Research and development presentation today
Dale DeWild (sociology) will give a presentation today at 3 p.m. in Vermeer Science Center Room 180 on research he did during a sabbatical. DeWild’s title is “Human Nature, according to the philosopher Charles Taylor.” Refreshments will be available.
Alumni Day Feb. 10
Saturday, Feb. 10, is alumni day on campus. Pack P.H. Kuyper Gym for Central’s final regular season home basketball games vs. Dubuque. The women’s game starts at 4 p.m. with the men’s game following at 6 p.m. Goalsetter Systems will sponsor a drawing and award a gift certificate at halftime of the men’s game. Click here for more information.
Paradise Valley , Ariz.
Join alumni, parents and friends for a social evening at the home of Marti and Joel Vandevoort in Paradise Valley, Ariz., Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6-8 p.m. President David and Betsy Roe will be in attendance. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided at no cost. RSVP to the alumni office by Wednesday, Feb 7. E-mail alumni@central.edu or call ext. 5154.
Cultural districts recognized
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will recognize Pella’s three state-certified Cultural and Heritage Districts at a ceremony at Pella’s Vermeer Windmill and Interpretive Center Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.
Pella’s three newly certified cultural districts are Strawtown Cultural and Heritage District, Old Pella Cultural and Heritage District and College Cultural and Heritage District and includes arts, historic and cultural organizations, city government and business. The districts currently are home to Pella’s major cultural institutions including Central College.
The cultural district program was initiated by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and is in its third year. The organization boosts economic development through arts, history and culture.
Tilly Woodward (art) is the cultural affairs manager for Pella.
Dallas, Texas
Join alumni, parents and friends for a social evening at the home of Sandy Stroo ’74 in Dallas, Texas, Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6-8 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided at no cost. RSVP to the alumni office by Tuesday, Feb. 20. Call ext. 5154 or e-mail alumni@central.edu.
Roe signs Talloires Declaration
President David Roe signed the Talloires Declaration of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future following the state-of-the-college address Jan. 18.
The Talloires (pronounced Tal-Whar) Declaration is a 10-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities. The declaration is designed to be interpreted and shaped for each individual institution.
After receiving both student senate affirmation and faculty endorsement, Roe signed the document driving Central into the progressive movement.
“Central’s goal is to promote and model appreciation of our natural environment and stewardship of its limited resources,” said Roe. “Central strives to be a leader and role model in the environmental movement because it is consistent with our mission. Now, we are aggressive players in moving toward a sustainable campus and building a community that understands environmental stewardship.”
New economy-efficient cars on campus
As part of its commitment to “greening” higher education, Central College is gradually moving to an all electric/hybrid vehicle fleet. Two new Toyota Priuses were recently purchased by the facilities department to replace existing high-mileage vehicles.
The 2007 Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive ® combines a gas engine and emissions-free electric motor to achieve amazing fuel economy. The Toyota Prius recently achieved an EPA-estimated combined city/highway rating of 55 miles-per-gallon.
In 2006, the Toyota Prius earned an advanced technology partial zero emission vehicle rating. This award indicates the Prius has near-zero tailpipe emissions, zero evaporative emissions and a special extended warranty on emission control components.
Central increases visibility through news release program
Marketing and media relations measures the news releases sent to newspapers on all college events such as speakers, fine arts and general college news as well as hometown releases reporting student activities and honors. Our clipping service clips Iowa papers only and does not track electronic media hits such as TV, radio or Web sites. Below is a comparison from July 1 to Dec. 30 for 2005 and 2006:
2005/2006
Number of publications 548/556
Number of clips 1,062/1,091
Number of inches 10,074/12,557
Dollars to buy same space in respective papers $194,482/$360,102
Circulation 32,877,269/46,034,479
Number of general releases 205/176
Number of sports releases 230/271
As you can see, the number of publications, clips and releases are similar in both years. However, the number of inches has increased by almost 2,500 inches. The most dramatic increases occur in the amount of dollars it would cost to buy the same space in the same papers — $165,520 increase, and the increased circulation of 13,157,210. Keep in mind this is for Iowa news clips. Out-of-state clips would add to these numbers greatly.
Employee Spotlight - Ellen Heiting
Name: Ellen Heiting
Department: Admission
Title: Administrative assistant to the dean of admission
About me: In a previous life, worked in the psychology department at the University of Minnesota and worked as editor of a small daily newspaper in Grants, Minn.; been at Central since January 1974 and has processed over 40,000 applications; mom to three Central grads (Heather '94, Amanda '99 and Jana '04); favorite job: grandmother to five little Central prospects.
Thatcher accepted for exhibition
Tom Thatcher (theatre) passed a rigorous evaluation process by a jury of experts in performing arts and entertainment industry and has been accepted for exhibition at the 2007 Tech Expo in Phoenix in March 2007. His exhibit and the accompanying article will appear in the Tech Expo Catalog. Thatcher’s submission dealt with his design for Central’s “A Thousand Cranes” in 2005.
VanHecke keynote speaker at conference
On Jan. 10, JoNes VanHecke (student life) was the keynote speaker at the Association Twin Cities Area Colleges (TCAC) student affairs professional development conference. VanHecke presentation to approximately 150 people was on the topic of student-learning outcomes assessment and the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education.
After-school art center programs meets community needs
Tilly Woodward (art) served as a member of the resource group for the Iowa Arts Council’s Report to the Governor and General Assembly on the status of out-of-school arts programming for youth. The Art Center, which serves as a lab for Central Art 210 students, was selected as a model program for the report.
In its 16 years of existence, the Pella Community Center Arts After-school Arts Center has grown exponentially, providing children, teens, families, adults and senior citizens an invaluable experience that leads to a lifetime appreciation of the arts.
Started by Woodward in 1990 and initially serving 20 K-12 students two days per week, the program has expanded into a multifaceted venture providing a wide range of educational visual and performing arts programs to more than 15,000 Pella residents. Graduates of the Art Center program have opened art studios, become art teachers, or have chosen to counsel children with terminal illnesses.
Central art education students get hands-on training working with students and/or side-by-side with veteran teachers. Parents and community members offer support by volunteering and by donating materials and supplies.
Reimer chaired awards committee
In January, Treva Reimer (theatre) chaired the awards committee for the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology’s Student International Travel Award, which awarded two grants for student travel to the Prague Quadrennial in June. The Prague Quadrennial is an international exposition of theatre design and technology.
Dining services crew at culinary events
Wally Kenison, Hang Lovan, Janet Sharp and Sarah Williams (all dining services) attended the “Mastering Seafood” culinary event sponsored by Martin Bros. distributing in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was taught by Master Chef Hilmar J’onsson from Icelandic USA Feb.1.
Lynne Steenhoek (dining services) attended the National Association of College and University Food Services’ purchasing seminar Jan 29-Feb. 3 in Russellville, Ark., at the Tyson Foods U.S.A. World Headquarters.
Freed’s book translated
Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus From Teaching to Learning 1/e, by Mary Huba (Iowa State University) and Jann Freed (economics/accounting/management) has been translated into Arabic and published by Obeikan Bookshop.
Fontana graduates from institute for facilities management
Janine Fontana (facilities planning and management) graduated from The Association of Higher Education Facility Officers Institute for Facilities Management Jan. 25 at a ceremony in Orlando, Fla. The institute is a four-week training program consisting of classes in general administration/management, maintenance/operations, energy/utilities, and planning, design and construction.
Houser at training
Duane Houser (facilities planning and management) attended the APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators) supervisor’s toolkit training in Orlando, Fla. The training was a week devoted to personal and professional growth, which revolved around topics including effective supervision, roles, communications, relationships, motivation, performance and leadership.
Enrollment and Financial Support Council (EFSC)
Summary report of meeting activity January 2007
The Enrollment and Financial Support Council continued to discuss strategic plan initiatives and their prioritization. Final plans for the AQIP visit also were discussed.
Admission and Central College Abroad presented their operational plans.
Admission goals for 2006-07 include:
- Increase image of Central College to increase the inquiry base to 19,200.
- Develop inquire acquisition program to sustain enrollment of 430 new freshmen.
- Maximize communication system to enroll 430 new freshmen.
- Generate sufficient number of applications to enroll 430 new freshmen.
- Develop a campus visit program that inspires student visitors to enroll at a rate of 45 percent.
- Develop financial aid policies and strategies to maximize enrollment and net tuition revenue.
Data from benchmark institutions and the new transfer initiatives will be integrated into the plan.
The Central College Abroad operational plan emphasizes the educational outcomes of study abroad and enrollment growth. Goals were developed for students, the programs, Central College Abroad staff and for Central College faculty and staff. New initiatives include:
- Developing a “model” that highlights student learning — a symbol that will be recognized in the field as Central’s “thumb print.”
- Switching to territories making it easier to assess and measure targets.
- Developing new marketing strategies such as buying names, creating all new publications and new Web site, networking and exhibiting at the NAFSA Conference.
- Enhancing recruiting process with visits from program directors to co-op colleges in conjunction with the annual director’s meeting this spring.
Other topics of discussion included the withdrawal report for spring semester and how to track trends in withdrawals, benchmark data, campus master plan meetings and area updates. Council members are also meeting with the RCA candidates.
Submitted by Connie Cross (marketing and media relations)
Strategic Planning Initiatives
Quality comment cards
Central College values good ideas and seeks to improve its services throughout the college. With this in mind, a new effort to solicit and receive helpful information and comments has been developed. There are three ways to register comments that will go directly to David Roe (president) and the senior staff:
1.) E-mail to qualitycommentcard@central.edu
2.) Complete a red Culture of Quality Card located on wooden boxes at key locations around campus — Maytag Student Center, Central Hall, Weller Center, Geisler Library, P.H. Kuyper Gym, Graham Conference Center and Vermeer Science Center
3.) Complete the Comment Card on line at www.central.edu/academics/accreditation/commentcard.html
Comments using these three avenues are channeled directly to Roe. They will be read and delivered directly to a senior staff for follow-up. Each signed comment will receive a written response. The comment process is designed to be a user friendly way to register opinions and report experiences. Impressions and comments will be taken seriously by the leadership of Central College. The comment card is open and available to students, parents, employees and partners of Central College.
If you have questions about the comment process, please call Vivian Rippentrop (academic affairs) at ext. 5314.
Students Doing Interesting Things
Tropical ecology 
Russ Benedict (biology) took 16 students enrolled in the tropical ecology course to Belize and Costa Rica over winter break.
The group went on a 16-day trip studying various tropical animals in their habitat and a variety of environmental problems prevalent in the area. The class snorkeled and explored the second largest Barrier Reef in Belize and studied various tropical forests in Costa Rica. 
Theatre group to festival
Tom Thatcher and Mary Jo Sodd (both theatre) took eight students to the Kennedy Center American College Festival at Iowa State University Jan. 21-26. Region V is the largest association of schools in this festival and over 1,400 students and faculty attend the conference. Faculty guest artist Greg Gillette’s costumes from “Don Juan” were chosen for a special viewing during the conference. Only 11 schools were given this distinction. Students Thomas Gill ’07 and Shannon Regan ’07, along with partners Rachel Wiese ’09 and Alexis Steele ’07, competed in the Irene Ryan Awards. All the students attended workshops taught by various professors and theatre professionals from across the country and the workshops ranged from stage management to speaking Shakespeare.
Mock Trial at KC tourney
The Mock Trial team competed at the UMKC Kangaroo Court Tournament in Kansas City Jan. 27 and compiled a 4-4 record, while competing against the Air Force Academy, the University of Missouri, Avila College and William Woods College. Three students were competing in their first tournament.
Debbie Abel joined the music department as office manager.
Beth Andersen joined human resources as staffing coordinator/HR associate.
Jim Evenhouse joined dining services as storeroom delivery coordinator.
Susan Schippers (dining services) has accepted the administrative assistant position in dining services. She previously was manager of The Cafe@Geisler Library.
Tom and Sue Cerwinske (admission) would like to thank everyone for their prayers, concern and support during Tom’s knee replacement surgery.
Congratulations to Wade and LeAnn Halma (campus ministries) on the birth of their daughter Ella Faith born Jan. 16. She weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.
We extend our sympathy to Joyce Vos (admission) in the passing of her step-mother Etta Van Zee in January.
Safety committee news
The safety committee members consist of Janine Fontana (facilities planning and management), Gwendolyn Krueger (Vermeer Science Center), Sheryl Kamerick (controller), Mark Howard (dining services), Dean Thompson (security) and Sharon Haning (human resources).
The committee is ready to accept any suggestions related to safety issues. Safety suggestion boxes have been installed in various locations around campus and the committee is ready to review any suggestions employees would like to place in the box. Boxes are located in lower level of Central Hall near the candy machine; in the physical plant shop on the wall next to Scott and Gerald’s office; in the Central Market outside the office; in Vermeer Science Center on the West wall of the reading room; in the Central College warehouse by the door to the West of the two overhead garage doors.
Safety tip:
When you are carrying items, please use an elevator instead of the stairs. If there is not an elevator in the building, make sure you can still hold on to the hand rail when carrying your item/s down the stairs.
Open Positions
Central College is seeking a library director to replace Robin Martin (library). The director provides leadership in defining and communicating the integral place of the library as the center for student learning and scholarship. The director reports to the provost, holds a tenure-track faculty position and is directly responsible for all aspects of library administration, including strategic planning, budgets, personnel, collections, instruction, access services, facilities and technology. All librarians teach in the information literacy program and share reference and collection development responsibilities. A full position description and applications instructions are available by clicking on the drop down box at www.central.edu and choosing “Job Seekers.”
Central College invites applications for a visiting instructor or assistant professor of music. This is a half-time, non-tenure track, renewable appointment to begin in the fall of 2007. Qualifications include a master’s degree with emphasis in music education or a bachelor’s degree in music education plus an appropriate mater’s degree and a commitment to excellence in teaching and advising. A full position description and applications instructions are available by clicking on the drop down box at www.central.edu and choosing “Job Seekers.”
To review open positions and download an application click here or visit the college Web site at www.central.edu and select job seekers on the home page drop-down menu for more information.
Central College is strongly committed to creating a diverse community. In furtherance of that commitment, the college encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, under represented groups and/or those who have had experience working with and/or interacting with individuals from diverse populations to apply. Central College is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.
News items should be submitted to Abby Gonzales by noon Friday, Feb. 16.