Central College’s Geisler Penquite Scholars were recognized at the Geisler Penquite Foundation luncheon this fall on the college’s campus.

The Geisler Penquite Program honors and supports exceptional students in the college’s teacher education program who exhibit potential for leadership and hold at least a 3.4 cumulative grade-point average, among other qualifications. A committee of local education professionals, Central education department faculty members and a representative from the Geisler Penquite Foundation selects finalists for interviews and chooses the scholars. Scholars each receive approximately $5,000 each year for their junior and senior years. In return, they represent the education department with prospective students, conduct research or help develop new education department initiatives. The Geisler Penquite Scholarship was established by Harold and Mavis Geisler and Cecil Geisler Penquite and Loren Penquite in honor of their parents, John Edward Geisler and Gertrude Setzer Geisler. The family also endowed the college’s Geisler Library.

Central College Geisler Penquite scholars, juniors front row, left to right: Shelby Casner, Mason Muur, Brittney Latcham, Elise Askelsen, Madison McDowell, Alaena Pelzer, McKenna Fiebelkorn, Parker Majerus. The Geisler Penquite Foundation board of directors includes , back row, left to right: Sheri Roslien ’88, Dan Skokan, Gary Timmer ’55, Maurine Timmer, Jean Schnell, Eric Sickler ’83, John Roslien. Not pictured: Noreen Otto and Eugene Knopf.