WINTER 2019 central CENTRAL COLLEGE CIVITAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

12 ROB LINDLEY ’95 ON TOUR WITH “PHANTOM”

17 ROOMMATES LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS BEGIN HERE

24 CAMPUS CAMPS 29 YEAR-ROUND OFFERINGS PRESIDENT’S CORNER

MARK: MY WORDS PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWER Read more of President Putnam's writing at: BY MARK PUTNAM, CENTRAL COLLEGE PRESIDENT president.central.edu

art of my job is to to me as a class. I receive them into the From time to time that brief moment free students from care and keeping of the college with great will resurface in a conversation with a the expectations of enthusiasm. Then it gets very quiet. student, most often a senior, as we share others. It is one of a moment of reflection. Though their the most rewarding Here is what I say to our new students: reactions vary, the common theme is a aspects of my work. realization that they had to begin to think If I gave you each a marker and On move-in more deeply and listen more carefully to invited you to write on the walls of this P day at the start of their thoughts and ideas. auditorium all the expectations placed fall semester, we have a brief ceremony in The four critical years of college on you by family, teachers, coaches, Douwstra Auditorium we call “Turning necessarily involves self-discovery that neighbors and friends, we would cover Over the Class.” Parents are excused, reaches beyond the expectations of others. the walls with your lists. Most of your though a few still linger in the shadows. Students set aside self-limiting ideas of the lives have been about conforming to Our task is to formally welcome these fresh past as a new course stimulates previously others’ expectations. Now you are faces as a class and begin fostering a shared undiscovered interests. Their self-assurance authors of your own story. identity for the journey ahead. grows as study abroad, service learning They cross the threshold of Central You are all fortunate that I have been and undergraduate research stretches them Hall to the cheers of our student endowed with phenomenal cosmic power. past comfort to grasp new competencies. orientation leaders. The room is abuzz So by the authority vested in me, I Eventually students realize they hold their with conversation and laughter. Yet in the hereby release you from all expectations own phenomenal cosmic power: They midst of a crazy day of activity, we quiet and invite you to begin writing your own become more than anyone expected. them for a few minutes of reflection. We story. Whatever burdens you bear from offer a prayer of hope, encouragement and the expectations of others are now gone. blessing and they are formally presented w i n t e r 2 0 1 9 CENTRAL COLLEGE civitas TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER ALUMNI MAGAZINE Rob Lindley ’95

Winter 2019 | Issue 3 FEATURES

EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Weeks [email protected] SENIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR Melody VanderLeest [email protected] 12 17 24 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AN ACTOR AND WINNING THE CAMPS, Jeff Bersch A GENTLEMAN ROOMMATE LOTTERY CONFERENCES Jordan Bohr Rob Lindley ’95 on Four pairs of AND CLINICS Cyvannah Vecchio acting and authenticity roommates with In athletics, music, CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER lasting—and life- sustainability and more Lindsey Maurer altering—friendships PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Joy [email protected] CELEBRATE HOO-RAH DAY!

NEWSNOTES EDITORS around the pond 4 Mary Benedict athletics updates 8 Lisa Thurman Fyfe ’87 Connie Aalbers Marlow ’76 central scene 10 Lynne Petty alumni newsnotes 29 Peggy Johnson Van Den Berg ’83 #HoorahDay [email protected] WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 parting shot 43 SPORTS EDITOR hoorah.central.edu Larry Happel ’81 [email protected]

MARKETING AND [email protected] PROJECT MANAGEMENT CIVITAS.CENTRAL.EDU Steffanie Bonnstetter 812 UNIVERSITY ST., PELLA, IOWA 50219 [email protected] 800.447.0287 DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Denise Lamphier [email protected] Civitas is published by the Central communications office for alumni, parents and friends of Central College. For information on the Civitas mission, visit civitas.central.edu. DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Civitas (USPS 096-840) is published quarterly by Central College, 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219-1999. Corey Falter Periodicals postage paid at Pella, Iowa, and additional offices. [email protected] Postmaster: send address changes (PS 3579) to Civitas, 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219-1999. Address changes also may be sent to [email protected]. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99 [email protected] 10%

10% Post-Consumer Fiber Production notes: Civitas is printed with a vegetable-based ink by Town Crier, Pella, Iowa. a r o u n d t h e p o n d

SCHOLARSHIP HONOREES Central’s Geisler Penquite scholars are exceptional students in the teacher education program. They receive approximately $5,000 per year during their third and fourth years; in return, they represent the education department to prospective students, conduct research and/or develop new education department initiatives. Central’s 2018 Geisler Penquite scholars are, front row, left to right: Shelby Casner ’20, Mason Muur ’20, Brittney Latcham ’20, Elise Askelsen ’20, Madison McDowell ’20, Alaena Pelzer ’20, McKenna Fiebelkorn ’20 and Parker Majerus ’20. The Geisler Penquite Committee that helped choose the scholars is, back row, left to right: FALL SERVICE DAY “We also wanted Intersections classes— Sheri Timmer Roslien ’88, Dan Skokan, For the first time in 12 years, Central’s interdisciplinary classes required of all Gary Timmer ’55, Maurine Timmer, service day took place in October instead Central first-year students—to use service Jean Schnell, Eric Sickler ’83 and of the spring. as a bonding experience. Connecting with John Roslien. Not pictured: Noreen Otto In this annual tradition since 2006, the our regional community enriches civic and Eugene Knopf. The scholarship was college cancels classes, and students, faculty life, augments student learning and fosters established by Harold and Mavis Geisler and staff serve Pella and central Iowa. strong community relationships.” and Cecil Geisler Penquite and Loren “Community partners needed help with This year, 725 Central students, Penquite in honor of their parents, fall projects [such as raking leaves, above],” faculty and staff contributed thousands of John Edward Geisler and Gertrude explains Cheri Trout Doane ’98, Central’s volunteer hours—valued at approximately Setzer Geisler. director of community-based learning. $75,000—to projects that included:

4 | CIVITAS ++ Teaching English-learning students in Des Moines to play steel pans. ++ Improving woodlands at Christie Park in Pleasant Hill. ++ Doing outdoor work at Pella Regional Health Center. ++ Supporting clients at the Pella Food Shelf. ++ Collecting oral histories of Upward Bound participants in Des Moines.

To learn more about service learning at Central: central.edu/service.

HUMANISTS PRESENT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Five Central students presented original Ashley Sojka ’19, above, was one of more than 150 Central students representing 25 research at the eighth annual Midwest courses across 15 academic disciplines who presented research results to the campus Undergraduate Conference in the community Dec. 4 in the Harry and Bernice Vermeer Banquet Hall. Humanities in November at Wartburg Through oral presentations, poster sessions and demonstrations, Undergraduate College. Adrienne Bergman ’20 spoke Research Symposium participants shared what they learned through research for classes, on “The Hidden Racism of Desdemona honors symposia, summer projects and independent study. in Othello” on the panel “Buried Desires? Presentations ran the gamut: One computer science student built his own video Women’s Perilous Agency in Literature,” game. Other students studied cultural controversies such as the treatment of confederate chaired by Assistant Professor of English monuments or wilderness access or tested hypotheses in the experimental and social Valerie Billing. Savana Henning ’20 sciences. All projects featured researchers delighted to do out-of-the-classroom work with presented “The Influence of Passover real-world applicability. on Christianity” and Christian Elementary education major Sojka, for instance, studied how sustainability is taught in Warner ’20 discussed “The Art of the United States versus Northern Europe. “The United States tends to offer specialized Rhetoric in Establishing a Conversation courses in sustainability; in Northern Europe, they embed green education in all classes. on the Origin of Law in Book I of Plato’s Theirs is a broader approach, and knowing about it has influenced how I plan to teach,” Laws,” both on the panel “Seeking she says. Justice: On Earth as it is in Heaven” moderated by Professor of Religion Terry Kleven. Miguel Piña ’19 presented “Rebuilding Home and Memory in TICKET CENTRAL ‘La Casa’ by Paco Roca”on the panel Now you can get tickets for virtually all Central public “Reflections on the Contemporary events from one source. With just a few keystrokes, you Hispanic World.” John Scearcy ’19 can register as a user, browse a comprehensive calendar presented “Chinese Language Education of Central events and buy tickets online that you can in Mérida, Mexico: Spanish, English and print at home or download to your mobile device. Mandarin Chinese in Mexican University and High School Settings” on the panel To get tickets: events.central.edu “Linguistic and Cultural Identity: From the Pragmatic to Personal.”

WINTER 2019 | 5 GO FORTH AND DO LIKEWISE Philip E. Nelson, professor emeritus of Purdue University and 2007 recipient of the World Food Prize, presented Central College’s 2018 World Food Prize Lecture in October in Cox-Snow Music Center. His presentation, “A Career with Unexpected World Impact,” discussed how he revolutionized the food industry POLLSTERS R US The students voted for Goodman to by developing innovative technologies for Fifteen students in Professor of continue to offer the class and the large-scale “aseptic” packaging, storage Mathematics Russ Goodman’s first-year exit-polling project—and for warmer and transportation of fresh fruit juices and Intersections course (including Sabrina election-night weather for students who vegetables. His bulk, sterile processing Tallman ’22, above) turned exit pollsters undertake this worthwhile project in reduced food spoilage losses and provided on Election Day. They surveyed 165 the future! millions of people worldwide with access residents in two Pella, Iowa, precincts to fresh, nutritious food. After describing about their vote and other demographic To read the Twitter feed on the project: the unexpected arc of his career, he information as voters left the polling twitter.com/CC_Polling urged Central students to seek to make a places. Then the mostly first-year students difference in whatever they chose to do. compiled results in real time—just like on TV. They built and executed every aspect of their survey, from designing the questions to coding the software to CELEBRATE HOO-RAH DAY! tabulating the data and analyzing the results. Their final step was to “call” elections in real time as soon as the data deemed it responsible reporting. The students were continually surprised by what they learned. That included how much work goes into designing a survey, how effectively they managed to plan and execute the complex project, how accurate their predictions were, how complex the workings of democracy are, how pervasive data is in our culture and how many ethical issues attend its gathering and use. #HoorahDay Students’ biggest fears were being rejected by potential survey participants. They role-played in advance how to deal WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 with different personality types to help overcome shyness. But their biggest surprise was how well most voters treated them. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET One woman brought two pollsters hot chocolate on the unseasonably cold and INVOLVED OR TO MAKE A GIFT: windy election night, and some voters were hoorah.central.edu so interested in the students’ project that they started long conversations. 6 | CIVITAS FACULTY PUBLICATIONS

Ántonia Takes Him Home A Memoir in Latin Jazz Romancing Science Publishing on Python Professor of English Joshua Associate Professor of Professor of Chemistry Professor of Mathematics Doležal’s memoir, “Down Music Gabriel Espinosa Catherine Hinga and Computer Science from the Mountaintop: released his latest album, Haustein ’76 just Mark Johnson has just From Belief to Belonging,” “Nostalgias De Mi Vida,” published her third completely reorganized recently was excerpted in October. romance novel. “Wolves and rewritten his by the Willa Cather “At age 66, [the] and Deer: A Tale Based textbook “A Concise Foundation as part of its Mexican-born composer/ on Fact,” was released last Introduction to centennial celebration of singer/electric bassist is fall by Rogue Phoenix Programming in the publication of Cather’s looking back fondly on Press. The science in the Python.” The recently novel “My Ántonia.” In the his life in jazz, from his book, says Haustein, “is released second edition featured chapter, Doležal first days with his brother’s 100 percent realistic— incorporates all that reflects on his experience as band, Los Deltons, in based on 1832.” Johnson and his a college student struggling Mexico to recording in “A smart, funny book,” colleagues at Central to choose a major and NYC with world class writes one reviewer, and elsewhere have envision a career and how Latin jazz musicians,” “unlike anything else I’ve learned from teaching Cather’s novel—“The first writes Jim Hynes in a ever read.” from the book since it book I’d ever read that review in Making A Haustine also has was published in 2012. spoke directly to my family Scene: The Independent written two other Johnson says he history”—helped him Music Magazine. “As you’d romances, both with wrote both editions to decide. expect, the music has a science themes. “Natural be read, not just used “Down From the warm, tropical quality, Attraction” is a comedy as a reference, and Mountaintop” was full of upbeat passages. about a female naturalist reviewers of the first published by the University His joy comes through on in 1871 who must take the edition agree. of Iowa Press in 2014 and every tune.” guise of a man. “Mixed In” “This book was a shortlisted for the 2015 “I chose the title features a female chemist major part of what William Saroyan Prize. ‘Nostalgias De Mi Vida’ in protagonist in a dystopian transformed me from Doležal’s creative work has honor of my life in music,” setting. In addition to a lost and confused appeared in journals such Espinosa says. “I have teaching chemistry, college student into the as Shenandoah, Kenyon great affection for this Haustein teaches Short programmer I am today,” Review, Gettysburg Review musical journey that I am Story Writing at Central. wrote one. and Fourth Genre. He also still exploring with new The book is has published essays on the challenges and sounds.” For more information: published by Chapman works of Willa Cather in Zoho music calls catherinehaustein.com and Hall and is available Cather Studies, Literature the album “A gorgeous online or through any and Medicine, Teaching mashup of the music of his bookstore. Cather, and the Willa homeland and of Brazilian Cather Review. Samba Jazz, in six Espinosa For more information: originals and four Mexican central.edu/go/ Read the Willa Cather Songbook Classics.” conciseintro Foundation’s excerpt: central.edu/dolezal Sample the album: central.edu/espinosa

