LET’S SAVE THE MONARCHS Central students help research and restore monarch habitats.

CENTRAL CONNECTIONS IN HD SUMMER 2016 Two ’98 grads created paths from CivitasCENTRAL COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE Central to full-time film careers.

P. 13 a world series winner

Ben Christian ’07 leads partnership marketing for the . c president’s corner d CivitasCentral College EDITOR Laura Billingsley ’04

COPY EDITOR The Test of Time Jenni Hodges by Mark Putnam, Central College president SPORTS EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS Just think... Larry Happel ’81 • This fall we will commemorate 100 SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER years of affiliation with the Reformed Lindsey Maurer Church in America during our Heritage Central students participate in several research and service learning opportunities to save monarch butterflies. Day celebration. We owe a deep debt EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Mary Benedict 10 of gratitude for the courage it took to preserve this institution. Lisa Thurman Fyfe ’87 • Last year we celebrated 50 years of Connie Aalbers Marlow ’76 Lynne Petty summer 2016 study abroad and now build on that Peggy Johnson Van Den Berg ’83 legacy by diversifying our international

programs to embrace Global DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Experiential Learning. Kathy Cashen Thompson ’87 • Our TRiO programs, like Upward Bound, emerged with our first federal COMMUNICATIONS BRAND In the next stage of the Forever Dutch initiative, Central celebrated groundbreaking contents AND PROJECT MANAGER • • for the expansion and renovation of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. grant in 1966, and we celebrate half on the cover Steffanie Bonnstetter a century of commitment with more 13 A WORLD SERIES WINNER than 16,000 students engaged in these Not everyone can say they’ve contributed Civitas is published quarterly by the “Central College is 163 years old.” portraits, can consult and provide service programs. to the success of a World Series I love saying that. We use phrases to the current office holder. From time • Our Forever Dutch initiative was Central communications office for alumni, parents and friends of Central Championship team — but Ben Christian like “enduring legacy,” “generational to time I stand quietly in the Brunsting announced this year, and we celebrated College. For information on the Civitas ’07 can. commitment” and “rich history” so Room thinking about words like legacy our groundbreaking for the expansion mission, visit civitas.central.edu. often we sometimes take for granted our and heritage. I have never been caught and renovation of P.H. Kuyper • features • inheritance as a Central family. speaking to the portraits and I decline to Gymnasium, commemorating the Civitas (USPS 096-840) is published by Central College, 812 University, Pella, 10 LET’S SAVE THE MONARCHS There is a special room in the Graham comment on whether any of them have original groundbreaking in 1968. IA 50219-1999. Periodicals postage paid Monarch butterflies are in trouble. Ben Christian’s sports marketing Conference Center recently named for ever spoken to me. What I do know is that • Programmatic innovations have become at Pella, Iowa, and additional offices. Kristin Siewert is getting Central students 13 career led him from Central to professor emerita Bette Brunsting, ’56 Central continues to thrive because we campus-wide traditions and live on in the San Diego Chargers, then the involved in a movement to reverse their through the generous donations of her stand on the shoulders of giants. examples like Mock Trial (since 1985); Postmaster: send address changes (PS Kansas City Royals. 3579) to Civitas, 812 University, Pella, decline. extended family. This space is a warm Even better than the portraits, The Writing Anthology (since 1981); IA 50219-1999. Address changes also and welcoming lounge area that greets my great privilege is having my four our Vruwink Glass Blowing Studio may be sent to [email protected]. 16 CENTRAL CONNECTIONS IN HD members of our campus community and immediate predecessors still available to (since 1975); and the Candlelight Joe Jones ’98 and Naji Naufal ’98 created guests as they attend various events and me for face-to-face conversations. I can Concert (since 1974). their paths to full-time film careers, from activities. The room displays the portraits reach back more than 50 years to hear • The fun of community gathering for Central to locations around the world. of our past presidents throughout Central’s firsthand stories of triumph and challenges the Lemming Race (since 1977) and history. I sometimes refer to this space each of them faced, and I have spent time the Breakfast of Champions (since 1998) • departments • as the “Hogwarts” room as it reminds with each learning more about my work remain as annual traditions. Production notes: 4 Around the Pond me of the fictional headmaster’s office in today that is deeply rooted in all they Civitas is printed with a soybean-based ink Athletics Updates the Harry Potter series. In that magical devoted themselves to achieve. It’s an Our strength is drawn from our history by Town Crier, Pella, Iowa. 6 office, the past headmasters, through their amazing gift. and the ways in which we preserve that 23 Alumni Newsnotes Joe Jones ’98 and Naji Naufal The hallmarks of enduring quality are legacy. Our creativity is unleashed in the 28 Homecoming Schedule 16 ’98 got their start making short everywhere on campus as tradition lives ways we build on that strong foundation. 31 Parting Shot films at Central, using 90s hand-in-hand with innovation. Our possibility is renewed each time we video equipment from the Media Read more of Mark Putnam’s writings in reach farther to achieve more. CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU Center. President’s Corner at civitas.central.edu. 641.628.9000 AROUND THE POND

The gymnasium expansion will provide a new south entrance with high visual impact, including an atrium, expanded lobby, Hall of Honor and All-America corridor, HARRY SMITH INTERVIEWS ACCLAIMED AUTHOR REZA ASLAN highlighting more than 200 of the college’s most decorated student- Emmy award-winning journalist athletes. An expansion to the west Harry Smith ’73 interviewed bestselling will create space for new varsity author Reza Aslan on campus April locker rooms for men’s and women’s 7. Smith and Aslan discussed topics squads, a new wrestling room and including Islam, the Middle East, an enlarged area for a hitting cage Muslim Americans and more. for softball, and men’s/ Aslan, author of “Zealot: The The next stage of the Forever Dutch women’s golf. Also included are Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” initiative began with groundbreaking major infrastructure replacements ceremonies April 22. and “No god but God,” is professor and enhancements for the 47-year-old of creative writing at the University building. of California, Riverside, and hosts a Fundraising continues for the television series about writing: “Rough FOREVER DUTCH CONSTRUCTION OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED second component of phase two, Draft with Reza Aslan.” Groundbreaking for the $15-million expansion of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium an interior renovation that will Smith is now an NBC news was staged April 22, the next component of the Forever Dutch initiative. College provide a new team meeting space, correspondent and previously hosted officials honored the family of Pella Corporation founder P.H. “Pete” Kuyper new offices, athletic training room “The Early Show” on CBS, as well as (1913), who played an integral role in the development of the athletics complex. improvements and recruitment A&E’s television series “Biography” The family and their foundations teamed for a transformational $4.2-million gift space. Additional practice and and The History Channel’s “Modern for the Forever Dutch initiative, the largest gift in Central’s 163-year history. The competition space could follow. The Marvels.” His illustrious career has Harry Smith ’73 interviewed donation included a lead gift from P.H. Kuyper’s daughter, M. Joan Farver ’88H, initial expansion is expected to be included interviews with international Reza Aslan, bestselling author of Chair Emerita of Pella Corporation and a Central College emerita trustee. completed in early 2017. leaders from Richard Nixon to Margaret “Zealot” and “No god but God.” Thatcher.

