WINTER 2020 cENtRaL CENTRAL COLLEGE CIVITAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

10 THE CENTRAL CONNECTION CREATING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS 14 SCHOLARSHIPS AT CENTRAL WHY THEY'RE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

18 STYX THE BIGGEST BLOWOUT IN DOUWSTRA

SPECIAL GUEST EDITOR KYLE MUNSON ’94 PRESIDENT’S CORNER

A FACULTY IS A LEARNING COMMUNITY BY: MARK PUTNAM CENTRAL COLLEGE PRESIDENT

e have a remarkable faculty at Central. Each year I look forward to W attending our annual Endowed Chairs Conference. This event is an internal symposium for our faculty hosted by those who hold an endowed chair or distinguished professorship. The purpose is to share scholarly papers or presentations, teaching innovations and artistic performances. There is such a warmth of community experienced in this setting as faculty members have the opportunity to engage in a learning community and collectively explore wide-ranging academic interests. These conversations have given rise to research collaborations, international education opportunities and mutual support for teaching excellence. I just marvel at the quality of their work and find Central College President Mark Putnam smiles during the annual Endowed Chairs Conference. such joy simply being present. Some of the most interesting moments are ideas they obtained at a professional work of those more recent to the profession. for me come from hearing faculty members conference or through a journal within Our new faculty each brings a set of unique explore topics outside their expertise. their discipline. The resulting conversation interests to explore and seek input from I see them become students again as typically is an exploration of how that others on ideas they are generating. There scientists reflect on images in art history, teaching innovation might be applied to is also a sense of appreciation for what musicians encounter emerging economic a learning setting in a different discipline. everyone contributes to the intellectual and concepts and sociologists examine themes This year I participated in a session in artistic life of our academic community. in literature. I remember one presentation which a group sorting task was used to There is something special about I still don’t fully understand in which teach us about specific aspects of anatomy. becoming a student again. We are reminded an economist, a computer scientist and Yet the point the presenters made was that of the vast and expanding body of knowledge. a philosopher presented together on such an approach could be used in many We recall what it’s like to be a novice. We Bitcoin, each using a different lens. It was different disciplines in which a process, discover new connections among seemingly a wonderful manifestation of collaboration system or pattern is a target for learning. disparate ideas. A great faculty is really a across disciplines. Each year I am impressed as our newer community of learners who together embody From time to time, individual faculty faculty members become the teachers of a love for liberal learning. members will present a “teaching gem” they our more experienced colleagues. I am At Central, we are blessed. have designed and implemented in the continually warmed by the interest and classroom, studio or lab. Sometimes these affirmation senior members express in the

2 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 3 WINTER 2020

CENTRAL COLLEGE civitas TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05 Photography by: Paul Joy

Winter 2020 | Issue 3 FEATURES

SPECIAL GUEST EDITOR Kyle Munson ’94

EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Weeks [email protected] SENIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR 10 14 18 Melody VanderLeest CONNECTIONS SCHOLARSHIPS STYX [email protected] AT CENTRAL AT CENTRAL AT CENTRAL CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Lasting relationships With our new annual Special Guest Editor Derek De Haan open doors tuition, scholarships at Kyle Munson ’94 looks Raigen Furness ’20 between students Central are more back on ’s 1975 and alumni. important than ever. concert in Douwstra. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jeff Bersch Jordan Bohr ’15 AROUND THE POND 4 Cyvannah Vecchio ATHLETICS UPDATES 6 Alexandria Wilson CENTRAL SCENE 8 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Joy ALUMNI NEWSNOTES 22 [email protected] DONOR PROFILE 34 NEWSNOTES EDITORS PARTING SHOT 35 Mary Benedict Lisa Thurman Fyfe ’87 Lynne Petty Peggy Johnson Van Den Berg ’83 [email protected]

SPORTS EDITOR [email protected] Larry Happel ’81 CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU [email protected] 812 UNIVERSITY ST., PELLA, 50219 MARKETING AND 800-447-0287 PROJECT MANAGEMENT Steffanie Bonnstetter [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MARKETING Civitas is published by the Central communications office for alumni, parents and COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA friends of Central College. For information on the Civitas mission, visit civitas.central.edu. Denise Lamphier Civitas (USPS 096-840) is published quarterly by Central College, 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219-1999. [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at Pella, Iowa, and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes (PS 3579) to Civitas, 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219-1999. DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING AND Address changes also may be sent to [email protected]. ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Corey Falter [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT 10% Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99 [email protected] 10% Post-Consumer Fiber 2 | CIVITAS Production notes: Civitas is printed with a vegetable-based ink by Town Crier, Pella, Iowa.WINTER 2020 | 3 around the pond

NOEL COVER FOUNDATION GIFT and its students,” says Sunny Gonzales Central recently received a $50,000 gift Eighmy ’99, Central’s vice president for from the Noel Cover Foundation of advancement. “Many Central students Cozad, Nebraska. have benefitted from the foundation’s Central is one of four colleges that gifts during the past four decades.” receive regular gifts from the foundation and the only Iowa institution represented. Since the foundation was WORLD FOOD  IHSSA HALL OF FAME established in 1972, Central has PRIZE LECTURE Dennis Doyle, professor of communication received $1,236,000 in support leading Maria Andrade, a studies at Central, was inducted into the Iowa to 273 scholarships for 120 students. native of the Cape Verde High School Speech Association Hall of Fame The foundation provides Islands, presented Central’s in October. Doyle has been a coach and scholarships to needy, deserving and annual World Food Prize longtime judge for the IHSSA. He started promising young men from Iowa, lecture in October at judging in 1989 when he started at Central. Colorado, Wyoming or Nebraska who Cox-Snow Recital Hall. Doyle has judged at all levels for the IHSSA, attend one of the following four Andrade received the prize in 2016 for including district, state and all-state in both the colleges: Central, University of helping develop disease-resistant, individual and large group areas. He is the only Denver (Colorado), St. Olaf College drought-tolerant, high-yielding varieties of person ever to judge all six areas in one year. (Minnesota) and Hastings College orange-fleshed sweet potato that can flourish “I was a bit overwhelmed, but I feel gratitude (Nebraska). Recipients must study in in the variable soils and climate of for the recognition by the IHSSA and proud fields related to science, scientific sub-Saharan Africa. of my association with the excellent speech research, mechanical engineering and It was a breakthrough that reduced the education occurring in our state,” Doyle says. craftsmanship, medicine, medical devastating effects of vitamin A deficiency, Doyle was joined at the ceremony by fellow research or social science. which contributed to high rates of blindness, honoree Marilyn Shaw, an instructor at the “We are extremely grateful to the diarrhea, immune system disorders and University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Noel Cover Foundation for its significant, premature death in children and pregnant The two became the 66th and 67th inductees long-term support of Central College women in Africa. since the hall’s founding in 1976.

UNDERGRAD RESEARCH Elizabeth Sheldon ’21, left, and Lexi Engen ’21 presented “Voted Most Popular: Which Prairie Plants Attract the Greatest Number and Diversity of Native Bees?” during the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium in Geisler Library. It was one of 15 projects by students who worked full time on the research throughout the summer. Sheldon is an environmental studies major from Chandler, Arizona, while Engen is a biology major from Center Point, Iowa.

4 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 5 SPORTS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR Central offered a Sports Leadership Seminar to area high school athletes and coaches in January. Three 90-minute sessions were conducted on consecutive Sundays. Athletics director and head wrestling coach Eric Van Kley, senior associate athletics MID-AMERICANA LAUNCH PARTY TOOTHBRUSH CLUB director and associate RAYGUN Des Moines hosted a launch Central’s Toothbrush Club is the newest head coach party for the podcast “Mid-Americana: and largest student club on campus with Alicia O’Brien, head Stories from a Changing Midwest” in 546 members. Micah Vermeer ’05 (second softball coach George November. It is a project of Central College from left), dentist at Pella Family Dentistry, Wares ’76 and head professors Joshua Dolezal, left, professor of donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to the football coach Jeff English, and Brian Campbell, director of club for one of its meetings. McMartin ’90 facilitated sustainability education. the seminar with special You can listen to the first season, available guest instructors and on the website www.midamericana.com, members of Central’s and it can be downloaded through Apple, Student-Athlete Advisory Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher. Committee. Each session featured presentations, breakout discussions and group activities. “Leadership has always been viewed as important in athletics, but in recent years, more and more teams and coaches have discovered how critical a role it really plays in a successful program,” Van Kley says. “Central has become very purposeful about developing better leaders on our teams through leadership councils. It makes sense to extend that support to high school teams.” “Central’s facilitators are uniquely qualified to lead the sessions,” Van Kley says. “Leadership development is a passion for each of them. They are longtime students of the subject beyond the experience they’ve gained as coaches. Coach McMartin is an instructor at leadership camps across the SERVICE DAY Doane ’98, director of community-based country each summer. Coach O’Brien and Central held its annual Service Day Oct. learning. “Service Day really complements Coach Wares have provided leadership 29 with more than 600 volunteers taking what we do year-around. It’s an activity that instruction in numerous settings throughout part in nearly 50 projects. Students, faculty advances our ability as students, faculty and Iowa and around the U.S.” and staff volunteered in Pella, Knoxville, staff, along with the college and community Newton, Oskaloosa and the Des Moines partners, to strive to reach potential.” metro area. Each year during Service Day, tulip

SECRETARY The milestone event has been part of bulbs are planted for the Pella Historical NAIG VISIT Central’s commitment to service learning Society and Museum in preparation for Iowa Secretary of since 2006. More than 45 academic courses Tulip Time. Other projects this year took Agriculture Mike Naig across 15 departments have semester-long place at the Children and Family Urban visited Central’s campus components in service-learning. Movement in Des Moines and the Centre in November to present “Service Day is just one component of for Arts and Artists in Newton. “Conversations on our holistic approach to service-learning and Clean Water in Iowa.” community engagement,” says Cheri Trout

4 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 5 ATHLETICS UPDATES

DUTCH KICKING STAR ALBERTS CLUTCH IN CLASSROOM BY: LARRY HAPPEL ’81

Jon Alberts ’20 tests well. “I wouldn’t say I get nervous for tests,” about my keys — keeping my shoulders still Whether he’s being tested in a Principles Alberts said. “I kind of enjoy them, in a and swinging up through the ball — so I of Finance exam in the Weller Center or weird way. It’s satisfying when I take a test don’t get in my own head.” by a last-minute fi eld goal at Ron and Joyce and know everything. Some people freak out Alberts became Central’s 15th AFCA Schipper Stadium, he gets high marks. about tests, but I don’t.” All-America pick, earning fi rst-team Yes, exams in the Weller Center tend to But as the clock ticked down Nov. 9 with honors, and was a fi nalist for the Fred draw fewer spectators. Central nearing fi eld-goal range and knotted Mitchell Award as the nation’s top small- Alberts carries a 3.91 GPA as a senior 49-49 against nationally ranked kicker. He received all-conference business management and philosophy College, Alberts felt a surge of anxiety. recognition for the third consecutive year double major, while kicking fi eld goals at an That’s when his mental preparation became and was cited as the league’s special teams 86.4% clip for the Central as important as his physical training. player of the week four times this year and team, with a perfect 59-for-59 mark in extra “I was defi nitely trying to fake it until I nine times overall. points in the regular season. He helped the made it by just acting super calm and telling He’s also a fi rst-team CoSIDA Academic Dutch to a share of a record 31st conference myself I was calm,” he says. “There’s no way All-America pick and a three-time academic championship and a 21st NCAA Division to avoid pressure sometimes, and when I go all-conference honoree. His 48-yard fi eld III playoff berth. out there I feel it in my legs, but I try not to goal Oct. 5 at was the Alberts confesses that a decisive kick stirs overthink. I try not to let the pressure get to longest in the conference. His school-record up more uneasiness than an essay question. me. But if it does, I block it out and think 55-yarder last year at Wartburg was the

6 | CIVITAS longest in Division III. About the only points and the 10 minutes we do kickoffs. FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP thing hampering his All-America hopes The rest of practice, we don’t really care was, ironically, Central’s offensive efficiency. what you’re doing.’ I would take advantage 1 5 The Dutch turned 46 red zone trips into of that and go find an open field and kick 36 touchdowns, leaving fewer field goal on my own.” opportunities for Alberts than many of He uses a similar motivation when it’s his competitors. time to study. 2 6 That’s fine with him. “I’ve always been disciplined about the “I always say I like to kick extra points things I cared about,” he says. “I’ve always rather than field goals because that means cared about grades, so I do my schoolwork we scored a touchdown,” he says. as best I can.” 3 7 But the life of a kicker can sometimes be Alberts initially eyed law school and a lonely existence. Teammates run drills. opted for a philosophy major, but now he’s Alberts kicks. Teammates review game aiming for a career in finance. His first plans. Alberts kicks. Teammates watch film. philosophy class was with Mark Thomas, 4 8 Alberts does homework. assistant professor of philosophy, now A kicker’s playbook is pretty slim. his advisor. “My coaches will send me film, and I “I always thought that I would be a good watch all my kicks,” he says. “But that takes lawyer because I like arguments, writing and 1 FOOTBALL me 15 minutes, whereas they game plan for persuasive things like that, and that’s sort 10-2 overall, 7-1 conference. Won share of record 31st the other team.” of what philosophy is,” Alberts says. “We The time on the field is brief, but had good classroom discussions. I wound up league title and gained 21st NCAA Division III playoff with the game on the line, the kicker’s liking it and stayed with it.” berth where team advanced to the second round. role suddenly is most important. That He’s stayed with the Dutch as well. 2 responsibility fosters a self-discipline that “We’ve had a tradition of great MEN'S SOCCER translates well to academic life. kickers here, and he is raising the bar,” 14-4-2 overall, 6-1-1 conference. Won “My position is very accountable,” coach Jeff McMartin ’90 says. “He first-ever conference title and received first Alberts says. “In high school, my coach just really pushes himself. He’s just a NCAA tournament berth. Taylor kind of let me loose. He said, ‘You just have rock-solid kid and a rock-solid kicker. Petkovich ’20 named league defensive to be ready for the five minutes we do extra He loves the big moment.” MVP. Head coach Garry Laidlaw and assistants named staff of the year.

