WORD FROM EMERGENC Y M ANAGEMENT., PG. 18
HERO OF HENNEPIN COUNT Y, PG. 20
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Warriors in the world Honoring our alumni on the frontlines of COVID-19
TR ADITION
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PASSION
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COMMUNIT Y
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SUCCESS
CAMPUS NEWS 3
From The President's Desk
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Waldorf at a Glance
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Homecoming Update
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Athletics Recap
10-12 Honors Day Recap 13
Student Profile:
Dreeszen-Why Waldorf?
FOUNDATION NEWS 4
Foundation Notes
25-28 Campus Ministry Notes
Mission Trip
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From The Foundation Chair
30
Donor Honor Roll
ALUMNI NEWS 14
Alumni Profile:
Lutrick 16
Alumni Profile:
Artists Helping the
Homeless
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Alumni Profile:
Word from Emergency
Management
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Alumni Profile:
Hero of Hennepin County
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Alumni Board Spotlight:
Wicks 24 2
Class News & In Memoriam WALDORF MAGAZINE // FALL 2020
Why do you give to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation? Did your time at Waldorf change your life? Did you meet lifelong friends? Or maybe you were able to start the process of turning your passion into your career? Was it a professor who truly cared? The Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation would be nothing without our generous and devoted donors. We want to know you and your Waldorf story. Reach out to alumni@waldorf.edu today to tell us why you have decided to give back! (ON THE COVER) Woo next to one of his sculptures in Saint Luke's Healing Garden
STAY IN TOUCH As faithful stewards of our resources and in an effort to go green, please let the Alumni Office know if you prefer not to receive a printed copy of the Waldorf Magazine. A digital copy is available online at waldorf.edu/waldorf-magazine. The Waldorf Magazine, published each spring and fall, is largely funded by donations to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. We thank you for your continued support and welcome your input for future articles. Please contact the Alumni Office at 641.585.8148 or alumni@waldorf.edu with your ideas. Want to stay connected to other Waldorf alumni? If you do not currently receive the Waldorf monthly e-newsletter and would like to sign up, please email the Alumni Office at alumni@ waldorf.edu.
VOLUME 118, ISSUE 1 WEB waldorf.edu waldorffoundation.org waldorf.edu/ waldorf-magazine
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FALL 2020
ADMISSIONS OFFICE admissions@waldorf.edu 641.585.8112 800.292.1903
MANAGING EDITOR Hannah Earll
DESIGNER Tara Kingland
EDITORS Janet Berhow Teresa Nicholson
CONTRIBUTORS Hannah Earll Mike Stetson
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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
I have to admit, even as an English major, I will procrastinate writing projects like this article from time to time. I am way past the deadline for this. But the events of this summer have been weighing heavily upon my mind, and I have struggled to find the adequate words to respond, but feel called to do so. As a university with amazing diversity, our students, staff and alumni must know that we acknowledge the racism that continues to plague our country. And while Waldorf has always endeavored to create a community of fairness, the events of this summer must give us pause for internal reflection and examination. We must be willing to truly listen and accept experiences of others without defensiveness. We must also be willing to confront our uncomfortableness in order to work toward healing. As a university with vibrant programs in criminal justice, homeland security, emergency management and fire science that prepares students for the vital work of law enforcement and emergency response, our staff, students and alumni must know that we believe in you. We believe that the education you received at Waldorf has prepared you to meet the highest level of professional standards for law enforcement and first response. More importantly, we believe your Waldorf education has prepared you to be a positive force in the communities in which you live and serve. As a university that is steeped in a faith tradition and mission that prioritizes using God’s gift of knowledge to serve others, we have a responsibility to engage in these difficult issues, not only for our sake but the sake of the world. As people of faith, we must pray for our leaders, our country and those who are hurting. In addition, our mission calls us to action as we “educate the whole person, emphasizing integrity and equipping students to succeed and to waldorf.edu
serve the communities where they live and work.” As members of the Waldorf community we must look for ways on how we can use this transformative education to evoke real progress in the healing of our country. I’ve witnessed this in action. A recent graduate experienced racially motivated vandalism of her property in Forest City. A classmate of hers, using her skills in business marketing, organized a rally in support of this alumna. Sixty people including students, faculty, staff, community members, the mayor and the chief of police all came out in support. In this time of such division and fear, it was inspiring to me to see this unity and hope come together. We often speak about the home Waldorf becomes for many and how the relationships built during our time here create a family that lasts far beyond a commencement speech. As I look toward the future, I am encouraged by the recent actions of others in maintaining that Warrior family support. I am encouraged knowing the individuals educated at Waldorf will go out into this world and seek to leave a lasting mark of good. And I am encouraged to continue to pray that all Warriors feel empowered by the roots you have grown to embrace the diversity of our world and never stop pushing to be a voice that reflects our unified support of justice for all. God Bless and Go Warriors!
Dr. Robert A. Alsop Waldorf University President
FALL 2020 // WALDORF MAGAZINE
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FOUNDATION NOTES
TO OUR WARRIOR FAMILY: As I write this letter, the brokenness of this world seems to be magnified tenfold–its dark corners unavoidable and undeniable as heartbreak and pain make their way into our evening news reports, our social media feeds and seemingly every conversation.
in 2020, that mission continues to be lived out by the actions of our alumni around the world. In this publication, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the servant-hearted work of these helpers. We are proud to call them Waldorf alumni.
This year has not been easy for anyone, and our Waldorf family has been no exception. With the spread of the COVID-19 global pandemic, not only were thousands of jobs put into question and the mental health of individuals pushed to its limits, but the lives and the physical health of those all around the world, including our loved ones and members of the Waldorf community, were affected in unprecedented ways.
Unfortunately, our page numbers are limited and can only provide a small sample of the stories of individuals who are making an impact in and around their communities during these times. However, my prayer is that the following articles will help encourage and inspire our readers to value one another above themselves, no matter the situation. May we search for opportunities to listen, to love and to serve one another with reckless abandon. After all, that is the Warrior way.
But the pain didn’t end there. In the midst of this pandemic that disproportionately affected our communities of color, the world mourned the death of yet another black man, exposing, once again, the ongoing racism and injustices that we have yet to rid ourselves of as a country. These issues are tough, and these days have been anything but simple. And while it’s easy to wish for things to go back to “normal”, I would urge you, friends, for a plethora of reasons, not to aspire to go backward. Instead, let us press on and move forward– doing and becoming better as one world, one Warrior family and one body of Christ. In the pages of this magazine, we want to recognize the selfless efforts our Waldorf alumni have continued to persevere in throughout the struggles of these months. Since opening our doors in 1903, being a Warrior has always revolved around service toward others, and
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” ~ Philippians 2: 3-7 NIV Sincerely,
Hannah Earll Director of Alumni Relations Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation
Hannah Earll
Janet Berhow
Teresa Nicholson
Director of Alumni Relations Waldorf University Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation
Database and Gift Processing Manager Waldorf University Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation
Director of Institutional Relations Waldorf University Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation
The Waldorf Magazine—a combined effort of the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation and Waldorf University—is published for alumni and friends of Waldorf University. Please help us keep our records up-to-date by notifying the Foundation if you have moved, changed your name or updated your email address. Contact Janet Berhow at berhowj@waldorf.edu or 641.585.8140. Waldorf University, 106 South 6th Street, Forest City, IA 50436 // 641.585.2450 // 800.292.1903
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WALDORF MAGAZINE // FALL 2020
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KEEP GOING, WARRIOR! Start your next degree and receive 10% off your tuition.
WALDORF AT A GLANCE
One Great Professor
TWO DESERVING AWARDS
D
r. Kevin Mason Named 2019-20 Waldorf University Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year and 2019–20 Alpha Chi Professor of the Year
As evidence through the countless stories from alumni and current students, we know that the quality and dedication of Waldorf’s faculty members has always been one of this institution’s biggest strengths. From their time invested both in and out of the classroom, our residential and online professors truly care about their students from the moment they log on or step foot on campus all the way through graduation and beyond. However, even among some of the best and brightest in higher education, there are still those members of the Waldorf community who truly stand out. Earlier this year, Dr. Kevin Mason, Professor of History for Waldorf University was recognized in his efforts of going above and beyond for his students when he was selected for two respected awards by members of the Waldorf community. In early May 2020, Mason was honored with the 2019-2020 Alpha Chi Professor of the Year award, an honor chosen by the student body to recognize the hard work of a beloved professor. The accolades didn’t stop there, though. In July 2020, Mason learned he was also the recipient of the Waldorf University Board of Trustees’ 2019-2020 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year recognition. The Pella native’s education began at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City where he met his wife Marissa and graduated with his Associate of Arts degree in 2009. In 2011, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in social and behavioral sciences from University of Mary before moving on to earn a Master of Arts degree in history from Wayland Baptist University in 2013. His love of education and learning didn’t stop there, though. In 2016, Mason became an official Waldorf alumnus with a second Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, and in 2020, he went on to earn his PhD in Rural and Environmental History from Iowa State University. Mason serves the Forest City Community through his work with the Winnebago Historical Society, Forest City Puckerbrush Days and his involvement with Forest City Connect. He and his wife Marissa currently reside in Mason City with their Scottish Terrier Arthur and enjoy visiting state parks, gardening and getting involved with community service projects! Congratulations on each of these well-deserved recognitions, Dr. Mason! You leave a huge impact on each of your students, and the Waldorf community is a better place because of your contributions.
Retractions & Corrections Correction: An incorrect image of Dorothy Oftedahl ’54 was printed in the “Round Robins” article of the Spring 2020 Magazine. To the left is the correct photo.
Correction: The caption for the above photograph was printed inaccurately in the Spring 2020 Magazine. The caption should read: “Dr. Robert Alsop with Dr. Grace McLean, Jamaica’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and Dr. Cecil Cornwall, Chairman, Joint Committee for Tertiary Education, President, Western Hospitality Institute.”
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WALDORF MAGAZINE // FALL 2020
INTERESTED IN CONNECTING WITH WARRIORS AROUND THE WORLD?
Take the leap, and start a Waldorf Alumni Chapter near you!
It might not always be easy to come back to campus during the year, but we don't want that to stop you from continuing to build relationships with your fellow Waldorf friends and alumni. Waldorf Alumni Chapters are meant to provide a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment to help bring together alumni, parents and friends of Waldorf throughout various parts of the nation. Chapter groups will allow members to stay connected with campus, no matter where they are located. These groups can be formed based off of geographic location or by special interest (small business owners, choir, football, major/minor, etc.), and are an awesome way to engage, network and reminisce with fellow Warriors all year round! Through various events and activities (Think: sporting events, casual get-togethers, potlucks, etc.) throughout the year, we are hoping alumni take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and friends from Waldorf, while building and forming new relationships as well, that all have at least one wonderful thing in common: we all have a home in the Warrior family. Interested in getting involved with or helping to start a chapter? Reach out to alumni@waldorf.edu today! waldorf.edu
WALDORF AT A GLANCE
20/20 VISION:
the future
ALUMNI INTRODUCING:
looks bright To our Waldorf family: After careful consideration for the safety of our alumni, campus community and friends of Waldorf, as well as reviewing feedback from all of you, the Waldorf Alumni Association has decided to postpone class reunions and alumni homecoming celebrations this fall, scheduled for October 16 & 17, 2020. While we are sad we can’t celebrate together right now, we want to emphasize that these events are not cancelled; they are only postponed until a date that it is safe and responsible to be together. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 in order to make that decision. However, no matter when the time comes, we look forward to recognizing these milestones with you and your classmates as you celebrate and reminisce on your cherished years with Waldorf. Please keep any eye out on Facebook (@waldorfalumni), in your inboxes on the monthly Waldorf e-Newsletters, and in your mailboxes as we continue to make decisions and reschedule class reunions and alumni festivities. Thank you for your understanding at this time, and we look forward to seeing all of you soon!
THE WALDORF ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP! We care about our students and want to ensure that a Waldorf University education remains affordable for all who come to campus. Because of this, Waldorf has created a Waldorf Alumni Scholarship worth $13,500! We firmly believe that our alumni, who have sat in these seats and walked these halls, know Waldorf best. With that in mind, we also believe that you, as alumni, will have a much greater grasp on individuals who would be a good fit for Waldorf University. If you know a high school student who would be a great future member of the Waldorf family, please fill out the Waldorf Alumni Scholarship form (waldorf.edu/alumni/alumni-association) with their basic contact information, and we will follow up with them. If you know this student well and are comfortable sharing your Waldorf experience, we ask that you do so, in addition to telling them about this scholarship and letting them know that you are forwarding their name as a recommendation. We're SO excited to welcome future Warriors thanks to all of you. Who better to recruit future Waldorf alumni than those who already fill the role?!
GET INVOLVED!
Do you have a passion or skill that you would be willing to share on campus? Are you looking to continue your education with a certificate or degree that Waldorf doesn't have? Are you interested in becoming a mentor for a student in your field/industry? Is your business looking to hire interns/recent graduates? Have you ever considered serving on the Alumni Board of Directors? Do you or a classmate have a story that would inspire? We would love to hear from you! All of these (and more!) are ways to get involved with your alma mater. Please don't hesitate to reach out to alumni@waldorf.edu if any of these apply to you. Thank you for your continued support of Waldorf University and the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. We appreciate everything you do for Waldorf University! waldorf.edu
SUBMIT your NEWS! Class updates are compiled from information submitted by Waldorf alumni or via news releases sent to the alumni office. To submit class updates or address changes, please email alumni@waldorf.edu or mail them to the Waldorf University Alumni Office, 106 South 6th St.,7 FALL 2020 // WALDORF MAGAZINE Forest City, Iowa 50436.
CAMPUS NEWS
ATHLETICS RECAP
WARRIOR ATHLETICS
finishing strong, despite a season being cut short
While COVID-19 cut the Warriors spring seasons short, Waldorf Athletics still celebrated numerous memorable achievements as the winter season wrapped up and a few spring sports got into the swing of things before their season came to an end in mid-March. Top athletic achievements came from Warrior freshman Damarre Martin, who claimed an NAIA National Championship in track and field, and from senior Demitrius Martin, who was named an NAIA All-American for his play on the court in men’s basketball. Other major events included Waldorf Athletics promoting Will Finley as the new head football coach, and Waldorf alumnus Kyle Swiderski’s hiring as the new bowling coach. Warrior student-athletes also earned numerous academic accolades. Sean Mallonee and Marissa Widener were named to CoSIDA Academic All-District teams for hockey and cross country/track and field. Nine Waldorf bowlers were honored by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) as Scholar Athletes. Forty-one Warriors for winter and spring sports were named North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Scholar Athletes. Twenty-three soccer players were named to the Association of Independent Institutions (AII) All-Academic Team. A pair of women’s wrestlers and two hockey players also were named to All-Academic teams. This gives Waldorf a total of 79 various academic honors for the winter and spring, all of which provided highlights that well overshadowed the pandemic.
TRACK & FIELD
Damarre Martin races to NAIA title in 400 meters Freshman sprinter Damarre Martin spent the winter breaking school records in the 400 meters during indoor track and field, but his shining moment came on March 7 in Brookings, S.D. Clocking his best time of the season to date at the NSAA Championships on February 22, Martin finished second in the conference in the 400 meters in 49.20 seconds, a performance that earned him an automatic qualifying spot at the NAIA National Championships in early March. Focused on achieving greatness, Martin clocked the fastest time in preliminary qualify-
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ing at nationals with another Waldorf record time of 47.41, then one day later – on March 7 – he shattered that record and claimed the NAIA Championship in the 400 with a time of 46.87 seconds. “During the week I told my coaches that ‘I’m getting first,’” Martin said after winning the title. “Me having this mindset all week, going into the races I was determined to become first, and since I was mentally prepared I physically performed well.”
MEN'S BASKETBALL
and led Waldorf to the NSAA Tournament title game this past winter before seeing his collegiate playing career come to a close. During his incredible two years in Warrior purple he set a singleseason scoring record with 674 points as a senior, which helped him eclipse 1,000 points in his two years at Waldorf (1,007). Martin’s play for the Warriors was honored after the season as he was named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, making him the third NAIA AllAmerican in program history.
FOOTBALL
Demitrius Martin finishes 2-year career with 1,000+ points, earns All-American honors Senior guard Demitrius Martin, a junior-college transfer, earned First-Team All-NSAA honors
WALDORF MAGAZINE // FALL 2020
Will Finley takes over Warriors football program as Josh Littrell takes job in Texas
After one season as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, Will Finley was promoted to head coach of the Waldorf football program this spring as former head coach Josh Littrell accepted a position as head coach and athletic coordinator at Earl Warren High School in San Antonio, Texas. Finley joined the Warrior staff after spending eight seasons at Benedictine College, the final year as defensive coordinator for a Ravens team that advanced to the NAIA National Championship game. “I got into coaching because I love being around the guys and working with young people,” Finley said after his promotion in March. A graduate of Benedictine who played linebacker for the Ravens, Finley built a Warrior defense that led the NSAA in fewest points allowed last season (16.1 ppg). The Waldorf offense was second in the NSAA in scoring (31.1 ppg), and
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CAMPUS NEWS
ATHLETICS RECAP
led the league in total offensive yards (437.7 ypg) and rushing yards (182.4 ypg). “We’re going to score points and continue on in that direction of our offense,” Waldorf’s new coach added. Along with Finley’s promotion, the Warrior football staff added a new offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in Brody Rohach, who spent the last two seasons as offensive coordinator at NCAA Division III Coe College.
BOWLING
Just one year removed from competing for the Warriors, 2019 graduate Kyle Swiderski was named the new Waldorf bowling coach in early April, replacing Tony Manna who resigned at the end of February.
SPRING SPORTS CANCELED
A four-year letter-winner and four-time NCBCA ScholarAthlete, Swiderski also is No. 2 all-time in career average at Waldorf (190.3).
The spread of COVID-19 led to the NAIA canceling athletic events for the spring in mid-March, leaving Warrior sports like golf and outdoor track and field without a season, while the Waldorf softball and baseball teams saw their seasons cut short.
“Everyone wants to go to the top competitive school because they recognize it by name,” Swiderski said after his hiring. “I want to get Waldorf to that point, where they can come here and know they can be competitive.”
Warrior alum Kyle Swiderski takes over bowling program
The Warrior baseball team finished the abbreviated season with a 6-15 record, a season that saw pitcher Heath Chapman still set new program career records for wins (13) and strikeouts (137).
STUDENT ATHLETES
honored with online All-Sports Awards Ceremony The closure of on-campus activities didn’t stop Waldorf Athletics from hosting its annual AllSports Awards Ceremony as the event went online in April, honoring Warrior Scholar Teams, academic honorees, and announcing the Lions Club and Honor Athlete award winners. Coaches recorded a brief video message highlighting their teams’ accomplishments, then special award winners were announced online, including two new awards: The Team Community Service Award and the “Penny-War” Coach of the Year. The Warrior volleyball team won the inaugural Team Community Service Award, and women’s soccer head coach Lugo Arenas was named the first “Penny-War” Coach of the Year. Coach of the Year voting was done by donation of pennies for each coach, while non-penny coins and dollars counting as negative votes for a coach. The voting raised $212 which was donated in Arenas’ name to the Neighborhood Food Bank of Winnebago County. As for the traditional awards, the Athletico Comeback Players of the Year were softball player Blaney Markman and men’s basketball player Gabriel Munoz, while the Lions Club Sportsmanship Award winners were Andrew Murley of the cross country and track and field team, and Elisabeth Tramm from the volleyball team. The final awards announced were the Honor-Athlete Awards which went to football’s Hilton Joseph and volleyball’s Kyra Platzek .
waldorf.edu Athletics Articles by MIKE STETSON
The Warrior softball team concluded the spring with a 1-12 record. Seniors Taylor Navratil and Payge Jurgens also hit program career records – or actually improved on their own mark – as Navratil is the all-time leader in stolen bases with 50 in her career, and Jurgens is the top all-time home run hitter with 27. The Warrior golf teams, which did play in the fall, saw their spring season canceled before they could hit the course, which included the cancelation of the NSAA Championships to be hosted by Viterbo. The NSAA Championships were also canceled for outdoor track and field which proved an extra disappointment for Waldorf, which was scheduled to host the event at Bolstorff Field on May 7-8. The Waldorf outdoor track and field team did not get to compete as their season was canceled before their first competition, as well.// WALDORF MAGAZINE FALL 2020 9
CAMPUS NEWS
Honor's Day 2020 Hello Waldorf Warriors and friends!
// The Bartleson Family Endowed Scholarship – Matheus Furlaneto de Oliveira
Due to COVID-19 we chose to cancel the annual Honors Day Program, which has traditionally been held in April each year. We opted to prioritize the health and safety of our donors and students and not bring them together for this special recognition day at this time.
// The Bergland Family Memorial Scholarship – Matheus Furlaneto de Oliveira
We mailed award notification letters to each student recipient at the end of June 2020. We are mailing notifications to our donors in early September 2020 – along with thank you notes from our grateful students.
// The William and Mary Johnson Scholarship – Joshua Fussy
Students are nominated for our scholarship opportunities, and then through a competitive process are selected as recipients. The scholarships are provided by individuals and/or families who have made the commitment to improve Waldorf University students’ lives through their participation in funding these awards. Waldorf University and the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation is very grateful to our donors, and sincerely congratulates each of our student recipients for this academic year.
// The Carlyle Holte Scholarship – Banele Ndlovu
// The Aagot Thomte Swenson Memorial Scholarship – Abigail Lumley, Christopher Lumley and Nathanael Lumley
// Communications Department Scholarship – Isabela Ruiz
// The Adrian and Eleanor Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Education – Sienne Layne
// The Dan and Clarice Grefthen Scholarship – Hayleigh Solano
// The Adrian and Eleanor Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Music – Faith Kahler
// The David Bolstorff Endowed Scholarship – Jarrod Reed
// Bernett Salven Lincoln Scholarship – Kodi Hillman // The Bertha Salveson Music Scholarship – Noah Hoffman // The Bill Hamm Scholarship – Tori-Ann Francis // The Bill Smith Scholarship – Ryan Swiderski // Buzz Burnham Scholarship – Payge Jurgens // Churness-Moen Scholarship – Rebekah Jensvold // The Class of ’48 Scholarship – Emma Donnelly // The Class of ’51 Scholarship – Hayleigh Solano // The Class of ’61 Scholarship – Marcus Brown // The Class of ’78 Scholarship – Kaitlyn Bakke // The Clifton L. and Marjorie Bruland Scholarship – Lydia Knudtson // The Dale and Agnes Hagen Scholarship – Emily VanderPloeg // The Dan Mork Memorial Scholarship – Jack Muhleck
// Adrian and Shirley Ploegtra Scholarship – Ka’Jon Smith
// The Dean L. Nerem Memorial Scholarship – Cody Ails
// The Al and Verna Oster Scholarship – Nicole Misner
// The Don and Kris Meyer Scholarship – Lauren Dohlman
// The Al Heppner Scholarship – Antonio Lopes
// The Donald and Charlotte Anderson Scholarship Fund – Tristan Furgeson
// The Alan Sansgaard Memorial Scholarship – Joseph Van Essen // Alumni Board Scholarship – Joseph Halverson // The Anna Marie Mitchell Endowed Scholarship - Nicole Callow // The Archie Stockseth Scholarship – Josiah Kleveland // The Arlene Halvorson Ingebritson Scholarship – Antonio Lopes // The Asp-Lund Scholarship Fund – Ariel Pindegayosh and MaCoy Yeakel
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WALDORF MAGAZINE // FALL 2020
// The Dorothy (Nasby) Carlson Music Scholarship – Antonio Lopes // Dorothy A. Wonsmos Endowed Scholarship – Isaac Agar // Dorothy A. Wonsmos Endowed Scholarship – Aaron Mathahs // The Dr. Lyle B. & Evelyn E. Beaver Scholarship Fund – Anthony Chavez and Austin Steele // The Dr. Lynn and Rosalie Juhl Educational Scholarship – Araneg Leon-Velazquez
