Say cheese!
All employees are asked to have their picture taken Tuesday, Oct. 10, in the Weller Room in Maytag from 10:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. If you need a recent photo or haven’t had your picture taken in the last year, please stop by and have your photo taken for use by the marketing and media relations office. Average time will be five minutes.
Newton event
The alumni office is hosting an event at STEIN’S in Newton, Iowa, Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Faculty and staff are welcome. Owners Todd ’92 and Marnie Schweitzer Stein ’96 will provide snacks. RSVP to the alumni office at ext. 5154 by Thursday, Oct. 12.
Central Service Day in Des Moines
In conjunction with national Make a Difference Day, Central College alumni, parents and friends are making a difference in communities across the country Saturday, Oct. 28. To help clean and winterize windows and paint for Children and Family Urban Ministries in Des Moines, RSVP to the alumni office by Friday, Oct. 20. E-mail alumni@central.edu or call ext. 5154.
CROPWALK
CROPWALK, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8, begins at Caldwell Park at 1 p.m. CROPWALK is a community-based fund-raising effort aimed at fighting hunger.
Many Central College faculty and staff have participated and contributed generously in the past. Members of faculty and staff can join in the walk or sponsor students. They also can make direct contributions to CROPWALK.
Each year, about 700 Central students donate their meal plan for a single day to fight hunger. The cost of their meal through the meal plan is donated to hunger relief efforts, with a quarter of total donations going to the Pella Food Shelf and 75 percent to national and international CROPWALK efforts.
A local contributor has agreed to match donations made by students up to $1,000. This literally means students can double their sponsorships. Last year, Central contributed almost $13,000 to the national effort.
Pella ’s CROPWALK is headed by Phil George (education).
Central College Auxiliary
Central College Auxiliary is seeking representatives from the college to serve in leadership roles on the executive board. Open positions include vice president, publicity and membership chair. The board meets six times a year — fourth Monday of March, April, May, September, October and November at 11:45 a.m. lunch in the Central Market. The current board consists of 28 women representing nine area churches and Central College. The college representatives are Connie Cross and Chris Perry.
Since its beginning in 1904, the auxiliary has raised funds for renovations including Douwstra Chapel, Graham Hall, Central Hall and Jordan Hall; provided sidewalks, clotheslines, hymn books, campus carillon, a Kimball organ, a piano, computers, campus benches, a patio, microscopes, furniture, textbooks, a Mongolian grill, display cases, band uniforms, the Weller Room, the Tysseling Room, the Maxine Huffman Room and student scholarships. This year, in addition to funding four $1,000 scholarships, the auxiliary is working to fulfill a $33,000 pledge for the installation of new technology in van Emmerik Theatre.
Fundraisers include a membership drive, Dutch letter booth at Tulip Time, birthday cakes for students and cookbook sales.
This is an excellent opportunity to support the auxiliary and Central College. If interested, contact Connie Cross ext. 5153 or crossc@central.edu.
Fall break hours for Geisler Library and Media Center
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday- Friday, Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Closed
Sunday, Oct. 22, Library and Media Center Open at 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 23, Regular Hours resume
KACfall break hours
Thursday, Oct. 19, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22, closed to public
Earthpark coming to Pella
Officials announced Thursday on Central’s campus that Earthpark, a combination rain forest, aquarium and education center, will be built on 70 acres on the north shore of Lake Red Rock near Pella.
Plans for the $155-million project include a three-section indoor rain forest, 600,000-gallon aquarium, theater, galleries on Iowa’s natural resources and food production, as well as trails, education facilities and outdoor prairie.
Potentially, Earthpark could bring $100-130 million in economic activity each year, 500 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.
Central Connections
Central Connections is an online database of over 500 alumni, friends and supporters of Central College, willing to “mentor” current Central students.
Students and faculty can search using their Central username and password, and choosing:
- academic major,
- career field,
- location.
Go to: www.central.edu/connections. Contact begins with an e-mail message to alums of interest. Contact Pat Kitzman, ext. 5271, or Sunny Eighmy, ext. 5281, with questions.
Health tips
Which is Better? Antibacterial soaps or hand sanitizers
There’s no argument that washing your hands several times a day is one of the best ways to fight off cold and flu germs. If you want added protection, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer between hand-washings. Antibacterial soaps have not proven any more effective in reducing illness than hand-washing with regular soap and hot water. Antibacterial soaps may also contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Source: University of Arizona
Break with tradition
Skipping breakfast is probably the biggest nutrition mistake you can make. Breakfast helps you concentrate longer, allows you to work more efficiently, and will even help stave off a bad mood before lunchtime.
For variety, try some nontraditional breakfasts such as a baked potato, a peanut butter and honey sandwich, cottage cheese and fruit, or even heated leftovers.
