PELLA — Central College President Mark Putnam announced the public launch of “A World of Good.” The $50 million initiative aims to generate unprecedented support for scholarships and endowments for student experiences, academic innovation, community partnerships and long-term sustainability.
The campaign also emphasizes service to others, encouraging volunteerism as a core part of its mission.
Putnam unveiled the campaign during the college’s 25th annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner on Thursday, April 24, addressing more than 500 students, families, alumni, donors, faculty and staff.
“This effort is entirely about the student experience,” Putnam said. “It’s animated by a bold ambition — to raise $50 million — and fueled by the drive to create meaningful opportunities for current and future generations.”
He emphasized the campaign’s unwavering focus on students and the enduring mission of the college. “A World of Good” marks a transformational moment as Central approaches its 175th anniversary in 2028. With strategic investments in both near- and long-term priorities, the campaign will help ensure the next 175 years of Central’s legacy. The college’s last comprehensive campaign launched more than 20 years ago.
“We’ve had extraordinary generosity and leadership of our supporters,” Putnam said. He highlighted the 100% participation of the Board of Trustees and called on the broader Central family to give, volunteer and lead with purpose.
Putnam also emphasized that the true power of the campaign lies not only in financial support but in the collective resolve to do good in the world.
“Fundraising goes hand in hand with people putting themselves forward,” he said. “Service is part of the Central DNA. It’s deeply ingrained in our alumni.”
“There are moments in the life of an institution that define its future — and this is one of those moments,” Putnam added. “We are here today because of the work done decades ago, and we have a responsibility to pay that forward. By giving now, we empower students yet to come and help Central College do a world of good for generations.”
Tej Dhawan, chair of the Central Board of Trustees and a 1991 graduate, echoed the excitement. “Thanks to our amazing Central community, we have momentum for moving forward with the public phase of this comprehensive campaign,” Dhawan said. “This transformational campaign will empower the college to make significant investments in our educational experience, ensuring that our students graduate fully prepared for meaningful careers and lives dedicated to making a positive impact.”
The campaign launch also included comments by Harry Smith, a 1973 Central graduate, board member and multi-Emmy Award–winning journalist. He reflected on his Central journey and how fortunate he was to have discovered Central, which launched him on a lifelong journey into curiosity. Smith narrated the campaign video, which premiered during the event. The video can be viewed at worldofgood.central.edu.
The evening also highlighted the Geisler-Penquite Foundation’s $9.3 million gift with a video from the September 2024 ceremony.
“Central is thrilled to launch ‘A World of Good,’ positioning our beloved institution for a bold future as we approach our 175th anniversary,” said Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, Central’s vice president for advancement and a 1999 alumna. “This campaign is a testament to our enduring values. We invite everyone whose life has been shaped by Central to join us in investing in the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Together, we can ensure Central continues to educate students who lead with purpose and leave the world better than they found it.”
There are many ways you can do a world of good that align with your financial and philanthropic goals. For more information or to request a conversation with a gift officer, please contact us at 641-628-5154 or [email protected].
