Friday, July 29, 2011

Dubuque and Chicago Outflys 2011

What could have been the hottest day ever to celebrate an Outfly turned out to be entirely tolerable! Dubuque's Outfly fell on a day that was 115 degrees with the heat index! Fortunately, the park was located on a bluff with lots of shade trees. The breeze was also a huge help! Jordan Hodge '12 shared with alumni about her experiences in Denver, Colorado where she participated in both a service trip as well as Wartburg West. She also told about her involvement in the Triathlon Club at Wartburg which she helped start.
Chicago's Outfly was a good time, also. Stories were shared about a marriage proposal made on campus and how the Class of '95 got to be so close, as well as life experiences post-Wartburg including one alum's story of helping to start the first Christian college in Palestine. Lauren Hills '12 shared some of her Wartburg experiences thus far which included doing research, a service trip to South Dakota, and participating in Feed My Starving Children. In fact, Wartburg Alumni in the Chicago area are planning on participating in a Feed My Starving Children event in the Windy City! The idea of service continues to inspire Wartburg alums into action!

To see photos from the Dubuque Outfly, click here.

To see photos from the Chicago Outfly, click here.

To see the video taken, click here!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Seattle and Portland Outflys

SEATTLE AND PORTLAND OUTFLYS

Alumni and friends of Wartburg College who live in the Pacific Northwest are alive and thriving! The long distance from campus has not affected their interest and loyalty at all. Those who attended the Seattle and Portland Outfly events last weekend were excited to rally together and celebrate their connection to the college. We enjoyed listening to each person share their “Wartburg Story.” President Colson and Christy reached out to each individual in attendance and met so many new members of the Wartburg family. President Colson also shared his enthusiasm for Wartburg’s new strategic plan and the recent accomplishments on campus. We appreciated having Dr. Deb Loers, VP for Student Life, in attendance as well. Many alumni were curious to find out from her what residential life is like on campus now.

It was clear that both the Seattle and Portland groups want to keep the Outfly events going on a more regular basis. The rooms were buzzing with all ages of alumni networking with each other and discovering new connections they never knew existed.

It was my privilege to help represent the college at these two events. My sense of the strong loyalty and dedication Wartburg alumni have for their Alma Mater was only increased by getting to know the Portland and Seattle area alumni.

We hope to see more of you at the next event! Go Knights!

Don

Don Meyer, CFRE
Director of Development
Wartburg College

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Alumni Board Spotlight - Julie Morten Gentz, '72


Major/Minors: Elementary Education

Family Information:
Husband: The Rev. Brian W. Gentz, ELCA pastor serving as chaplain at the Good Samaritan Home in Ottumwa.
Children: Heidi Cullinan and husband Dan Cullinan; granddaughter, Anna Cullinan; Hans Hoerschelman and wife Alicia Hoerschelman; Holli Klein and husband Nathan Klein; granddaughter, Jaina Klein; Hillari Hoerschelman; Adam Gentz, stepson.

Work Information: I spent 20+ years working in public schools as an elementary classroom teacher, K-12 gifted coordinator, and K-12 at-risk coordinator. I presently serve as the coordinator for a National Professional Development grant for administrators in Iowa, along with co-directing the Distance Learning Program at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my granddaughter's school and music events, sewing, reading, knitting, riding my bike, cooking, shopping, gardening, photography, and crafts -- even though I hardly ever get time to do any of these things!

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Wartburg is not only a college with outstanding faculty and facilities, but it is also a place where the phrase "college family" really means something. The atmosphere of the college is warm and welcoming, and the faculty goes the extra mile to put the personal touch on teaching and learning.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
I love the fact that not only has Wartburg held its own over the years since I have graduated (and, trust me, that is quite a few years now!), but it has also grown, flourished, and made a good thing even better! I think the campus itself has always been one of my favorite things about Wartburg, and it has been wonderful to come back at Homecoming and see all of the wonderful changes that have taken place there! It is definitely on the path from good to great!

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
To me, "Being Orange" means that wherever I go and whatever I do, I carry with me the spirit of Wartburg. It means that I hold learning and teaching in high esteem, treat those I meet with respect and caring, and that I live a Christ-like life. And, when I am asked the question, "Orange" you glad you went to Wartburg?" I answer, "You bet I am!"