Mike Main MD, Central Board of Trustee, cardiologist and 1987 Central graduate, addresses the students with words of inspiration
PELLA, IOWA (May 26, 2026) — Central College recognized 251 graduates during Commencement 2026 on May 16, in PH Kuyper Gymnasium on Central's campus.
Andrew Cotty of Geneseo (61254), graduated with major(s) in Accounting and Business Management and minors in Religion.
Dominic DeLaPaz of Davenport (52804), graduated with major(s) in Business Management and minors in Communication Studies.
Blake Wynn of Milan (61264), graduated with major(s) in Actuarial Science and Economics and minors in Spanish.
Alex Syslo of Coal Valley (61240), graduated with major(s) in Economics and Mathematics.
Padriac Bozik of Davenport (52804), graduated with major(s) in Kinesiology.
Alec Harris of Long Grove (52756), graduated with major(s) in Business Management.
Lauren Johnsen of Geneseo (61254), graduated with major(s) in History.
Colleen Kenney of Taylor Ridge (61284), graduated with major(s) in Psychology.
Prior to awarding the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to students, Mike Main MD, 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 of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor, and athletics success. Ranked the N° 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness, and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.a