WINTER 2019 | 7 ATHLETICS UPDATES

‘SOME PEOPLE DON’T CALL IT BASKETBALL’ INSIDE THE STRANGEST COLLEGE GAME OF THE YEAR BY: JACOB BOGAGE, NATIONAL SPORTS WRITER AND BLOGGER, THE WASHINGTON POST

A quick glance at the box score might leave on all season. Central usually shoots a lot This story first appeared in basketball fans assuming some horrible of 3-pointers out of its half-court offense. “The Washington Post” Nov. 22. statistical malfunction. A second glance But that wouldn’t work against Grinnell. Reprinted with permission. might produce a furrowed brow: Grinnell Just break the press, Douma said, and College took how many 3-pointers? And take as many layups as possible. Then get Central College didn’t take any? back on defense and rebound, and do the An even closer look would reveal one whole thing over again. of the oddest college basketball games of And again. And again. FALL HIGHLIGHTS the year: a Division III contest Tuesday “We’ve beaten Grinnell two of the Women’s Golf: Central walked off [Nov. 20] between two teams in central last three times,” he said. “Our players with its 10th conference championship Iowa in which the losing team attempted trust us and we know this is our formula and its second in three years. It gains 89 3-pointers, equaling an NCAA Division for success.” a berth at the NCAA Division III III record, and the winning team attempted While Douma paced the sideline tourney May 14-17 in Houston. none. The box score reported an official shouting encouragement and reminding attendance of 175. players to box out, his assistant coaches Football: Behind all-conference The final score: Central College 105, kept track of the team’s substitutions quarterback Blaine Hawkins ’20, Grinnell 96. so Central’s players wouldn’t tire out. Central’s football team was an overtime “Some people don’t call it basketball,” During timeouts, he forced players to away from a share of a league title. Central Coach Craig Douma said in a stay on the bench and rest for as long as The Dutch finished 8-2. phone interview. possible until officials called the team Grinnell has for years used a frantic, back out onto the floor. Women’s Tennis: Jenna Stewart ’19 up-tempo style basketball aficionados In practice, he ran drills with five and Karleigh Schilling ’21 received all- affectionately call “The System.” The defenders against three guards to force conference distinction and placed fourth Pioneers play a full-court press the entire them to get open without the ball. in doubles at the conference tournament. game and take as many 3s as possible. They scrimmaged six against five, Coach David Arseneault Jr., using a scheme so Grinnell’s frantic pace wouldn’t Volleyball: Leaning on a freshman- developed by his father, utilizes hockey- seem so overwhelming. heavy roster, Central’s volleyball team style line changes every few minutes. Grinnell made 20 of its 89 3-point bettered last year’s season win total in The Pioneers score a ton of points— attempts, outscoring Central 60-0 from a 12-19 campaign. they’re averaging more than 120 points behind the arc. But Grinnell made just this season through four games—and 28 percent of its field-goal attempts, while Men’s Soccer: Goalkeeper Salvador run opponents into the ground. They’ve Central shot 58 percent from the floor. Salado-Herrera ’21, high-scoring already attempted 302 3-pointers. “It’s very intriguing,” Douma said. forward Miguel Pina ’19 and defender “The System” has generated plenty “People come out just to watch this Taylor Petkovich ’20 received all- of wild statistics in the past. In 2012, game and see how we’re going to play conference distinction. for example, guard Jack Taylor scored the chess game and what our strategy an NCAA-record 138 points on is going to be.” Women’s Soccer: Midfielder Olivia 52-for-108 shooting, going 27 for 71 The strategy is actually pretty Denham ’19 and forward Erin Manion ’20 from 3-point range. simple: endure. were all-conference honorees for the third “They’re playing the mathematics game That extends beyond the annual consecutive year for Central. on this thing,” said Douma, whose Central meeting with the Pioneers, too. After team has played Grinnell each of the past Thanksgiving, Douma will try to coach Cross-country: Miranda Kruiswyk ’22 three seasons. “If they can hit 30 percent of his team out of the “Grinnell hangover,” earned a berth in the NCAA Division their 3s, they’re going to have a good shot as he calls it. After such a weird and III Championships. to win the game.” draining experience, he said, it’s hard to Central responded with a novel play a normal basketball game again. equation of its own: Don’t try any At least the next game, Saturday FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS 3-pointers. At all. against Gustavus Adolphus (Central lost In fact, Douma told his players to forget 81-74), will be easier on the statisticians. ON CENTRAL ATHLETICS: all the schemes and plays they’ve worked ATHLETICS.CENTRAL.EDU

8 | CIVITAS WINTER 2019 | 9 CENTRAL SCENE PHOTO: PAUL JOY Isaac Ramos ’18 studies for finals in the newly remodeled— and decorated for the holidays—Global Café in Geisler.

AN ACTOR AND A GENTLEMAN

ROB LINDLEY ’95 WASN’T A STANDOUT ON THE CENTRAL COLLEGE STAGE. THAT MAY BE ONE REASON HE’S SO SUCCESSFUL—AND SO GENEROUS-SPIRITED—NOW.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY: DAN WEEKS

12 | CIVITAS “AT CENTRAL I HAD ALL THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE MY OWN PATH.”

In the nationally touring production of But when he was asked to audition, the record for the number of all-state speech “The Phantom of the Opera,” part of André won him over. entries in choral reading and individual Rob Lindley ’95 is, in stage parlance, “He’s fun!” says Lindley, eyes alight. categories—double entries every year but “M-3” or “Male 3:” the third most “He’s comic relief. When I finally saw the one, he recalls. prominent male actor in the cast. show I thought, ‘Wow! No wonder the But it wasn’t all roses: “I was struggling “I’m actually a little bit important,” casting director wanted me for this.’ André with my sexual identity. I wasn’t popular. he says with self-deprecating humor. has just enough singing that I can use some I was bullied. But from early on I knew what of my choral training. I get a couple money I was good at and so did everybody else.” “HE’S FUN!” notes out there. I have some great dramatic Lindley visited Central the summer before In fact, his role as Monsieur André—an moments, and I get a few good laughs—it’s his senior year. His trip coincided with an owner of a haunted theatre—is lynch pin perfect for me. Plus I get to wear the most acting workshop and he was introduced to to the plot. He must cope with a vain fabulous costumes. Every coat I put on in Assistant Professor of Theatre Fred Nelson prima donna who thinks she runs the show. the production is amazing!” and two theatre alumni, Bruce Green ’91 A totalitarian ballet mistress who DOES He sips coffee and muses a bit on and Julie Schanke ’90. The next fall he run the show. A possessed female lead. Plus the paradox of Rob Lindley playing visited again and caught a production fickle critics, an overbearing patron—and Gilles André. of “The Visit.” “The performance was of course the Phantom, who plagues the stunningly beautiful. I got to witness a whole lot with gothic horror and mayhem. SINGING FOR ALTA group of hungry students get feedback from Meanwhile, André desperately, hysterically Lindley grew up the son of a minister in a professional critic. And the Kruidenier tries to hold the opera company together. Alta, Iowa, a tiny hamlet of about 500 Center blew my mind. I’d never seen Lindley was in high school and college families in northwest Iowa. He started anything so high-tech.” when “Phantom” originally toured, singing in church at 5; by middle school he He was also charmed by Pella. “It’s like but he wasn’t initially attracted to the was soloing at weddings and funerals. “I was an Epcot Netherlands!” he says. “I’ve always production in spite of his longtime dream brought up that the ability to sing was a gift thought it was so cool.” of performing in a Broadway show. from God. If you had it, it was your duty to He returned home to Alta with a new “‘Phantom’ is quite dark at times,” he share it,” he says. goal—to act—and a college destination: explains, sitting by the gas fire in the lobby He added speech to his repertoire in Central. “My parents nudged me to keep of the Magnolia Hotel across from Omaha’s high school—“one of those great small- looking, but I had decided,” he says. “My Orpheum Theatre during the production’s town schools where winning speech high school graduating class was 45. I would tour. In contrast, “There’s a bit of a happy, competitions gave you the same amount of have been swallowed up at a state school. shiny vibe to me,” he says. “I’m a musical street cred as being a quarterback,” he says. Central was a logical next rung— comedy guy.” By the time he graduated, he held a school a place where I could learn a lot and still be a big fish.”

WINTER 2019 | 13 THE VIEW FROM BACKSTAGE I wrote proposals to produce my own much formal vocal training as I’ve ever He did learn a lot at Central, but the big shows, with the blessing of Professor of had. And it has been enough, even for a fish part came later. Theatre Bob Schanke. He was the head Broadway tour,” he says. “I didn’t act in many main stage shows of the theatre department then and an Nevertheless, by senior year, Lindley on campus,” he recalls. “I auditioned and excellent director. By my junior and senior was a bit anxious about his prospects lost roles all the time. Central was doing a years I was directing a lot, too.” after graduation. He took heart from lot of Ibsen and Brecht then—dark dramas. Lindley pauses and takes another sip of Tony Campolo, a minister, writer and There was no ‘Guys and Dolls’ for me. I coffee. “It was frustrating at the time, but international speaker he helped bring to didn’t become the star at Central that I I value it now,” he says. “It taught me the campus as a member of the campus Church thought I’d gone there to be.” kind of tenacity and inventiveness that Board. “At one point, Campolo started Instead, he says, “My advisor was has sustained my whole career. At Central quoting ‘Man of La Mancha,’—you know, Professor of Art Treva Reimer, who was I had all these opportunities to make my ‘To dream the impossible dream’—during more in charge of the technical and design own path.” his presentation in Douwstra Auditorium. side, so I got trained in every aspect of the He was also an enthusiastic member of He said, ‘Don’t you want to be like Don theatre. I did set design, lighting design, the A Cappella Choir. “That was so much Quixote? If you don’t achieve your life’s costume design. I managed the costume fun,” he smiles. “I met my best friends there dream, at least die trying!’” shop from sophomore year on. Some weeks and really think Central’s A Cappella I nearly lived there. I was determined that Choir takes its place firmly in the Midwest Photo credit (right): David Benoit as I was going to do theatre for a living, so tradition of great college choirs. Honestly, Monsieur Firmin and Rob Lindley as every time I didn’t get a part in a main except for a little coaching now and then Monsieur André in the spectacular new stage show, I’d say ‘Fine. I’ll do this, then!’ in professors’ offices, the choir was as production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

14 | CIVITAS “THE ACTOR’S CRAFT IS ARTIFICE AND MAKE- BELIEVE, BUT I THINK IT HAS TO COME FROM SOME PLACE REAL.”

WINTER 2019 | 15 THE ACTOR wants for all to go well and for everyone That proposition may have helped to be happy in spite of overwhelming motivate Lindley to attend a mass evidence that things are well out of his audition in Kansas City with a number control. Lindley performs it with deftness, of fellow Central theatre majors—some panache and a deep-yet-comic empathy of whom he’d lost roles to for years. that seems to come from something far “I was going mostly as a techie and a more personal than just a close reading of timekeeper,” he says, but at the last the script. There is, perhaps, a good deal minute decided to audition as an actor. of Rob Lindley in this Gilles André. And To everyone’s surprise, Lindley ended the audience—judging from the laughs up with the most callbacks. “I kind of and applause he gets—loves him. swept the auditions,” he says. “There were more roles there that I was suited for. THE GENTLEMAN The next year I was on the road with the But the greatest impression you get from Missoula Children’s Theatre, and I’ve been Lindley—on stage or off—is that of working in the theatre ever since.” intense sincerity. That quality inspires one “Some of the people who were stars at last unscripted question—not about his Central no longer act. They didn’t get told path, but about his purpose. He answers ‘no’ in college, so in the real world it hit without a blink, as though it is something them hard,” Lindley says sympathetically. that informs everything he does. “WHERE DID YOU “They tell me ‘I admire you for sticking it “I want to enter a room and make it out.’ But they had a plan B, and they now better,” he says. “I believe in being known GO TO COLLEGE?” have beautiful, enviable lives of their own. for kindness. That’s my deeply-ingrained, I knew this is all I really wanted to do.” church-boy Christianity. For a trade that Also, he says, “I was used to hearing deals in emotion, it is astonishing how ‘no.’ So when I got turned down I’d turn many people in the theatre lose sight “Students auditioning around and do standup or become a cabaret of that. Also, I want my acting to be for college theatre singer in small nightclubs. It felt just like authentic. The actor’s craft is artifice and doing my own shows at Studio B in the make-believe, but I think it has to come programs ask me Kruidenier. That’s a real skill of mine— from some place real.” any time I’m in a lull, I come up with my He continues: “For a while in my life, where I went to school. own thing to do.” I wasn’t being fully honest with myself In 1997 a director told Lindley, “You’re about who I was. I hadn’t come out; I They see success, they so funny! You should go to Chicago,” where wasn’t standing in my truth. It’s hard the legendary The Second City company to be an actor if your life already has a want to follow. I say, ‘I had created a focus for comedy. He’s been couple layers of acting on it. You end in Chicago since. He is a graduate and up presenting something that you just went to a tiny Christian former instructor at The Second City aren’t. But if you are living in the middle college in rural Iowa Training Center and a longtime member of of God’s will for you, nothing can touch the musical improv ensemble Baby Wants you. It’s no accident that the summer I and I learned a lot about Candy. In Chicago, he’s acted, directed, came out was the summer I never stopped recorded and taught. working again. I am authentic now. theatre there. Even more His performances have won him the “I love about theatre what I love 2010 Jeff Award for Actor in a Revue for about church, about sports, about prayer: important, I learned “Oh Coward” at the Writers’ Theatre in People assembled in one place, all doing Chicago. He was nominated for a 2008 and feeling something together,” he says. how to be a really good Equity Jeff Award for “Carousel” (opposite “The power of that is profound and noble Broadway’s Jessie Mueller) and a 2013 and worth doing.” person and I made the Equity Jeff Award for “James Joyce’s ‘The best friends of my life. Dead’” at the Court Theatre in Chicago. Most recently, he was nominated for Those things are the best another Jeff Award for “Fun Home” at Victory Gardens Theatre and won theatrical preparation Best Supporting Actor in a Musical For a schedule of Central’s theatre in the 2018 Chicago Theatre Awards productions: departments.central. you can have.’” presented by The Hawk Chicago. edu/theatre It all led to this, his first nationally — ROB LINDLEY ’95 touring Broadway role in the most popular To learn more about Central’s musical of all time. The part of Monsieur theatre major: central.edu/ André is one of a man who earnestly academics/majors/theatre

