Plus a Look Ahead to 2018
It was a momentous year for Central College! New research projects took shape, new initiatives were launched and we celebrated several important events in Central’s history. Take a look back at 2017 with the year’s most popular stories. As a bonus, discover some of the remarkable things we’re looking forward to on campus in 2018.
2017 Top 10 Stories
10. When Martin Luther King Jr. Was Here
Read the story of how Central hosted Martin Luther King Jr. in the college gymnasium on March 22, 1967, just a little more than a year before his assassination.
After traveling the secret route to avoid protesters, King finally arrived in Pella and was welcomed at the president’s residence by Lubbers and his family.
Exercise science major Katie Douglas ’17 opened her own yoga studio, Sequoia, in Pella while still a student. Read more.
8. 10 Objects with Stories to Tell
We looked into Central’s history by telling the stories behind 10 important artifacts. Learn the secrets behind the objects.
7. Every Central Teacher Academy Graduate to Receive Grant
The Bruce and Susan Berical Anderson Education Grant provides $300 to each CTA graduate who completes the program in good standing. Read the story.
6. Central’s Douwstra Auditorium to be Renovated
Historic Douwstra Auditorium will be transformed into a regional concert hall with a $2.2 million renovation that started in December. Read more.
Once completed, the restored auditorium will provide a first-class space for the college to learn from world leaders, host meaningful events and celebrate the arts.
5. Central to Celebrate $12 Million P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium Expansion
The newly renovated P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium opened with fanfare in April. Highlights of the renovations include a spacious atrium, expanded lobby, Hall of Honor and All-America corridor. Read the story.
Learn to tailgate like the Dutch with these tips and recipe.
Assistant professor of sociology Shawn Wick and Kylie Gerstein ’18 conducted research on maternal mortality to help save new mothers’ lives. Read the story.
2. 10 Things You’ll Know After Your First Semester at Central
Central students learn these things quickly about their college. Read the story to learn more.
1. Central Adds 12 Faculty Members
Twelve new faculty members joined Central College this year—experts in physics, chemistry, music and more. Read the story.
Looking Forward to 2018
- New Projects: The Douwstra Auditorium renovation is scheduled for completion in 2018. We will also complete our new garden classroom and kitchen, an extension of the college’s community garden. These and other projects will take concrete shape during the year.
- Hoo-rah! Day: The second annual Hoo-rah! Day takes place April 6. Designed as a day to show Central spirit, alumni, students and supporters are encouraged to wear red and flaunt their Central pride! Lots of new activities are planned for 2018. Save the date!
- First Engineering Grads: Central’s first class of engineering majors will graduate in spring 2018. Launched in 2015, the Bachelor of Science degree is seeing high levels of interest from students.