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CAMPUS NEWS // The Dr. Richard Baur Memorial Scholarship – Kodi Hillman // The Elaine Anderson Memorial Award – Kelsey Peterson // The Elizabeth Branstad Burtness Scholarship – Xavier Patterson // The Ella L. Olson Memorial Scholarship – Lisa R. Blyth // The English Department Scholarship – Benjamin Hassebroek // The Erling Haugo Memorial Scholarship Fund – Rachel Niemi and Ryan Petersen // The Ernest and Mildred Thompson Family Endowed Scholarship – Emily Stolpp // The Ernest H. Schmidt Scholarship Fund – Jewell Sowell // The Ethel Marie Hanson Saltou and Celia Ramsay Scholarship – Becca Seglem // The Eugene M. and Clarine Strand Endowed Scholarship – Katie Chapman // The Everett and Clara Nelson Endowed Scholarship – Anna Weaver // F. Elizabeth (Carson) Olson Memorial Scholarship – Caleb Williams // The Fietz Scholarship in English – Mercedes Garcia // The Frank and Anna Banta and Family Endowed Scholarship – Becca Seglem and Zachary Throne // The Frank & Phyllis Gillett Scholarship – Piper VanRavenswaay // The Gabby Pierce Scholarship – Logan Jahnke // The Genevieve Stelberg Memorial Scholarship – Brynlee Gibbs, Kathryn Hoyer, Ashlea Jenkins, Carmen Mata, Alfredo Moreno, Gabriel Parra, Matthew Pfaltzgraf, Joao Ramos Pereira, Kaitlin Rodriguez, Lourdez Valadez, and Matheus Zaltron Pedroso // The Gerald and Mary Jo Boman Scholarship – Anna Weaver // Gordon and Margaret Cosner Memorial Scholarship – Kyle Bell // Gordon and Margaret Cosner Memorial Scholarship – Faith Sorenson // The Gordon and Opal Aasgaard Memorial Scholarship – Antonio Lopes // The Hans & Grace Olson Memorial Scholarship – Jordan Aholt, Zoe Czapiewski, Tori-Ann Francis, Marissa Gates, Jessica Gil-Garcia, Andrew Huber, Taylor Karr, Tristan Klewsaat, Damarre Martin, Jordan Ribbink, Dakota Savoie, Janek Sperling, Cathryn Tavares, Amar Thomas, Jeffrey Veitch, and Jessica Whittaker // The Hanwick-Sigmond Endowed Scholarship – Lauren Dohlman // The Harold and Ella Midtbo Endowed Scholarship – Caden Tchop // The Harold C. Smith Scholarship – Sienne Layne // The Helen Briggs-Halverson Scholarship – John Lentz // The Helen Prestegaard Lipp Scholarship – Myra Meyer // The Helmer & Ruth Peterson Scholarship – Abijah Ray // The Henry Gjellefald Endowed Scholarship – Austin Case // The Herb and Cathy Ihle Scholarship – Robert Ornelas, Cody Ails, Dominic Lamanno, Channing Manske, Karissa Rasch // The History Scholarship – Dominic Lamanno, Vincent Puterbaugh // The Howard & Eunice Hovland Educational Scholarship – Elizabeth Jenkins // The Howard and Verna Thoresen Scholarship – Benjamin Lockwood // The Hubert and Daisy Cormaney Hill Endowed Scholarship – LeeAnn Helgevold
// The Immanuel Lutheran-Burton Smith Memorial Award – Tyler Mausser // The Ingeborg Coltvet Memorial Scholarship in Business – Jacob Conlon // Ingvoldstad Family Scholarship – Maxwell Drebenstedt // The Irene Helvig Scholarship – Anna Barros Almeida // The Irving and Marian (Wold) Njus (Family) Scholarship – Austin Siegal // The Irwin Z. Hyland Scholarship Fund – Daniel Haley // The J.D. Mangan Scholarship – Jack VanDusseldorp // J. Gordon and Agnes M. Christianson Endowed Scholarship – Mary Rohne // J. Gordon and Agnes M. Christianson Endowed Scholarship – Mara Schmitz // J. Gordon and Agnes M. Christianson Endowed Scholarship – Piper VanRavenswaay // The Joel P. Laaveg Choir Scholarship – Noah Hoffman // The John and Opal Solomonson Memorial Scholarship – Lauren Dohlman // The John and Viola Olson Scholarship – Jasmine Riley // John C. Gertenrich Jr. Scholarship – Aaron Fleming // The John Ostermann Jr. Scholarship Fund – Alexandra Mathers // The John R. & Ruth N. Johnson Scholarship – Berenice Espino // The John Wogsland Memorial Scholarship – Benjamin Lockwood // The Jolivette Endowed Scholarship – Rebekah Jensvold, Jessica Mourning // Karen & Wayne Johns Mathematics Scholarship – Emily VanderPloeg // Karol Sucher Clemens Memorial Scholarship – Autumn Petersen // Kathryn Ann Galven Memorial Scholarship – Tatum Phelps // Ken and Joan Hansen Scholarship – Myra Meyer // Kennes and Alice Kingland and Future Teachers Scholarship – Megan Henn // The Kirk Barstad Memorial Scholarship – Michael Fitzpatrick // The Larry Lenning Memorial Scholarship – Benard Machira // The Lawrence and Edna Johannesen Memorial Scholarship – Megan Henn // The Lester and Darlene Swenson Annual Scholarship – McKenna Clouse, Lilia Rangel, Amber Williams // The Lillian Madland Torgerson Scholarship – Hanna Clark // The Lin Sandven Memorial Scholarship – Kelsey Peterson // The Lloyd and Josie Erickson Family Scholarship – Abbey Ludden // The Lois Rose Memorial Scholarship – Diana Dzasezeva and Kaitlyn Elskamp // The Luther and Eloyce Tweeten Scholarship Fund – Craig Acosta and Bailey Anderson // The M. O. Nilssen Scholarship Fund – Hannah Wagner // The Maevis Adams Memorial Scholarship – Autumn Kopp, Anna Ramaker, Chase Stuver // The Margaret (Muggie) Hagen Scholarship – Rachel Dahlin HONORS DAY continued pg. 12
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ALUMNI NEWS
CAMPUS NEWS
HONORS continued
// The Marvin A. Anderson Scholarship – Peyton Arenson and Abygail Wood
// The Selmer and Lorena Gunderson Scholarship – Makayla Vogt, Madison Widener
// The Marvin T. Nystrom Endowed Scholarship – Maddison Zellmer
// The Selmer J. and Dorothy Lee Dahl Scholarship – Kade Kloster-Hodak
// The Mavis (Vinge) Ingebritson Memorial Scholarship – John Lentz, Alyssa Swearingen, Gabrielle Womack // The Melvin A. Rasmussen Scholarship – Abigail Lumley, Christopher Lumley, Nathanael Lumley
// The Seth Wooldridge Endowed Memorial Scholarship – Josiah Kleveland // The Shaw Family Scholarship – Riley Walton
// The Melvin O. Burtness Scholarship – Rachel Dahlin
// The Shirley Olson Teig Scholarship – Breanna Bouse
// The Merle and Delores Kudej Scholarship – Victoria Olvera, Autumn Paulson, Rachel Setting
// The Sigvald Fauske Memorial Scholarship – Zachary Jimenez
// The Metta Fick Family Scholarship – Casey Fraser // The Mildred J. Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Becca Seglem // The Mrs. K. J. (Jennie) Hanson Scholarship – Kathleen Baldwin // The O. J. Johnson Scholarship – Samuel Jones // The Odvin Hagen Scholarship – Noah McLaughlin // The Orval and Esther Trail Education Scholarship – Clara Roderick // The Oscar and Esther Lyders Music Scholarship – Riley Walton // The Oscar Branstad Memorial Scholarship – Breeann Hamblin
// The St. Olaf Lutheran Church of Austin, MN, Foundation Fund – Banele Ndlovu // The Stanford and Ruth Holtan Endowed Scholarship Fund – Rebekah Jensvold, Katie Chapman // The Stella L. Peterson Memorial Scholarship – Benjamin Lockwood // The Stensland Family Scholarship – Tina Lair-Van Meter // The Sterling and Vila Thompson Scholarship Fund – Alejandro Gonzalez Prieto // The Tad “Wheelz” Venzke Scholarship – Sierra Kearns
// The Oscar Ronken Scholarship – Lourdez Valadez
// The Thorwald and Josephine Thorson Scholarship – Diana Dzasezeva, Samuel Jones, Banele Ndlovu
// The Osnes Family Scholarship – Breanna Bouse
// The Tracy Mathisen Memorial Award – Julian Giustiniano
// The Otto and Margaret Tonneson Scholarship – Joao Oliveira Guimaraes Cabral, Joao Romeu Lino de Souza, Emily Stolpp
// The Trygve Lenning Family Endowed Scholarship for Elementary Education – Brittany-Ann Kirschbaum
// The Outstanding Future Educator Fund – Bailey Anderson // The Ove and Mabel Anderson Scholarship – Elizabeth Bond
// The Verna and Harry Reynolds Memorial Scholarship – Joseph Bauer, Ashlyn Brandt, Matthew Burns, Skila Rogers
// The Pastor Daniel Stegen Memorial Scholarship – Hunter Rushford
// The Waldorf Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship – Jorge Olivo Cabrera
// The Pastor Mark Ronning Scholarship – Kai Meuronen
// The Walter and Evelyn Bergland Scholarship – Kalie Eastman
// The Pastor Palmer and Ruth Wold Scholarship – Nicholas Tebeau, Lauren Dohlman
// The William and Enid Robinson Scholarship Fund – Sean Mallonee
// The Pete and Janet Hermanson Scholarship – Elizabeth Nelson, Abygail Wood // The Peter Hillesland Memorial Scholarship – Trevor Gunderson // The Philip Sigmond Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlyn Elskamp, Kelsey Peterson // The Ralph and Bonita Olson Scholarship – Karlee Leyvas
// The William and Mary Johnson Scholarship – MaCoy Yeakel, Lauren Edmiston, Benjamin McElroy
If you are interested in continuing the legacy our alumni and donors have established, by structuring a scholarship in your name or in the memory of a loved one, please reach out to the Teresa Nicholson, Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation, Director of Institutional Relations, at 641-585-8147 or Teresa.Nicholson@waldorf.edu.
// The Rasmussen Encouragement Award – Racee Moore // The Ray Mehl Family Scholarship – Maddison Zellmer // The Rev. C. S. Salveson Award – Kristine Kingland // The Rev. P. Lauritz and Alpha Mork Scholarship – Yi Shen Tan // The Robert G. Anderson Memorial Scholarship – Benjamin Boerjan // The Roger C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship – Anna Ramaker // The Ron Sime Memorial Scholarship – Katie Chapman // The Ronald and Darlene Groe Scholarship – Brittany-Ann Kirschbaum, Nathan Sogard // Rosdail Family Scholarship – Andrew Bailey // The Ruth and Jacob Lee Scholarship – Faith Kahler, Sienna Layne // The Sam Koehnk Courage Award – Quincy Minor // The Sanford and Kathryn Haugen Scholarship – Henrique Aragon Lucas // Second Orm Scholarship from the Class of 1973 – Katrina Byford
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CAMPUS NEWS
Student Profile
RACHEL DREESZEN ’20— WHY WALDORF?
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n April of my senior year of high school, I had no plans to attend Waldorf University. I had already decided to attend my local community college and then transfer to a four-year university to finish my degree. I was at an FFA event when my wrestling coach texted me saying that Waldorf University was interested in having me wrestle. After corresponding with the Head Women’s Wrestling Coach Tyreece Gilder, I decided to head to Forest City for a visit. Upon my visit to campus, I met my future professor, Dr. Kevin Mason. After sitting down to talk with him, I felt that I would be more than a number compared to the feeling I got from other universities. At Waldorf, I would be set up to achieve the career goals I aspired to. After the tour of campus, my mom and I went to Shooters, a sports bar in Forest City. We came to the bar to eat as well as to watch the Wisconsin vs. West Virginia basketball game. Jokingly, my mom, being a big Wisconsin Badgers fan, let me know that I could attend Waldorf University if Wisconsin beat West Virginia that day. Now, being an official graduate of Waldorf University, you can assume who won the game! When I was deciding on which college to pick, I ended up visiting many different universities. These other universities I had visited felt far too large–especially compared to my small hometown of Kingsley that has a population of approximately 1,000. For my undergraduate degree, I knew that I was far more likely to feel too overwhelmed or lost in the mass of students, and as a result, not thrive as well in a larger university compared to a smaller university. I came to Waldorf as a student during the fall of 2017. On campus, I felt I knew most every student, faculty and staff by name. It did not matter if I was not in the same major or the same activity (everyone
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at Waldorf University does something!), I knew and hung out with just about everyone. The ability for all majors and activities whether it be sports, band, choir, theatre or academic to have a close bond with one another has allowed Waldorf students to become more well-rounded by getting to know and learn from others with different interests and passions. Originally, I went to Waldorf University as a recipient of the Waldorf Woman Wrestler scholarship, but I eventually transitioned to be part of the history pillars program. Throughout my time on campus, I was lucky enough to participate in many activities, including theatre. Theatre was something I enjoyed when I was in high school and got to continue with in college even though it was not my activity or major. I also had the ability to participate in multiple clubs, student council, give tours as a student ambassador and assist other students as a tutor. The major I was in, history, is not one of the largest majors on campus. As a result, we were a very close group, and as we shared similar classes and schedules, we got to know each other from our very first days on campus. The history department has two professors: Dr. Kevin Mason and Jon Klauke. The two of them balance each other out well and help facilitate an environment that keeps our group close. The hardest part of having COVID-19 occur during the middle of my last semester of college is knowing that our group of history students will likely not all be together again. By making the choice to come to Waldorf University, it has allowed me to not only get a more personal education, but it also provided the opportunity for an education that is focused on the careers I would like to pursue.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Profile ASHLEY LUTRICK ’13
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hirty minutes before her shift starts, Ashley Lutrick ’13 is already on campus at the Banner University Medical Center of Tuscon to prepare for another day.
Lutrick has completely distanced herself since February 2020 in an effort to keep not only her family safe, but to keep herself and her patients safe as well.
Since March 2020, her daily work routine as a second-year resident in the emergency department has changed drastically. A new entrance, temperature screenings upon arrival, donning a full outfit of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a full respirator and surgical cap, and at one point, even meeting with her patients from the door way of their hospital room. For Lutrick, it’s hard to connect emotionally with her patients anymore, not being able to give an encouraging smile or a reassuring touch on the arm.
It was this close relationship with her family, specifically her father, which led Lutrick down the path to becoming a doctor in the first place.
