Two Class of 1960 Central College graduates have established an endowed scholarship in their names. The Harold Kolenbrander and Judy Grooters Scholarship is open to students who have significant financial need and who have both the desire and the capacity to be successful Central students. Harold Kolenbrander and Judy Gosselink Grooters decided to establish the endowment to support the next generation of Central students.

“It just seemed right,” Kolenbrander says. “We have so many connections to Central and we both had children that graduated from Central. We are very close to Central. We wanted to make this endowment to support students.”

Scholarships played a role in both Kolenbrander’s and Grooters’ ability to attend Central. Grooters came to Central receiving music scholarships.

“When we were sophomores, the Sputnik space program went on,” Kolenbrander explains. “One result was that the U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Student Loans program to support the sciences. I received one of those, which helped quite a bit.”

Individuals or families interested in creating an endowed scholarship or another endowment at Central are encouraged to contact the development office at development@central.edu or call 800-447-0287.