Recent News

“Print Maker” illustrates Paul Andrew Wandless’s work that will be displayed at Central College’s Mills Gallery.

Central's Mills Gallery to Feature Allison B. Allen Visiting Artist Paul Andrew Wandless

Central College will welcome the works of Paul Andrew Wandless to the Mills Gallery in the Lubbers Center for Visual Arts. His works of prints on clay and paper will be on display from Monday, Jan. 15, to Friday, March 1. Wandless has been designated ...

Jan 8, 2024, 2:45pm EST

The annual Pella Wedding Extravaganza will be noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at the Central College Graham Conference Center.

Central College to Host Wedding Extravaganza, January 14

Central College will host the annual Pella Wedding Extravaganza from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, Graham Conference Center at Central College, 812 University St. Pella. The Wedding Extravaganza welcomes the public to this all-in-one gathering of ve...

Jan 4, 2024, 10:00am EST

Award-winning author and performer, Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey, will share his life, lessons, and love through his captivating, powerful poetry at Central College on MLK Day 2024.

Central College to Host an MLK Day Program

Central College will launch into the Spring 2024 semester with a full day of programming to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day on campus. The community is invited to attend events beginning at 9:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 15, in Douwstra Auditorium. "Thi...

Jan 3, 2024, 3:20pm EST

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

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.