Not only have her work routines changed, but, like much of the world in these uneasy times, Lutrick has had to make sacrifices in her personal life as well. As someone who spends much of her time off with her closeknit family, most of who also live in Phoenix, 14
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During the Vietnam War, the Khoundara family emigrated from the small South Eastern Asian country of Laos. Lutrick’s immediate family found their home in the Norwalk suburb of Des Moines, and the future Waldorf alumna found success as both a student and an athlete as she made her way through school. When Lutrick was in high school, her father was diagnosed and tragically passed away from liver cancer. It was through his illness and their family’s time spent in the hospital that drew Lutrick to the idea of medical school. “I was the inquisitive type, but I never really
thought I was smart enough to become a doctor, so I never truly committed to it,” Lutrick explained. When looking for a place to continue her education after high school, the Des Moines-area native knew she wanted to stay in Iowa. While it was her volleyball skills that brought her two hours north to Forest City, it was the feeling of home that made her stay. “I ended up doing a tour [at Waldorf] and got a huge sense of community,” Lutrick recalled. “I felt like they cared more about me as a person rather than a statistic.” It wasn’t until Lutrick’s sophomore year on Waldorf’s campus, though, when she fully committed to the goal of medical school. But even with her good grades and solid resume, she was turned away from the first round of schools she had applied to. “It was honestly the best thing that could have happened to me,” Lutrick stated as she
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ALUMNI NEWS “Waldorf gave me a lot of opportunities to be involved in multiple things and to foster my growth as a person. I was really encouraged and motivated by a lot of the professors and coaches there,” Lutrick recalled of her days on campus. “I look back, and I honestly don’t know how I handled all of the things I did back then. I was pulled in so many different directions based off of all of the different roles I had, and it’s the same in the emergency department. I’m going a different direction every other minute.” As a resident in the emergency department, Lutrick is a self-proclaimed, “Jack of all trades, master of nothing…but I get to do a little bit of everything.”
“[Emergency medicine] is fun, and it’s different, and it’s a really hard job, but it keeps you humble,” Lutrick explained. “I can never learn everything there is, and I think that’s the beauty of it.”
Lutrick credits her time at Waldorf with giving her the opportunity to cultivate and develop the strong work ethic she needed to get where she is today.
And throughout this year, the spread of COVID-19 has provided a time of unprecedented learning for their team. While the volume of patients has been down on a day-to-day basis, the patients they are seeing are much sicker and require more medical intervention than prior to the pandemic. The residents and attendings, nurses and other critical medical staff not only face the battle of treating their sick patients, but the initial fight to gather enough proper PPE for all employees was an exhausting one all on its own.
“It’s surreal, in a sense. I feel like I’m just doing my job,” Lutrick explained. “We get lunches delivered all of the time from local businesses who are just thinking of us. Individuals will just drop off a whole bunch of pre-bagged lunches and desserts. It’s overwhelming, and it’s sweet, but in my mind, this is what I do every day. In my mind, it’s not any different from just taking care of the patient right in front of me.” And while each day and each moment brings new challenges to face, the end of a shift has become routine now as well: Take off every piece of PPE. Seal every item and piece of clothing from the day into a bag. Change into street clothes. Sanitize the respirator. Sanitize every pen. Sanitize the badge. It’s what we’re calling, “the new normal,” and for Lutrick, she doesn’t see this changing anytime soon. “Things are getting better, but they’re definitely not gone,” she expressed. “I still see COVID-19 patients every day.”
But in the midst of long hours beneath a hot mask, the heartfelt appreciation from her patients during COVID-19 has been a silver lining in Lutrick’s day. Instead of abrasive impatience for sitting too long in the waiting room or anger if and when the medical provider doesn’t have all of the answers, the doctors and residents are met with much more graciousness and understanding.
Lutrick at graduation day from Kirksville College of Medicine
In 2014, with a newfound confidence and a few more years of experience in her back pocket, Lutrick reapplied to medical school. And in 2019, the first generation college student walked across the stage as an official graduate of the Kirksville College of Medicine at A.T. Still University to accept her hard-earned degree in medicine.
While the majority of us haven’t had to be in the hospitals or clinics to properly thank our health care workers, we’ve seen the appreciation for their efforts quite literally go viral. From the 7:00 PM standing ovation each night in New York City, to the donations and incredible fundraising results that began as grassroots efforts, the heroic and selfless work of employees in health care has rightfully been magnified in light of the pandemic.
While it was her volleyball skills that brought her two hours north to Forest City, it was the feeling of home that made her stay.
From newborn infants to elderly patients who come in with needs related to orthopedic care, obstetrics, gynecologic, hematology, oncology, all the way down to a stubbed toe, Lutrick and her coworkers have been trained to be a primary provider in each of those situations.
recalled the disappointing news. The change of plans forced the class of 2013 graduate to take a couple of years off and work for a medical scribe company. She took on the roles of chief medical scribe and eventually, a junior project leader, in which she gained priceless experience implementing programs in the specialties of emergency medicine, internal medicine, family medicine and orthopedic medicine. It was in these roles that she discovered her love of emergency medicine.
will stop and thank you.”
“It’s rare for a patient to stop and truly say thank you,” Lutrick explained. “But I can say that I definitely get it every day now. And I appreciate it a lot. Our patients are much sicker nowadays, but almost every patient LUTRICK continued pg. 22
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ALUMNI NEWS
KAR WOO ’74 Artists helping the Homeless
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n 2014, Waldorf recognized Kar Woo ’74 as a recipient of the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious honor a Waldorf alumnus can receive. Six short years have passed since receiving this award, and he arguably deserves to win it all over again. In 1972, Woo came to the United States from Hong Kong, China, to attend thenWaldorf College. He had $50 in his pocket and minimal knowledge of the English language. In addition to his studies, Woo washed dishes, flipped burgers and worked the line at Winnebago Industries to make ends meet. “My whole life has been out of stupidity,” Woo joked. “When I came to Waldorf, I thought the United States was one giant San Francisco to New York City. I had no idea there was a Midwest, but I lucked out because the people were so nice!” In the late 1970’s, Woo took his passion for art and his degrees in business and psychology and opened the doors of his own art
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gallery called J.M. Porters in Kansas City. With Woo-original statues now gracing the healing gardens of Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, to his art and furniture being found in some of the most affluent homes in the area, the Waldorf alumnus had no idea the success he would find in these efforts–nor how they would lead to the next chapter of his and so many others’ lives. In order to reach a broader audience, Woo eventually moved J.M. Porters closer to downtown in an area known as the Country Club Plaza. He began to walk his Dalmatian in Mill Creek Park, near his new business location, and was taken aback by the amount of homelessness that seemed to plague the area. Through many conversations, visits to his gallery for hot chocolate, blankets in the winter and food and clothing all-year-round, Woo’s heart continued to go out to these individuals. In 2008, in what started as a gesture to help fund a Sunday night meal program, Woo founded the non-profit organization Artists Helping the Homeless.
Meanwhile, just down the road, Saint Luke’s Hospital gathered word that a local art gallery owner was considered a friend to the homeless. As they were overwhelmed with many individuals coming into the emergency department for non-medical related needs, but in need of food and shelter, representatives from the hospital approached Woo to see if he would be willing to take a role in solving this issue. What started out as Woo giving people rides from the hospital to shelters and other destinations, evolved into an indispensable resource for Kansas City’s homeless population as well as the organizations and agencies that interact with the homeless every day. From giving rides to hospitals, domestic violence shelters, treatment centers and pharmacies, to things like retrieving social security cards, birth certificates and other necessary paperwork, all the way to providing free housing for individuals who are in between chapters and don’t have a place to
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ALUMNI NEWS go, Woo, both literally and figuratively, goes the extra mile for those around him. “[Our programs] allow for those who perhaps just got out of a detox center or mental health unit who are maybe waiting for housing, or a job, or just don’t have any place to go. This allows them buy some time to reflect and regroup,” Woo explained. “Our goal is to help those who want it have their opportunity.” While assistance in the short-term is vital to future success, Artists Helping the Homeless always has a long-term vision in mind for their clients. Many of the people trying to get back on their feet in the program struggle to find housing and/or jobs because of things like credit issues or a felony on their record. Woo and his team were moved to help these individuals by opening an apartment complex in order to provide the opportunity for clients to build good credit and solid references, allowing them to finally be able to take steps forward. But Artists Helping the Homeless didn’t stop there. By transitioning one of the apartment units into medical and dental offices, residents have the opportunity to use health care as a preventative and proactive treatment. “If you and I don’t feel well, we call the doctor,” Woo explained. “We can see the dentist and doctor for regular check-ups if we want to. If you are in the population that is disadvantaged, you don’t get that. Everyone we house, we require them to go to the doctor and dentist as a preventative measure. This reduces their need for the emergency room. It isn’t a medical emergency now every time they need to see a doctor.” Along with their physical wellbeing, Woo and his staff put a focus on their mental and emotional strength as well by encouraging clients to pursue an education, with assistance through a scholarship funded by their organization. “I think college is really important,” explained Woo. “It builds discipline and deferred gratification. So many of these people have relied on things for immediate gratification, so an education and going to college teaches that discipline that they need.” While gaining his own education, Woo’s time at Waldorf provided relationships and a slower pace in a small town that gave him the time and space he needed to learn and grow, and he takes that concept with him when fostering encouraging environments for his clients.
“Our program is here to help you thrive, not help you just survive,” Woo explained. “We want to provide a nurturing environment where they can have time to formulate a plan, to think and to do, not a place where they’re just trying to get by.” Through grants, innovative programming and a genuinely unmatched dedication to the cause, Artists Helping the Homeless has grown to helping around 2,000 people each year, housing up to 200 individuals in need of assistance per year and 60-70 individuals at any given moment. In the first two years of the program, Saint Luke’s Hospital reported an 80 percent reduction in Emergency Room cases involving individuals who are homeless. In the first decade of Woo’s efforts, local hospitals, police departments, ambulance services and jails have saved millions of dollars, and at Saint Luke’s hospital alone, these programs have decreased the number of individuals in the emergency department by 87%, saving the institution more than $1.2 million each year since its creation. But like most of the world throughout the past several months of 2020, the day-to-day struggle is evident as employees, volunteers and individuals impacted by Artists Helping the Homeless are forced to navigate these already emotionally and physically taxing situations during the COVID-19 global pandemic. “[The pandemic] has totally changed how we work,” Woo explained. “All assessments must be done over the phone. When you visit them in person, you can see body language and understand them, but over the phone, it’s just that much more difficult to place people. We have had to adapt to figure out how to house them and where to refer them to.” With nowhere to safely isolate and minimal access to hygienic practices that limit the spread of illness, individuals in a homeless situation are an incredibly vulnerable population in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. With shelters sitting at maximum capacity and detox centers and mental health units reluctant to accept new patients due to COVID-19 rearing its ugly head, placing clients in the right setting for success has become increasingly difficult. “After they get out of the hospital, you have a group of people who go back on the street with nowhere to go. Contact for the virus is so much higher in these populations,” Woo explained of their desperation when the pandemic first began to spread.
“If we can find them a temporary place to shelter them, we can cut down their vulnerability of catching the virus. “ However, in the most desperate circumstances is when Woo tends to do his best work. It took weeks of pleading with foundations, churches and charities for funds to temporarily house some of their clients, but phone call after phone call seemed to end in the same way: any extra money was going toward assisting those who had already contracted COVID-19.
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Our program is here to help you thrive, not help you just survive.
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“No one would come on board. I was getting very frustrated.” Woo expressed. “Even though I have been doing this a long time, and I get told no a lot, it seemed like for every eight no responses there was only one yes response.” But right as he was beginning to feel like there was nowhere else to turn, he received an email from the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Woo’s grant application had been accepted, and Artists Helping the Homeless would receive $50,000 to shelter at-risk individuals during the pandemic. In a combination of funds from this emergency response grant and donations from three local churches, Woo found a wing of hotel rooms outside of the city where individuals who don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms can temporarily shelter-in-place as they find a better placement for their situation. In a strategic move to ensure a location in which there wouldn’t be a lot of distractions, their shelter-in-place program, while temporary, acts almost identically to their typical housing methods. With 24-hour monitoring, a 24-hour staff manager, a case manager, and legal assistance, Artists Helping the Homeless’ temporary shelter-inplace program has provided a way to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in an otherwise extremely vulnerable population, while continuing to assist and guide them during a delicate transitional time. “Without this program, they are directly on the streets,” Woo explained. “This can buy them some time to keep them safe and WOO continued pg. 22
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A
I
Word
“ t’s been a lot of time sitting by myself in tears, to be honest with you. You feel helpless. People are hurting, and people are scared. It’s very, very frustrating.” Andy Buffington, Waldorf Class of 1990–AKA “The class by which all others are measured,” as he proudly states–has always emulated what it means to be a Waldorf Warrior. But in the time of the novel virus, COVID-19, this Waldorf graduate’s selflessness and calling to serve those around him has been taken to an entirely new level. From his current roles as a loving husband, proud dad, former chair of the congregation for Immanuel Lutheran Church of Forest City, co-owner of the communityminded and local popular hangout spot, The Paddler’s Tap, recently retired president of the Waldorf University Alumni Board of Directors and his career as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Winnebago and Hancock Counties in North Iowa, Buffington’s others-minded approach to life is one that comes second-nature.
