Waldorf Magazine: Spring 2020

HOMECOMING REC AP, PG. 8

ROUND ROBINS, PG. 20

G RIN SP 20 20

"Be

Good Do Right " An alumnus' journey to America PG. 16 TRADITION

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PASSION

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COM MUNITY

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SUCCESS

CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS 3

From The President's Desk

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Waldorf at a Glance

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Christmas with Waldorf

Recap 8

Homecoming Recap

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Take A Walk Around Waldorf

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Athletics Recap

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Campus Ministry Notes 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

FOUNDATION NEWS 4

Foundation Notes

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From The Foundation Chair

ALUMNI NEWS 16

Alumni Profile:

"Be Good, Do Right"

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Why Waldorf?

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Round Robins

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Alumni Profile: Jackson

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Distinguished Alumni Recap

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

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 117, ISSUE 2

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Class News In Memoriam WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

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SPRING 2020

WEB waldorf.edu waldorffoundation.org waldorf.edu/waldorf-magazine

ADMISSIONS OFFICE admissions@waldorf.edu 641.585.8112 800.292.1903

MANAGING EDITOR Hannah Earll EDITORS Janet Berhow Teresa Nicholson

DESIGNER Tara Kingland CONTRIBUTORS Hannah Earll Antoine Cummins Mike Stetson

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CAMPUS NEWS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

With snow-covered landscapes juxtaposed against white-sandy beaches, it may seem that Iowa, in the wintery northern United States, and Jamaica, in the tropical Caribbean, are worlds apart. But while hosting representatives from the Jamaican Ministry of Educational, Youth and Industry (MOEYI) and the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education (JCTE) on campus last April, I saw very quickly how closely our visions for serving students in this new era of education aligned. We discussed a variety of topics, including accessibility, curriculum, affordability, learning objectives, quality and preparation, but always at the center of the conversation was how it would impact students’ lives.

This initial conversation in Forest City led to an invitation for me to speak at the JCTE conference and the Western Hospitality Institute’s graduation ceremony. Both of these events were held in Negril, Jamaica this past December. Jamaica is a beautiful country and not a bad place to visit in December. However, Jamaica is also a very poor country. Leaders in that country see education as the path out of poverty, and entities such as the MOEYI and JCTE are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives.

Natalie and I were so impressed with the inspirational people we met. We heard story after story from Jamaicans who used education to pull themselves out of poverty. Some were in the hospital-

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ity industry in Jamaica. Others were lawyers, business men and women, and doctors. But most used their education to help others by becoming educators themselves. That is why I am so proud about the developing relationship between Waldorf University and the MOEYI and JCTE. Through the partnership with the MOEYI, Waldorf will be able to assist Jamaican students who have received their associate degree to complete their baccalaureate degree on Waldorf’s campus. At the same time, through the partnership with the JCTE, Jamaican teachers will be able to complete their M.Ed. degree with Waldorf’s online programs.

Waldorf has always had a rich tradition of hosting international students. As a community we are enriched with the diversity they bring. So while we may not have sandy beaches, we are ready with open arms for these Jamaican students and furthering our mission of changing lives through education.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert A. Alsop Waldorf University President

SPRING 2020 // WALDORF MAGAZINE

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FOUNDATION NOTES

FEELS LIKE HOME...

When I pursued my Associate of Arts degree at what was then Waldorf College, it wasn’t because I had a burning desire to pursue a higher education. Far from it, actually.

After high school graduation in May and a fun summer with friends, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into the workforce or continue my education. My parents sat me down around mid-August and said, “You’re either going to get a job, or you’re going to college, so what’s it going to be?”

I wasn’t ready; I didn’t want to grow up. I wanted things to stay just the way they were. I wanted to spend my days working part-time and my nights with my friends having fun. My dad was an alumnus of Waldorf and offered to pay for my first year if I went there. Well, why on earth wouldn’t I accept that offer? The decision was made: I was now a Waldorf Warrior.

Within a few days, I was registered for classes. What I found over those first few months was everything I needed: helpful and knowledgeable professors, staff that could assist me with any issue that came up, and a nurturing environment that allowed me to participate in what I wanted to and then allowed me to observe from afar in other things. I also found opportunities to grow in my faith if I chose to do so, and I did. I graduated with my AA in May 1992.

I had so much confidence in my Waldorf education and experience, that I came back just a few years later in the fall of 1994 when the first bachelor degree programs were put in place. I was in my car and heard an ad on the local station for Waldorf and their new bachelor’s degree program. I was married with a six-month-old baby, but I wanted to finish my education, so why not now?

I remember going straight to Waldorf and talking to the Registrar about the new B.A. program and that I wanted to start right away that fall. It was, again, mid-August. Apparently, I didn’t like to plan ahead in those days, which if you know me now you’ll find hard to believe because I don’t typically like to do anything I haven’t planned and prepared for.

By the time I left Waldorf that day, I was set to start classes. I hadn’t even discussed it with my husband yet or talked to my employer, but two weeks later, I was on campus and working toward my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.

I was one of the first six students ever to graduate from Waldorf with a bachelor’s degree. We graduated in December 1995 and since that time, my education and diploma has served me well.

My longest tenured position was spent as the Executive Director of the two-county economic development office for Winnebago and Worth Counties known as Winn-Worth Betco (Winnebago-Worth Counties Betterment Council) for 17 years from 2001-2018. In that office I worked with various businesses, city councils, county boards of supervisors, state and federal elected officials, state and federal offices, and a variety of local organizations. I worked on community

development, housing, tourism, and business recruitment and retention, and I’m proud of the accomplishments during my 17 years there.

I left Winn-Worth Betco in June 2018 for a great opportunity to be the Vice-President of an up-and-coming company in southern Minnesota called Good Steward Consulting (GSC). GSC works primarily in the energy sector and primarily in the Midwest. I was responsible for day-to-day management activities, project management in multiple states, and working with the company owner/President on strategy to obtain new customers and grow the company. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the fantastic team, and in the 18 months I was employed with GSC, we tripled the number of clients.

I wasn’t planning on doing anything different.

But Waldorf came calling to me again. There was an open position that I had been informed of via a current staff member, and when I read the job description, I couldn’t pass up throwing my hat in the ring. After the interview and formalities, I accepted the position and began working as the Director of Institutional Relations on October 9, 2019–nearly 24 years since graduation.

I’ve got some big shoes to fill. Nancy Olson served Waldorf faithfully for a very long time: over 30 years. Change is always difficult, and it will certainly be challenging to honor Nancy’s legacy while also looking to the future. I’m looking forward to meeting our alumni and donors and getting to know them, so together we can continue the great tradition and legacy that has been built here at Waldorf and with the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation.

This school has meant a lot to me. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have in my career thus far without Waldorf being the right fit, the right place, and the right time for me when I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life.

My degrees from here have and continue to carry me far.

I want to help Waldorf continue to grow. I want to help alumni continue to stay connected. I want to see our alums’ children and grandchildren continue to discover this place as I did many years ago. I want to help the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation continue to grow and do great things through scholarships, campus ministry, and alumni relations. I want to give back to the institution that gave so much to me.

When I walked into Salveson Hall’s lobby for the first time as an employee on October 9th, I felt excited, happy, and proud to be back ‘home’. Sometimes things come full circle, and this is one of those times. I truly feel like I’m back home, and I can’t wait to meet all of you to hear your Waldorf stories.

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

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WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

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KEEP GOING, WARRIOR! Start your next degree and receive 10% off your master's.

WALDORF AT A GLANCE

INTRODUCING:

WALDORF UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT ALUMNI AMBASSADOR ORGANIZATION! Engaged alumni start as engaged students. In order to bridge the gap between being a student on campus and spreading your wings in the world as an alumnus of this great institution, we have created the Waldorf University Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA)!

THE MISSION: To serve as liaisons within the Waldorf University alumni community, offer insights into current Waldorf University student culture, share personal Waldorf experiences and to build lifelong Waldorf relationships.

The SAA organization will be in charge of various events and programming throughout the year. This includes, but is not limited to: // Throwing the senior class a graduation party each spring to welcome them to the Waldorf University Alumni Association // Connecting with current alumni to organize workshops, presentations, seminars, discussions, etc. for students and faculty/staff // Implementing new and innovative ways to engage and connect students and alumni both on and off campus

Comments, suggestions or concerns? Reach out to alumni@waldorf. edu for more details!

GET CONNECTED WITH ALUMNI IN YOUR AREA! ALUMNI

It might not always be easy to come back to campus during the year, but we don't want that to stop you from connecting with classmates and fellow Warriors.

Waldorf Alumni Chapters of the Waldorf University Alumni Association provide a fun and welcoming environment to help bring together alumni, parents and friends of Waldorf throughout various parts of the nation. These groups can be formed based off of geographic/regional location or by special interest (small business owners, choir, major/ minor, etc.), and are an awesome way to engage, network and reminisce with fellow Warriors all year round!

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WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

Through various events and activities (Think: sporting events, casual get-togethers, potlucks, etc.) put on/attended by each group twice a 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.

The Waldorf University Alumni Association Board of Directors would like to formally welcome the first official alumni chapters to the Warrior family:

// Waldorf University Alumni Association - Forest City Chapter // Waldorf University Alumni Association - New Mexico Chapter

We know these two chapters will be dynamic, engaging and inclusive groups for Waldorf alumni and friends to connect with one another and make new Waldorf memories. If you reside in one of these areas, please reach out to alumni@waldorf.edu to get connected!

Want to see a chapter near you?

Email alumni@waldorf.edu for information to get started!

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CHRISTMAS WITH WALDORF 2019 RECAP

W

hile the arrival of colder weather can be hard, it also means that the holiday season is upon us. One of our favorite parts of all of the end of year celebrations is the annual Christmas with Waldorf concert, and this year’s event was nothing short of powerful.

On the afternoon of Saturday, December 7, in celebration of the Christmas season, the Adrian Johnson auditorium in the beautiful Boman Fine Arts Center was filled with prayer, scripture readings, hymns and praises sprinkled in between fantastic performances by Waldorf’s hardworking students. The theme of the evening was titled, “Dawn of Redeeming Grace.”

With Waldorf Music Department Chair Melanie Espeland Harms overseeing the event, Joel Everist conducted the choir with Melissa Phillips as pianist, and Cory Schmitt conducted the Waldorf Wind Symphony. The lineup for the afternoon included: the Waldorf Choir singing Siyahamba/Halleluyah!, Choral Reflections on Amazing Grace and Silent Night – arranged by Composer-in-Residence and Waldorf’s sweetheart Nancy Farndale –, A la Nanita Nana, Joseph,

(ABOVE) The Waldorf Choir performing. (BELOW) Schola Cantorum performing.

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Choir entering the Boman Fine Art Center by candelight.

Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming, Noel, Bethlehem, This Christmastide, and Freedom Trilogy.

Waldorf’s Jazz Choir also took the stage next, singing As Lately We Watched, followed by Schola Cantorum performing There Stood in Heaven a Linden Tree and What Child. The Waldorf Wind Symphony graced the room with their arrangements of Breath of Heaven, And Heaven and Nature Ring, Grace and Sleigh Ride.

