Dentistry is more than a profession; it’s a calling to serve and care for others. Dr. David Barnes, retired dentist who founded Pella Family Dentistry, embraced this mission not only in his practice but also as a mentor for future dentists. Over the years, Barnes estimates he has mentored nearly 100 Central College students considering dental school.
Barnes credits his success and philanthropy commitment back to the warm embrace he received from both Pella and Central when he arrived in 1978.
“Other dentists took me under their wings and shared patients that they couldn’t fit into the schedule, which was incredibly helpful in getting me started,” he recalls. “They were so good to me. I’ve never been unhappy about my decision to come to Pella.”
Barnes and his wife, Mary, found their way to Pella with the help of her uncle, Bob Menning, a former Central football player and 1942 Central graduate. Menning suggested Pella and its thriving college as an ideal place for the young couple to build their future.
“I wanted a community to call home with about 10,000 to 15,000 people, with strong industry and commercial economy and a college town atmosphere. Bob connected us with a banker, real estate person and businesspeople around town,” Barnes says. “I wanted to be part of a community that was growing and building a future.”
Barnes has been recognized for the decades of generosity and guidance given to Central and the Pella community.
Barnes chooses to support Central after watching the evolution of Central under three different Central presidents, each leaving their mark. He appreciated their leadership qualities, the programs they brought to Central and the way they directed Central for the future. He wanted the small-town charm and visionary leadership that has shaped Central.
This sense of shared purpose resonates with Barnes.
“We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, something that’s growing and successful. I want to be part of an organization that is going to continue that progress for 50 years. I want to invest in something that will have an impact on the future,” he says with pride.
Barnes demonstrated his commitment to Central and the community long ago. He chose to mentor and help Central students who were considering a career in dentistry. One of the first students to shadow Barnes was Dr. Eric Forsberg, 1999 Central graduate and dentist in Altoona. Many Central students have job shadowed and learned from Barnes. He also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Micah Vermeer, a 2005 Central graduate, as he considered dentistry.
“I remember Dr. Micah was such a great student and outstanding individual from a character and personality basis,” Barnes says. “I wanted to give him the opportunity to join my practice. When he had his dental degree, he came back to Pella and did just that. We’ve had a really good friendship over the years.”
The Imagine More: It’s Central to Pella initiative encourages this cooperative win-win approach. Vermeer, Meagan Scott and Becca Schmitt, Pella Family Dentistry co-owners and dentists, have also continued the mentoring practice with Carolyn McMartin and Jenna-Marie Hernandez, 2024 Central graduates who are now attending dental college at the University of Iowa.
Barnes attended Iowa State University to earn his undergraduate degree and the University of Iowa for his dental degree. Though all schools ask alumni for money, he chooses to focus his support on Central: The college that adopted him.
For many years Barnes has contributed to the Journey Scholarship Fund. Since retiring, he decided to establish the Barnes Family Scholarship. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and supporting future professionals when discussing his decision to create an endowed scholarship at Central.
“I have a better benefit per student in the long haul by making my contributions to Central. My impact would be a drop or a pebble in a puddle of water at those large schools. An endowment is going to have more impact if I apply it to Central. It won’t be lost in a big foundation,” Barnes explains. “I don’t think the parity is the same and I won’t have the ripple effect at the big schools. It’s not what I want to be part of.”
Barnes’ story is one of gratitude, growth and giving back — values that have shaped his legacy in Pella and beyond and that Central instills in its students.
Central has always relied on scholarships, and since announcing a new annual tuition price in September 2019, demonstrating affordability, transparency and donor support has taken on a whole new meaning. In fall 2024, the college awarded all new students an annual scholarship through the Journey Scholarship Fund and awarded more than 300 endowed scholarships.
Endowed scholarships are established by a donor and are invested as part of the college’s endowment. Central awards endowed scholarships in perpetuity, spending only a percentage each year in awarding the scholarship, creating a lasting legacy.
“An endowment scholarship is a permanent and personal way to make a difference in the lives of our students,” says Kathy Cashen Thompson, senior major gifts officer and 1987 Central graduate. “We are thankful for Dr. Barnes’ endowment and gifts like these to make a Central education accessible for talented students now and well into the future. We are so thankful to be part of a caring community committed to supporting students.”
Central is growing and adapting according to students’ needs every year. Individuals and businesses have several options to support Central students and programs. Explore how to make an impact at central.edu/give or call the development office at 641-628-5154.
