Central College has launched the Marburger Leadership Institute, a semester-long leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of courageous, compassionate and community-focused educators.
Eleven students have been selected for the program’s inaugural cohort this spring. The institute is named in memory of Principal Dan Marburger, a 1989 Central graduate, whose sacrifice saved the lives of his students at Perry High School in January 2024. Central created the program through a gift from an anonymous donor, who wanted to ensure Marburger’s example lives on in the educators it sends into the world.
The institute will be offered in spring semesters. Students are nominated and selected by Education Department faculty based on their leadership potential, integrity, and dedication to the profession. Guest speakers from across education, community service, athletics and volunteerism will lead sessions alongside members of the Marburger family, who will share personal reflections on Dan’s life and the values that guided him.
The eleven students pursuing teacher education were selected for the inaugural cohort, representing three certification areas.
Elementary education:
- Rylee Dunkin, Hamilton, Iowa, Class of 2027
- Georgia Matthews, Windsor Heights, Iowa, Class of 2026
- Emma Murphy, Liberty, Missouri, Class of 2027
- Ajay Six, Washington, Iowa, Class of 2027
- Taylor Sniezek, Gilbert, Iowa, Class of 2026
- Jasmyn Williams, Henderson, Colorado, Class of 2026
Secondary education (Grades 5-12):
- Samuel Vis, Ames, Iowa, Class of 2027 mathematics major
- Brianna VanGroll, Colesburg, Iowa, Class of 2028 English major
K-12 specialty education:
- Jillian Fairbanks, Otley, Iowa, Class of 2027 kinesiology major to be a physical education/health teacher
- Lydia Fisher, Quincy, Illinois, Class of 2027 vocal music education major
- Madeline MacGregor, Macomb, Illinois, Class of 2026 vocal music education major
Marburger served as principal of Perry High School, and died on January 14th, 2024. He is remembered across Iowa and the nation as a model of servant leadership, devotion to family, and unconditional love for his students and community.