GOLD event in Des Moines
Graduates of the Last Decade are invited to a holiday networking party at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in West Des Moines Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Toy drive
A Toys for Tots drive for Marion County will go through Friday, Dec. 15. Drop-off boxes are in Maytag Student Center by the Christmas tree.
Reception in Merida 
Start making travel arrangements now for a reception for George Ann Huck, retired director of the Merida program, and Armando Baquiero Cardenas ’70, who received an honorary degree in May, at the Central College house in Merida, Yucatan, Sunday, Jan. 28. RSVP to alumni@central.edu.
Central College Auxiliary
Central College Auxiliary is seeking membership and is soliciting new advisory board members from its participating church families and Central College community. Connie Cross (marketing and media relations) and Chris Peery (library) joined the 2006 board. Anyone interested in supporting the college in this way should call Connie Cross at ext. 5153.
The auxiliary’s four fundraising projects include: birthday cakes for students, cookbook sales, Tulip Time Dutch letter sales and an annual membership drive.
2006 projects helped Central College Auxiliary to fund four $1,000 scholarships and make its fifth payment of $4,114 toward a $33,912 pledge for the installation of computer, audio and visual technology in the van Emmerik Studio.
Food drive success
Central’s third annual campus-wide food drive collected 1,121 food and personal hygiene items for the Salvation Army in Ottumwa.
Geisler Library and Media Center winter break hours
Friday, Dec. 15, 2006-Monday, Jan. 15, 2007
Friday, Dec. 15, close at 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 22, close at 12 p.m.
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 25-Jan. 2, closed
Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 3-5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday-Friday, Jan. 8-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 15, resume regular hours
Kuyper Athletic Complex winter break hours
Friday, Dec. 15, 2006-Monday, Jan. 15, 2007
Weekday hours except as noted below are:
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
The complex will close at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 and be closed through Tuesday, Dec. 26. It will also be closed Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 1-2.
Employee Spotlight - Michelle Kellar
Name: Michelle Kellar
Department: Student life
Title: Director of counseling
About me: Received a bachelor's degree in psychology/sociology and a master's in counseling psychology from Northwest Missouri State University; licensed mental health counselor in Iowa and a national certified counselor; eighth year at Central, fourth counseling; married to Eric and has two children Molly and Jay; enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading and traveling.
Personal homepages moving
As part of an ongoing effort to provide the Central College community an effective Web presence and to improve the administration of college Web sites, faculty, staff and student personal homepages will be moving over winter break to the http://pages.central.edu address.
Faculty and staff:
If you currently have a Web site at www.central.edu/homepages/
username your new address will be http://pages.central.edu/emp/
username. There will be a forwarder from your old site to the new location.
Students:
If you currently have a Web site at www.central.edu/homepages/
username your new address will be http://pages.central.edu/stu/
username. There will NOT be a forwarder from your old site.
Organizations:
If you have a Web site for a student organization, your site will be moved to http://pages.central.edu/orgs/organizationName. There will NOT be a forwarder placed on the old site unless a forwarder is specifically requested.
You will not be able to make changes to your personal Web site Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 27-29, while they are being moved.
If you have any questions, contact Dan Rouw in IT services at ext. 7670 or Jacob Oyen in marketing and media relations at ext. 5339.
Knickerbocker and Zehner at anthropology meeting
Tim Knickerbocker and Edwin Zehner (both sociology and anthropology) attended the 105th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association in San Jose, Calif., Nov. 15-19. Knickerbocker is presented a paper for the Society of Humanistic Anthropology titled “The Plunderers: Anthropological Missions in Kenya and Other Conversion Tales.” He also participated in a focus group sponsored by Pearson Allyn and Bacon on first-year textbooks for cultural anthropology.
Zehner presented a paper Nov. 19 titled “Short-term Missions and the Decentering of Mission-Church Relationships: A (Re)Composition in Five Movements.” His presentation was invited as a late addition to a panel titled “Where Would Jesus Go? (On a Short-term Mission Trip),” organized by Brian Howell of Wheaton College and Robert Priest from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Published copies of the October 2006 issue of Missiology: An International Review, which contains an article by Zehner titled “Short-Term Missions: Toward a Field-Oriented Model,” which deals with the way some of the overseas churches who receive missionaries from abroad are making themselves trainers of the missionaries, due to their greater expertise and familiarity with the field, were available at the panel.