To round out the memorable evening, the audience was encouraged to join their voices together as the Waldorf Choir performed beautiful renditions of Silent Night and lastly, a Waldorf favorite, Beautiful Savior.

The concert was followed by a delightful Christmas dinner in the mezzanine of the Boman Fine Arts Center, filling not only the stomachs of those who attended, but their hearts as well.

Take a look at the photos below to see glimpses of the wonderful evening we shared!

(ABOVE) French horn section of Waldorf Wind Symphony.

(BELOW) Waldorf Wind Symphony performing.

SPRING 2020 // WALDORF MAGAZINE

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CAMPUS NEWS

HOMECOMING RECAP

R N O A I TIO R R A N W

There’s no place like Homecoming M

other Nature was definitely in favor of the Warriors as we enjoyed absolutely beautiful weather all weekend long! Spirits were high as Warrior Nation welcomed home alumni and friends for a fun-filled celebration. Festivities started on Wednesday, Oct. 16, with the annual candidate review and coronation hosted by the Communications Department. The event took place in the Atrium, and several hundred students showed up to help crown the 2019 homecoming king and queen: Samuel Huntley and Taylor Navratil respectively. The rest of this year’s homecoming court included: Marcel Lindner, Andrew Murley, Sven-Erik Tiedemann, Savanna Cordle, Kyra Platzek and Mackinze Thill.

Following the crowning of the king and queen, the weekend could officially commence. The annual

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WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet took place on Friday evening in the Boman Fine Arts Center, where four honorees were inducted: Perry Laures ’84 (football), Beth (Skogen) Van Roekel ’99 (basketball/softball), Brady (Stumpff) Goerdt ’01 (softball) and Patrick Jackson ’89 (football). The evening rounded out with a student-led bonfire in the parking lot of the Luise V. Hanson Fieldhouse where the Waldorf football coaches gave motivational speeches, dancing was encouraged and a great time was had by all.

Saturday morning got off to an early start as the homecoming 5K walk/ run, hosted by the Waldorf track and cross country teams, gave visitors and community members a chance to start the weekend off on the right foot. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast was provided post-race for participants and

spectators alike. Unfortunately, a light drizzle stuck around for most of the morning activities, but by 11 a.m. that morning, as tailgating activities began to gain traction, the sun began to shine and spirits began to rise. Face-painting, bounce houses, carnival games, bake sales and various student groups brought a plethora of young and old tailgaters—all ready to rally behind the Waldorf football team. All of the support seemed to work as the Warriors sealed their victory early over Dakota State University with a fantastic final score of 59-9.

The annual art and craft fair was held once again in Salveson Lobby, followed by alumni class luncheons on campus that afternoon as well. The annual luncheons gave classmates an opportunity to reminisce on their Waldorf days with one another

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CAMPUS NEWS

HOMECOMING RECAP

while enjoying a meal in the Atrium. The 50th class reunion, celebrated by the class of 1969, boasted one of the largest class reunions in regard to attendance in recent Waldorf history with nearly 50 returning classmates. Campus tours, Boman Fine Arts Center tours, Waldorf History Interviews and a campus scavenger hunt filled the schedules of alumni for the day.

Saturday’s oncampus activities wrapped up with the Waldorf Alumni Distinguished Service Dinner that evening, where Rev. Thomas Jolivette ‘74 and Leslie Aasheim ‘57 were honored with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. William Stokes ’08 was recognized as the Recent Alumni Award for Service on Saturday evening as well.

These awards are two of the most prestigious that Waldorf can honor an alumnus with, and it was an incredibly memorable event for all.

In addition to a beautiful homecoming service at Immanuel Lutheran on Sunday morning, the entire weekend came to a perfect close with the annual homecoming music concert, where the Waldorf choir, the alumni choir, schola cantorum and the band all showcased their incredible talents.

Waldorf homecoming is always one of the best weekends of the entire year. Mark your calendars now for next year’s festivities: October 15 – 18, 2020! Reunion years for 2020 include 1955, 1960, 1965, the 50th class reunion of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015.

Reach out to alumni@waldorf.edu for questions or if you’re interested in being a class ambassador to help bring your classmates and friends back to campus for the best weekend of the year!

CLASS OF 1954

CLASS OF 1959

CLASS OF 1964

CLASS OF 1969

CLASS OF 1974

CLASS OF 1979

CLASS OF 1989

CLASS OF 2009

Please join us

October 16-18, 2020! waldorf.edu

SPRING 2020 // WALDORF MAGAZINE

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CAMPUS NEWS

MLK Jr. Day Through the efforts of former Waldorf choir director and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Forest City’s current Director of Worship Ben Allaway, and Waldorf University, the Forest City and Waldorf communities were able to meet and immerse themselves in the stories and wisdom from Rev. Dr. Albert Paul Brinson. Rev. Dr. Brinson was an icon of the early civil rights movement, growing up as a close friend and “brother” of Martin Luther King, Jr., often referring to Martin Luther King, Sr., as his surrogate father. He was one of the original organizers of the Atlanta Student Movement that began in March 1960, and along with Andrew Young and Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Dr. Brinson organized the famous Selma to Montgomery March. It was an incredible and moving day with such an important individual on Waldorf’s campus, and we were humbled to hear and be inspired by his stories.

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!

If you know a high school student who would be a great future member of the Waldorf family on our residential campus, please fill out the Waldorf Alumni Scholarship form (waldorf.edu/alumnischolarship) with their basic contact information, and our admissions team will follow up with them.

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 the best fit for Waldorf University. Feel free to reach out to these students to share your Waldorf story and to mention this scholarship!

We're so excited to welcome future Warriors, and who better to help find future Waldorf alumni than those who already fill the role so well?

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CAMPUS NEWS

RN to BSN Program Approval The Higher Learning Commission recently approved the addition of an online RN to BSN program at Waldorf University! Enrollment begins this summer, and the first classes will start Fall 2020. We’re excited to see the lives changed through this program. Stay tuned to waldorf.edu for more information!

Education Department Sensory Room In today's world, students of all ages are battling trauma in many areas of their lives.

When an individual's mind is in "fight" mode, it puts up a barrier for them to focus and learn in a classroom. In order to provide a safe space for students to escape those experiences and to relax and prepare their mind for learning, the Waldorf Education Department and the Forest City Elementary School are collaborating to create a safe room with sensory engaging activities for students. The room will be open to students who come to school scared, anxious, or angry and will include dim lighting, a weighted blanket, a tent, a sensory wall, padded walls, lava lamps and other items that will engage all of their senses. Waldorf's Education Department is excited to be part of this initiative and hopes that other communities and schools will do the same!

Renovation of “Denny Jerome” Basketball Court The Luise V. Hanson Fieldhouse is seeing some changes this spring as the Denny Jerome Court is undergoing reconstruction. In order to preserve the memories and sentimental value that this floor has for so many members of our Waldorf community, various pieces from the gymnasium floor will be salvaged and be put up for sale in the coming months. Make sure to follow Waldorf University Alumni Association and Waldorf University Athletics on Facebook for upcoming details!

HOW CAN YOU

Erin Gruwell Visits Campus Famous teacher and author Erin Gruwell returned to Waldorf last fall to inspire our community to reach for their fullest potential. Gruwell is known for changing the lives of over 150 students at Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif. By spreading her unique method of teaching through journaling. Her success was the impetus behind her book, “Freedom Writers Diary,” which was made into the film, “Freedom Writers.” This year marked the 20th anniversary of her efforts to change the lives of these teenagers. This isn’t Gruwell’s first visit to Waldorf’s campus, nor will it be her last, as Waldorf President Alsop and Gruwell continue to find ways for the two life-changing missions to collaborate!

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.

We appreciate everything you do for Waldorf University!

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CAMPUS NEWS

ATHLETICS RECAP

Columbus, Ohio, former Warrior football defensive lineman Perry M. Laures (1984) from New Hampton, and former Warrior women’s basketball player Beth Ann (Skogen) Van Roekel (1999) from Lake Mills, all were inducted into the Waldorf Athletic Hall of Fame.

FOOTBALL

The fall season in Warrior Athletics began with a big change in leadership as longtime Director of Athletics Denny Jerome retired at the end of September, and former Waldorf baseball coach Chad Gassman returned to Forest City, to take over the leadership mantle.

That smooth transition proved to be just one of many major highlights for Waldorf Athletics in a fall that saw the Warrior football team earn national recognition, the Waldorf cross country team send two more student-athletes to the NAIA National Championships, the golf team grab two tournament titles, the hockey and volleyball teams leap into first place in their respective leagues, and the men’s soccer team go on an eight-game run allowing just one goal on the pitch.

Along with those on-field, on-ice and on-court achievements, another one of the great highlights for Waldorf Athletics came in mid-October during Homecoming as former Warrior softball pitcher Brady (Stumpff) Goerdt (2001) from Brooklyn, former Warrior football quarterback Patrick Ryan Jackson (1989) from 12

Warrior football fights for league title, finishes No. 23 in nation It was another season to remember for the Waldorf football team as the Warriors went 7-3 overall, finished second in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) with a 5-2 record, and found themselves in a Top25 battle with Dickinson State for the league title and a trip to nationals with one week left in the season.

A last-second field goal gave the visiting Blue Hawks the win and a berth to the NAIA National Tournament, while the Warriors bounced back strong from the near-miss to roll past Valley City State and cap a stellar season, earning the No. 23 spot in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches poll.

Along with being ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in the program’s NAIA history, Waldorf led the way in the NSAA in postseason honors as All-American quarterback Hilton “Bo” Joseph was named the NSAA Offensive MVP for the second straight season, and senior linebacker Marcel Lindner was named the NSAA Defensive MVP.

WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

Both were named to the NSAA All-Conference team, along with 17 of their teammates: running back Jeff Jones; wide receivers Ryan Martinez, Zach Morel and Ryan Harrison; offensive linemen Robert Mosley and Maxwell Drebenstedt; defensive linemen Logan Knutson, DeShaun Quinn, Keyon Hodges and Nick Harrison; linebackers Caleb Wilson, James Bell and Thomas Edwards; defensive backs Cameron Newsome, James Jackson Jr and MaCoy Yeakel; and kicker Slater Gifford.

Along with earning a spot in the Top 25 and sweeping the league’s MVP awards, the Waldorf football team added a few more honors as Joseph and center Zach Throne each were named to the CoSIDA District 3 All-Academic Team, and Joseph was selected to play in the inaugural NAIA Senior Classic.

Four Warrior players – quarterback Hilton "Bo" Joseph, linebacker Caleb Wilson, offensive lineman Robert Mosley and cornerback Cameron Newsome – along with Waldorf head coach Josh Littrell and assistant head coach Will Finley all participated in the inaugural NAIA Senior Classic held on Saturday, Dec. 14, in Savannah, Ga. The Warrior senior football players competed on the East Squad, while Coach Littrell was the team's offensive coordinator and Coach Finley was the East Squad's defensive coordinator.

Murley each made their second trip to nationals.