3 WOMEN'S SOCCER 6-10-2 overall, 1-6-1 conference. Elise Askelsen ’20 named CoSIDA Academic All-District for second year in row.

4 MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Fourth in conference, eighth of 28 teams at NCAA Division III Central Regional. Nate Sanders ’21 on all-region team.

5 WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Fifth in conference, 21st of 30 teams at NCAA Division III Central Regional.

6 WOMEN'S GOLF Fourth in conference. Emily Opsal ’20 gains all-conference honors for third time.

7 WOMEN'S 5-6 overall, 4-4 conference (fifth place). Karleigh Schilling ’21 gains all-conference honors for third time.

8 “I'VE ALWAYS BEEN DISCIPLINED ABOUT 17-13 overall, 2-6 conference (tie, seventh place). Outside hitter Krissa Larson ’22 receives THE THINGS I CARE ABOUT.” honorable mention all-conference.

— JON ALBERTS ’20 WINTER 2020 | 7 CENTRAL SCENE PHOTO BY: PAUL JOY A mix of seasons on Oct. 29, 2019, makes for a beautiful view on Central’s campus.

8 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 9 8 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 9 Students have four pivotal years at Central College to create the connections they’ll need to formulate a lifetime of success. Central’s programs and offerings prioritize these crucial encounters between students and top-tier influencers.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY: CYVANNAH VECCHIO

Pictured from left to right, Zach Goering ’22, Sam DePauw ’22 and Alex Garcia ’22 pose in front of Vista Tower during a frigid boat tour

10 | CIVITAS along the Chicago River in late October. MOVE-IN DAY Applicants are required to submit a résumé, Chicago by alumni and friends of Central, Fresh coffee, tart lemonade and sugary information about their chosen majors and logging more than 10 miles of walking in donut holes: This trio of welcome minors, and a statement about what they two days, as they learned how a Central refreshments sweetens Move-In Day at hope to gain from the experience. Spots are degree translates into real-world careers. the start of Central College’s fall semester. awarded by the two faculty members who In addition to business tours, Central Incoming freshmen and their families staff the trip: Tuan Nguyen, assistant professor students were wined and dined by Central are greeted by a bustling hive of students, of economics, and Maggie Fisher Schlerman ’02, alumni at Smoke Daddy — known widely alumni, faculty and staff busily hauling associate professor of accounting, in as “Chicago’s best barbeque” — across the new students’ belongings into their consultation with all EAM faculty members. street from Wrigley Field. Alumni Kent campus home away from home. Betty “We really try to select sophomores and Jager ’80, Christine Epperly Ieuter ’91 and Balder Bollard ’84 knows how crucial juniors who are likely to go to Chicago for David Bock ’95 mingled with students. Huddled these first interactions are for the fresh an internship, to participate in the Chicago conversations peppered the dining room as wave of students and their parents. Semester or pursue a full-time job in alums circulated among students, with the “I want to be the warm, friendly face Chicago after graduation,” Schlerman says. old-timey backdrop of a live bluegrass band. that greets the families with a smile and This year’s crop of students included “The Chicago trip opened my eyes to an encouraging word on what can be a eight sophomores, three juniors and one opportunities in a different environment somewhat stressful day,” Bollard says. “It’s senior with majors in accounting, actuarial and location that I would never have been nice Central has volunteers available to science, business management, economics, introduced to without Central and its answer last-minute questions for incoming management information systems and political amazing alumni,” says Luke Lubbers ’22, freshmen and their parents. The Move-In science. They were whisked around an undeclared major from Winterset, Iowa. Day process says to parents, ‘Yes, somebody here cares about your child.’ “The refreshments we offer are a sweet perk, too!” CHICAGO EAM TRIP Bollard is among a group of alumni who are teachers in Pella and have volunteered at Move-In Day for more than 15 years. “Having alumni at welcome tents on Move-In Day is so important in welcoming the newest members of the Central family to campus,” says Mary Benedict, assistant Front row (seated, left to right): Director of Career and Professional Development director of alumni relations. “It’s a great Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05, Ashley Millard ’22, Sam DePauw ’22, example of how you are a member of Riley Albertson ’22, Alex Garcia ’22 and Terry Hefel ’22. Back row (left to the family even after graduation. It’s fun right): Three Walgreens employees, Chace Palm ’21, Joel Collett ’21, Taylor when alumni volunteer at the tents at the Petkovich ’20, Associate Professor of Accounting Maggie Fisher residence hall they lived in, telling stories Schlerman ’02, Assistant Professor of Economics Tuan Nguyen, Luke about when they lived there.” Lubbers ’22, Zach Goering ’22, Kale Weis ’22, Walgreens employee, Central’s expansive and invested base of Myah Wegman ’21, Dean Chapman ’86 and Walgreens employee. alumni and friends interacts with students Dean Chapman '86, former director of supply chain at Walgreens, kicked off the at every stage of their educational journey. Chicago business tours in the board room. Students were intrigued by the two-year Opportunities are sprinkled throughout the rotational strategy used to give new hires a well-rounded perspective on supply-chain year, often organized around shared interests. processes. Qualitative anecdotes revealed most employees emerged from rotations with a newfound respect for jobs they hadn’t been interested in pursuing. Central OFF-CAMPUS OFFERINGS students found this model attractive in its intention to give new employees the opportunity Central’s economics, accounting and to explore the wider workplace before committing to a narrower career track. “I like the idea of trying different areas before making a decision,” says Zach Goering ’22. business management department (EAM) trip to Chicago, for example, is packed full of face time with business professionals in Chicagoland through informative and relaxed conversations with Central alumni. The three-day trip’s anonymous sponsor, from the Central Class of 1991, says her motivation behind funding the annual David Bock '95, vice president of operational risk at the global financial services firm expedition is “to show students they can ABN AMRO Clearing, made the Central student visitors feel the Dutch love with an offering of stroopwafels. ABN AMRO’s storied history as a Dutch bank echoes the Pella do anything and go anywhere with a heritage. Internship possibilities at ABN AMRO were appealing to Central students, Central degree.” given the globetrotting opportunities to Australia, the Netherlands and more. Bock Now in its third year, the Chicago EAM double majored in math and computer science, minored in business management and trip is a fantastic experiential learning participated in Central’s London study abroad program. opportunity for a select group of Central students majoring in business-related fields.

WINTERCIVITAS 2020 | 11 HANDSHAKE The reality of the working world is that Connecting with alumni and Central employers want more and more experience partners is easy for students. In fact, all for entry level positions. The Career Kickstarter it takes is Handshake. Handshake is a program gives students a jumpstart early in digital community created for students, their educational journey, with additional recent grads, employers and career centers. internship opportunities down the road. Handshake lets students: “Employers are engaging with students + Access Central’s Career and Professional earlier and earlier in their college careers Development resources and create and want to see workplace experience on appointments with staff. their résumés,” says Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05, + Discover career opportunities. Central’s director of career and professional + Get job and internship recommendations. development. “And Central has a large and + Ask for advice from fellow students who enthusiastic local alumni base that’s eager got great jobs. to provide such experiences. I see it as a + Central College is connected through natural way for students to make connections Handshake with 1,500 employers, locally off campus and gain professional experience CONNECTION QUEEN and nationally. early in their time at Central.” Director of Career and Professional Development + Employers have posted more than Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05 (right) is Central 4,000 jobs for Central students since WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE students’ go-to resource for career connections. August 2019. Central introduced “Leadership for the + Central students have submitted 90 Common Good: Women’s Leadership HOMETOWN: Pella, Iowa applications for jobs posted in Handshake. Conference” in Fall 2019. The three- MAJORS: Spanish and Art Employers can find future leaders at day conference gave Central juniors, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: Spanish Club, Art central.join.handshake.com. nominated by faculty and staff Club, Modern Language House and Work Study Handshake connects employers, talent members, the opportunity to meet STUDY ABROAD: Mérida, Mexico (two and colleges in one convenient location. with regional female leaders. These semesters), and Hangzhou, China (summer) leaders, including Iowa Gov. Kim INTERNSHIP: Uxmal de Taxco, Mérida CAREER KICKSTARTER Reynolds, are experts in their fields and Central sophomores can participate in a embody character traits that set an Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05 began working at new, weeklong Career Kickstarter program example for women scholars and Central immediately after graduation. Her work offered during winter break. future leaders. always has focused on building relationships and This program has guaranteed “Participants learned about teamwork, helping connect students to opportunities that give “micro-internships” — a one-week shadowing civic leadership, curiosity and them a chance to move out of their comfort zones, experience — with local alumni or other entrepreneurship, and honed negotiation experience something new and put into practice professional mentors to engage with a local skills,” Klyn says. what they’re learning in the classroom. organization. Participants do in-depth career Central women visited with “Central has a long, successful tradition of exploration and career planning workshops businesses and nonprofits in Pella and excellence in high-impact practices including on such topics as networking, résumé preparation, Des Moines. The conference was made service, internships, study abroad and the use of professional social media and how possible through funding from the undergraduate research,” Klyn says. “There’s to apply and prepare for an extended internship. Monticello College Foundation, the nothing more rewarding than seeing students “As a psych major with plans to continue Vermeer Charitable Foundation and have aha moments when they begin to see my education beyond Central, I was private donors. connections between their studies, interests and pleased that Kickstarter included a session “Each day after spending upward of passions, and the unique ways they can apply on applying to grad schools,” says Abby eight hours speaking with successful those in their lives. The joy is really compounded Malecha ’22. “That was unexpected and women, I felt more confident in my when alumni step forward and offer to help make very helpful.” abilities,” says exercise science major these experiences happen.” Jaiden Ackerson ’21. “I feel A former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, comfortable going for my goals. Klyn currently serves as the Rotary Youth It was refreshing to see so Exchange coordinator for the Pella Rotary Club many women doing exactly while also serving on its board. In addition, she what they want to be volunteers for Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors, doing and know that I translating for lawyers and clients in asylum cases can, too.” for Spanish speaking immigrants. Recently, Klyn translated an asylum case for an immigration attorney, also a Central alum, who takes these cases pro-bono. Klyn’s significant accomplishments and deep “THE POSSIBILITIES ARE commitments to her communities earned her TRULY ENDLESS.” recognition as an Emerging Leadership winner — JESSICA KLYN DE NOVELO ’05 with the Iowa Campus Compact in May 2019.

