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Academic Excellence

Fund Academic Excellence

Our liberal arts curriculum prepares students for their future with in-depth knowledge in their chosen major area and integrated knowledge from a variety of perspectives. Central graduates leave with more than just a degree. They have an education that has prepared them with critical thinking skills, a cultural perspective and effective communication skills that will take them further than they ever dreamed.

Hoo-Rah Day provides an opportunity to contribute toward the tradition of strong academic programs at Central. Support programs and departments that you are most passionate about or make a gift to enhance faculty and staff development opportunities. 

Help Spread the Central Spirit!

Hoo-Rah Day is all about bringing the Central community together. Help us celebrate by reaching out to your Central friends and mentors. Share Central-themed photos of your kids, pets or Central memories on social media. Snap a photo with our Hoo-Rah Day poster or download a Big Red coloring sheet. Share this link – hoorah.central.edu – with #HoorahDay and encourage your family and friends to join the celebration. Thank you and Go Dutch!

$10,000
Donor Challenge to unlock $50,000?
Each time we reach 80 donors, we’ll unlock $10,000 for the Journey Scholarship. Just by participating, you’ll help unlock up to $50,000 for the Journey Scholarship Fund! Show us your Dutch spirit by sharing this page with your Central friends! This challenge is sponsored by: Tej '91 & Karen Dhawan '91, Mike '93 & Myndi Amdor Van Voorst '95, Dale '69 & Eileen Miller Vander Wilt '70, Mike Main '87, Tom DeVries '73, and Paul '90 & Jeanie Backes Lovell '91, Ross '80 & Greta DeCook McCarty '81 and other anonymous donors.
Completed
$5,000
Double Dutch Challenge - $5,000!
Central couple Dave '86 & Kristi Jaarsma Balk '88 love Central. That’s why they (along with other anonymous donors) are challenging other Central couples to give back this #HooRahDay! When 30 Central couples donate, a $5,000 gift will be unlocked for the Journey Scholarship Fund!
30 / 30 Donors
Completed
$10,000
Inspired by Faculty Challenge! $10,000
Was your gift inspired by an outstanding faculty member (past or present) who nurtured or expanded your personal learning at Central? Alumni provide a wealth of "gee wiz" stories of one or more professors that defined their Central experience by their personal dedication and extraordinary acts of kindness. Faculty are one of Central's great resources and embody the spirit of the College. To honor these individuals, when 25 gifts are made in honor of a faculty member, a special, generous donation will be unlocked! This added donation is sponsored by Barb Pettitt '72 and Darin '87 & Teresa Brown Messerli '87, Mary Worstell '73 along with other anonymous donors.
25 / 25 Donors
Completed
Success!
Instagram Challenge
Share a photo of your favorite Central memory or of you rocking your Central gear today. 15 story tags unlocks $5,000 for student scholarships! Thank you to Wendy & Nick Richtsmeier '01 and other generous donors.
Completed
Leaderboard
Class Participation Challenge - $15,000!
Congratulations this challenge has been met and $15,000 has been unlocked for the Journey Scholarship!
What is your class year?
Rank Answer Donors
1 2026 14
2 1991 10
3 1999 9
4 1996 9
5 1994 8
6 2013 8
7 1980 8
8 2016 7
9 1978 7
10 1974 7
11 2006 7
12 1998 7
13 1995 6
14 1989 6
15 2001 6
Ended
$20,000
Iowa Challenge – $20,000!
When 150 Iowa residents participate in Hoo-Rah Day with a gift of ANY size, $20,000 will be unlocked for the Journey Scholarship Fund! Generously sponsored by: Marlena Wichart '61, Dixie & Will Hoekman '67, and other anonymous donors.
150 / 150 Donors
Completed
$5,000
Parents Challenge - $5,000!
Central parents are some of the most loyal people we know. When 30 Central parents, current or past donate, a $5,000 challenge will be unlocked for the Journey Scholarship Fund! Generously sponsored by current parents Steve and Kara Kohler Hoogensen '96 and other anonymous donors.
30 / 30 Donors
Completed
$10,000
Presidents' Challenge - $10,000
Central College President, Mark Putnam, along with his wife Tammy and Central College Student Body President Jenna Hernandez '24 would like to challenge at least 25 current or former student senate members to donate to this challenge, to unlock this inaugural President's Challenge.
25 / 25 Donors
Completed
Success!
Facebook Challenge
Ready for a challenge? Share your favorite Central memory or a photo in your Central gear in the comments on this post. Once we have 10 comments with a Central memory or photo, $5,000 will be unlocked for student scholarships! Thank you Jason '10 & Tayler Wessels Hassman '13 and Glenys Theis '58 along with other anonymous donors.
Completed
Participating Groups
Journey Scholarship Academic Excellence Central Athletics Endowment & Research Fine Arts Central's Greatest Need My Passion (other)
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Or you can contact us at development@central.edu.

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