Donor Stories
Central is grateful for the support provided by donors who have made planned gifts to the college. Through their generosity, they create meaningful legacies for future generations.
Here are some of their stories.
From high school sweethearts to celebrating over 50 years of marriage, these Central College alumni are committed to giving back to the college that gave them so much.
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“As the years passed, I realized I had more and I was able to do more. I wanted to put Central into my estate planning because I want to guarantee that I can continue giving and helping students who will come long after me,” Father Thomas D. DeVries explains.
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Global learning, international exploration while attending Central College has inspired an alumnus to leave a legacy through his estate plan that reflects his personal interests and desire to help current Central students. Read More
Eric Sickler ’83 first visited Central College one cold, snowy afternoon more than 40 years ago. Today, he is giving back so future students can experience the warm, caring community that is Central. Read More
Alumna Colleen Rogers Messenger looks fondly upon her time spent at Central. She has chosen to designate her beloved college as a beneficiary in her estate plan as a way to symbolize her affection for Central. Read More
A former Central College professor and alumnus who left his mark in the classroom has also left a legacy at his beloved college through the establishment of a scholarship that will support Dutch students now and in the future. Read More
Leader. Innovator. Thinker. Three words to eulogize a generous and caring Central alumnus. Alvin Gary Huenink, a Class of 1962 graduate, wanted to make a difference in the world. He chose to establish an endowed scholarship at Central. Read More
Eunice Vander Zyl Van Tuyl '68 and her husband Jim Van Tuyl '10H share a love for Central. Pride and appreciation for their time on campus inspired them to make a gift that will help future students experience all that Central has to offer. Read More
Jim Borthwick credits Central College for expanding his horizons as a student and giving him a solid foundation to move forward into adulthood. Today, he enjoys giving back to the college that gave him so much so that he can help others. Read More
More than 40 years ago, Helen Diehl made her first gift to Central College. The most recent example of her longtime generosity to Central: a gift from her estate of more than $860,000 that supports the college and student scholarships. Read More
Central College was a home away from home for James Naccarato '43. So much so that James knew he wasn't just attending Central — he was joining it for life. Even now he continues to give to the place that welcomed him with open arms so many years ago. Read More
Orville and Ermina Dykstra’s commitment to Central College runs deep and impacts several students through scholarships every year. Read More
Because it marked the beginning of their 66-year marriage, Central College always held a special place in the hearts of Rev. Edwin ’51 and Luella Rozeboom Mulder ’51. Read More
Fran De Jong had a long history with Central College. See how her memory will live on at Central thanks to her thoughtfulness. Read More
Central College holds a special place in Ed and Martha Van Hemert's hearts, so it feels only natural for them to give back with an endowed scholarship for future educators like themselves. Read More
Earl Simmelink, a Wisconsin dairy farmer who never attended Central College, gave to ensure generations of students would benefit from the education he never received. "I believe," he once said, "the most important work of God is to give love to others." Read More
"Both of us live with a great measure of gratitude for the foundations that were laid for us in our educations at Central College." Read More
Justin '02 and Amanda Hansen '00 Fletcher didn't wait until decades after graduation before beginning their giving to Central College. Their commitment continues with a planned gift. Read More
