From The Foundation Chair

Dear Friends,

Once again those of us who live in north Iowa have learned that the three months of winter "promised" to us by the calendar is not exactly accurate! But, alas, spring is once again coming to the Waldorf University campus. I will admit that I am still adjusting to the fact it is 2020. For a "senior citizen" like me, 2020 sounds more like good vision or some science fiction movie! We will soon be saying good-bye to the Waldorf class of 2020 but as always, I am confident about the future of these soon-to-be graduates because I know that each has been strengthened by his or her own "Waldorf experience."

As you probably know, Nancy Olson retired from her positions with Waldorf University and the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation last fall. Nancy worked at Waldorf for over 32 years and to many she became the "face" of Waldorf. Some even said that Nancy bled purple! It has been my privilege to work with Nancy for over a dozen years. She and I have seen good times and some very difficult times, but I know that Nancy was pleased that her departure comes at a time when things are going well at Waldorf–very well, in fact! So, Nancy, thanks for your amazing service and dedication to your alma mater. I wish you all the best in your retirement. We are indeed pleased that Teresa Nicholson, another Waldorf alumna, was hired as the new Director of Institutional Relations and began working here in early October. I will have more to say about Teresa in subsequent letters but for now let me tell you that she came here with a wealth of very pertinent experience and has hit the ground running. I look forward to working with her.

The picture accompanying this letter shows me with two Waldorf students, Nathan Lumley, a junior from Ames, Iowa, and Gulnaza Saburhojayeva, a junior from Turkmenistan. This continues my practice of meeting from time to time with Waldorf students whom I did not previously know to learn about their Waldorf story. I think Nathan's story is pretty unique. He originally came to Waldorf on a track scholarship for throwing discus and shot put but because of his love for music, he switched to doing music full time and quit track because he did not feel he could do both and still have suf

ficient time to devote his first priority: academics. While involved with track, Nathan set a new Waldorf record for the discus (which still stands). Nathan's identical twin brother, Matthew, has done everything Nathan did with respect to track and music and Nathan said they even went back and forth as to which one would end up with the discus record! Nathan is now majoring in Music Education and wants to be a high school band director. He participates in wind symphony, choir, percussion ensemble, drumline, pep band, jazz band and jazz singers, and he is very involved with the campus ministry programs including Like Fire, chapel and serving as a worship peer minister.

Waldorf is not Gulnaza's first exposure to the United States. In her high school junior year she was an exchange student living with a family about two hours away from New York City. She had a very good experience with her host family and learned a lot about American culture. This definitely sparked an interest in attending a college in the United States. A friend attending college in Kansas knew about Waldorf and suggested she check it out. She needed financial assistance and has been able to participate in the Pillars Scholarship Program at Waldorf. An honors student, she is involved with S.W.A.T. (Social Warrior Activities Team) which finds entertainment, activities and events for the Waldorf community, the Business Club, the World Student Association of Waldorf University and various aspects of the campus ministry program.

Both Nathan and Gulnaza speak highly of their Waldorf experiences and state without hesitation that they would highly recommend the university to prospective students.

Gulnaza stated: "My favorite thing about Waldorf is the community I was able to create and be part of. The small campus size allowed me to build close relationships with my professors as well as students. I love that I have friends from all parts of the world with whom I can share my interests and culture."

When I asked whether she would recommend Waldorf to her friends and family members, Gulnaza stated: "Definitely! I think Waldorf can help students utilize or find their passion through different activities that it offers. Caring professors assist with any difficulties you might be facing with the courses. The community is very friendly and makes people feel warm and at home."

So there you have it: two more students who are definitely happy and passionate about their "Waldorf experience." When I asked if the other students with whom they interact felt the same, they said the vast majority definitely did.

We ask for your continuing support of the Waldorf Foundation so that we can provide scholarships which make that "Waldorf experience" attainable by more young people. You truly can make a difference in their lives.

Raymond M. Beebe Chair, Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation Retired Vice President, General Counsel Secretary Winnebago Industries, Inc. 1974–2012