Central College’s education department has announced its 2020 Geisler Penquite Scholars.
The Geisler Penquite Program honors and supports exceptional students in the college’s teacher education program who exhibit potential for leadership and hold at least a 3.4 GPA, among other qualifications.
The 2020 Geisler Penquite Scholars are:
- Jenna Clark of Story City, Iowa
- Alexandra Doepp of Newton, Iowa
- Gabrielle Menninga of Ottumwa, Iowa
- Seth Moeller of Bondurant, Iowa
- Katie Palmer of Keota, Iowa
- Timothy Stammeyer of Newton, Iowa
- Allison Stuenkel of Waterloo, Iowa
All are Class of 2022.
A committee of local education professionals, Central education department faculty members and a representative from the Geisler Penquite Foundation selects finalists for interviews and chooses the scholars. Scholars each receive approximately $5,000 each year for their junior and senior years. In return, they represent the education department with prospective students, conduct research and/or help develop new education department initiatives.
The Geisler Penquite Scholarship was established by Harold and Mavis Geisler and Cecil Geisler Penquite and Loren Penquite in honor of their parents, John Edward Geisler and Gertrude Setzer Geisler. The family also endowed the college’s Geisler Library.
“We are extremely grateful to the Geisler Penquite Foundation for supporting our teacher education students with this scholarship,” says Jen Diers, associate professor of education. “The legacy of this scholarship dates to 2011, with now 48 total students receiving this incredible support from the foundation. It is partnerships like this that help us develop some of the best educators in the state.”