GREEN DRINKS CONNECTS with internship opportunities and meet scholarship recipients — and for Iowa Challenge, an honor given to to crumble, but a permanent digital Students connected with alumni STUDENTS, ALUMNI IN connections to many sustainable Central students and their parents to Iowa employers with the highest archive now makes these publications in sustainability-related fields SUSTAINABILITY organizations, such as Antea Group, say a personal “Thank you!” average number of volunteer hours per available to readers anywhere. during Central’s first Green Drinks Central started a new tradition Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation employee. Central’s alumni office partnered networking event. with its first Green Drinks and Interfaith Power and Light. Cental CENTRAL SERVES 2,523 HOURS Central has also been named to with Advantage Companies in Cedar sustainability networking event this will host Green Drinks again next year DURING SERVICE DAY the President’s Higher Education Rapids to complete the digitization spring. It allowed students, faculty to continue expanding sustainability Central students, faculty and staff Community Service Honor Roll With project, supported by grants and gifts and staff to connect with alumni, connections and opportunities in served 2,523 hours with community Distinction for four consecutive years, from the State of Iowa Historical community partners and others central Iowa and around the world. partners throughout central Iowa the only school in Iowa to do so. Research Development Program, who work in sustainability-related during Service Day April 26. More The honor roll is the highest federal MidWestOne Foundation, Geisler fields. More than 40 gathered at RECORD-BREAKING CROWD than 700 volunteers participated in recognition a college or university Library, Central College Student Iowa Taproom in Des Moines’ East ATTENDS SCHOLARSHIP DINNER dozens of different projects in Pella, can receive for its commitment to Senate and Central alumni. Village, representing a wide range of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium was full Des Moines, Knoxville, Newton, Otley, volunteering, service-learning and civic The Ray dates back to 1876 sustainability interests and professions. for the 16th annual Central College Oskaloosa, Ottumwa and West Des engagement. and the Pelican to 1907. Users can Their fields included: renewable Scholarship Celebration Dinner Moines. search by date, keyword or name at energy, sustainable agriculture, this year. More than 500 donors, Every year since 2006, Central has ARCHIVES PRESERVE STUDENT centralcollege.advantage-preservation. affordable housing, education, urban trustees, students and parents gathered set aside a day for campus members NEWS SINCE 1876 com. planning, public policy, environmental to meet and celebrate the spirit of to volunteer together. Many also Central has preserved more than engineering, land conservation generosity to Central. This celebration participate in service opportunities 125 years of history through The Ray and more. Students came away provides donors an opportunity to throughout the year. Last year, Central and Pelican, its student newspaper and was a winner of the first Give Back yearbook. Original copies had begun

4 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 5 ATHLETICS Sophomore Garret Taylor also earned UPDATES all-league distinction in singles while Senior West Adelman was sophomore Jimmy Cunningham did so in by Larry Happel ’81 a four-time all-conference doubles. men’s tennis honoree in both singles and doubles. A young Dutch squad was 11-10 in dual action, placing fourth in the conference.

YOUNG MEN’S GOLF SQUAD ANOTHER LEAGUE MEN’S TRACK CROWN, FIGHTS INEXPERIENCE Replacing its entire lineup from last year’s Iowa Conference men’s golf title TOP-10 NCAA FINISH FOR DUTCH winners wasn’t expected to be easy for Central. And it wasn’t. Winners of 32 league championships to go with 33 NCAA Division III tournament berths, the Dutch slipped to fourth at the conference meet. But senior Walker Adams was a nice surprise in his first year of varsity action, tying for fourth to gain all-conference honors. Senior Jared Nepomuceno was 11th but an otherwise youthful Dutch squad is eyeing a return to contender status in 2017. The team will be led by a new after six-year mentor Chad Green accepted Cole Decker gets a congratulatory hug a position at an out-of-state school closer to May 14 was a productive day for seniors (left to right) Cole Decker, Austin Roberts, from coach Joe Dunham after finishing Kody Dailey, Dan Roemerman and Alex Bleadorn. They helped claim Central’s sixth Iowa second in the 10,000 meters at the his home. Conference men’s outdoor track and field crown in Waverly, then sprinted to Pella to pick NCAA Division III Men’s Track and Field up their diplomas. Championships May 26. SCHROEDER GAINS ALL-LEAGUE BASEBALL DISTINCTION Central senior relief Mark A pair of national runner-up finishes a three-time outdoor track all-America The unit of seniors Abi Davis, Ashlee SOFTBALL TEAM FLASHING 138 strikeouts in 159.1 . She was Schroeder gained second-team all-Iowa propelled the Central men’s track and field honoree and league indoor MVP after Downs and Monica Ruiz and freshman PROMISE AS NCAA CONTENDER also among the team’s top sluggers with a Conference baseball honors. squad to a sixth-place team finish at the earning all-America distinction last fall Hope Heitman was seventh in the NFCA Hall of Fame softball coach homer and 20 RBIs. Sophomore left fielder Senior left fielder Spencer Gritsch NCAA Division III Championships in in cross country, where he was also a two- 4x100-meter relay in 47.38 seconds, after George Wares loves a challenge. Tabitha Taylor .357 with a team-high received honorable mention. Waverly May 25-27. time conference MVP and Central Region breaking a 34-year-old school record in the He’s the winningest coach in Division 40 hits, two homers and 20 RBIs. She was Like many of the Dutch spring teams, Central’s seventh top-10 national athlete of the year. preliminaries at 47.27. III history. But even Wares conceded that, a second-team all-region pick while Olson the baseball squad was youth-dominated, team finish—and its highest since The book is not yet closed on junior Downs, sophomore Kate Patton, with a record 10 seniors gone from last was a third-team choice. Shortstop Paige as reflected in its 10-30 record, including a 2001--followed its sixth Iowa Conference Logan Mulford, who was second in the Heitman and Davis were also seventh in year’s NCAA regional champions, 2016 Schreiner was Central’s lone senior starter. 7-21 conference mark. outdoor crown in coach Joe Dunham’s NCAA high jump. He soared 6-10.75 the 4x400-meter relay (3:48.94). wasn’t the ideal time to tackle the nation’s Schroeder posted a team-best 3.16 eight seasons, after earlier capturing the inches, losing the title on the basis of Davis also competed in the 100 and 200 second-toughest schedule. ADELMAN A FOUR-TIME ALL- earned average, fanning 19 hitters league’s indoor title. fewest misses. at the national meet but failed to place. However, according to the Division LEAGUE TENNIS HONOREE while walking six in 25.2 innings. Gritsch So much for expectations of a rebuilding Meanwhile senior Dan Roemerman, She was a four-time all-America honoree III power rankings, that’s what the young Central senior West Adelman earned hit .287, including a team-high .309 in year in 2016 for the Dutch dynasty. the conference track MVP, broke his own for the Dutch while claiming seven league Dutch had to endure and they did so all-Iowa Conference men’s tennis honors in conference play. Senior Cole Decker put the finishing school record to take third in the 110- outdoor titles and eight indoor crowns. successfully with a 23-15 mark, while both singles and doubles play for the fourth Freshman first baseman Ryan Bouwman touches on one of the most impressive meter hurdles (14.19 seconds). She was the conference indoor track MVP falling just short of yet another NCAA straight year. was Central’s top hitter with a .310 average distance running careers in program history Central shared 58th in the women’s a year ago and took outdoor MVP honors tournament berth. And he did so despite missing time while promising freshman shortstop Garrett by placing second in the national 10,000 division, as two relay squads placed, giving twice. Better timed was the arrival of junior because of reserve duty in the U.S. Marines Saunders hit .298 and junior catcher meters in 30:49.33. He followed that with a the Dutch eight men’s and women’s all- transfer pitcher Karly Olson, who was as he prepares for officer training following Michael Reuter cracked six home runs with seventh-place effort less than 48 hours America honorees. 16-15 with a 2.77 and graduation. He played at No. 1 in the 29 RBIs. later in the 5,000 (14:42.29). Decker was Dutch lineup.