Zehner invited to workshop, contribute at annual meeting
Edwin Zehner (sociology and anthropology) was selected to participate in the invited workshop titled “Workshop for Researchers on Short-Term Missions,” funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation and scheduled to be held at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Thursday-Saturday, March 22-24, 2007. Apart from a few individuals from Trinity, only 12 scholars world-wide are being invited to participate in this event. A portion of each day will be led by noted sociologist Robert Wuthnow, director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University, who also will comment on participants’ research proposals and plans. For details of the event (applications are still being accepted through Friday, Dec. 15), check http://www.tiu.edu/divinity/academics/phd/ics/ctuworkshop.
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, Zehner will contribute at the annual meeting of the North Central Region of the Evangelical Missiological Society, in Deerfield, Ill. The twin themes of the conference, which in recent years has drawn nation-wide participation, are “Short-Term Missions” and “ Mission in the Hispanic and Latin American World.” Zehner’s contribution, which has been slotted in the first of the two tracks, is titled “On the Rhetoric of Short-Term Missions Appeals.” The abstract can be found here: http://www.tiu.edu/divinity/academics/phd/ics/con07_zehn. The full slate of panels, including a contribution from former Central College professor Steve Ybarrola, who now teaches anthropology at Asbury Theological Seminary, can be found here: http://www.tiu.edu/divinity/academics/phd/ics/abstracts07stm.
Dolezal presents at conference
Josh Dolezal (English) presented “Persuasion and Reform: Oliver Wendell Holmes and the Rhetoric of Medical Science” at the Society for Science, Literature and the Arts conference, which was held in New York City Nov. 9-12.
Breckenridge gives program
Nov. 12, Carol lei Breckenridge (music) gave a program of rondos and fantasias by C.P.E. Bach on clavichord and fortepiano for the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, held in the Krapf Organ Studio at the University of Iowa.
Reece at conference
Dawn Reece (sociology) attended the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference titled “Unanswered Questions in Marriage and Family Science” in Minneapolis, Minn., Nov. 10-12.
George at conference
Phil George (education) represented the Iowa Department of Education at the Midwest Regional Middle Level Conference in Ames and the National Middle School Association Conference in Nashville. George is a member of the steering committee of the middle school component of the Iowa Teacher Quality Enhancement program.
Dahl gives clinics at conference
Stan Dahl (music) presented two clinics at the 2006 Iowa Music Educators Association conference Nov. 17-18 at Iowa State University in Ames. The first session titled “Pan Sweet Pan: Incorporating Steel Pan into the General Music Classroom” focused on how to transform general music classrooms into a tropical paradise. The hands-on workshop had participants singing calypso songs and playing tamboo bamboo, engine room and steel pans. The second session “Steel Band 101: How to Create a Steel Band Program on Limited Funding and Include It into the Music Curriculum” focused on finances, equipment, pan development and solo/ensemble literature. Dahl was assisted by members of the Central College Flying Pans.
DuPre presents at seminar
Nov. 3, Ellen DuPre (biology) presented a talk titled “The Combined Health Effects of Atrazine and Metolachlor” at the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medical Center Friday Seminar Series. The presentation highlighted research conducted at Central College by several faculty and students including: DuPre, Cathy Haustein (chemistry), Anya Butt (natural science), Cassie Reiling ’06, Jackie Stumme ’06, Jen Phelps ’05, Catie Conway ’07, Katie Haun ’06, Heidi Miksch ’06, Becca Mills ’07,Sara Venables ’06 and Scott Sandberg ’07. These research projects investigate two commonly used herbicides, Atrazine and Metolachlor, and their possible health impacts on aquatic and human life.
Prothero serves as delegate
Joy Prothero (education) attended the Iowa Association of School Boards in Des Moines Nov. 15-17. Prothero was a delegate to Delegate Assembly on Wednesday and chaired the executive board of directors meeting. She hosted a presentation by area students and teachers using the AEA Online resource. All students in Iowa are able to go online 24/7 and use the AEA Online system free of charge. Students showcased how they were using their research skills to learn about new content.
VanHecke invited to symposium
JoNes VanHecke (student life) was invited to participant as a panelist at the Faculty Resource Network’s National Symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nov. 16-20. The symposium focus was on millennial students and the impact on higher education.
Three at National Communication Association conference
Linda Laine (communication studies) and Cheri Doane (community-based learning) presented their paper titled “Webs of Spiritual Life: Virtual Spaces that Affirm LGBT Persons of Faith” at the 92nd annual conference of the National Communication Association in San Antonio, Texas, Nov.16. Dennis Doyle (communication studies) also attended and presented a paper titled “Making Connections Across Campus: Strategies for the Communication Across Curriculum Intitiative,” as part of a panel focused on developing and running speaking centers on college campuses.