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FROM THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR After completing his degree in parks and recreation management from Northwest Missouri State University in 1997, Buffington made his way back to North Iowa to take over as a jailer for Hancock County. In 2000, he landed his current role in the emergency management agency, and with 20 years in this position under his belt, it is safe to say that he has hit his stride. On a day-to-day basis, as an emergency management coordinator, Buffington wears a plethora of hats for Winnebago and Hancock counties. And while each of these different hats involves a variety of responsibilities, every single move he makes is one of intentional service and dedication to the communities of North Iowa. Much like emergency management professionals across the United States, Buffington and his team began watching the COVID-19 virus spread across the world in January 2020. “It has been a huge undertaking,” Buffington explained. “We’ve talked about and studied human infectious diseases for years,
but COVID-19 has been so different in that there is very little you can do as far as actually working with the virus.” Almost overnight, Buffington and his team went from the constant hustle of their daily responsibilities to focusing solely on COVID-19 efforts. These efforts included the seemingly endless gathering of data and dissemination, delivering PPE to care centers and health facilities and trying to do everything in their power to keep the communities they serve safe. “All we can focus on is making sure people are informed and that they are prepared,” said Buffington on the team’s priority as the virus continues to make its way into homes around the nation. “Especially as things continue to change.” As a novel strain of this virus, it is no secret that as the weeks play out, everything scientists and experts know about COVID-19 is constantly evolving. With no vaccine at the time this article was written, no pharmaceutical remedy or therapy, and no telling when or how a solution will come to light, many
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are anxious and fearful of what the future will bring. Without individuals like Buffington, who choose to put others first and to sacrifice their own safety to protect the safety of those around them, our communities would be a much darker place in times like these. We consider them heroes for their daily actions, but their bravery does not come without its own burden. Even Buffington’s level-headed and matterof-fact demeanor cannot mask the weightiness and reality of COVID-19. Not only does the ongoing fear of bringing the virus home to his family loom, but Buffington’s genuine concern and care for the residents of the communities he serves is one that weighs heavily on his heart. “When we start talking about something that affects people at this level…I talked about being very emotional; it’s because we’re dealing with other human beings,” Buffington evoked. But as Buffington and the team continue to use their time to inform, educate and
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Waldorf instills a spirit and a passion in you to really care about other people and to value our roles together as a community. That’s what the place is built on. We’re warriors through and through.
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prepare health care facilities, care centers, businesses and community members as a whole, he encourages individuals to continue to hold onto a hope for the future and to see–and to be–the good in these times. “One thing that has been very apparent throughout all of this, is that this situation has brought out the core of who we are as people,” Buffington noted. “And that’s neither good nor bad. If someone is kind at their core, kindness truly shines through them…but hostility in a core shines through as well.”
And while each work day continues to present new challenges, and the coming days, weeks and months remain a mystery for all, Buffington holds close the values instilled at him during his time at Waldorf. “Because of the close community, Waldorf teaches you the value of people, and that you’re not necessarily just an individual,” Buffington expressed. “We are, obviously, but what we do matters to others. How we conduct ourselves matters to others. Waldorf instills a spirit and a passion in you to really care about other people and to value our roles together as a community. That’s what the place is built on. We’re warriors through and through.” ––– From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, Andy, for all the ways you continue to serve Waldorf and the North Iowa communities. We are so grateful to call you a Waldorf alumnus!
(LEFT PAGE) Andy, his wife Keila & daughters Isabel & Maddie. (LEFT) Andy, his wife Keila & daughter Maddie. (ABOVE) Andy and his daughter Isabel (TOP RIGHT) Andy with friends and Waldorf alumni Christy and Jim Willmore. (BOTTOM RIGHT) Andy and his wife Keila.
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REBECCA "BECKY" KOPKA ’92 A hero of hennepin county From the moment the ice melts off of the boat launch in the springtime at Minnesota’s Phalen Regional Park, until the day that it freezes up again, Rebecca “Becky” Kopka ’92 has her 17-foot sea kayak out on Lake Phalen and the adjoining waterways in St Paul, Minn. Not only is the water where she goes to feel grounded, but throughout the past several months, the minutes she spends surrounded by the gentle rocking of the waves have also been her socially distanced safe haven. As a paramedic for Minnesota’s Hennepin County Emergency Medical Services, Kopka serves the 750,000 citizens and 1.5 million visitors of the 266 square mile territory that is home to 14 Minnesotan municipalities. Based in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, the small-town native always knew she wanted the challenge of Hennepin County. While many of her classmates shied away from the inner city territory, Kopka’s adventurous personality was drawn to the lack of normalcy and the abundance of 20
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diversity that comes with each passing day. “The very first call I ever went out on in Hennepin [County] was for a 15-year-old kid who had been shot point blank in the back. He was talking and awake, and we whistled him all the way back to the hospital. He survived, but he had ten bullets just sitting in his chest cavity that whole time,” Kopka recalled. “It’s not for everybody, but it’s for me.” In what began as a path toward medical school–and a realization post-MCAT that she needed something different–lead Kopka to a career of now 22 years and counting, and she has never looked back. Much of Kopka’s dedication to the community around her came from her time on Waldorf’s campus where she met many of her lifelong friends and was encouraged to find opportunities to love and serve during those two years. “Waldorf was wonderful. It just was. I look at
my friends I still have from Waldorf, and we all say that if it had been a four-year school at the time, we never would have left. It was a fantastic community feel. There was something so comforting and welcoming about it. So many of us can say that our experiences at other colleges weren’t horrible, but nothing compared to Waldorf. That experience sits a step above everything else.” While in her position as a paramedic, Kopka has worked on the frontlines of some of the most memorable diseases in the past two decades, including H1N1 Swine Flu, the Bird Flu and Ebola, but nothing has compared to the whirlwind of COVID-19. “I remember we wore a few more masks, maybe, and biohazard suits,” Kopka recalled “But even in those times, we didn’t pull out the extra [personal protective equipment] very often. I’ve been showing up to work for 22 years not really doing anything differently, and one day, all of a sudden we have this three page document on how to clean
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ALUMNI NEWS everything and how to put on and take off a gown or a mask. It was crazy. Things changed so quickly.” And as we have continued to learn, once things started to change in nearly every city in the United States, they never really stopped. Without knowing where or how the virus will move next, what it’s capable of doing both short-term and long-term, nor what kind of protection is truly enough, several industries have struggled to properly respond to the pandemic, let alone be proactive. But as frontline workers in a major metropolis, Kopka and her team had to make their decisions fast. N95 masks, face shields, plastic gowns, prescription safety glasses and surgical masks are just a handful of the personal protection equipment (PPE) Kopka and her team have donned over the past several months. The more scientists began to learn about the virus, the more changes the team would see to ensure their safety and protection. But if there’s one thing we have learned about the first half of 2020, it’s that no matter how much we prepare, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. On May 25, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the world’s eyes were on Minneapolis as a video depicting the death of George Floyd in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department was shared around the globe. In a matter of hours, the Minneapolis metro was in a massive state of unrest. “I’ve been around for a lot of stuff,” Kopka evoked. “But I’ve never seen anything like this. It was such a different feel with how much anger there was.”
As the protests continued to grow in size and number in the following hours and days, the decision was made to call on the National Guard to ride with Kopka and her colleagues to protect both the paramedics and their patients. But as the country tried to figure out how to navigate this next emergency, many seemed to forget the lurking danger of the other. “All of this happened, and it was like COVID-19 disappeared and went on vacation for everyone,” Kopka explained. “And now, we’re paying for it.” With the number of cases in the Twin Cities on the rise again at the time this article was written, Kopka and the other paramedics of Hennepin County continue to take an abundance of care as they remain immersed in the thick of the heaviness of a pandemic that has uprooted entire lives alongside one of the most tumultuous periods of time that Minneapolis has seen in decades. “We’ve gotten through things before; we’ll get through things again,” the Waldorf alumna stated confidently of her community. And while she has no doubt in the ability of her city to overcome these trying times, there is no denying the exhaustion that comes with staring a global pandemic in the face every single day for months on end. “COVID-19 is taxing; it is mentally taxing,” Kopka expressed of the emotions so many are feeling in these times. “And it’s more than just work. I’m tired of the PPE and of staying away from people and not seeing my family. My dad’s 85th birthday is coming up–are we going to be able to celebrate? I’ve been over to my brother’s house, on average, three days a week for the past 11+ years and tucking in two of my nephews on those nights. But as of today, it has been 98 days since my last play date.” Even through the phone, you could hear Kopka’s longing for her family in her voice. The ache of missing those we love that so many of us have battled through on a daily basis since early 2020 was apparent as she spoke. But it isn’t just the present times that has many of us, including Kopka, anxious to stand closer than six feet to her loved ones. While COVID-19 remains a mystery
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in many ways from a medical perspective, the unknown of when some semblance of normal might return to our cities and states is a concern that Kopka fears will change not only our communities and small businesses for the long-term, but will increase the need of mental health resources in exponential ways. “I don’t feel like I’ve struggled with mental health issues to my knowledge, and I am so very grateful for that because I’ve witnessed a lot of what that can do to someone first hand,” Kopka explained. “But if you sit here and tell me that come fall and [gloomy] weather, that I can’t leave the house, or that I can’t hang out with my family at Thanksgiving or Christmas time–I would really struggle. I feel the mental health issues, if that were to happen, could be very, very real.” From 55,000 calls for their department to attend to each year at the beginning of her career, to upwards of 90,000 in 2019 alone, there’s no doubt that Kopka will eventually relish the day when she’ll have time to actually heat up her lunch or to sit down for more than a few minutes at a time. But for now, she’s content with the craziness of her schedule and her days out on the kayak to unwind from it all. “It doesn’t quite feel like yesterday, but time really does fly when you’re having fun,” Kopka reminisced of her career path. “Even with everything that has happened and everything going on, I don’t have any regrets. This is still the place I want to work. I wouldn’t want to be doing a different job.” ––– We are so appreciative of your chosen career path, Becky, and the way you put others ahead of yourself each and every day. Thank you for continuing to serve your community even through the most challenging times. Waldorf is honored to call you an alumna of this institution!
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ALUMNI NEWS LUTRICK continued
While Artists Helping the Homeless will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and keep the shelter-in-place program as they move forward through the next weeks and months, he hopes to start making plans for adding an additional rescue house to increase the number of people they can shelter. “But don’t let my accountant know that,” he joked. formulate a plan to move forward appropriately.” It could have been easy for Woo and his small staff, most of whom are graduates of his program, to shrug their shoulders and throw in the towel during this challenging time. Not only has their team had to fight great odds during a global pandemic to help some of the most vulnerable populations in these communities, but the personal risk of being infected is high as well. But if Woo’s seven-day workweek at 12-15 hours a day is any indication, these individuals aren’t just clients, they’re his friends and family. “It’s not work,” Woo matter-of-factly stated. “I’m hanging out with them; I’m there to be support. I’m truly very lucky.” Their impact has started to spread far past the Kansas City area. As other cities start to take notice of the transformational work being done by their non-profit, Woo and his team have begun to put together a program where their concept and philosophies can be replicated and tested elsewhere. But no matter how good the program nor how dedicated the staff, there’s one obvious advantage Kansas City will always have: the authentic servant leadership of Woo. This unmatched, sincere dedication to serving others has been recognized by more than his alma mater. Woo has spoken at the National Health Care for the Homeless Conference & Policy Symposium twice in the past five years, and his “Be the Change,” program was named an Aaron L. Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge Change-maker in 2014. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the top 100 people who make life better in Kansas City by Kansas City Magazine in 2012, and The Kansas City Star named him one of its “Citizens of 2015” finalists. But even though Woo has already done more to actively love those around him than
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Woo’s dedication to his calling is truly unmatched, and his drive and determination to serve others in life-changing ways has continued on in spite of and amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. As we listen to his story and hear of the lives that have been changed, let us not forget the good we can also do with what we have, exactly where we are today.
As Lutrick and her colleagues around the world continue to navigate these times, she remains certain that things in their industry will never be quite the same. “Health care will change. I don’t know how, and I don’t exactly know what details–I don’t think anyone really does–but it has to change,” she stated matter-of-factly. “I know that personally, I will always wear a mask around patients now, and I will start incorporating a surgical cap into my normal attire. With everything that has happened…we just can’t know when a new disease is going to come up. Things have to change.”!
“I started this program without knowing the magnitude of homelessness or substance abuse. I had no idea what the scope of things were, but it was okay; I just took it one step at a time,” Woo reflected on how their program has continued to make an impact. “I’m not trying to change the world on my own; I’m just trying to help one person at a time. If that person can understand how important empathy and caring are, maybe they can continue that on to another person. That’s how we change the world.”