6 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 7 CENTRAL SCENES Watch for a series of favorite campus shots in this year’s Civitas magazines.

SECOND TO NONE

Central’s nationally recognized facilities prove the college is home to a progressive community of scholars. Built in 1978, Vermeer Science Center became Iowa’s first LEED rated building after its 2003 renovation. Students continue to pursue independent research and creative projects here, working alongside professors in Vermeer’s advanced laboratories and research greenhouse. With many academic opportunities other students won’t experience until graduate school, Central graduates have the advantage wherever they go.

8 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 9 Central students helped tag monarchs for Collin Strickland raised monarch Kristin Siewert gets Central students a service project — this way, researchers larva in the lab at Central and studied involved with monarch conservation can track how many survive migration. their preferred milkweed. through research and service learning.

The plant has an unfortunate name, In Iowa, the heart of the monarchs’ observes senior Collin Strickland, a flyway, Central students have many biology and environmental studies major opportunities to conduct research and Let’s participating in several of Central’s help restore lost habitats. Their first monarch projects. “It’s not a weed — it’s link to the monarch movement came a really beneficial plant. There are several when Siewert connected with The Iowa species, and butterfly milkweed has such Monarch Conservation Consortium. Save the a gorgeous flower.” The consortium, established by Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture A NATIONAL ICON and Life Sciences, the Iowa Department Besides serving as portents of of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Monarchs environmental change, monarchs are and the Iowa Department of Natural famous for their eye-catching splendor. Resources, investigates monarchs’ use of Millions of Americans have raised nine milkweed species at sites throughout Kristin Siewert is getting Central students involved in monarchs in grade school classrooms, Iowa. With three study sites — one at a movement to reverse the decline of the monarchs. learning about metamorphosis, mimicry Carlson-Kuyper Field Station and two at by Jenni Hodges and many other biology concepts while Pella Community High School — Central watching their caterpillars become black- has the most research plots of any and-orange beauties. participating group. Monarch butterflies are in trouble. Once they fluttered “Monarchs help get people excited Central students are helping collect across North America by the billions. But in the last 20 about conservation,” Siewert says. three years of data to discover which years, we’ve lost 90 percent of the continent’s population. “They’re an exciting species for kids — a milkweed species grow best — and which It’s not just the monarch, of course. Many other lot of adults remember that.” monarchs prefer. Pella High School creatures have declined in the face of similar threats — students are also getting involved, making habitat loss, climate change and more. But the monarch is THE MONARCH’S RETURN OF THE regular observations of plants, eggs, larva, an important indicator for many species — plus the health DOWNFALL MILKWEED caterpillars and butterflies. of our American landscape. Monarch butterflies are utterly Saving monarchs means restoring Siewert says she was excited to According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the dependent on milkweed. It’s their food America’s milkweed, Siewert says. get Central students involved with monarch’s decline points to larger environmental source, their resting place, the only This objective is included in President the consortium because she has a problems that also threaten food production, natural place to lay their eggs. But countless Obama’s national strategy for protecting passion for restoration and engaging wonders and our own health. Likewise, efforts to preserve milkweed habitats have been destroyed honey bees and other pollinators. One of students in meaningful work. “This the monarch population benefit many other plants and in the United States’ Corn Belt region, the proposals involves lining Interstate 35 work is endearing to me personally animals — humans, too. where most monarchs are born, through with milkweed and other habitat plants, because monarchs helped spark my That’s why Kristin Siewert, Central College lecturer nearly universal adoption of genetically making a highway for monarchs on their passion for science at a young age,” of biology, is connecting students to the monarch engineered crop systems, herbicides and way from Mexico to Canada. Siewert says. “It will also help students conservation movement. Students are participating in pesticides. Logging, land development “As a nation, we’re trying hard,” develop contacts and partnerships, gain multiple research and service learning opportunities to and climate change have also helped Siewert says. “The monarch itself is research experience, and participate in protect monarchs, enrich their education and discover eliminate milkweed. important, but it stands for much more. community outreach and education.” the difference they can make. This is eco-system level restoration.”

10 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 11 BUMPER CROP OF BUTTERFLIES Monarchs are also beloved in Mexico, where they make a spectacular entrance in early November while Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead. Last winter, researchers celebrated monarchs’ largest overwintering population in five years — an encouraging reversal of many years’ decline. As the spring migration began, however, a deadly winter storm killed millions of the butterflies still in Mexico. A famous and eye-catching species, monarchs help get people excited about In 1983, the monarch migration was conservation, says Kristin Siewert. listed as an “endangered phenomenon” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It’s difficult to Last year, Siewert and Strickland also ALL THINGS MONARCH protect monarchs in the same ways as studied monarchs’ preferred milkweed Several Central students volunteer endangered species, Siewert says, because in the lab at Central. Strickland raised their time with Siewert to support they migrate across such a vast area. The monarch larva and conducted tests with monarch conservation projects in monarch’s essential habitat stretches two plant species to learn the critters’ other ways, too. Siewert hopes to from Canada to Mexico. tastes, later presenting his results at the increase student awareness of “all things The journey, as long as 3,000 miles, Undergraduate Research Symposium. monarch” through service-learning. In requires several generations of monarchs a recent project, students helped tag to complete, since most of the butterflies REST STOP AT CENTRAL monarchs so researchers can track their live only three to four weeks. One special, Iowa’s vast swaths of prairie may be survival en route to Mexico (besides the migratory generation is born late each loss of milkweed, about 90 percent of summer and lives eight months, flying all a gone forever, says Siewert, but monarchs can still survive if they have enough monarchs die before reaching adulthood the way back to Mexico. These winter in stepping stones to complete their thanks to enemies like spiders, ants, native forests, semi-dormant until warm migration. Milkweed can be planted in wasps and other predators). spring winds draw them north again. gardens, ditches, schoolyards, parking Students also recently collaborated No one knows how the monarchs do lots — any available space — and provide with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it. New generations of butterflies find an oasis for monarchs on the move. helping Siewert collect native milkweed their way to the same places at the same world Many at Central helped create a seed and cultivate plants. Siewert says the time each year — the first time for each monarch waystation in the organic group learned through this project just generation completing the journey. garden, adding to thousands of registered how severely milkweed has been reduced, Despite the challenges of protecting milkweed habitats. Central’s project searching for weeks to find mature a species that migrates 3,000 miles, is certified by Monarch Watch and milkweed pods. The group overwintered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the University of Kansas as a valuable and germinated the native seed, then reviewing a legal petition filed by The presented plants to the college for the Center for Biological Diversity and series habitat site, and Central staff and faculty continue to strengthen it with additional Graham Center parking lot and other Center for Food Safety, in conjunction milkweed and nectar plants. campus locations, alumni who attended with the Xerces Society and Lincoln Siewert hopes the waystation will Green Drinks (see page 4) and Pella Brower in 2014 seeking protection for the become an exciting place for community community members for private gardens. monarch under the Endangered Species members to observe monarchs and Strickland hopes people who love Act. winner other pollinators. A monarch refuge also Monarchs will be motivated to avoid Siewert, students and many more are provides educational opportunities for using pesticides and herbicides — and working toward another good year for the local schools — and a wealth of research plant milkweed. “It would be cool to see monarch — and another, and another. projects for Central biology students. them make a comeback. I’d like to see “And if the monarch is having a good by Paula Reece more monarchs around and loving life — year,” Strickland recalls, “it’s a good year they’re beautiful,” he says. “It’s like the for other plants and animals, too.” Former football lineman Ben Christian ’07 helps bald eagle in a way.” market world champion Kansas City Royals