16 | CIVITAS WINNING THE ROOMMATE L O T T E R Y

FEW COLLEGE EXPERIENCES ARE AS LIFE-ALTERING AS SHARING A 200-SQUARE-FOOT ROOM WITH SOMEONE. THAT’S EXACTLY WHY CENTRAL COLLEGE MAKES IT PART OF THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

BY: CHELSEA TOPPIN ’12

Former roommates: Melanie Hopkins ’12 and Abby Lukensmeyer Bobst ’12

WINTER 2019 | 17 Roommates Alison Redman Westfall ’13 and Sarah Rankin Folkerts ’13 at a Central College Dutch football game during their student days.

any Central College PAIRED PERFECTLY Now the two have husbands and live students arrive Allison Redman Westfall ’13 and 160 miles apart. That hasn’t stopped them never having Sarah Rankin Folkerts ’13 were wary from celebrating graduation with a Florida shared a room. strangers when they moved into Graham vacation or participating in each other’s That changes Hall together. weddings. After Folkerts gave quickly—by design. “First we divided the room so we would birth, Westfall visited her best friend “Life with a each have our own side,” Westfall says. in the hospital. M roommate helps “Halfway through the year we started “Sarah has been a constant friend, students better learn how to communicate combining our things. By senior year, we especially when I lost three of my their wants and needs and to deal with didn’t even know what belonged to whom!” grandparents while at school,” Westfall conflict productively,” says Melissa Westfall and Folkerts became says. “We encourage one another in our Sharkey, assistant dean of students. inseparable. Each loved Campus Ministries, faith walks and build each other up.” “It isn’t always easy, but the benefits of mission trips, Ultimate Frisbee, Dutch Folkerts agrees: “I went to college having someone to share their Central dancing during Tulip Time and Charity knowing only a few people, and I left with experience with and the potential for Balls. To relieve stress during finals week, a lifelong best friend.” amazing, lifelong relationships are they would host dance parties in their room worth it.” during the designated “loud hour.” Four pairs of roommates who ended up “We were paired perfectly,” Folkerts says. best friends talk about what they gained “One of my favorite memories was being in the process. thrown into the pond along with Allison for her birthday.”

18 | CIVITAS Left to right: Pat Davis ’86, Brian Boersma ’87, Stephen Fyfe ’87 and Ron Fadness ’87

TENT MATES off a racoon that clawed its way in for a After sharing a room, standing up for Roommate bonding takes on a new bite of Jaarsma Bakery hamburger buns. each other at their weddings and yearly meaning when it starts with living without The first trip involved three kids under outdoor adventures, there isn’t much the a shower. Just ask Stephen Fyfe ’87 and age 5. Today, those three are out of college. two haven’t shared. Brian Boersma ’87. They still come to roast s’mores, listen to “Stephen was one of my first friends “Vance townhouse wasn’t quite finished Boersma tell stories around a campfire and who didn’t make fun of me as the primary when we moved in,” Boersma says. “We had talk late into the night. Vance housemate mode of communication and didn’t lecture to shower at Kupyer [athletic complex] the Pat Davis ’86 occasionally joins them. me about what I was doing wrong when first week.” “Pat’s kids are younger, so ours take it came to studying,” Boersma says. “He Pre-shower grumbling was common, them under their wing,” Fyfe says. “Brian always accepted me for who I am, Fyfe says. Perhaps it prepared them for later and I just laugh as Pat goes through what and I’m thankful.” camping trips. we went through years ago.” About 10 years after graduating and while starting families, Fyfe, on a whim, proposed a camping trip—with kids but Former roommates Stephen sans wives, to give the latter a break Fyfe ’87 and Brian Boersma ’87 from childcare. on a recent camping trip with Tim “It started as a great way for us to catch Boersma, high school exchange up. Many years that would be the only time student Tsukasa Yano, Josh Boersma, we would see each other,” Fyfe says. “In the Rebekah Fyfe, Abby Fyfe ’18, past 20 years, we have camped all over in Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.” Rachel Fyfe, Claire Boersma and Experiences included retreating to a Stephanie Boersma. minivan when the tent flooded and fending

WINTER 2019 | 19 Bobst and Hopkins traveling together during AWKWARD BEGINNINGS The pair has hiked Red Rock’s cliffs, their study abroad semester in Granáda, Spain. Not much says “trust” like showing your ventured to Earlham and Hampton, Iowa, first-year roommate your hidden knife Hopkins and Bobst’s respective hometowns collection. Melanie Hopkins ’12 had and consumed rivers of Smokey Row embraced Abby Lukensmeyer Bobst ’12 shakes — “the ones with espresso in them!” as one of her best friends already, but it’s Hopkins says. They also studied abroad still nice to know when your roommate together in Granáda, Spain, a highlight of has a knife stash. their friendship. “We reached a point in our friendship Now, the pair, along with Paulson, where I knew she wouldn’t tell on me!” Regan Jamieson Minaudo ’13 and Katie Bobst laughs. “Before he unexpectedly died Kepford ’13, get together during their a few years ago, my dad, Randy, bought me self-proclaimed “#MonthofFriendship” each a knife each year as a Christmas tradition. September. They have road-tripped from I still always carry one.” the East Coast into Canada, hiked Longs During the first days on campus, Peak in Colorado and even were a part of highly organized Bobst printed Hopkins a Minaudo’s wedding during “their” month. copy of her schedule, in case of emergency. “Mel has given me invaluable wisdom, “I told her, ‘Abby, I will literally never support and love,” Bobst says, especially use that!’” Hopkins says. Things were following the death of her father. “My awkward. But it quickly dissipated. friend traveled hundreds of miles to support “We were both playing sports. me during his funeral. I had never felt so Basketball for Mel; golf for me,” Bobst says. loved. Mel is all I could hope for in a sister “We also knew Sarah Paulson ’12 who and friend.” played for both teams. The three of us are still best friends.”

CENTRAL RESIDENCE HALLS

1918 1940s 1945

Graham Hall, Central’s first residence The college’s laundry facilities Roommates in Graham Hall favored hall, featured “pleasant, homelike” were located in Graham’s décor that leaned heavily on military- surroundings and a dining hall with a basement. themed romantic pinups and photos “happy family” atmosphere according of a boyfriend in uniform. to this college brochure.

20 | CIVITAS Sarah Paulson ’12, Katie Kepford ’13 A CENTURY OF HISTORY and Regan Jamieson Minaudo ’13 with Bobst and Hopkins during a 2017 Central’s Residence Halls from Oldest to Newest get-together.

Graham Hall Graham Hall, built in 1918, was first called “the dormitory” and initially housed only women—plus the college’s dining hall and laundry in the basement. The building later was named for Elizabeth Graham, an English professor (1905 - 1914) and dean of women (1914 - 1932). The hall switched genders during World War II when it was occupied by Navy cadets. It since has been heavily updated, with capacity at 151 students, and is now the only all-female residence hall on campus.

Gaass Hall Gaass Hall is named for longtime Central supporter and former board member (1957 - 2002) Peter Gaass ’39. It was state-of-the-art when built in 1951 and originally housed 167 men in 80 rooms—each equipped with $300 worth (that’s nearly $3,000 in today’s money!) of contemporary Carrom Company furniture. To qualify for these luxe accommodations, men agreed to live by certain standards: no profanity, beds made by noon and no women allowed after 7 p.m. Gaass was modernized and switched to coed living in the mid-1990s thanks in part to Eric Jones ’87, director of academic resources and class dean.

Scholte Hall Scholte Hall bears the name of Pella’s founding father, Dominie Pieter Scholte. The 330-student residence hall is the college’s largest, built in three sections from 1964 - 1969 and became coed shortly thereafter. The building got a $7 million update—including air conditioning—in 2008.

Pietenpol/Hoffman Halls Pietenpol and Hoffman Halls, built in 1961 and 1964, respectively, are Central’s only remaining all-male residence halls. Pietenpol Hall (“Piet” for short) houses 96 men and honors Dean Henry W. Pietenpol. Hoffman Hall, named for former Central president (1917 - 25) Rev. Milton Hoffman, houses another 47 men—and features balconies in the common areas. Before a major renovation in 2000, hall residents were limited to one room arrangement: the furniture was fixed to the walls.

The Townhouses Starting in 1970 with Mentink, named in honor of Central professor of Latin and Greek Herbert Mentink, townhouses became a haven for upperclassmen. Fourteen were built over the next three decades—including six in 1972 and three in 1988. Firth is the newest and only one to be built in the 21st century. Townhouse sizes vary but hold an average of 32 students. Townhouses initially offered independence to honor students; residents had to maintain a collective GPA level. The honor designation has been shed, but the coed townhouses are self-governed, making them popular with upperclass students.

1947 McKee Hall Howard McKee Hall is named for Howard Alexander McKee ’38, a generous Central benefactor. It was built in two phases in 2003 and 2005 “The men find the new dormitory and is affectionately known as “The Pods.” Primarily for upperclass students, it features individual apartment-style living units comprised of four bedrooms, two serviceable and comfortable. They bathrooms, laundry and a common area for up to 120 students. McKee reflects make their rooms homey,” according to Central’s commitment to sustainability. The building is Gold LEED rated, with the photo caption in a postwar Central solar energy and water-saving features. College brochure.

WINTER 2019 | 21 Roommates Rick Williamson ’15, left, and Grant Seuferer ’14, right, volunteering at the Central booth at Seuferer and Williamson after completing the Iowa State Fair. the Dam to Dam half marathon.

COMPETITIVE BOND “Neither of us like to lose,” Seuferer Williamson says. “He’s more extroverted, What do you do when you hit it off with says. “We enjoy competing with each and has helped me push my boundaries. your roommate so well that you’re loathe other anywhere we can find a game—golf, I’ll always want him on my team.” to part at graduation? You don’t. bowling, volleyball, basketball, softball, Seuferer agrees. “After we graduated, Richard Williamson ’15 and Grant fantasy football leagues, Nerf basketball.” we continued to room together for another Seuferer ’14 were randomly assigned as They even challenged each other to will two and a half years until I moved in with roommates, but you wouldn’t know it. themselves awake to view Seuferer’s final Kyleigh, who is now my wife. Rick was “I transferred in as a junior and didn’t CPA score. (Williamson fell asleep the best man at our wedding and I cannot know anyone, so I took a chance,” Seuferer minutes before it was released, and thank him enough for everything he has says. That “chance” lasted six years. hasn’t lived it down.) done for me.” As students, the duo competed in Despite always finding a way to one- The two are still close—literally. gennis, intramurals and video games. up the other, they are thankful Central They live in the same apartment building Their intense rivalry seems to have brought them together. in Des Moines just a few doors down from cemented their friendship. “Grant quickly became my brother,” one another.

1951 1957 1961

Gaass Hall, then the college’s largest, Men’s accommodations much improved Pietenpol Hall for men featured was built to accommodate a postwar after Gaass Hall was built. Each room 1960s-modern architecture, boom in students. was equipped with stylish, midcentury- with lots of straight lines and a modern Carrom Company furniture. cantilevered entrance canopy.

22 | CIVITAS Seuferer and Williamson on Suerferer’s wedding day. Left to right: Mark Stauffer ’80, Lori Fegley ’80, Larry Happel ’81, Al Wather ’81, Diana Stauffer, Brian Fegley ’80.

