Romelle Slaughter, Alumni Board Spotlight

Alumni Board Spotlight

Romelle Slaughter Graduation Year: 1998 Major/Minors: Political Science Work Information:I was recently a contracted Human Resource Assistant for the American Red Cross. I have a background in the insurance industry, doing administrative, research, and compliance work. Family Information: Single, no children. I have a wonderful and supportive family, in-laws, and two adorable nieces. About me: I'm a native of Waterloo, Iowa. Currently, I am in employment transition with a background in insurance, so I devote my time volunteering for non-profit organizations in Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, the American Diabetes Association of Central Iowa, and the Young Professional Connection (YPC). In 2011, I received the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award, and the inaugural YPC Ashley Okland Community Service Award, in memory of fellow YPC member and realtor Ashley Okland, who was shot and killed while showing a model home in April 2011. Favorite Wartburg Memory:  My favorite Wartburg memory was the first time I visited campus on a summer junior high school field trip. I ended up learning how to play raquetball with the late legendary wrestling coach Dick Walker. The bus nearly left without me heading back to Waterloo, as Coach Walker and I kept playing raquetball. We could have played all day long, if I was allowed to! That experience left a lasting impression on me. On that day, I realized Wartburg was the right college for me. It's hard to explain it as an eighth grader, but it was the right place. Four years later, I applied and was accepted by Wartburg to attend school. It was the one life-altering decision I have never regretted. What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy volunteering, visiting family and friends, reading, following sports (especially Wartburg athletics), and traveling. What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Wartburg stands out because of the people and the lessons I learned during my time on campus. From Bret Billet to Tom Hubbard, from the late Duane Schroeder to John Kurtt, there are so many teachers, staff members, unsung heroes, and classmates that made a direct impact on my life. I am reminded of these individuals and life lessons everyday. As a deeply introverted student on campus, it was difficult at times to express my thoughts or voice an opinion without stuttering through each sentence. But their patience, empathy, and willingness to push me to be the best, not just in the classroom, but in life, is unmatched. The lessons I learned as a student may not resonate right away as a student at Wartburg, but it becomes a major part of your life later on. The Mission Statement makes it clear: "Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning." Since graduating from college, I have developed a passion for community service and being able to interact with different people, without worrying about my speech disfluency. My faith has become steadfast through jubliant times and difficult periods in my life. What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg? My favorite thing about Wartburg is being amazed by the students who are now making their marks and making a difference on campus. I should not be surprised. They live the mission statement everyday. Another favorite thing is, as an alum, the number of alums that live in Des Moines and with whom I stay in contact. What does "Being Orange" mean to you? "Being Orange" is more than a way of life. You live the mission statement of community, service, leadership, and faith, after you leave campus. It's never being ashamed that you went to Wartburg or any other small college in Iowa. My non-Wartburg friends get rankled on how much I talk about Wartburg, but it is who I am: a Wartburg Knight. I represent Wartburg in my community, through my actions, and by investing in community service. Yes, I'm proud to be a Wartburg alum. All of us should by "Being Orange".