Racing in Vancouver, Wash., in mid-November, Murley finished 149th in the nation, clocking a time of 26 minutes, 46.5 seconds on an 8-kilometer course, while Widener finished 237th in 20:24.1 on the women’s 5K course.

Both earned their trip to nationals after All-Conference finishes – finishing in the Top 10 – at the NSAA Championships hosted by Waldorf at Bear Creek Golf Club in Forest City in early November.

MEN'S SOCCER

Waldorf men’s soccer allows 1 goal in 8-game win streak as they roll into playoffs The Warrior men’s soccer team went on an unstoppable roll that started in late September and carried Waldorf into the semifinals of the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) tournament, winning eight straight games and allowing just one goal during the win streak.

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD

Waldorf cross country seniors Andrew Murley and Marissa Widener run at nationals For the third straight year the Warrior cross country program was well represented at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships as seniors Marissa Widener and Andrew

Waldorf goalkeeper Raul Guillamon-Bejar had six of those shutouts, earning co-A.I.I. Goalie of the Year honors, while teammate Joao Guiherme

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CAMPUS NEWS

ATHLETICS RECAP

Romeo added the other shutout during the Warriors run.

Guilherme Alencar also was honored by the A.I.I. as the Newcomer of the Year as he lead the Warriors with 10 goals and three assists, as Waldorf finished two wins shy of another trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

Warrior defender Athos Monteiro and midfielder Edwin Lopez, both seniors, also earned All-Conference honors for their play this fall as Waldorf finished the year 10-6-2 overall.

HOCKEY

Waldorf hockey team opens new league play winning 4-of-5 to grab 1st place

GOLF

Warrior men’s golf team wins back-to-back tournament titles during fall season The Warrior golf teams hit the course for the fall portion of their year and turned in some great performances as the Waldorf men’s team won the title at the Simpson Invitational on Sept. 25, then shared first place at their own tournament, the Waldorf Invitational, on Sept. 29.

The two victories highlighted a strong six-event fall schedule for the Warrior men’s golf team, which was led by Cole Ruckman, who twice was named NSAA Golfer of the Week in the fall.

On the women’s side, the Warriors finished a season-best second at their own event, while Nicole Misner led the way for Waldorf averaging 85.5 strokes per round playing 10 rounds over six fall events.

BOWLING

The fall portion of the season went very well for the Warrior hockey team, which opened play in the new Midwest Collegiate Hockey (MCH) league with a pair of home wins, and taking 4-of-5 in conference action to hold onto first place for the first month of the season.

The Warriors currently are 5-9-1 overall and 5-5 in MCH action with one weekend left in their fall schedule, as Waldorf returned to the ACHA as a Division I program this academic year.

The Waldorf hockey team returns to the ice for the winter portion of its schedule on Jan. 17.

waldorf.edu Athletics Articles by MIKE STETSON

Tournament title for Miner, win for Warrior men’s team highlights start to bowling season Waldorf freshman Jacob Miner rolled his way to the tournament championship at the Stout State Open, leading the Warrior men’s bowling team to a first-place finish as well, as the Waldorf bowlers started their season with four events over the end of October and start of November.

Miner averaged 207.56 pins per game for nine games to win the individual title, one of three Warrior bowlers to earn All-Tournament honors, as teammate Ryan Swiderski finished fourth with an average of 201.33 to also earn All-Tournament honors.

They led the Waldorf men, who beat Winona State and Highland Community College in head-tohead matches for the tournament title.

The Warrior women were third and led by Allison Furman, who was also third individually with a 9-game average of 177.89 to earn All-Tournament honors.

The Warriors compete in Las Vegas over the Christmas break and look to qualify for the ITA Sectionals in March.

Fellow senior Kyra Platzek also earned First-Team All-Conference honors and finished her career as the all-time leader in kills in the 25-point, rally-scoring era with 1,183 kills in her career.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

Waldorf volleyball grabs earlyseason league lead, advances to NSAA tournament quarterfinals The Waldorf volleyball team jumped out of the gate, winning their first four matches and nine of their opening 16 – which included a pair of NSAA wins – grabbing an early-season league lead during a strong fall campaign.

Finishing with a 12-19 overall record, Waldorf was sixth in the regular-season NSAA standings and earned its first trip to the league playoffs since 2016, where they advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to 16th-ranked Bellevue.

Waldorf women’s soccer returns to field with strong season The Waldorf women’s soccer team came up a win shy of the postseason, returning to the pitch after a lack of numbers cut the 2018 season short.

Playing strong, the Warriors went 4-11-1 on the field and five Waldorf women were named All-Conference performers by the A.I.I., led by First-Team defender Jessica Gil-Garcia.

Warrior midfielders Heather Kolona and Flor Padilla each were named Second-Team AllConference, as were forwards Bailee Russell and Bonnie Zuniga.

WRESTLING

A strong season on the court saw senior setter Elizabeth Tramm finish her career as the Warriors all-time leader in assists with 3,156, while she also earned First-Team All-Conference honors.

Pair of freshmen lead way for Warrior men’s and women’s wrestling teams A pair of fantastic freshmen led the way for the Warrior men’s and wrestling programs, each starting their collegiate careers

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CAMPUS NEWS

ATHLETICS RECAP

with a tournament title each and matching 6-1 overall records.

Jojo Hendricks, from Beaumont, Calif., won the title at 191 pounds at the Bob Kellogg Open for the Waldorf women’s team, which competed in an abbreviated fall season and returns to the mats on Jan. 12.

Marcus McGinley, a 184-pounder from Eagan, Minn., won his title at the Grand View Open for the Waldorf men’s team.

BASKETBALL

Waldorf basketball teams tip off seasons

The Waldorf men’s basketball team scored an early-season win over Doane on the road, as they enjoyed mixed results playing five of their first eight contests at the Hanson Fieldhouse to open the 2019-20 season.

The Warrior women’s basketball team picked up a pair of wins over Nebraska Christian in a home-and-home, non-conference series, as they have played just twice at home in their opening six games.

Both Waldorf teams host Viterbo in December, then open the bulk of their league season starting on Jan. 10 at Mayville State.

MEET THE COACH

// Peak LoL Rank: Diamond 5 90 LP (Season 8) // Head Coach at Union County College (New Jersey) (Aug. 2018-Jan. 2020) // Head Analyst at PEX Team and Zaga Talent Gaming (Latin America North) (Feb.Aug. 2018) // Talent Scout at Order Esports (Oceania) (Jan.-Feb. 2018) // Head Analyst at Athletico Esports (Oceania) (May-Dec. 2017) // Assistant Coach at Avant Garde (Oceania) (Oct. 2016Jan. 2017) // Freelance Analyst at Counter Logic Gaming (North America) (June-Nov. 2015)

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waldorf.edu

ALUMNI NEWS

Staff Profile

AUDREY SPARKS ’16—WHY WALDORF?

I

do not recall precisely how I stumbled upon Waldorf. I was a student at NIACC, and I knew I did not want to leave the area to continue my education. Somehow, I ended up connected with Director of Residential Admissions Scott “Pitch” Pitcher and started looking at my options. I scheduled my campus visit, not even completely sure of what I really wanted to study. As with the majority of everything I do, I planned it at an odd time when nobody was really on campus. I am still not 100 percent sure of the location of several places that we went, but I do remember on one stairwell, we encountered a tall man, and Pitch introduced us. His name was Bob. We had a brief conversation about my future plans, and as Bob walked away, he said, “Can’t wait to see you on campus.”

We hit the bottom of the stairwell, Pitch pushed the door open, and as I walked past him, he said, “That’s the president of the university.” My mind was totally blown! At my previous location, I had encountered our president one time and had no idea who he was. I instantly knew this was the space for me. President Alsop embodied the most accurate depiction of what it means to be a part of the Waldorf University community.

I knew I wanted–no, needed–a community much like I had had at NIACC, and that is exactly what I got.

As an undergraduate at Waldorf, I was highly involved. On my tour, I spent a good waldorf.edu

hour with Dr. Bob AuFrance, Professor of Theatre and Director of Fine Arts, discussing my future in theatre. I didn’t have much experience, but it was on my bucket list. Apparently, AuFrance recognized my ability to be okay with acting like a fool and gave me a nice little scholarship as a member of the theatre department to help me along my way. I spent numerous hours in the theatre dungeons and on and off stage. I worked in the admissions office (Thank you, Pitch, for that little gem of a job), the library as a tutor, and as a student aid to faculty all at the same time. I was the editor-in-chief of the Lobbyist and the Literary Review, ran crosscountry at the ripe old age of 38 and was in honors. Waldorf was not just my university, it was a home, and I knew I wanted to stay as long as possible.

As graduation approached, I began to look into graduate school. That is when AuFrance approached me and asked if I would be interested in a Graduate Assistant position in the music department. How could I say no?

This was my chance to stick around campus a bit longer and get my masters degree.

On graduation day, I remember waiting to walk across the stage. This would be my first time walking in a graduation ceremony.

I quit high school when I was 15. I did get my G.E.D. right away, but this was back in the day when you mailed everything in,

and there was not an organized ceremony to celebrate your accomplishment. I looked around the gym at all the faces I had grown to love and depend on. Nearly every department at the university had experienced my wanderings or encountered me due to some project I was working on. As my name was called, I approached President Alsop, and without even thinking, embraced him in a strong hug.

As the current residential marketing manager for Waldorf University, I seem to have still found an excuse to stick around.

Recently, I was looking for images for a marketing campaign when I stumbled upon the photos from my undergraduate graduation day. I scrolled through them all, and suddenly there I was, standing once again on that stage, tearfully celebrating with all of the individuals who had unknowingly changed my life.

This spring, I will walk one more time across the university stage to receive my master’s degree diploma. President Alsop will be there along with everyone else who has become family for me within these beautiful old walls. You can be assured, I will hug him again. I would line them all up and embrace each of them if I could.

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ALUMNI NEWS

"Be

Good Do Right "

An alumnus' journey to America

“Ching!”

The door swings open, a cold gust of wind rushing in as it closes behind each Daylight Donuts customer on a colder-than-normal November morning. It’s 7:50 a.m., and the room ahead is buzzing with the white noise of each table immersed in their own, now caffeinated, conversations.

Robert “Bob” Tran Quoc, Waldorf Class of 1991, is seated at the table closest to a display case filled with fresh pastries decorated in sprinkles and various glazes. Two of his granddaughters are with him, their winter coats scrunched up around them as they sit, each one appropriately starting the day off with a doughnut of choice. A look of contentment on his face and a Styrofoam cup of coffee boasting “Daylight Donuts” in

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hand as he sits back and watches the morning unfold before him.

As most everyone walking in is just starting their Wednesday morning, Bob is on the downhill slope of his day. He has been there since 11 p.m. the night before, filling the space with aromas of doughnuts of all shapes, sizes and fillings, and fresh pots of coffee as the brisk smell of winter makes its way into the last days of fall.

“Well, Bob!” “Good Morning!” he turns to greet each customer, most of them by name, with a warm smile.

By 8:05 a.m., the place is as empty as it was packed only minutes prior, as employees and students have moved on from breakfast to

start their day. The sudden quiet interrupted only by the ringing of the door from the occasional stragglers coming in to grab a cup of coffee along with a box of “I’m sorry I’m late” doughnuts for their coworkers.

After introducing myself and interrupting his trance, Bob encourages me to find a seat anywhere I’d like while he drives his granddaughters to school. Before he leaves, he hands me a steaming cup of black coffee and a 26-page essay he had written for a class during his time at Wartburg College, each piece of text intricately outlining the details and memories of a journey very few could relate to.

“I got an A on this paper,” he says with a twinkle in his eye and, what I would learn, is his signature boyish grin.

waldorf.edu

ALUMNI NEWS to seizing properties and forcing individuals to work as laborers digging ditches in the countryside, Vietnam was in severe turmoil.

Bob’s father had been a General in the South Vietnamese army, dying at war when Bob was just eight-years-old. Because of this, his mother knew that the communist government would be much harder on Bob when he turned 18 and was forced to join the military. With the knowledge that she wanted better for her oldest son, Bob’s mother made plans for him to move to America.

On December 28, 1979, at only 13-yearsold, Bob left his country and his family to depart on “Operation Freedom”, not know-

Nothing about that Wednesday morning was unusual for the small business owner.

However, the paper I held in my hand was evidence of an anything-but-ordinary story.

-----------On April 10, 1975, the country of Vietnam gained its independence, and the North Vietnam communist government gained complete control of their southern neighbors. This marked the beginning of a nightmare for the South Vietnamese people, including Bob Tran’s family.

From the communist government sending South Vietnamese residents to concentration camps and fraudulent governmental currency exchanges that led many citizens to measures as drastic as committing suicide,

being thrown into jail, the group was forced to pretend that they were all related, casually out catching fish as part of their family business. Under a starry, moonless sky that evening, as they docked and awaited their next boat, Bob finally let himself cry.

Later that same night, their small group quietly and quickly boarded another crowded boat, jam-packed with 116 strangers, all of them crouching low and not uttering a word for fear of being caught by the Vietnamese government.

Two days and two nights later in this position, and the anxiety of encountering sea patrol finally passed as they sailed into

(LEFT) Bob by his display case at his doughnut shop, Daylight Donuts.

(ABOVE) Vietnam boat like the one Bob was on when he fled Vietnam and headed for America.

ing if he would ever see any of the people or places from his childhood again.

Hearing about voyages to the United States can conjure up feelings of excitement and freedom for many who have never experienced such a journey. However, Bob Tran will be the first to tell you that the price many paid to reach the land of liberty was severe.

As they embarked on their voyage through the South China Sea, their group consisted of 12 individuals: the captain of the boat along with his two kids, Bob and others that he had never met before. Because of the keen eye of the communist government and the knowledge that they were all risking

Thailand waters—only to be replaced by the dread of Mother Nature and the potential of encountering pirates. And for Bob, that list also included seasickness.

“In those two days [of seasickness] I could not eat anything. On the third day, I began to feel a little better and started to find my way toward the front of the boat,” Bob recalled in his college essay. “The ocean breeze caressed my body; I felt like I had a new life. While I was in the front of the boat, my eyes could not help wandering.

The surroundings were stunning: water below, sky above; they both stretched as far as the eye could see. No words can describe the sceneries of the sunset and the sunrise. I BE GOOD... continued next page

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ALUMNI NEWS BE GOOD... continued

think everyone should have an opportunity to experience this work of art of Mother Nature. The sun was now rising on the other side of the world, the stars were beginning to come out, the temperature dropped rapidly, and darkness completely covered the sky.”

On the afternoon of the fifth day on the second boat, the refugees’ worst fears came true when they were stopped by Thai pirates. As the terrified group was forced to strip down and form two lines to be searched for gold, not one of them knew if they were going to make it out alive. They had heard of stories from survivors of pirates in which female refugees and children were raped and thrown overboard or where all men aboard were systematically killed.

Fortunately, their belongings were all the pirates desired of the group, and after pillaging their boat, taking a gold necklace and a gold ring that Bob’s mother had given him, the group was set free to continue their travels once again. Just two days later, a much larger group of pirates stopped them, but once again, God protected their boat and the pirates let them go without harm.

Not long after the second pirate invasion, they were finally able to cautiously breathe a sigh of relief as they reached land and were accepted onto Thai territory—another blessing that many refugee ships are not granted.

Bob was fortunate, in this situation at least, to meet two of these three requirements.

“One day in March, I was called into the office. The American official wanted to interview me. I was so happy. At the same time, I was also scared because I did not know what I was going to do if the American government did not accept me. Where would I go, and how long would I be able to stay at this camp? These questions ran through my head at that time. When I walked into the office, I saw a large man sitting on a chair behind the desk. He had a long beard on his face; he looked very intimidating to me. Sitting beside him was a translator. She smiled at me and pointed to my chair. Before I got to sit down, she told me to raise my right hand and she swore me in. After that, the man looked me in the eyes and said, ‘What is your name?’ There was a nervousness in my voice when I said to him in English, ‘My name is Tran Ai Quoc!’…’Why do you want to go to America?’ was the next question.

I told [them] it was because I wanted to continue my education, and this was not something I would be able to do if I stayed in Vietnam. The American official leaned over the desk and offered me his hand. I shook his hand with my two hands and said, ‘Thank you very much!’ …The American government had accepted me. I was so happy. There were no words that could describe my feelings at that time.”

2. Was a teenager traveling alone, or

It was the hope and promise of his future in America that lead Bob to finally write his first letter to his mother since he had left Vietnam nearly four months earlier. Though it took more than one sitting and countless tears to get through it, Bob reassured his mother that he was doing fine, that he loved her and not to worry about him. In fear of the communist government reading the letter before she received it, he also mentioned that he hoped they could go to see his uncle soon—which really meant that he wished they would be able to escape Vietnam. However, as Bob continued to wait for his turn to go to America, the giddiness and hope began to give way to feelings of loneliness and fear.

3. Had family member(s) working for the U.S. government or the South Vietnamese government.

On the afternoon of April 17, 1980, the breeze that blew from the ocean onto the land could not help cool the heat from the

Two months, two countries, one refugee camp and one emergency appendicitis surgery later, Bob finally got the call that he was to meet with a Japanese UN official who would decide if he would be accepted into America.

While most individuals and families at the refugee camp desired to go to America, many were not granted this wish. First priority to the United States was given to a refugee who: 1. Had immediate family member(s) living in the United States,

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cloudless sky. Most of the activities around the camp came close to a halt. Some people went swimming, some sat in the shade under the trees reading a book, while others just tried to stay out of the sun by staying inside the camp. The breeze was dry and yet heavy; perhaps it carried the agony of the boat people—that no one really understood until they became one themselves. I sat under the tree by the shore, day dreaming.

I wondered what my family was doing at this moment? Did my friends know I was gone? Would I ever see my family again?

What would the future be like for me? What was America like? Where would I live when I got to America? Will the family that I live with love me? Suddenly, I felt so alone and homesick, I broke down and cried. I tried not to cry in front of many people, but I had no control over my tears.

But the pain of the waiting game that Bob found himself in would soon come to an end. Enter T-550,197: his American identification, and a number Bob Tran will never forget. More than four months after his departure from home, he finally heard this number over the loudspeaker at the refugee camp—a sound he had been waiting for since the night he stepped foot on the boat.

On April 23, 1980, with mixed feelings of sadness for leaving behind many friends who he had come so far with, and an anticipation of all of the excitement for the future, Bob set sail for his last stop in a Bangkok refugee camp before his final destination. On the morning of April 26, Bob, along with hundreds of other refugees, boarded an American Airlines 747 at the Bangkok International Airport to finally put an end to their journey to the United States.

Bob standing in the same place in Vietnam where he departed when he was a kid.

------------

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ALUMNI NEWS Through the generosity of his foster parents, Rich and Nancy Oltman, Bob made a new home for himself in Lake Mills during his high school years. He made friends, became involved in the high school golf team and began attending Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, where he eventually accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Even though he was a regular attender of church and youth group at Salem Lutheran, Bob’s transformed faith wasn’t a sudden, overnight event.

Bob and his mom, Thuy Trang Tran - Jan 2020

Bob and family friend in Vietnam Bob and his younger brother, Trung Quoc

“I just started by praying,” Bob explained of how he came to know God. “And then all of a sudden, I began to realize that God really did answer those prayers, and it just kept going from there!”

And while he gives God the glory for all the ways in which he was protected and for the blessings that allowed him to get to where he is now, through Bob’s journey to the United States as a teenager and into adulthood, he has continued to reflect on and be extremely grateful for all that his mother did for their family as well. As a widow with three boys, she was the strong one who held their family together in even the toughest of times while also having a playful heart that was open and loving toward the wild imaginations of her rambunctious boys.

Most importantly, Bob’s mother instilled in each of her children a love of education.

“What you learn is yours to keep,” she told Bob after catching him playing hookey from school one day in his younger years. “The key to success in life is through education, and no one can take that away from you.”

This deeply rooted aspiration for furthering his education not only helped Bob get to the United States, but it also lead him to eventually enroll in a small, ELCA institution in Forest City: our beloved Waldorf College.

While at Waldorf, Bob studied business management with the dream of one day owning his own business. He was a part of the Lutheran assistance program through the school, and got involved on the golf team— even being named MVP his senior year.

Bob’s leadership skills were evident from

Bob and wife, Chaunez, in market in Vietnam

Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Daylight Donuts

the very beginning, and there was never a question in his mind that he would one day be called to run his own business. In 2015, Bob’s wife Chaunez found out that the owner of Daylight Donuts in Algona, where the duo resided, was planning to retire and encouraged her husband to consider taking over the franchise. However, Bob, who was managing the local Cargo Express convenience store at the time, wasn’t so sure, and he prayed that God might send him a sign of clarity.

During this same time, with the knowledge of the couple’s goals in mind, the Trans’ realtor wanted to show the couple another restaurant that was for sale in downtown Algona. When Bob went to go take a look at the second building one afternoon, he borrowed the realtor’s keys that she had used earlier that morning. After painstakingly attempting to unlock the door time after time with no luck, Bob took that as the sign that he had been looking for.

Once his decision was made, Bob and his family announced their plans to renovate an old boutique in Algona with the goal to re-

vive the popular breakfast establishment. A few short months later, Daylight Donuts reopened their doors at 502 S Phillips St., and the Tran family hasn’t looked back since.

“I feel like I wake up every day with a purpose,” Bob reflected on his life as an entrepreneur. “Whether that’s just to be there to listen to someone who needs to talk, or to be a place that they can come that’s safe, we are here.”

Through circumstances that forced him to grow up much quicker than others his age, the opportunities that were provided by escaping to the United States, and through the education he received, including during his time at Waldorf, Bob Tran has truly lived out the American Dream.

“By the grace of God, and a lot of really good people, I’ve been given opportunities that many do not get,” Bob humbly evoked.

“Many refugees didn’t even make it across the ocean. For some reason, God was looking out for me.”

