Alumni Board Spotlight - Bolden Harris '01

Major/Minors: Biology

Family Information: Girlfriend Emily and her son, Dominique

Work Information: Chiropractor at Four Points Family Chiropractic

About me: I can't believe 10 years have gone by so quickly, and I really do miss Wartburg. Considering I hail from Texas, I never thought I would say I miss Iowa, but Wartburg has a special place in my heart. I have been honored to serve on the Wartburg Alumni Board and on the extension faculty for Palmer College of Chiropractic, and I have stayed active in my community. After graduating from Wartburg, I attended Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, where I graduated as valedictorian of my class, served as Student Council president, was a graduate teaching assistant and also worked as an intern for two years through the prestigious Troxell Intern Program. Upon graduating, I opened my own practice in Arlington, Texas, then sold it three years later to help take care of my ailing father. I have since relocated to beautiful Austin, Texas, and have never been happier. I have been fortunate to work with the University of Texas at Arlington, discussing the benefits of chiropractic for ADD/ADHD children with the College of Social Work and serving as team chiropractor for the club football team. I also served as the team doctor for the 2006 NWCA Wrestling Tournament, which featured Wartburg's own Blake Gillis. I enjoy public speaking and have had the opportunity to speak regularly at Camp LT alongside future hall of fame NFL running back, Ladainian Tomlinson. I have also been fairly involved in politics over the last few years. I was elected to serve as a national delegate for Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, where I met First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebilius and Iowa's District 1 House Representative Bruce Braley. Since then, I have served as a Texas state delegate and have been working on resolutions to better incorporate chiropractic with the new health care law. I love to travel and recently returned from a chiropractic mission trip to India. I have also traveled to Brazil and Nicaragua in past years to serve the less fortunate. I plan to open my own practice again and to run for political office to continue working on healthcare legislation.

Favorite Wartburg Memory:
One of my fondest memories is visiting Germany with the Wartburg football team, seeing the Wartburg Castle and playing in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

What do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, rock climbing, watching football, politics and most of all, helping others.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?
The campus has always been beautiful, the education has consistently been topnotch, but I think what sets Wartburg apart is that it feels like a family. I live close to the University of Texas, which has tens of thousands of students who get lost in the shuffle. Wartburg is different, because I'm always amazed that I can come back five or 10 years later and the faculty still remember me. It makes me feel like I was important and not just a number. The funny name and bright orange colors also create a lifelong bond with other Wartburgers.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
My favorite thing about Wartburg is that the college is always focused on the future and provides an environment that is welcoming to a diverse array of students. Being a minority and not a native Iowan, I found Wartburg still made me feel right at home.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
Being Orange to me means standing out in the crowd by being the best you can be, being a leader, an innovator and being a part of something bigger than yourself, the Wartburg family.

Alumni Board Spotlight: Johnna Haag Klein '97

Majors: Social Work and Religion

Family Information: My husband, Terry, is a class of '97 Wartburg graduate as well. We married at the Wartburg Chapel, summer of '97. We have a son, Bridger, who is seven, our daughter, Carson, is five and we have our grand finale child due in the coming weeks!

Work Information: Upon graduation we moved to Apple Valley, MN, where I had an AWESOME opportunity to work with the Children and Youth at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley. While working at the church I took classes at the College of St. Catherine and the University of St. Thomas to gain a Master's degree in Social Work. As part of my degree I needed to do an internship for three days a week, sadly I had to quit my job at the church to complete my degree. Soon after my internship ended I graduated and Terry and I had our son, Bridger, and I began my latest career of full time mom!

What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, parents and friends. When I have time I enjoy reading, going on walks and bike rides, drinking Chai tea, journaling and taking pictures.

What do I think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?

The young men and women who graduate from Wartburg enter the post-collegiate world with the leadership skills beyond the text books, with the desire to be of service to others, beyond their own benefit and a greater knowledge and appreciation of the Christian faith and what role their relationship with Jesus will play in their lives as they journey on after life at Wartburg.