12 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 13 ot everyone can say they’ve contributed to the success of a World Series Championship “be available and be hungry.” He says Knowing our contributions make an “there’s businesses really need problem-solvers impact — and that as an organization, team — but Ben Christian ’07 can. As senior manager of partnership marketing for the who can recognize problems, work hard we can win without unlimited resources Kansas City Royals, Christian traded the traditional 9-to-5 grind for something a little to find solutions and consistently keep — that’s probably the most rewarding.” N got to be a up motivation and tempo. “I think Christian isn’t planning on leaving more exotic. “When I get to walk into work each day, I don’t feel like I’m walking into an office,” he the days are long gone of just knowing the small, Midwestern franchise any says. That’s because instead of a skyscraper or nondescript office unit, his office is Kansas City’s someone, and that someone gives you a time soon. Both from Iowa, he and his corresponding job,” Christian says. “There’s got to be a wife enjoy bringing up their two-year- Kauffman Stadium, affectionately known as “The K.” corresponding value to what you do. If old daughter in nearby Kansas City. you can solve problems, you can make They even turned down an opportunity value to what yourself valuable.” in 2014 to move to New York and work Being part of the organization that for the Mets. “I think we’re very happy won a World Series championship has where we’re at,” says Christian. “You After graduating from Central, you do. if been quite a ride for Christian. He know, five or 10 years down the road, Christian started his sports marketing remembers the 2014 season feeling very I think there will be new challenges career as marketing assistant for the different from that of 2015. “In 2014, we and opportunities to pursue, but the San Diego Chargers before being you can solve would win a game or a series early in the business changes so much right now promoted to coordinator of marketing playoffs and feel elated about moving that you can experience a lot of growth partnerships in 2009. But when the on. In 2015, it was more of a focused without necessarily having to move or Royals came calling, Christian and his problems, type of attitude.” After losing in game be promoted.” wife, Laura Nanninga Christian ’07, seven of the World Series to the San It may be fate — the first major league jumped on the opportunity to return Francisco Giants in 2014, the Royals game Christian ever attended as a boy to the Midwest and take on a new you can make knew what they wanted in 2015 — not was in Kansas City, between the Royals challenge. just to make it to the World Series and the Texas Rangers. Truth be told, “The Royals were rebuilding their again, but to win. “Every win in 2015 Christian says his first love is probably entire organization from the baseball yourself was something we’d already done before, football—he was an offensive lineman side as well as the business side, so the until we got back to the World Series,” at Central before an injury ended his timing was right in 2010,” he says. In Christian says. career. “But I hardly even watch football his current position, Christian helps valuable.” Christian describes the 2015 season as anymore,” he says. A World Series corporate partners utilize the Royals’ an exhausting journey back. “Winning championship will do that to you. visibility and community ties to grow Ben Christian’s sports marketing career led him from Central to the San Diego the American League twice was kind their business or help them in some way. Chargers, then the Kansas City Royals. of a validation for the team and the “The objectives of each partnership are organization,” he says. “Getting back Ben and Laura (Nanninga) Christian, so different,” he says. “You could have to the World Series was the hardest both Iowa natives, enjoy living in Budweiser, whose objectives are really “We also take partners to various events, even spring training and road games Christian says working with part, and so from that point on it Kansas City with their two-year-old daughter, Emily. geared toward a beer-drinking segment, — really, wherever makes sense from both a Royals and a corporate partner Central’s longtime communications was just letting it ride and knowing and then you could have a bank, who perspective.” and sports information director that whatever happened, we’d at least is just trying to generate more credit In many ways, Christian’s job is the same, working for a Larry Happel ’81 gave him practical climbed the mountain again.” card users.” Other partners may have franchise as well as a pro football team. Companies use both types of teams to gain experience and a solid foundation to The Royals’ win was even sweeter for a recruitment or community relations visibility, attract new customers and develop a deeper connection with their current walk into an NFL franchise right out Christian because they come from a goal. customers. However, baseball’s rules and calendar are very different from those of of college. He worked with Happel for smaller, Midwestern market. “I’ve always Such client diversity means that football. “In football, you have eight games across the course of a season, where in three semesters, performing daily office kind of had a soft spot for the smaller Christian’s days can all look very baseball you have 81 games based at home,” Christian says. “This gives us a lot more work for sports information. “Having teams in baseball,” he says, “and the different. His team leverages the Royals’ flexibility in terms of time and space for a client to really own a particular game or the ability to help manage information challenges they face to win.” Christian 81 home games to help their corporate part of a season.” and think about how Central presents finds his greatest job satisfaction in partners gain visibility and meet their Christian says the NFL’s rules also presented more of a challenge when it came itself as an athletic department knowing that every move he makes individual goals. But non-game days can to marketing. “In the NFL, you can’t have advertising signage on the field level, and overall organization was really and everything his department does be just as busy. where you can really sell it in baseball. From a business standpoint, there are a lot of valuable,” Christian says. contributes to the team “hanging in advantages in baseball in terms of how you can demonstrate return on investment Christian’s advice to students there and staying competitive with the and value in your business partnerships.” interested in sports marketing is to New York, Chicago and L.A. franchises.

14 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 15 CENTRAL CONNECTIONS

by Cindy Deppe Joe Jones and Naji Naufal started making short films at Central. Now, full-time film IN HD careers take them around the world.

