Central College launched a new fundraising option, honored one of its oldest alumni, celebrated many reunion classes and decisively won its football game during Homecoming 2023.

Forever Dutch Lager was released during Homecoming weekend with strong support from alumni and the Central community. The fundraising plan calls for 15% of beer sales to go to the Journey Scholarship Fund.

“Central is the first private college in Iowa to label a beer to support student scholarships,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 graduate of Central. “It’s heartwarming to see the response from the Central family and the community. We are grateful to all the partners that are doing a world of good for our students, especially Pella Hops and Gezellig Brewing Company.”

Another highlight of the weekend was the recognition of Wilma Damhof Hoekstra, Classes of 1945 and 1969. Hoekstra will turn 100 Thursday, Oct. 26. She recently earned notoriety for a book she wrote about monarch butterflies at the age of 98. She taught first grade at Pella’s Lincoln Elementary for 20 years. Wilma and her husband, the late Anthony Hoekstra, Class of 1961, had six children with 22 of their children, grandchildren and their spouses being Central alumni.

Central Dutch sports teams were busy over Homecoming weekend. The football team won over the University of Dubuque 55-16. Women’s soccer finished in a 1-1 draw with the University of Dubuque. Central’s volleyball team defeated Luther College in four sets and in the second match of the triangular, the Dutch fell in five sets against University of Wisconsin-Stout. Men’s soccer fell to the University of Dubuque 3-2. Women’s tennis played Loras College losing 8-1 and earned a 5-4 win over University of St. Mary (Kansas). A young contingent for the men’s tennis team lost to the University of St. Mary despite strong individual action. At the ITA Division III Midwest Regional, a consolidated men’s tennis team competed with an individual win. Central’s men’s cross-country team placed second in the 21-team Dan Huston Invitational.

Reunion classes of years ending in 3 and 8 celebrated milestones. Members of the class of 1973 were honored guests at their 50-year reunion.

Alumni can now make plans for Homecoming 2024, scheduled for October 4-6.