Lutrick with her boyfriend and dog
AHA during their Sunday meal program
many of us will do in a lifetime, he doesn’t have any plans of slowing down.
Lutrick on mission trip to Nicaragua
WOO continued
(ABOVE) Art show created by homeless clients curated by Woo (BELOW) Woo during his time at Waldorf.
But no matter what medicine and the health care industry look like in the coming months and years, Waldorf is so grateful for heroes like Lutrick, who are willing to put themselves on the frontlines day after day. We pray for their continued safety, in the midst of pandemic and otherwise, as they work tirelessly to save the lives of others. Thank you, Ashley, for showing what it means to serve selflessly and for being such a phenomenal representative of Waldorf University! We are so proud to call you a member of the Warrior family waldorf.edu
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Board Member Spotlight
BOARD PRESIDENT TOM "DOC" WICKS ’88
Name/Waldorf Class Year/Degree: Dr. Tom “Doc” Wicks, A.A. Class of 1988 Other education: BA Wartburg College, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Des Moines University Why did you choose Waldorf? “Well, I guess you could say it was a family tradition. My parents Larry Wicks and Marlys Osby attended Waldorf in 1956. My sister Lorie Wicks graduated in 1984, and my Brother LeRoy Wicks graduated in 1991. I was offered scholarships in chemistry and music which helped in my decision. Waldorf was close to home for me which allowed me to work on our family farm. Growing up in Kanawha, Waldorf always had a strong influence in the community. There were always Waldorf Sundays, tour stops and local alumni who were great to recruit to their alma mater.” What made you want to be on the alumni board? “Serving on the board allowed me the opportunity to come home more often to see my family. Jim Willmore ‘89 reached out to me to see if I was interested in serving.”
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Favorite Waldorf memory? “There are so many to choose from it's very hard to narrow down to just one. The one that stands out happened just last year. During Homecoming, my brother, sister and I sat in on the Waldorf Choir sing along. It is something that happens every year and is always well attended. What made this so special is that my sister, who was formerly in the Waldorf Choir, sang Beautiful Savior like it was 1984. This is easy to take for granted for most people. My sister, however, has been stricken with debilitating diseases such as diabetes, and renal failure and which have zapped her strength and mobility. With all that she has dealt with, her voice was as strong and as beautiful as ever. Her smile was the brightest part of that wonderful autumn day.”
What do you hope to see during your board presidency? “I hope to increase awareness for the great things that Waldorf has to offer. The board is working hard to find ways to engage and empower Waldorf alumni to make the Warrior Nation thrive. I would like to see more support for the Hero Behind the Hero scholarship.”
What has been your favorite part of being on the board so far? “I would have to say coming home. It's always a pleasure to come back and get reacquainted with old friends and make new ones.”
Tell us three fun facts about yourself! 1. I still play the saxophone after 30+ years 2. I've been a firefighter for nearly 20 years. 3. I have traveled all over the world.”
How do you feel Waldorf impacted you the most? “I believe Waldorf helped foster and nurture my beliefs in self-confidence, team work and leadership. The greatest lessons I learned at Waldorf is what Dr .Paul Bartelt said to me. He said "It doesn't matter how hard you try, it's getting the job done that counts." That powerful phrase has served me so well over the years in my career.”
(STORY PHOTO-L to R) Dr. Wicks, his sister Lorie (Wicks) Patrick ’84 and brother LeRoy Wicks ’91 at Homecoming 2019.
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CLASS UPDATE For a more detailed list of In Memoriam, please visit waldorf.edu/memoriam
CLASS UPDATES: 1960'S
IN MEMORIAM: 1930'S
Sandra Christianson ’64 resides in Edina, Minn. Her email address is sassyclare@ yahoo.com.
William Myerly ’39 passed away on Jan. 6, 2017.
Evelyn (Schutte) Love ’64 resides in San Diego, Calif. Her email address is evelynmaelove@gmail.com
Carl Branstad ’40 passed away on May 14, 2016.
CLASS UPDATES: 1970'S Tim Willoughby ’73 resides in Massillon, OH. His email address is timwilloughby1957@gmail.com.
CLASS UPDATES: 1980'S Sonya (Techau) Hewes ’84 resides in Milton, DE. Her email address is sonyahewes@ gmail.com.
CLASS UPDATES: 1990'S Troy Anderson ’97 began a new role in Dec. 2019 as director of the South Winneshiek Recreation Department in Calmar.
CLASS UPDATES: 2010'S Jarred Becker ’16 resides in Stewartville, Minn. He is currently working as the program director/on-air talent for AM 1390 in Owatonna, Minn. He is also working as a color analyst for the Rochester Grizzlies Junior Hockey Club in Rochester, Minn. His email address is jarred.becker@yahoo.com. Wesley Murphy ’16 resides in Summerville, SC. His email address is murphyncfd@ gmail.com. Lauren Schryver BA ‘15/MA ’17 resides in Waterloo, IA. Her email address is schryverlauren@gmail.com. Anthony Hinkel ’19 says, “Before I started the BAS in Occupational Safety, I was working an entry-level safety job at my company. Since graduating from the program back in June 2019, I have been promoted to continuous improvement analyst and became a certified Lean Sigma Green Belt. Getting my degree from Waldorf has helped move my career in the right direction, and now I plan to start my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Waldorf University.” Cale Seubert ’19 resides in Mary Esther, Fla. His email address is inter1616@gmail.com.
CLASS UPDATES: 2020'S Eric Sauls ’20 resides in Oceanside, Calif. His email address is pappasauls@gmail.com. 24
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IN MEMORIAM: 1940'S
Anne (Madson) Hanna ’40 passed away Dec. 16, 2019. Margaret (Olson) Knutson ’40 passed away on Jan. 15, 2020.
Jack Soderling ’52 passed away on March 2, 2020. Marilyn (Johnson) Trisch ’54 passed away Oct. 21, 2019. Mavis (Ulveness) Felland ’55 passed away on Feb. 22, 2020. Bernard Flugum ’56 passed away on Jan. 15, 2020. Eloise (Steinfeldt) Hines ’56 passed away on April 19, 2020.
Delores (Olson) Larson ’44 passed away on March 5, 2020.
Leslie “Les” Aasheim ’57 passed away on March 29, 2020. Les is a 2019 Alumni Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Ardis (Suby) Sheimo ’44 passed away on May 14, 2013.
Amy (Ullestad) Boyum ’58 passed away on Nov. 7, 2017.
JoAnn (Durby) Molde ’45 passed away on June 2, 2018.
Carol (Olson) Rohrer ’59 passed away Jan. 18, 2020.
Shirley (Nissen) McIlhatton ‘46 passed away on March 18, 2020. Elaine (Cole) Campney ’47 passed away on Jan. 5, 2020. Dorothy (Field) Sundet ’47 passed away on Jan. 15, 2020. Irene (Boomgarden) Attleson ’48 passed away on March 19, 2017. Howard Hovland ’48 passed away on Feb. 18, 2020. He was a former Waldorf Alumni Distinguished Service Award recipient. Norma (Hillesland) Bilyeu ’49 passed away on May 1, 2020. Mervin Ellwood ’49 passed away Nov. 13, 2019. Bernard “Bernie” Lee ’49 passed away on Dec. 9, 2019.
IN MEMORIAM: 1960'S JoAnn (Lukenbill) Pollock ’63 passed away on May 24, 2019. Julie (Hampe) Bull ’64 passed away on Jan. 25, 2020. Rennix Van Scoy ’65 passed away on Dec. 30, 2019. Barbara (Elliott) Yaney ’66 passed away on Jan. 26, 2020. Jean (Baade) Grafenberg ’68 passed away on March 14, 2020. Karen (Flugum) Johns ’68 passed away on Jan. 29, 2020. Thomas “Tom” Holland ’69 passed away Nov. 26, 2019.
IN MEMORIAM: 1970'S
Ralph Rogness ’49 passed away on Dec. 9, 2019.
Mark Brunsvold ’70 passed away Jan 4, 2020.
IN MEMORIAM: 1950'S
IN MEMORIAM: 1990'S
Marjorie (Groe) Myhr ’50 passed away on Jan. 21, 2020.
Brent Reid ’91 passed away Nov. 30, 2019.
Shirley (Culbertson) Nelson ’50 passed away on Dec. 30, 2019. Arlene (Egertson) Nielsen ’50 passed away on March 30, 2020. Wilbur Cordes ’51 passed away Jan. 20, 2020. Paul Mork ’52 passed away on April 16, 2020. He is a former Waldorf College President, a Waldorf Alumni Distinguished Service Award recipient and a 2002 Waldorf College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee.
Melissa (Kvale) Kerr ’95 passed away on Feb. 23, 2020.
IN MEMORIAM: FORMER BOARD MEMBERS & FORMER FACULTY MEMBERS Stanley “Stan” Fitz – Former Waldorf Board of Regents member passed away on Nov. 23, 2019. John “Bob” Abkes – Former Waldorf Faculty Member from 1968-1993 passed away Dec. 1, 2019.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY
A LETTER FROM THE CAMPUS MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Dear Waldorf Community, It is an honor to be serving as your new Director of Campus Ministry! This position has already been such a blessing to me in my short time here. Before I get to updating you on our 2020 Spring Campus Ministry, I want to introduce myself. For those of you who haven’t met me yet (either in person or read about me in this magazine), my name is Eric Adamcik (pronounced “Adam-check”). I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., which is about the same population size as Des Moines and is centered around a big state school. So with that background, a small school like Waldorf, where I can say hi to most people on campus, suits me just fine! In fact, the student experience at Waldorf is very similar to my own undergraduate experience, which was also at a small historically Christian liberal arts college: Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. My seminary experience, where I earned a three-year Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, N.Y., started right after obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree. Union is also like Waldorf in that it is a small diverse space with diverse interests, and “everybody knows everybody.” That spirit of friendliness, along with intellectual curiosity, is what I look forward to promoting and participating in at Waldorf!
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In the following pages, you will find what we’ve been able to accomplish this semester in spite of COVID-19. While we’ve had setbacks like any other educational institution, I have been amazed at the community that Waldorf has built in coalescing around our community and providing what is needed. Whether it’s Scoopy Doo’s providing free food to unemployed students, or providing students with prayer space, I have seen the kindness of this institution in full force. Now, I feel like I’m part of the Waldorf family, and I hope I can provide that same hospitality back to students. To all who are reading this: thank you for your contributions to the larger Waldorf community, even and especially campus ministry. You are an essential part of our community, and we are happy to have you around. Peace and blessings,
Eric Campus Ministry Coordinator
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LIKE FIRE & CAMPUS MINISTRY Recap In the words of Professor Steve Smith, Chair of the Religious Studies Department: “Campus Ministry has never been flourishing more than now!” We’ve had so many active student groups on campus from so many different backgrounds. Included in these are the Catholic campus ministry, The Bridge Baptist ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Lutheran Like Fire group. Since I work with Like Fire, I can speak for that group. While there was a break in the fall, due to my current position being open, we did manage to execute two gatherings in the spring before COVID-19, and we now have a blueprint for the fall when the student body reconvenes. Though we only met briefly, both meetings were wonderful instances of fellowship and spiritual growth. Having our own worship band didn’t hurt, either!
Not even a semester of inactivity could extinguish the flames of Like Fire, and we look forward to growing it more in the fall. I am also happy to say our on-campus Prayer Room in the Atrium is getting some good usage! I filmed most of my chapels during the pandemic in there, and I know summer students–especially international students–are going in there for quiet prayer, reflection and to read Scripture. We, as a community, are making space for all God’s children on this campus, and are excited to continue that work.
CHAPEL Recap The biggest regular responsibility I’ve had at Waldorf is planning our weekly chapels, which are always at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. These chapels, like our diverse atmosphere, reflect many different perspectives and ways of moving in the world as God’s children. This semester, they have varied from a praise band with a message to a jazz band playing selections from the African-American Hymnal for Black History Month. It is an honor to lead them, but even more of an honor is getting to show off the talents and variety of the Waldorf community! I also want to thank the chapel leadership team of students, including Noah Hoffman, Rebekah Jensvold, Matthew Lumley, Nathan Lumley, Karissa Rasch, and Emily VanderPloeg for continuing chapel when Waldorf was between Campus Ministry Directors in Fall 2019. These students kept up chapel in terms of both attendance and format, and hit a wonderful weekly rhythm that helped me coming into this role. They made sure chapel survived, and now that I am here, we are working together to make sure it thrives! In the spring semester, we were able to organize seven chapels from January 22, Waldorf’s second week of classes, to March 4, the last before Spring Break. Appropriately enough, we started off with me preaching and introducing myself while the chapel students supported me in planning and music, and ended with me supporting these same chapel students as Emily VanderPloeg shared a word with us for Women’s History Month! In that time, we were able to introduce a variety of music, speakers, and messages. I wasn’t sure how all of them would play, espe-
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cially since the last three in-person chapels were so different! They consisted of: the Waldorf Jazz Band playing selections from the African-American Hymnal with student Makenzie Davis on vocals; a traditional Lutheran-style Ash Wednesday service; and the service led by chapel students with Emily VanderPloeg preaching. We definitely have momentum behind chapel, and are starting to grow it and take it to the next stage of ministry. Then Spring Break happened, and when we returned, we took classes online for COVID-19. So I took a few weeks to adjust my ministry, and then transitioned to a weekly chapel on the “Waldorf Campus Ministry” Facebook page, where I have led worship in liturgy, song and preaching. These have had a high amount of engagement as well; with one exception, they have each gotten over 50 views! And now that I’ve officially led 14 online chapels, exactly twice the amount of in-person chapels I led in the first half of the semester, I have a new appreciation for solo pastors and for the model of sharing ministry work! Though I had technological stumbles through the semester, much like we had in chapel, the Word of the Lord shone through anyway. And for that, I am immensely grateful! I know we will be able to continue this variety and growing of the platform in the next school year when students come back, and I look forward to making that a reality. I am excited to make sure that chapel at Waldorf doesn’t just survive this time, but thrive!
