Associate professor emerita of communication at Central College Bette Brunsting died Friday evening at Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

The 1956 Central graduate served 34 years as dean and faculty member after returning to Central in 1964. At Central, Brunsting was known for her rigorous public speaking classes, personality and charge to students: “go forth and do good things.” Besides her work with students, Brunsting served on the college advisory board, as well the board of trustees as faculty representative. She received the David Crichton Memorial Award in 1997 and the Alumni Stewardship and Service Award in 1998. In 2001, she was presented the Iowa Communication Association Citation Award, the organization’s highest honor. Brunsting is honored on campus with Central’s Brunsting Fireside Lounge in Graham Conference Center. In addition, the Bette Brunsting Student Project Fund provides for student-faculty collaborative research projects, cultural travel and professional meetings.

Brunsting is survived by one sister, Lucille, as well as 13 nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at Second Reformed Church in Pella.