Fall 2025 Issue

Pictured, left to right: Tim Brand ’02, Mark Putnam, Central president, and Christopher Stone ’96. Not pictured: Isabelle Hicks Alexander ’15.

Central College is pleased to announce this year’s refreshed alumni awards and the winners: Christopher Stone ’96, World of Good Alumni Award; Tim Brand ’02, Distinguished Alumni Award; and Isabelle Hicks Alexander ’15, Young Alumni Award.

CHRIS

Having spent more than 25 years in education, Stone is director of disability resources for Washington University in St. Louis where he leads the charge for access and equity for students with disabilities. It’s work that happens largely behind the scenes but changes lives.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed,” Stone affirms. “Part of my job is making sure they have what they need to do that.”

At Central, Stone wasn’t sure where his career would lead. But professors and mentors like Mary Stark, professor emerita of English, encouraged him to think about impact and how his knowledge and skills could help others. That mindset eventually drew him to disability services, where he could combine advocacy, problem-solving and direct student support.

Stone is quick to credit others for his success.

“I’ve been blessed with phenomenal mentors who modeled how to lead with compassion and keep students at the center,” he says. “Change happens when you build trust.”

The most rewarding moments? Those come on graduation day when Stone watches students he’s worked with cross the stage.

“Knowing the obstacles they’ve overcome — and that we’ve had a hand in removing some of them — is incredibly fulfilling,” Stone remarks.

Throughout his career, Stone has served in student affairs, advising and disability services, ensuring students receive accommodations and that faculty understand inclusive practices.

Stone says his alma mater still shapes his work, explaining, “Central gave me a model for what community can look like — where people feel seen, supported and valued.”

Being named recipient of the 2025 A World of Good Alumni Award came as a surprise, but, as Stone says, “Making a difference often means doing the small things well, over and over.”

His advice to current and future students?

“Find good mentors and listen to them and stay open to unexpected opportunities,” he says.

TIM

As a senior in high school, Brand was certain of one thing: He wasn’t going to attend Central. Too much family history, he thought, but one phone call changed everything.

“Dr. Roe personally reached out and said, ‘We’re looking for people like you who change the world.’ That made a big impression,” Brand recalls.

As a result, he chose Central, and it changed his life. While living in Pietenpol Hall his sophomore year, Brand heard a call he couldn’t ignore: “Go back to Haiti.” Days later, he received an email from Central alumni inviting him to return to Haiti as a student leader. From that moment on, Brand promised to be involved in the country in some way for the rest of his life.

After college, Brand worked in tech, business and later, in global strategy. But the pull to serve never faded. Brand and his wife, Catie Ruefer Brand ’04, began leading mission trips to Haiti.

Since, Brand has built a career — and a calling — around helping those the world often overlooks. As founder and CEO of Many Hands, a nonprofit serving in the Caribbean and Iowa, Brand leads with the belief that “we take what the world says has no value and show it’s worth something.”

Brand credits Central with sharpening his leadership skills and giving him a heart for service.

“Central taught me how to think, lead and see the whole person,” he says. “My story, my faith, my wife, my first job — they all came through Central.”

The organization provides food security, education, economic opportunity and spiritual support to thousands each year. Whether in a rural Haitian community or small-town Iowa, Brand focuses on long-term solutions that empower people to thrive.

Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, Brand says, is not just about him. “It’s for the people we serve, whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. I hope this recognition gives them a voice.”

ISABELLE

When Alexander visited Central as a high school student, she immediately pictured herself there — despite being far from home in California. 

“I could imagine the tree I’d study under, the classes I’d take,” she remembers. “It just felt right.” 

After confirming she’d survive winter in Iowa, Alexander dove into campus life through InterVarsity, study abroad opportunities and more. Each experience provided growth and helped shape the direction of her career, while an internship in London sparked her interest in financial planning.  

“I realized I could combine my love of teaching with business,” Alexander shares. “Helping people navigate major life decisions resonated with me.” 

She accepted a full-time offer from Dudum Financial Services after an internship. Since, she’s advanced within the firm, earned her CFP designation and is now serving as the manager of all advisors. 

“Relationships are at the heart of what I do,” Alexander says. “Helping people plan for retirement, send kids to college or build financial security is about trust and walking alongside them.”  

She credits Central with preparing her both personally and professionally.  

“My professors connected what we learned to real life,” Alexander recalls. “And the friendships I made have lasted over a decade.” 

Today, she balances her career with family life, raising three young children alongside her husband. 

When asked about what receiving Central’s Young Alumni Award means, Alexander shares, “It reminded me how meaningful this work is — and how grateful I am to be part of a community that continues to cheer one another on.” 

Alexander’s advice for students is thoughtful.   

“Figuring out what’s not a good fit is just as important as finding the right one — all of it helps you grow,” Alexander expresses.  

As for what’s next?  

“I want to keep refining what I do and grow with my team,” she says. “But right now, my biggest goal is to be present with my family, clients and in the life I’ve built.”

JACK

John “Jack” Kelly ’25H was named Central’s newest honorary alumnus during Heritage Day Luncheon.

John “Jack” Kelly first came to Central in 2021 to support his husband, Charles “Buck” Rogers ’70, during his 50-year class reunion. Though he had never been to Iowa as the couple hails from Hartford, Connecticut, Jack quickly found himself at home on campus and embraced by the Central community.

With more than 45 years of experience in retail, including 28 years at Nordstrom, Jack has brought a wealth of professionalism and creativity to every relationship he’s built. Over the past four years, he has become a true member of the Central family, connecting with faculty, staff and students alike. His commitment to Central is evident through the John Kelly and Charles Rogers Endowed Scholarship, which supports first-generation students now and for years to come.

Central is proud to celebrate Jack as Forever Dutch® and an honorary member of the Class of 2025.