Hall of Fame

Back in the mid-1990s, Denny Jerome and his colleagues in the Waldorf Athletic department saw a need for a special way to recognize nearly 75 years of excellence in Warrior Athletics. “We just saw hall-of-fames in other locations, whether it be other universities, high schools or whatever and we just said we have such a strong tradition here at Waldorf we thought we needed to start recognizing some of these people that had given to the institution,” said Jerome, then Waldorf’s Director of Athletics and head women’s basketball coach.

Jerome became chair of the Hall of Fame committee which began evaluating a list of star studentathletes, teams, coaches, and boosters who had contributed greatly to Warrior athletics, and in 1997 the Waldorf Hall-ofFame opened with the induction of Helen Asp, Robert Bungum, Cathy Kammin-Braathun, Rolf Lund, Obed Michaelson, and Harold "Gabby" Pierce. Since then, there have been 22 other induction ceremonies and 90 more Warriors honored with induction.“Since we established it, it’s just been so rewarding to see the appreciation from people that have been inducted,” Jerome said, adding, “and it publicized some of our strong traditions as well, so it’s been a strong addition.”

For 23 years, Jerome led the discussion regarding which of Waldorf’s distinguished alumni and athletic contributors would be honored, then stood behind a podium for 22 of those years, announcing each name and honoring each Hall-ofFame class, year after year. With so many student-athletes and other distinguished Warriors to honor, the task was never easy, but rewarding. “It feels good to know that each year we get somebody else in,” said the veteran Waldorf coach and A.D., “but each year you graduate 70some athletes, but you’re only putting one or two or three or four in each year, so it’s really difficult to get everybody in there that deserves it. But we’re plugging away at it.”

This fall, the Waldorf Athletic Hall-of-Fame will grow by just one inductee for only the second time in its history with an extremely worthy addition, as Denny Jerome becomes the newest member of the Hall-of-Fame he helped create.“Any time I would call and let the inductees know that we wanted to induct them into the Hall-of-Fame they were just flabbergasted, totally honored,” Jerome recalls. “Often saying ‘Me?, am I deserving?’ “I sort of feel the same way,” Jerome added. “It really is such an honor to be in the Hall-of-Fame and to know that you’ve done something special for our University in whatever way I could. “So, it’s an honor to be where I’m at.”

A very well-deserved honor as Jerome, a 1970 graduate of Waldorf, served his alma mater as Director of Athletics for 33 years, and as head women’s basketball coach for 42 seasons. During that time, Jerome not only helped create the Hall-of-Fame but also guided Waldorf through the challenging transition from 2-year junior-college status to being a successful 4-year NAIA athletic department. All while continuing to set the bar high for a women’s basketball program that he also started as he won 786 games, coached 18 All-Americans – 10 of whom are in the Waldorf Hall-of-Fame – was named NJCAA Region XI Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year seven times, Midwest Classic Conference Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2003-04, and inducted into the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015.

“Denny’s impact at Waldorf University cannot be overestimated,” Waldorf president Dr. Robert Alsop said. “From chartering the women’s basketball program to spearheading the transition to four-year athletics to his commitment to Waldorf’s mission, Denny has been at the forefront of navigating the institution through pivotal moments in Waldorf’s history.”

Alongside Jerome for 26 years - 15 as assistant athletic director - was Kristi Osheim who adds: “I’m not sure anyone can fully describe the impact Denny Jerome has had on Waldorf University. His entire career was spent serving Waldorf in many capacities but those he will be remembered for most would be as coach and as athletic director. His priority was always the students: His student-athletes. His integrity garnered him immense respect from his players, as well as his athletic staff and co-workers. “DJ poured his heart and soul into Waldorf University and left a legacy few will ever echo.”

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Congratulations Coach Jerome on your induction into the Waldorf Unviersity Hall of Fame! Thank you Coach for the countless lessons and memories that shaped my life. You became a powerful role model in my 30 year plus educational career and 10 year coaching career. The most memorable memory was when the 1984-85 women's basketball team qualified for the National Junior College Tournament by beating Kirkwood College who beat us both times in regular season. I'd like to add a personal funny memory tied into that National Tournament. Thank you for giving me the shipping bill on return from Nationals when I forgot my basketball warmup uniform which was needed for the Team Parade of Champions. The shipping bill was the express mail of my warmup. As a college student that seemed like a big bill to pay back then. A life lesson I instilled in many students and athletes in my professional career and my own children. I hope you enjoy your special ceremony day and can reflect on the many Waldorf memories that include countless people who admire and respect you. You will always share a special place in my heart.

