The Geisler Penquite Foundation awarded Central College a two-part gift totaling $480,000. The foundation has committed $300,000 to create three endowed scholarships for students accepted into the education program. In addition, the foundation gave $180,000 to the Geisler Library endowment.

The Geisler Penquite scholarships support exceptional students in the college’s education program who exhibit academic success, progress in the program and potential for leadership in the field of education. In 2023, 25 education majors at Central will benefit from their support.

The Geisler Penquite Foundation also gave a gift toward the library endowment, a space now named in honor of John Edward Geisler and Gertrude Setzer Geisler. The library endowment supports the purchase of new books, research resources, library supplies and digital media.

“As the state and nation face teacher shortages, Central’s exceptional teacher preparation program works to develop well-equipped new teachers. The Geisler Penquite scholarships and library endowment will have a lasting impact on future teachers and generations to come,” says Jen Diers, director of the education program. “We are extremely grateful to the Geisler and Penquite families and their foundation for this increase in their giving to encourage future teachers and instructors.”

The Geisler Penquite Foundation was established by Harold and Mavis Geisler, Cecil Geisler Penquite and Loren Penquite in honor of their parents, John Edward Geisler and Gertrude Setzer Geisler. For more than 40 years, the Geisler and Penquite families through the foundation have funded scholarships, buildings and statues at Central, totaling more than $4.8 million.