News for the Central College Family.

What an incredible Homecoming weekend! Thank you to the more than 600 Central College alumni, family members and friends who returned to campus to make Homecoming 2025 so special. Our community was buzzing with energy as old friends reconnected and new memories were made. It was a wonderful celebration of our lifelong Dutch connections! ❤️

Catch highlights in the video above and view photos taken during the weekend.

As our alumni reminisce of their time at Central, be sure to encourage high school age students in your life to visit Central and consider joining the Central family!

It’s been an exciting few weeks at Central, with a wave of great news highlighting the achievements of our community. You can catch up on all the latest stories on our website.

Much of this good news is a direct result of our community’s commitment to service. As you continue to do a world of good, please remember to track your volunteer hours so we can celebrate your impact, too!

In the next few weeks, donors to the Journey Scholarship Fund and other endowed scholarships will receive a special email. This message will introduce you to the student recipient whose education is being empowered by your generous gift.

The Janice Ellen Van Doorninck Rempe Hamilton Scholarship is a new endowed fund honoring a 1961 graduate who was a pioneer for women in scientific research.

Shirely Jean Gess Weller, 98, passed away Oct. 6. Wife of president emeritus Ken Weller, who served Central from 1969-90, she was an integral part of the campus community. They left an indelible mark on the college, fostering a period of significant growth. Arrangements are pending.

Central was named the No. 2 Best Value College in Iowa and No. 4 Best College Athletics in Iowa, according to Niche.com. We also earned a listing in the national rankings for best colleges in U.S. News and World Report.

Order tickets for Carousel, Oct. 30, to Nov. 2. Follow the drama and romance of carousel barker Billy Bigelow with millworker Julie Jordan in this marvelous production. Alumni may remember the 1989 production at Central.

Bring your grandchild/ren to the Central football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, for the Grandparent Special: A bag of popcorn, M&M’s and free admission for children 12 and under. Grandparents join us and create memories of a lifetime.

Central’s A Cappella Choir will perform in Des Moines, free:
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, St. John’s Lutheran Church
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Des Moines Arts Center
4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, St. Ambrose Cathedral