Thursday, July 29, 2010

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












Monday, July 19, 2010

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!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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."

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

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

Thursday, July 1, 2010

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!"