The genuine sense of belonging, welcoming, personal connections, warmth and feeling of "home" there is on campus between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. The people and place of Wartburg College are inviting. There is beauty on campus that radiates from the inside out, from the campus population, the landscape, the buildings and permeates those who walk the halls and sidewalks. I don't know how someone could walk onto Wartburg's campus and not be drawn in by the spirit of the college?!

What are my favorite things about Wartburg?

-The feeling on campus I just mentioned.

-Meeting current students and chatting with them, they are amazing!

-Being more deeply involved by serving on the Alumni Board.

-The fact that my husband, kids, and I feel so at home here when we visit. My kids love being at Wartburg, running around campus, swimming at The W, having a cool cookie at the Den while looking forward to O.P. Pizza! What a gift to watch them fall in love with Wartburg College, a place that means so much to my husband and I!

What does Being Orange mean to you?

Being Orange means passing on your love for our Alma Mater to those around you as well as supporting the college in whatever ways you can.

-Wear Wartburg gear and share your stories of time at Wartburg.

-Offer to bring local high school students to campus for a visit!

-Put a Wartburg decal on your car, a pendant in your office, be loud and proud about where you went to school!

-Attend Homecoming, sports or music events.

-Give financially, as you are able.

** Don't only have Wartburg as a part of your past, make it a part of your present and future. That is what being Orange means to me and some of the ways I think each of us can Be Orange for Life!

Alumni Board Spotlight - Christine Zonneveld '78

Major/Minors: Psychology/political science and business

Family Information: Three boys: Danny, senior in high school; Peter, junior in high school, and Andy, 8th grader

Work Information:

Part time: Customer Service, Lakewinds Natural Foods

Very part time: Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association

Executive producer of "Phasma Ex Machina", an independent film, which recently played to sold out houses at the Minneapolis and Montreal film festivals.

What do you enjoy doing? Spending time with my boys, whether it's going to a movie, bowling, watching Jon Stewart/Comedy Central, or attending my oldest son's horse shows. Movies, travel, my early morning coffee group, swimming, reading, and taking walks with our dog.

What do I think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Their reputation of excellence, whether it be academic or athletic. Their friendliness and sense of community.

What is currently my favorite thing about Wartburg? Serving on the Alumni Board of Directors. It keeps me connected with the school, and gives me the opportunity to meet and serve with individuals whom I normally wouldn't have met. Volunteering during Homecoming also gives me opportunities to meet amazing, fun, and talented students and alumni.

What does being orange mean to you? Being part of the larger Wartburg community. Raising awareness of the college and all it has to offer.

At the wedding of the daughter of a friend of mine this Friday, we were seated at a table with another couple. We began chatting, and before long, I mentioned being a graduate of Wartburg. You can imagine my surprise when the husband informed me he was also a Wartburg graduate. It's amazing how Wartburg graduates, parents, and friends are everywhere! It's a wonderful feeling of community.

Meals from the Heartland

The Des Moines 'Meals from the Heartland' was a success! 24 people participated. There were several new faces and several families, which made it neat to have kids involved. The youngest was a 6 year old. Below are some of the paraphrased positive comments about doing this:

“I always thought about doing Meals From the Heartland, but never did until I saw that the Wartburg alumni group was going. It was so easy to sign up and then I was accountable for going.”

“We haven’t done anything with the alumni group before, but we thought Meals From the Heartland sounded like a good thing to do, so we signed up.”

“I thought my boys were going to give me a hard time for signing them up to volunteer on a Friday night, but they didn’t complain one bit!”
The group divided into 3 tables and we packed a total of:
34 cases = 1,224 meal packages = 7,344 meals (equal to an individual serving which is the quantity the event refers to)

During the 90 minutes we were packaging, the whole building packed about 400,000 meals. The event this year packed a total of 4,490,640 meals.

