Central College

More than 325 students were named to the Central College dean's list for Spring 2020. The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.

46 Central College students were inducted into the college's chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

36 Central College students graduated with bachelor's degrees in December 2019.

Central College has announced the names of those elected as Student Senate executive officers for the 2020-21 academic year.

207 Central College students graduated with bachelor's degrees in May 2020.

Seven Central College students gave their Senior Honors Thesis presentations on May 9. They did so via Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central College Student Development recognizes outstanding leadership at the college each year and has named its 2019-20 award winners.

Central College's Education Department and the Geisler Penquite Educational Excellence committee has announced the 2020 Geisler Penquite Scholars. This award brings with it the expectation of leadership in the classroom and in general and notes the potential for leadership in the students' future career in education.

Central's annual Scholarship Celebration was scheduled for Thursday, April 23, but was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The event gives student scholarship recipients the opportunity to personally thank and share dinner with donors who help make their Central education possible. More than 700 students would have been recognized this year in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

21 Central College students in Introduction to Angling, an exercise science course, helped place 175 trees attached to cinder blocks on the ice at Roberts Creek. When the ice melts, the structure will provide sustainable habitat for fish in Lake Red Rock. The project was done in cooperation with the Marion County Parks officers. It was part of the global sustainability portion of the course, which introduces the basic skills, theory and equipment necessary to begin the development of lifelong angling skills.

7 Central College students performed Feb. 14 in the annual Jazzmania concert in the Recital Hall of Cox-Snow Music Center.

Eight Central College students participated in a Computer Science trip Feb. 20 to Des Moines. The students visited Conga, Rocket Referrals and Principal Financial for tours and to visit with Central alumni.

26 Central College students performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble during its concert Feb. 23 on the Hoekstra Family Stage in Douwstra Auditorium.

9 Central College students performed in the ALMA Concert on Feb. 21 in the Recital Hall of Cox-Snow Music Center.

21 Central College students will participate in the production of Kander and Ebb's iconic musical "Cabaret." It runs March 4-8 in Kruidenier Theatre.

33 Central College students are participating in an internship during the Spring 2020 semester.

10 Central College students participated in Language and Culture in the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Mexico, from Jan. 2-13. The one-credit study abroad course is open to all Spanish language levels and immerses students culturally and linguistically in classes and homestays. The curriculum weaves topics such as immigration, health care, tourism, history and business practices into daily lessons. Students develop an appreciation for the history, culture and customs of the Yucatan.

Lexie Patton, a former student at Central College, completed a summer and fall internship with Grinnell Mutual that led to a full-time position upon graduation. Patton started in December as a personal lines claims adjustor at Grinnell Mutual in Grinnell, Iowa. Patton graduated in December 2019 with majors in business management and accounting.

Central College students Megan Beuter and Savanna Henning presented a research project titled "Interfaith Engagement for Climate Action and Advocacy" during the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Ed Conference and Expo last semester in Spokane, Washington.

More than 350 students were named to the Central College dean's list for Fall 2019. The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.

Central College students Elizabeth Sheldon and Lexi Engen presented a research project titled "Native Bee Conservation: Bridging the Gap Between Research, Sustainability, and Educating the Public" during the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Ed Conference and Expo last semester in Spokane, Washington.

20 Central College students participated in a weeklong mission trip over winter break to Mission, Texas. While there, they partnered with a local church and built two homes for families in need. Students also spent time in worship, attended a local church, put on a community carnival and took part in other outreach activities. The theme of the week was "All In."

Cameron Coles, a sophomore at Central College, is a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which enables students to study or intern abroad. Coles, of Farley, Iowa, will study in Wales this semester.

44 Central College students are participating this week in the college's new Career Kickstarter program, a free, one-week program offered during winter break that offers micro-internship opportunities and the opportunity to explore potential career paths.

Four Central College students gave their Senior Thesis presentations as they prepare to graduate.

22 Central College students will perform with the Chamber Singers in the 45th annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. The Chamber Singers will join the A Cappella Choir, Orchestra and Handbell Choir for performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, on the Hoekstra Family Stage in Douwstra Auditorium.

15 Central College students will perform with the Handbell Choir in the 45th annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. The Handbell Choir will join the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers and Orchestra for performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, on the Hoekstra Family Stage in Douwstra Auditorium.

50 Central College students will perform as part of the A Cappella Choir in the 45th annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. The A Cappella Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. The group then will join the Chamber Singers, Orchestra and Handbells for performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, on the Hoekstra Family Stage in historic Douwstra Auditorium.

14 Central College students will perform in the ALMA Christmas Concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in Cox-Snow Music Center. Rusty Johnson, a saxophonist and 2003 Central alum, will be a guest artist.

32 Central College students will perform with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble during its holiday performance of Alfred Reed's "Russian Christmas Music" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, on the Hoekstra Family Stage in Douwstra Auditorium.