WINNING THE ROOMMATE LOTTERY Another great memory is running around Brian Fegley ’80 and Mark Stauffer ’80 campus to find the keys of my wife [then were paired by Central’s roommate girlfriend], Lori Humphrey Fegley ’80,” compatibility survey. “The dean of students Fegley says. “Mark and Larry Happel ’81, used this information to match us,” Fegley (Central’s longtime sports information says. “I must have done a really good job director) absconded with them and sent us answering the questions, because I won the on a treasure hunt. We finally found them roommate lottery! Thanks, Dean Giles!” on the island. Did you know flip flops get Fegley’s favorite roommate memory? stuck in the mud at the bottom “Celebrating Central game wins with of the pond?” Fegley says the memories friends by watching Monty Python and are great, but he most values learning a sharing homemade chili and ice cream,” different approach to life. he says. “Mark is unflappable,” Fegley says. “He “We also played rounds of winter helped me learn to take things as they golf around campus in the snow—our come and not stress out over things that generation’s version of gennis (golf might happen. Mark has walked through played with a tennis ball, now popular on life with Lori and me. Our Central campus),” he says. friends have been our most endearing and enduring friendships.”

1964-1969 1971 2003-2005

Scholte Hall was built in three sections Mentink, clad in classic 1970s McKee Hall reflects Central’s and with a capacity of 330 students it vertical cedar siding, was the first commitment to sustainability and is the college’s largest dorm. It houses of more than a dozen townhouses carries a Gold LEED rating. both men and women. Central built during the last three decades of the 20th century.

WINTER 2019 | 23 CAMPS, CONFERENCES, CLINICS CENTRAL'S CAMPUS HOSTS MANY EDUCATIONAL EVENTS FOR A VARIETY OF YOUNG AUDIENCES IN ADDITION TO ITS REGULAR CURRICULUM. HERE’S A ROUNDUP OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR OFFERINGS.

Hundreds of Iowa’s most gifted and and Industry Foundation program, while she particularly Central—as a very real engaged high school and middle school was in high school. She loved what she saw possibility for them.” students find their way to Central’s campus of the college, applied, was admitted and If you’re looking for a great way to intro- each year. Here they participate in learning enrolled. Now she’s parlayed her business duce your middle- or high school-aged chil- experiences that sharpen their athletic and management degree from Central into a dren, grandchildren, or other talented young musical performance, further develop their job as a marketing specialist at Mercer, a students to the promise of college and the interests in sustainability and business and global personnel consulting firm with special place that is Central, don’t overlook engage with academic subjects such as offices in Des Moines, Iowa. these opportunities. history and math. Brian Campbell, Central’s director of While they’re here, they also get sustainability education and coordinator of For more information on upcoming camps, acquainted with the college campus, have a three sustainability-oriented summer camps, conference and clinics, please visit: chance to meet and be mentored by Central says he sees all of his camp attendees as central.edu/camps faculty and students, and get a tantalizing potential Central students. “We get a mix glimpse of what Central has to offer. of participants that range from faculty and Many of them would otherwise have no alumni kids to first-generation immigrant knowledge of Central. A good number of and minority students from Des Moines,” them become Central applicants because he says. “At camp, they meet Central faculty of their camp experiences. Some become and students and they get a taste of what a some of the college’s top students and most highly personalized, hands-on higher successful alumni. education looks like. No matter what their Kathleen Connelly ’18, for example, got background, they end up feeling right at to know Central as a participant in Business home here and seeing college—and Horizons, an Iowa Association of Business

24 | CIVITAS ATHLETICS

Athletics camps led by Central’s coaching staff focus on skills and fundamentals in sports, including baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, cheerleading, dance, football, girls golf, boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.

For more information on athletics camp dates, contact and registration information: athletics.central.edu/camps.

WINTER 2019 | 25 MUSIC

Central College Honor Band Festival, Jan. 31 A Central College Honor Band composed of approximately 85 of the most advanced student musicians from high schools across the region spend a day in woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble rehearsals. That’s followed by an evening concert performed by each ensemble, the entire Honor Band and the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This year’s festival is led by Senior Lecturer of Music Stan Dahl.

Singfest Honor Choir, Feb. 14 Similar in format to the Honor Band Festival, Singfest is an opportunity for selected students to participate in an extraordinary choral honor choir experience. The evening All-State Clinic and Vocal Camp, Aug. 1-2 concert includes Central choirs, the Singfest choir and concludes This two-day camp offers advanced high school vocal musicians with a combined selection. This year’s festival is led by Assistant sectionals and large group preparation for Iowa All-State music, Professor of Music Education Sarah Van Waardhuizen. private and group vocal technique instruction with guest clinicians, ear training and basic musicianship classes with Iowa Days of Percussion, March 29 - 30 professionals, opportunities for solo singing, a night on Central’s Sponsored by the Iowa Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, campus with evening activities and an evening concert. The this two-day festival is for percussionists at the middle school, camp is led by M. Joan Kuyper Farver Endowed Chair in Music, high school and college and university level. It includes master Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Mark classes and guest artists from around the country in drum set, Babcock ’91 and is open to both commuter and residential mallets, world percussion, steel drum and marching. Concerts campers, below. featuring all performers take place both days. The event is led by Senior Lecturer of Music Stan Dahl. For more information on music camps and festivals: 641-628-5236 or [email protected]. Brass And Winds Camp, June 9 - 13 Attendees perform in ensembles and develop individual skills and techniques through master classes and lessons. Unique to the Central Winds and Brass Camp is the chance to explore, rehearse and perform on Caribbean steel drums. SPORTS ANALYTICS No prior experience necessary! Students also receive hands- on training in music notation and sequencing programs of Finale and Garage Band. The camp culminates with campers performing an evening ensemble concert in Historic Downtown Midwest Sports Analytics Camp, July 16 - 19 Pella for “Thursdays in Pella.” The camp is directed by Associate The four-day camp offers students currently in grades 8 - 10 Professor of Music Cynthia Krenzel. the chance to develop math, stats and data skills through sports-related contexts. Campers will engage in experimental High School Percussion Camp, June 9 - 13 data collection (free-throw shooting), problem-solving (when a Percussionists explore, perform and develop skills and techniques football coach should go for two?) and working on open-ended on mallet percussion (marimba, xylophone, vibes), concert projects (such as creating a predictive model for March Madness). percussion (snare drum, cymbals, tambourine, timpani, etc.), The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and cost is $180. world hand drums (congas, djembes) and Caribbean steel drums. Transportation is available from Des Moines. The camp is They receive hands-on training in music notation and sequencing coordinated by Professor of Mathematics and Assistant Women’s programs Finale and Garage Band and experience a variety of Soccer Coach Russ Goodman and Greg Kapusinski ’07, a math percussion-related activities each evening. The camp culminates teacher and assistant girls track and field coach at Southeast Polk with campers performing an evening ensemble concert in Historic High School. Downtown Pella for “Thursdays in Pella.” The camp, top right, is directed by Senior Lecturer of Music Stan Dahl. For more information: [email protected] or [email protected]

26 | CIVITAS SPORTS ANALYTICS (CONT.)

Midwest Sports Analytics Meeting, Nov. 23 This day-long conference promotes faculty, graduate and undergraduate research in sports analytics. It includes guest speakers, poster presentations and networking opportunities for professionals, faculty and students of all levels and is coordinated by Professor of Mathematics and Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Russ Goodman.

For more information: Twitter (@MWSprtAnalytics), facebook.com/MidwestSportsAnalyticsMeeting/, central.edu/msam, or email [email protected].

SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL’S NEW CAMP SITE

The college’s new Garden Cottage dramatically enhances a These week-long day camps for 8-12-year-olds each explore variety of sustainability courses, camps and events by providing elements of sustainability using the resources of Central’s faculty, a much more efficient space for harvesting, preparing and eating students and facilities. Camps run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with fresh garden foods, says Director of Sustainability Education transportation available from the Des Moines area. Registrants Brian Campbell. for all three camps get a discount. These camps are coordinated The house at 1111 Peace St., just a block from the library and by Director of Sustainability Education Brian Campbell. adjoining the college garden, began life in 1955 as a 1,200- square-foot ranch. The college bought it in 2011 and rented it to Wild Iowa, July 15 - 19 various tenants—many associated with the college. This camp explores Iowa’s rare and endangered species and the The house recently has been renovated into a teaching space wild places around us. Campers venture to prairies and forests, focused on food and sustainability, thanks to donations from wade in streams and marshes and spend an optional evening trying to catch endangered bats. Mike ’89 and Amy Dietrich Eilers ’88 and son Joe ’18; Professor of Political Science Jim Zaffiro and Professor Emerita Positive Energy, July 22 - 26 of Chemistry Louise Zaffiro;the Wellmark Foundation; and the Campers learn about energy conservation and renewable energy Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. through field trips to solar, wind and hydroelectric power The remodeling removed walls to create a large, open kitchen facilities, plus make their own small-scale versions of each. that spans the entire first floor. It also installed new insulation, Teams will compete to construct their own energy-efficient interior surfaces, lighting, appliances and ADA accessible model homes as well. bathrooms and entry ramp. The work was finished in October. Fun with Food, July 29 - Aug. 2 The Garden Cottage already has hosted workshops, classes Campers grow food in Central’s campus garden, take field trips to and education programs in sports nutrition, beer brewing meet local farmers, taste foods from around the world and cook and sustainable food education. Two college courses have healthy, delicious meals each day. The week culminates with a cooking competition pairing campers with professional staff been taught there: “Behind Bars: Revealing Chocolate’s Bitter from Central College Dining Services. Sweetness,” in which students make their own chocolate while exploring sustainability issues related to the confection and “Food To register for the above sustainability camps, please visit: for Thought,” a Liberal Arts and Sciences seminar exploring central.edu/camps healthy foods. The cottage is now the location for the Fun With Food summer camp, above, which introduces gardening, cooking and nutrition to 8 – 12-year-olds. It also will help host the Iowa Farm to School Conference in summer 2019 for public school K – 12 cafeteria staff who seek to use fresh produce and seasonal ingredients.

WINTER 2019 | 27 NONCOLLEGE CAMPS AND CONFERENCES

In addition to college-sponsored events, Central’s campus hosts Little Hawkeye Math Conference, April 10, invites students from summer camps run by these organizations: the Conference to Central for a math-filled morning. Conference schools may send up to 16 students to compete individually, by grade Central Iowa Color Guard Camp is Iowa’s longest-running camp level, and as a school. Students work individually on a challenging of its kind, having specialized in flag, rifle and drum-major instruction exam that spans different mathematical areas. Next, while Central for nearly 40 years. students and professors score the exams and determine awards, schools form two teams of eight students and compete in a math relay. For more information: centraliowacolorguard.com For this event, students pass the solution to a mathematics question to the next student; this solution then becomes part of the next problem Fellowship of Christian Athletes has challenged athletes and to solve. Students are then introduced to a new math puzzle or game coaches to reach their potential through comprehensive athletic, which they work on until awards are announced. spiritual and leadership training. For more information, contact Professor of Mathematics For more information: fcacamps.org Wendy Weber, [email protected].

Business Horizons, July 14 - 18, is a weeklong program in which National History Day is a nationwide competition; hundreds of Iowa high school students work together and alongside Iowa students grades six through 12 visit Central each spring to present professionals to create a product, develop a business and marketing their projects in the form of a research paper, documentary, website, strategy, film an infomercial and pitch their idea to a panel of investors. performance or an exhibit about a person they believe represents Students visit local businesses and connect with professionals in leadership and legacy. Projects address a conference theme which a variety of industries and can earn college credit and a $1,500 changes each year. Central faculty, staff, students, retirees, alumni renewable scholarship to Central College. and members of the Pella community judge the projects. The top two winners from each category advance to the state competition; the top For more information: iowaabi.org/business-horizons/ two from state continue to the national competition.

For more information: nhd.org

28 | CIVITAS ALUMNI

NEWSNOTES

THE ’40s

Dora Boomstra ’48 of South Holland, Illinois, served 40 years as a missionary in India before her retirement 25 years ago. She has fond memories of classmates and enjoys learning about student activities and campus events via college publications.

