To be considered for the honorary alumni designations, the following criteria are evaluated: attendance at a variety of college activities; involvement with the college’s programs; financial support; and expressed interest in and dedication to the college’s well being. To keep the designation special, it is only awarded to those individuals who by their spirit and actions are deemed to be the personification of actual alumni. Congratulations to Jay Huitsing of Oro Valley, Ariz.!
The Huitsings have supported Central for at least 27 consecutive years and likely more. They recently and generously named a room in the new education and psychology building and in Jay’s words, “take great pleasure in sharing God’s blessings in the building.” Over the years, Jay attended alumni meetings in Chicago, Ill.; and Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz. He also attended campus events like Homecoming, especially when Betty was a reunion chair, and alumni advisory council meetings, when Betty was a member. This past year, he met up with the Central softball team on its spring trip to Tucson and attended the alumni event held there that week.
Jay spent 33 years in office machine sales and services and has served as elder, deacon and Sunday school superintendent in RCA, CRC and Presbyterian churches. A member of Rotary Internationals since 1972, he’s served in various club board positions including president, and also chaired the polio plus campaign. He delivers meals to shut-ins and elderly people twice a week, is a past member and president of the Chicago Office Machines Dealers Association, Du Page County Private Industry council and the Greater Wheaton (Ill.) chamber of commerce.
As told through the eyes of another Central College family member, Jay has given every indication, both verbally and through other means, that he considers himself to be a member of the Central family. He and wife Betty Brands Huitsing ’49 have supported Central financially in both long-term and annual ways, they attend most Central events in the Arizona area and host Central friends at their home. He has a very caring attitude for others, is a strong advocate for their church and community and epitomizes everything we value in our alumni.
We thank Betty, their three children, including Jay ’73, and seven grandchildren for sharing Jay with the Central College family.
Congratulations!
