Thankful for Great Central Memories

Michael ’71 and Betty Steenhoek Buitenwerf ’71

When high school sweethearts came to Central College in 1967, they didn’t know what was ahead, but are now grateful for all that unfolded.

Michael ’71 and Betty Steenhoek Buitenwerf ’71 arrived at Central from Prairie City, Iowa. By their junior year, they were married. Their Central experiences sealed their love and life together and have led to a marriage that has endured 55 years.

“Central set us up for life, as far as occupation and education,” says Mike. “That’s why we chose to include Central in our estate plans. We are grateful to Central.”

Mike and Betty began dating during their junior year in high school and decided to attend Central together. Betty graduated with a degree in home economics while Mike earned a degree in economics. After various jobs in banking and insurance businesses in central Iowa, Mike managed a local bank insurance agency in Prairie City and retired in 2015.

Betty held jobs in home economics and substitute teaching before joining Tones Spices in Ankeny. In 1987, she decided to return to graduate school for a law degree. She held various positions in the legal field before retiring as legal counsel for the State Court Administrator of the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Making a Difference

Mike and Betty’s professional careers have allowed the couple to retire comfortably. With their financial advisor and estate planning attorney, Mike and Betty have provided for a portion of their estate to be left to Central. They decided to do this to show their gratitude for their Central education. The couple created a living trust and pour-over will with three beneficiaries — their two children/heirs and a third beneficiary of charitable organizations they support, of which one is Central.

Central Love

Mike and Betty laughed when reminiscing about their engagement and life on campus as a married couple.

Mike recalls, “When a couple got engaged, the men on campus would tie the newly proposed man to a wooden cross and carry him to the women’s dorm. He would be bound and placed on the ground below the windows. Women would pour water out the windows onto the gentleman until his fiancée came down and untied him.”

Thankfully, this was done only in warm weather.

“We had a lot of fun as a married couple on campus. The college organized social activities for married couples that included bowling regularly at the local bowling establishment. Through those activities we were able to build married couple friendships,” Betty says.

As a home economics major, Betty was heavily involved in the Pietenpol Cup competition. She remembers sewing many bee costumes in her second year at Central.

Mike shared that he lived in a house on the edge of campus during his second year with 10 guys, and they became very close.

“I spent a lot of time with them even when I was married. To this day we get together regularly to talk, mostly by Zoom,” Mike says. “We’ve shared events and a group of us went on a Mediterranean cruise a few years back. You know you talk about memories from Central and we really did make lifelong connections. It’s not only a spouse but also friends you stay connected with for years.”

The Buitenwerfs love the memories of Central and are thankful for the solid education they received.

Betty returned to Central as the director of human resources in 2002. As a Central staff member, Better saw firsthand the ways Central helps students grow.

“The atmosphere I witnessed was nurturing for both students and employees,” Betty says. “I had the opportunity to work with students, hiring them for the student work program. The atmosphere and culture really allow students to grow as people and mature. They get to know their professors and staff on campus. That’s the reason I would like to continue to support Central.”

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 come. To create your own legacy at Central, contact Deb Calderwood at 641-628-5138 or calderwoodd@central.edu to get started.