Friday, August 12, 2011

Twin Cities and Mason City/Clear Lake Outfly




Both events on August 9th and 10th had pleasant weather and therefore were well attended! The alums at the Twin Cities got to hear from two students: Crosby King '14 and Juli Herder '12. Crosby told about an interesting class he had taken: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and also his May term tour of Europe with the Wartburg Choir. Juli talked about her 6 month study abroad experience in Argentina, research she is working on, and being a part of the music department at Wartburg as well as her new role as an international student liason. These are two busy students!
Here is what Juli Herder had to say about the event:
"I was impressed by the incoming freshmen who came to the Twin Cities Outfly! It was great to see their new faces and chat with them about life at Wartburg. I think we'll have a great incoming class! I also enjoyed networking with alumni who came to the event; many asked me about my study abroad experience and my plans for after graduation. Seeing so many friendly faces at the Outfly made me excited to move back to campus and start my senior year!"

The Mason City/Clear Lake Outfly was held at East Park and everyone shared with the group what their favorite part of Wartburg was! It was fun to hear from everybody including Ann, an incoming student, who told us about what she is most excited for!

Two of the attendees in Mason City were Art and Alice Gratias who graduated in 1970. They were non-traditional students because Art is 91 and Alice is 87! Alice always wanted to teach and in the 1960s there was a need for teachers so she decided to go to college. UNI laughed at her for being so old and thinking about going to college, and she left in tears, but on her way home she saw the Waverly exit and the sign that said Wartburg...so she stopped and after talking with a man named Victor, she decided to enroll. Art said he would go with her and take a couple of classes in August if she would go with him to a National Convention he was planning on attending. Three years later...they both received their bachelor's degrees in teaching. Art taught 6th grade and later became a principal and then a Senator 8 years. He got his Master's from UNI also. Alice taught 2nd grade for 16 years. They farmed their whole life--including while attending Wartburg--which involved a 100 mile round trip drive daily. To hear more about their life story and what else they have done check out the Youtube videos!

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