Former Central Chaplain De Jong Leaves Gift for College

Fran De Jong '57

Fran De Jong was always highly involved with Central College. Even in her death she made sure to leave a lasting legacy.

A 1957 graduate and former chaplain at the college, Fran left an estate gift of more than $110,000 to Central that helps fund scholarships each year for students.

Fran was one of the first women ordained in the Reformed Church in America and later served as chaplain at Central from 1977-97. She earned a degree in physical education from Central in 1957 and went on to earn a master's at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Fran participated in Central Club, Friends of Central Arts, Reunion Class programs, Campus Church Ministries, Education Clubs and was a member of the Cornerstone Society and Heritage Roll of Honor.

She started in ministry as Christian education director in Spring Valley and Wyckoff, both in New York. She then served with United Ministry in Higher Education at Morehead State in Kentucky and the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Fran retired after 20 years as chaplain at Central and began life as a volunteer in Pella. She was involved with Habitat for Humanity, both locally and internationally, and also with the Pella Historical Society, her church, hospitals and mission trips.

In 2004, Central presented Fran with the Alumni Stewardship and Service Award. She passed away Oct. 11, 2017, in Pella.

To learn how you, like Fran, can create a lasting legacy at Central College, contact Deb Calderwood at calderwoodd@central.edu or 641-628-5138.

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