16 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 17 “I chose documentary, instead of narrative filmmaking, to be the eyes and voice for other people. Documentary is live, and you are capturing the situation in its fullness, in the moment, in the process of discovery. The role of the documentarian or storyteller is to spread awareness so others understand a particular issue or situation, to incite change and empathetic response. I like to call it spontaneous composition. You compose as you go, adding artistic principles to real life. There is no luxury of preconceived shots. The empathetic response you will get from storytelling Naji Naufal ’98 is now a depends on the way you edit,” he explains. documentary and multimedia Jones’ most recent work carries a producer based in Beirut. strong social justice theme. “I like to tell stories for the voiceless, those who might not be able to tell their own stories,” he says, as he talks about “But Not Forgotten,” a feature-length documentary “Cameras at that time recorded to expected to be released this fall about a VHS,” Jones recalls, “so we had to dub in mother’s quest to find the truth behind Joe Jones ’98 and Naji Naufal ’98 got their order to edit. It was a cumbersome process her son’s mysterious death. start making short films at Central, using that could take three weeks or more. Now 90s video equipment from the Media Center. with digital, you can create and edit a “When I was first introduced to this, Both Central grads now have full-time five-minute short within hours, compared I could see how the family was facing careers in film, based in Beirut and Chicago. to weeks in the old format.” obstacles to get to the basic truth and awareness. We are telling the story of the Still, Naufal remembers that the mother’s courage and persistence, to get friends “really supported each other and an intimate understanding of what family pushed one another to dream big.” chance conversation in the campus dining hall changed the course of Joe and friends have been through. We want Jones’ life. After two years at Central, Jones ’98 was considering a return CUT TO DREAMS REALIZED to show what’s really going on behind A to his native Chicago to study filmmaking and directing when he met Those big dreams have led both the scenes and provide insight in order Naji Naufal ’98. Also interested in filmmaking, Naufal had enrolled at Central as an to full-time film careers: Jones as a to effect change. The way I approach international student from West Africa, though originally from Lebanon. documentary artist based in Chicago and the story has to be objective, which is “I chose Central for two reasons: first, I had family in Pella (mathematics profes- Naufal as a multimedia producer based in ironic because I feel strongly about the sor Leland Graber was his uncle) and second, because Central was known to be a very Beirut. injustice.” good liberal arts college,” Naufal recalls. He chose to pursue filmmaking by majoring After graduating from Central, Naufal produces feature documentaries in communications and theatre, a route he described convincingly to Jones when they Jones completed an M.F.A. at Columbia and communication campaigns that first met. College, where he taught film studies. He include TV commercials, billboards and “I was on the verge of transferring when I had that chance conversation with also taught digital photography, graphic 2D/3D animations. He also produces Naji,” Jones remembers. He said ‘don’t leave to study film.’ He convinced me to stay design and other visual design courses at the opening and closing ceremonies of and study communications, education and theatre. He changed my route.” The International Academy of Design and the Beirut International Film Festival “After that conversation, Naji and I got closer. We talked passionately about art Technology. and leads the festival’s film selection Joe Jones ’98 recently returned to campus to forms, seeing the interrelationships between photography, acting, music, and how “I found that it was difficult to work committee. His Beirut festival work screen “Lakay,” his documentary about two cinema is an aggregate of those particular art forms. We talked about philosophy and as an artist with the demands of teaching. recently took him to the renowned brothers from Chicago who return to Haiti to life.” Festival de Cannes in France, where he I also worked in music production and reunite with family after the 2010 earthquake. “Naji was really my first film teacher,” Jones credits. “We checked out films from started a small business for entertainment networked with film distributors and other the Media Center and critiqued them. We moved into the townhouses as suitemates venues. That’s where I cut my teeth as an festival organizers. and would stay up ’til 1 a.m. watching foreign films. As an international student, he entrepreneur. Now I’m producing films “I have made my home in 27 places was my introduction to foreign film and those important perspectives.” independently and with In the Light around the world. After graduation, I The two also began making their own short films, using 90’s equipment from the Studios in Chicago as an independent had to do compulsory military service Media Center that both acknowledge today was “crude by comparison.” artist,” Jones says. for a year in Lebanon. As soon as I was done with the service, I enrolled in an

18 SUMMER 2016 “THE RICHNESS OF A CENTRAL IN THE CREDITS FILMMAKER’S EXPERIENCE IS DIRECTLY “WE REALLY SUPPORTED EACH OTHER AND RELATED TO THE PUSHED ONE ANOTHER TO DREAM BIG.” RICHNESS OF

NAJI NAUFAL ’98 THE FILM HE/SHE MAKES.”

intensive film directing program at the • Read as many books as possible. Naufal says, “Central College was the At the campus screening, professor of tell someone they are good just to give New York Film Academy. By the end There is nothing better than best experience for me. The kindness, theatre Mary Jo Sodd recalled her former them a response. That may not be good of 2000 I was back in Lebanon where I books to truly educate us in the generosity and openness of everyone, students’ close friendship and asked Jones for their life.’” taught theatre for all grades (K-12) in art of storytelling and character from the first day, I just don’t know that if he had been in touch with Naufal For Jones, professor of sociology Jon an American school in Beirut,” Naufal development. I could have found anywhere else. The recently. He hadn’t, but Sodd’s inquiry Witt was an early influence. “His passion relates. “In 2003, I began work as a TV • Watch as many films, from as many quality of the faculty was exemplary. I spurred him to reach out to Naufal. for sociology had an effect on me. I was commercials producer and later focused countries as possible. It’s the best way remember a faculty member telling a “When I reconnected with Naji after curious and began to see why he was so on producing documentaries and political to study editing, rhythm, music, and group of international students during years apart, we had so much to talk about; passionate about human behavior in the campaigns. Now, my wife Nora and I visual composition. orientation that ‘you have a bigger scope; we talked for nearly an hour. We would larger context. Faculty members Steve produce short documentaries and TV • Study acting and theatre. you have to reach out to others who may like to collaborate now that we are both Ybarrola (sociology) and Art Johnson segments for French national TV stations. Understanding the dichotomy of a not have that experience.’ That’s how producing,” Jones says. “Producing allows (English) also influenced my approach to We just finished a TV pilot for a fashion character’s motivation and how to Joe and I connected.” And it’s how the you to choose your own projects and filmmaking. Ybarrola helped me develop program, and we are also in the middle block a scene are all major theatrical producer pair reconnected, across decades decide what stories to tell.” understanding of the nuances of different of a communication campaign for the tools that are a must in film.” and continents, through the lens of Naufal, too, was grateful for the cultures, while Art Johnson taught me French Embassy in Beirut to encourage Jones concurs with his friend’s cinematography. Central reconnection prompted by Sodd. how to observe the nuances of people. more parents to enroll their children in advice and adds from his own “Hearing from Joe really took me back,” Both skills have helped with my writing, French-speaking schools.” experience, “Pursuing a career in the CENTRAL IN THE CREDITS he said. “It was like yesterday because character development and approach to arts is challenging. If you love it, stay Another of Jones’ documentaries of our true friendship. Dr. Sodd remains multimedia work,” he says. CALLING IT A WRAP committed. Continue to master your craft. prompted Central connections to reunite a mentor. The values I saw in her I To aspiring filmmakers Naufal would the longtime friends. Jones returned to Joe Jones ’98 recently returned to Keep learning and growing. There’s an use every day. She always gave you the give much the same advice he gave Jones campus last spring to screen “Lakay,” his campus to screen his documentary infinite amount to learn. Have as broad chance but asked you to be very frank “Lakay.” He is pictured with in 1996. “The richness of a filmmaker’s an education as you can because what documentary about two brothers from with yourself about what you could and Annique Brown Kiel ’99 and Sunny experience is directly related to the fuels art is not just skill, but the wisdom, Chicago who return to Haiti to reunite could not do, which is a good life lesson. Gonzales Eighmy ‘99. richness of the film he/she makes. ideology, philosophy and will behind it with family after the 2010 earthquake. I remember her saying ‘you should never that make it great.” CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 21 ALUMNI WILL LORA MAKE ROOM FOR CENTRAL WITH A GIFT IN HER WILL? NEWSNOTES

Each year like clockwork she does her thing. She has her reasons. LORA THINKS OF CENTRAL. When she hears the crunch of leaves underfoot. It reminds her… LORA THINKS OF CENTRAL. From her kitchen she watches her kids run to a football like so many bees to honey. It reminds her… LORA THINKS OF CENTRAL. With a warm glance back she sees her Central peeps. Round Robin. Sadie Hawkins. Lemmings. Merida. Pietenpol Cup. LORA THINKS OF CENTRAL. For many years she’s done her thing. Why would she ever stop? She doesn’t have to. Lora, like so many others, can reserve a forever gift for Central in her will.