Carl Vogelaar ’48 of Santa Rosa, California, lost his wife, Joan Ver Meer Vogelaar ’48, of 70 years in August. Carl hasn’t let his 93 years stop him from driving, taking care of his finances or leading a weekly Bible study. According to Carl, “The Lord is good.” CLASS OF ’78 PARIS REUNION

THE ’50s From left to right with Harry K. Smith ’73: Vicki Vanderbur Gallagher, Lynn Haley Allen Wortman ’57 is Jackson, Michele Holtz Mueller, Lynn McGreevey Patterson, Mary Dubberke, Melinda Professor Emeritus of Music at Gibb Thompson, Mary Long Gallo, Sandi Dather Agnew and Bernadette Allen. Minnesota State University. In November, Allen completed eight performances as music director for “The Happy Warren Poldberg ’74 retired Her first performances were in legal services to low-income Elf” by Harry Connick Jr. at Jan. 11 from the Raccoon central Missouri and Northeast Iowans. During the past 25 Minnesota State. It was his Valley Bank, Adel, Iowa. He Kansas, but she is willing to years, Dennis has served 70th MSU theatre production. had also worked at State Bank travel. To contact her: as executive director of the Allen and wife, Bette, live in and Trust in Council Bluffs, [email protected]. program for all 99 counties Mankato, Minnesota. Iowa, First Federal Savings and in Iowa. Dennis and partner, Loan of Council Bluffs and Kathy Gervasi ’75 was re- Scott Hartsock, live in THE ’70s the National Bank in Harlan, elected to and chairs the Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa, during his 45-year career. Tillamook Bay Community For information about Warren and wife, Connie, plan College board of directors. Sandra Hildebrand James ’75 Linda Anderson Gause ’71 to move back to the Omaha, She also was appointed AAUW is a substitute teacher at and Jeff Oliver ’79, see the Nebraska, area. STEM coordinator for the State Puyallup Senior High School ’10s. For information about of Oregon. Kathy and husband, in Puyallup, Washington, Harry Smith ’73, see the ’80s Kathleen Smith Boswell ’75 Mark, are retired and living in where she lives with husband, and ’90s. has, after many years of Tallamook, Oregon. Doug James ’78. Doug teaches collecting anything written special education for the Curry Pikkaart ’71, a retired about Laura Ingalls Wilder, Dennis Groenenboom ’75, a Tacoma Public School District minister, has released his third created a first-person 1978 graduate of the University in Tacoma, Washington. book, “A Nation Under God: presentation as Laura in 1947. of Iowa College of Law, was Reflections from Jeremiah.” The program runs just more recognized with that school’s Earl Cater ’77 is a self- To order his books: than an hour and addresses Alumni Service Award in employed author and researcher www.pastorcurry.com. why Laura began writing the October. The award recognized in Waterville, Washington, He and wife, Barbara, live “Little House” books at age 60. his 40-year career providing where he lives with wife, Erma. in South Haven, Michigan.

WINTER 2019 | 29 NEWSNOTES

THE ’80s

For information about Jeff Rosien ’80, Tony Braida ’89 and Amy Pierson Van Haaften ’89, see the ’10s.

Jim Langstraat ’81 was named vice president for finance and administration, Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon. Jim and wife, Lisa, live in Lafayette, Oregon.

Barry Edwards ’83, a 30-year bank veteran, is senior vice president and commercial relationship manager at Independent Bank, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Barry and wife, Michelle, live in Leslie Blecken Hanson ’94 accompanied her husband, Eric, to the National Edward R. Colorado Springs. Murrow Gala, where Eric was presented the Television Small Market Writing award by

Harry Smith ’73. The Hansons discussed their shared connections with Smith, including Ben Leedle Jr. ’83 is president, Central. Leslie is a Realtor, Iowa Realty Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. chief executive officer and member of the board of managers at Blue Zones LLC in Nashville, Tennessee. Ben and wife, Liz, live in Nashville. Aricia “Pati” Henderson Tony Huegel ’88 is senior asset Alan Grau ’91 and Jodie Jim Schmid ’83 owns and Shaffer ’86 is an author and manager, LCS Real Estate, Des Stewart of Ankeny, Iowa, operates Papas Pies Catering in counselor in Westminster, Moines, Iowa. Tony and wife, married Sept. 9. Alan is Wentzville, Missouri. Jim and Colorado. Her debut novel Debra, live in Grimes, Iowa. president of Icon Labs in wife, Sarah Prins Schmid ’83, “The Timeshare” was West Des Moines, Iowa. live in Wentzville. published in September. THE ’90s The psychological thriller David Weaver ’92 worked Renee Becht Cooper ’84 focuses on trauma and For information about Julie as a librarian at Augustana retired in May after teaching addictions. To read a free Pothoven Fisher ’90 and and Grinnell colleges before middle school art for 34 years. sample chapter: Deanna Ver Steeg ’94, he gave it up to become a Renee spent the past 29 of her www.booksbyari.com. see the ’10s. full-time farmer on land his teaching career in Urbana, grandparents once farmed Illinois, where she lives with Bradley Eggers ’87 is director Tammy Williamson Chase ’90 outside of Rippey, Iowa. husband, Michael. of operations, Eurofins was named director of Dave and wife, Emily, live in Nutrition Analysis Center, Des communications, Chicago Rippey with their daughter. Todd McDonald ’85 is a Moines, Iowa. Brad and wife, Transit Authority. She will guidance counselor at MOC- Janice, live in Ankeny, Iowa. lead communications and Michael Schaeffer ’93 is a Floyd Valley High School in community outreach efforts product analyst at Finastra. Orange City, Iowa. Todd and Joel Alberts ’88 is client for the CTA’s largest project Michael and wife, Allison wife, Kristin Kluis adviser, Cresset Family Office, to date: rebuilding the red and Riley Schaeffer ’93, live in McDonald ’88, live in Excelsior, Minnesota, where purple lines on Chicago’s north Ankeny, Iowa, with their two Orange City. Kristin is he lives with wife, Brenda side, including all stations and children. Allison is business a Spanish instructor at Glasnapp Alberts ’88. Brenda century-old track structure. systems consultant, Wells Northwestern College. is president/CEO of Albert’s Tammy and husband, Brett, Fargo Home Mortgage, Tutoring in Excelsior. Joel and live in Chicago. Des Moines, Iowa. Brenda have two children.

30 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

Angie Leonard Morrow ’94 Angie Reschly Kloberdanz ’03 Angela Long Hall ’06 is director of collections THE ’00s was promoted to operational is a childbirth educator, and exhibitions, Museum of risk consultant at Wells Fargo Mercy Medical Center, Contemporary Art Chicago. For information about Home Mortgage in Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa, and a Angie had the opportunity to Laura Bade ’09, see the ’10s. Iowa. Angie and husband, contract reviewer of admission host a group from Central at the Matt, live in Des Moines. application files, Marian museum when the Economics Jeremy Hendricks ’02 University, Indianapolis. and Accounting Club paid a visit is senior data modeler, Angela Vander Werf Kruse ’03 Angela and husband, Joel, to Chicago. Angie and husband, Emerson Process was promoted to vice president, live in Ankeny, Iowa. Mike, live in Chicago with their Management, Marshalltown, community outreach, Wells two children. Previously, Angie Iowa. Jeremy and wife, Amy, Fargo Home Mortgage, Des Dustin Hite ’06 was worked as chief registrar and live in Marshalltown. Moines, Iowa. Angela elected to the Iowa House of head of collections registration and husband, Adam, live in Representatives District 79 in at The Field Museum. Christopher Kuchta ’02 West Des Moines, Iowa, with November. Dustin and wife, of Chicago was named their daughter. Kate Jackson Hite ’04, live in Nicole Hampton ’95 is a sales director of athletics, Prairie New Sharon, Iowa, with their service representative, Stanley State College, Chicago Jill Parsons Payne ’04 two daughters. Kate teaches Black and Decker, Inc., West Des Heights, Illinois. was named one of three English at North Mahaska Moines, Iowa. state finalists in the science High School. Will Owens ’02 works in category of the Presidential Christopher Stone ’96 is customer service and delivery Awards for Excellence in Curt Hunt ’06 is diagnostic director, disability resource logistics at Windmill Coffee Mathematics and Science imaging field service engineer, center, at the University of Roasters. Will and wife, Teaching. She teaches fifth GE Healthcare. Curt was North Carolina-Wilmington. Jessica Criswell Owens ’02, grade at Jefferson Intermediate selected as a health services Chris was elected to a three- live in Ames, Iowa, with their School in Pella, Iowa. Jill and maintenance warrant officer year term as director-at-large three children. husband, Joshua, live in Pella and finished first in his warrant of the Association on Higher with their two children. officer basic course. Curt and Education and Disability Patrick Sawyer ’02 is wife, Alyssa Jones Hunt ’08, board. He is treasurer, North recreation coordinator, Renae Boeke ’06 is marketing live in Shawnee, Kansas, with Carolina AHEAD affiliate and Trustmark Health Fitness, project manager, Arthur J. their two daughters. chair, sponsored programs, Georgetown, Kentucky. Gallagher Risk Management ACPA Coalition on Disability. Patrick and wife, Ashley, live Service, Chicago, Illinois. Chris and wife, Claire, live in in Richmond, Kentucky, with Wilmington. Together they are their three children. active with the Coastal Carolina St. Bernard Rescue Foundation. Gary Christensen ’03 is a pharmacist at Hy-Vee, Inc., Kevin Thompson ’98 is chief Des Moines, Iowa. Gary and administrative officer, Pinnacle wife, Lisa, live in Des Moines Performance Group. Kevin and with their three children. wife, Rebecca, live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with their Aaron DeKock ’03 was three children. elected to the Warren County board of supervisors in Kaci KlenkVanDalen ’98 is November. Aaron and wife, a bio-risk health specialist, Sarah Wagner DeKock ’04, National Institutes of Health, live in Norwalk, Iowa, with Rockville, Maryland. Kaci and their three daughters. Sarah husband, Scott, live in Silver is director, account services, Spring, Maryland, with their Flynn Wright, Des Moines, two daughters. Iowa. Aaron is a general Haileigh Meyers ’07 and Andrew Dunn of Austin, Texas, practice lawyer at Wagner married Oct. 26, 2018. Haileigh is trade and investment officer, UK Erin Pierce Nardo ’99 was Law Firm. Department of International Trade. Attending the wedding are, left promoted to vice president, to right: Bethany Gullion Djordjevic ’07, Brittney Hansen portfolio management, SAP Jill Figgins-Burns ’03 of Fuchs ’07, Andrew Dunn, Haileigh Meyers ’07, Sasha Concur. Erin and husband, Waukee, Iowa, is executive Djordjevic Fuerstenberg ’08, Kyle Fuerstenberg ’08, Adam, live in Mound, Minnesota, assistant, Navigate Wellbeing Sheri Hawker Petersen ’07 and Ryan Petersen ’07. with their recently adopted Solutions, Des Moines, Iowa. 16-year-old daughter.

WINTER 2019 | 31 NEWSNOTES

Brooke Nederhoff O’Kane ’07 is implementation consultant, wealth and management, Wells Fargo. Brooke and husband, Paul O’Kane ’10, live in Ackley, Iowa, with their four children. Paul is a dentist and co-owner at Iowa Falls Family Dentistry.

Trenton Blythe ’08 is vice president, business development, Integrus Construction, Naperville, Illinois. Trenton and wife, Jessie, live in Chicago, Illinois, with their son. Alyssa Fuller ’14 and Matthew Schrafel ’14 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, married April 8, 2018. Maria Schumacher Hackett ’08 Alyssa works as a special education paraprofessional, Cedar Rapids Community School District and is senior relationship manager, Matthew is a sales support specialist, Stamats Communications. Wedding participants included, left to Gilbert and Cook, Des right: Samantha Mitchell Vance ’13, Jordan Roseburrough Kruger ’14, Ashtyn Fuller, Alyssa Moines, Iowa. Maria and Fuller Schrafel ’14, Anna Leavenworth ’13, Amber Muntz ’14 and Kate Ricke ’14. husband, Damion, live in Ankeny, Iowa.

Shelley DeWeerdt Kallenbach ’08 and husband, Jonathan Jeff Knouse ’17, Logan Katie Papke ’10 of Ian Michel ’13 is foreman live in Manchester, Iowa. Moeller ’17, Noah Stochl ’17, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is and climbing and consulting In January, they purchased Austin Little ’17, Zach program manager, office of arborist at Slater Diederich Widner Drug and Gift Store, Brown ’17, Jake Hirst ’17, study abroad, University of St. Tree Care. Ian and wife, an independent pharmacy and Blake Judkins ’17, Hunter Thomas, St. Paul. Kathryn, live in Prairie du gift shop. Caspers ’17, Dalton Hulme Sac, Wisconsin. ’17, Michael Reuter ’17, Cade Evan Stark ’10 is special Scott Paja ’08 is assistant Harvey ’17, Joe Kotz ’17 and projects manager, Operation Jeana Newendorp Parker ’13 dean, experiential learning Jessie Peterson ’17, see Class of New View, Dubuque, Iowa. is a work-from-home reporting and employer relations, 2018, Where Are They Now? Evan and wife, Jessica, live in consultant at SAP Concur. College of Engineering, East Dubuque, Illinois. Jeana and husband, Sam Oregon State University. Kyle Michel ’10 has been Parker ’13, returned from Scott and wife, Brittany, named the city administrator, Melissa DeRuiter Carlson two weeks in Amsterdam and live in Philomath, Oregon. Van Meter, Iowa. During ’11 of Malvern, Iowa, works Barcelona before welcoming a graduate school, Kyle served for EMC Insurance, Omaha, puppy into their new home in Joshua Smith ’08 is senior as an intern for the City of Nebraska. Melissa and husband, Baltimore, Maryland. Sam is a internal audit manager at Van Meter and is excited to Dustin, live in Malvern. strategy manager at Pella Corporation, Pella, Iowa. come back to the community. Tessco Technologies. Joshua and wife, Erika, live in Previously, Kyle was the city Beatriz Mate-Kodjo ’11 of Pella with their daughter. clerk, Elkhart, Iowa, where he Pella, Iowa, is an attorney Melissa Shadlow ’13 of assisted the city in receiving with Newkirk Zwagerman, Guthrie Center, Iowa, is a THE ’10s the 2018 Program of the Year Des Moines, Iowa. financial adviser, Edward Jones Award. He has served in the Investments, Panora, Iowa. For information about military for more than eight Tyler Wallingford ’11 is an Paul O’Kane ’10, see the ’00s. years in the Army, Iowa Army associate dentist, Clay & Joseph Binns ’14 is assistant National Guard and Army Associates, Fort Dodge, Iowa. actuary, Principal International, For information about Faith Reserves. He continues to Des Moines, Iowa. Joe and wife, Bliss ’10, Robert Kreiser ’12, serve with the 103rd ESC as a Allison Kolker ’13 of Ankeny, Rhiley Huntington Binns ’13, Jacob Stevenson ’13, Morgan medical services officer, Fort Iowa, is assistant scientist live in Des Moines. Rhiley Gray Kreiser ’14, Taylor Cox Des Moines, Iowa. I, Iowa State University works as a doula. ’16, Trisha Smith ’16, Josh Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Carpenter ’17, Ames, Iowa.

