Central College’s Journey 48-Hour Challenge surpassed its goal of $135,000, raising more than $166,000 for student scholarships in August.
From noon Tuesday, Aug. 23, to noon Thursday, Aug. 25, 269 alumni, family and friends of Central contributed $166,787 to the college. The majority of the funds raised during the challenge are designated for the Journey Scholarship Fund. The 2022-23 goal for the Journey fund is $1.7 million.
“The 48-Hour Challenge coincides with the first day of classes on the Central campus to symbolize the fresh start of the academic year and the tremendous support of alumni and friends for our students,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “This busy time of the year reminds alumni of their first days on the Central campus and the value of a Central education.”
During the 48-Hour Challenge, matching gifts were unlocked when gifts levels were reached. Central’s 48-Hour challengers exceed their goal, which then allowed Central to exceed its goal. Stephen McWilliams, a 1996 graduate of Central and executive director of finance and planning at George Mason University, choose to be a challenger this year.
“I am proud to support the Journey Scholarship Fund as it helps increase students’ access to the top-notch, well-rounded liberal arts education — and career and life readiness — that Central uniquely provides,” McWilliams says. “Supporting the Journey Scholarship Fund is also a critical way of helping to keep Central’s tuition price below $20,000 as an affordable alternative to large public universities.”
“We are so grateful for our generous challengers who set the stage for the 48-hour Challenge success,” Eighmy says.
The Journey 48-Hour Challengers were: Dave ’86 and Kristi Jaarsma Balk ’88; Kristin and John Cross ’89; Steve De Cook ’65; Mike ’89 and Amy Dietrich Eilers ’88; Barb and Tom Gaard ’61; Jim and Deb Israel, Mike Main ’87; Stephen Mc Williams ’96; Jeff Oliver ’79; Deanna Ver Steeg ’94 and Joseph Timmins; Lance and Judi Clauson Vogel ’82; and Kris Cox Ward ’85.
At Central, 100% of gifts to the Journey Scholarship Fund directly support students. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Central awarded every new incoming student —first-year and transfer — a Journey Scholarship in the 2022-23 academic year.