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CAMPUS MINISTRY
SPRING BREAK DESPITE COVID-19 E
ven in the midst of a transition with a new Director of Campus Ministry and a global pandemic, we still managed to go on our annual Spring Break trip March 10-14, 2020! This particular trip took us to the Twin Cities to immerse ourselves in various religious traditions and community service organizations, and reflect on that as a way to deepen our own understanding of ourselves, the world and vocation. I say with complete certainty that this trip was miraculous! First, there was the planning, which I had to do in the first two months of working at Waldorf University–I started work on January 3, and we departed on March 10! Yet I still felt it was worth planning, especially if I could give students experiences they couldn’t get in the Forest City area. To boot, I had a guide in the form of Religious Studies Department Chair, Professor Steve Smith, who has many connections in the Twin Cities area. To that end, and to reflect the diversity of our student body, I wanted to get a variety of experiences in a city we might consider a neighbor to our own. So I planned this trip without knowing who might be interested. And in a pleasant surprise, we had seven students sign up, four of whom were international students from Turkmenistan who are Muslim! Including Professor Steve Smith of the Religious Studies department and myself as chaperones, that came to five Americans and four Turkmens, with a variety of perspectives on the U.S. and Turkmenistan, let alone American Christianity and Turkmen Islam. On the first day, we piled into a Waldorf minibus with our luggage and snacks, arrived at our host church All Saints’ Lutheran Church (of which Professor Smith’s sister is a member). We broke bread together and held our first of three reflections based in interfaith texts. At the reflection, I asked what participants would like to get out of the trip, and the consensus was that exposure was key, especially since none of the students had visited a synagogue before. This was particularly true for Turkmen students, who wanted to learn more about Christianity, since Turkmenistan is almost exclusively Muslim and their studies at Waldorf were their first meaning-
ful exposure to Christianity. Fortunately, the second day, March 11, was very heavy on Christianity! We started by attending a class and chapel service at Luther Seminary that exposed the Muslim students to Christian rituals of communion, sermon and exegesis, and allowed them to learn about divisions within Christianity by attending a seminary class on the Reformation. There was more discussion about what theological education constitutes, and it started the ball rolling on vocational discernment for everyone, not just those considering seminary. That evening, we attended ASLC’s Lenten worship, and got to sit with their Senior and Associate Pastor to discuss the basics of Christianity and some more vocational discernment before our second meeting, where we started to fill some gaps in knowledge of both Christianity and Islam. We primarily spent the third day, March 12, at Augsburg University, where we first met with Mark Hanson, former Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and President of the Lutheran World Council, to discuss vocational discernment and interfaith at the higher education level. His dad and aunt also happened to work at Waldorf decades ago! And I was especially excited to meet him, since he is also an alum of my alma mater, Union Theological Seminary in New York City. We talked about what interfaith engagement looks like on Augsburg’s campus, and gave Professor Smith and me some suggestions and materials for doing that work on our campus. We were encouraged to make sure our religious and/or philosophical identities intersect with the work we do. Then, one of Augsburg’s student Interfaith Scholars treated us to a tour of campus, which included two gorgeous chapels, including one with an artistic cross suspended on the third floor of their Religion building. Finally, after some free time to wander around campus, we attended their monthly interfaith gathering, where we got to mingle with Augsburg staff and students to talk about that night’s topic, “Gender in Religion.” We made some great connections, which will inspire future programming on campus as we continue to build relationships with Augsburg. The fourth day, Friday, March 13, was our last full day, and also felt the longest. This was where the COVID-19 cancellations started SPRING BREAK continued pg. 24
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SPRING BREAK continued
coming into play, as we found out the mosque we had planned to attend, and to whom we had reached out, had already closed mere hours before the service was to start! Fortunately, we had Waldorf student Lauren Dohlman on the trip, and she found a mosque, Masjid Rawdah, which is predominantly Somali, that was still open and ready to receive us! So we got to attend their Jummah service, which is one of the five daily prayers and, on Fridays, their big religious service with many attendants. Only halfway through their service did I realize something was off: their sermon wasn’t in English, as would be the case in almost every American mosque! So we heard the usual Arabic recitations, which happen at the beginning and end of every mosque service, but the sermon was in a language we didn’t know. But again, we had some grace, and the imams met with us afterwards to break down the service with us. And to boot, the oldest one had lived in Mason City and knew where Waldorf was!! Ultimately, it ended up being a great experience, as the lack of English forced us to engage with our bodies rather than stay in our brains too much, and to learn after the fact what was happening. I also think that broadened the group’s intercultural competence, as we had to be patient with hearing a language we couldn’t understand, an experience that is all too common to many immigrants in this country. After that service and a tasty Somali lunch on the University of Minnesota’s campus, we hung out at a Barnes & Noble near the Beth El Synagogue before their evening service, which is the start to their Sabbath of sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, called “Shabbat.” Our group seemed to respond well to the service, as it was similar to the mosque service we attended a few hours earlier with Hebrew recitations, a sermon in the middle, and warm hospitality for visitors with a patience for explaining how the service works. Even with all of this programming, though, we still managed to work in some distinctly American fun. Since it was Spring Break, I had the students vote on two possible fun evening activities, and they picked an escape room and laser tag. After our visit to Augsburg, we went to the escape room in St. Paul, and on March 13, after our visit to the synagogue, we went to Big Thrill Factory Oakdale to play laser tag, race go-karts, and play arcade-style video games! The latter experience was followed by ordering a bunch of pizzas and bonding around eating as we wrapped up the trip. That helped everyone relax, feel like a more cohesive group, and gave them fond memories of the trip that weren’t strictly religious. March 14 was to be our last day, and we were scheduled to tour the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, eat lunch, and go home. But it actually
held the second COVID-19-related schedule change, when the Hindu Temple cancelled our tour. But by God’s grace, this also worked out, because we got to have our final trip reflection in that time, complete with breakfast! It ended up being a lovely way to wrap up our experience and get some closure, especially knowing we were going back to a campus that had to uproot its whole life. The students learned many things on this trip, many of which I didn’t expect. I heard a sense of how much joy was in the synagogue service, which I had never thought of in those terms when I visited mosques. I also heard that our Muslim students resonated with the sermon we heard at Luther Seminary, which was yet another surprising development since I know the ritual of communion has many components that might not be familiar to those outside the Christian tradition. Something got through to them from that service, even if they didn’t know the significance of aspects like communion or the biblical version of Adam and Eve (since the Islamic version is different). We actually had a similar moment at the synagogue, because Pam, the woman who met with us, got to tell the story of Esther (which is not present in Islamic texts) and describe how it influenced the Jewish holiday of Purim, which happened days before. But, as is the case in the best ministry and education settings, I learned a lot from the students as well: I found that I could be myself more fully on campus, since interfaith and intercultural education are core to my ministry. Where I had doubted how well the trip would go, especially since I had to plan it in my first two months on the job, the students confirmed they had learned and grown, both in ways that I had encouraged them to do so, and in ways I would never have expected. I know we were all blessed by this trip, and have learned to see all the possibilities of our own leadership. It’s a great start to my ministry at Waldorf, and I’m looking forward to engaging these questions more, even if they have to be online for now. (STORY COVER) March 11: The 9 trip attendees in front of Bockman Hall, Professor Steve Smith’s old residential building (LEFT) A competitive game of foosball at All Saints’ Lutheran Church shortly after we arrived, with students Murad Hazhibayev and Lydia Knudtson facing off against Nazik Toylyyeva and Esen Batirov, while chaperone Steve Smith looks on. (RIGHT) March 11: Luther Seminary’s chapel service, with Luther professor Rev. Dr. Amy Marga preaching on Adam and Eve and the importance of women leaders in the church. On the right, a student translates in sign language for the live broadcast.
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Lydia Knudtson & Esen Batriov (right) reading from the Bible in the pulpit of the Old Muskego Church, the first Norwegian church in the U.S., the campus of which is now located on Luther Seminary’s campus
CAMPUS NEWS
(L to R) Kemi Katemboh, Suyaishar Sebastian, Ray Beebe, Murad Hazhibayev & Gulnaza Saburhojayeva
A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR
Dear Friends, Because of editorial and printing deadlines for the Waldorf Magazine I am actually writing this letter prior to the beginning of the fall 2020 semester. The last few months have definitely taught me that everything is subject to change, but I am going to be positive and make the assumption that the fall semester will start on schedule with actual face-to-face classroom instruction. No one could have anticipated how the senior year of the Waldorf class of 2020 would end. These new Waldorf alums missed a fun piece of their "Waldorf experience" with no end-of-year parties, banquets, award ceremonies, baccalaureate, time to say a proper good-bye to friends, classmates and faculty or even commencement! (Commencement has been rescheduled for May 8, 2021). In March, virtually all colleges and universities in the United States (Waldorf included) discontinued in-person classroom instruction and utilized a distance-learning platform for the remainder of the semester. As college campuses closed, crestfallen students have journeyed back home to their childhood bedrooms and chores, renewed sibling rivalries and curfews! But the campus closures have created much greater calamity in the lives of more than a million international students who left their home countries to study in the United States. Many have been living in college dorms and were left to try to find new housing far from home in a country under lockdown. A substantial number of international students are also watching their financial lives fall apart. Visa restrictions prevent them from working off campuses which are now closed. But how have Waldorf international students been impacted? Most of the international students I talked to are appreciative of the efforts of Waldorf University in working with them as they deal with this very difficult situation. And I am reminded that many Waldorf students have told me over the years that the Waldorf community really becomes a "family" to them. Gulnaza Saburhojayeva, a double major in Business and Communications, is from Turkmenistan, and I believe she speaks for all of the international students in expressing gratitude that they were allowed to continue to live on-campus. This was not the case with a multitude of other colleges and universities across the country, and they will be allowed to stay in university housing even during the summer. Gulnaza did note that the coronavirus situation caused her to lose her on-campus jobs and that not being able to work for several months has clearly had a negative impact on her financial stability. She applauded the efforts of the Waldorf retention and business officers for working closely with her and other international students in providing more favorable and extended payment plans.
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Murad Hazhibayev is a Business Administration major from Turkmenistan. He says the coronavirus pandemic has not affected his day-to-day life all that much as he generally stays in his room all day, talks to his parents every day and "surfs the web" quite a lot, which are all things he used to do before the pandemic. He is fortunate in that he has not been significantly affected from a financial standpoint as he will be working on a painting crew for Waldorf all summer. He stated that he likes the feeling of "belonging" at Waldorf which he attributes in part to small class sizes, close relationships with his professors and his attraction to living in a small town like Forest City. Kemi Katemboh is a Health Science major from Kenya. She told me that she definitely would have gone home had it not been for the fact that Kenya's borders were closed. She says that because of the coronavirus pandemic she now spends her whole day inside of the dormitory. She also talked about the negative impact on her financial stability and the fact that the coronavirus situation had prevented her from participating this past summer in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a program that temporarily allows international students to get practical experience through an internship at no expense to the student (she had been approved for this program but the opportunity had to be withdrawn). Suyaishar Sebastian is a Communications major from Malaysia. She says that because of the coronavirus pandemic she has not been able to find a job and because of this she will have to fully rely on her father for financial support. (In the past she and her father have jointly shared the financial burden.) I asked if she thought most of the international students who had returned to their home countries would return to Waldorf in the fall and she said she thought most of them would return in the fall unless the coronavirus situation worsens in the United States. She gives a nice testimonial for Waldorf: "Studying at a smaller university like Waldorf gives you a chance to build special bonds and connections with the Waldorf community (students, staff, faculty, etc.) as well as the Forest City community. Professors know you by name and they are always there to guide and advise. I've also come to know many people from all over the world and learn all about different cultures thanks to Waldorf." The last several months have brought unexpected financial situations to many, and Waldorf students are no exception. Now, more than ever, it is critically important that we help these students pursue their dreams and career aspirations. Please help us help them with your gift today to the Waldorf Foundation. Sincerely,
Raymond M. Beebe Chair, Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation Retired Vice President, General Counsel Secretary Winnebago Industries, Inc. 1974–2012
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FOUNDATION NEWS
The Waldorf Society was established in 1988 and honors donors providing annual and long-term support to the university and to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. The Waldorf Society encompasses several groups. Members of the Cumulative Giving and Founder’s Circle are listed in this publication. MembersDONOR of the Heritage Club and HONOR ROLL Endowment Society are listed on the Foundation’s website at waldorffoundation.org/waldorf-society.