One participant said, "It was great to see how something so easy could be a great event and lots of fun!"

Check out pictures from the event here!

Alumni Board Spotlight-Abigail Smith

Graduation Year 2000
Major/Minors Biology

Family Information: I am married to Kevin Smith, also a 2000 graduate, and we have one son, Nicholas, who is 14 months old. We also have two dogs, Gizmo & Gadget, who are still adjusting to their demotion back to ‘doghood’ after Nicholas came home!

Work Information: I am an on-call pediatric Occupational Therapist at ChildServe in Johnston, IA.

About me: Being an on-call OT has allowed me time to volunteer in other activities, such as the Wartburg Alumni Board, church bell choir, and other church committees. I also volunteer with one of our dogs at ChildServe. Gizmo enjoys his weekly job: to bring smiles to kids’ faces and encourage them in their therapy.

What do you enjoy doing?
Previously I enjoyed reading, sewing, playing cards, and going on bike rides. However, now most of my time is taken up with playing with our son, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?
I believe one of the many benefits Wartburg has to offer is faculty that are committed to teaching and demonstrate a sincere interest in the students’ personal success.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
I really enjoy meeting some of the current Wartburg students when I am back on campus. It makes me realize that Wartburg is continuing to attract stellar students that are carrying on the Wartburg pride and traditions. They are just as cool as when we were there :-)

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
Being Orange is always remembering what I learned at Wartburg. The faculty, staff, and entire Wartburg College experience, both on and off campus, challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and learn more about the world and my role in it than I ever could have imagined from a small college in a small town. Wartburg College provided me with four years of encouragement and growth that has impacted who I am today, how I live my life, and what I choose to do with my time and talents.

Last Two Outflys of the Summer!

With August coming to a close and school in the near future, President Colson and the Alumni Association finished up the Outfly Season with an event in Cedar Falls at Gateway Park Pavilion, and then had a grand finale right on Wartburg's campus.
The rain held off at the Black Hawk County Outfly, allowing for lively conversation. August 17th was an enjoyable evening.
The Cedar Valley Outfly on campus had 285 people in attendance! It is no surprise that the record attendance was at the Outfly located back on the 'old stomping grounds.' The summer was full of fun and memories--the alums' spirit for Wartburg was very evident.

To see pictures from the Black Hawk County Outfly click here.

For pictures from the Cedar Valley Outfly click here.

To see videos from both events as well as from the whole summer-click here.

Alumni Spotlight- Del Doherty '06

Del Doherty '06

Biochemistry

Family:

My wife, Stephanie, is a 2006 Wartburg grad. We met at our freshman orientation and got married at the chapel, so Wartburg holds a very special place in our hearts.

About me:

I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with my doctorate in pharmacy and masters in public health. I just started my new job as a staff pharmacist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Riverside. I am also pursuing my PhD in social and administrative pharmacy at the university.

What do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy discovering and sharing new ideas, especially about politics, public policy, public health and other cultural issues.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?

Wartburg has a culture which allows everyone to express themselves and belong. Wartburg has a culture in which every faculty, staff and student is invested.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?

Coming back, revisiting old places, meeting old and new faces, and being engaged.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
Be orange is a lifestyle! For me, it is a concept imbued with unfathomable experiences, emotions, friendships and lifelong relationships that can only be summarized by two simple words, BE ORANGE!

Ankeny, Des Moines, and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Outflys

As all who attended know, the days of August 10-12 were brutally hot with unbelievably intense humidity. The President addressed each group of alums, current students, and incoming students along with families at each event. Each Outfly was similar most importantly in that alums shared stories about their memories of going to college for the first time, pranks pulled during their time there, and then also what they have done with their life since their time at Wartburg. There were pictures taken at all of the Outflys and to view the pictures from the Outfly you attended, click the corresponding link.

Ankeny Outfly pictures
Des Moines Outfly pictures
Iowa City/Cedar Rapids pictures
For videos with stories from the Outflys click here.