12 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 13 CHICAGO EAM TRIP

Front row (seated, left to right): Sam DePauw ’22, Alex Garcia ’22, Ashley Tammy Williamson Chase ’90, Millard ’22 and Riley Albertson ’22. Back row (left to right): 1871 Executive director of communications and media Director Mackenzi Huyser, Kale Weis ’22, Zach Goering ’22, Director of Career relations for Chicago Transit Authority, and Professional Development Jessica Klyn de Novelo ’05, Terry Hefel ’22, graduated from Central with a degree Myah Wegman ’21, Chace Palm ’21, Joel Collett ’21, Taylor Petkovich ’20, Associate Professor of Accounting Maggie Fisher Schlerman ’02, Assistant in political science. Central’s liberal Professor of Economics Tuan Nguyen, Luke Lubbers ’22, 1871 Recruitment, arts curriculum equipped Chase with Communications and College Relations Assistant Director Sara Chiang and the ability to thrive in a variety of fields Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator Kelsey Brooks. outside her major, including journalism, marketing, communications and media. Mackenzi Huyser is executive director of the Chicago Semester program. Central was Chase emphasizes the importance one of the founding members of the Chicago Semester program. The Chicago Semester of creating connections with people recently moved offices to 1871, Chicago's center for technology and entrepreneurship. who have more experience or can 1871 is a business incubator dedicated to Chicago's digital startup community. This offer valuable insights. She often modern hub is home to nearly 500 fledgling tech firms. Central partners with the invites these professionals to chat Chicago Semester as an off-campus program for qualified juniors and seniors of any over a cup of coffee — a bold move major. The semester-long classwork and internship equips students for integrated she says many young grads have yet personal, professional and public lives through internships, academic seminars and to master. “Bring your ‘A’ game access to networking in the third-largest city in America. every day to what you’re doing,” Founded in 2012, its name was inspired by the ingenuity in rebuilding after the Chase says. infamous 1871 fire engulfed the city. Huyser gave Central students a tour of the workspaces that house startup businesses such as Cameo, a company tech firm that allows users to pay celebrities (often $100 or more) to send custom video shout-outs to Learn more about Central’s their friends and family and got its start at 1871. Colleges such as Northwestern University Chicago Semester: and global companies also share the space. central.edu/chicago-dc.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES possibilities are truly endless.” simple and effective ways to share your Central has many more opportunities for In addition, students can participate in time with Central students. students to make connections that will mock interviews to prepare them for future + Share your knowledge. Tell stories from guide them toward success. Central is careers. Each semester several days are your authentic experiences, especially dedicated to building those connections dedicated to honing students’ interviewing ones that highlight mistakes and and encouraging positive relationships skills. Human resources professionals in the failure. We all know mistakes often between students and their communities. community conduct one-on-one interviews produce the most valuable lessons and Students can attend Central’s internship with students as if the student was seeking set up the next success. fair and discover internships to earn a real internship or job at that company. + Share your resources. Scholarship academic credit at organizations in Pella or “Mock interviews allow students to gain donations and other giving paves the a quick drive away in nearby communities experience, get targeted feedback and give way for more active learning by students. such as Des Moines, Johnston, Grinnell, employers insight about Central and its If you’re passionate about a certain field, Newton, Oskaloosa or Knoxville. “Pella students,” Klyn says. would you want to support a program is home to global organizations that offer similar to the EAM Chicago trip for a excellent work and internship experience,” MAKE THE CONNECTION major or group of majors in a city near you? Klyn says. “Beyond the resources close How can you help make a connection for + Open doors. Post internships and jobs at to campus, Central supports students Central students? Central at central.join.handshake.com. wherever they want to intern. That means + Share your time. Devoting quality time identifying opportunities close to wherever to students is a simple expression of their Creating connections with students is as they call home, in their dream city or worth within the Central community simple as visiting campus and dining at around the world through Central’s study and the future of the working world. Central Market during lunch hour. Want abroad programs, which offers the chance Visiting a class and answering questions, to connect with students in any of the ways to do something like work alongside a attending an on-campus event or mentioned above? Contact Mary Benedict member of parliament in London. The participating in student-led activities are at [email protected].

12 | CIVITAS Consider a gift to help Central students make meaningful connections. Contact Vice President for Advancement Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99 at [email protected] 2020 | 13 President Mark Putnam, center, and Associate Professor of Music Gabriel Espinosa ’79 congratulate Jeremy Vester ’19 following graduation.

CYCLE OF GENEROSITY KEY TO SCHOLARSHIPS AT CENTRAL FOLLOWING TUITION ANNOUNCEMENT, SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING NEEDED MORE THAN EVER

BY: JEFF BERSCH

14 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 15 When it comes to generosity, the Central But it also means that all Central biggest priority is helping students with College family puts its money where its scholarship offers now must be funded. The their level of need.” mouth is. shell game of discounts is over, and every Central always has had a generous group dollar is real. THE SCHOLARSHIP PUZZLE of donors. Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, “A lot of donors I work with want Dille’s job is to assemble the puzzle that staff, foundations and even students help to know how they can help,” Eighmy matches scholarships with students. fund meaningful scholarships. The hope is says. “We are grateful for all gifts to the The college offers two types of that graduates continue the cycle. After all, college but some of the most meaningful scholarships: annual and endowed. membership at Central is for a lifetime. are those that support and open doors + An annual scholarship is a gift that must “Everybody has a heart for others and a of opportunities for students. I love this be replenished every year to support a heart for helping. We take care of our own,” human connection.” student. It has an immediate impact. says Sunny Gonazales Eighmy ’99, vice + An endowed scholarship lasts a lifetime president for advancement. “The Central WHAT DONATIONS FUND and is a gift that keeps giving. Each year, family always wants to be supportive.” With the change in tuition price, a percentage (usually around 5%) of the The scholarships the college awards Eighmy and her advancement team have whole is used to fund a scholarship. students are a tangible vote of confidence been charged with raising more money, At Central, the Journey Scholarship in their futures. especially for scholarships. Fund supports annual scholarships. This Central enjoyed a record year of The goals are ambitious but indicative of year, 640 students received a Journey fundraising for its Journey Scholarship the deep commitment to students, families Scholarship. The average award is around Fund, bringing in $1.34 million from July and affordability. $1,000 apiece. Every dollar donated to 2018 through June 2019. Of course, that With 640 Journey Scholarships and 269 the fund supports students directly and is was before Central’s historic announcement endowed scholarships available for approximately awarded based on need. of a new annual tuition price of $18,600 for 1,150 students enrolled at the college, On the endowed side, 10 new Fall 2020. Central would love to increase the number scholarships were funded this past fiscal The bold move made Central a leader of scholarships available to support all year, bringing the total to 269. Central in promoting transparency in the cost of students. If every Central student received suggests a minimum of $50,000 to start an higher education. The old model offered one scholarship, the current funding pool endowed scholarship. That amount approximately what essentially were discounts, and few would fall short, and it’s true many students would fund a $2,500 annual scholarship. students paid the published price. For receive more than one scholarship. Endowed scholarships also can be decades this has been routine practice for Through endowments and the Journey designated for certain students. This is nearly all colleges and universities. Scholarship Fund, nearly $3 million in where the puzzle begins for Dille. Some are The change means Central no longer scholarships is fully funded each year. simply earmarked for students in need. Others can offer large discounts — disguised as Growing that amount to back the college’s are very specific, offered only to students scholarships — to incoming students. The commitment to families is essential. from named counties in Iowa or interested new price puts Central’s tuition in line Students, of course, receive additional in a career such as Christian ministry. with large state universities. aid, such as federal and state grants, work At Central, 28% of endowed Central’s commitment to scholarships, study, student/parent loans and outside scholarships are unrestricted; the other however, has not evaporated. In fact, it’s scholarships. But every scholarship dollar 72% are restricted with a clear designation. more important than ever, Eighmy says. As now carries more impact. Dille also works with incoming students the college continues to offer scholarships “We’re in a whole new world,” says and families on receiving federal or state aid in proportion to the new tuition price, it’s Wayne Dille, director of financial aid. such as a Pell Grant or the Iowa Tuition Grant. also true that no current student will pay “We’re early, but we know the tuition At Central, 28% of students are eligible for more in Fall 2020 than they do now. announcement has piqued interest. Our the Pell Grant, which ranges from $657 to

“THANKS TO YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT, I’VE HAD AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES PUT IN FRONT OF ME. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PURSUE WHAT I DESIRE IN MY EDUCATION. I’M SO BLESSED TO BE HERE AND AM SO THANKFUL.” — ALLISON REINBOLD ’20 HOMETOWN: Springfield, Missouri MAJORS: Mathematics and Psychology SCHOLARSHIPS: H.S. Kuyper, Ministry and Mission

14 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 15 SCHOLAR DAY $6,125 based on need. The Iowa Tuition we don’t have enough funding to be as Grant offers $6,000 to qualifying students generous as we want to be,” Eighmy says. Scholar Day brings together admitted students (about one-third of Central’s student body). “But people are on board and excited. to compete for scholarships beyond what they’ve Standards for both grants are determined Central pride has never been higher.” already been awarded. It’s offered twice in the fall after filing the Free Application for Federal semester and twice in the spring semester. Student Aid and calculating the estimated WHAT DONATIONS FUND Students have the chance to earn Central’s family contribution. Chevy Freiburger, executive director of most prestigious scholarships, up to full tuition; That money helps reduce the average admission, has seen firsthand the effect of other Scholar Day awards from $500-$2,000 out-of-pocket cost to Central students. the new tuition price. also are available. Still, there remains an urgent need to “Students and parents are eager to Students and parents are invited for the fund scholarships. talk, they want to go through the process,” day, beginning with a welcome from Central “With the positive energy out there and he says. President Mark Putnam. From there, all being more transparent, more authentic, That process is discussing a fit at students take part in a collaborative more open, we also need to be open that Central. Freiburger and his admission group discussion with faculty. This year, the topic was London surgeon John Snow, who ultimately solved the mystery of how cholera spread. Parents, meanwhile, take part in a panel discussion with alumni and current parents. Prospective students also interview with faculty and staff and participate in a panel with current students. Scholar Day participants enjoy a formal luncheon and can take full tours of campus and meet with financial aid administrators. “That’s the real starting point,” Freiburger says. “It’s their chance to come to campus, meet faculty, to be celebrated as a scholar and meet future peers. They want to impress. They’re prepared for the day. They’re great students we want in this community.” This year’s Scholar Days were well received, bringing hundreds of students to campus to compete for scholarships and build relationships with peers and faculty.

For more information, visit central.edu/scholarships.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER The scholarship dinner is an invitation-only event each April to celebrate significant scholarship donors, whether annual or endowed. “RECEIVING THIS SCHOLARSHIP MEANS A This gives student scholarship recipients the opportunity to personally thank and share LOT, AND IT’S HELPING ME ACHIEVE A GOAL dinner with donors who help make their Central NO ONE IN MY FAMILY HAS BEFORE ME. educations possible. More than 560 donors, students and parents attended the April 2019 WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS dinner in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Scholarship recipients shared their Central LIKE YOU, I COULDN’T AFFORD TO GO TO experiences via video. Longtime Central donor Amy Dietrich Eilers ’88 presented “My Central COLLEGE. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND Gratitude Story: From Great to Grateful” and led an interactive activity that encouraged attendees to HOPE EVERYONE APPRECIATES YOUR share their stories with each other. “That human connection is huge," Eighmy DONATIONS AS GREATLY AS I DO.” says. “Donors see they are making an impact, that they are opening doors for students. Students see — TREVOR CORMENY ’20 donors who care and who have personally invested HOMETOWN: Unionville, Iowa in them as people.” MAJOR: Information Systems The next scholarship dinner is scheduled for April 23, 2020. SCHOLARSHIPS: Central Transfer, Journey, Breed, Houseman and Leu 16 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 17 CENTRAL STUDENTS GIVE THANKS

“A big part of my success is because of the amazing support I received from people like you. Your generosity takes pressure off me and my family and allows me to focus on what I’m here for — learning and studying. I’m beyond grateful for the scholarships I have received. If I didn’t have scholarships, this wouldn’t be possible.”