And while one could definitely argue that BE GOOD... continued pg. 23

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ALUMNI NEWS

the

Round Robins A

s we find ourselves constantly connected to others all around the world in our work, on Facebook and Instagram, and through all of our smart devices, it’s hard to remember a time without these conveniences. Today, we can video chat our loved ones on the other side of the globe, we can engage with real-time photos of our friends, even if we haven’t seen them in years, and we can send a message to anyone we want that can be received and responded to within seconds. However, the members of the Waldorf class of 1954 can attest that staying in touch wasn’t always so easy.

Through shared education classes and study sessions, choir rehearsals, living near each other in the dormitories and working together in the kitchen to help pay for tuition, it didn’t take long for Arlys (Leach) Hopkins, Phyllis (Thompson) Moen, Esther (Erickson) Ziemer, Louise (Haugen) Varnes, Thora (Greenfield) Peterson, Faye (Johnson) Aamodt and Jeanette “Jean” (Leean) Melby to befriend one another on Waldorf’s campus. No one really knows exactly how the group connected for the first time, only that finding each other was an undeniable act of God.

It was a time when Waldorf was still a junior college, attendance at chapel was mandatory, men weren’t allowed past the foot of the dormitory staircase and female students had to be in their rooms by the 10 p.m. curfew each night. It was also a time when nine girls formed what would be their most treasured support throughout their lives: the “Round Robins.”

“We’ve all agreed that Waldorf was an anchor for us,” Jean expressed. “It was such an important time in our lives.”

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The Round Robins’ time on campus included convening in one another’s room until the house mother would knock on the ceiling below with her broom, regular devotions and chapel together, cheering each other on in

grades and exams and, of course, Tillie Rasmussen’s famous rolls on Sunday mornings.

“We were all there for the same reasons: our faith and our education,” Arlys explained.

“Waldorf was instrumental in steering our lives to have the faith that we have,” Faye agreed.

Not only were the women given the opportunity for their spiritual lives to be transformed, but they found that the quality of education on Waldorf’s campus was unmatched as well.

“In our education program at Waldorf, we had better teachers than any state school that I went on to,” Esther stated matterof-factly. “They were absolutely excellent in their field, but even more than that, you could feel their faith and that they cared about us as students.”

By the time the group was getting ready to graduate and go their separate ways, Arlys,

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ALUMNI NEWS the idea generator of the crew, knew they had to find a way to stay in touch after Waldorf. Enter the inspiration for their nickname: the “Round Robin” letter.

It was decided that the Round Robin letter concept would begin with Arlys who, instead of sending a separate letter to each individual woman, would write a single letter and send it on to the next person in the group. That woman would read Arlys’ letter, and follow it up with writing a letter of her own just beneath it. The letter would then move on to the third group member in line, and so on.

Sixty-six years, thousands of miles, and only a couple of lost letters later, the Round Robin letter is still going strong today.

“It went really well until everyone got married and had babies,” Arlys joked about the lost letters. But even when their families began to grow, and their schedules filled up quicker than ever before, the Round Robin group only grew stronger.

“We wanted to involve our families. We wanted our husbands and children to know our friends,” Arlys explained.

Through camping adventures, picnics and visiting each other’s homes, the Round Robins’ immediate families became dear friends with one another, eventually joining the women on many of their get-togethers and trips.

“I moved around, Arlys moved around, but the Round Robin always found us,” Faye reminisced. “If not for the Round Robin, I’m sure I would have lost touch with everyone. Instead of eight letters, I only had to write one.”

And while the letter remains at the core of the way they interact, the Round Robins have added phone calls to their modes of communication, making it much easier to connect on a more regular basis.

“Arlys’ son connected us to a—oh, what’s it called?—a conference call!” Louise excitedly explained. “We set a date and a time, and Arlys gave us a number that we were to call, and it worked wonderfully.”

“I said to my son, ‘Well, how much does it cost?’, and he replied, ‘Mom, it doesn’t cost anything!’” Arlys recalled as the group laughed. “After our last call took two hours,

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we were informed that only one person should talk at a time!”

And while it’s obvious the group’s camaraderie still mimics that of their younger selves, there’s a bittersweet nostalgia that can be heard every so often in their voices as they speak. Diagnoses of memory loss conditions and macular degeneration, stories of greatgrandchildren and having to move into town after 50+ years on the farm are all evidence of a new phase of life for the lifelong friends.

The two holes in the room also serve as a constant reminder of the years and changes since their time on campus.

Jane (Greenfield) Herbst ’54, a member of the Round Robins and cousin of Thora, passed away nearly 20 years ago of cancer, leaving behind her husband and two children. The 10th member of the group, Dorothy (Oftedahl) Fish ’54 is in a care center in California and is unable to travel anymore. However, her husband Gordon knows the impact the Round Robins have had in his wife’s life and continues to write Dorothy’s portion of the letter in their correspondences.

Throughout each loss and every change, the Round Robins have been each other’s support. Amidst the death of children and husbands, divorce, foster parenting orphans, moving around the world and aging, their faith has never faltered as they continue to pray for one another and find their strength and hope in the Lord. Their incredible friendship was built on the solid foundation of faith and education that they found at Waldorf.

Fast forward 66 years later, and women can stay out past 10 p.m., Tillie’s famous rolls are a thing of the past and students remain on campus for four years instead of two.

However, Waldorf’s mission to impact the whole person remains at the core of everything it means to be part of the Warrior family. We are humbled by stories such as these that remind us how privileged we are to be part of this community and how much of an impact our Waldorf relationships have long after graduation.

Thank you, ladies, for sharing your stories with us and for serving Waldorf and one another for all of these years.

(LEFT-story cover) the Round Robins at Homecoming 2019. L-R, Arlys Leach, Phyllis Moen, Faye Aamodt, Esther Ziemer, Thora Peterson, Louise Varnes and Jean Melby.

(TOP TO BOTTOM, L TO R) The Round Robins': Arlys Leach, Dorothy Oftedahl, Esther Erickson, Faye Johnson, Jane Greenfield, Jeannette "Lean" Leean, Louise Haugen, Phyllis Thompson and Thora Greenfield.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Profile

ROBERT JACKSON VFW NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

A

few years ago, Robert Jackson ‘17 was sitting at his home with his oldest daughter Magdalene, discussing with her the importance of attending college after high school.

When the first response out of her mouth was, “You didn’t go, so why should I?” Robert and his wife Sarah knew that they both had a point to prove.

Firefighting was practically a family tradition for Robert’s family while he was growing up. His dad, grandpa and uncle were all firefighters, and there was no doubt in Robert’s mind that he would follow in their footsteps. When the time came to graduate high school, Robert went directly to the fire academy in Radcliff, Ky., getting hired on in their fire department soon after.

Throughout his career, Robert worked his way up the department, succeeding in several different roles during this time. However, through each of these experiences, he began to realize how much more there was in addition to fire service.

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When their department would get called out, oftentimes to multi-agency incidents, Robert began to take notice of and be intrigued by the emergency management officials who would arrive at the scene.

He enjoyed the big picture perspective that emergency management focused on, as they dealt with all parts of emergency services. It was this interest and a desire to dive even deeper that led him to eventually pursue his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Emergency Management from Waldorf University.

During an assignment in one of his courses, Robert’s professor encouraged their class to go spend an afternoon at a local Emergency Management office in order to get more of a grasp on what their responsibilities entail.

It was during this initial visit with the local emergency management department that Robert was asked to join their team. By the time he left the emergency management office that afternoon, his off days as a firefighter were no longer days of rest. He would now fill the role of a coordinator for

the Emergency Management’s Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters. He had gone into his meeting that day for a simple Waldorf homework assignment, and he came out with a role that would get him that much closer to his ultimate goal of a full-time career in emergency management.

“I got an A on that one,” Robert said with a chuckle regarding his assignment. “Really, though, this opportunity has helped me advance in all aspects of my career.”

Robert wasn’t the only one in his household to be motivated by his teenage daughter’s honesty, however. Sarah ’18, Robert’s wife, is also a Waldorf alumnus, having graduated with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a Criminal Justice concentration.

Not only did their Waldorf degrees give the couple the tools and the knowledge to continue to advance in their workplaces, which even resulted in a departmental promotion for Robert, but it also was a way for the duo to give back to their daughters, proving to

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ALUMNI NEWS BE GOOD... continued

them that continuing on in one’s education truly can lead to success.

“With me, that has been one of the foundations of my success,” Robert explained of his graduation from Waldorf. “Every time I’ve applied for a job, it’s the first thing they notice and compliment me on. It’s impressive to them.”

Being a firefighter at any level is an undeniably noble profession. However, throughout his career, Robert has continued to take this selfless vocation to an entirely new level.

It wasn’t until his dad, a Vietnam veteran, passed away that he realized his passion for serving and advocating for veterans as well.

“I wanted to start giving back to my community and the veterans for what they had done for my dad when he passed away,” Robert reflected in the time following his dad’s funeral.

Through countless hours of volunteering for veterans through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) groups and working with his

Nancy Rathburn was privileged to present Robert with his recognition, with the undeniable knowledge that James would have been exceptionally proud to see Robert on that stage. The feelings were overwhelming that night for the Waldorf alumnus.

“Even in my speech that evening, I was more or less without words, and I told the crowd that it was the greatest achievement of my career,” Robert reflected on the honor. “There would be no other award that could ever top that; that was my greatest achievement.”

Although Robert has already been recognized at a level that the vast majority of those in his field will never reach, he isn’t done yet. After finishing his master’s degree from Waldorf, he had a hunger for more.

Robert went on to enroll at Capella University and will graduate with a Doctorate in Emergency Management in the spring of 2021, finishing his degree working in a residency program with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). His dreams are many, and with the help of his degree from Waldorf, he plans to accomplish each and every one of them.

“I would highly recommend a degree online through Waldorf,” Robert enthusiastically expressed. “It’s a flexible program, you can work around your schedule, and in the long run, it can definitely lead to success.”

(LEFT-story cover) Jackson receiving his Firefigher of the Year award. (ABOVE) Jackson's awards

city’s local high school JROTC program, Jackson began to gain attention on a district and regional level for his efforts.

In 2019, as evidence of his passion for serving others, out of thousands of other nominees, Robert was officially recognized with the esteemed title of the VFW’s National Firefighter of the Year.

An eagerness and a giddy anticipation filled Robert as he prepared himself to accept the award in August 2019, but one thing dimmed the brightness of the excitement on the evening of Robert’s award recognition.

James Rathburn, mentor, VFW Commander, and nominator of Robert for this award, had sadly passed away during the award process without getting to see his life goal achieved: someone from his post taking home a national award. In his place, James’s wife waldorf.edu

And with Sarah’s graduation from Waldorf last year and the Jacksons’ oldest daughter, Magdalene considering Waldorf University online for her next move, there’s no doubt that Robert and Sarah’s grand plan turned out to be foolproof for the whole family.

Through his choice of a courageous profession, his endless volunteer work with veterans and the inspirational path he has taken through his education, there’s no doubt that Robert Jackson has chosen a life of humility and service. While even the smallest acts of service should not go unnoticed, Robert is undoubtedly deserving of the accomplishments and recognition that he has received from his efforts, and he truly encompasses all that it means to be a Waldorf Warrior.

