Central College will expand its annual Hoo-Rah Day challenge into the 1853 Challenge. The revamped initiative, formerly called the 53-Mile Challenge, adds volunteerism as a component.

The 1853 Challenge encourages the Central community to practice service to others and/or a healthy lifestyle from Sunday, February 16th, until Hoo-Rah Day on Wednesday, April 9th. Central students, employees, alumni, family, and friends can join the challenge by completing 18 hours of service and/or covering 53 miles by walking, running, biking or swimming. Participants can register at central.edu/alumni/challenge and print out a log sheet and enter the dates of service and movement. Participants can show their Central spirit during the challenge by tagging Central in social media posts with #1853CentralChallenge. Those that submit a completed challenge sheet to the Central Advancement Office by Thursday, April 10th will be entered into a prize drawing from the Central College Spirit Shoppe. Individuals who complete both service and wellness challenges will be entered for a larger prize.

Completed challenge sheets may be emailed to director of engagement Mary Benedict or can be mailed to or dropped off at the Central Advancement Office in Central Hall, located at 812 University St., Campus Box 5200, Pella, Iowa, 50219.