A Legacy of Learning: The Lasting Impact of the Geisler-Penquite Foundation

Geisler-Penquite Foundation board members sunset the foundation and dispersed more than $16 million to area nonprofits during a presentation at Central. Board members present for the event included (left to right): Dan Skokan, John Roslien, Sheri Timmer Roslien ’88, Maurine Timmer, Gary Timmer ’55, Noreen Otto and Eric Sickler ’83.

Words often fall short when trying to capture the profound generosity of the Geisler-Penquite Foundation and the remarkable individuals behind it. For over five decades, this foundation has quietly but powerfully shaped the future of education, leaving a legacy that will ripple through generations.

A Vision for Education

After 55 years of dedicated philanthropy, the Geisler-Penquite Foundation made a momentous decision. In September 2024 the board voted to sunset the foundation, distributing its remaining funds — more than $16.5 million — to Central College and nonprofit organizations across Jasper County, Iowa. Central alone received $9.3 million, reinforcing its educational mission and its long-standing relationship with the foundation.

Eric Sickler ’83, the former foundation’s president-elect, says, “From the perspective of an alum, this gift is heartwarming beyond words. To think about what this family, the Geisler and Geisler-Penquite families together, have contributed to the culture at Central, supporting the education program and the library, making true investments and being so generous in their support. It truly is amazing.”

For Gary Timmer ’55, retired vice president for advancement at Central and former president of the Geisler-Penquite Foundation board, the impact of these scholarships is immeasurable.

“Can you imagine the influence of all the Geisler-Penquite Foundation scholarship recipients from Central College?” Timmer reflected during the final awards presentation in September. “Each scholarship helps a student lift up their college experience and launch their career. That Central education student goes on to help hundreds, if not thousands, of students in communities across the nation and even the world. The impact is multiplied exponentially.”

The Founding Story

The Geisler-Penquite Foundation’s roots trace back to John and Gertrude Setzer Geisler, Jasper County farmers who believed in education’s transformative power. Their commitment was carried forward by their son, Harold and his wife, Mavis Hobbs Geisler ’00H, and daughter Cecil Geisler-Penquite and her husband Loren, who established the foundation.

Initially funded with $7,000 in 1969, the foundation grew significantly after the Geislers’ and Penquites’ estates were added to its principal. Over the years, it granted more than $25 million to Central and nonprofit organizations in Jasper County.

“Harold and Mavis Geisler and Loren and Cecil Geisler-Penquite did not have children,” said Dan Skokan, retired Geisler-Penquite Foundation board president. “They considered their scholarships a way to adopt and help young people. Supporting future educators was their passion. They had a strong faith and firmly believed in the importance of education.”

The connection with Central began with the late Ward McDaniel, director of planned giving, and Timmer.

“I remember the grand opening of Central’s Library Learning Resources Center in 1974,” Timmer says. “The Geislers and Penquites attended the open house — they had never made a gift before. I invited them to hear Norman Vincent Peale, a well-known television minister at the time, who was speaking on campus.

“A few years later, in 1977, I suggested they make a donation for the library and have it named for their family,” Timmer says. “I remember Harold saying the library was already paid for. I told him that was fine, but we needed an endowment to sustain it. He agreed, and that’s how we secured the endowment. It’s amazing what can happen with a loyal community, constituency and faculty.”

Relationships Matter

The foundation operated as a grant-making organization, using investment revenue to fund nonprofit initiatives. By carefully managing its endowment, it sustained its mission for decades.

Among its final acts of generosity, the foundation established the Timmer Family Scholarship. This full-tuition, renewable scholarship supports future Central students pursuing math or education majors.

“It’s fitting that a scholarship be named in their honor since they helped start this relationship with the Geisler and Geisler-Penquite families,” says John Roslien, associate professor of kinesiology and the Timmers’ son-in-law. “It’s also gratifying that the foundation was able to show its appreciation and name the scholarship while Gary and Maurine were still part of the organization. They could step back and appreciate what they’ve accomplished.”

Sheri Timmer Roslien ’88, daughter of Gary and Maurine Timmer and an academic support coach at Pella High School, spoke to the personal significance of the scholarship.

“My husband and I have been in education for most of our professional careers,” Sheri says. “My mom was a teacher, my dad worked for Central and my brother is in education. Having a named scholarship for my parents is beyond meaningful.”

“Our relationship with the Geisler family goes back a long way,” Sheri says. “When John and I got married in 1989, I had no living grandparents, so Harold and Mavis stood in as my adopted grandparents. Their impact goes beyond us, beyond our family, to so many entities across the state, country and even across the world with all the teachers that they helped.”

The Timmers and Geislers have been family friends for decades. Mavis and Harold stepped in as grandparents for Sheri during her wedding. Left to right: Hazel Stephens, John Roslien, Sheri Timmer Roslien ’88, Mavis Hobbs Geisler ’00H and Harold Geisler.

A Legacy of Generosity

Though they never attended Central College, the Geislers and Geisler-Penquites deeply valued Christian higher education. Their commitment to learning and young people was evident in the many ways they supported Central.

In 1977, they endowed the college library collection, ensuring students would always have access to knowledge. Mavis Geisler later gifted a bronze statue, ‟The Quest,” depicting a young man reading, symbolizing the journey of education. In 2004, a companion statue, ‟The Journey,” was added — a young woman carrying books, looking ahead toward her future.

Their contributions extended beyond physical space. The Geisler-Penquite Foundation provided scholarships for education students in perpetuity, ensuring future generations of Central students would have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. In 2020, the foundation granted $339,000 for an innovative learning lab in the education department.

Central leaders have long recognized the foundation’s impact.

“The Geisler-Penquite Foundation and Central have a long, treasured history of collaboration,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99, vice president for advancement at Central. “Our partnership spans five decades, and the gifts to the college have been transformational. The foundation’s generosity continues to help students across generations. The impact is truly remarkable.”

A Reflection on Impact

As the Geisler-Penquite Foundation closed its final chapter, its leaders reflected on its enduring legacy.

“Today has been a really impactful moment for our families and our board,” Timmer stated during the event. “When this started 50-some years ago, we couldn’t have imagined just how many lives would be touched.”

Though the foundation has reached its official sunset, its mission of supporting education and empowering future generations will continue to shine brightly, embedded in the hearts and minds of all those it has helped.

Watch a commemorative video of the final Geisler-Penquite Foundation celebration at central.edu/geisler-penquite.

This story was written prior to Gary Timmer’s passing on April 5, 2025. Central is forever grateful for his legacy and leadership.