32 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

Anna Dickerson ’14 of Des Moines, Iowa, is a business support associate, Wells Fargo.

Steven Grotzinger ’14 is associate actuary, EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. Steven and wife, Katelyn Dawson Grotzinger ’14, live in Clive, Iowa. Katelyn teaches pre-school at Shepherds Flock Early Learning Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Rachel Lehr ’14 of Chicago, Illinois, is a clinician, Association House of Chicago. Rachel provides transition/ supportive services and therapy to out-going patients out of psychiatric nursing homes into the community. Carly Stratbucker ’14 and Kale Rodrigues of Malta, New York, married Sept. 8, 2018. Meghan Nelson ’14 of Carly is district sales manager, Northeast region, Pella Corp. Participants in her wedding Aurora, Colorado, is president included, left to right: Alexis Andrews ’14, Yaw Sapon-Amoah ’15, Megan Flynn of Mammoth Marketing, Sapon-Amoah ’15, John Seier ’14, Crystal Spoor Seier ’14, Jessy Stika ’14, Carly Aurora and hosts the podcast Stratbucker Rodrigues ’14, Kale Rodrigues, Brandon Bautista ’14, Karen Castillo “Expectations versus Reality” Eversmeyer ’13, Courtney Kelderman Wessels ’14, Hilary Beaird ’14 and Ali which focuses on what she Neevel ’14. and other business leaders from across the country have noticed about the millennial Hillary Hotz ’15 of Lincoln, thought process. Nebraska, is graduate programs recruitment coordinator, Ashley Ramker Rosas ’14 College of Business, University is a primary mental health of Nebraska-Lincoln. nurse practitioner, Vera French Community Mental Health Lexus Waymire Thiessen ’15 Center, Davenport, Iowa. Ashley teaches kindergarten through and husband, Austen, live in fifth grade music, Carlisle Davenport with their daughter. Community School District, Carlisle, Iowa. Lexus and Blaze Smith ’14 has returned husband, Nathan Thiessen ’15, to Honolulu after a brief stint live in West Des Moines, Iowa. in Florida. He is CEO and Nathan is a music academy owner, Green Feet Hawaii instructor at Central College. Tours. For more information about his tours: www. Miranda Ebeling ’16 and Logen greenfeethawaiitours.com. Conklin of Muscatine, Iowa, married Sept. 15. Miranda is Mackenzie Uhlenhopp ’14 an athletic trainer, Rock Valley of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Physical Therapy. is music therapist, Living Spirit Therapy Services, Susan Elder ’16 of West Heidi Heckenberg ’16 and Andrew Gossen of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Des Moines, Iowa, is a Birmingham, England, married April 28, 2018. Heidi is an human resources generalist, art therapist, ReachAcross, Birmingham. Torie Hollingsworth ’15 of Strategic America. Fairfield, Iowa, is the customer service representative, Overland Sheepskin. WINTER 2019 | 33 NEWSNOTES

Gen Richards ’16 and Mark Richards ’16 were married April 14, 2018. They are stationed in South Korea for a two- year tour. Mark is an army specialist, air defense artillery. Gen and Mark thank Central College for their wonderful study abroad experience which allowed them to explore Wales. They are excited to experience a different part of the world and a new culture.

Andrew Fritz ’16 is an athletic trainer, Regents Center Training Room, Luther Rachel Evans ’15 and Drew Kleis ’15 of West Des Moines, Iowa, married Aug. 4, 2018. College, Decorah, Iowa. Rachel and Drew are certified athletic trainers, Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, West Des Moines. Participants in the wedding included, front row (left to right): Samantha Claypool ’17 Spencer Boeyink ’16, Lauren Sharp ’15, Dzenita Bahtic ’16, Heath Jackson ’15 of Altoona, Iowa, is a and McKenna Zimmerman ’15. Second row: Alex Kleis Rosien ’12, Drew Kleis ’15, venue associate at the Rachel Evans Kleis ’15, Abbie Agan ’17, Michael Daigle ’15, Jameson Rosien ’11 Des Moines Social Club and Jeff Rosien ’80. Third row: Keith Rush ’13, Kalli Richardson Rush ’15, in Des Moines, Iowa. Ryan Collins ’15, Brendon Boerm ’15, Kenzie Vander Molen ’15, Jess Helton ’18 and Cael Halfman ’16. Fourth row: Mitch Boerm ’17, Leah Hilpipre Johnson ’15, Jaime Miranda ’17 is a Jill Schildroth Collins ’15, Annie DeVries ’17, Emily Neff ’17, Alison Malaby ’18, transportation specialist, Rachel Cassens ’15 and Savanna Thornton Janssen ’17. Fifth row: Ryon Rasmussen ’15, United States Marines, Sara Eeling Clubb ’15, Courtney Allen ’15, Eric Larson ’15, Jackie Kriegel ’18, Arlington, Virginia. Courtney Kelderman Wessels ’14, Hilary Beaird ’14 and Julie Wunder Evans ’14. Sixth row: Todd “Tator” Clubb ’16, Hannah Welter Curry ’15, Trevor Curry ’15, Kyle Pepper ’17 of Pella, Iowa, Katie Sunderman Rich ’16, Christian Rich ’13 and Hayley Mullins ’15. Seventh row: is an admission representative Molly Neil Meeker ’15, Brayton Meeker ’15, Kyle Smith ’18, Tina Lane ’18, at Central College. Betty Bylsma DeBoer ’62 and Kay Vermeer Van Wyk ’85. Eighth row: Jill Van Zee VandeWeerd ’91, Sam VandeWeerd ’86, Andrea Fish Rouw ’89, Darwin Rouw ’87, Colby Taylor ’17 of West Des Matt Guinane ’15, Andrea Enyart Dana ’03, Erica Schulte Guinane ’16, Aaron Moines, Iowa, is an investment Eiseler ’15, Dawn DeBoer Kleis ’86, Gene DeBoer ’62, Mike Kleis ’86, Lyle Van and product solutions Wyk ’84, Jacob Tune ’15, Frank Neu ‘91, Shelli Green ’07, Stacey Profit Neu ’92 specialist, Principal Financial and Brody Janssen ’15. Group, Des Moines, Iowa.

34 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

Madison Gause ’16 and Nelson Wiese ’16 of North Liberty, Iowa, married July 28, 2018. Madison is attending University of Iowa College of Law and Nelson is systems engineer, Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Participants in the wedding included, first row, left to right: Matt Van Sant ’16, Ian McNees ’16, Jeremy Caracci ’18, Nelson Wiese ’16, Josh Prokupek ’18, Madison Gause Wiese ’16, Brittany Carlson ’16, Laura Bade ’09, Jacqueline Hauber Hale ’13 and Adam Hale ’12. Second row: Dann Kuttler ’16, Beth De Vries ’18, Nathan Thiessen ’15, Lexus Waymire Thiessen ’15, Betsy Van Haaften ’17, Keri Murphy ’17, Caitlyn Conway ’18 and Kari Grindberg ’18. Third row: Kjerstin Grindberg ’17, Jen Kern ’19, Evan Fischer ’16, Trevor Rau ’17, Ashley Hulsing Kriegel ’15, Nick Lutsch ’15, Heath Jackson ’15, Kirsten Johnson ’16 and Katie Todd ’16. Fourth row: Tristan Miedema ’18, Deanna Ver Steeg ’94, Julie Pothoven Fisher ’90, Ashley Cliff ’16, Jane McKown ’17, Tony Braida ’89, Mark Babcock ’91, Sarah Holtz Young ’16, and Amy Pierson Van Haaften ’89. Fifth row: Jeff Oliver ’79, Susan Elder ’16, Linda Anderson Gause ’71, Eric Gause ’91, Sara Eeling Clubb ’15 and Todd Clubb ’16.

Emma Simmons ’17 and Josh Curtis ’16 of Altoona, Iowa, married Sept. 8, 2018, in Davenport, Iowa. The couple met in Paris while studying abroad. Emma is a Vista volunteer coordinator with AmeriCorps. Participants in the wedding included, front row left to right: Brandie Heims ’17, Irene Nickerson ’17 and Stephanie Clark ’17. Back row: Gordon Atkinson ’17, Josh Villalobos ’16, Josh Curtis ’16, Emma Simmons-Curtis ’17, Zach Steward ’17, Andrew Buenger ’16 and Kaitlyn Damerval ’17.

WINTER 2019 | 35 NEW ARRIVALS Cody DeWitt and Katie Arza Hammond ’10, master’s Bill Peters ’49, Cedar Rapids, Petty ’08, son Grayson Adam, degree, environmental studies, Iowa, Sept. 26, 2018. Kelly and Ryan Konrad ’97, May 31, 2018. University of Montana, 2015. son Cyrus James, Dec. 8, 2017. I. John Hesselink ’50, Austen ’08 and Ashley Evan Stark ’10, master of Holland, Michigan, Frank McCawley and Daniela Lippincott Schueler ’10, divinity, University of Dubuque Oct. 28, 2018. Grob ’00, daughter Maria daughter Ada Rose, Theological Seminary, 2014. Francis, Sept. 24, 2018. Nov. 1, 2018. Luella Rozeboom Mulder ’51, Peter Fegley ’11, master of Holland, Michigan, Brian Baker and Michelle Erika and Josh Smith ’08, strategic leadership, Mount Sept. 23, 2018. Roozeboom-Baker ’00, son daughter Elise Emily, Mercy University, 2018. Easton Blake, Nov. 28, 2018. June 30, 2017. Robert Gibson ’52, Sonora, Tyler Wallingford ’11, master California, Oct. 17, 2018. Laura and Denise Barnard ’02, Greg and Sara Mouw of science, clinical anatomy, son Daniel Jay, Sept. 27, 2018. O’Brien ’10, daughter Jillian summa cum laude, Creighton Jen Noordsy Andeweg ’54, Mae, Oct. 14, 2018. University, 2013. Doctor of Pella, Iowa, Nov. 26, 2018. Nic and Abby Gonzales dental surgery, University of Larson ’02, son Wesley James, Paul ’10 and Brooke Iowa School of Dentistry, 2017. John Timmer ’54, Sioux Falls, Nov. 23, 2018. Nederhoff O’Kane ’07, son South Dakota, Nov. 5, 2018. Carson Dean, May 24, 2018. Libby Larson Russell ’14, Adam and Angela Vander master of arts, education, Elisabeth Kempkes Van Werf Kruse ’03, daughter Ava Randy and Heather Borgman Morningside College, 2017. Horn ’54, Salem, Virginia, Grace, Oct. 18, 2018. Reineke ’11, daughter Emma Oct. 16, 2018. Elaine, Dec. 18, 2017. Lucas Hamilton ’16, master Tyler and Sarah Williams of arts, psychology, Cleveland Arvin De Cook ’57, Christian ’05, daughter Austen and Ashley Ramker State University, 2018. Urbandale, Iowa, Nov. 8, 2018. Caroline Hope, Sept. 6, 2018. Rosas ’14, daughter Ruby Ruthanne, July 1, 2017. IN MEMORIAM Verla Harmelink Todd and Mandy Bahr Tagliabue ’59, Rutherford, Lauderbaugh ’05, daughter Richard and Libby Larson Janet Klyn Beving ’41, New Jersey, Sept. 15, 2018. Naomi Joy, Aug. 31, 2018. Russell ’14, son Henry David, Camarillo, California, Jan. 27, 2018. Nov. 4, 2018. Dirk Van Gorp ’62, Oskaloosa, Curt ’06 and Alyssa Jones Iowa, Oct. 5, 2018. Hunt ’08, daughter Cecilia ADVANCED DEGREES Mildred Ardapple Slickers ’45, Ethel, Sept. 21, 2018. West Lafayette, Indiana, Tommi Hay Boeder ’74, Cedar Kaci Klenk VanDalen ’98, Nov. 7, 2018. Rapids, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2018. Stephanie and Ben Bollard ’07, master of science, microbiology, daughter Jordan Marie, Auburn University, 2001. Gene Wormhoudt ’47, Pella, Dan Oppermann ’74, Nov. 2, 2018. Iowa, Oct. 10. Fayetteville, North Carolina, Gary Christensen ’03, doctor Aug. 13, 2018. Jessie and Trenton Blythe ’08, of pharmacy, University of Joan Ver Meer Vogelaar ’48, son Stetson James, Nov. 5, 2018. Iowa, 2009. Santa Rosa, California, Dan Elwood ’75, Estherville, Aug. 19, 2018. Iowa, Oct. 8, 2018.

