Central College has launched the Marburger Leadership Institute, a semester-long leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of courageous, compassionate and community-focused educators. Eleven students have been selected for the program’s inaugural cohort this spring.
The institute is named in memory of Principal Dan Marburger, 1989 Central graduate, whose selfless sacrifice saved the lives of his students at Perry High School in January 2024 — embodying everything a leader is supposed to be: Brave, selfless and wholly committed to the people in his care. Central created the program through a generous gift from an anonymous donor who wanted to ensure Marburger’s example lives on in the educators it sends into the world.
“The Marburger Institute expands their leadership capacity, whether it’s leadership in life, volunteerism, extracurricular opportunities, the classroom and in education as a whole,” says Julianne Taylor, senior lecturer of education, co-director of the institute and former public-school administrator. “The joy for me is helping to build this institute in memory of a man who literally made the greatest sacrifice, and to be able to help cultivate more of those strong leadership characteristics and qualities with our students. I know Seth and his wife, Morgan, both were Central alums. I was a former principal as well. Being able to do this and honor Seth’s family, the Marburger family, brings such joy.”
The institute will be offered in spring semesters. Students are nominated and selected by Education Department faculty based on their leadership potential, integrity and dedication to the profession.
“Students are hearing from a variety of speakers who are amazing leaders,” Taylor says. “They are making connections to ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ and reflecting on where they currently are as leaders. That book was one of Dan’s favorites.”
Guest speakers from across education, community service, athletics and volunteerism will lead sessions alongside members of the Marburger family, who will share personal reflections on Dan’s life and the values that guided him.
Seth Marburger, 2016 Central graduate, son of Dan Marburger and Pella Community School District special education teacher, shared his family’s thoughts.
“Dad truly loved visiting campus to connect with future educators,” he says. “We are thankful for the leaders from all walks of life who will inspire students through this institute. The establishment of the Dan Marburger Leadership Institute exemplifies one of several ways Central has demonstrated their commitment to dad’s legacy. Our family is eternally grateful to Central College and the Education Department for honoring dad in this way.”
The eleven students pursuing teacher education were selected for the inaugural cohort, representing three certification areas.
Elementary education:
- Rylee Dunkin, Hamilton, Iowa, Class of 2027
- Georgia Matthews, Windsor Heights, Iowa, Class of 2026
- Emma Murphy, Liberty, Missouri, Class of 2027
- Ajay Six, Washington, Iowa, Class of 2027
- Taylor Sniezek, Gilbert, Iowa, Class of 2026
- Jasmyn Williams, Henderson, Colorado, Class of 2026
Secondary education (Grades 5–12)
- Samuel Vis, Ames, Iowa, Class of 2027 mathematics major
- Brianna VanGroll, Colesburg, Iowa, Class of 2028 English major
K–12 specialty education
- Jillian Fairbanks, Otley, Iowa, Class of 2027 kinesiology major to be a physical education/health teacher
- Lydia Fisher, Quincy, Illinois, Class of 2027 vocal music education major
- Madeline MacGregor, Macomb, Illinois, Class of 2026 vocal music education major
“I love our students, and I’m a big believer in the development of relationships,” Taylor says. “We model for our students those characteristics and qualities that make great leaders. We prepare them to go out in the world as leaders. Our hope is that their institute experience connects students with speakers as they develop into leaders and future teachers as Marburger Fellows.”
Marburger served as principal of Perry High School in Perry, Iowa. He died on January 14, 2024. He is remembered across Iowa and the nation as a model of servant leadership, devotion to family and unconditional love for his students and community.
Photo caption: Kim Huckstadt, UNI emeritus faculty, spoke recently with the Marburger Institute Fellows about leadership.
