Meet Central Alumni
A Lifelong Commitment to Central
For Kristine Cox Ward ’85, Central College is more than a place where she earned her degree — it’s where she found her voice, her calling and her lifelong community.
Accounting for the Next Generation
Kevin Den Adel ’91 believes his contributions to Central are important and a wise investment.
Funding the Future
Deanna Ver Steeg ’94 turned a reluctant college visit into a lifelong commitment to Central, shaped by gratitude, service and a drive to give back.
Giving Back to Help Others Grow
Emily and Larry Reynen ’71 believe doing good starts with helping others grow — and that’s exactly why they chose to give back. Their legacy gift ensures future students experience the same life-shaping opportunities that meant so much to them.
Creative Entrepreneurship: Building with Intention
Cited as someone who conceives and develops radically transformative ideas, Stefanie Vruwink Reiser ’85 has taken her passion and Central College education to engage in building her own world.
Full Circle Perspective
Mark ’80 and Lori Kooiker Ellingson ’82 have lived the Central College experience in many ways — as students, parents of students, staff and serving on the Board of Trustees. They are now going back to their community roots to broaden support for Central.
More Than a Game
From the pitcher’s mound to founding a successful learning center, Melissa “Missey” Allen Michel ’96 exemplifies resilience, community and the lasting impact of her Central experience throughout her journey.
A Symphony of Impact
Mark Babcock ’91, M. Joan Kuyper Farver Endowed Chair in Music and professor of music, is a cornerstone of the Central College music department. As he reflects on his career, Babcock takes pride in the everyday impact he has on students' lives, fostering a strong, caring community.
Paving the Road Ahead
Ryan Dusil ’14 is using his Central College degree for good as a research associate in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.
A Strong Foundation
The foundation Kohle Helle ’18 built at Central College has been an invaluable asset in his journey to becoming an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Iowa football team.