Feeney presents research paper
Marty Feeney (communication studies) presented a multi-media research paper, “ The PBS Battle Over Citizen Kane VS RKO 281: Narrative Point of View — A Wellesian Magic Trick,” at the national film and history conference in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 8-12, which focused on The Documentary Tradition. The presentation was sound-tracked by senior communication studies major Jon Hoffmann.
Ratzlaff reads from book
Keith Ratzlaff (English) read poems from his latest book Dubious Angels as part of the Bethel College ( Kansas) convocation series Nov. 27.
Harris and Koza at annual conference
Michael Harris (English) presented his essay, “Coltrane and Coetzee: A Distant Mirror (in Reverse),” at the 48th annual convention of the Midwest Modern Language Association, which was held in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 9-12. Harris’ essay was part of a two-panel session on music and literature. Kim Koza (English) also attended the conference.
Carton accepted into master’s program
Phill Carton (facilities planning and management) was accepted into the master’s program at Drake University for fall 2007. He will graduate from Buena Vista University ( Newton campus) with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services in the spring.
Enrollment and Financial Support Council (EFSC)
Summary report of meeting activity Oct. 30-Nov. 27
During the month, the EFSC continued to work on the strategic plan implementation including: assisting Central College Abroad in creating a project improvement plan; discussing the development of the “Create a Culture of Shared Values” strategy — Enrich institutional distinctiveness by reviewing Central’s RCA legacy and exploring our evolving relationship with the Reformed Church in America; prioritizing the strategic plan goals; and discussing how the council can be responsible for creating a community of responsible citizens with personal accountability.
AQIP discussions focused on a Web-based or postcard comment process to be implemented in January, which will provide an opportunity for students, alumni, visitors, etc., to address concerns. This process is necessary for accreditation. All comments will go to the president’s office and then to the appropriate department. The person submitting the concern will receive feedback, and a summary report will be available each semester.
AQIP asked us to expand our thinking on benchmarking to include more peer and aspirational institutions. Council members will determine how and why we use a benchmark list and to identify information to track and its source.
Other discussions included the council’s progress report for the President’s Forum Thursday, Dec. 14, and The Talloires Declaration.
Weekly department updates from council members include reports from the Student Learning and Development Committee liaison and cabinet reports. Of particular interest was Barb Bowzer’s (business and finance) report on her recent trip to Central College Abroad (CCA) sites in London, Wales and Granada, and Annique Kiehl’s (Central College Abroad) report on the CCA directors’ meeting in Granada and the Council on International Educational Exchange conference. In addition, CCA is focusing on recruitment goals, training of new staff members and working with cooperative institutions.
Other updates included the following: development is working on year-end gifts, the Central Fund and the campaign for Central including the education and psychology building; admission is working on the coordinator of RCA relations position, meeting with department chairs to gather points of distinction for promotional use, hosting large numbers of perspective students, filling visit coordinator position, and as always, working on recruitment goals; marketing and media relations is in a search for a graphic designer, finalizing various print projects including Saidin Red and the Bulletin, and hosted and participated in a two-day training for InDesign, a software design program.
Strategic Planning Initiatives
President’s forum: reports of strategic planning and strategic initiatives
Submitted by Vivian Rippentrop (academic affairs)
All Central College employees are invited to learn about the accomplishments and implementation of the strategic plan.
The intention of the president’s forum is to communicate to campus the plans that have been developing during the semester to move a particular goal forward. Each presenter will share notes that clearly outline the goals and plan to achieve those goals. President David Roe will moderate the forum and ask for questions.
Each session will be one hour Thursday, Dec. 14, in Cox-Snow Recital Hall from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.
Topic, reporter
Core renewal, Steve Sanchez (academic affairs)
Wellness initiative, Jodee Schaben (exercise science)
Transfer initiative, Alicia O’Brien (admission)
Annual fund goal achievement, Anna Bates (advancement)
Cooperating college enrollment in Central’s study abroad, Annique Kiel (Central College Abroad)
Enrollment of new first-year students, Carol Williamson (admission)
Intentional integration of cultural programs, Bonnie Dahlke (student life)
Students Doing Interesting Things
Student Support Services takes students on service trip 
Central College Student Support Services went on a service trip to Kansas City Dec. 1-2. Students helped at a homeless shelter serving breakfast and cleaning at Faith-Hope Ministries and helped at Forest Avenue Baptist Church Homeless Project with painting, cleaning, sorting clothes and outdoor work. They also attended a dinner theatre show “Leading Ladies.” In addition to raising $100 for the shelter, students donated socks, gloves and hats.