Charles City and Manchester Outflys

The alums braved the heat at the Charles City Outfly in Lion's Park, and at the Manchester Outfly, the bugs were the antagonist. Never the less, the turnout was great for both events and the Wartburg spirit was as strong as ever.

The Charles City Outfly was hosted by Michael and Nancy Kruschke '80 Heiter. President Colson attended both events, filling the guests in on what he has experienced during his first year as president of the college. He also spoke on the Commission on Mission-the plans laid out for the future of Wartburg.

The hosts for the Manchester Outfly were Harold '66 and Eleanor Gerdes '66 Blobaum. There are photos to be viewed of both events, and there are also videos from the alumni who shared their memories from their time at Wartburg.
Click to see the photos from the Charles City Outfly or Manchester Outfly.

To watch the videos click here. Enjoy! And thank you for attending! Hope to see you next time!

Wartburg Alumni Carnegie Hall Performance

"Thanks to Paul Torkelson for arranging this trip. It was awesome to step out onto the stage at Carnegie Hall and to sing The Requiem under the direction of John Rutter. The Hall holds about 2800 and there were about 2100 at the concert. If this opportunity ever presents itself again, go for it, and with Dr. Torkelson in New York, we are hopeful this will happen again. The Wartburg experience never fails and never stops."

-Grayce Hartman '60

Chicago and Quad Cities Outfly

The Chicago Outfly on July 14, 2010 was a hot one! The alums were not discouraged from attending. The outfly was attended by a student-to-be also-an alum in the making! The President discussed the Strategic Plan for the college as well as some of the stories he has accumulated throughout his first year at Wartburg.

The Quad Cities Outfly was a much cooler experience, and it ended up being the perfect evening for a picnic. It turned out that both Outflys were attended by incoming freshmen. The President told stories about students who have left an impact on him this past year. He also expressed his surprise when upon being cut he did not bleed orange! How great is it that our President has fit right into the Wartburg Community-so much so he feels he should bleed orange.

There were videos taken at both Outflys where alums told their 'Wartburg Story.' Check out the pictures and videos taken at these Outflys. Click here for pictures from the Chicago Outfly and click here for pictures from the Quad Cities Outfly. The Wartburg Stories have been uploaded to our Wartburg Channel on Youtube. Click here to see them!

Alumni Spotlight- Kim Oleson Hohensee '88

Kim Oleson Hohensee ‘88
Music Education

My husband, Jay is a 1986 Wartburg Grad. I have two children, Mallory, who is a sophomore at the University Wyoming, Laramie; and Alex who is 13 years old and will be in 8th grade.

I’ve been a music teacher for 17 years at elementary, middle and high school levels. I’m also a Church Council member at Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO; church organist/pianist/accompanist and choir director. I also teach private piano and voice lessons.

What do you enjoy doing?

Spending time with my friends and family, especially at our family favorite vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas. Playing the piano, shopping, water skiing, downhill skiing, listening to music, watching movies with my family.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?

The small student/faculty ratio and small class sizes. The excellent academic programs and the dedication and commitment to offer additional majors over the years, that were not available when I attended Wartburg; and the continuing excellent academic programs and dedication and commitment to academic success. The multiple opportunities to study abroad, whether be somewhere else in the United States or somewhere overseas. Several opportunities to do service trips that include both students, faculty and alumni. Wartburg does a good job in keeping Alumni updated with what is happening on campus, whether it's involving student life, current issues and/or long-range planning for the college.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?

I thoroughly enjoy being on the Alumni Board. It keeps me current with what is happening on campus. Serving on the Alumni Board is also a way for me to give back to the college, as well as gives me an opportunity to meet other alums that I would have not had the opportunity and privilege to get to know. Regardless of the age of the Board Member, we all have something in common....Wartburg! It’s great hearing about all the experiences from 50 years ago to just 3-5 years ago.

What is your favorite Wartburg memory?