Becky (Rannals) Edmundson '85, 2005 Waldorf College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee

Growing up a local Forest City kid, I had the honor of coming to your camps and rooting for your Warriors at a very young age. I loved coming to watch you coach, you always displayed a spirit to compete at the highest level, respecting the game and always coaching your players to bring out their very best. I couldn't wait to be part of your basketball team. Little did I know, joining your team and becoming a student at Waldorf from 1994-96 , would bring more growth and development not just in basketball, but in life. Thank you for coaching the game of basketball, but more importantly, thank you for coaching the heart of your players. You displayed an immearsurable amount of patience, instilled character and strength in me that I didn't know existed. No one is more deserving of this induction into the Hall of Fame than you, congratulations D.J.! Andrea (Hulsing) Wirth '96

Iwas blessed to have played under Coach Denny Jerome from 1979-1981. He was a very good basketball coach as we all know. Above that, he is a very fine person. I found him to encouraging and kind as well as providing beneficial discipline and strategy in practice and games. We worked hard and enjoyed good success in our basketball seasons. Coach Jerome also was very welcoming and friendly to my mom and dad as well as all the parents who came to watch their girls play college ball. He took the time to talk with them after the games they had attended, commending the good things their daughter had done.

I remember my first practice as a freshman, one I nearly didn't attend. I was very homesick and was planning on leaving Waldorf. Carie Dann '60, a friend and team member, strongly encouraged me to at least go to practice and see how I felt after that. I did and decided I would continue on at Waldorf. Coach Jerome asked how I was after that practice, showing me care as he did for all of his players. He and Kathy were hospitable to the team and they hosted some team meetings in their home . We would have brownies and ice cream if I recall correctly. At the beginning of every game Coach would lead us in praying the Lord's Prayer which I appreciated. I don't remember that he yelled at us, but if you were sitting on the bench you knew when he got upset because the bleacher would move as he gavee it a good kick!

While riding back for basketball practice after Christmas break my freshman year with sophomores Sheila (Lynch) Kapferschmid '80, a teammate, and Barb Bennett '80, a team manager, I was informed that practices after Christmas break were torturous! They were so bad that at the end of the gym sat puke buckets for us after the conditioning. To my relief there were NO puke buckets and Sheila and Barb had a good laugh at my expense! Although Coach Jerome worked to get us into good condition, he never pushed us to that extreme. He did however coach us into the Women's National Junior College Basketball Tournament where we took home the 4th place trophy! That was an exciting and memorable time. Although we were disappointed when we were defeated on our quest to get into the Championship game, Denny Jerome affirmed us our placedment of being the 4th best JUCO Women's basketball team in 1980. I truly enjoyed playing basketball at Waldorf College all those years ago and Coach Denny Jerome was a major reason why. Congratulations Coach Jerome on your induction into the Waldorf University Hall of Fame! Kim (Huck) Miller '81

Iwas an athlete for D.J. from 2003-2007, but I was unfortunately bit by the injury bug. After four knee surgeries, I became a studentassistant coach my senior year and then served as D.J.’s assistant coach for 5 seasons, as I also worked in the Admissions Office. After I was promoted in Admissions, I decided to stop coaching, but D.J. then gave me the title of Women’s Basketball Recruiting Coordinator. So I’ve known D.J. in various roles – as a coach, mentor, colleague, and friend. When I think of my basketball experience at Waldorf, it’s hard not to think of my personal frustration and disappointment with my injuries, but I also think of some particularly exciting comeback wins, D.J.’s 700th win at home, some disheartening loses, and trying to follow D.J’.s chicken-scratch plays on his whiteboard! But so many of the things that stand out in my mind first, don’t even have to do with being on the court or in the weight room.