WITH OUR DEEPEST SINCERITY, WE THANK YOU! The Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation is grateful for the gifts received during the past year. We had another successful year, and it's with the help of donors like you that we were able to reach our financial goals. The Honor Roll of Donors is comprised of anyone who gave an annual gift of $100 or more through May 31, 2019. The Waldorf Foundation affirms the mission of Waldorf University and is committed to providing financial resources to enrich learning and spiritual opportunities for current and future generations of Waldorf students. Your partnership and generosity of resources are key factors in helping educate students on the importance of their faith and service to others. Thank you!
The following annual donors are recognized in six distinct club levels for their gifts made during the last fiscal year, June 1, 2019-May 31, 2020
REGENT’S CLUB $5,000+ Ann Bogda Anonymous Janet & Peter Hermanson William & Mary Johnson William O. Lyders David & Peggy Pederson Tom Rosdail Lester & Darlene Swenson Dr. David & Susan Weber John K. & Luise V. Hanson Foundation Clarence Houg Estate Marvin S. Anderson Estate Dorothy Wonsmos Estate Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
PRESIDENT’S CLUB $2,500+ Leonid Budyonny Duane & Cheryl Coppeler Dr. Ann Hill & Rev. Douglas Duin Travis & Madaly Finstad Cecilia & Harry Horner O. Jay Tomson
DEAN’S CLUB $1,000+ David & Arlene Arndt Ella & Paul Beard Raymond & Joan Beebe Gary & Diane Clark Richard & DeAnn Corcoran David & Sandra Damm Marilyn Day Jodene Evans Paul & Linda Hagen Dr. Randy & Renee Juhl Lynn & Rosalie Juhl Dr. Phillip & Jane Lee Dr. Oscar & Lorene Lenning Rev. Paul & Delores Mork Capt. Phillip & Karen Oppedahl Cynthia Poole Esther Rasmussen Jan Rosdail-Aegerter & Roger Aegerter Rev. Carlton Shaw
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Carmen Shaw Michael & Molly Sensland Theodore & Sherryl Strand Dr. Phillip & Jane Wold Infaith Community Foundation First Lutheran Church, West Okoboji Union Pacific GivePlus Program
WARRIOR’S CLUB $500+ Dr. Linda & Michael Aubey Fay & David Bohn Solveig & Rev. George Carlson Carroll & Janell Carson Kari Enstad Michael & Melanie Frisk Betty Gertner Dr. William Hamm Vivien Hansen Col. Wayne & Lois Hansen Walter Hanson Justin & Kimberly Haugen Janet & Rev. Selmer Hernes Erik Humlie Rev. Thomas & Julie Jolivette Dori & James Kostka David & Dianne Lenning Donald & Kristine Meyer Constance & Harvey Nyhus Barbara Osthus & Michael Drager John Peterson Shirley Ploegstra Mildred Rosdail Beverly Schabacker Marvin Simonsen Carrie & Kelly Snieder Nancy & Charles Sweetman Mimi & Pete Thompson Kar Woo Gabby Pierce Memorial Bayer Immanuel Lutheran Church, Story City Pfizer Foundation Bethany Lutheran Church Thompson
BUILDER’S CLUB $250+ Drs. Robert & Natalie Alsop
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Gerald & Judith Anderson Ruth Bertels Mary Beulke Rev. H. Lowell Bolstad Jean & Jon Brennan Andrew & Keila Buffington Paul & Margit Churness Brian & Jen Cibula Janet Dahl Leone Dunkelberg Michael & Nancy Farndale Craig & Louise Halverson Dennis Henrichs Drs. Larry & Rebecca Hill Dr. Kenneth & Linda Holmen D. Leroy & Mary Holt David & Sue Kingland Alyce & Wayne Kivell Marcia & Erik Kjesbu Helen Klinsing Eugene & Carleen Keltvet Leota Lenning Brad & Heather Lilienthal Dr. Michael & Dr. Gwen Luepke Rev. Raymond Mehl Kevin & Julie Monson Paul & Lori Ness Mark & Joy Newcom Steven & Nancy Olson Jeanne & Jack Phillips W. Bradley & Carolyn Stensland Henry & Marlene Syverson Lori & Chad Wambolt Jeffrey & Rebecca Werner Dr. Thomas & Laura Wicks Sheila & Robert Willms Holly & Jason Wise Western Iowa Synod ELCA Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown IBM Corporation Esther Van Hove Estate Elim Lutheran Church. Randall Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City
CENTURY CLUB $100+ Sarah & Donald Abbas Dean & Marlys Andersen Tamara Anderson Adam Anderson Dean & Daphne Anderson Anonymous Dennis & Lois Appelhons Gerald & Jane Askeland Timothy & Ruth Asper Timothy & Sharon Bahr
Helen & Gerald Barth Leroy Beenken Margaret Beenken Edward & Judy Benson Troy Birt Margaret & Darwin Blume Edith Boettcher Sharon & William Boettner Lyle & Jean Borgschatz Neil & Leah Boyd Donald & Cathy Braathun Verneil Branstad Gene & Evie Brodland Duane & Alice Bromeland Cynthia Carter Karilyn & Tom Claude Stevin Dahl Julie Damm Daniel & Jessica Dant Daniel & Sheila Davis Karen & John Dimmick Jane Dixon Elain Edge Rev. Richard & Mavis Erickson David Fischer Juanita & Timothy Foslein Arnold Fredriksen John & Stephanie Fretham Joan & Charles Gangestad Loretta Garcia Heidi & Jared Gillespie Irving & Suzanne Globstad Susan Hadley Kent & Cynthia Smoldt-Hall SGM Larry & Kathleen Handeland Kenneth & Joan Hansen Thomas & Robyn Hansen Dr. Frederick & Cookie Hegge Iris & Leslie Hemmingson Merle Hendrikson Kathryn & Patrick Herre Ardis Hinds Dr. Ronald & Pamela Holtan Dr. Boyd Holtan Helen Holtan Arlys Hopkins Renae & Rev. Rod Hopp Judy & William Iwen Julie & Kirk Jefson Robert Jensen Barbara Jenson Bruce & Rebecca Jolivette Alice Jones Lt. Col. Charles & Connie Juhl Douglas Juhl Robert & Grace Kuphal Gary &Diane Laabs Barbara Lee
Rev. Cynthia & Myron Lee II Gladys & Howard Lee Marion Leimbach Rita Lemme Jane & Robert Leonhardt Janet & Dennis Letterly Riley & Kristine Lewis Rachel Liebenow Linda Loyer Dr. Charles & Mary Lura Linda & Willard Maas Marjorie Markusen Loren Marlette Patrick & Sheila McGuire Marcia Mohr Carol Noren Dorothy Olson Nicholas & Tiffany Olson Norman Olson Dr. Richard & Annette Oppedahl Warren & Barbara Overlie SFC Ernest & Karen Park, Jr. Corlyn & Janice Paulsen Henry & Pamela Pedersen Irving Petersen Ray Peterson Jodie & Marc Pick Dwight & Karen Pierson Linda & Karen Pierson Linda & Keith Piller Steven & Sheryl Putz Donald & Mary Lee Ranheim Susan Rawlings Edwin & Doreen Reitan Merrill & Helga Richardson Beverly Richter Arlene Rogan Jon & Kelli Rosdail Vincent & Armon Ross Diane Rovang Patricia & Lawrence Ryan Thomas Rygh Avis & Robert Savre Kevin & Jill Scharper Christopher Schutte Robert & DeLoris Singelstad Steven Smith Linda & Michael Smith Sonia Solomonson Jennifer & William Spencer David Steinhauer Patti & Joseph Strukel Kendall & Mary Stucky Becky & Mark Stumme Dr. Carl & Barbara Sunde Troy & Heidi Thompson Phillip Thune Lois Torvik Joanne Toutges Janice & H. Allen Vik
Geraldine Wetson Marlin & Beverly Weidler Jennifer Weismann Amy Wemark Catherine Wensinger Opal Yanke Jean & Harold Yahnke Laurel Yost Kristae Zandbergen Wells Fargo Foundation Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Leland Betty Jo Grothe Estate Bricelyn Lutheran Church Bricelyn Elk Creek Lutheran Church Women, Kensett First Lutheran Church Women, Clarion Shooterz Bar & Grill Texas Instruments Foundation
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GIVE BACK THROUGH
FOUNDATION NEWS THE HERITAGE CLUB Waldorf invites you to join the Heritage Club, a group of donors who have established planned giving to Waldorf through gift annuities, insurance policies, wills, trusts or other vehicles. The Waldorf Endowment Society recognizes those who have established an endowed scholarship and/or contributed significant gifts to Waldorf.
WALDORF ALUMNI SKATE WITH THE WARRIORS
If you have already provided a future gift for the foundation and haven’t informed the foundation of your planned gift, please email teresa.nicholson@waldorf.edu. We would like to personally thank you and include you in our Heritage Club listing.
While COVID-19 forced us to cancel most of our events for 2020, we managed to have one great alumni gathering before hunkering down. On Saturday, February 12, a group of more than 80 Waldorf alumni and family members joined together at the Albert Lea City Arena to cheer on the Warrior hockey team to a victory! We enjoyed pizza, received an update on the Foundation and President Alsop filled our guests in on the exciting things going on, both online and on campus. To end the night, we had the opportunity to lace up our skates after the win and hit the ice with the team. A great time was had by all!
HOW TO DONATE We invite you to consider a gift to the foundation this fiscal year. To make a gift by credit card, please call 641.585.8140 or give online at waldorffoundation.org. To make a gift by mail, please make checks payable to Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation, and mail to: 106 South 6th St., Forest City, IA 50436. As a reminder, we fund three priorities: student scholarships, campus ministry and alumni relations. When making a gift to the foundation, please designate on your check or online form if you would like to apply it to a certain priority. To update contact information, provide newsworthy updates or if you are interested in funding a scholarship, please contact Teresa Nicholson at 641.585.8147 or email teresa.nicholson@waldorf.edu.
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NOTE: The Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all 2020 gifts // WALDORF to the Foundation MAGAZINE are tax-deductible. 31
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C OC T S T O S T S GE GE IA L E IAL IAL OCWaldorf Lutheran College G S F O U N D A T I O N L OC C T S T SO G E G E T I A L T E GE IA L A L C O I L S C I A SO SO C E T E T L T ET L G L G C I A E G L G CIA A SO I C T L O SO E T IA SWaldorfUniversity E C G G IA O ET ET L L C G G C I A C I A SO AL CIALWaldorfUniversity O SO G E T E T L S T ET I A L A L G C I A SO GEWaldorf_U G O I L A L OC S C A I T I S SO G E G E T I A L OC Swaldorf.edu T OC GE//T800.292.1903 E I A L I A L OC G T G E C I A L C I A L SO C SO C E T S E T L SO T SO G E T G E T I A L G A L G C I A G E C I A L C I A L SO C SO C I E T SO SO T SO GET GET IAL G AWALDORF L UNIVERSITY I L E L C C A G CI I A SO SO C AUGUST 26, 2020 THEATRE SCHEDULE SO T SO G E T G E T GE C IA L C IA L 2020-21 Season O S24,O2020 SSEPTEMBER T Checkout Girls E G by Robert AuFrance 106 S. 6th St. Forest City, IA 50436
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Parents: If this is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office, 641.585.8148 or email us at alumni@waldorf.edu
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AUGUST
Fall Semester Begins SEPTEMBER
Association of Congregations Annual Meeting OCTOBER
OCTOBER 16-18, 2020 Homecoming-Alumni Events Postponed DECEMBER
DECEMBER 6, 2020 Christmas With Waldorf JANUARY
JANUARY 13, 2021 Spring Semester Begins MARCH
MARCH 8-12, 2021 Spring Break APRIL
APRIL 16-17, 2021 Theatre Workshop Weekend MAY
MAY 8, 2021 Commencement
Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2020 @ Smith Theatre Tick, Tick...BOOM by Jonathan Larson Nov. 18-21, 2020 @ Smith Theatre Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon Feb. 17-20, 2020 @ Smith Theatre Spamalot by Eric Idle April 14-17, 2020 @ Boman Fine Art Center Tickets for shows cannot be reserved online the week of the performance. Tickets can be reserved online via the virtual box office, by emailing aufrancer@waldorf.edu or calling the box office at 641.585.8585. Order early for best seats.