All the friends I made while a student. OUTFLY! (fall and spring) was a BLAST! However, 20-plus years ago OUTFLY was totally different than it is now. But the idea/concept remains the same.

I loved the camaraderie and closeness of the members of Castle Singers. The 1985-86 Castle Singers were a very close-knit group. We had picnics and many social get togethers during May term and throughout the year. We spent LOTS of time at Joe's. This group truly and sincerely cared for each other, and I am thankful for those relationships and friendships. And of course, I met my husband at Wartburg.

What does Being Orange mean to you?

Being Orange is being proud of your alma mater and all of its accomplishments. Being Orange is spreading the "good news" about the programs and opportunities Wartburg has to offer; academically, spiritually and socially. Most importantly for me, Being Orange is living and sharing the Wartburg mission statement: "...challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning."

Welcome Home Italian Adventure Tourists!

The world travelers have returned and have oodles of stories to share!
President Colson said that a highlight from one of the days was the communion service in the Castle Church, which ended with singing "A Mighty Fortress is our God" around the grave of Martin Luther.
To see pictures from the trip click here. Read on to find out what else the trip included!

"Oberammergau Greetings!
We are having a wonderful start to our Passion Play Italian trip. The weather has been wonderful--cool and sunny, perfect for the mountains. We had a good flight over on Lufthansa, met our bus driver, Uwe, at the Munich airport, then took in the Olympic Park, new BMW museum and Nymphenburg palace on the way to our hotel. Our hotel was located right at Karls Tor, in the heart of Munich, so it could not have been more centrally located. We had the best local guide for Munich that I have ever had in all my years of traveling! We also had great food and a great time at both the Augustilner and Hofbrau Haus restaurants.
Yesterday we enjoyed a spectacular day in the Alps, touring the Wies Kirche and the Neuschwanstein Castle, before driving to Oberammergau. The ticket folks said it was the first clear, sunny day in weeks! We have a beautiful hotel here, right around the corner from the Passion Play theater. The group eats at the huge Hotel wolff, right next door, and it sounds like their seats are in the front row! Since the play runs until almost eleven tonight, tomorrow we'll have a late breakfast-start to head over the mountains to beautiful Innsbruck.
Another great group of travelers, some new, some veterans, but everyone is mixing well and having a terrific time. I'm especially pleased with how everyone is mixing and included. We've had some devotions-reflections. Tomorrow we'll turn Jane and Suzie loose for some bus singing. Uwe has a great spirit for a bus driver--very positive and accommodating, which is huge!
God Bless and Greetings to everyone!"
Larry

Italian Adventure Continued

Our co-workers updated us on their travels! Read on to see what all they have been up to!

"Since you last heard from us ----

We saw Oberammergau, through the Dolomite Mountains (larger than the rockies and absolutely beautiful), to Innsbruck, Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Palaces.

In Venice we walked in Mediteranian Sea , picked up shells and had beer & pizza on the beach. Combo band played oldies in English and Italian and we danced with locals. The four of us rode on a gondola through the canals of Venice. So pretty.

Leaning Tower of Pisa was next on the agenda. Big crowds [allowed us to] only be able to view and take photos, [but] of course we shopped! [It was] very very hot and we had to ride a trolley that was over crowded with people.

Yesterday we were in Florence, Italy, and saw Michelangelo's David. What a sight! And Florence really had good shopping - lots of leather and goods.

Today we visited St. Francis Basilica in Assisi. It is a beautiful city built on the side of the mountain with lots of flowers. And more shopping.

Today we arrived in wonderful Roma (Rome). Hotel is gorgeous.

All meals, wine, and beer have been wonderful and we fear we have forgotten how to cook!"

Italian Adventure Tour!

