historic homes of Pella have long family connections with Central College. The Prins House, 906 Independence, is one such home that will avoid demolition and be preserved in the Collegiate Neighborhood Historic District. The City of Pella's Historic P...

Dec 4, 2023, 1:13pm EST

The north side of Central College’s Roe Center acquired a new look with the installation of graphic window stickers to deter bird collisions. Graphics were created by art majors Amelia Brown, Fynn Wadsworth and Madilynn Peitzman, all in the Class of 2025.

Central Art Students Design Mural to Prevent Bird Collisions

Central College continues its commitment to environmental stewardship with the installation of a second student-designed sticker mural on the windows of the Roe Center. The window, which faces north, has caused significant bird deaths for many years. ...

Nov 28, 2023, 4:38pm EST

Let music fill your heart this holiday season with concerts by Central College music ensembles and the College Community Orchestra.

Enjoy Sounds of the Holiday at Central College

Central College's music program welcomes the public to a host of holiday concerts, including the 49th annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. The Central Community Orchestra will host a concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, in Douwstra Auditorium on H...

Nov 22, 2023, 9:57am EST

Central RED Society to Present Community Christmas Strum

The Central RED Society will present "Community Christmas Strum" with Sarah Van Waardhuizen, associate professor of music education at Central College, on Monday, Dec. 4. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. in the Dave '61 and Ardie Sutphen '64 Common ...

Nov 21, 2023, 11:23am 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.