— EFRAIN GARCIA ’20 HOMETOWN: Oskaloosa, Iowa MAJORS: History and Spanish MINOR: Philosophy SCHOLARSHIPS: Trustee, Journey, Vander Lugt-Voss, Central Spanish Award

“Thank you for sponsoring me so graciously with one of your scholarships. I consider myself truly blessed to be a student Above and top right, Students and donors interact during the Scholarship Dinner in April 2019 here, and I have you to thank for in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Top left, Jamel McKnight ’19, an admission representative at this opportunity.” Central, leads students on a tour during Scholar Day in November 2019.

team highlight personal attention, small acknowledging we want you here, that we classroom sizes, research opportunities feel you’ll be a great fit and a graduate of and internships. Central. It’s giving them a little gift, showing “When students leave here, they shine them some Central love.” in a way that’s different,” Freiburger says. Year after year, Freiburger sees graduates “It’s a transformative experience. We give leave Central proud to be Forever Dutch®. them that through scholarships, through That pride then turns into generosity. affordability. We have to be competitive in the competitive market in Iowa.” If you want to help support students with No one benefits more from the tuition the gift of a scholarship, visit — JOHN HORNER ’21 change and the ability to offer scholarships central.edu/give or contact the Office of HOMETOWN: South Sioux City, Nebraska than students. They are the two biggest Advancement at 641-628-7604. MAJOR: Mathematics factors in recruitment. SCHOLARSHIP: Pella Rolscreen “We get students from a variety of income levels — wealthy to needy,” he says. “Each wants a scholarship. It’s our way of

16 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 17 THE BEST OF TIMES WITH

AND CENTRAL'S MOST EXPLOSIVE CONCERT BY: KYLE MUNSON ’94

The members of Styx, after joined the band, are shown in a 1970s promotional photo, clockwise from far left: Chuck Panozzo, ,

18 | CIVITAS Dennis DeYoung, Shaw and James "JY" Young. WINTER 2020 | 19 onsidering the doorway and barely squeezed through “They were fi lling such large venues the recent with a lot of help from behind.” they wanted a percentage of the gate,” gorgeous Keep in mind that this wasn’t the says Art Alt, then the student activities $2.2 million Styx of “” or “Mr. director. (He and his wife, Diane, who ran renovation Roboto.” The band at the start of 1975 the college’s media center, spent 27 years of Central still was four years away from its biggest on campus. They now relish retirement in College’s hit song (1979’s “Babe”) and six years sunny Florida.) Douwstra from its highest-charting album (1981’s Styx’s request for a cut of the gate made Auditorium, No. 1 “Paradise Theater”). Alt laugh: Tickets were free to students. it may sound This was the scruffi er, hungrier band The Ray at the time noted, “Central odd to dwell on cracked and shattered that had begun in the early 1960s with a College is one of the smallest places Styx windows the venue suffered 45 years ago. former accordion player (singer-keyboardist has played for a long time.” But trust me: What broke the glass Dennis DeYoung) backed by the twin In hindsight, the show was even more makes the story. Panozzo brothers as his rhythm section. signifi cant in the annals of Styx: Pella The culprit wasn’t a rock fl ung by a Guitarist Tommy Shaw wouldn’t join the was the last tiny stepping stone before the hooligan student. band (replacing John Curulewski) until the band’s career took fl ight. A week later Styx It was the rock show staged by the band end of 1975. was in Columbus, Ohio, to spend Styx on Jan. 22, 1975. That night turned out Yet the Styx that played Pella already the rest of winter and spring opening to rate a milestone both for Central’s original had released four (mostly forgettable) sold-out concerts on Queen’s “Sheer Heart stately chapel built in 1939 and the up-and- albums. But stale two-year-old single Attack Tour.” coming purveyor of romantic ballads and “Lady,” thanks to a fresh promotional push What made the Styx concert historic for proggy bombast from the south side of Chicago. by the band’s new record label, suddenly Central was its sound — but not a sound It offi cially qualifi es as the most explosive was racing up the charts. It already was that emanated from the instrument or concert in the history of Central. Here’s why. No. 1 in Des Moines, according to The Ray. voice of any band member. First, it was a hot ticket. By March it would reach the nationwide The Ray observed that the pre-encore “Everybody who was anybody went to the Top 10. performance of the song “Krakatoa” (on concert,” says Al Paris ’77, who attended Central’s student concert committee album a weird dissonant thing barely the show and now lives in Runnells, Iowa. fi rst had tried to book Styx as early as more than a minute long) “included an By the time the doors opened, the September 1974, looking for a hot rock act echo effect through the synthesizer and a line of 750 or so students had become at a bargain price. Memories have faded, concluding explosion.” “an anxious mob,” according to student but perhaps Styx signed the contract for a That explosion, according to The Ray, newspaper The Ray. “There was such a mad sum well below $10,000. Closer to the gig, “blew out three and broke four more panes rush to get inside that people got wedged in the band lobbied for more money. of glass.”

Styx is shown performing Jan. 22, 1975, in Douwstra Auditorium — an infamous concert that literally shattered expectations (in the form of Italian

18 | CIVITAS window glass). WINTER 2020 | 19 “THE LOUDEST BOOM I'VE HEARD IN MY LIFE” — AL PARIS ’77

Paris witnessed this from his perfect Humeston ’76, who helped book the Alt that he “has never seemed so vantage point in the balcony. concert and ran a spotlight but by the end relieved, so worn out or so happy as during “It was incredible,” he says. “It was of the show was watching from the back of the concert.” probably the loudest boom I’ve heard in the main aisle. The surprise explosion supposedly my life.” Had the drapes been open, perhaps the was another symptom of Styx’s fast rise: Styx had arranged at least one canon on students would’ve been showered in shards Their pyrotechnician was a relative novice either side of the Douwstra stage. A large of glass. who, Alt says, “loaded the cannons with flame reportedly erupted from each canon Styx “put out a lot of sound for the too much black powder.” From then on as well as the furious boom. little chapel with their equipment” — 118 the roadie was instructed by the band to The audience responded with a huge decibels according to the KCUI sound measure more precisely. roar and cheers, although everybody in meter, as reported by The Ray. And the “It will forever be burned in everybody’s the room also was a bit stunned — band “did not have nearly their full PA memories who was in Douwstra that night including the band. Yet the concert went system set up,” the story wryly observed. — literally,” Paris says. on uninterrupted. In a letter to the editor in The Ray, It’s not as if concerts by name acts were The band and the vast majority of fans John Hanna ’76 lamented “that 75% of the completely foreign to Tulip Town. The probably were oblivious to the shattered crowd didn’t really loosen up until Dennis college had been visited by the likes of glass, which written accounts from 1975 DeYoung … actually told the people to Count Basie, the Smothers Brothers and failed to explain. stand and put their hands together.” Mason Proffit. Alt provides the answer: The auditorium’s One assumes that by the time of the Later there was the infamous October heavy velvet drapes had been drawn shut, Krakatoa explosion, everybody in the 1983 concert by the Tubes, an MTV-era all the better for the band’s light show. So audience — perhaps across campus — band who — decades before #MeToo the shattered glass either spewed outward was awake. — became (The Ray again) “very or cascaded down between the interior wall School administrators, meanwhile, controversial, largely due to scenes in their and the drapes. objected to the destruction of what turned stage show that portrayed women in a “It’s not like you see in the movies where out to be expensive Italian glass. The degrading and derogatory manner.” the glass comes student activities budget had to absorb Tommy Shaw and his first post-Styx crashing out,” more than $3,000 in replacement windows, band performed April 23, 1985, in the P.H. says Ron Alt says. Kuyper Gym. And that was the end to pyrotechnics MORE ’75 in Douwstra. At the time, The Ray observed of The Tommy Shaw-led MEMORIES Styx already has dates booked These tidbits also appeared in the Jan. 24, throughout 2020. Go to styxworld.com. 1975, issue of The Ray that featured the Former frontman Dennis front-page Styx concert review: DeYoung also has a full + The opening act for Styx was a band from take you on any terms, but you must make tour schedule, Virginia called Morning Sun that all the arrangements. From, THE including shows apparently played a mix of both soft and CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM” devoted to the hard rock. + There also was this correction from 1977 Styx album + Styx took the stage to the tune of the previously published Student Senate "The Grand “William Tell” overture. minutes, which sounds rather quaint Illusion." Go to + We couldn’t help but notice this letter to compared to the concerns over social dennisdeyoung.com. the editor tucked inside the issue, with media: “Senate is just looking into the somewhat idiosyncratic use of ALL CAPS: matter of a graffiti board. There is not going “The Wrestling team last week insinuated to be one set up in the cafeteria, as of yet.” through the Crier that they make better LOVERS than the CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM. Well, we the Cross-Country team STYX IN 2020 would like to challenge the Wrestling If you missed the 1975 Styx concert at Douwstra, team, to prove once and for all that we are never fear: The two modern factions of the band the NO. 1 LOVERS on campus. We will continue to tour.

20 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 21 They were paid $5,000 and drew 811 fans. his former Styx bandmates since their Kyle Munson ’94 served as a journalist for Afterward, Shaw said that the audience 1983 breakup. 24 years at The Des Moines Register, where reminded him of the 1950s because it was a Yet today Shaw leads the current he spent a decade as Iowa’s chief pop music “really clean-cut crowd.” (Except when the incarnation of Styx while DeYoung tours critic, interviewing the likes of Bono, Paul Tubes were in town?) with his own band. McCartney and Slipknot. That’s why it made Eric Jones ’87, now Central’s dean of Here’s the logical next step in this saga: perfect sense for him to write this story. He the Class of 2020 and a volunteer football Both the DeYoung and Shaw factions of currently is senior content strategist and coach, worked security for both the Tubes Styx should return to campus for a glorious writer at Principal Financial Group. and Shaw concerts. reunion show. They could reconcile at a Shaw’s music “had a little bit more of an site that symbolizes their original artistic edge to it than the traditional Styx stuff,” drive before global fame and platinum he says. record sales complicated their lives. More edge, less gunpowder. To quote Styx: “Deep inside we’re all Shaw that night told the student the same.” newspaper that he hadn’t spoken to Only one caveat: No pyro in Douwstra.

The current incarnation of Styx, led by Tommy Shaw, includes, from left: Chuck Panozzo, , , Shaw, James "JY" Young and .

DONATE TO DOUWSTRA RENOVATION Here's your chance to help fill Douwstra with historic melodies for generations to come: Phase II of fundraising for Douwstra asks our alumni and other friends to become “Pipe Organ Donors.” The original chapel in 1939 included a grand pipe organ, and the college intends to restore one to the modern auditorium, hand built by world-renowned craftsmen at Casavant Frérés. Go to central.edu/douwstra to donate, or simply call the Advancement Office, 800-447-0287.

Note: Special thanks to Kyle Winward, Central’s technical services librarian. We know he doesn’t have too much time on his hands, yet he took time to scour the college archives for Styx articles and photos.

20 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 21 ALUMNI NEWSNOTES

Wilbur “Webb” Van Dokkumburg ’49 of Hendersonville, North Carolina, is going strong at 92. The former CUI basketball letterwinner continues to work out three times a week at Planet Fitness. In 1946, Webb was among the charter members of the Beake & Coffee Club Fraternity. Bottom row, left to right: Bob Mosier ’48, Maurice Mineart ’48, Don Klaaren ’50 and Frank Moore ’49. Second row, left to right: Don Senne ’49, Webb Van Dokkumburg ’49, Jack Collins ’50 and Marion Ter Louw ’49. Third row, left to right: Don Bell ’50, Ken Lincoln ’50 and David Schreur ’49. Top row: Les Sadler ’51.

Doran Simmons ’58 began THE ’50s commuting by bicycle in THE ’60s For information about Don 1968, averaging about 1,000 For information about Alex Klaaren ’50, Jack Collins ’50, miles per month. In August Glann ’69, see the ’70s. Don Bell ’50, Ken Lincoln ’50 2017, Civitas reported his and Les Sadler ’51, see above. talent for finding things along Graham Fee ’61 was inducted the road. A month after into the Knoxville Hall of Fame Ruth Jolly Knapman ’53 of publication of the magazine, in January. He was a three- Fairbanks, Alaska, was honored he was hit by a distracted year starter at quarterback for driver. He has finally by Pioneers of Alaska as its 2019 the Knoxville Panthers. He Dave Humphrey ’62 recovered, but at 87 his Queen Regent. During her reign led his team to an undefeated and wife, Carolyn, of Orange as queen, Ruth represented the biking future is uncertain. season in 1954. He was named Park, Florida, celebrated their Pioneers at several events across During his biking career, all-conference each season and 53rd anniversary traveling the state. In May, Ruth was Doran had a knack for all-state as a senior. He was also to many sites around the honored as the Female Lifetime finding unusual discarded a standout in basketball, earning Mediterranean onboard the Fitness of Fairbanks, North Star items of which he collected all-conference honors. Graham Wind Surf cruise ship. While Borough. She has enjoyed a and donated $3,526.94 and is best known to fans as the in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the lengthy career as the local tour enough tools to open a “Voice of the Panthers,” having captain, with a few officers in guide. Recently, she drove to the hardware store. Doran and spent 42 years as the announcer attendance, assisted Dave end of the Dempster Highway wife, Bonnie Kuyper at Panthers football games. and Carolyn in the renewal of in the Yukon and Northwest Simmons ’58, live in Graham and wife, Roxanne, live their vows. Territories of Canada. Sacramento, California. in Knoxville, Iowa.