Like clockwork. She has her reasons. Several Central grads from the class of 1980 were among those gathered for the wedding of Rachel Long, daughter of Ann Sammon Long ’80 and Dave Long ’80, in Urbandale June 4. Left to right: Monty Willyard ’80, Jill Blasius ’80, Lori Hirsch Willyard ’80, Maureen Friskey Tanis ’80, Ann Sammon Long ’80, Paul Tanis ’80, Dave Long ’80, Beth Verdoorn Draheim ’80, Ned Draheim ’80. To find out how easy and meaningful it is to include a gift to Central in your will or as a beneficiary of your IRA, call or email Don Morrison at (800) 447-0287 or [email protected]. THE ’50s from Penn State University for his work THE ’70s in developing the nation’s first online John Young ’52 retired upon celebrating graduate certificate and master’s in Sue Ebbers ’74 of Brighton, Minn., his 11-year work anniversary with professional studies program in applied retired in August after 30 years at United Enterprise and National Rental Car, where demography, and for his research on a Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, he worked on a part-time basis. John and four million-dollar National Institute of which included 21 years as director of wife Joy live in Shreveport, La. Health grant on the health of children of the library and two as dean. Gordon De Jong ’57 received an Mexican immigrants. Gordon and wife Timothy Schipper ’77 and Sue Hubers Emeritus Faculty Distinction award Caroline live in State College, Pa. of Holland, Mich., were married April 30.

Wilbur Washington, former associate professor of philosophy and religion, received an honorary degree at New Brunswick Theological Seminary commencement. From 1969-1980, Washington also served as Central’s director of counseling services, coordinator of Afro-American studies and chaplain. Washington was the Reformed Church in America’s (RCA) first African-American president of the General Synod, elected in 1988. He is known for building unity and pursuing social justice in the church and his community.

20 SPRING 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 23 c newsnotes d c newsnotes d

THE ’80s exhibit at Addington Gallery in Chicago’s THE ’00s Dannielle Lindsey ’09 and Grant Herink of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were married April 30. Dannielle is an associate manager of search marketing at hibu. River North Art District through April. Pictured first row (left to right): Audrey Harris,Brittany Harris ’09, Megan Anderson ’09, Dannielle Lindsey Herink ’09 and Bree Castle Zinkel ’09. Back row: Eric Harris ’08, and Brian Zinkel ’08. Lola Garcia ’80 of Madrid, Spain, is Manuel French ’94 has been appointed Sara Cerwinske Johnson ’00 teaches CEO at ArgentaComunicacion. director of counseling in the office of kindergarten at Lynnville –Sully Schools. Jim Langstraat ’81 is vice president of College and Career Success for the Sara and husband Kevin Johnson ’99 live finance and administration for Portland Chicago Public Schools. Manuel and wife in Sully with their family. Kevin teaches Community College. Jim and wife Lisa Sonia live in Chicago with their son. middle school language arts at Lynnville- live in Portland, Ore. Kevin Stittsworth ’95 of Knoxville Sully Schools. Pam Sagraves Soltis ’80 is is a change agent at the Change and Samantha Smith Clinkinbeard ’02 is distinguished professor and curator Innovation Agency. associate professor of criminal justice at the Florida Museum of Natural Laura Peterman Gallo ’96 is assistant at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. History at the University of Florida. In professor and coordinator at the School Samantha and husband Justin Clinkinbeard May she was elected to the National of Counseling Cognate, Boise State ’02 live in Omaha with their two children. Academy of Sciences in recognition University. Laura and husband Sam live Justin is a patient care technician at of her distinguished achievement in in Boise, Idaho, with their family. Nebraska Medical Center. original research. Among her most Rick Sanger ’96 is director of Michelle Vobr ’06 and Duane Tlusty cited contributions are papers on plant technology at FullCount in Des Moines. were married July 5, 2014. She teaches evolution and the role of genetic and Rick and wife Danielle live in Urbandale preschool in the Turkey Valley Community genomic attributes in the success of with their two daughters. School District in Jackson Junction. polyploids. Pam lives with husband Doug Jess Burroughs Burger ’99 was named Michelle and Duane live in Cresco with in Gainesville. Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year by their daughter. Rick Stahl ’87 officiated at the NCAA the School Administrators of Iowa. She is Angie Schnedler Appelgate ’07 is a Division I Wrestling Championships at principal at Hoover Elementary School in therapist at New Life Counseling in Madison Square Garden in New York, West Branch Community School District. Des Moines. Angie and husband Travis N.Y. Rick has been a collegiate official for Jess and husband Thomas live in West Appelgate ’07 live in Pleasant Hill with their 27 years, 17 consecutive NCAA Division Branch with their two sons. son and daughter. III national tournaments. He and wife Stephanie Ricklefs Stahl ’84 live with their family in Marion. Stephanie is a dental hygienist at Lyndale Dental Care in Cedar Rapids.

THE ’90s

Tammy Williamson Chase ’90 joined Navy Pier, Inc. as its director of Joe Cerwinske ’07 is news assistant at therapist at Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s THE ’10s communications and public relations — radio station KCII in Washington. satellite clinic in Glenwood. She assisted just in time to help Navy Pier celebrate Andrew Cheers ’07 and Erin Cook were in introducing a full-time athletic trainer For information about Greg Oldsen ’13, its 100-year anniversary. Tammy and married May 30, 2015. Andrew and Erin to Glenwood Community High School and see the ’00s. husband Brett live with their family in live in Madison, Wis., where Andrew provides coverage as an athletic trainer as Lindley Roorda Visser ’11 teaches fifth Chicago. works at Hormel Foods Corp. needed. Jenny and Cory live in Tabor with grade at Regina Elementary School in Chris Vlahakis ’90 is senior research Steven Dickey ’07 is revenue manager their two daughters. Iowa City. Lindley and husband Mark associate at DuPont Pioneer in Johnston. at Carlson Hotels, Inc., in Minnetonka, Jared Fritz-McCarty ’09 has been Visser ’11 live in Coralville with their son. Chris and wife Andrea Crabb Vlahakis Minn. Steve and wife Heather live in elected vice president to the National Mark is a financial analyst at West Liberty ’91 live in Ankeny with their family. Delano. Association of Graduate Admission Foods in West Liberty. Andrea completed a bachelor’s degree David Felton ’08 of Indianola is home Professionals’ regional chapter. Jared Rachael Barrett ’13 and Jared Baker in secondary education from Grand View preservation specialist at Wells Fargo and husband Christopher live in Chicago, ’13 were married Sept. 2015. Rebecca is University in 2012. Home Mortgage. where Jared is director of graduate lab manager for Flint Hills Resources in Grant McMartin ’93 of Chicago was Jennifer Brammer Lindsay ’08 is enrollment at Roosevelt University. Menlo and Jared is production operator at among a select group of artists whose psychotherapist at Water’s Edge Meghan Swella Norton ’09 is a DuPont cellulosic plant in Nevada. work was selected for juried exhibits. Counseling and Healing Center in grassroots trainer and curriculum Rebecca DeYoung ’13 is staff “Early Morning Autumn” was part of a Saint Paul, Minn., where she lives with specialist at Americans for Prosperity Greg Oldsen ’13 (back) visited the third grade classroom of Krysten Wormley Osby ’05 accountant at Central College. group exhibit at the University of Iowa’s husband Michael. Foundation. Meghan and husband in the Newton Community School District. Greg, an environmental studies graduate who Jared Hottle ’13 is football offensive Old Capital Museum, in which only seven Jenny Owens ’08 and Cory Delavan were Nicholas live in Fort Collins, Colo. works as a naturalist II for Jasper County Conservation, visits classrooms and teaches coordinator at Dakota State University in out of the possible 3,000 were selected married Oct. 16, 2010. Jenny is physical students to love science. “I am so grateful for him and his expertise,” said Krysten. “My Madison, S.D. for exhibit. His painting “A Midsummer students never want him to leave!” Greg is pictured with two of Krysten’s students; Ella, Regan Jamieson ’13 of Lenexa, Kan., Night’s Dream” was on display at daughter of Meggan Machin ’02 and Zane, son of Malissa Penning Munger ’05. is administrative manager at Berkshire “Chicago Artists Interpret Shakespeare”

24 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 25 c newsnotes d c newsnotes d

Danielle Aldridge ’13 and Zach Cole of Woodward were married at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines May 14. Danielle is secretary and fitness specialist at Mercy Wellness Center. Pictured (left to right): Allison Webb, Danielle Aldridge Cole ’13, Megan Overton Bouska ’13, and Stephanie Holtkamp Vallone ’13.

