Around the Pond – Fall 2025

Front Row with Lisa Bluder and Harry Smith

Two legendary industry leaders filled Douwstra Auditorium in March 2025. Harry Smith ’73 hosted a conversation with Lisa Bluder, three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and former head women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa. Central and the Pella Rolscreen Foundation sponsored the event open to campus and the public.

Award Winner

Central earned a silver in the Circle of Excellence Awards hosted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The award-winning entry was a multi-channel campaign for the Journey Scholarship Fund. The “On Track for Greatness Campaign,” featuring Scotty Johnson ’26, was a huge success raising $95,600.

Record-Breaking Success

Central closed its 2024-25 fiscal year smashing all previous fundraising records and securing an astounding $17,715,963! This monumental achievement marks the highest level of fundraising in the college’s 172-year history and comes on the heels of the exciting launch of Central’s comprehensive campaign, A World of Good. The fiscal year closed June 30, 2025.

Support for current students also reached an all-time high, with contributions to annual scholarships and the Journey Scholarship Fund soaring to $1,759,611 — a record high for the college. More than $8,420,900 was raised specifically for the endowment.

Nancy Voerman Stewart Gift

Through her estate, Nancy Ann Voerman Stewart ’73 provided a generous gift of $173,333 to Central. Stewart was a musician and educator, who carried a lifelong passion for Central. Her legacy will now support future generations of Central students in pursuit of their education.

Stewart followed in her father’s footsteps Joseph Voerman, Sr. ’44. She initially attended Central to study piano and was actively involved in the college community, including as a cheerleader and as a member of A Cappella Choir, Mu Gamma Pi and Sigma Phi Omega.

SWE Honored Marburger

Central’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed the world premiere of a musical work honoring Ahmir Jolliff and Dan Marburger ’89. The work entitled “A Mere Moment — Bolero in Remembrance” by Michele Fernández, was performed April 7, 2025, in the Perry Performing Arts Center.

“Principal Dan Marburger was a Central alum, so the planning committee thought it fitting that our ensemble be a part of the event,” says Brad Lampe, lecturer of music and director of bands. “The Iowa Bandmasters Association donors and supporters made this incredible project possible. My students and I are truly honored to take part in this meaningful event, celebrating the spirit and unity of the Perry community. This is more than just a performance — it’s a moment of connection, pride and shared passion for music!”

Stan Dahl, senior lecturer of music and director of the Flying Pans Steel Drum Band, assisted with the performance.

48-Hour Challenge Exceeds Previous Record

Central’s community of alumni, parents and friends rallied to set a new fundraising record during its annual 48-Hour Challenge. The college raised $181,723 to support the Journey Scholarship Fund, including matching dollars from generous challengers. The final tally topped the previous record for the two-day drive, which kicks off the academic year with a surge of philanthropic support.

Top Scholars

The Class of 2029 recipients of full-tuition scholarships were announced.

• Grace Corey, Watertown, South Dakota, recipient of the H.S. Kuyper Scholarship
• Addison Doughan, Clear Lake, Iowa, recipient of the Timmer Family Scholarship
• Caleb Kalkwarf, Pella, Iowa, recipient of the Pella Corporation Engineering Scholarship
• Abigail Matson, Ankeny, Iowa, recipient of the Joan Kuyper Farver Scholarship
• Evan Voga, Story City, Iowa, recipient of the Thomas Ross Smith Scholarship
• Amelia Wolfe, Iowa City, Iowa, recipient of the P.H. Kuyper Scholarship

Philanthropy directly empowers these bright minds to pursue their academic and personal goals without the burden of tuition costs

Jim Graham Fund Established

The Jim Graham International Education Fund, an initiative envisioned by two Central alumni trustees, reached $240,240 within its first months and will support faculty-led off-campus programs and international study opportunities.

Dan De Cook ’95, chief advancement and communications officer for the Reformed Church in America and owner/CEO of Heritage Lace, and Shannan Mattiace ’90, professor of political science and international studies at Allegheny College, wanted to honor Jim Graham, former academic dean and longtime professor of English at Central. They worked closely with Kathy Cashen Thompson ’87, director of development and major gifts officer for Central, while Graham was living.

Graham passed in May 2025 but his legacy will thrive well into the future to support international education for Central students.

New Trustees

The Board of Trustees announced a new treasurer and elected five new members; terms began July 1, 2025. The trustees tapped Mike Van Voorst ’93, current trustee, for treasurer.

• Roger DeWaard ’90, CEO and sole owner of Koopman Roofing
• Adam Gregg ’06, president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association
• Dan Huitink ’04, vice president, general counsel and board secretary of Vermeer Corporation
• Sonia Parras Konrad, a Central international program alumna, attorney and owner of Law Office of Sonia Parras
• Carrie Mc Neese Valster ’96, senior vice president at ITA Group

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