Waldorf is proud and privileged to call the VFW National Firefighter of the Year one of our own. Thank you for your continued hard work and determination, and congratulations, Robert!

Bob has suffered much loss, recent history has also provided him with much to be grateful for. Since the early 2000’s, Bob has been reunited with his mother two separate times, each reunion filled with a tidal wave of emotions. This past Christmas season also brought extra blessings as Bob and his brother Trung Quoc, a now-California resident, hopped on a plane to Vietnam to be reunited with their mother—the first time all three of them have been together in 40 years.

Bob’s constant roll-with-the-punches attitude toward life is one that makes you want to befriend him immediately upon the first introduction. Not only does he use his positivity and their family’s business to touch lives in their small, North Iowa town, but he also makes time to actively serve on his church board. In this role, he has appropriately gained the reputation of being the man who listens far more than he speaks.

However, when he speaks, it’s impossible not to listen.

“Be good, and do right,” is the motto that Bob lives by on a daily basis and the words that have helped him stay on track to build such a solid foundation in the midst of adversity at a young age. Through the way he loves and listens, no matter what role he is serving in, each day and each moment has a purpose for the Waldorf alumnus.

We pray you would be inspired by Bob’s story and that no matter what you choose to do in this life, loving and serving others through both your words and actions would be at the top of your priority list.

Warrior family, we leave you with this reminder: Just like Bob Tran, always remember to be good and do right—and that it never hurts to start the day with a doughnut.

Bob with some birthday donuts.

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS D

uring the 2019 homecoming celebrations, Waldorf hosted the annual Alumni Distinguished Service Award banquet on Saturday, October 19. The Alumni Distinguished Service Award is an annual honor that recognizes Waldorf alumni who have performed distinctive and meritorious service in areas such as public affairs, education, church, business and government and have demonstrated their Christian faith in service to community and church. At this banquet, the Recent Alumni Award for Service is also awarded to an alumnus who has graduated within the past decade and has demonstrated extraordinary efforts in the area of service to community, Waldorf and/ or the church.

Waldorf President Bob Alsop presented the Alumni Distinguished Service Awards to this year’s recipients, Leslie “Les” Aasheim ’57, former Waldorf President Thomas “Tom” Jolivette ’74 and the Recent Alumni Award for Service to William Stokes ’08.

active service. After leaving the army, Les returned to school to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and eventually a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from University of Northern Iowa before spending the next 30+ years working his way through the education system. He retired as the Junior High Principal of the West Des Moines Community School District after 22 years.

In the final years of his career in education, Les became involved in local politics in the Des Moines suburb of Clive. Les served on Clive’s Board of Parks and Recreation, and in 1986, he was elected to serve as a City Council member until 1997 and again from 2000-2001. In 2001, Les’ service and love of his community was recognized in a big way when he was elected Mayor of the City of Clive.

Les was honored for his dedication to the education of youth and his extensive volunteerism efforts and ongoing leadership within the church and community. The alumnus began at Waldorf College in the fall of 1955, serving as the manager of the football team, president of the International Relations Club, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and one of the founders of the Men’s Student Council.

Since 2009, the Waldorf alumnus has served on the City of Clive Iowa Development Association, as President and volunteer for the City of Clive Historical Society, a member of the Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization, on the Iowa Civil Service Commission and as a member of more than 30 years and President of the Clive Lions Club.

In 1994, Les was named the Clive Citizen of the Year, in addition to receiving the Matt Parrott Integrity Award in 2007. Even Les was surprised in June 2010 with the unveiling of the “Aasheim Plaza.”

Following his graduation from Waldorf in 1957, Les continued his life of service by joining the United States Army, where he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, a Certificate of Achievement and a letter of commendation during his three years of

Waldorf was also privileged to recognize Rev. Thomas Jolivette ’74, former president of Waldorf, that evening. Rev. Jolivette was honored for his passionate work in Christian higher education and ministry and his proven leadership in the

field of development.

As an 18-year-old from Jewell, Tom Jolivette arrived in Forest City and quickly became an integral member of the Waldorf Concert Choir, played trumpet in the Concert Band and directed the student pep band. He organized a contemporary Christian music group called “Covenant” that performed locally and beyond, including a full summer tour out west. His natural leadership was recognized and widely respected, as evidenced by his classmates electing him student body president during his sophomore year—his first, but not his last taste of a Waldorf presidency. Upon graduation in 1974, Tom was selected to receive the Dean’s Award.

Following his time as a Warrior, Tom attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, before continuing his education once more at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. In 1980, he took on the title of Rev. Jolivette, as he was ordained into the ELCA. Following his ordination, he served the congregations of Samuel-Holmes in Eagle Grove for the next three years. In 1983, he found his home once again on Waldorf’s campus— this time as an associate on the development team. His God-given talents in the area of development were apparent almost immediately, and after just one year in this role, Tom was appointed as Vice President for Development where he served for the next eight years.

In the summer of 1999, Tom took over as the 13th president of Waldorf College.

Upon stepping down from the Waldorf presidency, Tom continued his service of ministry and returned to Luther Seminary AWARDS continued page 30

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waldorf.edu

FOUNDATION NEWS

A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR

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.

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-

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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

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CAMPUS MINISTRY

Waldorf Community, I usually write to update you about the great things happening here on campus, but I write now to inform you of my departure from Waldorf. Since arriving to Forest City in 2010 as a student, I have benefited from the incredible support and encouragement from the Waldorf and Immanuel communities. I hope the time that I have served on staff serves as a testament to how much I value the Waldorf mission and the Lutheran tradition that Immanuel has had a central role in preserving and reviving through the incredible support of my position and campus ministry.

Not many people get the chance that I have had, and I will always be grateful for the space that I was given as a student and the priceless opportunity that I was given to serve on staff. Both opportunities helped me to better understand my calling and gifts!

I will continue my work with campus ministry at the Lutheran Episcopal LCM at San Diego State University, and I plan on taking the many ways that I have been shaped here at Waldorf with me.

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During the transition process, our amazing team of student peer ministers have agreed to continue with the work we have started, so I ask that you continue to encourage them with the financial, spiritual and community wide support that has helped us come this far.

These last nine years have been remarkable, and I will definitely be taking the many memorable moments that I have had at Waldorf and at Immanuel with me as I continue my journey. Again, my success at Waldorf has been a direct result of the love and support that I found here many miles from home.

Until we meet again, Peace,

Antoine R. Cummins Campus Ministry Coordinator

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CAMPUS MINISTRY the absence of a campus ministry coordinator. The first few months were slow but we still had a few events throughout the semester.

Lauren Dohlman, volunteer task force peer minister organized the volunteer events each month. We were able to go to the Manly care center, an animal shelter and a local community kitchen. Emily VanderPloeg, peer minister and leader for chapel services, did a great job leading the service every week, diving into different scripture and topics to discuss.

Students enjoying a meal at the Block Party

Waldorf’s Campus Ministry started off strong in Fall 2019 with its annual Block Party event (pictured above). Organized with Immanuel Lutheran Church, the event was a success with almost 200 students attending it. The event had several games, food prepared by Immanuel Church and wonderful music and dance.

Our group of five passionate peer ministers worked really hard last semester to continue with the Campus Ministry activities, despite

MEET OUR NEW CAMPUS MINISTRY COORDINATOR!

1.

There are a few people who have been really supportive and helpful throughout this process of transition for Waldorf’s campus ministry.

First, Sharese Hall, Director of Residence Life and First-Year Experience Coordinator, who continues to always be passionate about ministry work. Thanks to her, the group is still strong and hopeful for even better things in future. Next, Pastor Rod Hopp always believes and trusts us with campus ministry work. None of this would be possible without him, and we are sincerely thankful for that. Lastly, the peer ministers. Without their patience and dedication, this group wouldn’t have come as far as we are now.

Even though the semester started slow, we are confident that we will come back strong next semester with more and better ministry events. Thank you for continuing to support the transformation of faith at Waldorf University.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself!

Name: Eric Adamcik (pronounced “Adam-check”) Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Education: B.A., Rhodes College: Major: International Studies & Political Science, Minor: Religious Studies; Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York: Interreligious Engagement with a concentration in Muslim-Christian Relations Certificate: Presbyterian Studies, Auburn Seminary in New York

2.

What brought you to Waldorf?

The opportunity to work with a student body with a baseline understanding of biblical literacy and commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education.

3.

What are you most excited for about joining the Warrior family?

Assisting students in finding their theological voices. I want them to be able to articulate why they get up in the morning, what their passions are and how I can help them use their voice to find a way to do that passion. That’s who I believe God to be: shaping us to be the best versions of ourselves.

4.

In the short time you have been on campus, what is your initial reaction to the Waldorf community?

They (soon it will feel like a “We”) are patient with my learning curve as someone who didn’t grow up in the Midwest. There’s an openness to asking questions, acknowledging when I don’t have the answers, and a focus on education and mutual respect that I haven’t found anywhere else.

5.

What is your hope for this role?

To show the distinct gifts everyone has to give to communal life at Waldorf. For example, having the athletic teams lead worship and tell us about the importance of community in team spirit, and having Muslims show us the beauty of their tradition. Everyone has something to contribute, and I want to make sure everyone knows that and has the opportunity to stand up and lead.

6.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I love music, especially since I come from a musical family of symphony musicians, and can sing both solo and with a group, and play percussion. I also love theatre, and still keep up with the Broadway scene from afar.

I also do impressions, so if anybody would like to come by my office and be amused by my impressions, they are more than welcome!

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ALUMNI NEWS CLASS UPDATES: 1950'S Mavis (Olson) Lovik ’52 is a widow and retired teacher enjoying life. She traveled to Norway two years ago with her granddaughters. Mavis currently resides in Cedar Rapids, and her email address is maalovfalcon@msn.com.

Evelyn Oftedahl ’53 is fully retired now since Barnes & Noble closed their downtown bookstore in the beautiful old Chateau Theater building. She resides in Rochester, Minn., and her email address is eoftedahl@ gmail.com.

Donna (Laugen) Butler ’55 resides in Coon Rapids, Minn. Her email address is butler843@msn.com.

CLASS UPDATES: 1960'S Janice (Flugum) Jacobson ’60 says, “I worked for Rilco (Weyerhauswer Co.) from 1959-1966 in the personnel department, after which I worked for Sarno & Hanson Law Offices. I was office secretary at my church, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville for many years. I served as the financial secretary until I resigned from that in the spring of 2018. My husband died in May 1999. My sister Lenore Mae Flugum ’57 died Dec. 2, 2018. She and her husband Owen Westman had two children: Eric and Eileen.”

Carolyn (Larson) Price ’61 resides in Forest City. Her email address is carprice@icloud.com.

Sandra Christianson ’64 resides in Edina, Minn. She has recently moved to a new, classy apartment with a beautiful large outdoor pool, hot tub, three exercise rooms, a Bistro, 24-hour fresh ground coffee and free continental breakfast six days a week.

Her email address is sassyclare@yahoo.com.

Doris (Johnson) Hetrick ’64 resides in San Diego, Calif. Her email address is dorteacher@cox.net.

