Central College alumni, family and friends contributed $279,124 during this year’s Hoo-Rah Day, making a significant impact on the college’s World of Good service goal and providing vital financial support to students. Donors have the opportunity to support the Journey Scholarship Fund and other various programs across campus.
A new addition to this year’s Hoo-Rah Day was the Name-A-Goose Challenge. Anyone who contributed $25 or more was entered into a contest to name a goose on campus. From more than 45 entries, the winning name was Goosetav submitted by Josh and Brittany Carlson Prokupek, Central graduates of 2018 and 2016, respectively.
Judges faced a tough — and playful — decision. Entries included Gans (Dutch for goose), Lou C. Goosey, Happy Honker, Eric Jones and Dutch along with many names that may or may not have had hidden meanings. One entry, “Leonard,” honored Angie Leonard Morrow, a 1994 Central graduate, who was featured in The Ray in spring 1993 for saving a duck from an attacking swan.
“Though the naming of a goose was in fun, the students are the real winners in this annual fundraising day,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “This is a day of celebration and joy, as contributors directed $242,824 of the total raised toward the Journey Scholarship Fund specifically, providing direct support to Central students. Since fall 2022, every new student has received a donor-funded scholarship and keep it for all four years.”
The 1853 Challenge, launched 53 days before Hoo-Rah Day, generated more than 500 hours of donated time and service. Participants were encouraged to complete 18 hours of service and/or log 53 miles by walking, running, biking or swimming. Raising dollars and goodwill is a priority of Central’s campaign, A World of Good. The 500 hours increased the college’s total service time to 13,280 hours from alumni and friends.
Hoo-Rah Day engages a broad cross-section of the Central community — including alumni, parents, faculty supporters and students — through giving incentives and social media participation. This year’s event created an increase in social media impressions. Check the college’s social media to view photos and videos of the day at https://www.instagram.com/stories/centralcollege/ and https://www.facebook.com/CentralCollege
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our alumni and friends,” Eighmy says. “Their generosity opens many doors for our students and reflects the strength of the Central community.”
The Hoo-Rah Day challengers set the stage by pledging match funds for the day’s challenges. These donors include: Dave ’86 and Kristi Jaarsma Balk ’88, Shirley Van Konynenburg Borgman ’53, Steve De Cook ’65, Tom De Vries ’73, John ’87 and Julie Pothoven Fisher ’90, Angela and Mike Flanagan ’85, Rich ’62 and Mary Roorda Glendening ’62, Jason ’10 and Tayler Wessels Hassman ’13, Claire and Blaine Hawkins ’21, Dixie and Will Hoekman ’67, Tim Hoekstra ’95, Bill and Deborah Buck Houghton ’84, Dan ’04 and Jenna Daale Huitink ’06, Eric and Brooke Bouma Kohlsdorf ’96, Parker Lawrence ’26, Ross ’80 and Greta De Cook McCarty ’81, Jeff Oliver ’79, Mark and Tammy Putnam, Rick ’70 and Sarah Drexler Ryan ’71, Eric Sickler ’83, Penny and Steve Sikkink ’83, Scott and Cindy Van Tasell, Marty Vanden Herik ’80, Dale ’69 and Eileen Miller Vander Wilt ’70, Kris Ward ’85, Marlena Wichhart, and numerous anonymous donors.
Photo caption: Students share in the Hoo-Rah Day celebrations. From left, Katelyn Freeman ’26, Castle Rock, Colorado, Riley Packer ’26, Erie, Illinois, and Estella Allen ’28, Newton, Iowa.
