Around the Pond – Summer 2025

Brewing Success with Forever Dutch^® Products

Central launched two new products that will awaken your senses — coffee and chocolate. The new coffee brew, Forever Dutch^® Roast, was launched just in time for Homecoming 2024 with great success. This is a medium coffee roasted at Iris Coffee Company in Pella, Iowa. In February 2025, Central introduced Forever Dutch^® Chocolate. The college partnered with Van Veen Chocolates, a Pella-based chocolatier, to create the gourmet 3-ounce solid milk and dark chocolate bars.

These products are part of Central’s ongoing partnerships with local businesses to support student scholarships, with 30% of sales benefiting the Journey Scholarship Fund.

These Imagine More initiatives aim to build strong ties between the college and the Pella community. This has led to meaningful conversations and products that “help us do good, together.”

You can purchase the chocolate at Van Veen Chocolates or online at vanveenchocolates.com. The coffee is available at Iris Coffee Company or online at iriscoffee.co. Both products are also available at the Central Spirit Shoppe.

Central Partners with Mercy College of Health Science

Central signed an agreement with Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, to offer its 3+1 dual degree nursing program.

With this agreement, students can attend Central for three years while pursuing select majors, completing core requirements and participating in campus life activities and extracurricular programs. After completing their Central classes, students who meet admission requirements will be eligible to enroll in Mercy College’s one-year Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for their fourth year of coursework. Students who complete this 3+1 program will graduate with both a bachelor’s degree from Central and a BSN degree from Mercy College in four years, providing a path for future career advancement and exploration.

This is a second option for the 3+1 dual degree nursing program for students at Central.

Terence J. Kleven Installed as Latest Endowed Scholar

Central installed Terence J. Kleven, professor of religious studies, as the Dr. Jacob and Gela Schnucker Sessler Chair of Philosophy and Religion in February.

Kleven was named to the endowed chair during the May 2021 Commencement ceremony. However, he spent 2021 to 2023 in Amman, Jordan, conducting research in Arabic political philosophy at the University of Jordan as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar.

Kleven has taught at Central since 1996. He earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of Calgary, in Calgary, Alberta, and completed his master’s and doctorate degrees at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario.

Paulina Mena Receives Endowed Chair

Central announced Paulina Mena, professor of biology, as the next Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities. Mena is described as demonstrating a commitment to student success and creating a learning environment where students feel they belong and are active participants in their learning. She joined the Central faculty in 2009.

Mena was named the Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Pedagogy and led the faculty professional development seminar on inclusive teaching practices and other teaching-focused trainings and workshops.

She will be installed during the Fall 2025 semester.

Faculty Additions and Promotions

Central remains committed to exceptional faculty dedicated to guiding students in their college journey. As the academic year began, five faculty members were promoted to professors in their field of expertise: Shelley-Jean Bradfield, professor of communication studies, Randall Renstrom, professor of psychology, Ashley Scolaro, professor of psychology, Elena Vishnevskaya, professor of religious studies, and Shawn Wick, professor of sociology.

Central announced the promotion of Leslie Keuning Duinink ’90, senior registrar, to dean of undergraduate education, and Aaron Roerdink ’97, to dean of the faculty.

The college also welcomed eight new faculty members for the 2024-25 academic year: Mindy Graham-Hinners ’00, assistant professor of psychology, Tuan Ho-Quoc, assistant professor of economics, Timothy Johnson, associate professor of Spanish, Anudeep Reddy Vedire, assistant professor of engineering, Abby Rocha, assistant professor of mathematics, Kristen Thompson, associate professor of engineering, Stephanie Wise, assistant professor of political science and Papae Wymore, lecturer of education.

Personal Training Program Recognized

The National Strength and Conditioning Association named Central’s personal training program as an NSCA Education Recognition Program. This recognition for Central’s personal training program assures students they will learn everything needed to sit and pass certification exams and be successful in the field. It’s a quality assurance recognition that sets Central apart from other programs in Iowa and across the nation.

To read full articles and other news, go to Central’s news site at central.edu/news.