Waverly - Last Outfly of the Summer!

The Waverly Outfly was our biggest, chilliest and last outfly of the summer. It was held on the Wartburg College Campus and more than 300 alums, students, and friends attended! There were kids running around, playing, plenty of food and of course, many memories to be shared! Overall, it was a great night and a great way to end the summer! It was a bittersweet feeling at the end of the night. We look forward to the next summer and hope you do to! But now, time to focus on Homecoming 2012 True Life, I'm a Knight!

Click here to see the Wartburg College Loyalty Song sung by Waverly Outfly attendees!
Jeff, Renee, Abbie, Jane, Valerie & Kathryn

The Last 2 Summer Outflys Off Campus!

We had two more great Outflys taking place in both Iowa and Minnesota this week.  On Tuesday, we were in Cedar Falls, Iowa at the Black Hawk County Outfly and in Eagan, Minnesota the very next day for the Twin Cities Outfly.  We were fortunate to have beautiful weather for both of these events as the Midwest takes a break from the stifling heat we have come accustomed to this summer.  It was a joy to have President Colson at both of these Outflys as well.  Thank you for all who came out to see us, they were evenings filled with wonderful conversation and delicious food.

If you can make it, we would love to see you at the Waverly Outfly taking place next Thursday, August 16!


Written by: Kathryn Werner '14

Great Kickoff to August with the Des Moines and Ankeny Outflys!

Despite the warm temperatures, we had a great turnout for those brave enough to challenge the heat at the Des Moines and Ankeny Outflys.  Over the course of two days, we were provided the opportunity to reconnect with over 107 alumni, parents, and friends.  We even heard a story from a alum who was proposed to at a campus Outfly when she was a student!

Thank you for all who came out, it was truly a wonderful two days.   



Written by: Kathryn Werner '14

Food, laughs, and a baseball game - Rochester Outfly

The Rochester Area Outfly had a great turnout! There were alums, current and incoming students, proud parents, and friends. It was great hearing alums talk about the many changes made to the college since they were students. The Pagel parents, who had three Wartburg grads, shared how important it was for them to help their children get through college because they weren't able to and even brought tears to some. It was great seeing everyone there sharing stories, laughing, and having a great time! Thanks to Thrivent, we were also able to attend the Rochester Honkers game after the picnic and enjoy a baseball game.

Written by: Almuni Office Student Intern, Valerie Villafan '14

We look forward to seeing you at more upcoming events this summer. Coming soon are the Des Moines, Ankeny, Twin Cities, Black Hawk County and Waverly Outflys! Check out our schedule to register for an event in your area!

Another week of Outflys - Quad Cities and Iowa City Outflys

Grilled Hot Dogs and Brats! Fabulous food from friends of the college! Alums, College supporters, current students, and new students to arrive in Fall '12! What an amazing group to celebrate the "College of our brightest days"! What fun I had seeing past students and the parents of many of our former students. I am always amazed at the spirit of "Being Orange". Thanks for a wonderful Outfly picnic. Cheryl Budlong O'Brien

Written by: Cheryl O'Brien, Professor of Education

We look forward to seeing you at more upcoming events this summer. This week we have baseball Outfly gatherings in Des Moines, Waterloo, and the Twin Cities. Check out our schedule to register for an event in your area!

2 More Successful Events - The Kansas City and Omaha Outflys!

What a joy to meet with alumni at the Kansas City and Omaha Outflys this week.  The best part about Wartburg is our students, who turn into great alumni.  Not only did we have attendees from 7 different decades, but people came from literally around the world.  Alum Melissa Lackore Rager ‘08 had just returned from a deployment to entertain the troops in Afghanistan and the Middle East by singing in a rock group.  She brought 3 of her team members along to show them the spirit of Wartburg.  Some of my favorite things to do is to connect alumni who are both in the same industry or to introduce someone new to the area to another alum who already knows everyone there.   It’s a small world at Outflys as I even met my brother’s high school swing show partner.  Alumni should come to the next Outfly in their area.  You never know who you might meet! 

Written by: Gloria Campbell, Associate Professor and Hagemann Professor in Business

We look forward to seeing you at more upcoming events this summer.  Coming soon are baseball Outfly gatherings in Des Moines, Waterloo, and the Twin Cities.  Check out our schedule to register for an event in your area!