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

36 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

CENTRAL COLLEGE RECEIVES $1M+ GIFT FROM ALUMNUS ESTATE

Wallace Spencer Stepenske ’64 may be one of the stealthiest major donors in the college’s history. “The college is fortunate to have many generous benefactors who remember Central in their estate plans. Most choose to discuss their bequest with the college in advance,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99, vice president for advancement. But last summer, Central leaders got a million-dollar surprise in the form of a call from Stepenske’s attorney saying the alumnus had dedicated much of his estate to the college. Checks totaling $1,031,713 followed. “To say we’re incredibly grateful may be the understatement of our year,” Eighmy says. “His generosity will live on through Central students, many of whom wouldn’t have access to a Central education without the support of generous donors like Stepenske.” “We’d had conversations Wallace Spencer Stepenske ’64 with him over the years,” Eighmy adds. “In 2007 we learned Central would be a Stepenske—“Spencer” to his returned to Denver to work in says. “Every year at Christmas beneficiary of his estate. friends—was born Jan. 14, 1943, the banking industry. Years he would decorate the lobbies. But we had no idea the extent to Walter Paul Stepenske and later he enrolled in graduate His Christmas trees were award- of his generosity.” Dena Vanderwall Stepenske school at the University of winning and truly Stepenske’s gift was in Denver. He graduated from Arizona to study geography. works of art.” unrestricted, allowing the Denver South High School From there he headed to According to Lindahl, college to apply it wherever in 1960. California and pursued a new Stepenske also had a quirky it will do the most good with College records show profession. He taught for 30 sense of humor and a flair for guidance from the Board Stepenske received a bachelor’s years in the California College the unexpected that may have of Trustees. degree with majors in business Systems. He retired in 2000 to influenced his under-the-radar The gift is quite in and economics from Central an active adult community in donation. “You never knew character for Stepenske, in 1964. His campus activities a six-story high-rise condo near what was going to come out of according to his longtime friend included participation in the Denver with spectacular views his mouth, but everyone loved Richard Lindahl. Championship Current Affairs of the Rocky Mountains. him,” Lindahl says. “He had a big heart,” Quiz, serving as business “While he did not profess to Stepenske died April 9, 2018. Lindahl says. “He loved Central manager for Homecoming be a professional artist, that’s College and talked about his and for The Pelican, the where his heart was and he time there often.” college’s yearbook. spent long hours creating works According to Lindahl, Following graduation he of art in his studio,” Lindahl

WINTER 2019 | 37 NEWSNOTES

2018: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? It’s less than a year since they graduated, but members of Central’s Class of 2018 are already making their mark in the world.

Steven Adkins is a graduate Mahogani Boeteaches teaches Jordan Bryne is attending Tim Christudoss is a financial student, sports administration English for the Peace Corps Bangor University, systems analyst, EMC and coaching, University of in Indonesia. Bangor, Wales. Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa. Northern Colorado, Greeley. Nathan Boertje is a library Zachary Butters is a chemist Benjamin Clark is a technical Tyler Alessio worked as head reference assistant, Central at Barton Solvents, Des recruiter, Apex Systems, organizer, Southeast Iowa, Fred College, Pella, Iowa. Moines, Iowa. Ladson, South Carolina. Hubbell for Governor Campaign. Trashawn Boyd is a Andy Butts serves with the Connor Claypool is a credit Chase Allen is a graduate management trainee, United States Navy. analyst, Cedar Rapids Bank and student in pharmacy, University Enterprise Holdings, Trust, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. of Colorado Anschutz Medical Johnston, Iowa. Elisa Callejon is the human Campus, Aurora. resource coordinator at Charles Cliff is department Michala Brand and Taylor Schreiber Foods, Green manager at Pella Corp., Bailey Anderson is a graduate Cox ’16 of Iowa City, Iowa, Bay, Wissonsin. Pella, Iowa. student at the University of married Aug. 17. They are Wisconsin-Madison. attending the University Jeremy Caracci teaches social Michael Collins is a service of Iowa, where Michala studies at Valley High School, adviser, Bowling Motors, Rachelle Annen teaches is a graduate student in West Des Moines, Iowa. Ottumwa, Iowa. second grade at Cactus Wren educational psychology and Elementary School, Washington Taylor is a graduate student P.J. Carey is a food and Kathy Connolly is in the Elementary School District, in medicine. beverage intern, Hyperion Field marketing department, Mercer Glendale, Arizona. Club, Johnston, Iowa. Consumer, Urbandale, Iowa. Kaci Braner is a graduate Cory Archer teaches physical student, veterinary Hunter Caspers teaches Caitlyn Conway is a campus education and coaches at medicine, University third grade for the Ankeny staff intern, InterVarsity Red Oak Community Schools, of Missouri-Columbia. Community School District, Christian Fellowship and Red Oak, Iowa. Ankeny, Iowa. reading aid, Pella Christian Lewis Braster is a graduate Grade School, Pella, Iowa. Rachael Barnette is a graduate student in medicine, Jessie Cassens teaches student in occupational therapy, Des Moines University, second grade for the Ankeny John Courtney is a material Creighton University Omaha, Des Moines, Iowa. Community School District, handler, Vermeer Corp., Nebraska. Ankeny, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. Taylor Broshar is a language Christopher Beaubien is a and culture assistant in Spain. Brandon Charls is Pella Christopher Culek is a client service associate, RBC Northland project manager, graduate student, Iowa State Wealth Management, Kansas Corey Broxson is a pricing Pella Corp., Pella, Iowa. University, Ames, Iowa. City, Missouri. analyst, Farm Bureau Financial Services, West Melissa Charlton and Josh James Cunningham is IT Tristyn Bianchi is a business Des Moines, Iowa. Carpenter ’17 of Des Moines, contractor, TransAmerica, annuity associate, MetLife, Iowa, married July 14. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Maegan Bruene is a graduate student, University of Iowa Austin Chipps is a graduate Taylor Dahlberg is a James Black is manager College of Nursing, University student, Texas Christian theatre practitioner in trainee, Enterprise Holdings, of Iowa, Iowa City. University, Fort Worth, Texas. Des Moines, Iowa. Johnston, Iowa. Joshua Brunk is a graduate Tyler Christensen teaches Trent Dailey is a personal Garrett Blythe works in student, occupational therapy, fourth grade for Audubon computer technician, Ecolab, marketing for Heritage Lace Washington University, Community Schools, Eagan, Minnesota. Inc., Pella, Iowa. St. Louis, Missouri. Audubon, Iowa.

38 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

Shelby Dash is a graduate Kayla Dowell is a field Keegan Flaherty is a campus Kari Grindberg lived at Fair student in nursing, specialist, Pella Corp., intern, InterVarsity, Haven East, Pella, Iowa, last University of Arkansas Pella, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. summer as a pilot project to in Little Rock, Arkansas. promote intergenerational Chelcee Downing is a Rachel Flynn is a bilingual experiences in senior living. Paul DeHart is a commercial leasing consultant, Pedcor teller service representative, lines underwriter, IMT Investments LLC, Carmel, Veridian Credit Union, Kyle Gritsch teaches physical Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa. Indiana. Des Moines, Iowa. education, the Grinnell Community School District, Luke DenAdel is employed at Nicholas Drucker is the Cole Foster is a student at Grinnell, Iowa. MJ Properties, Ankeny, Iowa. assistant acquisition Drake University Law School, manager, Meredith Corp., Des Moines, Iowa. Regan Gritsch teaches Annie DeVries is a graduate Des Moines, Iowa. kindergarten through second student in pharmacy, University Jordan Fox is a student at grade special education, BGM of Iowa, Iowa City. Emily Dye and Kody DeNeve Drake University Law School, Community School District, of Van Horne, Iowa, married Des Moines, Iowa. Brooklyn, Iowa. Elizabeth DeVries teaches July 21. Emily is a substitute kindergarten through fifth grade teacher, Benton Community Madison Friedrich is a soil Nicholas Guzman is a graduate general music at Willowbrook School District, Van Horne. conservationist, Natural student, physical therapy, Elementary School, Southeast Resources Conservation St. Ambrose University, Polk Community School Seth Eash is a graduate Service, Onaway, Iowa. Davenport, Iowa. District, Altoona, Iowa. student, physical therapy, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Abby Fyfe is a graduate Alex Hale is an athletic Andrew DeWindt is the student, University of Iowa trainer, AthletiCo, historical interpreter, Great Joe Eilers is a graduate Carver College of Medicine, Forrest City, Iowa. Lakes Shipwreck Museum, student, electrical Iowa City. Paradise, Michigan. engineering, at Iowa State Tess Hanson works for University, Ames. Callie Gardemann is a self- Winnebago Coop Telecom Haley Dickel is a judicial employed children’s book Marketing Association, specialist court attendant, Iowa Mason Ellis was head illustrator in Monroe, Iowa. Lake Mills, Iowa. judicial branch, Des Moines. organizer, Southeastern Iowa, Fred Hubbell for Matthew Gardner is a Jossie Harland is an Hannah Dickel is a constituent Governor campaign. project coordinator, Primoris, elementary school teacher, services specialist, U.S. Johnston, Iowa. Keota Community Schools, Senator Charles Grassley, Regan Engleman is a Westchester, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. graduate student in nursing, Nicholas Goodwin is a Allen College of Nursing, contractor, QCI Consulting, Jacob Hay is a tax associate, Paige Dickel is a product Waterloo, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, analyst, Nationwide Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Denise Ewing is an actuarial Derrick Gray is a warehouse analyst, Global Atlantic, associate, Rural Recycling Rachel Heatwole is a Justin Dilks is a full stack Des Moines, Iowa. Grinding, Stanwood, Iowa. park naturalist, Secret developer, Genova Technologies, Woods Nature Center, Davenport, Iowa. Mark Fairley is a Peyton Gray teaches seventh Fort Lauderdale, Florida. graduate student in grade language arts at Pleasant Jenna Dille is a graduate student, sports administration and Valley Junior High School, Connor Hehli is assistant occupational therapy, Creighton coaching, Liberty University, LeClaire, Iowa. manager and recreation University, Omaha, Nebraska. Lynchburg, Virginia. coordinator, Smash Park, Nick Greteman is assistant West Des Moines, Iowa. Emma Disterhoft is special Samantha Ferry is manager, Uptown Sporting events manager, Junior an enrichment Goods, Carroll, Iowa. Taylor Heitkamp is a graduate Achievement of Eastern Iowa, coordinator, Illahee student, Medical Sales College, Iowa City. Hills, Urbandale, Iowa. Julie Grether is a graduate Lone Tree, Colorado. student, physical therapy, Caitlyn Dixson is executive Kalee Findlay is a Northern Arizona Jessica Helton is a graduate director, Iowa Right to Life, special education associate, University, Phoenix. student in nursing, Des Moines Pella, Iowa. Webster Elementary School, Area Community College, Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa.