Two members of the Alumni department are traveling abroad this summer for two weeks with the overseas Alumni tour. They departed on Sunday, June 20. They have emailed back some information of their travels so far this week! Read on and see what all they have been up to and have experienced.
"Munich was wonderful. We stayed in Hotel Daniel. ...It was right downtown and within walking distance of everything we wanted to see. We saw the Glockenspiel, which is in the city hall and [where] plays [are put on] three times a day on the hour in Marienplatz.
They were also awaiting word on whether Munich would be one of the last two choices for the site of the 2018 Winter Olympics, so there was a huge air balloon in the middle of Marienplatz with "Olympics 2018 - Participant."
We have seen beautiful churches, very ornate and huge. We had a bus tour of Munich with guide Michael who was VERY animated and enjoyable. He told us about Hilter's headquarters, which he actually spent more time at than in Berlin. We also visited the Dachau Concentration Camp. Quite a disturbing and eye-opening experience.
We are now in Oberammergau waiting to see the Passion Play this afternoon. We have had gorgeous weather. One lady said it is the best they have had in two and a half weeks, so we have some great pictures to share. Houses are beautiful with hanging flowers in window boxes. Very quaint.
Lots of brats and kraut! (and bier)"

Wartburg Heritage Tour

Wartburg faculty and staff are currently overseas in Wittenburg, Germany traveling and learning about Lutheran Heritage, which creates the roots of our institution in Waverly, IA. To follow the trip as it unfolds, click here and check out the information those touring are providing at the Wartburg blog page. So far numerous pictures have been uploaded from the Martin Luther museum and two churches which were centrally involved in the Protestant Reformation. Click above to find out more!

Hannah Baker Addresses Classmates at Commencement Ceremony

Due to all of her accomplishments in the classroom, on the track, and through service opportunities, Hannah Baker was chosen to speak for the Class of 2010. In the first few paragraphs of her speech, Hannah states, "Today...we leave not only as Knights; we leave as alumni. ...335 of us will walk across this stage to receive our diplomas, and in doing so, surpass another mile marker in the marathon of life. This is a day for reflection and celebration. This is our graduation day."
Hannah went on to explain reasons why the class of 2010 is unique: 3 Presidents, 4 Outflys, and seeing the 'The W' built were a few named.

Next, Hannah thanked the Wartburg professors. "You have served as mentors and role models, and we are truly grateful for the extra hours, references, and advice that you have provided over these past years."
Following the thank you to the professors, Hannah thanked the graduates' families. She said that as a college freshman, she quickly realized she had taken for granted two things: 1) Mom's cooking and 2) Dad's advice "...[Family members,] you kept us grounded and humble with the subtle reminder that whatever triumph or frustration we were experiencing, this too shall pass."
The next thank you was given to 'the behind the scenes workers' for keeping the campus beautiful and running smoothly on a daily basis.

The last thank you was directed at her classmates, because "by attending Wartburg College, I found my home away from home, and my classmates became my second family...I cherish the friendships that have been formed out of all things at Wartburg, it is seeing my friends and classmates on a daily basis that I will miss the most."

Hannah concluded her speech saying, "I pray, if you haven't already, that you may find your passion in life...finding your passion in life will allow you to naturally be motivated and willing to go the extra mile." The person she met at Wartburg with a true passion for life-Coach Marcus Newsom.
The final statement she made was a quote from Harold Whitman: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

The Alumni Association would also like to wish the best of luck to the Class of 2010!

Cedar Rapids Kernels Game

It seems fitting that the name of the field that the Kernels played on is 'Perfect Game Field,' because it was an absolutely perfect evening for a baseball game this last Tuesday, June 15. Although the Cedar Rapids Kernels did not fare so well against Beloit, Wartburg alums enjoyed themselves! The company was great and the cake was tasty! The Wartburg Alumni Association will continue to put on events like this in the future. To check out more pictures from the event, click here.

First 3 Outflys of the Summer! Appleton, Stevens Point/Wausau, and Twin Cities!

