Scholarship Celebration Dinner 2026
June 15, 2026
Guests gather in celebration at the Scholarship Dinner, filling the room with energy, connection and shared purpose as Central continues its A World of Good campaign in support of students and their futures.
Every year, the Scholarship Celebration Dinner is a reminder of what philanthropy in action looks like.
The 26th annual dinner brought together alumni, donors, students and parents — all united by a shared belief that a Central College education changes lives. More than a social occasion, the evening was a celebration of loyalty and generosity: The kind that opens doors, funds dreams and ensures the next generation of Central students has every opportunity to thrive.
Because of the commitment of donors in the room and beyond, students don’t just attend Central — they belong here, supported from day one by people who believe in what they’re capable of becoming.
That support takes many forms. Sometimes it’s a scholarship that makes enrollment possible. And sometimes it’s something as tangible — and as meaningful — as a washing machine.
This year’s Scholarship Dinner video tells the story of how a conversation started by Central student trustees sparked a major campus upgrade: New washers and dryers in the residence halls. It’s a story about what happens when students speak up, donors listen and a legacy of generosity keeps turning. (Watch the video at central.edu/scholarship-dinner26.)
This year’s speaker, Paul Poppen ’69, is one such committed believer and donor who affirms, “Scholarships are wonderful and may help you in pursuing a world of good.”
Inspired by Lee Ann Womack’s hit “I Hope You Dance,” Poppen encouraged attendees to dance — metaphorically.
“Rather than just sitting there, you have the chance to do something, to pursue some career, to pursue some idea, to be resilient. I’d like to challenge all of you to do more ‘dancing.’”
“We need you. The world needs people of common sense, of education who can work on the problems going on. We need your help to solve them.”
Knowing they have a place in the world — now, and over the course of the next 60 years and beyond — Central students left the dinner reminded that they are not here by accident. They are here because people chose to invest in them.
Thank you to all who attended and continue to support the Central community. Your generosity does A World of Good.
You can do A World of Good when you support Central students. By making a gift, you can directly impact Central programs and opens doors for more, and future generations of, students. Make your gift by visiting central.edu/give or calling 641-628-5154 and asking for Michelle Wilkie, senior director of development.