Central College recognized service award winners and employees who reached a milestone anniversary during 2025 at the annual Staff Service Awards celebration.
Central President Mark Putnam and Jill Anderson, chief talent equity and engagement officer, led a program to honor years of service at the college. Tej Dhawan, chair of the Central Board of Trustees and a 1991 Central graduate, joined the celebration and recognized Putnam on his 15th anniversary.
During the program, Putnam shared his appreciation for staff, stating, “Alumni come back and speak about what has changed on campus, but one thing remains constant at Central: it’s our staff who make the difference. Your care for our students, your dedication to this community and your daily commitment are what make Central such a special place, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do.”
30 and more years of service:
- Nancy Kroese, 30 years, director of student support services
- Deb Randol, 31 years, building services manager, facilities
- Matt Diehl, Class of 1987, 34 years, associate director of student support services
- Deb Rooda, 37 years, help desk coordinator
- George Wares, Class of 1976, 40 years, head women’s softball coach
- Mona Schaver Roozeboom, Class of 1975, 41 years, athletics office manager
25 years of service:
- Joe Brummel, chaplain, campus ministries
- Janine Fontana, executive director of campus services, facilities
- Lowell Olivier-Shaw, conference coordinator
- Carol Williamson, special advisor to the president
20 years of service:
- Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, Class of 1999, vice president for advancement
- Debbie Kiehl, building services senior associate
- Melissa Sharkey, assistant dean of students–residence life
- Trisha Van Wyk, building services team leader
15 years of service:
- Alice Claypool, executive assistant for the vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission
- Angie Long, building services team leader
- Frank Neu, head athletic trainer
- Mark Putnam, president
10 years of service:
- Rebecca DeYoung, Class of 2013, payroll specialist
- Mollie Kingma Dolan, Class of 2013, talent search advisor
- Aleta Gustavson, assessment coordinator for education
- Tyler Parker, lead cook, Central Market
5 years of service:
- Tammy Beal-Long, building services team leader
- Lisa Budding, food services Fred’s
- Allysa Criss, Class of 2020, assistant athletic trainer
- Sarah Dron, executive assistant to the vice president for student development and dean of students
- Arawn Hodgkins, cook – night coordinator
The Central Staff Council announced Deb Randol as the winner of the Sky’s the Limit Award. This is given to a staff member who is committed to high-quality work and focused on exceeding the expectations of those they serve. They should be someone who takes initiative and looks for ways to improve.
The council also awarded the Cooperative Spirit Award to an employee who makes a difference to the campus community through collaboration with others. They recognize, encourage and utilize the knowledge and abilities of others to enable successful collaboration. The winner this year is Cyndi Boertje, associate director of community engaged learning.
