ALUMNI NEWS
Remembering a
Legend
Retired Waldorf Professor Dr. James Hamre, 89, died January 3, 2021 in a hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Hamre joined the Waldorf faculty in 1967 as a professor of religion and philosophy. He taught full-time until 1994 and part-time until 1999. He was also considered Waldorf’s historian. Dr. Hamre authored “Continuity and Change: 100 Years – Waldorf College” which was published in honor of Waldorf’s centennial in 2003. Dr. Hamre positively influenced many Waldorf students over the years through his memorable courses. Dr. Hamre and his wife, Corrine, were also incredibly welcoming and encouraging to new staff and faculty. The Hamre’s two daughters, Kristin ’77 and Kari ’82, are graduates of Waldorf.
PHOTOS FROM WALDORF ARCHIVES, KARI HAMRE & SUMMIT TRIBUNE
For our family, Jim and Corrine Hamre are forever embedded as part of Waldorf ’s rich living history. In the fall of 1993 when we arrived, they were among many regarded as the foundation of Waldorf who took us under their wings. Jim shared with us highlights of Waldorf ’s past, speaking with reverence for Waldorf only as someone with deep faith in and love for the institution could. Both he and Corrine regularly connected with us during their time at Immanuel Lutheran Church, typically to ask about the wellbeing of our family and what was happening to move the college forward. Every conversation was bathed in encouragement–always smiling, always genuinely interested, always exuding love. After learning our oldest was an Elvis fan, they periodically sent him postcards or souvenirs from their winter travels through Memphis. The Hamres, for us, exemplify what has made Waldorf special. -MARK NEWCOM, M.A. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
Jim was one of the first to welcome me to the Waldorf faculty when I arrived on campus in the fall of 1981 – so many years ago! Always the consummate gentleman, he was so friendly, respectful, humble, and encouraging, with a perpetual warm smile (qualities that seem to be fleeting these days). Jim and his wife, Corrine, were very supportive and eager to help whenever and however they could. After the passing of my first wife early in my career at Waldorf, they entertained my young daughter and me at their home for occasional meals. The atmosphere was relaxed, conversation engaging, and food so good! I never had the occasion to visit one of Jim’s classes, but I remember that he held high expectations for his students and hearing students appreciate his teaching. In addition to teaching, though, Jim was also a scholar. He wrote a fine history of Waldorf College for the
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WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2021
College’s Centennial celebration, a work for which he came to be known as “Waldorf ’s Historian”. Jim also published a number of peer-reviewed articles, including at least one critical piece on the creationist movement. Some tension existed over certain topics of science in those years, but I was happy and relieved to learn that Jim and I shared so many common views – we interacted a lot on the theme of science and religion. I was happy to have a strong rapport with a theologian of Jim’s stature. Finally, Jim was “old school” – a high compliment. He had high academic expectations for his students and for himself. He respected others and enjoyed respect from his colleagues. To me, Jim embodied what I viewed as a “professor” and “academic” – not just for Waldorf, but of higher education, in general. What a fine example. -PAUL BARTELT, PH.D., PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY
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