The Jim Graham Adventure Fund for Off Campus Travel, an initiative envisioned by two Central College alumni and Board of Trustee members, reached $240,240 within its first months and will support faculty-led off-campus programs and international study opportunities.
Dan De Cook, a 1995 Central graduate and CEO of Heritage Lace, and Shannan Mattiace, a 1990 Central graduate and professor of political science at Allegheny College, wanted to honor Jim Graham, former academic dean and longtime professor of English at Central. They worked closely with Kathy Cashen Thompson, a 1987 Central graduate and senior major gifts officer for Central, while Graham was living.
Since Graham’s passing on February 24, 2025, the account has grown with memorials. The fund provides ongoing support for students participating in off-campus experiences. With travel and program costs rising, growing the endowment is more important than ever to expand opportunities for Central students.
“When you study abroad, you really see the variety of human experiences,” Mattiace says. “As alumni who benefited from Central’s study abroad program, we believe in the power and importance of international study. We need to allow our current students to have the same experience.”
Graham had served Central for 48 years, including 13 years as academic dean in the 1960s and early 1970s. He was also an associate professor of English and coached women’s tennis and volleyball. As dean, Graham oversaw the launch of Central’s study abroad programs, a milestone in the college’s commitment to international education. His wife, Martha Betancourt, associate professor emerita of Spanish, welcomed dozens of Spanish language assistants to campus and promoted language and literature studies.
Mattiace, who was recruited by Graham to play tennis at Central, remembers his unwavering support for students.
“Whether in the classroom guiding students through American literature, on the court teaching life lessons through tennis or hosting students during Spanish Bowl competitions, Professor Graham offered a singular point of view, always accompanied by a sonorous laugh and wry sense of humor,” Mattiace says.
Fundraising efforts continue to expand the endowment. De Cook encourages alumni to contribute, emphasizing the impact of international study.
“Studying abroad changed my life, to be honest,” he says. “The world is so diverse, so different, and yet so small in so many ways. It challenges and encourages your own beliefs and just develops you as a human being. It shaped and built who I am today.”
De Cook, Mattiace and Thompson hope to grow the fund so more students can have these life-changing opportunities.
“We felt passionate about establishing this fund to give more students the opportunity to have this transformative experience,” De Cook says.
Support the legacy of Graham by making a gift at central.edu/give or by calling 641-628-5154.
A Celebration of Life for Graham will be 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31, Boat, Moore, Weller Rooms, Maytag Student Center on Central’s campus.
