Living Your Dreams

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, the Alvin G. Huenink Scholarship for Sociology.

Alvin majored in sociology and had minors in speech and Latin plus a teaching certificate. He started teaching middle school Latin and debate at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He later set up the sociology program at Fort Dodge Senior High, where he taught until he retired in 1994 after 32 years of teaching.

Alvin also loved singing and theatrical performances. He sang at his high school graduation and several weddings. While at Central, he was a tenor in a men's quartet and a member of A Cappella Choir that toured at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. That tour was one of his favorite Central memories. He also liked to share that he was one of only two students who got an "A" in sociology.

His passion to make a difference in the world was demonstrated again when he retired in 1994 and moved back to Lincoln, Nebraska, to care for his two sisters who were deaf. He mastered American Sign Language to communicate with his sisters.

Melissa Lile, the daughter of one of his sisters, lived in Nebraska with Alvin after he retired. She became close to her uncle during those years.

"Alvin was one of seven children and the first to attend college," Melissa explains. "I think it's pretty cool that he wanted to give someone else the opportunity to go to college. We didn't know that he had established a scholarship at Central until the executor of the estate revealed his wishes."

"A really powerful moment for me was after we posted his obituary. So many of his former students sent notes about how impactful he was," Melissa says. "He just really pushed people to follow their dreams. This scholarship is a way for him to help students follow their passions long past his life."

The Alvin G. Huenink Scholarship for Sociology has been awarded since 2016 to five different students, some receiving this scholarship for multiple years. The 2022-23 recipients are Asa Gipple of Columbus Junction, Iowa, Class of 2023 and Payton Rhone, Colfax, Iowa, Class of 2023.

"Alvin's legacy lives on supporting students with an endowed scholarship," adds Michelle Wilke, Director of Development at Central. "We were not aware of Alvin's plans and would have loved to express our gratitude with him in person, had we known. We'd love to discuss with others if they have named Central in their estates. We want to ensure we can share our deep appreciation and thanks while making sure we honor your wishes."

Including Central in your will or estate plan is a testament to the values and ideals you hold dear — having a heart for others — and is one of the most meaningful ways to support generations of students. To create your own legacy at Central, contact Deb Calderwood at 641-628-5138 or calderwoodd@central.edu to get started.