22 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 23 NEWSNOTES

Fern Blumenthal Van Hise ’69 Education Center, Kansas taught fourth, sixth and eighth City, Missouri. Vince and wife, grade math, East Windsor Melissa, live in Olathe, Kansas. Regional Schools, Hightstown, New Jersey, until her retirement. Greg Tracy ’79 of Ankeny, Fern and husband, Robert, live Iowa, is a production manager, in Hightstown. Des Moines Performing Arts, Des Moines, Iowa. THE ’70s THE ’80s For information about Steve Rooker ’78, Steve VanderPol ’79, For information about Lisa Larry Fry ’79, Duane Willhite ’79 Scharff Hay ’89 and Glen and Bryan Poulter ’79, see Hay ’89, see the’10s. For the ’80s. Al Paris ’77 joined a group of former Dutch football players in information about Kevin early August for a fishing trip to Lac Seul near Hudson, Ontario, to Azinger ’86 and Connie Kemp Katherine Van Roekel honor their former coach, Ron Schipper. The group spent a week on a Azinger ’88, see the ’90s. Howsare ’73 was elected to a houseboat telling stories (some true), playing spirited card games and second term on the Urbandale enjoying fantastic food and great fishing. Some of these men returned Mark Gillispie ’80 retired School Board in November. to campus in October to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the 1974 in 2016 from his optometric Before her retirement, Katherine football championship at the Stagg Bowl. Front row, left to right: practice in Rancho Mirage, was librarian, Urbandale High Gary Cutler ’75, Alex Glann ’69, Jim Boeke ’77 and Mike California. Mark and wife, School, Urbandale, Iowa. Street ’75. Back row, left to right: Dave Mick ’78, Steve Darlene, live at Cherokee Lake Katherine and husband, Galen, Rohach ’77, Al Dorenkamp ’75, Al Paris ’77, Randy near Knoxville, Tennessee. live in Urbandale. Busscher ’75 and Doug Black ’70. Bill Northup ’83 is vice Marlys Den Hartog Grimm ’76 president and wealth accompanies both the Grinnell management advisor, Liberty Singers and the Grinnell National Bank, Des Moines, Oratorio Society at Grinnell Iowa. Bill and wife, Lisa, live in College on piano during their Clive, Iowa. rehearsals and performances. She regularly plays with Mark DeVries ’84 retired soloists at Herrick Chapel on from Northern Trust in June campus and the Mayflower after 34 years. Mark and wife, Retirement Home in Grinnell, Ann Ernst DeVries ’87, live Iowa. She was featured in the in Western Springs, Illinois. October issue of the Grinnell Recently they hosted Steve ’83 College Scarlet & Black online and Lisa Gulick at their home. newsletter. Marlys and husband, Mark continues to do Norman Grimm ’75, live in consulting work in Wisconsin, Newton, Iowa. Norman is a and together they enjoy student teacher supervisor, traveling to see their three Central College. He taught high Karen Walsh ’77 and fellow French majors have more than the children who are enrolled at school vocal music at Newton language in common. They remain good friends. This summer they various colleges from Michigan Community School District met for a reunion at Finger Lakes, Geneva, New York. Left to right: to Nashville, Tennessee. until his retirement in 2017. Liz Tucci Calisesi ’77, Karen Walsh ’77, Carolyn Shocker Zimmerman ’77 and Jill Plefka Scherer ’77. Ron Fadness ’87 is general Jeff Kisner ’77 is a counsel, Bruening Rock commissioner, Roxboro Products, Decorah, Iowa. Housing Authority. Jeff Peg Heishman German ’78 Grinnell. Randy is president, He is president of Decorah and wife, Janna Koskamp is a director, organizational German Plumbing and Community School District Kisner ’77, live in Roxboro, development, Grinnell Heating and Cooling. board of education and member North Carolina. Janna is Mutual Reinsurance of the Iowa Girls High School retired minister of music, Company, Grinnell, Iowa. Vince Vandehaar ’78 is an Athletic Union Board of First Presbyterian Church, Peg and husband, Randy adjunct professor, Rockhurst Directors. Ron and wife, Marcy, Morgantown, West Virginia. German ’77, live in University Continuing live in Decorah.

22 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 23 NEWSNOTES

Iowa. Craig is captain, Cedar THE ’80s (continued) Rapids Fire Department. Michael Main ’87 of Leawood, Kansas, was one of 200 Lori Owens ’92 is an attorney, Owens Law Firm, Denver, nominees entered in this year’s Colorado. She is the general list of Top Doctors by Ingram’s, counsel for eNett International. Kansas City Business Magazine. Lori and husband, Shane Michael is cardiologist at Thomas, live in Denver. Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute; chairman of Joe Bock ’93 is executive vice the cardiovascular division for president, account management, the parent system’s physician Havit Advertising. Joe and wife, group; co-medical director Kim, live in Vienna, Virginia, for its cardiovascular service with their daughter. line; author of cardiology Jeff Menary ’80 of Grinnell, Iowa, was the surprise guest at a research papers and professor Brian Uhlmann ’93 of party hosted by wife, Renee, to thank classmates who supported him Calabasas, California, is of medicine, University of during his illness and as a belated 60th birthday party. In September director, business intelligence, Missouri-Kansas City’s School 2017, Jeff was diagnosed with the West Nile virus. He fought his way Velocity Snack Brands, Los of Medicine. back and has been able to return to his job as president and CEO, Angeles, California. Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance. Front row, left to right: Barb Murphy Mark Hennessey ’88 is VanderPol ’80, Deb Cullinan Willhite ’80, Jeff Menary ’80, Brent Vander Waal ’93 is director, talent acquisition and chief executive officer, ITA Steve Rooker ’78, Mary Piper Poulter ’80, Sandi Brecht workforce planning, Congruex Lafferty ’81, Pam Trisler Wilkin ’81, Vicki Dierks and Terry Group, West Des Moines, Iowa. Group LCC, Cedar Rapids, Brent and wife, Esther, live in Wiebenga ’86. Back row, left to right: Steve Soma ’80, Paul Iowa. Mark and wife Lori live Johnston, Iowa, with their son. Tanis ’80, Ann Sammon Long ’80, Dave Long ’80, Maureen in Cedar Rapids. Friskey Tanis ’80, Steve VanderPol ’79, Kent Dierks ’81, Andrew Hudson ’94 is senior Scott Raymer ’82, Larry Fry ’79, Rod Wiebenga ’81, Duane manager, contracts, Collins Willhite ’79, Marc DeJong ’78, Craig Wilkin ’81 and Bryan THE ’90s Aerospace, West Des Moines, Poulter ’79. Iowa. Andrew and wife, Sue, For information about Zach live in Urbandale, Iowa, with Osborn ’99, see the ’00s. their two daughters.

Robert Luken ’90 is director, Kyle Munson ’94 was guest talent acquisition and editor for this edition of Civitas. management, Truck Hero, Ann A former reporter at the Des Arbor, Michigan. Robert and Moines Register, Munson now is wife, Richele Moore Luken ’91, a senior content strategist live in Farmington, Michigan, and writer at Principal with their two children. Financial. Robert Guritz ’96 is IT Brad Thomas ’90 is bureau desktop support team lead, DXC chief, department of Technology, St. Louis, Missouri. administrative services, Robert and wife, Brittany, live human resources, State of in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, Iowa. Brad and wife, Lisa with their daughter. Kappelmann Thomas ’90, live in Knoxville, Iowa, Stephen McWilliams ’96 Kathy Reilly Snyder ’83 hosted a few Sigma Phi Omega sisters with their son. Lisa teaches of Herndon, Virginia, is business development and in October in Augusta, Georgia. There was much laughter and shared elementary education, Knoxville Community School District. implementation manager, memories as they celebrated their Central College sisterhood. Front George Mason University, row, left to right: Ann Eastburn Koopal ’83 and Kim Dykstra Fairfax, Virginia. ’83. Second row, left to right: Lynnae Ricard Derry ’85, Kathy Kim Hansen Dirks ’91 is a senior associate, accounting Reilly Snyder ’83 and Lynda Twohill Rogers ’82. Back row, Maria Mattiace Hauser ’97 left to right: Barb Watson ’83, Sue Van Duyn Ramirez ’83 and and controlship, Collins is a student counselor, Mercy Jill Crawford Steinsultz ’85. Not pictured, but with them in spirit, Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. College of Health Sciences, LuAnn Gipple ’82, who passed away in June. Kim and husband, Craig Des Moines, Iowa. Maria and Dirks ’90, live in Cedar Point, husband, David Hauser ’97,

24 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 25 NEWSNOTES

live in Polk City, Iowa, with April Hazen-Bosveld Hill ’02 their two children. David is is a professor of chemistry, a probation/parole officer II, director of criminalistics, Department of Corrections Metropolitan State University, Services, Des Moines. Denver, Colorado. April and husband, Randy, live in Mike Tinich ’98 is a stem Englewood, Colorado. education instructional coach, NASA Armstrong Flight Dave Hopkins ’02 was elected Research Center, Edwards, to the fourth ward of the Pella California. Mike and wife, City Council in the November Shauna, live in Maize, Kansas, elections. He owns and operates with their two sons. Hopkins Roofing. Dave and wife, Brystal Jones Hopkins ’02, live in Pella, Iowa, with their Jennifer Schuler Schroeder ’99 four children. is director, Langdon Daycare Center, Langdon, North Dakota. Jason Braithwaite ’03 is an Jennifer and husband, David, export supervisor, Vermeer Dan Gabrielson ’97, and wife, Andrea, of Belmond, Iowa, live in Langdon with their Corporation, Pella, Iowa. married July 17, 2019. Dan is physician, OBGYN, Gabrielson Clinic three children. Jason and wife, Tara Buch for Women. Front row, left to right: Dan Gabrielson ’97, Andrea Braithwaite ’05, live in Pella, Gabrielson and Darren Glenn ’96. Back row, left to right: Cam with their two sons. Tara Fletcher ’97, Ben Byers ’97, Eric Lamb ’99, Debbie John THE ’00s teaches second grade, Byers ’98, Kevin Azinger ’86, Ryan Glenn, Connie Kemp For information about Sheri Oskaloosa Community Schools, Azinger ’88, Ed Maroon ’93, Alexa Azinger ’15, Patrick Hawker Petersen ’07, Ryan Oskaloosa, Iowa. Hagen ’97, Jen Gabrielson Coppola ’95, Brandi Byrum Petersen ’07 and Evan Olson ’09, Gordon ’94 and John Gordon ’96. see the ’10s. Karen Broman ’03 of Prescott Valley, Arizona, is an overdose prevention Nicholasville, Kentucky. Tyler Alison Mason ’09 is an Daniel Haag ’00 of Downers coordinator, Sonoran and wife, Christine, live in institutional advancement Grove, Illinois, is an on-scene Prevention Works, Prescott. Winchester, Kentucky, with manager, Iowa Lakes coordinator, emergency response She recently completed a their daughter. Community College, branch two, Environmental year of service through Estherville. Alison and partner, Protection Agency. AmeriCorps VISTA. Bonnie Merkley ’08 and Jason Brian Fisher, live in Milford, Joyce of Des Moines, Iowa, Iowa, with their daughter. Ellen Thompson Sandholm ’00 Gary Christensen ’03 was married Aug. 18, 2019. Bonnie is an academic advisor, Des elected to the Saydel School is a senior compliance advisor at Rebecca Skalsky ’09 is an art IFG in Des Moines. Moines Area Community Board in the November director, de Novo Marketing, College, Ankeny, Iowa. Ellen election. Gary and wife, Lisa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Joshua Noonan ’08 is a director and husband, Bryan Sandholm live in Des Moines, Iowa, of distribution and supply, ’01, live in Ankeny with their with their three children. C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Gary is a staff pharmacist, THE ’10s four daughters. Bryan is a Minnesota. He was nominated Hy-Vee, Inc. software developer, Advanced for Produce Industry Top For information about Alexa Technologies Group, West Des Azinger ’15, see the ’90s. For Adam Jackson ’05 is a 40 under 40. Joshua lives in Moines, Iowa. information about Marissa regional vice president, Burnsville, Minnesota, with Drake ’18, Joshua Johnson ’18, Power/mation. Adam and his son. Kate Vocelka Osborn ’01 is an Cory McCleary ’18 and Wes wife, Trichelle Velky optometrist, Harry S. Truman Wheat ’18, see “Class of 2019 Jackson ’08, live in Forest Jim Jensen ’09 of Spirit Lake, Where Are They Now?,” p. 30. Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, City, Iowa, with their two Iowa, is a senior controls Jefferson City, Missouri. Kate children. Trichelle is a doctor engineer, TDS Automation, and husband, Zach Osborn ’99, Waverly, Iowa. Dave Baker ’10 is an assistant of optometry, Family Eye Care finance manager, Iowa State live in Columbia, Missouri, Center, Forest City. with their two sons. Zach is Andrea Levine ’09 is University, Ames. In 2009, Dave began combining his passion for a neuropsychologist, clinic a human resource program Tyler Cobb ’07 is a digital history and love of photography manager, Harry S. Truman manager, AmeriCorps, Baton marketing campaign by documenting Iowa towns, Veterans’ Hospital. Rouge, Louisiana. coordinator, Alltech, including ghost towns. He is

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THE ’10s (continued) available to speak to historical groups about his research. To learn more about his project, see his blog, 29th State, or follow The 29th State on Facebook. Dave and wife, Danielle Larimer Baker ’10, live in Ankeny, Iowa. Danielle is a research assistant, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa.

