Helped by a lead gift from alumnus, longtime donor and former staff member Gary Dirksen, Central College has wrapped up a $30,000 fundraising project for COVID-19 test kits for student-athletes.

Student-athletes at Central and throughout all divisions of the NCAA have been tested regularly for COVID-19 in order to participate this season. The American Rivers Conference, of which Central is a member, requires weekly testing.

“These talented young women and men student-athletes have worked so hard and endured so much this year to have the opportunity to participate in their limited seasons,” Dirksen says. “It would have been an absolute shame for them to be denied the opportunity to participate in a sport they love so much just because the funds weren’t available to administer the (tests). It means everything to me to see these young people have the opportunity to participate in their given sport.”

Dirksen got the project started with a $15,000 gift, which was matched by a combined 23 donors. The “Gary Dirksen Challenge” raised $30,000 by the end of February. Nearly $45,000 has been raised by alumni and donors in support of campus safety and COVID-19 testing needs for all students.