And I can’t even begin to choose just one memory or story, because there are so many wonderful and funny experiences to look back on… Halloween Haunted Houses we put on for the community…not just team dinners but especially Christmas dinners at the Jerome house, and Kathy’s wonderful hosting and cooking…a custom poem “Twas the Night Before the Big Game” created and recited by D.J. and Kathy to the team…for those of you who know about D.J.’s driving – having to drive one of the team vans and keep up with D.J’.s van (ugh; extra ugh on winter roads; and let’s not talk about when I got pulled over while driving one of those vans when following D.J.)…team trips to California, Hawaii, Florida, and a Carnival Cruise with a stop in the Bahamas – which lead to me getting stopped at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport when “explosive devices” were found on me (they did quite the search on me and all my belongings, and D.J. who was already at our gate, had to come running over and insist “Jillsie was innocent!”).

I could probably go on and on. But all of those experiences I got, were because I was one of the players D.J. chose to have in his program. And for that, I am grateful. And I’m also grateful that D.J., even with all of his personal and team successes (and there are a lot), was always most concerned about having people in his program with good character which helped make the “family atmosphere” at Waldorf. D.J.’s program was no different. D.J. had an ability to get to know every single individual in his program, no matter their role, as well as their family. He was also always very supportive – I know for me it was by showing concern and care for my injuries, showing interests in my other interests, checking in when I was going through something rough, and being in attendance when I got suckered into speaking at Chapel! I think we can all agree that the “family atmosphere” was so vital at Waldorf and within D.J.’s program, and something that we all probably would use to describe why our time at Waldorf was special. Even today, both D.J. and Kathy do such a great job of continuing to connect with past players and being interested in their lives, and I’m happy to be one of them. Congrats, D.J., on your Induction into the Hall of Fame – you have certainly served Waldorf well.

Jill (Minkel) McGinn '07

Ihave so many wonderful memories of D.J. throughout my four years at Waldorf! From my very first conversation on the phone with D.J., I knew that he and I were going to have a great relationship. Of course, one of the first memories that comes to mind is D.J.'s lead foot. You never had to worry about being late if you were riding in D.J.'s van. All the suppers that D.J. and Kathy hosted were some of my favorite memories as well.

However, the fondest memory I have is when my roommate Tiff and I had an electrical problem in our house that turned out to be a fire hazard, and when D.J. heard about it, he called me and told Tiff and I to pack some thigns and come stay with him and Kathy until the problem was resolved. We made their basement our second home. Nothing like going from ramen noodles and frozen pizza to Kathy's home cooked meals! We had several nights of just hanging out with D.J. and Kathy and having some great conversations.

D.J. always looked out for me and was something I was always incredibly grateful for. He is truly the best of the best and I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame coach and an all-around great guy! Congratulations D.J.!

Mollie Franzen '12

First of all, anyone willing to coach women from the age of 18-22 is a saint. D.J. always wanted us to achieve at the highest level and be the best version of ourselves. I remember when we switched from a two year to a four year college and how the competition changed drastically. We knew we were in trouble when we showed up to the gym for practice without a basketball in sight - an all running practice - which occurred more times than we wanted. We trusted D.J. with his vision and reaped many rewards from his coaching talents. He trusted me so well that when we drove through a snowstorm (all of us wide awake wondering how the game didn’t get cancelled) and had to spend the night while he went home due to a work commitment. He decided to have me in the passenger’s seat to help our assistant coach navigate back to Forest City (the years before GPS) due to being close to my stomping grounds, and I fell asleep, leading us to Minnesota instead of back home. I have never lived that one down!

D.J. not only was a great coach, he and Kathy welcomed us into their home all the time while playing in college and years after college. With my parents also named Denny and Kathy, they quickly became my college parents. Thank you so much for all your love throughout my years in basketball, helping create many friendships that still last today, teaching us how to work hard and achieve at high levels, and most of all being the best coach and mentor one could ever ask for. Congratulations on your induction to the Waldorf Hall of Fame!

Kellie (Kirsch) Johnson '06

Denny Jerome was the reason why I went to Waldorf College. He is the best coach I've ever had throughout my whole entire basketball career. Not only was he the best basketball coach I've ever had, he also taught me so many life lessons off the court. His passion and love for the game was unmatchable. Some of the best years of my life were on the home court at Waldorf. One of the biggest accomplishments I still have today is scoring 1,000 points my junior year. D.J. helped make me the best player I possibly could be and scoring 1,000 points my junior year was something I'll never forget. I was able to score my 1,000 points at home with all my friends, family, facutly, and staff in the stands. I cannot say how grateful I am that I had D.J. as my coach. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to play basketball at Waldorf. I am so fortunate to have had D.J. as my coach. Aubrey Draves '12

I’m not sure how to properly thank D.J. for providing me with the opportunities that got me to where I am now. A big reason I decided on Waldorf for college was because he offered me a scholarship to play basketball. And what really sealed the deal and convinced me that Waldorf was the place for me was when D.J. visited me in California at my house to discuss continuing my education and athletic career. How many coaches would fly half way across the country to make a house visit?

Once I graduated, I had the opportunity to work under D.J. for three years. I learned so much about how to run an athletic department but more than that, how to be patient and treat others with respect and grace, even in the hardest of situations. We also had some good laughs while working, including the time he watched me gently back into a car while parallel parking (there was no damage and I thought no one had seen it until he told me a few days later). I think that will always be a memory I laugh about!

Thank you, D.J., for all the ways you’ve impacted my life. Congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction! You deserve it!

Jenna Quina '16

When I was looking at schools, coaching was an important factor for me in both basketball and softball. D.J. and D.G. were both exemplary humans that encompassed people I wanted to not only play for but learn from. I watched the Kirkwood vs. Waldorf game at C.R. in 2000 and how D.J. treated his players like they were one of his own kids. He was stern, yet very knowledgeable and kind. That is when I knew I wanted to play there on the basketball side of things. He is a good man and he taught us more than just basketball in our time there. I'm so thankful to D.J. for not only being my coach but also taking on a father figure role that I probably don't even know the importance that has created in my life. Some of my favorite memories of him have to revolve around things that go beyond the wins and losses.

I will never forget: •The first week of basketball practice when he told me I was going to be a point guard after being a shooting guard my whole life. •That infamous trip to Colorado where we were going to miss the plane and poor Kathy happend to raise the map a little too high during the rain/snow storm. There were definitely some chuckles from the backseat. •The game vs. Kirkwood at home in 2005 where we could not miss 3's. •Two trips to Hawaii, one to California and me trying to keep up with Kathy and D.J. on their walk. It was really a run. •The game that we ridiculously lost to Simpson's JV and D.J. made us stay after and make layups. I totally get it but today I just laugh and laugh about that one. It was the worst loss in my history there. •The time D.J. randomly stopped by big blue and we frantically tried to pick things up - eeks. •The time I was dribbling up the court against Iowa Central and I SWEAR he said "shoot it" right as I crossed half court. Half court. He in fact did not say shoot it but he said "set it." He did pull me out after that one. •After I graduated and was coaching with him, I lived alone and we had to leave for a game very early. I was in a panic attack thinking I had a stalker outside my house (which happened to be the paper delivery person) but I made D.J. come to my house at some ridiculous hour and walk through my house to make sure I got on the bus to go to the game because I was so scared. There was a car with a man sitting right outside my house for a very long time in my defense. Yikes. •Super Bowl parties with the basketball team were always a hit. •Meeting some of my best friends ever on the court thanks to his and Steve Hall's maximum recruiting ability to find great humans.

I'm sure there are more memories but what really matters is the character and hard work that D.J. has modeled his entire career. He is a man of integrity and I was so lucky to get to play for him.

Lindsey (Pleuss) Hyman '05, 2014 Waldorf Unviersity Hall of Fame Inductee

Icame to Waldorf College in 1975 as a scared little freshman. I loved basketball and sports of all kinds. It was what defined me. However, I was a guard in the 6 on 6 version of the sport and did not have much confidence for the transition to 5 on 5. I went out for the team but got wrapped up in college life, gained the freshman 20 pounds, and lost my focus. I quit the team, something I had never done before in my life. Quitting wasn’t in my nature. I quickly realized what a mistake I had made. I was lost without sports. Having made this comment to a friend on the team, my sentiment made it back to Coach Jerome. He called me into his office for a conversation. He told me I was a good student, and an example for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Coach Jerome encouraged me with his uplifting words but said it would be up to the team whether I could return. He said the team would vote and whatever they decided would be the final decision. Fortunately, my team, Coach Jerome’s team, voted Yes! I have never forgotten that Second Chance. I’m sure Coach Jerome doesn’t remember that scenario as he has coached 100s and 100s of girls, but it has stuck with me through the past 44 years. That second chance meant everything to me. Coach always had me guard the opposition’s best forward. I remember playing Luther and I had to guard Cathy Kamin. I was so scared but knew that if Coach had confidence in me, I had to prove I was worth that second chance. I didn’t let him down.

After a 30+ year teaching career myself, I know that our efforts go unseen. We never know how our short time with students affect them and we seldom see the fruits of our labor. In my career I have tried to pass that “second chance” gift from Coach Jerome on to my students when needed. Coach Jerome, if after 44 years I still remember that gift from you, you must have done something right! You gave your players much more than just basketball. You gave us the example of kindness, integrity, and compassion. Congratulations on your honor. The Hall of Fame honors the character of the man as well as the accomplishments. You embody both. Enjoy your moment! Colleen Carroll '77

Well, well, well.... Coach Jerome. I was so excited when you came to watch our South Hamilton High Sschool team play at the 1975 State Basketball Tournament. Your presence made me so nervous. I lived and breathed sports throughout high school. My high school basketball team ended up 4th of all the schools in Iowa that participated, but being short (and a guard most of my basketball days) I made a choice to sit out my freshman year. I later wished I had gone out for the team. Rooming with Colleen Carroll '77 was great, but it was a reminder that I was missing something I loved in high school. My sophomore year, we both played on the team. I I remember worrying that she might be upset with me for going out.. since we were both short and guards... maybe that's why I didn't go out the first year... she was taller and more muscular than I. Well, we both played some for the team and we had some great times.

We made special friends and built relationships that have lasted the rest of our lives and continue to grow. One of our dearest friends from our Waldorf basketball days is Anne Britt from Norway! What a blessing it has been to know her. If it had not been for our time with the basketball team we would not have had the chance to meet her. Colleen and I have each had the thrill of visiting her in Norway. A few of the teammates were people Colleen and I knew from our high school experiences. In fact, that is how Colleen and I became roommates. I guess rooming with a former opponent was better than with a complete stranger. LOL.

I also believe the fact that you, as the coach, gave Colleen a second chance when she was a freshman, gave me the courage and assurance to go out for the team as a sophomore. The confidence came from you reaching out to her teammates and letting them weigh into the decision. The assurance came to me as you all welcomed her back onto the team after she got upset and quit. I saw the team flourish on and off the court. You demonstrated that you were a compassionate and reasonable person, which put me at ease. So I want to thank you for being a patient and caring coach. Your leadership gave me confidence to become a Waldorf Warrior as a participant in the women's basketball program.

Coach Jerome I am proud to say you were my coach. We had wins and losses but always looked ahead at what was next, how we could improve, and we knew who was there to give us courage and support. Congratulations on being selected for the 2021 Waldorf University's Hall of Fame. You were a positive role model consistently leading us to become better people as we grew as a team who worked together for the good of the team. Thanks for the joyful team memories. Still smiling and standing (about 5'3"),

Pam (Carlson) Holtan '77

Denny Jerome. He surpasses them all. I had the privilege to play basketball under Coach D.J. for four years while I was at Waldorf and I can easily say, he was the best coach I have ever played for. You see, he wasn't just a coach. He was so much more than that. D.J. worked hard to build an authentic relationship with every single player who ever played for him. He learned about our interests outside of basketball, grew to know and love our families, invited us countless times to his own home for team bonding, and genuinely wanted us to be successful in life. This relationship was true as ever when I got a call from Coach D.J. a few years after I had graduated college on my wedding day. He had called to personally congratulate me and wish me happiness. Sure, championships and games won were important to D.J. but what was more important was how he made people feel. I now am a fourth grade teacher and I try to remember that life lesson I gained from Coach D.J. My students may not always remember everything I teach them, but they will always remember the way I made them feel. Thank you Coach D.J. for making me feel loved, appreciated, respected, and capable. I cannot think of a better person to be given this honor.

Megan (Forster) Sandhurst '11

Ichose to attend Waldorf because of Denny Jerome. On the first meeting with him I felt cared for about as a person and a player in a way I hadn't had with previous coaches. It rejuvenated my love for basketball. As a coach his presence was calming but firm, his coaching approach hands-off and eyes-on, his personality approachable but demanding. He allowed and trusted his players to do the work we were asked to do, and was a safe place to land no matter the outcome of any game or practice. I'm grateful to D.J. (and Kathy!) for dedicating so much to each of his players - including me; for the lifelong friends he introduced to my life in my teammates; for his contagious smile and generous spirit. He's truly Hall of Fame. Katie Johnson '04.