Written by Hailey Hunter ’24
Central College’s Central RED Society will present “A Glimpse Into Central College’s Fascinating Early History” with Bruce Boertje, a 1979 Central graduate, on Tuesday, April 19, in the Harry and Bernice Vermeer Banquet Hall in the Graham Conference Center on Central’s campus.
Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $15, and a cash bar will be available.
Central, formerly the Central University of Iowa, was founded in 1853 and officially opened on October 8, 1854. The first class totaled 37 people. This presentation will provide a high-level overview covering highlights of the first half of Central’s history from 1853-1938.
Boertje is a local historian who focuses on Pella’s history. A lifelong resident of Pella, Boertje serves on the board of the Historic Pella Trust and contributes a weekly Facebook post regarding some facet of Pella’s unique heritage.
Central RED (Ready to Engage and Discover) is a volunteer-driven, lifelong learning and social organization with an abiding partnership with Central alumni and friends who wish to share knowledge, talents and experiences. Members pay $20 annually to join Central RED. No affiliation with Central is required to join. For more information, visit central.edu/red or contact Mary Benedict at benedictm@central.edu or 641-628-7641.
