Following a $3.125 million gift to Central College two years ago, the Fred Maytag Family Foundation has awarded Central an additional $550,000 for further renovations to the Maytag Student Center. The grant also includes annual support for student scholarships through the Journey Scholarship Fund.
“Ken and Fritz Maytag have shown tremendous commitment in creating opportunities for Central students,” said Central College President Mark Putnam. “We appreciate this warm relationship and nearly three decades of partnership.”
The gift makes additional renovations possible that were not included in recent updates to Maytag Student Center. New changes include updating van Emmerik Studio technology, refreshing student development offices and restrooms, increasing energy efficiency with HVAC features and LED lighting, and replacing furniture, windows and skylights. Many of these features have remained untouched since the building opened more than 25 years ago. With the additional updates, however, Maytag’s upper level will match the first floor’s beauty and efficiency.
The Fred Maytag Family Foundation helped fund the construction of Maytag Student Center in 1990, a $2.3 million project. The building was named for Fred Maytag I — grandson of F.L. Maytag, who founded the Maytag Company in Newton in 1889 — in recognition of his service to Iowa as an entrepreneur and public servant. He was president of the company from 1940-62 and created the Fred Maytag Family Foundation.
