Campus Connection

Adam Shepard speaks at Waldorf, inspires students

2011-09-15T16:07:00.003-05:00

Students at Waldorf College learned an important lesson Wednesday evening: you can achieve anything if you have the courage and determination to pursue it.

Adam Shepard reads out an excerpt
from his book, Scratch Beginnings

Students were inspired after intently listening to Adam Shepard, the author of Scratch Beginnings, who spoke about his experiences of moving to a new city and starting a life in a homeless shelter with just $25 in his pocket. The book spans across the time Shepard spent in Charleston, SC. and successfully achieved his goal: to have a furnished apartment, a car, and $2,500 in savings within a year.

The book is a rebuttal to Nickel and Dimed, written by Barbara Ehrenreich, with the aim to prove that the American dream is not dead.

On Wednesday evening, Shepard engaged the students by talking about different situations he encountered while living in Charleston, which included winning a date on a radio contest.

His book is being read by all freshmen attending Waldorf.

“Such common reading books can engage students in discussions, as some people love it, and some people don’t,” said Shepard.

He wants students to think and get involved in discussions about the book. He also wants people to be inspired to chase their American dream.

For Shepard, the American dream is “the ability to wake up and work hard to pursue my passion,” he said. “Times are tough, but you can still go after it.”

Sophomore Kelsey Munson was deeply inspired by Shepard’s determination and his will to go after his dream. “It made me realize you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” said the elementary special education major.

Waldorf College to stage its season-opening play during homecoming

2011-09-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

The spotlight will shine on Waldorf College’s Smith Theatre this fall as Lost Socks,the first production of the year, opens September 21.

Written and directed by Dr. Bob AuFrance, associate professor of theatre and director of fine arts administration, Lost Socks is a romantic comedy set in a typical Iowa laundromat. The story is about a Friday night dating service in the laundromat, which is started by its owner for single people to meet prospective partners.

“I wanted to start the season with a comedy,” said AuFrance, who received several requests from Waldorf alumni to direct a play during homecoming weekend.

The inception of the idea for the play happened in a laundromat itself. “I was sitting in a laundromat one day and thought, ‘this would make for a good setting,’” said Dr. AuFrance. “People spend a lot of time together doing laundry. What if this was the place you go to meet single people?”

The play features an all-student cast, with seven characters ranging from a new freshman to a graduate assistant. The female lead character will be played by freshman Haley Mosley. “We are very excited to have a freshman in the lead,” said Dr. AuFrance.

During the showing, representatives of the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival will adjudicate the play and the cast. If selected, the play will enter in a national playwright competition and the cast, which can receive up to two nominations, will compete for the Irene Ryan award at the regional level in Ames and be directly entered into the national competition.

“This is a play about the silliness and laughter of trying to find someone else,” said Dr. AuFrance. “I look forward to people coming and having a good time.”

Lost Socks will be performed during Waldorf’s homecoming celebration, between September 21 and 24. The tickets are priced $10 for adults and $8 for students. No one under the age of 9 will be admitted.

Top 2010 freshmen honored at Waldorf College opening convocation

2011-09-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

Four freshmen from 2010-2011 were honored for academic excellence at the Waldorf College opening convocation held Friday, August 26.

This is the sixth year that Waldorf’s top freshmen have been singled out for public honors. The ceremony offers the opportunity for incoming freshmen to envision their own possibilities.

“These are outstanding students, ” said Dr. Scott Searcy, the new interim vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college, “and their excellence isn’t limited to their GPAs.” The honored students have all become integral members of the Waldorf community through participation in performance ensembles, athletics, and service projects. “This is someone incoming freshmen should be like and emulate, at least adopt their best habits,” said Dr. Searcy.

The students being honored are communications major Amy Greshowak from Andover, MN., history education and theatre arts major Chelsey Shreeve from Cottrellville, MI., elementary education major Emily Clausen from Forest City, IA., and business major Antoine Cummins from Brooklyn, NY.

Forest City’s new Rotary Club president promises engaging meetings, fun activities

2011-08-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

Meet Nancy Olson, the new president of the Forest City Rotary Club, whose main aim as the leader is to have fun.

“When I joined Rotary, I was pleased to see that the club enjoyed having a good time together. One of my top priorities as Rotary president is to continue the tradition of having interesting, purposeful and fun Rotary meetings.” said Olson who is also the director of institutional relations for the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation. “I want fellow Rotarians to be eager to attend meetings and make it a priority in their schedules.”

Sworn in early July, Olson has prepared to be the president since she joined the club in 2007, and has been in various leadership roles since then. She started as the program director-elect, became the program director and recently was the vice president-elect.

In March this year, she attended a conference for presidents-elect of Rotary Clubs from throughout the state of Iowa and heard interesting stories about previous presidents who made their meetings engaging for the members. Inspired by the conference, Olson started prepping for her new role immediately. Since the beginning of July, she has already introduced and implemented several new ideas for the club that will make the experience more exciting for the members.

Walk into Olson’s office and a three-foot-tall trophy sits on her credenza. The trophy’s been named the “Class Act Award” which stands for Community Leaders Acting with Selfless Service—All Collaborating Together. Each week, one Rotarian will have an opportunity to place a single item on the trophy that symbolizes one way in which he or she has performed a service or impacted another life in the community. Olson was the first one to initiate the new tradition by placing the ace of diamonds (a playing card) that signified her association with a card club that has performed countless acts of service together.

“By the end of the year, there will be 53 items on the trophy,” said Olson, pointing out the number of members in the club. “I put a card, somebody else might add a garden seed, a pack of coffee or tea, or a golf tee. The possibilities are endless, and it will be fun to see what new items are added.” she said.
Olson’s idea behind the trophy was to bring out the creativity in every Rotarian and also give each member the opportunity to choose the next week’s recipient. The reason for receiving the award could be almost anything.

A resident of Forest City for 34 years, Olson wants other Forest City residents to learn more about Rotary. She has created “elevator speech” cards that list Rotary International facts on one side and the purpose of the local club on the other. Next on her agenda is starting an award program that recognizes a member’s years of service as a Rotarian. “Currently we recognize a member’s attendance for which they get a certificate. In addition to that, it would be really meaningful to give out awards for the different years of service. One of our members has been a Rotarian for 51 years and several others for over 35 years. Now that deserves recognition!” she said.

In the months to come, the new president also plans to update the current club handbook, ask members to learn the four-way test, and brainstorm new fundraising ideas. At present, the club is working toward collecting items such as clothing, hygiene items, pens, pencils, notebooks, games and toys to put in at least 40 shoeboxes that will be sent to Nicaragua in Central America.

“My hope and prayer is that as we Rotarians perform selfless acts of service, lives will be transformed in the process,” said Olson. “Imagine the impact we can make as we provide clean water to people in third world countries, help eradicate polio in the entire world or supply food to the local food bank.”
The group meets at noon every Tuesday in the beautifully restored ballroom in historic Salveson Hall on the Waldorf campus and enjoys a wonderful lunch catered by Brian Keely, the director of campus dining at Waldorf.

If you are interested in joining the Rotary Club, please contact Nancy Olson at (641) 585-8147 or olsonn@waldorf.edu

Waldorf College biology professor to serve as associate editor of Journal of Herpetology

2011-08-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College biology professor Dr. Paul Bartelt has been invited to join the Journal of Herpetology as an associate editor. The journal publishes papers and shorter communication articles about the biology of amphibians and reptiles.

“I’m honored by the invitation, and I welcome the opportunity to serve,” said Dr. Bartelt. “One nice thing about being an associate editor with the journal is that you get to read the literature before anyone else does.”

Dr. Erin Muths, co-editor at the publication, approached Dr. Bartelt during the national herpetology meetings in Minneapolis early last month. He was chosen for the position based on his publication and reviewing record, as well as his breadth of research and herpetological knowledge.

The position involves handling all aspects of manuscript review for 10 to 15 submissions per year. Dr. Bartelt, who has reviewed many publications in the past, will be responsible for determining and contacting appropriate reviewers, ensuring timely turnaround and corresponding with the authors.

Dr. Bartelt is looking forward to reading a collection of manuscripts, which he says, will add to his pool of knowledge. “As we pursue our own research questions and seek new knowledge, we get to read how others have addressed similar questions,” he said. “It makes one a larger, more integrated part of the whole conversation.”

He is particularly excited about this new assignment as it involves peer review, which is an integral part of research. “Only a small fraction of papers are accepted for publication, most are rejected. That is because of their peer review process,” said Dr. Bartelt. “If you cannot convince someone else, the paper is not going to get published.”

New coverage August 8-15

2011-08-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Here's the news coverage Waldorf College received in the last two weeks.

Co-workers say center's namesake deserves the recognition
Forest City Summit - Aug 17, 2011 | 5:19 am
ARTICLE: Denny Jerome is a legend at Waldorf, and it is well deserved, according to some of the people who have worked with him over the years.

Waldorf makes improvements to Denny Jerome Center
Forest City Summit - Aug 17, 2011 | 5:21 am |
ARTICLE: FOREST CITY - Waldorf College athletes will have some fancy new digs this sports season, as the new Denny Jerome Center nears construction completion.

Pastor joins Immanuel, Waldorf partnership
Forest City Summit - Aug 17, 2011 | 4:51 am
ARTICLE: FOREST CITY - The Rev. Greg Anderson is working with a model in Forest City and he has the chance to fashion that model to make a difference.

Waldorf's Gassman takes new job; Flickinger named head coach
Forest City Summit - Aug 16, 2011 | 4:47 pm
ARTICLE: FOREST CITY — Ryan Flickinger has been promoted to head baseball coach at Waldorf after Chad Gassman accepted the head coaching job at the University of Pikeville (Kentucky).

Beefing Up Campus Security
KIMT – August 15, 4:31 p.m.
FOREST CITY, IA - The weather is cooling down and that means if your student hasn't already started school they soon will, and one area college is making sure their students will be a little safer when they return.

Waldorf College installs surveillance cameras
Mason City Globe Gazette - Posted: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:46 am
FOREST CITY - A new security camera system has been installed throughout the Waldorf College campus to further protect students and property, Waldorf officials announced this week.

KIOW radio channel ran the news in their morning radio on August 15, 2011.

Warrior football team ready to take next step
Forest City Summit - Posted: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:17 pm
FOREST CITY - Waldorf football coach Greg Youngblood knows the mountain is steep. Just don't expect him to concede just because times have been tough lately.

Alsop, Searcy begin transition to new roles at Waldorf College
Forest City Summit Aug 10, 2011
FORESTCITY - New administration leads Waldorf College this school year, as the college establishes a framework focused on being "not transitional leadership".

Waldorf to launch drum line
Mason City Globe Gazette | Posted: Saturday, August 6, 2011 12:07 pm
FOREST CITY - Waldorf College is getting ready for its first-ever percussion ensemble: the Warrior Line drum line, which will start this fall.

DECORAH NATIVE CHOSEN TO CONDUCT THE WALDORF COLLEGE DRUM LINE
DECORAH NEWS
Posted: Sun, Aug 7, 2011 12:44 PM
Waldorf College is gearing up for its first ever percussion ensemble this fall--the Warrior Line drum line. Decorah native Chris Ward has been hired to lead the program.

KIOW radio channel ran the Chris Ward starting a drumline on Waldorf campus story on August 8, 2011 as well.

A Brand New Band
Western Michigan University’s blog, Western Express - August 9, 2011
Waldorf College is a small liberal arts college in Iowa. Just like WMU, it was founded in 1903, but one of the bigger differences is that Waldorf doesn’t have a marching band—that’s all about to change because of a Western alum.

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

2011-08-10T12:03:00.001-05:00

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.”

Waldorf College biology professor presents at UI Carver College of Medicine’s FUTURE program

2011-08-03T11:47:00.002-05:00

Dr. Gary Coombs and senior Cody Barnes at the FUTURE program's
poster presentation

After spending two months at UI Carver College of Medicine, Waldorf College biology professor Dr. Gary Coombs, and senior Cody Barnes gave their final presentations last week as part of the FUTURE program.

Dr. Coombs was one of the six faculty fellows selected for the program from colleges throughout Iowa. Upon his selection, he discussed the project with his students and chose Barnes to accompany him.

The FUTURE program, which stands for Fostering Undergraduate Talent – Uniting Research and Education, started May 31 and ended this Friday, July 29. Barnes was one of the 174 poster presenters last week. Dr. Coombs spoke about his research on Friday, July 29.

Barnes, of class 2012, majoring in wellness, studied expression of NIAM (Nuclear Interactor of ARF and MDM2) in tumor biopsies from patients with glioma (a type of brain tumor), and helped identify mice with a nonfunctional NIAM gene for studies of NIAM’s role in health and disease. Dr. Coombs, in a separate research project, used mass spectrometry to identify other proteins that interact with NIAM.

Barnes has his future mapped out with plans to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. While at University of Iowa, he was able to meet the admissions director one-on-one and was encouraged to apply for the physician’s assistant graduate program.

“I think this is a kind of experience you can’t get while studying in a classroom through textbooks,” said Dr. Coombs. “Cody gave the program high marks and would recommend it to others.”

For the biology professor, this fellowship provided funding and equipment to pursue research beyond what he can do at Waldorf College. “It also gave me opportunities to learn more about grants availability,” he said. “I think, there is a likelihood that we may get a publication or two out of this visit, which will reflect positively on Waldorf.”

Now in its third year, the FUTURE program aims to bridge the gap between large research universities in the Iowa area and small liberal arts colleges. This increased interaction helps boost the number of undergraduate students that choose research, medical or graduate school.

During the summer program, visiting faculty from smaller schools served on the panel and answered questions from participants. Admissions officials from the physician assistant program, graduate schools, MD and PhD programs also spoke about what they look for in applicants.

“They bring us here and give us the opportunity to do research. There are weekly seminars and activities,” said Dr. Coombs, who has been working with UI pharmacology faculty member Dawn Quelle. “The hope is to take the information when we are mentoring and counseling at Waldorf to guide students who want to pursue graduate level experiences,” he said.

Waldorf College welcomes new director of choral activities

2011-07-28T11:36:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College’s choir will get a boost this fall as Dr. Adam Luebke, the new director of choral activities, joins the music department.

“I am looking forward to working with the students. When I came for my interview I really enjoyed connecting with them,” said Luebke who will also serve as an assistant professor of music. “I think it is a wonderful tradition to be part of.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Luebke is interested in continuing the rich a cappella tradition at Waldorf. (Waldorf College has the second oldest collegiate a cappella choir in the nation.) He would also like to add music of major composers, other cultures and some contemporary music.

Before coming to Waldorf, Luebke taught music and directed choirs at Northland College in Wisconsin. He recently completed his doctorate in music education and choral conducting from Florida State University. Dr. Luebke earned his master’s degree from Westminster Choir College in New Jersey and a bachelor’s from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

He also spent a few years in Lexington, Kentucky, where he taught high school choral music and worked as a church musician.

One of the reasons Luebke was attracted to Waldorf is because its choir is modeled after St. Olaf College’s choir. “Waldorf is similar to St. Olaf’s Lutheran foundation. It is a small college with a strong music department,” he said.

Luebke will enrich Waldorf’s music department with 20 years of experience in choral activities. He first started singing with the American Boychoir with which he toured the Czech Republic, Poland and across North America. He also traveled throughout North America and Europe with the St. Olaf Choir, singing at cathedrals, concert halls and churches of all kinds.

Despite of a history with big cities, Luebke and his wife Sarah, both are looking forward to life in Forest City.

“I love being able to walk to work,” he said. “It’s bit of a shift to be in a small community, but we are enjoying getting to know our neighbors and we have been pleased by how welcoming and warm everyone is.”

Courtroom drama at Waldorf College to raise money for Winnebago County Historical Society

2011-07-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

The Sunday night jury pronounced Jake Studor guilty of assault. A new verdict from the residents of Forest City, different from the one declared over 100 years ago.

Community members get to decide the fate of Studor in a theatrical representation of the 1900 Murder Trial of Jake Studor , a fundraiser organized by the Winnebago County Historical Society.

Directed by Dr. Bob AuFrance , associate professor of theatre at Waldorf College, the play involves 16 community members in the cast. “While six of them have been in movies before, some have never even acted in front of a live audience,” AuFrance said, who plays the judge.

The idea for the play originated before Puckerbrush Days last year when Riley Lewis, the president of the historical society, approached Dr. AuFrance about the fundraiser. Lewis, who had heard about other cities doing re-enactments of historical cases, wanted the community to produce one on the trial of Jake Studor.

In the original case, Forest City resident Jake Studor was charged with attempted murder after he shot the local sheriff. In the re-enactment, the audience/jury can either pronounce him guilty of attempted murder, or assault or acquit him as innocent.

The play required actors to research their characters since the whole performance was designed without a script. The cast dug up local as well as statewide newspapers to learn the details of the case.

“A lot of information was missing in the local newspaper,” said Dr. AuFrance who found some new facts in the archives of Des Moines and Cedar Rapids newspapers. “Everyone involved in the process had to become historians.”

He was very pleased with the response the cast received on Sunday night.

“The audience was very appreciative. Just the support from the community is amazing,” he said. “People I don’t know ask me how the play is going or when is the next show.”

Family members and community supporters filled up the 164 seats in Salveson Hall’s ballroom last Sunday. Dr. AuFrance is hoping the play will also attract visitors to Puckerbrush Days and Winnebago’s Grand National Rally to the shows being held at 7 p.m. Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Saturday. As of Thursday afternoon, every ticket to every performance had been sold.

Play tickets cost $10 each, with all profits benefitting the Winnebago County Historical Society. In addition to ticket sales, the society plans to collect money through sales of popcorn donated by Brad Buffington, the owner of Iowa Gold Kettle Korn.

“The Winnebago County Historical Society hopes to raise about $4,000 through the fundraiser,” said Cindy Carter, the secretary of the society.

