A love for Central College and a 50th-class reunion brought together two Central alumni who decided to create a scholarship to support students like Alivia Akers, a first-year student from Fort Madison, Iowa.
The Harold Kolenbrander and Judy Grooters Scholarship helped Akers decide to join the Central Class of 2027. She received additional scholarship funds to meet most of her tuition and housing obligations.
“Scholarships definitely influenced my college choice,” Akers says. “I was deciding between a community college and Central. The scholarships helped because I’m from a low-income family. I did not have extra money to go to college.”
“Because of my generous scholarships, I don’t have to stress about finances,” Akers says. “My whole life we have been stressed about money. Scholarships allow me to not take out loans. I have a job, too, and I can work to pay my other expenses.”
As a first-year student, Akers has not declared a major. She plans to pursue a psychology major and a sociology minor. One of her favorite classes is Everyday Cognition with Ashley Scolaro, associate professor of psychology.
“I want to become a psychologist or therapist because there are a lot of mental health problems in our country,” Akers says.
Harold Kolenbrander and Judy Grooters Scholarship is open to students who have significant financial need and who have both the desire and the capacity to be successful Central students.
As Class of 1960 Central graduates, Kolenbrander and Grooters shared many common experiences, which began at Central. They married Central sweethearts, served on the Board of Trustees beginning in the 1990s and now share a heart for each other. After long successful lives and the passing of their spouses, a trip to their 50th class reunion reacquainted the old friends. They married in 2021. Scholarships played a role in both Kolenbrander’s and Grooters’ ability to attend Central. They chose to establish an endowment to support students.
Individuals or families interested in creating an endowed scholarship or another endowment at Central are encouraged to contact the development office at development@central.edu or call 800-447-0287.
