Four locals among Central College
Class of 2026
PELLA — Central College recognized 251 graduates during Commencement 2026 on May 16, in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium on Central’s campus.
Madison Craig of Solon graduated with major(s) in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Communication Studies.
Dade Altman of Solon graduated with major(s) in Accounting and Business Management.
Lindsay Armour of Ely graduated with major(s) in Biology.
Annika Kruse of Solon graduated with major(s) in Elementary Education.
Prior to awarding the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to students, Mike Main, M.D., a cardiologist, Central trustee and 1987 graduate, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. He addressed the audience and encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, pursue meaningful opportunities and lead lives grounded in purpose during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a Central student in the 1980s, the speaker described the huge impact of the college’s liberal arts environment and the mentors who helped shape his path from political science major to physician leader.
The speaker emphasized that curiosity and critical thinking will become even more important in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
“When information is abundant, judgment becomes critical,” he said. “Center your lifelong learning on the skills you’ve developed here through a diverse liberal arts education – critical thinking, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence.”
In discussing purpose, the speaker urged graduates to focus less on status and possessions and more on service to others. As heart doctor, he strongly encouraging graduates to maintain healthy habits that will allow them to fully engage in meaningful work and relationships throughout their lives.
He also encouraged graduates to remain open to unexpected opportunities, recounting how mentors at Central helped him pivot from plans for law school to a career in medicine following the loss of his younger sister to heart disease.
“Say yes anyway, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself,” he told graduates. “Maybe more than once.”
“Armed with the knowledge, experiences and education you’ve gained at Central College,” he said, “you’ll meet challenges with skill and with heart, and you’ll achieve great things for your faith, your family, your profession and your community.”
The ceremony was livestreamed and is available for viewing on the Central Dutch Network.
Central College announces
spring 2026 Dean’s List
PELLA — Each semester, Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by naming them to the Dean’s List. This distinction is reserved for those who have earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing a minimum of 12 graded credit hours. The students exemplify academic excellence and a strong commitment to their education. We congratulate them on this well-deserved accomplishment.
Solon – Dade Altman, Madison Craig, Georgia Havlicek, Brayden Ruskey, and Ella Sheeley
Kirkwood Community College announces Dean’s List honors
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours at the college.
Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction are listed below.
Ely – Robert Biggart, Keely Biggs, Lauren Carnahan, Ravid Da, Nile Fall, Cassidy Fangmann, Josiah Fatka, Levi French, Ben Healy, Katie Hertel, Briar Hess, Ayla Knipper, Emma Mahoney, Kallie McGaffee, Ciara McMurrin, Elaina Miller, Sophie Miller, Aedric Nederhoff, Jessica Olson, Natalie Pumphrey, Bailey Reiseck, Barret Schade, Smith Schade, Tyler Schamberger, Curtis Sebetka, Kamren Serbousek, Vince Steinbrech, Adam Stoneman, Emersyn Stout, Jayden Umstead, Justin Velky, Maddy Weber, and Brooks Whitaker
Solon – Bree Allen, Caden Bails, Read Barney, Ryan Bilskie, William Brandt, Johnson Dylan Branscomb, Clare Connell, Kacey Craig, Mackenzie Craig, Tessa Droll, Trea Eidahl, Johnson, Izzy Frees, Addy Gerdes, Nick Gerdin, Eli Greazel, Carter Grimm, Madalynn Harp, Ben Hinners, Lydia Hogan, Morgan Holm, Pyeper Hurd, Liam James, Nicholas Johnson, Jason Kakacek, Eli Kampman, Cris Kishimoto, Madisen Kleppe, Austin Knight, Gable Knight, Tristan Koehler, Jacob Kramer, Piper Kriz, Kobi Lietz, Sophia Link, Bailey Madura, Kirk Meyer, Audrey Michels, Valerie Miller, Trevor Myers, Lily Owen, Lexi Pealer, Elizabeth Petrie, Kris Richardson, Megan Richardson, JoEllen Ritchie, Gianna Rocca, Maddi Singbeil, Jonathan Stahle, Nick Stahle, Piper Stahle, Cora Sutton, Elliot Sutton, Devin Swierczewski, Evan Ulch, Hannah Vance, Trendon Walker, Robin Whitehead, Addi Wilmer, Gavin Wisman, Kendall Yale, and Isaiah Zoske
University of Dubuque Spring Semester 2026 Academic Dean’s List
DUBUQUE, Iowa (May 26, 2026) – The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2026 Academic Dean’s List.
Ely – Jacob Hale
Solon – Jaden Gatts, Savannah Stookey
Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean’s List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean’s List for the given term.
Dean’s List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively.