Waldorf College’s Office of Student Life welcomes three new staff members

The Waldorf College’s Student Life team is ready for fall, as three energetic multi-taskers take on new roles

Brett Geelan is the new area coordinator for Breen Hall, and will also manage intramural sports, student recreation and transportation. Mary Dickman, who was previously with admissions, will now split her time equally between student life and admissions. Her student life half will be area coordinator for Ormseth and Rasmusson Halls and she is also in charge of campus vending. Sera Ranaivoson area coordinator for Tanner, Timberland, and Theme Houses, will also work with campus ministry and the mail center.

 “All of these positions are replacing somebody else,” said Jason Ramaker, dean of students at Waldorf College. “It is always good to get fresh new ideas, and having people in the department who can identify with students’ needs.”

Dickman graduated in 2010 from Waldorf College, and Ranaivoson in 2011. Geelan recently graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA.

In his position, Geelan will focus on sports leagues, one-time events, and outdoor recreation such as canoeing, wall climbing, softball, tennis, dodge ball and volleyball.

Most of these activities, Ramaker said, are a great way for students to get out of their dorms and meet new people. Geelan will play a major role in introducing students to new activities and avenues of having fun.

Ranaivoson was a resident assistant and an active member of campus ministry during her time as a student, experience highly relevant to her new position. As a student, Ranaivoson was part of the praise and worship group and Exit-to–Hope, a ministry-based group. “Sera knows Waldorf really well, and understands our residential life program. That made her qualified for those two areas,” said Ramaker.

Meanwhile, Dickman will be in-charge of two residential halls and also help with international students in getting their status back. “Mary was an RA for two years at least and did a nice job. We are happy to have her,” said Ramaker.

The new staff members are enthusiastic about their positions and looking forward to the new school year. “I’m very excited to be at Waldorf College,” said Geelan, “and I’m looking forward to interacting with students. It will be very enjoyable work.”

Dickman agrees. “I’m excited for the new opportunity to serve the students at Waldorf. I definitely enjoyed my time with residential and student life as a student and I’m glad to do it as a staff member too.”

And Ranaivoson notes some added benefits: “As a student right out of college, I won’t have to worry about meals and housing. I like my position because it incorporates all the things I was involved with as a student.”