Foundation Notes

Growing & Evolving

Covid….ugh….we’re all tired of hearing of that word. I’d been in my new role approx. 6 months when the pandemic hit and derailed my plans. I’d planned to continue learning as much as I could about my new role by reading and researching materials and to get out and meet our faithful donors and Waldorf alumni at one-on-one meetings and alumni events. Instead we went to remote learning for students and working from home for staff/faculty. We cancelled events on campus, with the foundation, all alumni events through spring of 2021, and any faceto-face interaction with donors. However, I prefer to try and always look for the good in everything, and I’ve recognized through all the challenges and changes of the last year and half, that positives have also come out of this pandemic. Some situations that have forced us to grow and evolve - as we should always be doing anyway. One of the positives is that people realized they need to truly appreciate every day and to love those around them, be kind and if we can’t be kind - then just be quiet, and learn to enjoy all the little things in life. Pull over and take in a beautiful sunset, sing along to your favorite song regardless of who is listening, meet that friend for coffee or spend time with your extended family even when you really want to stay home in pajamas, and breathe deep relax and smile more. Just live in each moment and not worry so much, and to laugh more and not take everything so seriously. On the business and education side, one of the positives is the realization that a lot of learning and work can be done differently than traditionally thought. Waldorf adjusted, adapted, and evolved not only how we taught students, but also how we handled our day to day business needs. We recognize that those adjustments and adaptations may become permanent – and they also help us to be more efficient and effective at what we do. We grew and evolved when we needed to. We have the same mindset with the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. We need to continue to grow and evolve in our efforts for fund-raising, our relationships with our donors, and the way we do business. The WLCF board has overseen the growth of Foundation assets - to over $5.5 million dollars. As part of our plan of continuing to grow the foundation, our goal is to reach $10 million dollars in endowment assets by the end of 2028. A goal we feel is attainable and necessary for the continued evolution of the WLCF and the services we provide. The more the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation can grow our endowments, the more we can provide in student scholarships which assist deserving and needy students pursuing their educations to fulfill their career dreams. The more we grow our endowments, the more we can provide in support of our campus ministry program which helps our students, faculty, and staff grow in their faith – or even discover their faith. Finally, the more we grow our endowments, the more we can engage with our alumni by holding alumni events and creating alumni chapters around the country and the world, and implementing new programming which make it easier for our alumni to connect to each other and current students. You can help us reach our goals by supporting our efforts and donating to the Foundation. You can do so online by going to http:// www.waldorffoundation.org/donate/. You can also mail a check made out to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation to our attention at 106 S. 6th Street, Forest City, IA 50436. If you are interested in setting up a scholarship (endowed or annually funded), making a gift through your stocks or bonds, or setting up a future gift or donation from your estate, please contact me at 641-585-8147 and I can help you do so. Our Waldorf students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are the best, and the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation will work to grow and evolve to support their needs now and into the future. We would love to include you on this journey and in our efforts which honor the passion, community, success, and tradition of Waldorf University! Sincerely

Teresa Nicholson 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