Photo courtesy of Central College in Pella, IA

A college in the state of Iowa is looking to start a new tradition centered around a Perry native.

Central College, located in Pella, is honoring former longtime Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger with the debut of Grandparent Day Special on October 19th. Marburger is a 1989 graduate from Central College, before he moved to Perry and started working at the high school as associate principal in 1995 prior to becoming principal in 1997.

Central College’s Director of Development Michelle Wilkie tells Raccoon Valley Radio that as a grandfather, Marburger enjoyed taking his children to a game as he always ate popcorn and M&M’s. She shares that Marburger was on the football team, and although he wasn’t a star player, he had a knack for lifting people’s spirits.

“He was just like a really huge motivator to others and working really hard, and practicing, and just representing the core values of really being a gentleman, a scholar, and an athlete. That was very important to him.”

Wilkie indicates that she’s been working closely with Marburger’s family to discover the great intimate relationship he displayed with all of his children. She reveals a special aspect that guests will be able to witness as they walk into the stadium.

“We’ve installed a monument for Dan near the practice field because that’s a place where he truly shined, and just encouraging and supporting those around him.”

Wilkie invites everyone to attend their home game on the 19th, but highlights that children 12 and younger will receive free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket, and grandparents will be given a free bag of popcorn with M&M’s.