Dallas Olson ’67 graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy as a Commissioned Officer and is a Vietnam veteran. Since 1973, he has been a construction manager and an architect. For the last 27 years, he has been self-employed with his own business of designing and building condominium projects and office buildings in Minneapolis and southern Minnesota. His wife, Sharon, of 17 years passed away in

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CLASS UPDATE

1992. In 1998, he remarried to Diana who works as a couture dress maker. He has two adult children, and Diana has three.

The couple lives in Bloomington, Minn. His email address is dalolson@usinternet.com.

Norm Kroeger ’68 sold his home in Coon Rapids, Minn., and moved to a lake home with his wife Gloria in northern Minnesota, north of Brainerd, Minn.

Sarah (Engstrom) Abbas ’69 says, “I have wonderful memories of my time [at Waldorf], and I especially enjoyed singing in the Waldorf Choir and playing in the band. I went to St. Olaf and graduated with a B.A. in Spanish education. I taught in Sac City and at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, S.D. I am married to Don Abbas, and we farm near Worthing, S.D. We have two children who live in Minneapolis, Minn. Our son Matthew is a software engineer, and our daughter Stephanie is a social worker.”

Marianne (Gigeay) Adelmann ’69 says, “After living for 44 years in my house, I sold it and moved to a senior cooperative. What’s not to love about living here; the amenities are great! I retired from the University of Minnesota in Jan. 2020, and I also love retirement. Best job in the world! I do a good share of volunteer work: at my church and also at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.” Marianne resides in Eagan, Minn. Her email address is Marianne.adelmann@gmail.com.

Mary Ann (Winnes) Ashmead ‘69 says, “My husband John and I are retired and live in Richfield, Minn. I am still an active participant in Moms in Prayer, an international prayer ministry. John retired from being an elementary school principal in St. Paul. We have four sons and nine grandchildren, all who live outside of Minnesota. We are active in our church and community.”

Phyllis (Davey) Barshinger ’69 retired from education after 31 years at Kishwaukee Community College as coordinator of the tutoring services in 2016. After the sudden death of her husband this year, she remains on the farm helping her son with management decisions. She has been blessed with six grandchildren and three wonderful children—all of which keep her busy and involved. She is very busy with church activities and teaching Sunday School and is hoping to find some time for travel and visiting friends.

Monty Fisher ’69 is still working fulltime at his law office in Fort Dodge. He and his wife Deborah have three grandchildren in Indianapolis and three grandchildren in Cedar Rapids. They have two children. He says, “It was great to see so many friends at our 50th reunion!”

Alan Hochreiter ’69 says, “Waldorf was a great college. The faculty were a great help assisting me when the times got rough—especially when my study habits in high school were not very good. I can’t say enough about the student body: ‘Great!’

That seems to pretty much sum it up!”

Keith Holtan ’69 lived in Southwest Minneapolis until 2015. They then moved to their lake home one hour north. Keith loves to water ski, and he still sings and plays guitar. He says, “I am a member of the North Stars Barbershop Chorus and sing in a quartet called “Loose Change.” The first three years out of Luther College, I worked in the music business—first in Decorah and then in Davenport. I did a little teaching and then owned my own remodeling company doing kitchens, baths and additions for 42 years. My wife Jac and I own a home in Ft. Myers Beach on a canal and spend four months of our year in Florida. I’m proud of my three children (they’re spread around in Instanbul, New York City, Turkey and Fergus Falls, Minn., and doing well). My church choir at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake is important to me. I get back to Forest City often since my sister and niece live there with their families. We all help out at Heritage Park there, working on the log cabins (many of you were out at our farm singing folk music by one of them), other buildings, and many historic items—all moved from our farm nearby. Waldorf Choir and Student Government were favorites of mine at Waldorf. I was on the Waldorf Alumni Board for three years until 2017. I saw that Waldorf students today are bonding with that wonderful Waldorf experience, just as we did in the late 60’s…”

Thomas “Tom” Iverson ’69 says, “After Waldorf graduation, I went to Winona State College and graduated with a B.A. I spent ten years in the fine jewelry business, a short stint in the securities business and then 28 years in the convenience store business. I was married for 14 years with two children. Both Justin and Leah reside in the Twin Cities, so I get back to Minnesota often. I retired at the end of 2014. I have done some traveling – including England,

waldorf.edu

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS UPDATE

Scotland, Cuba, Fiji, New Zealand, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico. I also got an M.B.A. while working. I’m looking forward to renewing friendships from 1969!”

William “Bill” Kidder ’69 started out his business career in retail sales as an Assistant Manager for F.W. Woolworth Company.

He then went into sales and sold office equipment and furniture for companies in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Bill worked for the Deluxe Corporation for 14 years in purchasing and facility planning. In 2006, he became Director of Purchasing for Bethel University and Seminary in St. Paul, a position he held until his retirement in 2013.

Bill was active in Men’s Ministries, Promise Keepers and a board member of the Christian Community Gold Association (CCGA) for 20 years. Through an annual golf tournament, CCGA raised funds for International Ministerial Fellowship, which supports missionaries in 40 countries around the world.

Jane (Olson) Leonhardt ’69 says, “Both my husband Rob and I have retired from careers in education and continue to live in Sioux Falls, SD. Our son Ross and daughter and son-in-law Rachel and Mike also live in Sioux Falls. We continue our involvement with First United Methodist Church, volunteer activities and enjoy travel.”

Jeff Loge ’69 is recently retired and enjoying travel.

Linda (Hanson) Maas ’69 says, “I retired on May 31 from a 30-year career at Avera St. Benecit Health Center in Parkston, S.D. This career did start at Waldorf with the “Medical Secretary” course and evolved into Health Information Management! I did wait until our youngest child was in third grade before I started at the hospital. What a blessing! Like Waldorf, it is a faith-based place, and like Waldorf, it had the best people ever! We live in rural Hutchinson County and have five children and three grandchildren. I’m still figuring out this retired deal, but enjoying the “challenge!”

Beverly “Bev” (Henryson) Miller ’69 says, “Waldorf was a place that I felt loved and grew in my understanding of who I was in God’s sacred plan. I live daily in those miracles and keep all that Waldorf gave me daily in my heart. Sending warm hugs and much love to you, wherever you are!”

Serene (Isaksen) Miller ’69 says, “Nick and I are both enjoying retirement here in Lake Park, Ga. Our son Garrett and his wife waldorf.edu

Tara have two precious daughters. Devon is the oldest at 10, and Emmy is six. God has been most merciful to us as we are both in good health and content. We just recently returned from my family’s third reunion in Massachusetts. What a blessing to get there and back by car without incident. Had a great time together with over 100 in attendance—even four families from Norway! I got a chance to carry on a little Norwegian with them! Herr Ludvigsen had something to do with that! “

Marlin Weidler ’72 retired last October after 20 years in the information technology industry. He resides in Olathe, Kansas. His email address is marlin-weidler@mycci.net.

Stephanie “Steph” (Caspers) Pomeroy ’69 is retired with two married daughters, one in D.C. and the other in Arizona. She also has three grandkids and three grand-dogs. She spends her time beekeeping, woodcarving, reading and substitute teaching to keep busy.

Arlin Danielson ’74 resides in Eden Prairie, Minn. His email address is boone2150@ hotmail.com.

Kristen (Hilleson) Rossi ’69 says, “Dave and I have been married for 45 years. We have a son Phil and his wife Jolene, who live in Omaha, Neb. We have a daughter Camille, living in Aurora, Colo. I am retired from the education field, and my hobbies are still reading, knitting and now ping, gardening and hiking.”

Perry Schroeder ’69 is married to Sandra (DeLavergne) Schroeder ’69. They are living in Garner and the family owns North Iowa Grain Equipment. They have three children and their spouses, six grandchildren (two of which that they raised) and four great-grandchildren.

John “Soggy” Sorenson ’69 is retired after 41 years of being a Lutheran pastor. He is married with two children and five grandchildren.

CLASS UPDATES: 1970'S Luann (Trunnell) Bartley ’70 says, “I retired in Nov. 2017 after 13 years with the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association, serving in various capacities, the last three years as Director of Workforce Development. I was also appointed to the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board and served for three years.

From Dec. 2006 – Sept. 2015, I served as Vice President of IntrinXec Management, Inc., an association management company located in St. Louis Park. Greg and I are enjoying retirement living at our lake home west of Minneapolis and spending time in the winter in Florida. We have been blessed with two great children and six beautiful grandchildren, ages 4–19, and we love spending time with them.”

Marcile “Marcie” (Boegel) Griffin ’73 retired from the hospital as medical secretary but is now working part-time as church secretary. She resides in Dayton, Ohio, and her email address is mboegel179@aol.com.

Paul Bjelland ’74 resides and farms in Lake Mills. His email address is psbjelland@ wctatel.net.

Jon Evenson ’74 was married to his wife Kristie on May 11, 2019. They are making their home in Adair—home of the smiley face water tower along Interstate 80. He works in West Des Moines and enjoys his 45-minute commute each day. He says, “Kristie has chosen to move to Adair from Council Bluffs. I am so honored with her love for me. Soon our home will have two households of furniture and memories.” Kristie’s extended families include her two sons and their spouses and four grandchildren.

Jean (Johnson) Johnston ’75 resides in Saint Paul, Minn. Her email address is JeanieJohnston@aol.com.

Kris (Myhrwold) Meyer ’75 resides in Waverly. Her email address is krismeyer55@ gmail.com.

John Morrow ’75 recently retired to Mesa, Ariz. His email address is jcmorrow@rwrlibrary.org.

Wayne Reisetter ’75 resides in Adel. His email address is wreisetteradel@gmail.com.

Julie (Petersen) Baumgard ’79 resides in Brewster, Minn. Her email address is jbaumgard77@gmail.com.

Kimberly (Mueller) Sandman ’79 resides in Lascassas, Tenn. Her email address is ksandman85@gmail.com.

CLASS UPDATES: 1980'S David “Dave” Potter ’80 continues to operate his family business along with his two daughters. The family provides cultures and enzymes for commercial and home and hobby cheese makers and fermented milks.

He resides in Madison, Wis., and his email address is dpotter@dairyconnection.com.

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ALUMNI NEWS Joseph Benetti ’82 resides in West Des Moines. His email address is josephbenetti@ gmail.com.

Paul Olson ’83 made an exciting move from Minnesota to the desert community of Palm Springs, Calif. He is developing a comprehensive development and fundraising program for OneFuture Coachella Valley that nurtures the cycle of success for students in the desert community. OneFuture assures all students succeed in college, career and life – expanding and enhancing the local workforce so that their youth and economy thrive. He loves the warm desert living and has retired from his career in classical and church music. His email address is pdolson.ps@gmail.com.

Lonnie Fluck ’86 resides in Becker, Minn.

His email address is lonniefluck@yahoo.com.

He is going on his 25th year of hiring both full-time and contract consultants in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Karen (Ostermeyer) Krueger ’89 resides in North Sioux City, SD. Her email address is kkrueger@cableone.net.