First Summer Outfly! - Chicago Outfly 2012

Outfly season is underway and it began with a hot one near the Windy City! On Sunday, June 10th, Jim & Sue Patterson ’79 Cahalan opened up their home in Wheaton, IL for our first summer Outfly. Alumni, students and friends enjoyed conversation, memories and great food! This Outfly may have marked a record for oldest Alum in attendance. Ruth Matthias ’43 Trautman, age 96 made the journey from her home to be with fellow alums. She shared many great memories of Wartburg College, memories that many of us found hard to imagine! Her two sisters even attended Wartburg before it was Wartburg College, when it was still Wartburg Academy.


We look forward to an Outfly filled summer and will be visiting many areas across the Midwest. Be sure to check the schedule and see if we are coming to an area near you!

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".

Alumni Board Spotlight - Bruce Lantzky '93

Major/Minors:
Finance and Business Management double major.

Work Information:
I’m the owner of Lantzky Farms and I also work as an Agricultural Insurance Consultant at First Insurance Services.

Family Information:
My wife Leasa ('94), and I have two kids: Trey and Natalie.

What do you enjoy doing?
The thing that I enjoy the most is simply taking time out to be with my family.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?
I believe that Wartburg provides amazingly well rounded individuals that have a tremendous work ethic.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
Wartburg students have such an amazing involvement with the Waverly community.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
"Being Orange” is a special feeling that is shared by alumni of all ages. It is a feeling that you are a part of an extended family that will help in what ever way possible in order for you to achieve your goals.

A Great Alumni Story

I'm Terry Klein, class of ‘97, and I live in Spooner, Wisconsin, a small town in the northwest corner of the state. I am writing this post because recently I traveled to Guatemala on a mission trip. It was an amazing trip in which a group of 7 people from my church built a home for a family in need, experienced a culture far different from ours, had a great time playing with kids and made many new friends. You may be wondering what this has to do with Wartburg alumni. Well, an amazing “it’s a small world” experience occurred during the trip. One day as we were traveling to our worksite one of my teammates asked me where I went to college. My reply, of course, was, "Wartburg," and his reply was, “that’s where I went!” The fellow alum is Bob Nelson, class of ‘65. We had actually attended the same church for several years but first made the Wartburg connection while traveling in a van, on a bumpy mountain side road, in the middle of Central America. We shared stories such as the cost of tuition, living in Clinton, discovering we had both taken classes from the same professor (Mel Kramer), and Bob explaining Roy’s Place egg and cheese sandwiches. The connection with Wartburg does not end there. More importantly were the opportunities we had during our trip to share our faith and serve others. Opportunities we value, in part, because they were nurtured in us during our time at Wartburg.

Alumni Board Spotlight - Tom Buchheim

Graduation Year: 1993

Major/Minors:
Communication Arts (Electronic Media) and Political Science

Work Information:
I’m a social media administrator for American Family Insurance at our company’s National Headquarters in Madison, Wis. I’m the community manager for our Facebook and Twitter pages. This means I get to guide the strategy and develop the content for the company’s corporate social media channels.

Family Information:
I’m married to Jill Crawford Buchheim (Wartburg Class of 1995), who is the Music Director at our church – Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church. My son Andrew (11) is a fifth grader and a talented writer and pianist. My daughter Molly (8) is a third grader and is also an accomplished pianist and swimmer.

What do you enjoy doing?
Jill and I are very busy with church events and our kids’ activities. Molly and Andrew swim competitively for local club teams throughout the year. They’re also active with soccer and piano year-round. We’re blessed to have my parents (Bud and Dona Buchheim-also Wartburg grads) and my brother Jim (Class of ’85), his wife Renae (Class of ’87) and their sons close by. We enjoy connecting with other Wartburg grads, and current and prospective students, in the Madison area. In my spare time, I closely follow the world of sports and social media, writing about it on my blog, and tweeting about it @tombuchheim.


What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?
The people make Wartburg stand out from other schools. It starts with the quality students who attend Wartburg, but it’s uniqueness is also reflected in a caring and dedicated faculty and staff. Even though the look of the campus has changed dramatically since I was a student at Wartburg, the sense of community is unchanged. It’s what makes Wartburg so amazing to me, and why I keep telling my kids they are lucky to have an opportunity to one day Be Orange themselves.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
Wartburg students amaze me, because while times have changed, students have not. In meeting with them on and off campus, and following their work online and in the Wartburg Trumpet, I’m struck by how today’s students carry the same priorities and commitment to service they always have.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
"Being Orange” means you’re often the first one who raises your hand when someone needs help. You’re the go-to person in your community, at church, or in your department at work. “Being Orange” is about staying true to your faith and living a service-driven life. It’s about doing the right thing for the right reasons and not worrying about awards or accolades.

