Scholarship Celebration 2024
July 12, 2024
The 24th annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner brought together a room full of people who share a love for Central College. Building connections among alumni, donors, students and parents bridges a network of people eager to support future generations of the Central family.
Quintin Hull ’26 presented a musical prelude on piano as guests entered P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. DelTon Alexander ’24 delivered the opening prayer. Bryson McGowan ’24 and Kamryn Waymire ’24 performed show tunes as the night’s entertainment.
A discussion on endangered species and how Central students and alumni provide hope for the environment was shared by Russ Benedict, professor of biology.
A heartwarming video honored Wilma Damhof Hoekstra ’45 and ’69 and her late husband Tony Hoekstra ’61, who established a legacy of love for Central that has persisted for generations. Watch the video honoring the family’s devotion to lifelong learning by visiting central.edu/scholarship-dinner24.
Central President Mark Putnam considered the impact of time, stating, “There’s something we learn from understanding sustained effort and sustained impact.” He emphasized the value of dedicating time and work to build a meaningful legacy.
“That this many people would take time to gather together to celebrate scholarship giving and its impact on these students today, and their impact on the world tomorrow, will be profound,” President Putnam says. “Because we believe this to be true and we will take that leap of faith, I can tell you the future is bright. We have great students. They do amazing things. And they will change this world.”
You can support the next generation of Central students. By making a gift, you can directly impact Central programs and opens doors for students. Make a gift by visiting central.edu/give or calling 641-628-5154 and asking for Michelle Wilkie, director of development.