The Geisler Penquite Foundation awarded Central College $480,000 for scholarships and the Geisler Library endowment. The foundation has committed $400,000 to expand upon the Geisler Penquite endowed scholarship fund to support students accepted into the education program. A total of 25 scholarships are given each year with 15 new awardees announced in 2023.
“Central is so thrilled to receive this award from the Geisler Penquite Foundation to support student scholarships and the Geisler Library,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 graduate of Central. “The Foundation has such a heart for preparing future teachers who will shape the lives of students for generations. This gift will make a significant impact.”
Central’s education program has recognized its 2023 Geisler Penquite Scholars.
- Kira Baldus, Class of 2026 St. Ansgar, Iowa
- Grant Beach, Class of 2025 from Swisher, Iowa
- Brooklynn Cassens, Class of 2025 from Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Riley Davidson, Class of 2025 from Newton, Iowa
- Drake Drish, Class of 2025 from Fairfield, Iowa
- Cory Fairbanks, Class of 2025 from Marion, Iowa
- Cally Gibbs, Class of 2025 from Grinnell, Iowa
- Sara Goodenbour, Class of 2025 from Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Delia Hintz, Class of 2025 Mesa, Arizona
- Aidan Johnson, Class of 2025 from Pella, Iowa
- Gwen Kahlke, Class of 2025 from Blandinsville, Illinois
- Cheyenne McDaniel, Class of 2025 from Earlham, Iowa
- Kalina Schubert, Class of 2025 from Sac City, Iowa
- Savannah Sexton, Class of 2025 from West Branch, Iowa
- Amber Vroman, Class of 2025 from Seneca, Illinois
The Geisler Penquite Foundation honors students in the education program who display academic success, progress in the education program and leadership qualities in the field of education. Every scholar will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their junior and senior year. The Foundation established the scholarship program in 2011.
The Geisler Penquite Scholarship was established by Harold and Mavis Hobbs Geisler, named honorary alumna in 2000, 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.