Students who went include: Chelsy Barnhart ’10, Ashley Barsness ’10, Michele Barsness ’09, LauraBerndt ’07, Tamara Blum ’09, Lawrenza Bishop ’10, Rachel Chambers ’10, Nicole De Groot ’09, Samantha Dishman ’07, Keith Ehrich ’08, Connie Eshelman ’08, Ashley Feldman ’10, MeganHansen ’08, Krystle Hostetler ’09, Calissa Livingston ’10, Drew Otto ’10, Justin Saxfield ’10, KaylaSchipper ’10, Nicki Thomas ’09, Shawna Tuffin ’10, Amanda Roling ’09, Adam Rouse ’10, AmandaWhittle ’10, Stacey Whittle ’10 and Brandon Williams ’09. Matt Diehl (Student Support Services) and Ann Van Hemert (admission) also went on the trip.
Central students take part in famine
Many Central students participated in the 30-hour famine Nov. 18-19, held by campus ministries. During the 30 hours students gathered food for the Pella food shelf and worshipped together as they committed this time to raise awareness and funds for hunger across the world.
“Sure, we didn’t eat for 30 hours, but kids in poor countries constantly go without food for longer than that,” Jenny Baier ’08. “And while we went through those 30 hours knowing we could eat as much as we wanted after it was over, those kids go day after day with only tiny portions of food keeping them alive.”
Civil War trip 
Oct. 5-8, Mark Barloon (history) took his American History: Civil War class of 16 students to Mississippi to experience the history he had been teaching in class. During the trip, the group visited three civil war battlefields: Brice’s Crossroads, Corinth and Shiloh.
At Brice’s Crossroads, students stopped at numerous markers erected along the roadway to help explain what happened at each point on the battlefield.
At Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, students saw a large fountain, which tells the history of the United States. The water flow begins at the top and continues through miniature white-water rapids created by blocks of marble inserted along its path. Each block represents a different moment in our nation’s past when slavery threatened to destroy the union. Also at this stop, students visited a mock up of a federal fort used to defend Corinth from attack in 1862. The students also visited the National Cemetery in Corinth and were able to see the vast number of Iowans’ graves who fought in battle at Corinth.
The group arrived at Shiloh National Military Park early to view the important sights of the battle that included the Sunken Road where the Confederate soldiers advanced on the Federal soldiers encamped near Pittsburg Landing. Numerous Central College students, and one Central College professor, fought in this battle with the 8th Iowa. Central College had 44 of its young men fight at Shiloh, 24 of who were either killed or wounded during the two-day battle. The day ended with the students taking a trip through the deep ravine that frustrated advancing Confederate soldiers at the end of the first day of fighting.
Dinh Vanlo joined Educational Talent Search as a coordinator.
Joe Steinkamp joined Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound as a coordinator.
No news.
We extend our sympathy to Pamela (education) and Lee Vande Voort (IT services) and family in the passing of Pam’s mother Roberta Simmons of North Liberty, Nov. 14.
We extend our sympathy to Sandy Verhoef (IT services) in the passing of her father, Harold Redding of Oskaloosa, Nov. 24.
Sue Van Vark (library) would like to thank everyone who called, sent cards, flowers and food after breaking both wrists.
Steve and Jane Friedman (library) welcomed the birth of their fourth grandchild, Keary Alan Sanger, born Nov. 19. Parents are Sean ’97 and Stephanie Friedman Sanger ’98 of Newton. Keary weighed 9 lbs. 1 oz.
Upcoming holidays
The campus will be closed the following days for the holidays:
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.
W-4s
Certain circumstances require the filing of new W-4 forms. If the number of allowances an employee can claim decreases, a new W-4 must be filed within 10 days of the event. Such cases would be: divorce, death of a spouse or fewer dependents. A name change also requires a new W-4. An employee may, but is not required to, file a new W-4 if the number of allowances he or she can claim increases. If you have questions, or wish to request a new W-4 form, please call the payroll office at ext. 5161.
Administrative staff payroll
The administrative payroll for December will be processed early. Administrative staff will be paid Monday, Dec. 18.
Open Positions
Central College invites applications for a tenure track appointment as an assistant professor of art to begin August 2007. Qualifications include an MFA in 2-D studio, drawing, painting or printmaking, and evidence of successful teaching, professional achievement, and research/creative activity. Application deadline is Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. For a full position description, access the college’s Web site at www.central.edu.
Applications are invited for the Martin Heerema Endowed Chair in Business Entrepreneurship. This is a three-year renewable academic term with a flexible starting date. Qualifications include a minimum of one year of experience in entrepreneurship or senior management and a minimum of a master’s degree in any field. A full position description is available on the college’s Web site. Review of applications begins immediately.
Administrative Staff Openings
Assistant director, technical services, financial aid office
Support Staff Openings
Custodial (two positions)
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.