Jana Stallman Olson ’10 is a senior strategic communications executive, Philip Morris International. She was recently featured in “Chemical &

Engineering News.” After she Melanie Louis ’12 and Ryan Schmidt ’12 of Elkhart, Iowa, married Sept. 7, 2019. Melanie is was approached by Philip Morris volunteer coordinator and Ryan is land stewardship specialist, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Des and realized their offer gave Moines, Iowa. Front row left to right: Alyssa Schwartz Furlong ’13, Mallory Sturtz Shipley ’13, her an excellent opportunity Melanie Louis Schmidt ’12, Ryan Schmidt ’12, Kate Callan ’12 and Lydia Kosbau Youngdahl to communicate in several ’12. Second row, left to right: Cyndi Johnson O’Rourke ’11, Molly Ullestad, Claire Stewart wide-ranging areas of research, Snead ’15, Tayler Keitzer ’12, Derek Miner ’15, Jenna Broghamer Schomack ’13, Melony Jana left her previous job in McDermott Gerber ’13, Emma Nelson Finger ’14 and Jamie Baumer Larson ’13. Back row, research behind. In 2017, Jana left to right: Jacob Peterson ’11, Jack Shipley ’14, Casey Tanner ’12, Mike Furlong ’12, Michael and husband, Evan Olson ’09, O’Rourke ’11, Adam Petz ’12, Jeremy Snead ’12, Ben Schornack ’13, Patrick Kelley ’12, Brett left their home in Houston, DeHoogh ’08, Kenny Harrington ’12, Brandon Clough ’13, Mark Holan ’10, Jessica Riebkes Texas, and moved to Lausanne, Clough ’14, Kelli Ziskovsky Holan ’13, Lars Larson ’13, Adam Ledvina ’13 and Mary Benedict. Switzerland, where her primary role is to help produce the husband, Sean, live in St. Dave Young ’12 is an assistant Community Schools, scientific update the company Michael, Minnesota, with their director, sports performance, Indianola, Iowa. Amanda and produces twice a year about its two children. University of Central Florida, husband, Justin Livingston ’14, smoke-free products. Evan is a Orlando, Florida. His career live in Des Moines, Iowa. postdoctoral researcher, Swiss Anthony Miller ’11 is has taken him from a stint with Justin is a certified personal Federal Institute of Technology, assistant vice president, branch the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, coach, Golftec. Lausanne. operations, Deere Employees where he was assistant coach responsible for the implementation Matthew Schulte ’13 is director, Katie Papke ’10 is a study Credit Union, Davenport, Iowa. of programming for NFL athletes, strategic insights, Grinnell abroad program manager, to Vassar College, where he was Mutual Reinsurance Company, Green River College, Seattle, Hannah Anderson ’12 responsible for the performance Grinnell, Iowa. Washington. teaches sixth and seventh grade humanities, American School of enhancement and injury Hannah Altheide ’14 and Greg Best ’11 is director, talent Bangkok, Thailand. prevention of student-athletes. Matthew Ridgway ’15 of Pella, acquisition, SAC Wireless, Dave is a certified strength Iowa, married April 7, 2018. Chicago, Illinois. Stephanie Brammer ’12 and and conditioning specialist Landon Medvec of Woodbury, by the National Strength and Hannah is a children’s ministry Shannan O’Bryan Burgess ’11 Minnesota, married Sept. 22, Conditioning Association and a director, Federated Fellowship is a senior project analyst, 2018. Stephanie is an ultrasound USA weightlifting Level 1 sport Church. Matthew is an associate Nationwide Insurance, Des technologist, Children’s performance coach. business manufacturing supply Moines, Iowa. Shannan and Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota. chain analyst, Pella Corp. husband, Greg, live in West Des Sampson Brue ’13 of Oxnard, Moines, Iowa. Kimberly Van Zee ’12 and California, is an assistant men’s Austin O’Brien ’14 is a health Zachary Marsh married Sept. and women’s basketball coach, coach, Profile by Sanford, Des Tara Prine Kelly ’11 is a 14, 2019. Kimberly is an assistant Oxnard College. Moines, Iowa. Austin and wife, talent management specialist, billing manager, Kinetic Edge Callie Aunan O’Brien ’15, live NovuHealth, Minneapolis, Physical Therapy. Kim and Zach Amanda Meacham Livingston ’13 in Waukee, Iowa. Callie is a new Minnesota. Tara and live in Pella with a daughter. teaches kindergarten, Indianola business case coordinator,

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Principal Financial Group, Des Moines. Austin qualified for the 2020 Olympic marathon trials by finishing the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 38 seconds. He was one of 10 men to qualify for the trials by completing the race in less than 2:19. The Olympic trials are Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Katie Zellmer ’14 of Johnston, Iowa, is an AmeriCorps program director, Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. Megan Gustafson ’17 of Story City, Iowa, was volunteering at the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in Story City several months ago when she learned of the need for more than food. To help remedy this, Megan Isabelle Hicks ’15 and Michael organized a donation drive for area schools and food pantries to collect feminine hygiene products. She raised Alexander of Walnut Creek, more than $1,000 and donated over 7,000 products to Roland-Story Community Schools and three local California, married May 11, food pantries. Her effort was covered by the Ames Tribune and Story City Herald newspapers. 2019. Isabelle is an investment advisor representative, Dudum Financial, Lafayette, California. England. Her research focuses Nick Greteman ’18 is a Scottsdale. Lexi is an account on citizenship practices and field sales pro, BSN Sports, executive, Yelp, Scottsdale. Jordan McDonald ’15 is an migration in Francophone, Scottsdale, Arizona. Nick underwriting assistant, IMT West Africa. Recently, Cody and wife, Lexi Johnson Emily McDonald Miranda ’18 Insurance, West Des Moines, was named general section of Greteman ’18, live in teaches English, Northside High Iowa. Jordan and wife, Lindsay St. Antony’s International Young McDonald ’15, live in Review, the University of Adel, Iowa, with their daughter. Oxford’s only student-run, peer-reviewed, academic Kyle Newendorp ’15 is journal of international affairs. a product specialist, Vermeer Corporation, Pella, Iowa. Kyle Zach Moss ’17 of West Des and wife, Megan Current Moines, Iowa, is save our Newendorp ’15, live in Pella. streams coordinator, Izaak Walton League of America. Yaw Sapon-Amoah ’15 is a business systems consultant, Mitchell Phipps ’17 of Wells Fargo, Des Moines, Iowa. Indianola, Iowa, is president, Paige Wilkin ’17 and Nick Drucker ’18 of Clive, Iowa, married Wife, Megan Flynn Sapon- You First Moving, Des Moines, Aug. 17, 2019. Paige teaches ninth grade math at Waukee Amoah ’15, teaches in the Des Iowa. His company recently Community Schools. Nick is assistant acquisition manager, Meredith Moines Public Schools. expanded to serve locations Corp., Des Moines, Iowa. Front row, left to right: Kyle Smith ’18, around the state and supports Jaden Moody ’20, Mitchell Yaw ’19, Luke Posivio ’18, Jessica Boertje ’16 is a study national moves. Corey Broxson ’18 and Jordan Driggers ’17. Second row, abroad advisor, Iowa State left to right: Sheri Hawker Petersen ’07, Nick Oelmann ’20, University, Ames, Iowa. Karl Weaver ’17 of Longmont, Gabby Wilson Doughan ’16, Ben Clark ’18, Beth Dillon Colorado, is a wellness Clark ’17, Nicholas Drucker ’18, Katie Roling Minger’16, Gen Scholtes Richards ’16 and technician, St. Vrain Valley Paige Wilkin Drucker ’17, Shannon Stuart ’17, McKenna husband, Mark Richards ’16, Schools, Longmont, Colorado. Kilburg Woodward ’18, Emma Disterhoft ’18, Bailey are stationed in South Korea Winterhof ’19, Jacob Hay ’18 and Lisa Scharff Hay ’89. with the United States Army. Melissa Charlton Carpenter ’18 Back row, left to right: Ryan Petersen ’07, Ben Lechtenberg ’13, is a broker dealer counselor, Alan Schmidt ’19, Jake Carey ’19, Lauren Mazour ’17, Cody Bock ’17 is pursuing Principal Financial Group, Nicole Ewoldt ’17, Alex Koolmees ’17, Jane McKown ’17, a master’s in philosophy, Des Moines, Iowa. Melissa and Nick Greteman ’18, Zach Matter ’17, Glen Hay ’89 and development studies, St. husband, Joshua Carpenter ’17, Craig Douma. Antony’s College, Oxford, live in West Des Moines, Iowa.

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Lisa Crabbs and Mike THE ’10s (continued) Kobylinski ’03, son Calvin School, Jacksonville, North James, July 30, 2019. Carolina. Emily and husband, Byron and Katie Deglopper Jaime Miranda ’17, live in Stover ’04, son Theodore Jacksonville. Jaime is a Barrett, March 9, 2018. transportation specialist with the United States Marine Corps. Lon and Jamie Danielson Varangkounh ’04, son James Anna Shaw ’18 and Taylor Danielson, June 8, 2019. Heitkamp ’18 of Marshfield, Wisconsin, married Sept. 15, Adam ’05 and Trichelle 2018. Anna is a wellness coach Velky Jackson ’08, son Judah and Taylor is a medical sales Douglas, March 12, 2018. Kathleen Connolly ’18 and Jake Temple ’15 of Johnston, representative in Marshfield. Iowa, married Aug. 24, 2019. Kathleen is marketing consultant, Nick ’06 and Laura Van ARAG Legal Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa. Jake is claims specialist, Cole Silver ’18 is department Utrecht Anderson ’06, son Nationwide Insurance, Des Moines. Front row, left to right: Mark manager, Metal Plant Paint Jack Phillip, Feb. 6, 2019. Babcock ’91, Mitch Stearns ’14, Leah Farrington Stearns ’11, Lines, Pella Corp., Pella, Iowa. Jill Campbell Connolly ’79, Ellie Pearson ’19, Jake Temple ’15, Brady and Carrie Jo Calisesi Kyle Smith ’18 is a regional Kathleen Connolly Temple ’18, Keegan Flaherty ’18, Ellie Pearson ’06, son Rory sales associate, Musco Lighting, Stoakes ’18, Emily McDonald Miranda ’18, Josie Youel Schreiner, Oct. 23, 2017. Oskaloosa, Iowa. Hulme ’18, Jack Wilson ’13 and Jackie Boat Wilson 12. Second row, left to right: Tony Braida ’89, Sydney Pratt ’18, Emma Jason ’07 and Sarah Benz Jahleel Vester ’18 is a real estate Disterhoft ’18, Devin McCain Walter ’19, Jamie Sobczak ’19, Boyce ’06, daughter Ebbyn loan representative, People’s Kylie Gerstein ’18, Regan Nelson ’18, Kacey Hayes Beyer ’06, Blythe, Jan. 29, 2019. Bank, Oak Harbor, Washington. Geoff Sellers ’17 and Tom Temple ’81. Back row, left to right: Christine and Tyler Cobb ’07, Steven Peterman ’18, Evan Fischer ’16, Cody Walter ’17, daughter Elsie Ann, Aug. 6, 2019. Danny Beyer ’04, Jared Lichman ’18, Dalton Hulme ’17, NEW ARRIVALS Trevor Sensor ’16, Josh Forst ’15, Trevor Rau ’17 and McKinsie and Kyle Bonnstetter ’97, Joshua Noonan ’08, son Zayn Brandon Hunt ’15. son Briggs Kyle, Sept. 12, 2019. Taylor, Nov. 1, 2017. Andrew and Jen Van Utrecht BJ ’09 and Alysa Tanis Jared and Amanda Zook Ryan ’08 and Taryn Krug Groenenboom ’03, daughter Pilling ’08, son Hudson John, Rokke ’08, daughter Leah Shropshire ’08, son Elliott Greta Ruth, Jan. 14, 2019. Feb, 28, 2017. June, Jan. 26, 2018. James, Oct. 7, 2018.

The National Advisory Council met on campus at its annual meeting Nov. 8. Members of the National Advisory Council serve as ambassadors, offer support, share expertise and advocate on behalf of the college.Front row, left to right: Joe Vande Kieft ’99, Kerry Maynard Vande Kieft ‘99, Casey Quinn McMurray ’01, Catherine Elwell ’19H, Kristine Cox Ward ’85, Sinikka Wainionpaa Waugh ’96, Mike Dahlhauser ’94, Chris Huston ’98, Josh Manning ’03 and Ryan Fick ’02. Second row, left to right: Kim Soo Hoo Vann ’74, Nyla Rozeboom Heerema ’63, Annajean De Graaf Goins ’70, Jeff Boeyink ’85, Kimberly Watts ’88, Trevor Jones ’08, Lori Humphrey Fegley ’80, Jeanie Backes Lovell ’91, Amanda Hansen Fletcher ’00 and Brooke Bouma Kohlsdorf ’96. Back row, left to right: Jeff DeVries ’87, John Cross ‘89, Al Paris ’77, Danny Beyer ’04, Chad Huyser ’97, Justin From ’06, Tony Braida ’89, Chris Epperly Leuter ’91 and Heather Sandholm Kleis ’97.