Even with less than ideal weather conditions at Appleton and the Twin Cities, Wartburg affiliates were not deterred from spending the evening at a Wartburg Outfly. Attendees represented Wartburg by sporting orange on shirts and even shoes. Several alums contributed to the collection of 'Wartburg Stories' which can now be viewed here on this blog page. For photos from each event, please click here. Check out the memories shared by alums at each Outfly:










To view the whole collection of videos from these Outflys, click here!

We hope to see you at an Outfly later this summer! Click here to check out the schedule of where we will be.



Posted by: Lauren Hills
Alumni Association Student Intern

Senior Pig Roast of 2010

Check out the photos from the Senior Pig Roast this year. Seniors celebrated the end of all their hardwork and studying with an evening out on the football field playing bags, enjoying food, and spending time with those friends made over the years.

"The senior pig roast was an absolutely amazing event. After spending winter term at Wartburg West and May Term in Alaska, it was a great way to end my senior year. It gave me the opportunity to see friends I hadn't seen for awhile. It was a really unique experience because it was the only time I have been somewhere that is only people from the class of 2010. I am now graduating and thoroughly looking forward to being a Wartburg alum!"
-Abbie Smith '10 (woo hoo!)

See more pictures for the Senior Pig Roast on the Alumni Picasa site.

Maribel Lopez '10 also addressed her class at the Senior Dinner on March 30, 2010. The dinner was held in the Wartburg Ballrooms on campus. View her speech below.

"We have all been asked to share our Wartburg experience...I feel like we could all relate to [these stories] in one way or another...I met this girl on my first day. She ended up being one of the wolves in my wolf pack."
"...Some people say your senior year is the most memorable, but I have to disagree. My sophomore year was the best year. I upgraded to C Lot which was sweet. I'd leave my car outside the Res...I provided Wartburg Security with enough funds to probably pay the whole staff overtime...[My roommates] and I made a parking ticket curtain-really spirited-Be Orange!"
Maribel discussed one trip to the Communication Arts building: "And then we thought, why not be efficient, take some racer scooters, and just go through the skywalks. You're not supposed to do that. It says so on p. 33 of the Wartburg College Handbook...Well we were racing, and I was winning...I wiped out in the cubbies by the Mensa...and this Wartburg maintenance guy was there. He called Wartburg Security on us...The report said 'moving at a high velocity through the skywalks.' We were threatened to get kicked out of the institution if we didn't write an apology letter to maintenance."
"I traveled abroad to Spain my junior year...that was one of the best things I got out of my Wartburg College Career...I hope that those of you who took advantage of travel opportunities--May terms, service trips, Wartburg West, tours-whatever-that you guys cherished it as much as I did. I grew. I grew up."

Senior Dinner

Blake Haugen a member of the class of 2010 shared these comments at the Senior Dinner on March 30th.
"I decided that my Wartburg experience is like Multi-variable Calculus...A person comes in with one or two dimensions and gets the experience to gain many dimensions....music dimension...athletic dimension...service dimension...leadership dimension...social dimension...and the academic dimension. The coolest part about Wartburg College for me is how you are allowed to choose what dimensions you participate in." -Blake Haugen

No Excuses U - visit to Wartburg

Abbott Middle School Students Visit Wartburg

Students in Matt Freesemann's class at Abbott Middle School had the chance to visit campus after selecting Wartburg as their college of choice for the No Excuses University program. In the lower corner students are shown dining in the Mensa. On the right the whole group posed for a picture on the steps of Old Main after finishing the tour of campus. The trip was a great addition to the program, and the program seems to have made an impact on the students according to Matt, who can be quoted saying, "Thanks again for the Wartburg trip. Our students are still talking about Wartburg and how they can't wait to go to school there after high school."

