Recent News

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

Clay Thompson, retired vice president of Caterpillar Financial Services, a Central Board of Trustee and a 1990 Central graduate, engages students on business during class.

Central College Brings Industry Leader to Prepare Students in Business

Central College welcomes Clay Thompson, retired vice president of Caterpillar Financial Services, a member of the Central Board of Trustee and a 1990 Central graduate, as an executive in residence for the Fall 2023 semester. "Clay brings global busine...

Nov 20, 2023, 11:22am EST

Mills Gallery, Central College’s art gallery, will feature student work until Friday, Dec. 8.

Mills Gallery to Feature Student Exhibit

Central College's Mills Gallery will feature the works of 15 students who are creating art pieces with different mediums during the Fall 2023 semester. Brian Roberts, professor of art and 1992 Central graduate, curated the student exhibition. "The cre...

Nov 16, 2023, 11:58am EST

Central College launched a new major and two new minors in the Fall 2023 semester.

Central College Expands Majors and Minors

Central College began offering a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Central also added two more minors - data science and social justice studies. "Central has developed and expanded the options to enga...

Nov 14, 2023, 5:36pm EST

Noel Cover Foundation scholarship recipients: front row, from left: Robert Groves ’24, Isaiah Friedrichsen ’27, Luis Velazco ’25, Gabe Wilson ’24, Cody Hall ’24. Back row, from left: Shale Chapel ’24, Carson White ’27, Keegan DeZeeuw ’27, Logan Linkvis ’24, Spencer Taylor ’26, Grant Miller ’26. Not shown: Owen Brase ’26 and Dean Kimball ’24.

Central College Receives $50,000 Gift from Noel Cover Foundation

Central College has received a $50,000 distribution from the Noel Cover Foundation of Cozad, Nebraska, to support scholarships for students. Central is one of four colleges to receive regular gifts from the foundation and the only Iowa institution rep...

Oct 30, 2023, 4:53pm EDT

Central RED to Host Abby Terpstra with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

The Central RED Society will present "Iowa's Natural Heritage - Protecting and Restoring Our Land, Water and Wildlife," with Abby Terpstra, director of philanthropy for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Wednesday, Nov. 8. Lunch will be served at 1...

Oct 25, 2023, 11:01am EDT

About Central College

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Ranked the No. 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed 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. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake.