Singers tour 
The Central College A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers and vocal jazz singers toured Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin April 11-15, stopping at select schools and churches along the way, including a performance at Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, in Hubertus, Wis. A post-tour concert at Central College will be Sunday, April 22, at Second Reformed Church, 612 Broadway, at 4 p.m.
National Library Week
Geisler Library will celebrate National Library Week Wednesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. Please join us at the circulation desk for the reading of the proclamation, the unveiling of the 2007 Read @ Geisler posters, and a short presentation honoring this year’s top student and faculty library users.
Doug Stursma Day
Celebrate the retirement and 14-year stint of men’s and women’s head tennis coach Doug Stursma on campus Saturday, April 21. The alumni meet begins at 1 p.m. and a cookout and social time will follow near the tennis courts or in Kuyper Fieldhouse at approximately 5 p.m. RSVP to the alumni office by Monday, April 16. E-mail alumni@central.edu.
SSAC Healthy Living Fair
Healthy Habits: Jumpstart Your Health, the second-annual Support Staff Advisory Council Healthy Living Fair, will be Tuesday, April 24, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Graham banquet room. A blood drive and health screening are planned, and door prizes/raffle drawings will be included. Admission is free, and there will be a $4 health-conscious lunch provided. All Central College employees are welcome to attend. Presentations and information booths from local businesses include:
Jake Anderson (exercise science), fitness center director at Central College
Claire Anderson (student life), Pilates instructor
Pella Regional Health Center
Pella Heath and Fitness
Work Systems
Iowa Blood Center
Pella Family Dentistry
Diehl Chiropractic
Other booths include:
Outdoor pursuits, featuring biking, kayaking and hiking
Diet and nutrition
Pella indoor and outdoor pools
General exercise
Softball homecoming
The Central Softball Homecoming will be Saturday, April 28, as the Dutch take on Luther in a conference doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. A picnic will follow the games. Cost for the picnic is $6 per person and $3 for children ages 5-12, payable at the door. Children under age 4, recruits and their families, and members of the team are free. RSVP to the alumni office by Wednesday, April 25, by e-mailing alumni@central.edu.
Women’s outdoor recreation day
A women’s outdoor recreation day will be Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 20, by going online to http://www.mahaskaconservation.com/women_outdoors.pdf . Registration begins Saturday, April 28, at 8:30 a.m. at the Mahaska County Conservation Center. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Events include GPS, archery, rifles, shotguns and Dutch oven cooking. For more information, e-mail mccb@mahaskacounty.org or call 641-673-9327.
Central Service Day in Washington, D.C.
Central Service Day will be held in Washington, D.C., Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Service includes helping Casey Trees restore D.C.’s legacy as the “City of Trees” and participating in a large community planting. For more information, go to www.central.edu/alumni/events.
Iowa Strength and Conditioning Clinic May 6
Central will host the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Iowa Strength and Conditioning Clinic Sunday, May 6, with on-site registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Vermeer Science Center. To register, e-mail Dave Pavlat (exercise science) at pavlatd@central.edu. Registration fees are as follows: $45 through Sunday, April 22, or $55 on-site for NSCA members; $35 through Sunday, April 22, or $45 on-site for students; and $50 through Sunday, April 22, or $60 on-site for non-members.
The clinic, ending at 3:50 p.m., features nearly 10 speakers to discuss such topics as “Program Design: The Three Tier System,” “Assessment and Evaluation for the Shoulder and Back,” “How to Train Explosively Without the Use of Olympic Lifts,” “Competitive Speed Drills,” “Bulgarian Strength Training in the Weight Room” and “Major Mistakes in the Main Lifts.” A one-hour lunch is included with registration fee at Central Market.
Central Service Day
The second annual Central College Service Day was April 17. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents and friends were involved in a variety of half-day or full-day service projects. Approximately 900 members of the Central community served 80 projects. Thank you!
Employee Spotlight -
Brian Peterson
Name: Brian Peterson
Department: Economics, accounting and business management
Title: Associate professor of economics
About me: Bachelor's degree from University of Dayton; master's and doctorate in economics from Indiana University; taught at Central 1996-97, at Manchester College in Indiana from 1997-2004; wife Sara Smith and children Maria Joy (8) and Henry (4); hobbies include: spending time with family; remodeling house; running; reading non-fiction, especially economic histories and mystery/suspense fiction.
Vishnevskaya gives lecture
March 31, Elena Vishnevskaya (religion) gave a public lecture on Byzantine theology and spirituality at the Urbandale Public Library.
Woodward update: part II
Tilly Woodward (art) was interviewed Feb. 16 by author and artist Robert Shetterly for WERU Community Radio’s hour-long Public Affairs Voices program. The interview, which focused on Woodward’s work as a visual artisit and her history of community engagement, aired in March and became part of the station’s archive. The same day, Woodward gave another interview to author Jennifer New for an article called “The Sound of Silence,” which explores issues surrounding balanacing careers in the creative arts and mothering. The article appeared in New’s column “Mothers of Invention,” a regular feature in the online magazine Divine Caroline.
Woodward served as a panelist for the Iowa Art Council’s Community Cultural Grant program and made recommendations on grant awards of over $225,000.
She was commissioned by Vermeer Manufacturing to create a series of 11 artworks for the Vermeer Medical Clinic. The works were created in partnership with Vermeer employees and their children. Central students Jacob Zeiman, Hilary Springman, Andi Mitchell, Nadia Sojka and Kelli Collins assisted with the project.
Woodward was invited to participate in three exhibitions in the coming months. Her work was featured in the inaugural exhibit of ICON Gallery’s new space in Fairfield, Iowa, which opened April 6. She also exhibited as part of a group show at Olson Larson Gallery in Des Moines April 13. A second exhibit titled “Birds” opens Friday, Nov. 30, and will continue through January 2008.
Hartman performs in concert
Mark Hartman (music) performed in a concert featuring the Brahms Requiem put on by Drake University at the Des Moines Civic Center April 15.
Cannon presents paper
Walter Cannon (English) presented a paper titled “From Dark House to Our House” for the seminar on Twelfth Night at the annual meeting of the Shakespeare Association of America held in San Diego, Calif., April 4-8.
Breckenridge performs two concerts
Carol lei Breckenridge (music) played two youth concerts with the Des Moines Symphony March 28.
Chia Ning presents paper, submits two image collections
Chia Ning (history) presented a research paper titled “The Lifanyuan and the Qing Administration in Qinghai/Amdo: The Case of Xining” in the panel “Authority Structures in Amdo/Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan: Conflict and Compromise” with panelists from Columbia University, Indiana University and John Carroll University March 21 at the Association for Asian Studies annual meeting in Boston, Mass.
Chia Ning’s submission of two image collections “The Life in PRC China” and “ Mongolia in the 21st Century” is accepted by the editorial board of Image Database to Enhance Asian Studies, which is a new project to create a database for use in the United States higher education in Asian studies.
Vander Wert receives presidential award
Jean Vander Wert (financial aid) was selected by the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ (IASFAA) president, Robin Fisher, as the 2007 IASFAA Presidential Award recipient. The Presidential Award winner is selected by the IASFAA president for significant contributions to the association during the president’s term in office. In selecting Vander Wert, Fisher recognized her for her calm and thoughtful perspective and the insight she provided on a number of “hot button” issues through out the year.
Leadership Red Rock 2007 graduates 
Brandyn Woodard (student life), Annique Kiel (Central College Abroad), Leon Boat (facilities planning and management), Ann Wilkinson (theatre) and Jacob Oyen(marketing and media relations) completed Leadership Red Rock, a multi-community leadership training program that builds leadership skills and focuses on critical issues. More than 300 people have graduated from this program.
Webber completes lectures
Phil Webber (modern languages) completed his lectures for Humanities Iowa with two recent area appearances. March 31, at the Johnson County Historical Society in Coralville, he delivered the featured lecture “ Iowa’s Cultural Kaleidoscope” on Iowa’s changing ethnic profile . At the Oskaloosa Public Library April 10, he led a reading group discussion of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Purple Hibiscus.
Roberts exhibits sculptures
In March, Brian Roberts (art) exhibited sculptures in a three-person show at the Quad City Arts Center Gallery in Rock Island, Ill. Through the end of April, Roberts is displaying sculptures at the Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill.
No news.
Strategic Planning Initiatives
No news.
Students Doing Interesting Things
Pella Corporation Scholars program
This year’s Pella Corporation Scholars dinner and program was held at Pella Corporation April 3. Each year, this particular evening provides a special highlight of the year for all who attend: members of the Kuyper and Farver families who have made the scholarships possible, senior executives of Pella Corporation and spouses, Central’s senior leadership team and spouses, and a faculty representative, who this year was Phil George (education) joined by his wife Kathy.
Some of the graduating seniors, in saying thanks to Kuyper and Farver family members who were there and to Pella Corporation, related the tale(s) of their four years at Central. Their comments were moving and inspirational and served to build optimism for the future in the hearts of all present. New scholars were introduced by Charles Farver, chairperson of the Pella Corporation Board, as Joan Farver, chairperson emeritus, Pella Corporation, gave them their certificates as they have been initiated into this special society of scholars.
This year’s Pella Corporation Scholars are: Joan Kuyper Farver Scholarship/Fellowship* — Katy Fuchtman, Allen, Texas; Anna Abney, Ottumwa, Iowa; Amy Renes, Sioux Center, Iowa; H.S. Kuyper Scholarship/Fellowship — Dawn Nissen, Princeton, Ill.; Jered Wells, Altoona, Iowa; Sean Boyce, Altoona, Iowa; Lucas Boyd, Fort Dodge, Iowa; P.H. Kuyper Scholarship/Fellowship — Sarah Schlager, Platteville, Wis.; Trevor Jones, Pleasant Hill, Iowa; Emily Kuecker, Tripoli, Iowa; Tyler Schipper, Ankeny, Iowa; Jenna Vik, Woodbury, Minn.; Pella Rolscreen Scholarship/Fellowship — Tina Shimak, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Rob Tanzer, Orland Park, Ill.; Sarah Wilson, Farmington, Minn.; Andrea Kapusinski, Fulton, Ill.; Chase Ungs, Ames, Iowa; Kendi Beyer, Pella, Iowa; Lindsay Kelderhouse, Island Lake, Ill.; Blake Scott, Norwalk, Iowa; Tom Hartshorn, Carlisle, Iowa; Whitney Taylor, Eddyville, Iowa; Amanda Roling, Preston, Iowa; Brittany Waack, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Leanna McBride, Toddville, Iowa; Evan Olson, Newhall, Iowa; Lindsey Van Genderen, Lynnville, Iowa; Jill Anderson, Lake Mills, Iowa; Annette Honken, Forest City, Iowa; Royce Riessen, Fort Dodge, Iowa; Zachary Van Arkel, Malcom, Iowa; and Brandon Vogel, Atkins, Iowa.
*The Central College Fellows Program recognizes Central’s most distinguished scholarship recipients. Our fellows have proven their academic and leadership potential, and have prospects for prestigious post-baccalaureate fellowships. Fellows are paired with faculty mentors who assist in identification of personal goals and opportunities in study abroad, community service, student-faculty research and the honors program. Participants also develop peer mentoring relationships within the cadre of fellows. Mentors and fellows meet individually and as a group regularly for socializing, scholarship and service activities.
Central raises money for MDA 
In March, Central raised $825 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Campus Activities Board’s second annual Central College Bowl-A-Thon. All funds went to families in Marion County affected by MD. 
Renee Pope joined dining services as a morning cook.
Kristin Sullivan was hired as an RCA coordinator.
No news.
Congratulations to Nicole Kalkwarf (Educational Talent Search) on the birth of her son Caleb, who was born March 29. He weighed 9 lbs., 4 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.
We extend our sympathy to Marie (admission/information booth) and John Slycord (campus security) on the passing of Marie’s mother April 1.
We extend our sympathy to Ann Williamson (facilities planning and management) on the passing of her father Lowell Steel.
Safety tip
Remember to use proper lifting techniques. Plan ahead, test the load before lifting and ask for help when necessary. Use team work for heavy loads. Keep the weight close to your body. Pivot, don’t twist; turn moving your feet and legs.
Required meeting for staff
All staff are required to attend an in-service titled “Pandemic Influenza, An Overview for the General Public” Wednesday, April 18, in Douwstra Auditorium from 1-2:30 p.m. The in-service is by Marion County Health, who is strongly encouraging major employers in the county to educate their employees on the pandemic flu. We understand all offices cannot be closed, and therefore, anyone who cannot attend will be able to view the video tape. Hourly staff will need to record their time as regular work hours.
2007 holiday schedule
Monday, May 28, Memorial Day
Wednesday, July 4, Independence Day
Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 22-23, Thanksgiving
Monday-Friday, Dec. 24-28, Christmas
Open Positions
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, April 27.