“The history of an institution like Central is written by the hands of alumni and friends. It’s impossible to imagine an institution that is over 160 years old without the commitment of generations of people who have enabled this college to be successful year after year. The Journey Scholarship Fund is the most important expression of that because it’s a gift directly to students.”

- Mark Putnam, President

Make your gift to students today by using the enclosed envelope or online at www.central.edu/give

Hathaway Home Services Kansas City Grant is tax consultant for Deloitte in Des Blaze also serves as vice president at The Jessica Riebkes ’14, master’s degree, Hattie Ellynn, Oct. 17 Lois Archer Keerl ’55 of Evansville, Realty. Moines. Outdoor Circle-Next Generation Branch, biology, University of Northern Iowa, May Cory and Jenny Owens Delavan ’08, Ind., April 27 Karleigh Miller ’13 of Eau Claire will sit Annette Dean ’15 was among 2,000 a non-profit organization whose mission daughter Lucy Owens, Jan. 31 Marlin Daniels ’61 of Belmond, May 15 for the Wisconsin Bar in July, after which students awarded the National Science is to bring different perspectives to Monica and Jonathan McWilliams ’10, David Damkot ’65 of Jericho, Vt., April she will practice criminal defense. Foundation GRFP Fellowship from environmental issues in Hawaii. NEW ARRIVALS daughter Stella Jane, March 16 18 Jazmyn West ’13 of Mingo is project the 17,000 who applied. The award Mark ’11 and Lindley Roorda Visser ’11, Vic Manussier ’65 of Auburn, Ala., Feb. manager at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance funds up to three years of her graduate Justin ’02 and Samantha Smith son Coen Lee, Aug. 17, 2015 28 in Grinnell. training at the University of Wisconsin- ADVANCED DEGREES Clinkinbeard ’02, daughter Josephine Kirby ’12 and Abigail Sparks Rock ’12, Gary McClimen ’65 of Urbandale, May Morgan Baustian ’14 of Brooklyn Madison, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Elizabeth, Aug. 28 son Jackson David, March 4 2 is assistant branch manager at QPS genetics, studying the innervation of the Laura Peterman Gallo ’96, master’s Mallory and Matt Brandt ’03, daughter Matthew Stoner and Kasandra Humble James Hoekstra ’66 of Ames, May 2 Employment Group in Grinnell. mammalian lung in the lab of Xin Sun. degree, school counseling, University Aubrey Mae, April 20 ’16, son Jackson Dean, March 16 Gloria Radmaker Baun ’72 of Lebanon, Kevin Kaerwer ’14 is assistant Hannah Gettes ’15 of Clinton is interim of Iowa, 2005; doctorate, counselor Brita and Jacob Oyen ’04, son Henry Mo., Feb. 20 basketball coach at Angelo State membership assistant at the Clinton education, University of Iowa, May Lawrence, April 12 IN MEMORIAM Michael McDonald ’76 of Iowa Falls, University in San Angelo, Texas. Area Chamber of Commerce. This spring Michelle Vobr Tlusty ’06, master’s Steffanie and Kevin Bonnstetter ’05, Feb. 24 Keegan Overbey ’14 of Waterloo is an Hannah was a featured guest on Paula degree, special education, University of son Kade William, March 16 Janet Dykema Broadwell ’39 of York, Charles Koons ’79 of Newton, March intensive care unit nurse at Unity Point Sands Live (KWQC_TV6), where she Northern Iowa, Dec. 2013 Steve and Melissa Miller Brock ’05, son S.C., March 15 23 Health. He is in his second semester in talked about being named the winner of Andrew Cheers ’07, master’s degree, Kyle Stephen, April 16 Bernace Vander Linden Cherkala ’41 of Michael Nieland ’79 of Ankeny, April the master’s program at Allen College the Oh So Sweet Cupcake Challenge and business administration, Creighton Adam ’05 and Trichelle Velky Jackson Kent, Ohio, May 16 21 and plans to graduate in 2018 as nurse featured some of her signature cupcakes. University, May ’08, daughter Hazel Mae, Nov. 13 Viola Knox ’47 of Knoxville, Feb. 18 Michael Lunasco ’82 of Waialua, practitioner. Chelsey Pierce ’15 and Chris Sirridge Karleigh Miller ’13, juris doctorate Jonathan and Jennifer Erickson Armand Renskers ’50 of Urbandale, Hawaii, Jan. 18 Gabriel Sandler ’14 of West Des Moines ’15 of Pella were married May 7. Chelsey and master’s degree in negotiation and Schoeberl ’05, son Lincoln Clarence, Feb. April 4 Jeffrey Pogemiller ’84 of Cave Creek, is legislative correspondent for Senator teaches kindergarten at Prairie City conflict resolution, Creighton University, 8 Myrna Guthrie ’51 of Newton, March 1 Ariz., April 14 Chuck Grassley. Elementary and Chris is an admission May 14 Eriko Sasaki Ishii ’06, daughter Rina, Robert Ellsworth ’52 of Alexandria, La., Gary Lubbert, former assistant professor Grant Seuferer ’14 is winner of the counselor at Central College. Kevin Kaerwer ’14, master’s degree in March 16 March 23 of management (1988-96), May 16 2015 Elijah Watt Sells Award. The Blaze Smith ’15, of Honolulu, Hawaii, education, coaching, sport, recreation Duane Tlusty and Michelle Vobr ’06, Beryl Bellmeyer Hoff ’54 of East Jay Huitsing ’09H of Tucson, Ariz., April prestigious award was earned by just is office administrator and immigration and fitness administration, Angelo State daughter Madelynn Ann, May 14, 2015 Stroudsburg, Pa., Feb. 24 16 0.08 percent of 2015 CPA candidates. advisor at the Academia Language School. University, May Janet and Dawn Nissen ’07, daughter

26 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 27 c newsnotes d

Central alumni, families and friends celebrated summer with a June picnic and Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park in Des Moines. WHERE ARE THEY NOW John and Carol Vruwink by Jenni Hodges

John ’58 and Carol Dulmes Vruwink ’60 graduated from Central with degrees in art and biology. John returned in 1965 and taught art for 37 years. Carol also joined Central’s faculty, teaching accounting for 23 years.

After retiring, John and Carol lived on an acreage between Pella and Knoxville Melody Van Zee Miller ‘80, Adam Rodriguez, for 10 years. While there, they volunteered at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Amy Meyer ‘11, Juliana Dryer ‘11 and Emily Miller ‘10 with daughter Bianca Mendez developed an art gallery at Second Reformed Church. Carol also served as treasurer for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. In 2010, the Vruwinks moved to North Carolina to be closer to family.