CLASS UPDATES: 1990'S Teresa (Peterson) Nicholson ’92 graduated with Waldorf’s first class of bachelor degree graduates in communications in Dec. 1995. She worked in marketing as a real estate developer immediately following graduation, spent 17 years as the economic developer for Winnebago and Worth Counties in Iowa at Winn-Worth Betco, and most recently held the Vice President position with Good Steward Consulting working primarily in the renewable energy development sector. Teresa began working as the Director of Institutional Relations at Waldorf University on Oct. 9, 2019, and is excited to be back at her alma mater. She is looking forward to helping the university grow and expand opportunities into the future! Her email address is teresa.nicholson@waldorf.edu.

Erik Einertson ’94 resides in Alamo, Calif.

His email address is eeinertson@yahoo.com Matthew Wilde ’96 accepted a new position with DTN/Progressive Farmer, the largest agriculture magazine in the nation, as Crops Editor. He works out of his home in Ankeny. He and wife Deena have two children: Nathan (17) and Katie (15). The family keeps busy with high school events and sports.

Jay Kyte ’99 resides in Cary, NC. His email address is jayfkyte@gmail.com.

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WALDORF MAGAZINE // SPRING 2020

CLASS UPDATE

CLASS UPDATES: 2010'S Jason Andrews ‘11/’18 resides in Center Point. His email address is jasonandrews52879@gmail.com.

Anna Johanns ’18 resides in San Diego, Calif. Her email address is anna.m.johanns@ gmail.com.

Martin Redditt ’18 resides in McComb, MS. His email address is pake.redditt@ yahoo.com.

Richard Bombo Jr. ’19 resides in Salisbury, NC. His email address is rbombo8@gmail. com.

Todd Spence ’19 resides in Menomonee Falls, Wis. His email address is tspence133@ aol.com

AWARD continued

as a philanthropic advisor and eventually the Vice-President for Seminary Relations.

In 2015, Tom made one last move into his current role as Executive for Kairos and Associates. In this position, Tom is able to combine his calling for ministry and furthering God’s kingdom with his true gifts in the field of development.

To wrap up the evening, Waldorf honored William Stokes ’08 with the Recent Alumni Award for Service. William was awarded this honor for his exceptional entrepreneurial and community service efforts that continue to be selflessly dedicated to educating, mentoring and empowering youth.

While a student at Waldorf, William was heavily devoted to the football team under the direction of Head Coach, and Chaplain, A. David Bolstorff and his staff. From 2005-2008, William was selected as the defensive captain of the football team. During his Waldorf career William earned and was recognized for many record-breaking achievements.

Following graduation, William had the opportunity to continue pursuing his love of football. He was recruited to play for the Arena Football League team, the Peoria Pirates from 2009-2010, the Cedar Rapids Titans in 2012-2013 and finally, the Iowa Barnstormers from 2013-2016. Each of these teams were involved in volunteering and spending time mentoring children, and it was through these experiences that William realized he was called to more.

In 2016, William attained his real estate license and got the ball rolling on his future dreams by becoming a realtor for Century 21 in Des Moines, a job with a flexible schedule that allowed him to begin his new business, “Fully Focused Sports and Fitness.”

Headquartered in Des Moines, the “Fully Focused” mission continues to build a positive platform for the future of clients, while striving toward optimal health within society.

With the hopes of making a difference in the lives of inner city youth and enhancing their quality of life, the non-profit organization, the “Focus Up” Foundation was created. Overseen by Fully Focused Sports and Fitness, this foundation supports youth by analyzing individualized strengths, weaknesses, personal goals, increased self-esteem and motivational needs, and is always striving to maximize the positive potential of youth through sports, mentoring, education and community involvement. Within the first three years, the foundation created three successful programs. This includes a sports youth camp that partners with the Boys and Girls Club of Story County, a Hall of Fame Professional Career Day that gives an opportunity for elite professionals of multiple career backgrounds to encourage the value of education, and bullying awareness and prevention programs for the Boys and Girls Club of Ames and Des Moines. Some of their future program endeavors include a youth reading program, a youth computer/ technology program, self-defense for real estate women, mental health awareness and suicide prevention, student nutrition programming, “Focus Up” and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a “Focus Up” Foundation College Scholarship. In addition to these programs, they host a free educational seminar every year to student athletes on athletic recruiting, allowing athletes to hear expert advice on what college coaches are looking for and opportunities to network with these coaches. Going on four years of existence, the “Focus Up” Foundation continues to strive to encourage kids to achieve success in all aspects of life.

Waldorf is so grateful for alumni like these three men who so positively represent the Waldorf family in their efforts to better the world around them. We were privileged to honor these individuals and are excited to see where life continues to take them!

waldorf.edu

IN MEMORIAM For a more detailed list of In Memoriam, please visit waldorf.edu/memoriam

IN MEMORIAM: 1940'S Violet (Olson) Oppedal ’40 died Oct. 19, 2019.

Robert “Bob” Nelson ’53 died on June 23, 2019.

Walter Hanson ’54 died on Sept. 8, 2019.

ALUMNI NEWS

IN MEMORIAM: 1970'S Sandra (Halverson) Swan ’71 died on June 30, 2019.

Loretta “Lorie” (Bronleewe) Aunan ’42 died on July 26, 2018.

Adrian Hestness ’54 died on Nov. 3, 2019.

Allana (Logan) Enstrom ’73 died on Sept.

18, 2019.

Donald Bergan ’42 died on Nov. 23, 2019.

Constance “Peg” (Faber) Tjelta ’54 died on July 31, 2019.

Kevin Jackson ’74 died on March 1, 2018.

Irene (Solberg) Brandt ’42 died on Oct. 15, 2018.

Lloyd Asbe ’55 died on Aug. 27, 2019.

Scott Taylor ’77 died on Sept. 26, 2019.

Janice (Hill) Brothers ’56 died on Aug. 17, 2019.

IN MEMORIAM: 1980'S

Marcia (Thompson) Turcotte ’42 died on July 18, 2019.

Avonelle (Hodnefield) Ostebee ’42 died on Jan. 21, 2017.

Marjorie “Margie” (Kuck) Anderson ’43 died on Nov. 11, 2019.

Gordon Felland ’57 died on Sept. 7, 2019.

Lenore Mae Flugum ’57 died on Dec. 2, 2018.

John Larson ’57 died on Sept. 1, 2012.

Esther (Anderson) Van Hove ’43 died May 23, 2019.

Harriet (Anderson) Whitmer ’57 died on Nov. 6, 2019.

James “Jim” Rasmussen ’44 died on July 11, 2019.

Marvin Anderson ’59 died on Oct. 9, 2018.

Leroy “Emery” Bottelson ’48 died on Feb. 24, 2019.

Mavis (Ellertson) Bottelson ’48 died June 16, 2019.

Kevin Jones ’48 died on Nov. 14, 2019.

Arlie Olson ’48 died on Aug. 29, 2019.

IN MEMORIAM: 1950'S Leonard Hall ’50 died on May 30, 2010.

Chester “Chet” Ingebretson ’50 died on Feb. 23, 2018.

David Guttormson ’60 died on Aug. 13, 2018.

David Fauske ’62 died on Sept. 20, 2019, after a traumatic brain injury.

Marianne (Mathre) Nack ’62 died after a brief illness on April 14, 2019.

Keith Wegner ’64 died on Aug. 14, 2019.

Paul Eastman ’66 died on Oct. 11, 2019.

Anita (Poleske) Hammer ’51 died on Sept.

5, 2018.

John Loken ’68 died on Sept. 8, 2019.

Mary (Vaughn) Leean ’53 died on March 20, 2019.

Dale Martinson ’53 died on Oct. 16, 2018.

waldorf.edu

Kathryn (Hanson) Mills ’94 died on Oct. 17, 2019 from metastatic breast cancer.

IN MEMORIAM: 1960'S

Elaine Thoreson ’67 died suddenly on Feb. 1, 2019.

Irving Hall ’52 died on Aug. 10, 2019.

IN MEMORIAM: 1990'S

Sharon (Sande) Thimmesch ’59 died on Aug. 28, 2019.

Marian (Greenfield) Flora ’51 died on April 6, 2016.

Donna (Gunderson) Brekken ’52 died on July 30, 2019.

Elayne (Stoen) Werges ’88 died on Sept.

17, 2019.

David Rolla ’68 died on July 15, 2014.

Beverly “Bev” (Henryson) Miller ’69 died on Oct. 24, 2019.

Jay Rosdail ’69 died on June 21, 2019.

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 6th St., Forest City, SPRING 2020 // South WALDORF MAGAZINE 31 Iowa 50436.

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C OC T S T O S TS E GE I A L G NON-PROFIT E IAL IAL OCWaldorf Lutheran College G US POSTAGE F O U N D A T I O N S L OC C T PAID T O GE S L S E COLORFX A ET G ET I A L A L G C I O I I A L S O C S O C ET S ET G L G CI AL T ET E L G L G CI A A SO I C T O S O ET IA SWaldorfUniversity L E C A G G I O G ET ET L IAL O C A G I C OC T S T AL CIALWaldorfUniversity O E GE A L S TS G T O I E IAL AL EWaldorf_U S C G G O I L AL O C S C A I T I S S O G E G ET I A L OC Swaldorf.edu T OC GE//T800.292.1903 E IAL IAL O C G T G E C I A L C I A L S O C S O C ET S ET L S O T S O G ET G ET I A L G A L G C I A G E C I A L C I A L S O C S O C I ET S O Waldorf G T O T JANUARY 15, 2020 O S TS E GE I A L A L Theatre Company G I 2019-2020 Season WALDORF UNIVERSITY GE C I A L C I A L SO C SO C T ET O SOMARCH S 7-15, 2020GE G E O R G ESHINGT O N G T FINE ARTS SCHEDULES WA SLEPT HERE GE C I A L C I A L SO T SO TheatreCompany Schedule Waldorf Music Schedule Waldorf Waldorf Theatre APRIL E 3, 2020 2020 Season G 2020 Season 2018-19 Season 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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JANUARY

Spring Semester Begins

2020 WA LD O RF E V ENTS

MARCH

Spring Break

September 25-28, 2019

APRIL

MEDEA

W.O.A.R. Registration

Mainstage Productions

APRIL 15, 2020 Honor's Day

APRIL 17-18, 2020 Theatre Workshop Weekend

Career Day Concert, March 18 7:30 p.m. @ BFAC (combined band & choir) Spring Spectacular, May 1-2 7 p.m. @ BFAC

APRIL 10-13, 2020 Easter Break MAY

MAY 9, 2020 Commencement

November 20-23, 2019

Student and faculty recitals will also take place in the Odvin Hagen Music Center, Recital Hall. Dates and times for these events will be added to the main website as well as the Waldorf University Music Department social media pages.

September 26-29, 2018 February 12-15, 2020

November 2018 next to14-17, normal April 15-18, 2020

JULY

JULY 10, 2020 W.O.A.R. Registration

February 13-16, 2019

AUGUST

AUGUST 24-25, 2020 Fall Orientation

AUGUST 26, 2020 Fall Semester Begins OCTOBER

OCTOBER 16-18, 2020 Homecoming

April 10-13, 2019

Box Office: 641.585.8288 waldorf.edu