Alumni Board Spotlight - Ken Vetter

Graduation Year: 1954

Major/Minors: English; Music and German

Work Information: Retired. Was a former parish pastor, a former marriage and family counselor, and a former psychotherapist with a psychiatric hospital.

Family Information: He and his wife, Deborah, have four children, three step-children, five grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren.

What do you enjoy doing? Traveling, I am currently researching and planning a cruise down the Volga River in Russia. I also enjoy researching topics on the internet.What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?I think its ethics, its ability to get good teachers, and its beautiful campus make it stand out.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg? The Homecoming celebrations are great. I also enjoy being on this Alumni Board.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you? I think it means supporting your college in any way that you are able.

Alumni Board Spotlight - David Fredrick

Graduation Year: 1965

Major/Minors:
Economics; Business Administration

Work Information:Retired from U.S. foreign service and from international admissions work at Wartburg College; currently working and volunteering for international education, travel, and sustainable development.


What do you enjoy doing?Fishing, travel, garden/landscape

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools?Wartburg College has a strong sense of community embracing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Waverly residents. Wartburg is unique in Iowa, the Midwest, and the entire nation in the large number of American minority and international students, coupled with the student body's substantial participation in overseas education and world-wide service. All these factors work together to create a very positive learning experience.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?The international students' annual culture week; Karen Black's organ performances; Wartburg-Augsburg wrestling matches; the "W"; and "Keep on Learning."

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?My dad, Walter Fredrick, my five brothers and sisters, my wife, our son, two nieces, one nephew, and the daughter of one cousin all went to Wartburg College. We are working on the next generation. Orange is a family thing!

Alumni Board Spotlight - Lia Kampman

Graduation Year: 2008

Major/Minors: Psychology, Community Sociology/Business, Leadership

Family Information: I have wonderful parents, siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Work Information: I am the Director of Stewardship in the Development Office at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy running, reading and catching up with other Wartburgers.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Although there are many fine higher education institutions in the world, they are all so unique. Which is perfect, because there is not one right answer for everyone as to where to attend college. Wartburg was the right choice for me. It stood out for its caring faculty, staff, and students; for its liberal arts focus; and for all the reasons that make up Being Orange.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg? Currently, my favorite thing about Wartburg is remembering it. Very few days go by without something reminding me of a Wartburg story...that I then tell to whoever will listen!

What does "Being Orange" mean to you? Be Orange is so much more than a slogan. It is a way of life. It is beyond the facts and figures that describe the college, although it also includes them. It is the "hellos" in the skywalks, the friendly faces in the administrative offices, and the genuine concern of the faculty. It is everything one cannot put into words about Wartburg. It is the "feeling" that makes Wartburg College home

Alumni Board Spotlight - Rick Klahsen, '86


Major/Minors: Accounting

Family Information: Married to Jane (33 years), who was also a Wartburg student but not a Wartburg grad. My graduation and employment got in the way of that, and she finished her degree at Concordia-St. Paul. We have two adult sons, both of whom are married and live in the Minneapolis area, and we've been blessed with six grandchildren. Three boys and three girls, ranging in age from 9 months (a Christmas 2010 girl) to a 10 year old grandson.

Work Information: I am a CPA and have been in public accounting since my graduation from Wartburg. I started my career with Arthur Andersen in the Twin Cities. I am now with McGladrey, the fifth largest accounting/tax/consulting firm in the US, where I am a managing director in the firm's tax practice. Currently based in Orlando, I am the tax practice leader for McGladrey's Southeast Market Circle, which includes six southeastern states.


What do you enjoy doing? I am a sports fan and cheer for the Knights, Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Panthers and Bulldogs (in that order). I enjoy reading, and read mostly American history (pre-Revolutionary War to the Civil War eras), Christian and business leadership titles. We enjoy traveling, although we seldom take long extended vacations. Instead, we enjoys trips of 3-4 days, often extended weekends, and have traveled to 44 of the 50 states. And last, but definitely not least, we spend a great deal of time with our kids and grandkids, although that time has diminished with our relocation to Orlando from Minneapolis approximately one year ago.


What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Wartburg stands out for a number of reasons. As a native Iowan, I appreciate Wartburg's continued focus on Iowa and Midwestern students, with a generous addition of students from across the country and the globe. I appreciate the smaller size of Wartburg, which allows a level of interaction and familiarity that isn't possible at larger colleges and universities. And the quality of education, in a Christian environment, is especially important.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg? Although somewhat repetitive of my response to the question immediately above, my favorite thing about Wartburg is that it offers an exceptional, high-quality education in a Christian environment and a comfortable, close-knit setting.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you? Being Orange to me is being proud of the education I received from Wartburg and the opportunities it has provided me, and making a commitment to continue to support the College as best I can.

