Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos, who represents the Netherlands in the U.S., will visit Pella on August 10. As part of her trip, she will tour Central’s campus.
Dr. Ken Weller, who served as Central’s president from 1969 to 1990, has been involved with organizing the ambassador’s welcome to campus. “I’m delighted with this opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Pella and the Netherlands, particularly with regard to Central’s study abroad program in Leiden,” Weller said. “It has been very successful, and we hope it will continue to be.”
On the same day, Jones-Bos will tour the Molengracht plaza, the Historical Village and the downtown square in Pella. She will also hold discussions with representatives from Pella Corporation, De Jong Greenhouses Inc., Vermeer Corporation and Lely USA.
“For centuries, the bonds between the Netherlands and the United States have been longstanding and remain so to this day,” said Carla Bundy, the Dutch embassy’s press officer.“ This relationship is vividly illustrated in Iowa towns such as Pella, where Dutch-American communities proudly display their Dutch heritage and share a commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The ambassador’s trip to Pella is part of a larger trip around Iowa, including visits to Ames and Des Moines. In order to observe Iowa’s participation in the electoral process, Jones-Bos will attend the GOP presidential debate and meet with Governor Branstad, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and the Iowa Democratic Party. She will also speak at a meeting of the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
During her three-day visit to Iowa, the ambassador will also participate in the Iowa State Fair Parade and attend the fair with Northey as a guide.
