Central College will present alumni awards to three graduates with service-driven careers and passion for doing a world of good. The recipients will be honored at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, in the Graham Conference Center, during the Heritage Day Luncheon as part of the Homecoming 2025 weekend festivities.
“This year’s alumni award winners — Isabelle Hicks Alexander, Tim Brand and Christopher Stone — truly embody the spirit of Central through their exceptional dedication to service and empathy for others,” says Mary Benedict, director of stewardship and engagement. “Their remarkable careers and unwavering commitment to helping others highlight the profound impact our graduates make on the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their outstanding achievements and the inspiring examples they set for us all.”
Isabelle Hicks Alexander, Young Alumni Award
Alexander, a 2015 Central graduate, is a financial advisor with Dudum Financial Services in Lafayette, California. She was nominated for her “attitude and passion to help others. It is part of her DNA. She constantly looks for opportunities to serve others in need or care.”
Alexander has spent more than 10 years in the financial services industry and has developed into a respected leader. She began at Dudum Financial as a college intern and has since become a team member, manager and trusted advisor.
“Whether it be technology, business growth, staffing or compliance, Isabelle has wrapped herself into every aspect of our business and been a vital part of our overall success,” says Jason Dudum, president. “We are fortunate to have her leading our team members into the future.”
Alexander is married to Michael Alexander, and they have two children, Abigail and Samuel, with a third child on the way. She is the daughter of Michael Hicks, a 1983 Central graduate. While at Central, she studied in London, England, and Granada, Spain, and completed an internship with Many Hands for Haiti in Pella.
Tim Brand, Distinguished Alumni Award
Brand, a 2002 Central graduate, is the founder and chief executive officer of Many Hands for Haiti, an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life transformation. Many Hands helps more than 400 families with food, education, daily support and the tools to help break the cycle of poverty.
Kevin Stittsworth, 1995 Central graduate, nominated Brand, describing him as a roll-up his sleeves leader who works alongside his colleagues. He wrote, “Tim exhibits the best of Central’s qualities as a successful entrepreneur and as a husband, father, friend and community leader. His servant’s heart, along with his passion for doing good and constant striving for excellence to do things better, make him a strong candidate.”
As a student, Brand was involved in campus ministries, basketball and football and has continued that engagement as an alumnus. He served on the EAM Advisory Council, has been a guest speaker at student ministry events and in business classes, has led Campus Ministries mission trips to Haiti and has participated in alumni basketball games. He also mentors students who serve as Many Hands interns.
Brand lives in Pella and is married to Catie Ruefer Brand, a 2004 Central graduate, and language arts educator at Pella Middle School. They have two children, Abbie and AJ.
Christopher Stone, World of Good Alumni Award
Stone, a 1996 Central graduate, is the director of disability resources, Washington University of St. Louis, Missouri. He has worked in disability services for more than 20 years across two universities. His leadership and advocacy on behalf of equitable inclusion for students with a disability pursuing higher education have been a constant source of inspiration.
Stone has made a lasting impact on thousands of students and on the field of disability services in higher education. In addition to his administrative leadership, Stone is also a national scholar and advocate for students with disabilities. He has extensive history as a disability resource professional, contributed to academic panels and forums across the country and helped shape the national and international conversation on how best to support students with disabilities.
“Chris is a terrific role model for what it means to do good — serving those in need with humility, compassion and integrity. I cannot think of anyone who more fully embodies the mission and values of Central College,” according to Thomas Harnisch, vice president for government relations, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, Washington, DC.
Stone is married to Claire Stone.
Nominations for Central’s alumni awards are open year-round. Submit a nomination at central.edu/alumni/homecoming/alumni-awards/.