Source: Health Practitioner, Vol. 15, Issue 2, page 14
Employee Spotlight - Kim Brobst
Name: Kim Brobst
Department: dining services
Title: student staffing supervisor
About me: Pella native; married with four children and a son-in-law; enjoys the outdoors, sewing, cooking, people, life; enjoys working and finds getting to know students is very rewarding.
Faculty announcement
Nominations are sought for promotion and/or tenure for tenure-track faculty. Send those to either Marilyn Vrban (academic affairs) or Robert Franks (mathematics and computer science) by Monday, Oct.9. Nominations for promotion of tenured faculty will be solicited later this semester.
Hibbard presents at MathFest
Al Hibbard (mathematics and computer science) gave a presentation at MathFest Aug. 10 in Knoxville, Tenn. MathFest is the summer meeting of the Mathematical Association of America.
Babcock guest organist, gave recital
Mark Babcock (music) was the guest organ recitalist for the Newton Congregational United Church of Christ’s 150 Anniversary Celebration Sept. 24.
Babcock gave an organ recital on St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Fine Art Series in Des Moines Sept. 16.
Dolezal published
Josh Dolezal (English) has a new short story “Birth of a Holist” published in the latest edition of Ars Medica, a Canadian literary magazine devoted to literature with medical themes. His profile also was added to Poetry Mountain, an online journal and meta-Web site with both archival profiles for classic and contemporary poets. Samples are at http://www.poetrymountain.com/authors/joshuadolezal.html. He wrote the biographical introduction for Walt Whitman in the classic poets archive at http://www.poetrymountain.com/classics/whitman.html.
Olivier presents dining etiquette
Lowell Olivier (campus services) gave a presentation on dining etiquette Sept. 19 to a group of 70 students, faculty and staff at Gradview College in Des Moines, Iowa. Dinner was hosted by the Grandview Career Center.
Freed speaks at leadership conference
Jann Freed (economics/accounting/business management) was one of the speakers at the National Conference of Youth Leadership (NCYL) held at Drake University Sept.18. This is a leadership recognition program for 200 seniors from 20 area high schools.
Zaffiro at Iowa Environmental conference
Jim Zaffiro (political science/environmental studies) attended the 2006 Annual Conference of the Iowa Environmental Council Sept. 29 at the Des Moines Botanical Center.
Enrollment and Financial Support Council report
Summary Report of Meeting Activity (Sept. 11 – Sept. 18)
The focus of the Sept. 11 meeting was a presentation by Jacob Oyen, marketing Web manager. He demonstrated the new www.central.edu Web site and updated the council on new features including:
- The design of the site integrates with current publication designs to create a consistent Central identity.
- A Said in Red site, an extension of the admission magazine, was developed as a place for more casual, student-focused content such as the student blogs. Go to www.central.edu/saidinred.
- Newly developed department sites include community-based learning and academic affairs. The theatre department site is near completion, and campus ministries is in the process of developing a site. The goal is to assist all departments in launching sites that represent them and integrate with www.central.edu.
- The major pages will be updated twice a year instead of once a year.
- Web statistics are tracked daily.
- CampusTown , the official newsletter for the Central College community, has undergone a redesign.
- A four-minute football highlight podcast was launched with the help of KNIA/KRLS. It is posted on the athletics Web site and is available through iTunes by searching for Central College.
- The athletics site now has live stats for home football games. The goal is to make live stats available for other sports.
Other activities during September included assigning Strategic Plan responsibilities; and Annique Kiel unveiled the new Central College Abroad publications and described how they are used at fairs, with cooperative schools and prospective students. Response so far has been very positive, including those from Central College Abroad competitors.
Regular department updates were given by department members.
Strategic Planning Initiatives
Planning at Central College
The AQIP processes and Systems Portfolio set the stage for Central to engage in some major changes in strategic planning.
One of the results of self-evaluation was related to the administrative structure at Central. The goals of the new structure are to:
Encourage departments and divisions to become more interdependent;
Increase the number of participants in consensus building and decision making;
Provide greater clarity of roles of each leadership group.
The fall retreat for the joint council/cabinet focused on the adoption of an emerging vision for Central, planning and communication principles and strategic planning.
This semester, the Student Learning and Development Council and the Enrollment and Financial Support Council will each develop plans for carrying out strategies through the normal course of their work of the college.
Throughout the semester, charts of the assignments for furthering the strategic plan will be posted and changed as work progresses. At the end of the semester, each council and the President’s cabinet will receive a report of the action plans and the progress groups are making on the strategies.
Ultimately, the goal of strategic planning is to guide the priorities and work of divisional and departmental operational plans with feedback loops that will inform and guide the next strategies within the evolving strategic plan. The three-year, rolling plan, will be reviewed yearly and adapted, as necessary, in order to move the college forward.
Please click here to read the full report submitted by Vivian Rippentrop (academic affairs).
Students Doing Interesting Things
Student Support Services trip to MCC 
Student Support Services offered a trip to Marshalltown Community College Challenge Course Sept. 16 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Approximately 70 freshmen, who are taking the college success class, and SSS staff (Matt Diehl, Nancy Kroese, Linda Blatt and Cyndi Boertje) attended. The day was a chance to get to know each other better and to be challenged to take risks, work as a team and build trust. 
Students in Mexico 
Students of the Merida, Mexico, program visited the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun to watch the sun rise during the summer equinox Sept. 22. This magnificent spectacle was yet another testimony of the Maya people as accomplished astronomers.
Pictured: Joel Sikma ’08, Haley Hunt ’07, Teran Stark, Mark Trullinger ’07, Whitney Waites, Kim McFerrin ’08, Tess Luther and Amanda Haley ’09; and Central guest Nick O’Neall.
Emilio Mendoza joined athletics as assistant volleyball coach.
Carol Greving joined admission as campus visit coordinator.
Tiffany Taylor joined Talent Search as Educational Talent Search coordinator.
John Venenga joined facilities planning and management as grounds and utility worker at the President’s house.
No news.
Linda and Russ Goodman (mathematics) are happy to announce their safe return to Pella Sept. 23 with Mia Lin Goodman (Lin Wu Fei), their adopted daughter from Jiangxi, China.
Congratulations to Ann and Mark Mills (mathematics) on the birth of their son William John Sept. 26. He weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 1/4 inches in length. Upcoming holidays
The campus will be closed the following days for the holidays:
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24;
Friday, Dec. 22 (close at noon);
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2.
Staff Christmas Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14. Please reserve this date on your calendars.
Professional Activities
TIAA-CREF will offer a financial education seminar at Central College.
Enhancements to your retirement plan are here.
Come to the presentation to find out how the enhancements to your retirement plan including TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Funds, additional mutual funds, a customer Web site and objective advice and planning services can help you better navigate the road to your retirement.
Review the benefits of your retirement plan including:
- What hasn’t changed with the plan, what’s new and what you need to consider;
- Model portfolios to help you determine your appropriate investment mix;
- “One Decision” investment strategies using a choice of TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Funds;
- An expanded mutual fund lineup for you to “Build Your Own Portfolio;”
- Objective advice and planning services for developing a plan to pursue your retirement income goal or to find out if your current retirement planning strategy is on the right track.
When:
Monday, Oct. 23, Graham Room 1 at 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24, Graham Room 1 at 11 a.m.
Annual Professional Development Fall Retreat will be held Thursday, Oct. 26, from 1-2:30 p.m. Please reserve this date on your calendars. You will receive an invitation soon that details the program and events.
Professional Development Grant
Grant funds are available to staff to encourage professional development and/or provide support for individuals to increase their professional skills relating to their current functions/department. These funds support activities, which are not fundable through department budgets. The signature of an individual’s supervisor indicating support of the proposed activity is required on this grant application.
Grant funds will support:
- conference expenses (including meetings, workshops, training programs, seminars, etc.);
- membership fees to professional organizations;
- resource materials (books, videos, etc., that are “how-to” books designed to assist in learning more about a subject, rather than reference materials);
- tuition assistance. (Funding in this category may be taxable and recipients must meet certain requirements.)
Annually, approximately $25,000 will be available for individual grants. The maximum grant amount is $750 for employees who are half-time or more and $200 for employees who are less than half-time. No individual may receive more than one grant in an academic year. When considering proposals of equal merit, preference will be given to requests from individuals who did not receive fully-funded grants in the previous year. Applications from temporary appointments or individuals whose contracts have not been renewed will not be considered. The committee may choose to fully fund, partially fund or reject proposals.
Completed grant application must be submitted to the human resources office prior to the Professional Development Committee meeting on the second Wednesday of each month. The grant application can be found on the HR module. Awards will be announced after the committee meeting.
Phone list
The phone list and departmental directory can be found on the HR Module. These resources are updated on a monthly basis (usually by the end of the first week every month). You can access these resources by following these steps:
- Click on Internet Explorer
- Go to http://my.central.edu
- Enter your username and password
- Click on the infocentral tab at the top of the page
- Locate the Human Resources area of the Website and in the area where it says newsletters, documents and helpful websites; click on resources.
Open Positions
Administrative Staff Openings
Support Staff Openings
Campus Services Office Coordinator
Please click on the position that interests you to see a detailed description. If you would like to download an application, click here or visit the college Web site at www.central.edu 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, Oct. 13.