The Geisler Penquite Foundation awarded Central with $5 million for scholarships, committing to $100,000 per year. The gifts will alternate between the Geisler and Penquite Endowed Scholarship Funds. The scholarships will be awarded to juniors and seniors accepted into the teacher preparation program. When completely funded, the gift will support 48-50 renewable scholarships of $5,000 for 12 new students in the elementary and secondary education programs.

The Scholars Program honors students who exemplify our essential values and skills, advocate for future teachers in very direct ways, and work collaboratively to lead in ways that build upon our positive reputation to recruit and prepare exemplary teachers for future generations.

Three new scholarships will be awarded in Spring 2013. Students must be sophomore standing, hold a 3.4 GPA or higher, be approved into the Education Program at Central College, and be committed to excellence in education.

To apply for the 2013 Geisler Penquite Scholarships, complete this

application  by March, 25, 2013.

2011 Penquite Scholar

Nathan Wall
Selected as the 2011-2012 Penquite Scholarship recipient, Nathan Wall is a junior at Central College pursuing a degree and teaching license in Elementary Education. He will earn a middle school endorsement, allowing him to teach middle school students in his favorite content areas: English & social studies. Nathan has already earned a coaching endorsement and has served the Pella community as a middle school basketball coach. Originally from Manning, Iowa, Nathan’s interests and goals include state education policy, adolescent development, school administration and serving as a mentor to students through teaching and coaching.

2012 Geisler Scholar

Kathryn Manternach
Kathryn Manternach is our first secondary education teacher preparation candidate to be selected as a Geisler-Penquite Scholar. She has served as a peer instructor in Central’s Introduction to College Success class, interned with the Benton County 4-H programs, earned a Presidential Scholarship, and is a member of the Central College Dean’s list. Kathryn will earn a teaching license and degree in Mathematics. She looks forward to working with the Geisler-Penquite committee, continuing to serve in mission and ministry capacities, and is excited about her upcoming role as a leader in education.