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Quinn ’09 and Miranda Janice Mol Knoot ’62, Avis Verhoef Moulton ’60, Kouba O’Brien ’09, son Joseph IN MEMORIAM Knoxville, Iowa, Sept. 4, 2019. Turlock, California, May 16, 2019. Daniel, Dec. 31, 2018. Ann Chermak Viedenkamp ’49, Jerry Hoogenakker ’63, Charlotte, Ronald Symens ’60, Sheffield, Tony and Sarah Vandenberg Crown Pointe, Indiana, April North Carolina, Aug. 12, 2019. Iowa, Nov. 28, 2017. Van Zee ’09, daughter Serenity 14, 2019. Ruth, July 23, 2019. Dennis Dykstra ’64, Friesland, Melvin DeVries ’50, South Wisconsin, Sept. 2, 2019. Thomas and Lindsay Sevde Holland, Illinois, July 1, 2019. ADVANCED DEGREES Hegel ’10, son Hank Thomas, Wayne Sandee ’64, Mankato, Paul Tedford ’50, San Diego, Ben Thomas ’90, master’s Oct. 16, 2019. Minnesota, Sept. 16, 2019. California, Dec. 28, 2018. degree, business management, Adam ’10 and Haley Drusky Trident University, 2006. Bonna Van’t Hull Wilson ’50, Frank Douglas Jr. ’65, Pella, Rohloff ’15, son Eli Walter, Damascus, Oregon, June 21, 2017. Iowa, Sept. 1, 2019. Robert Guritz ’96, master’s June 27, 2019. degree, educational technology, Margaret Kosters Hospers ’51, Ron Roetman ’66, Cumming, Sean and Tara Prine Kelly ’11, University of Missouri- Grand Haven, Michigan, May Georgia, Sept. 21, 2019. son Jackson Reid, May 20, 2019. Columbia, 2008. 17, 2019. Jameson ’11 and Alex Kleis Steven Danielson ’69, West Ellen Thompson Sandholm ’00, Rosien ’12, son Holden James, Robert Rebertus ’51, St. Paul, Plains, Arkansas, Oct. 13, 2019. master’s degree, communication Minnesota, April 7, 2019. Oct. 4, 2018. Peter Dumaresq ’69, Schereville, leadership, , 2009. Blaine and Haley Brillhart Ralph Van Dusseldorp ’51, Indiana, Dec. 2, 2018. Kate Vocelka Osborn ’01, Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 4, 2019. doctor of optometry, Damman ’12, daughter Vivian Jack Lindine ’71, Sherman University of Alabama at Denise, May 9, 2018. Gwen “Elaine” Lyon Warren ’51, Oaks, California, Aug. 28, 2019. Birmingham, 2006. Eldon, Iowa, Feb. 7, 2018. Brandon ’12 and Whitney David Swank ’71, Chelsea, Halder Wagner ’12, son Karen Broman ’03, master of Ruth Joan “Jo” Vander Wal Michigan, Dec. 7, 2013. public health, epidemiology, Carson Jeffrey, March 2, 2019. Harmeling ’52, Pella, Iowa, Emily Langstraat Dieleman ’72, University of Minnesota, 2016. Nicholas and Allison Redman Sept. 26, 2019. Bella Vista, Arkansas, Sept. 17, 2019. Westfall ’13, son Omni Keith, Alison Mason ’09, master of Gerald “Jerry” Muilenburg ’52, Sept. 19, 2019. Jill Mensch Cross ’76, Brownsburg, public administration, non- South Sioux City, Nebraska, profit management, Drake Indiana, Sept. 12, 2019. Jordan ’15 and Lindsay Young May 27, 2018. University, 2011. McDonald ’15, daughter Joy Lu Ann Gipple ’82, Atlantic, Roy Kats ’53, Kalamazoo, Amanda Meacham JoAnn, Aug. 26, 2019. Iowa, June 10, 2019. Michigan, April 11, 2019. Livingston ’13, master’s degree, Matthew ’15 and Hannah education, Viterbo University, Violet Kuiper Boot ’54, Pella, Michael Kraayenbrink ’85, Altheide Ridgeway ’14, July 2019. Iowa, Aug. 30, 2019. Sibley, Iowa, Nov. 2, 2019. daughter Elena Amber, Sept. Karl Weaver ’17, master of public 6, 2019. John “Jack” Smies ’57, Oostburg, Marshal Johnson ’18, Des Wisconsin, Aug. 2, 2019. Moines, Iowa, Oct. 15, 2019. health, physical activity and Aaron and Shelbi Stimpson healthy lifestyles, Colorado Followwill ’16, daughter Aubri William Vander Voort ’57, Laurie Hopp Wynveen ’57, School of Public Health, Colorado Jade, July 3, 2019. Houston, Texas, Jan. 12, 2019. Solon, Ohio, Oct. 23, 2018. State University, May 2019.

IN MEMORIAM

CENTRAL STADIUM NAMESAKE JOYCE SCHIPPER DIES

Joyce Schipper, wife of Central College’s late College Football Hall of Fame coach Ron Schipper, died Dec. 29 in Holland, Michigan. She was 90. Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium was named in their honor in 2006. The former Joyce Post, a Holland native and 1951 Hope College (Michigan) graduate, moved to Pella with her family in 1961 when Ron Schipper was named Central’s football coach. He coached for 36 years and recently was named one of the 150 greatest college football coaches by ESPN. Joyce taught kindergarten and English as a second language in Pella. Joyce Schipper with former Following his retirement in 1996, the couple returned to Holland. He died in 2006. Central President David Roe at She is survived by her three children, Tim and Sara, who live in Holland, and Thom, who lives in Grand the naming of the Ron & Joyce Rapids, Michigan, as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Schipper Stadium in 2006.

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2019: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? It’s less than a year since they graduated, but members of Central’s Class of 2019 are already making their mark in the world.

Ericka Abell teaches kindergarten, Cassidy Bos teaches special Ben Conine is a licensing Devin Dilley is a certified Creston Community Schools, education, Newton Community specialist, Tata Consultancy alcohol and drug counselor, Creston, Iowa. Schools, Newton, Iowa. Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bridges of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.

Samantha Aguilar is a graduate MaRenz Bruce is a customer Daniel Coovert teaches Paige Doehrmann is a graduate student, nursing, Mercy College service representative, Enterprise physical education, student, nursing, Allen College, of Health Sciences, Des Rent-A-Car, Pella, Iowa. Sycamore Community Waterloo, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. School District, Illinois. Chase Brumm is a conservation Delanie Donovan is in talent Abigail Anderson is in land and tech, Mills County Offices, Brittany Coppess is acquisition, Pella Corp., water stewardship, AmeriCorps. Glenwood, Iowa. an assistant golf professional, Pella, Iowa. The Club at Chatham Hills, Westfield, Indiana. Annika Anderson is a college Nash Bucher is a professional Brooke Ehrenberg is worship program cast member, The Disney actor, Sacramento, California. and ministry team coordinator, Company, Orlando, Florida. Anne Coughenour is a Central College, Pella, Iowa. Hailey Budke McLeary graduate student, social and Cory McLeary ’18 of sciences, Aquinas College, Dalton Ehret is a consultant, Trevor Argo is a financial Lenexa, Kansas, married Grand Rapids, Michigan. Source Allies, Inc., Des analyst, Mutual of Omaha, July 13, 2019. Hailey Moines, Iowa. Omaha, Nebraska. teaches kindergarten, Hannah Cross is a graduate Lansing Elementary School, student, University of Austin Engstrom is a technical Emma Arickx is an LED repair Kansas. Cory is a mechanical Lincoln, England. project coordinator, Wells technician, Fuse Technical designer, Kiewet, Lenexa. Fargo, Des Moines, Iowa. Group, Las Vegas, Nevada. Christian Daniel is a graduate Whitney Burgardt is a student, engineering, University Taryn Ernst teaches first personal trainer, Aspen Kayla Bagby is an actuarial of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. grade, Winterset Schools, Athletics, Des Moines, associate I, Athene USA, West Winterset, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa. She also is behavior analyst, Balance Autism, Will Daniels is a graduate Altoona, Iowa. student, sciences, University of Natalia Espinosa is a senior Lauren Bagby is athletics Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. customer service processor, recruiting coordinator, Central Metlife, West Des Moines, Iowa. College, Pella, Iowa. Adam Carey is assistant baseball coach, Central Shelby Davis is a sales College, Pella, Iowa. consultant, Wes Finch Auto Mary Fair teaches English, Sadie Baugher is assistant Plaza, Grinnell, Iowa. Sycamore High School, Illinois. athletic trainer, Central Austin Carney is a graduate College, Pella, Iowa. student, Worsham College Olivia Denham teaches physical Mariah Fritz is a graduate

of Mortuary Science, and health education, varsity student, physician assistant Emily Benedict teaches Wheeling, Illinois. volleyball coach, Nevada High medical program, St. Ambrose eighth and ninth grade School, Nevada, Iowa. University, Davenport, Iowa. language arts, Melcher-Dallas Kelly Cavner is a software Community School District, engineer, Principal Financial, Ciera De Santis is an assistant Nathan Fritz is an athletic Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. office manager, LOH Family trainer, Kinetic Edge Physical Chiropractic, Littleton, Colorado. Therapy, Pella, Iowa. Katie Berkley is a graduate Caitlyn Champ is a student, physician assistant graduate assistant athletic Jessica DeWaard teaches first Mackenzie Fuller Johnson and medical program, University of trainer, St. Cloud State grade, Winterset Community Joshua Johnson ’18 of Adel, Lynchburg, Virginia. University, Minnesota. School District, Winterset, Iowa. Iowa, married June 29, 2019.

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Madison Gay teaches Corey Hauptmann is an Kirsten Jordan is a front Paige Letcher is a claims adjuster, elementary English language auditor, State of Iowa, office associate, Des Moines Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance learners, Perry Community Des Moines. Children’s Dentistry, Des Company, Grinnell, Iowa. School District, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Hope Heitman is a multiple Michaela Lillie is a treatment Tanner Gilliland is a research line representative, State Luke Kalal is in aviation, counselor, Orchard Place. She development engineer, Dee Farm, Burlington, Iowa. United States Navy. also is youth specialist, Lutheran Zee Manufacturing, Des Services in Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Analise Keller is a graduate Parker Hill is leading student, occupational therapy, Cara Mack is a brand manager, Lauren Goeke is a graduate agroforestry and environmental St. Ambrose University, Bluespace Creative, Denison, Iowa. student, occupational therapy, work, Peace Corps, Senegal. Davenport, Iowa. Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri. Hannah Hirl is a graduate Jen Kern is a behavior Jessica Makenas is a graduate student, school of law, Drake technician, Balance Autism, student, Regis University, Andrew Gorman is a full stack University, Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Denver, Colorado. web developer, IMT Insurance, West Des Moines, Iowa. Logan Hoefer and Sipres Cameron Kiner and Marissa Gretchen Mann and Bryant Shurila of Bellevue, Nebraska, Drake ’18 of Corning, Iowa, Clapper married June 15, 2019. Patrick Gray is a graduate student, married July 10, 2019. Logan married June 8, 2019. Cameron Gretchen teaches fifth grade engineering, University of Notre is a project engineer, Sachs is a personal trainer, CHI reading, seventh grade language Dame, South Bend, Indiana. Electric Company, Council Health, Corning. arts, Roland-Story Middle Bluffs, Iowa. School, Story City, Iowa. Zachary Greder is a graduate Drew Kithcart is an actuarial student, school of law, University associate, Athene USA, West Claire Marburger is an office of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado. Kristin Hubert and Wes Des Moines, Iowa. Wheat ’18 married June 15, assistant, athletic training room, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. Donald Groezinger is 2019. Kristin is a fitness and Taylor Kooker is a team a software developer I, FedEx lifestyle coordinator, Human member solutions advisor, Services, Des Moines, Iowa. Good, Phoenix, Arizona. Vermeer Corp., Pella, Iowa. Michaela Mathews is a graduate student, school of Matthew Gubitz is a market sales Natalie Huisman is an intern Kelsey Kramer is an athletic dentistry, , leader, Campbell Soup Company, athletic trainer, Wartburg training graduate assistant, Iowa City, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. College, Waverly, Iowa. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Makenzie Matt teaches Brooke Hague is an associate D.J. Imoehl is a software fourth grade, Chariton Lauren Kriegel is an associate production supervisor, Hormel developer, FullCount, Community School District, technical analyst, Pella Corp., Foods Corp., Dubuque, Iowa. Ankeny, Iowa. Chariton, Iowa. Pella, Iowa.

