Central College had plenty of news to share and much to celebrate in 2025. Look back at the memorable year with our most popular and widely shared stories. For all the news of 2025, visit news.central.edu.
1“A World of Good” Campaign Launched
Central launched the public phase of its “A World of Good” comprehensive campaign in April. The $50 million initiative aims to generate unprecedented support for scholarships, student experiences, academic innovation, community partnerships and long-term sustainability. Through generous donations from the Central family, more than $47.6 million of the $50 million goal has been raised already.
2 Multimedia Design Major Introduced
Students may begin the new multimedia design major and minor in Fall 2026. Built for today’s digital-first world, Central’s program teaches students how to integrate text, images, audio, video and performance to communicate, inform and entertain. The new major offers flexibility and the career-ready strengths drawn from multidisciplinary academic programs across campus.
3 Poortinga Family Courts Dedicated
Central dedicated the Poortinga Family Courts during Homecoming, honoring the Poortinga family and community partners who helped serve up a new era for tennis and pickleball in Pella. The $750,000 project was fully funded by alumni, community members and the City of Pella, with the lead gift coming from the Poortinga family.
4 Strong Relationships and Values Secure Maytag Donation
The nearly century-old relationship between the Fred Maytag Family Foundation and Central continues with the foundation’s latest gift of more than $720,000. The donation is designated for renovations to the namesake building, Maytag Student Center, and scholarships.
5 Noel Cover Foundation Gifts Central $943,250
The Noel Cover Foundation has generously impacted generations of Central students. Its board sunset the foundation operation, according to the benefactor’s wishes, making final gifts totaling $943,250. This brings the foundation’s total support for Central to more than $2.4 million.
6 Fundraising Milestone Hit
The 2024-25 fiscal year ended in June on a historic high, smashing all previous fundraising records and securing $17,715,963. Much of the momentum is credited to the World of Good comprehensive campaign.
7 New CFO Named
Central welcomed Kayla Flanders as the new chief financial officer and controller. She will support the board and administration in managing the financial wellbeing of the college.
8 Honoring Professors of Yesteryear
The Jim Graham International Education Fund supports faculty-led off-campus programs and international study opportunities. It honors the late Jim Graham, former academic dean and longtime professor of English at Central.
9 The Sweet Side of Forever Dutch®
Central partnered with Van Veen Chocolates, a Pella-based chocolatier, to launch Forever Dutch Milk Chocolate and Forever Dutch Dark Chocolate bars. The chocolate supports student scholarships, with 30% of Forever Dutch Chocolate sales benefiting the Journey Scholarship Fund.
10 New Book by President Putnam
President Mark L. Putnam published a new book, “Leading Across the Arc of Time,” offering a roadmap for navigating the complexities of leading colleges and universities. The book explains that the future of higher education depends not on disruption but on intentional and persistent adaptation.
11 From Opry Stage to Standing Ovation at Premier Performance
Music at Central continues to inspire awe and pride. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed a piece during its premier concert honoring Dan Marburger in Perry. The A Cappella Choir performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
12 And from Gridiron to Courts, Athletics Brought Home the Banners
Central champions shone at both the individual and American Rivers Conference levels. The Central dance team won a conference title and placed second at national competition. The volleyball team won the conference tournament for the first time since 2016.
13 Award Winning Overall
Central’s communications and marketing teams earned national recognition by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Region VI CASE competitions.