Alumni Board Spotlight - Shon Cook

Graduation Year: 1991 (best year ever)

Major/Minors: Psychology/Political Science

Family Information: I am married to Eric Stevens. Eric is also an attorney. He graduated from the University of Iowa, but wishes he was a Wartburg alum. Who wants to be black and gold, when you can be Orange? We have three children. Sophia is 13 and involved in any sport that she can find. She has decided to take up pitching softball, with an agenda to break every record I ever set. Ellie is 11 in July and is a very good soccer player. She frequently gets calls from other teams, trying to steal her. Sam is 8 and very much into soccer, baseball and all things boy. He also has new golf clubs to play with Dad.

Work Information: I am an Attorney/Partner at the law firm of Williams, Hughes & Cook, PLLC in Muskegon, Michigan. I practice family law. My favorite work is adoptions, where everyone seems happy on the day of Court.

What do you enjoy doing? Running, gardening, reading, and coaching my kid’s sports. I also enjoy following Wartburg in every realm – from international awards, sporting events to musical concerts.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? The Orange Spirit – Everyone genuinely cares about the entire success of the student. The Orange Spirit is not just about what students do at Wartburg, but what he/she will do with their entire lives. Life is not just about the next job, but about our gifts to our communities, our families, our faith and our work.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg? The excitement I feel whenever I am on campus. I just love the warmth and genuine compassions that exists in every department and at every level.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you? Courage, Commitment and Caring about others. It also means being fashionably dressed at all times in my favorite color.

Waverly Outfly 2011

The 2011 Outfly Season ended on a high note! There were over 300 people in attendance at the Outfly on Wartburg College's campus.

After going to potlucks for two summers, I could probably pass as a bratwurst connoisseur. I have had both boiled and grilled, but cannot get myself to try sauerkraut. I will definitely always think of Wartburg whenever bratwursts are mentioned. I have loved my summer job these past two years. It has been a great experience to get to travel to different cities, meet and eat with alumni, and get the experience of managing all the details that go into planning an event. I have been so lucky to have held this position and I have been honored to get to hear as many stories from alums as I have. There are so many great stories and great alumni! When I graduate next May, I will be joining a cohort of people who are purposeful and accomplished folk! I will be glad to fill the role of a Wartburg alum--continuing to tell my Wartburg stories and encouraging others to try on the color and the montra of being orange.

Lauren Hills '12
Student Intern, Wartburg Alumni Office

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!

Black Hawk County and Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Outflys

Black Hawk County's Outfly was at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls and several new alumni were able to attend! The class of 2010 was very well represented. Several alums who now work for Wartburg were in attendance also. Eddie Diemer '14 spoke about his experiences as a freshman, which included being a part of the basketball team and his first May term!
Cedar Rapid/Iowa City's Outfly drew a crowd close to 70 which was exciting! The Parkview Pavilion in Jones Park is at a top of a hill and was a beautiful location! The park was in demand since there were also several frisbee golfers utilizing the course right next to the Outfly gathering. Wartburg alums were caught sporting their Wartburg Orange license plates!
Jon Housholder '12 (above in the maroon) spoke at the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Outfly. He will be the Vice President of Student Senate this coming school year. Below are some words he shared about the evening.
"It was really good to see former Wartburg graduates reunite with one another. I was extremely honored to speak at the event in Cedar Rapids.
At the event I talked about how positive my experience has been and the wonderful academics that Wartburg offers to it's students. I also mentioned how great my professors have been to me while at school.
There are just a lot of great extra curricular activities that students can get involved with. I am a part of the Wartburg Track and Field Program, Student Senate, as well as many other activities, and I love them all!
I hope one day I can go back to a Wartburg Outfly and reunite with old friends after school!" - Jon Housholder

Alumni Board Spotlight - Barbara Sims '98

Major/Minors: Biology

Family Information: My husband, Paul Sims, and our golden retriever, Henna Dylan.

Work Information: I am the Technology Licensing Manager at Mayo Clinic.

What do you enjoy doing? I enjoy gardening, biking, golfing, reading, traveling and being with family and friends.

What do you think makes Wartburg stand out from other schools? Wartburg's professors. They know students by name, care about their learning, and prepare them for life after Wartburg.

What is currently your favorite thing about Wartburg?
The commitment to service by the students, faculty, and staff. I am amazed by the number of service projects every year, both on campus and across the nation.

What does "Being Orange" mean to you?
To me, "Being Orange" means pride in Wartburg; knowing and celebrating our history, and leading lives of leadership and service.