What do you miss most about Central? Carol: Long term friendships — and the students. I loved the diversity of my department — gender, ethnicity and areas of study. My best memories as a student were A Cappella Choir and band tours, and early morning birding expeditions. As a faculty member, the highlight was moving into Weller Center after many years of planning. John: I miss having access to the art department — especially the glass studio — and comradery with faculty and students. I loved the small classes. As a student, serving on CAB was a favorite memory.

Children of Laura Petty Wickham ‘04: Keith Pothoven ‘74 appears with What are you doing now? Alison Wickham, Tayler Wickham and his grandson Noah Deaver We serve on the Liturgical Arts Committee at First Presbyterian Church in Asheville. We’ve developed an art gallery and are Hadley Wickham. involved with several ministries with our homeless neighbors, including Saturday Sanctuary, a ministry that provides a safe, warm place on Saturday afternoons with hearty food during the winter months. Carol rings handbells with the Blue Ridge Ringers (just completed our spring series of seven concerts during May) and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. John rents studio time at Asheville Glass for flame working and is still active with his horses. We enjoy the beauty of nature and art in the Asheville area and Blue Ridge Mountains — and we enjoy activities with our kids and grandkids. REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Do you miss anything about Iowa and Pella? Register online or mail in your registration card. We miss Second Reformed Church, Jaarsma’s Bakery, Christmas Candlelight Concerts, long-time friends. The weather? Not so ?much! CENTRAL COLLEGE Join alumni, families and friends HOMECOMING at homecoming to enjoy a variety SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2 of events for all ages.

2016 For a full schedule, visit

www.central.edu/alumni/homecoming. Alumni are invited to submit Newsnotes online. We want to hear about recent promotions, degrees, honors, relocations, marriages and births to keep classmates and friends informed about important changes in your life. Update information online at civitas.central.edu or email [email protected]. News items also are welcome by phone, 800-447-0287 or 641-628-5154. Or send a note to Central College Alumni Office, 812 University, Campus Box 5200, Pella, IA 50219.

28 SUMMER 2016 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 29 c PARTING SHOT d PS Hungarian-Style Math During her semester in Budapest, Paige Wilkin developed new ideas for teaching math in Iowa. by Jenni Hodges

special,” Weber says. “The instructors are top notch, and they’re practicing teachers, Junior Paige Wilkin was Central’s too. I can’t even explain how good they first participant exploring math were and how masterfully they set up education in Hungary through a problems and guided students through CONGRATS new partnership. them.” In Hungary, math is taught as one CLASS OF subject, and students are prepared to use geometry, algebra, trigonometry, etc. together to solve problems. “I have really enjoyed learning math in a way that I never have before,” says Wilkin. “I am really excited to join American and Hungarian teaching ideas in my future classroom.” While abroad, Wilkin also surprised herself by finding teaching ideas in new 2016 ways. “I was dreaming about class one night, and I thought of a game for my lesson plan in the dream,” she wrote. “I Hungary knows how to teach math. It was a difficult time for ilkinW to wonder if this is how my life will be as a The country’s reputation draws math leave home — just one week after her teacher, that I think of an idea or new way majors from across America — and last stepfather died from pancreatic cancer. “If to explain things and wake up in middle of spring, its first student from Central. Junior there is one thing that I knew that Mike night to write it down.” Paige Wilkin, a math major from Center wanted me still to do, even after receiving Wilkin also immersed herself in Point, participated in Budapest Semester the diagnosis, it was to continue my plan Hungarian life. She ran her first half in Mathematics Education, a partner to go abroad,” Wilkin wrote in her blog marathon in Budapest, trained by the program now available to Central math while in Budapest. “I have been doing my Danube and learned to give directions and secondary education students. best to make the most of this opportunity.” through Budapest. “Experiencing a new The chance to study math education Wilkin began her semester abroad culture has been the most important part is rare and valuable, says professor of with two weeks of intensive Hungarian of my time here,” she says. “I have loved mathematics Wendy Weber. In Iowa, language study. Then a three-week getting to call Budapest my new home.” and especially at small colleges, math shopping period began, when students can After Wilkin returned, Weber received and education coursework are separated. try as many classes as they want before an email from her instructors in Budapest, Weber says Wilkin, who hopes to teach deciding which interest them most. expressing how Wilkin impressed them. math in Iowa after graduation, gained a During the semester, Weber and ”They want more Central students,” says significant advantage through Central’s assistant professor of education Melissa Weber, “which is way cool.” new partnership. “She’s going to be far McAninch received a Moore Family ahead of other teachers because of this Foundation grant to spend a week experience,” Weber says. experiencing the program. “I was so impressed — those classes are really

CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU 31 Read Civitas on the go at Summer 2016 Vol. 22 No. 1 USPS096-840 civitas.central.edu!

“We’re finding that these interventions are effective and we’re trying to get them in the hands of more teachers,” Hulleman says, Alumni Spotlight adding that he loves what he is doing. Hulleman admits he was not overly excited Research Professor Improves Learning Experience to fulfill the request of his parents, both by Michelle Chalkey Central alumni, to visit Central College as a teenager — but the relationships he formed what they’re doing and have a more positive right away set him on a path for intellectual outlook. These interventions are meant to growth and success. After his first meeting help people find value, meaning and purpose with Ed Willis, retired psychology professor, in what they’re learning.” Hulleman was sold on going to Central. Hulleman entered his college education “He didn’t try to recruit me,” Hulleman in the same predicament as many 18-year- says. “He tried to get to know me. That’s what olds — unsure what he wanted his career to you wanted coming into college—someone to be. Starting with a degree in general studies care about you.” from Central, Hulleman has continued to This May, Hulleman returned to Central add higher degrees, prestigious awards and as commencement speaker for the graduating valuable experience to his resume. class. He shared an idea from his research, Chris Hulleman ’93 was Central’s 2016 As a junior at Central, Hulleman first which he has focused on for 15 years: mindset commencement speaker and received an realized psychology was “cool”, and he as GPS. Hulleman encouraged graduates to honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. wanted to use his education to help people use their skills to persevere in unfamiliar achieve their dreams. After graduating from situations, such as new jobs and relationships, Central, he first earned a graduate diploma which will enable them to enjoy life and have Chris Hulleman aims to make a difference from the University of Western Australia, more success. in people’s lives with his career. Hulleman then went on to earn a master’s degree and “I’m thankful for my Central College designs and develops interventions in Ph.D. in experimental social and personality experience,” Hulleman says. “I know that classrooms that lead teachers, students, psychology from the University of Wisconsin- these students have so much to take with coaches and athletes on paths to happy and Madison in 2007. In 2009, he won the Paul them. I don’t want them to let obstacles hold healthy lives. The 1993 Central graduate R. Pintrich Outstanding Dissertation Award them back.” is now research associate professor at the from the American Psychological Association. Hulleman says he learned how to be an University of Virginia (UVA). Hulleman At UVA, Hulleman now conducts research intellectual and a deep thinker in his time also co-coordinates the Motivation Research on education interventions grounded in at Central. Now, when people ask which Ivy Institute and teaches as an adjunct faculty theories of social and personality psychology, League school he came from, Hulleman says member in the Department of Graduate motivation and human development. His he is proud to tell people he is from Iowa and Psychology at James Madison University. recent research on intervention fidelity has went to Central College. “The world needs a lot of help,” Hulleman focused on preschool science classrooms “You really can go and live your dreams said of his current research. “I get to use what and on the contribution of the Responsive and do whatever you want to do,” says I know to help people become motivated and Classroom Approach to children’s social and Hulleman. “Central helps you figure out how learn about themselves so they can enjoy academic growth. to do that.”