Marie Hakeman is an associate Devin McCain is a leasing Shannon James is an Louis Kriegel is an accountant, product specialist, Pella Corp., and sales consultant, Richdale accountant and financial Tarbell & Co., P.L.C., Prairie Pella, Iowa. Apartments, Des Moines, Iowa. coordinator, Ewing Land City, Iowa. Development & Services, Hillary Hamilton is a graduate Ankeny, Iowa. Caitlyn Landuyt is a resource Quinn McClurg is in private student, University of Northern teacher, Bright Horizons: security, G4S Secure Solutions, Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Vermeer Yellow Iron Academy, West Des Moines, Iowa. Jenna Jensen is a resource Pella, Iowa. Janae Hannemann is direct teacher, Bright Horizons: Vermeer Yellow Iron Drew McDonough is at administrative assistant, Jacob Lehmkuhl is a sales Academy, Pella, Iowa. Musco Sports Lighting, Schuring & Uitermarkt, PC, manager, In’t Veld Meat Oskaloosa, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. Market, Pella, Iowa. Kaitlyn Johnson is Macin Harvey is a medical a graduate student, Indiana Luke Leon is a diamondkast Jamel McKnight is an scribe, ScribeAmerica, State University, Terre operator, Perfect Game, Cedar admission representative, Davenport, Iowa. Haute, Indiana. Rapids, Iowa. Central College, Pella, Iowa.

30 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 31 NEWSNOTES

Lynzie Miller is an ADA Rachel Peter teaches Sydney Roudabush is a Scott Sievert is an IT support specialist, Balance Autism, elementary music, Keokuk graduate student, Northwestern specialist, Vermeer Corp., Des Moines, Iowa. Community School District, Health Sciences University, Pella, Iowa. Keokuk, Iowa. Bloomington, Minnesota.

Melissa Miller is a risk management Emma Skahill is a reporter, Lane Rumelhart is a right of associate, University of Iowa, Tristan Peters is a design Knoxville Journal-Express, Iowa City, Iowa. way agent, JCG Land Services, Knoxville, Iowa. engineer, Vermeer Corp., Urbandale, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. Tylor Newhouse is a staff Taylor Smith is a graduate Brandon Ryerson is a accountant, Bohr, Dahm, Greif student, University of production manager, Pella & Associates, P.C., Cedar Riley Petersen is a graduate Wisconsin-La Crosse, Wisconsin. Rapids, Iowa. student, sciences, Corp., Pella, Iowa. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Trenton Sann is a member Josiah Soderstrum is a claims Aroni Niyikiza teaches English advocate, Businessolver, West adjuster, Grinnell Mutual as a second language, CIPTC, Des Moines, Iowa. Reinsurance, Grinnell, Iowa. Shenzhen City, China. Chase Petty teaches seventh through 12th grade social studies, Melcher-Dallas Garrett Saunders plays Ashley Sojka teaches third Alex Oldham is a dental Community School District, minor league baseball, Atlanta grade, North Mahaska assistant, Anamosa Dental, Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. Braves, Danville, Virginia. Community School District, Anamosa, Iowa. New Sharon, Iowa. John Scearcy is a flex Tiffany Olerich is a treatment Tyler Pfaltzgraff is a soybean supervisor, Central College, Jenna Stewart is a graduate specialist, Community and Family research assistant, Stine Seed Pella, Iowa. student, Skaggs School of Resources, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Company, Adel, Iowa. Pharmacy, University of Andrew Schlatter teaches Colorado, Aurora, Colorado. Kylie Olson is a graduate Josh Phillips is an associate special education, Brubaker student, nursing, Allen College, Elementary School, Des network administrator, Pella Olivia Stoops is a project Waterloo, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Corp. and head soccer coach, planning specialist, Musco Iowa Rush Soccer Club, Lighting Corp., Oskaloosa, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. Kyle Pape is a graduate student, Madeline Schmiegelt is a tax physical therapy, Clarke accountant, Zurich North University, Dubuque, Iowa. America, Schaumburg, Illinois. Courtney Tabor is a college Miguel Pina is a graduate program member, The Disney student, nursing, Allen Company, Orlando, Florida. Hannah Scotton teaches first Brent Parker is an associate College, Waterloo, Iowa. grade, Newton Community marketplace specialist, Brownells, School District, Newton, Iowa. Inc., Grinnell, Iowa. Alex Tamerius is a director of Jake Poster is an underwriter marketing and sales, Precision trainee, Bitco Insurance Kendra Sexton is an office Optical Group, Creston, Iowa. Natalie Parker is a medical Companies, West Des manager, Sexton Oil Company, claims analyst, Equian, West Moines, Iowa. Danbury, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Kendra Miller trains teachers, Hope of the Nations, Paige Shanno is an applied Kigoma, Tanzania. Dallyn Putz is a graduate Elizabeth Pearson is a graduate behavioral analyst specialist, student, physical therapy, student, social sciences, Colorado Balance Autism, Des University of Iowa, , Fort Collins, Moines, Iowa. Steven Tuggle is a national Colorado. City, Iowa. resource specialist and park ranger, United States Army Corps of Addison Shrum is a settlement Engineers, Arlington, Texas. CJ Pestano of Waukee, Iowa, Danielle Riley is a graduate auditor, John Deere. He is a soccer is a software engineer, assistant athletic trainer, coach and board member, Woodman Controls Company, Missouri Valley College, Genesis Youth Foundation, Des Cody Tuttle is a sales associate, Urbandale, Iowa. Afton, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Fastenal, Oskaloosa, Iowa.

32 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 33 NEWSNOTES

Dylan Tuttle is an estimator, Emily Van Gent is an events University of Iowa, Iowa Nicole Williams is a product Hopkins Roofing, Inc., Pella, Iowa. and volunteer organizer, City, Iowa. owner/software development, Many Hands for Haiti, Principal Financial Group, Des Bryant Tyler teaches seventh Pella, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Devin Walter is a sales grade social studies, Central Lee and leasing consultant, Community School District, Madi Van Gilst is a library Richdale Apartments, Eleanor Witt teaches Donnellson, Iowa. reference assistant, Central Des Moines, Iowa. pre-kindergarten through College, Pella, Iowa. fourth grade music, Brooke Vanderham teaches Estherville Lincoln Central kindergarten through fifth grade Kaitlyn Wells teaches Jeremy Vester is a special education, Des Community School District, special education, Dallas Estherville, Iowa. Center-Grimes School, Dallas graduate student, sciences, Moines Public Schools, Center, Iowa. Liberty University, Des Moines, Iowa. Lynchburg, Virginia. Marissa Wright teaches Heidi Vanderholm is a Lucas Wiebenga is a data third grade, Edgewood- department manager, Pella Amy Walter is a graduate analyst consultant, Keyot LLC, Colesburg School District, Corp., Pella, Iowa. student, social sciences, Des Moines, Iowa. Colesburg, Iowa.

CLASS OF 2019

32 | CIVITAS WINTER 2020 | 33 DONOR PROFILE

A Wisconsin dairy farmer who never attended Central College gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure generations of students would benefit from the education he never received. Earl Simmelink, who was 95 when he died almost four years ago, saw the benefits of the Central experience through the eyes of his sister, Ruth Simmelink Sims ’45. He first donated to the college in the early 1970s and gave more than $600,000 to Central throughout his life. That included more than $500,000 from his estate. Central recognized Simmelink’s generosity by naming the atrium in Graham Conference Center in his honor. The Earl Simmelink Atrium was dedicated Nov. 8, 2019, during a meeting with the National Advisory Council. “The Earl Simmelink Atrium will serve as an enduring symbol of his warmth, generosity, humility, stewardship and “I BELIEVE THE MOST IMPORTANT legacy,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99, vice president for advancement. “We thank WORK OF GOD IS TO GIVE LOVE him for his faith in and extraordinary support of Central College.” TO OTHERS.” Simmelink’s life was marked by his — EARL SIMMELINK generosity and service to other people. He provided a substantial gift to the college’s endowment to fund scholarships in his name. had very little opportunity to travel and to six students. It will continue to support “I believe the most important work of few other relatives with whom to spend Central students for generations to come. the holidays. My grandparents passed away “I’ve always enjoyed young people and God is to give love to others,” he once said. when I was quite young. I wanted to help them,” Simmelink said. Simmelink lived his entire life on a “Thus, we made a commitment to “These scholarships are my way of doing that.” farm in Baldwin, Wisconsin, originally be with him. Earl represented a selfless Simmelink died March 19, 2016, at owned by his grandparents. His love for devotion to duty that is hard to imagine Birch Haven Assisted Living in Baldwin, the land stemmed from his upbringing these days. I believe part of him wished he Wisconsin, at age 95. His Bible was at and strong faith. He implemented could have studied and traveled the way his side. conservation practices that protected the my mom did. As the only male heir to the land and refused to apply chemical dairy farm, he felt it was his duty to take it herbicides or fertilizers. over and keep it going. Simmelink did not attend Central but “And he did that well. The farm was was connected to the college through his steadily productive through the years, and sister. Ruth died Nov. 28, 2007. he was able to save enough money to make Dan Sims, Earl’s nephew and Ruth’s son, the generous donation.” shared his reflection on his uncle’s life: The Earl Simmelink Endowed “While I was growing up, my parents Scholarship, established in 2016, is awarded and I would visit Uncle Earl twice a year to a student with financial need and is — once at Christmas and once during the renewable for four years. So far, it has funded summer. As a bachelor dairy farmer, he 13 scholarships totaling more than $24,000

34 | CIVITAS PARTING SHOT

Both the liberal arts and journalism and investigative journalism from a exist to defy intellectual or social community, transparency and the informed boundaries. Think of them as cultural electorate suffer. We need to maintain engines ideally designed to move a sense of community with our physical ‘Now information, access and opportunity across neighbors that doesn’t rely on political every barrier of class distinction affiliation, or other categories that tend to or privilege. divide us. We often talk about how the Internet All this contributes to why I cheered ushered in new expanded horizons for Central’s price change to $18,600 — a vote What’ humanity. In some ways that’s true. But in in favor of transparency for students and FOR LOCAL NEWS AND THE another sense we’ve never before lived under families and for a saner overall higher- LIBERAL ARTS? such intense quantitative scrutiny, where education economy. Mark Zuckerberg often seems to anticipate In the past 30 years, tuition at public BY: KYLE MUNSON ’94 our every move. The world within our social universities skyrocketed by 213%. media bubbles can feel so incredibly small. According to the Institute for College Writers, beware of reading your old work. Liberal arts and journalism traditionally Access and Success, the average bachelor’s I was a Central College senior when have drawn boundaries in the best way, by degree in 2018 came bundled with $29,200 in the Spring 1994 issue of the alumni building a shared identity and lending a in loan debt. magazine I filled an entire page with a cohesive voice to their local geographies. It doesn’t take too many sharp, critical jumbled essay under the title “Now What?” These often are small towns sprinkled questions to realize that local communities I failed to answer that or any other question. across rural America for which these are healthier with reliable nonpartisan Arguably I did live up to the issue’s theme of institutions are cherished cornerstones. news and affordable liberal arts education. “Life After Central” by demonstrating some Or at least they used to be. So it’s with an entirely different context students’ utter incomprehension at the true A report published last fall by nonprofit in this issue of Civitas that I ask, “Now nature of real life in the professional world. the PEN America on the “decimation” of what?” Do we as Americans have the Kudos to editor Kevin Cool ’82 and local news has been just one of many to gumption to preserve these institutions his staff writer, the late Shawn Presley, for trace the closure of 1,800 newspapers and that I would argue have contributed their benevolence in publishing my heartfelt the loss of about half of the journalists in incalculable value to all that we cherish knotted prose. America in the past 15 years. about our society? I rambled incoherently about U2’s Bono “At a time when political polarization I would reprise my final line from 1994 and Hank Williams and ended the essay is increasing and fraudulent news is — “Check back with me in 10 years” — but with perhaps its only clear sentence: “Check spreading,” the report said, “a shared fact- that might rattle me more now than when I back with me in 10 years.” based discourse on the issues that most was a befuddled college senior. Twenty-six years later I can report that I directly affect us is both more essential and At least this time maybe I’ve rambled a was prescient in one respect: In 2002 I spent more elusive than ever.” little less. a day with Bono as he led a bus tour through That one scary sentence sums it up. When in doubt, end with a hashtag: the Midwest to raise funds and awareness When you extract thorough beat reporting #GoDutch. for African debt relief. (This was before social media — that entire humanitarian campaign today no doubt would be handled with a single hashtag.) I’ve invested my entire career in words and media. I worked 24 years in daily news with The Des Moines Register, the newspaper I grew up reading at my grandparents’ kitchen table. A year and a half ago, I pivoted my reporting and digital storytelling skills into content strategy and marketing for global financial services company Principal. Along the way I developed a bedrock faith in two institutions that shaped my early life: a liberal arts education and local journalism. They have a lot in common. For instance, both are grounded in asking sharp, critical questions — of our neighbors, of people in power and (perhaps most important in the final analysis) of ourselves. Kyle Munson ’94 sits in Douwstra Auditorium holding the Spring 1994 issue of Central Bulletin, then the alumni magazine. As a senior, Munson wrote an editorial titled “Now What?” ®

Winter 2020 Vol. 31 No. 2USPS096-840

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