A gift from the estate of Linda Glendening, Class of 1963, a quiet and private woman with deep roots in the Central College community, has made possible a full renovation of the recital hall in the Cox-Snow Music Center — breathing new life into one of the campus’s most intimate performance spaces.
The transformation into the Linda K. Glendening Recital Hall touches nearly every corner of the space. New seat coverings, refinished stage floor and new carpet give the audience chamber a polished, welcoming feel. A new sound system ensures that every note reaches listeners with clarity, and upgraded lighting allows performers and faculty to shape the atmosphere of each event. The addition of LED lights along aisles for egress and ADA compliant ramp for stage access provides a welcoming and inclusive environment. New dehumidification equipment provides better humidity control. Fresh paint brightens the space throughout, and new artwork and a display recognizing the gift now grace the walls — including a plaque bearing a photograph of Linda taken at her 80th birthday.
The renovation was made possible through Glendening’s estate, which designated a portion of her assets to Central — an institution that held a quiet but meaningful place in her life. The gift is part of Central’s A World of Good comprehensive campaign to support students, student experiences and the broader community. Glendening attended Central and maintained a lifelong affection for the campus, often walking its grounds and simply enjoying its beauty.
“She wanted Central to benefit from what was left from her estate,” says her brother, Rich Glendening, professor emeritus of economics who taught at Central for 40 years and a 1962 graduate. “She would have been pleased with how her estate has renovated the music center.”
Linda was born in Moline, Illinois, and grew up in Leighton, Iowa. She earned a Ph.D. in educational statistics from Michigan State University and built a career as a statistician with the District of Columbia school system, helping forecast teacher needs across the city. She was a woman of intellectual depth and quiet discipline — a meticulous hand-quilter, an avid reader drawn to mathematics, science and religion, and a devoted walker who explored the streets of Pella for decades.
Her path was not without hardship. Glendening struggled with mental illness for much of her adult life, before finding greater stability in her later decades. She eventually returned to Pella, where she worked for 13 years at the Pella Public Library — a job she was proud of — before retiring.
Glendening’s connection to Central never dimmed. She helped fund books for her brother’s grandchildren when they enrolled at the college, visiting the campus bookstore with them personally and insisting on books in good condition. She contributed to scholarships tied to the college and spoke often of her pride in its mission.
Rich and his wife, Mary Glendening, 1962 graduate and Pella teacher for 30 years, were consulted when Central’s leadership proposed directing Linda’s gift toward the recital hall renovation. Rich agreed readily.
The recital hall, now refreshed and ready for a new generation of student performers, stands as a lasting tribute to a woman who preferred to remain in the background, and as a tangible example of what A World of Good makes possible.
As Mary reflects, “Linda would never have stood up on a stage like that — but I think she could have appreciated listening.”
The Linda K. Glendening Recital Hall is the most fitting legacy.
The Cox-Snow Music Center was originally built in 1963. It is named for Henry G. Cox, music teacher for nearly 70 years, and his wife, Queene H. Snow, musician and philanthropist. Cox was Central’s director of the music department from 1900 to 1901 and returned in 1939 to head the orchestral department until 1949.
Individuals interested in learning more about planned giving and leaving your legacy with Central, please contact Deb Calderwood, senior planned giving and major gifts officer, at calderwoodd@central.edu or call 641-628-5138. Helpful estate resources and planning toolkit are available at plannedgiving.central.edu.
Photo caption: Linda Glendening ’63 was very focused on education and supported her nieces and nephew during their educational journeys. Pictured in 2017, left to right, Erin Glendening ’92, Kara Glendening Busker ’89, Linda Glendening ’63, Mary K. Glendening ’87 and Eric Glendening ’85.