No Excuses University

Each classroom at Abbott Middle School has adopted a college or university as part of their No Excuses University (NEU) program. NEU was developed to actively promote a comprehensive model of college readiness to all students starting in elementary school and to help students with the college search process. Wartburg was chosen as the college of choice by the homeroom of Wartburg alu mnus, Matt Fressemann. I personally had the honor of delivering t-shirts to the class and gave a pre sentation about Wartburg and the admissions process. The students asked good questions and were excited to learn about where their teacher went to school. Being part of this program was a gratifying experience for me personally and I am delighted that Wartburg College can help in a small way to motivate and prepare these young students for their futures.

Angela Weekley '98
Diversity Recruitment Coordinator & Assistant Director of Admissions

Wartburg West

Approximately 30 alumni and friends in the Denver, Colorado, area held a reception for the 16 Wartburg West students who are interning and student teaching in Denver for the Winter Term. The gathering was held at the home of alums Wilbur (’60) and Marilyn (’60, Board of Regents) Flachman. Alums shared their Wartburg experiences with the students, who in turn described the experiences they are having in their work/teaching assignments. A prospective student and her father joined the fun. In addition, various activities in the city and mountains have been scheduled throughout the term for alumni to host students.

Excerpts from Mackenzie Benson's Scholarship Day Speech

College. A word that I’m sure many have heard more times than you can count from your parents, relatives, teachers, counselors, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and random people who learn it’s your senior year of high school. When I think back to my senior year of high school I remember weighing every statistic, required classes, and study abroad opportunities available between at least 12 colleges in trying to find the one that fit my dream definition of all that I had built up “college” to be. Admittedly, Wartburg College wasn’t a place I had researched. In fact, I didn’t visit Wartburg until March of my senior year. But when I did visit, there was something electric about being here. And I promise that it wasn’t just all the orange.

First of all, it is the possibility to make about 2,000 new acquaintances. It could be one of our one hundred international students who can clue you in to the increasing global world in which we live or teach you how to say “Be orange” in another language. In addition, it could be one of the approximately 200 faculty and staff whose passion and aptitude for their department is outstanding. They inspire me daily to stretch and apply my knowledge. And you will likely befriend a fellow student, potentially one who will explain to you their location on the map by using their hand for either Wisconsin or Illinois. Some people meet their perfect video game, wrestling, or Ultimate Frisbee match and other pair with a soprano that can match their pitch perfectly or another violinist that is in love with Brahms as much as they are. There is even the chance to meet someone like my roommate who grew up 10 miles away from me for most of our lives but it took a an entire semester at Wartburg for us to meet.

Things happen here at Wartburg that are so rare many other places. The dining services staff asks about your soccer game, paper, or day. Your professors will stop you in the hall to ask you how your test from another class went or even an opinion on how you felt they wrote their own test. They may even ask you to babysit their kids or walk their dog. Alumni come in large groups to celebrate homecoming and sports victories with us. The Board of Regents members tell stories about their Outfly experiences and how they use to sneak food in from the diner to the girl’s dorm when curfews were in effect. People from Wartburg have a story.

Most of all, coming to Wartburg or attending any institution is a way for your definition of “college” and what is most important to you to be culminated into a single campus. It’s a place you call home and are proud to wake up enlightened and happy at and guaranteed to go to sleep satisfied and ready for another day of proudly being a Wartburg Knight. Wartburg, or any college for that matter, is a lot more than an academic choice or a financial choice; it’s a life choice – a choice that will affect you for the rest of your life. The easy part of the equation at Wartburg is that at least you known what color to wear to wear to your reunion.

Mackenzie Benson '12

Beat Luther Week

Greetings from the Student Alumni Council. I'm Courtney Ihnen, president of STALC and I'm happy to inform you that...It is Beat Luther Week!! The Student Alumni Council kicked off the week by painting the snow orange! Today students, faculty, and staff are showing their Wartburg pride by wearing Orange or their Beat Luther t-shirts. Alumni can purchase t-shirts by clicking here. All proceeds go the Student Alumni Council. Show your support for this age-old friendly rivalry this week! Wear Orange. Go Knights! Beat Luther!

The Student Alumni Council