WINTER 2019 | 39 NEWSNOTES

Renee Herbers is a graduate Lexi Johnson is a sales Alexis Lotspeich is a costume Madison Megonigle is an student in physical therapy, associate, Iowa Farm Bureau designer, The Spotlight agency representative, Athene, University of Nebraska Medical Federation, Carroll, Iowa. Theatre, Moline, Illinois. Des Moines, Iowa. Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Sharla Johnson is an Elyse Lubbers teaches first Tristan Miedema is a graduate Jamie Heren is a graduate executive assistant, Rp grade in the Winterset student in voice performance, student in pharmacy, Virginia Support America, Inc., Community School District, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Commonwealth University New Sharon, Iowa. Winterset, Iowa. Richmond, Virginia. Kendra Miller teaches Brianna Johnston is a Kylie Mack-Garding teaches at English for EF English First, Alex Heuton is front end graduate student in nursing, Basis Chandler High School, Chongqing, China. web developer, Pella Corp., University of Colorado Chandler, Arizona. Pella, Iowa. Anschutz Medical Katelyn Miner is a graduate Campus, Aurora. Alex Mandi is a graduate student, University of Northern Mikayla Hintz teaches fifth student in sciences, Nova Iowa, Cedar Falls. grade at Oskaloosa Community McKenna Kilburg is a Southeastern University, Schools, Oskaloosa, Iowa. graduate student in dentistry, Davie, Florida. Benjamin Mitchell is a University of Iowa College stormwater and pollution Jamie Hunt is a nurse’s aide, of Dentistry, Iowa City. Hannah Marcum is a graduate plan inspector, Soil-Tek, Pella Regional Health Center, student, Baylor University, Grimes, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. Cheyenne Kinsella is a Waco, Texas. graduate student, Miami Blake Morgan is a project Maxwell Hytone is a marketing University, Oxford, Ohio. Arissa Marine and Logan engineer, Commonwealth coordinator at Graham Moeller ’17 of Wellman, Electric Company, Construction, Des Moines, Iowa. Brooke Klemme is a nanny Iowa, married May 20, 2017. Des Moines, Iowa. in Ankeny, Iowa. Arissa is a graduate student Jake Irwin is a supply chain in nursing, Allen College of Jenny Morrett teaches ninth intern at Tyson Food, Inc., Alison Kretzinger and Jeff Nursing, Waterloo, Iowa. through 12th grade art at Le Mars, Iowa. Knouse ’17 of Sully, Iowa, Logan is a transportation Prairie City Monroe High married Dec. 16, 2017. patient care coordinator, School, Monroe, Iowa. Reese Iversen is a sales VGM Group, Waterloo. representative, Intoxalock, Jackie Kriegel is a graduate Sam Moss is a singer songwriter Urbandale, Iowa. student, social sciences, Mollie Mason is a with Sam Moss Music. Lakeland University, graduate student in Brooke Jansen is a senior Sheboygan, Wisconsin. nursing, Allen College of Christopher Neeld works customer service representative, Nursing, Waterloo, Iowa. for Michels Corp., MetLife, West Des Moines, Iowa. Tiffany Latshaw is an Brownsville, Wisconsin. audit associate, KPMG, Cory McCleary is a Amanda Jensen is an Des Moines, Iowa. mechanical designer, Kiewit, Regan Nelson is a graduate administrative assistant, Iowa Lenexa, Kansas. student in nursing, United Methodist Foundation, Bryce Leonard is a Allen College of Nursing, Des Moines, Iowa. communications VISTA, Owen McConnell is a graduate Waterloo, Iowa. College Possible, Inc., student in chiropractic Jenna Jensen is a graduate St. Paul, Minnesota. medicine, Palmer College of PJ Norem is a graduate student in theatre arts, Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. student, sports administration Middlesex University, Jared Lichman is a graduate and coaching, Eastern London, England. student in physical therapy, Emily McDonald teaches Tennessee State University, University of Iowa, Iowa City. seventh-grade English language Johnson City, Tennessee. Hannah Johnson is a financing arts at Sioux Center Middle analyst, Principal Financial Huma Liptak is an online School, Sioux Center, Iowa. Samuel Norgaard is a graduate Group, Des Moines, Iowa. marketing manager, Big Tree student in chiropractic Marketing, Fairfield, Iowa. Holly McKinney is a graduate medicine, Palmer College of Joshua Johnson is a graduate student in public health, Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. student, Washington University, Jacob Logan is a pricing Grand Valley State University, St. Louis. analyst, Nationwide Michigan. Caitlin Novak is a bank teller, Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa. Veridian Credit Union, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

40 | CIVITAS NEWSNOTES

Alexis Oldham is a quality assurance control Monica Powers is a Kyle Schelling is a graduate Kyle Smith is a public chemist, Wacker Chemical, foundation worker, student, Logan University, relations marketing Eddyville, Iowa. St. Luke’s Hospital/Unity Chesterfield, Missouri. coordinator, MUSCO Point, Sioux City, Iowa. Lighting, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Logan Osborn is an athletic Jessup Schuler is an trainer, Northeast Orthopedics, Sydney Pratt is a database independent writer of a self- Madeline Smith is a Gadsden, Alabama. manager, Professional published poetry chapbook, graduate student, occupational Research Consultants, an ongoing online fantasy short therapy, Creighton University, Morgan Oster is the autism Omaha, Nebraska. series and a novel in Omaha, Nebraska. day help lead, ChildServe, Des Moines, Iowa. Grinnell, Iowa. Joshua Prokupek is a Mariah Snyder teaches seventh business analyst, Pella Corp., Kendra Schwery is a social and eighth grade special Allison Owens is a graduate Pella, Iowa. media community manager, education in the Eagle Grove student, accounting and Pella Corp., Pella, Iowa. Community School District, business, The Ohio State Cierra Pulse is the group Eagle Grove, Iowa. University, Columbus. coordinator, Sand Valley Golf Matthew Seabold teaches Resort, Rome, Wisconsin. middle school for Burlington Jonathan Specht is a Bailea Pakkebier teaches Community School District, graduate student, sciences, special education at Hanawalt Wyatt Rath teaches sixth Burlington, Iowa. Western State Colorado Elementary School, through 12th grade vocal University, Gunnison. Des Moines Public Schools, music at West Sioux Amie Ennis-Werner Seely Des Moines, Iowa. Community Schools, is a certified nursing assistant, Ellie Stoakes is a graduate Hawarden, Iowa. WesleyLife, Johnston, Iowa. student, chiropractic medicine, Shelby Palm teaches Spanish Amie and husband, Spencer, Palmer College of Chiropractic, at Hoover High School, Makenna Reed is a graduate live in Pella, Iowa. Davenport, Iowa. Des Moines Public Schools, student, sciences, Indiana Des Moines, Iowa. University Purdue University Jeremy Shannon is a peak Elizabeth Stock teaches high in Indianapolis. performance enhancement school math in the Knoxville Tyler Paterson is a .NET director, SportsPlus Sports Community School District, developer, Copy Systems, Inc., Sara Rodriguez is a sales Medicine and Physical Knoxville, Iowa. Gilbert, Arizona. and communications Therapy, Marshalltown, Iowa. coordinator, Aaron’s Lawn Sara Strader is an AmeriCorps Kate Patton is a service support Care and Landscaping, Carly Shelman and Matt VISTA, Central College, worker, Mid Iowa Family Therapy Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Moeller of Washington, Iowa, Pella, Iowa. Clinic, Windsor Heights, Iowa. married July 7. Carly teaches Jeb Rosebrook is a graduate third grade in the Keota Chandler Sturtz is a marketing Grant Pearson teaches fifth student, Montpelier Elementary School District, program manager intern, grade at Southeast Warren Archaeology Field School, Keota, Iowa. Workiva, Newton, Iowa. Community School District, Orange, Virginia. Lacona, Iowa. Seth Signs is a graduate Jacquelyn Sunderman Austin Rozendaal is an student in medicine, teaches kindergarten Steven Peterman is a design IPERS IT specialist, State of University of Kansas City, in the Shenandoah engineer, Ahren Fire Protection, Iowa, Des Moines. Kansas City, Missouri. Community School District, Omaha, Nebraska. Shenandoah, Iowa. Trevor Ruiz is a physical Cole Silver is department Kailey Phillips is a student, technician, Mercy Hospital, manager, Pella Corp., Mariah Swartzentruber Des Moines Area Community Des Moines, Iowa. Pella, Iowa. teaches seventh grade science College, Ankeny, Iowa. for Washington Community Alicia Ruzich teaches at Sabrina Smead is a public Schools, Washington, Iowa. Hunter Pollpeter is a software Eagle Grove High School, relations and educational developer, Rocket Referrals, Des Eagle Grove, Iowa. coordinator, RJO Inc., Tabitha Taylor is an internal Moines, Iowa. Newton, Iowa. auditor, Pella Corp., Pella, Iowa. Josh Scheible is a service Adrien Pounds is a family support worker, Mid Iowa Isaiah Smith is a package consultant, Mid Iowa Family Therapy Clinic, handler with United Parcel Family Therapy Clinic, Windsor Heights, Iowa. Service of America, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dolton, Illinois.

WINTER 2019 | 41 NEWSNOTES

Valorie Taylor and Casey Wesley Wheat is a personal Dorhout of Polk City, Iowa, trainer, Anytime Fitness, married Aug. 4, 2018. Valorie is Pella, Iowa. an actuarial student, Sammons Financial Group, Kolby Whisner is assistant West Des Moines, Iowa. football coach, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Erich Thalacker is a software developer, Lean Technologies, Malik Wildermuth is a Pella, Iowa. graduate student, HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, Madison Thingstad is a graduate Green Bay, Wisconsin. student, St. Mary’s of the Woods, Terre Haute, Indiana. Scott Wilson is a web application developer, Megan Pothoven Thomas EMC Insurance Companies, teaches English language arts Des Moines, Iowa. at Knoxville High School, Knoxville, Iowa. Megan and Shayla Wolver works for husband, Matthew, live in Unity Point Health, Pella, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa.

Hannah Thompson is a Rachel Woodward is a print care assistant, REM Iowa, music associate, Rieman Knoxville, Iowa. Music, Des Moines, Iowa.

Holly Vander Pol is a graduate Josie Youel and Dalton student, HSHS St. Vincent Hulme ’17 married June 23. Children’s Hospital, Green Josie teaches kindergarten Bay, Wisconsin. through eighth grade art at Dike-New Hartford, EmmaGrace Walter ’18 and Noah Stochl ’17 of Paige Vannausdle teaches Dike, Iowa. Johnston, Iowa, married May 27, 2018. EmmaGrace is a special education in the physician assistant graduate student, Des Moines University, Southeast Polk Community Jacob Zimmerman is Des Moines, Iowa. Noah is in officer candidate school, School District, Pleasant the assistant manager, Iowa National Guard and in his second year of law school, Hill, Iowa. True Guard Aquatics, University of Iowa. Noah will become an officer in the Army Kansas City, Missouri. Jahleel Vester is a mortgage next summer and plans to complete his law degree in spring loan representative, Peoples Katie Zimmerman is a 2020. Participants in the wedding included, front row, left to Bank, Oak Harbor, Washington. social media recruiter, C&A right: Jennifer Zoutte ’18, Austin Chipps ’18, Industries–Aureau Medical Austin Little ’17, Zach Brown ’17, Jake Hirst ’17, Jake Walters is the assistant Division, Omaha, Nebraska. Faith Bliss ’10 and Jacob Stevenson ’13.Second row: personal training director, Jeremy Caracci ’18, Macin Harvey ’19, LA Fitness, Chandler, Arizona. EmmaGrace Walter Stochl ’18, Noah Stochl ’17 and Daniel Weir is the wellness Blake Judkins ’17. Third row: Morgan Gray Kreiser ’14, coordinator, Aegis Therapies, Kyle Smith ’18, Garrett Saunders ’19 and Ballwin, Missouri. Kaitlyn Johnson ’19. Fourth row: Robert Kreiser ’12, Hunter Caspers ’17, Michael Reuter ’17, Matthew Wells is a graduate Adam Carey ’18 and Tanner Wood ’19. Fifth row: student, Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Tina Lane ’18, Paige Vannausdle ’18, Ashley Maley ’18, Jenna Stewart ’19, Brittany Coppess ’19 and Cierra Pulse ’18. Back row: Trisha Smith ’16, Cade Harvey ’17, Joe Kotz ’17 and Jessie Peterson ’17.

42 | CIVITAS PARTING SHOT LAST NIGHT IN LONDON FOR ONE GOLDEN MOMENT, THE CITY WAS OURS FOREVER.

BY: SARA RICHARDSON PEREZ ’02

Vandon House residents on their fancy night out. Photo courtesy of Sara Richardson Perez ’02.

We cross Embankment Bridge like Station, the secrets of shopping at Later I stand alone on the foredeck as Londoners, walking fast and merging Sainsbury’s and how to sneak others our boat passes under London Bridge. effortlessly. Phrases like “straightaway” and into the Tube. (Only those who truly I hear the music of my friends’ voices “bloody” fall from our mouths like they’ve know a city can be delinquent in it.) singing loudly and off key in the cabin. always been there. That’s what I most fear We have learned that peanut butter here The wind blows my hair into my eyes. about going home. What can I keep? How is horrible, that passports can get lost and I can count the stars I see on one hand. much of London is actually mine? that sometimes dads die. We have learned Tomorrow, I’ll have a sky full of stars and I traverse the Thames big-eyed. that children are children, no matter their no London. The moment is clear and I want to see, breathe, touch and taste nationality. We have learned the meaning heavy, weighted with impending change. all of London for the bittersweet last of home in abstentia. I hear footsteps behind me. I turn, time. The city is gray despite sunshine. We have discovered cruelty and smile, am led to the dance floor, join the Sunshine at home is yellow and solid; kindness both in this city and in ourselves. mass of singing friends. All of our voices in London it is fragile, translucent, I have walked past a man nearly every day are golden, our feet golden, our glances a lover who will inevitably leave. I can’t and not once looked in his eyes. “Spare golden—for now. The narrator rests the seem to enjoy London sun because, some change, miss?” He has a brown dog. pen softly on the paper and—for now— ironically, I am supposed to enjoy it I wonder what kind of person I am to walk I sing along. so much. by the man and feel sorry for the dog. This is our final night. We, the roomers We are still young enough to believe Sara Richardson Perez ’02 lives in in Vandon House, are celebrating with a our future is golden. We do not believe Des Moines, Iowa, and teaches literature and cruise down the Thames. I feel like the the odds that five of us will get cancer, creative writing. An earlier version of this narrator of our story: “The Vandon House that two-thirds of us will divorce. We sing essay appeared in “World Class: 25 Years of Residents Have A Fancy Night Out.” loudly and pretend to like British food. Central College Travel Writing Celebrating We are all so young, even though We drink and laugh and sit closer together 50 Years of Study Abroad.” we have learned when to avoid Victoria than necessary.

WINTER 2019 | 43 Winter 2019 Vol. 27 No. 2USPS096-840

Abigail Lowry ’22 pauses between classes to make a snow figure.

PHOTO: PAUL JOY