The money the society collects through this fundraiser will be used to remodel the mansion annex into historical library and general operating costs for the mansion house.

Three-Time Olympian to Headline Waldorf College Cross-Country Camp

2011-07-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

Three-time U.S. Olympian Jim Spivey will share his love of distance running with high school athletes at the cross-country camp to be held at Waldorf College July 20-23.

Spivey, who was the head coach of men’s and women’s cross-country and track and field at the University of Chicago from 1997-2001, will speak at two sessions on Friday, July 21. In his first session he will talk about his experiences in the Olympics and being an international-level athlete. In the second, he will throw light on the training that he did to get there, specifically the 1600 and 3200m training.

“I think many runners and coaches are curious about what it takes to get to the highest level of running and Jim has been to that level,” said Coach Matthew Boyles, the camp director. “It is not often that an Olympian visits the area, so I hope local runners and coaches will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Several high school and college coaches will also conduct sessions that will focus on improving runners in cross-country and longer track races.

Registration forms for the camp are available on Waldorf’s athletics website (www.waldorfwarriors.com) and the fee is $200. A discount will be offered if three or more runners from the same high school attend together.

For more information about the camp please call 641-585-8142.

Students and families attend first summer orientation on Waldorf Campus

2011-06-27T14:41:00.003-05:00


Students and families listen to Dr. Bob Alsop speak at the 'planning and knowing your academic experience' session in the atrium.

“Who will be my roommate?” “Are the professors friendly?” “What is the average class size?” These were some of the many anxious questions the staff of Waldorf College answered at the summer orientation that was held on campus Friday, June 24. In its fourth year, Waldorf’s summer program drew a total of 28 students from throughout the Midwest. The midsummer morning kicked off with assessment and writing exams, followed by educational and informative sessions about Waldorf and the Forest City community.

“We did an ice breaker, which was fun,” said Lindy Pins of Lake Mills who will join Waldorf this fall and major in biology.

The summer orientation is geared toward the families of incoming students. The program aims to address parents’ concerns, take care of the check-in process and allow students to interact with faculty members and fellow students. “When students arrive in the fall they are so busy settling and checking in, they don’t get a lot of time to sit down and talk to people and no time to attend educational sessions,” said Jason Ramaker, dean of students.

Incoming freshman and transfer students had an opportunity to talk to current students about life on campus and things to do in Forest City. At lunch, they interacted with the professors about the nature of the classes at Waldorf.

“Students really like meeting other students and professors so they don’t arrive not knowing anyone,” said Amy Woods, director of student activities and orientation.

The program included sessions on health insurance, financial aid and discussion about classes with Waldorf faculty. The Warrior Fair Table had valuable information about different academic and staff departments. Ramaker explained one of the aims of the orientation is also to convince parents that their kids will be safe here. “Parents are emotionally dealing with emptiness syndrome, as the kid is leaving the nest and learning to fly,” he said.

This orientation was Greenfield, IA, resident Janelle Meisenheimer’s fourth trip to the Waldorf campus in the last few months. Her daughter, Staci Meisenheimer, wanted to join Waldorf her freshman year but went to a community college instead. “I had a friend who came up here. I liked the smallness here,” said Staci, who will start her junior year at Waldorf and major in elementary education.

The second summer orientation will be held on July 22, with the mandatory two-day fall orientation program following on Aug. 11-12 and Aug. 26-28.

Waldorf hosts IMTA conference after 12 years

2011-06-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

Music educators from across the state gathered at Waldorf College June 5-7 for a conference full of learning opportunities, faculty and guest recitals, social time and a variety of musical offerings.

Organized by Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor, Waldorf College’s associate professor of music and keyboard area coordinator, the Iowa Music Teachers Association event was held at Waldorf for the first time in 12 years.

Dr. Timothy Schmidt engages the audience in the French Double-
Manual Harpsichord as recent graduate Drew Jackson plays
the Bassoon.

Most of the events took place in the Odvin Hagen Music Building, and all the sessions were in the Recital Hall.

The three-day conference was highlighted by the presence of international pianist and recording artist Frederic Chiu and noted piano pedagogue Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield.

While Clarfield engaged the audience in developing basic technical/musical vocabulary to inspire artistry, Chiu examined the benefits of emotional practicing.

“Ingrid’s presentation was informative and fun. She’s just a terrific presenter,” said Laura LaGrange, an Ames-based music teacher and church organist. LaGrange also enjoyed the faculty and artist recitals during the conference. “Some of us only get to see each other once or twice a year, so it is really good to connect with people from across the state.”

Lorrie Martin, a music educator from Cedar Rapids, thought it was nice to hear a variety of instruments throughout the conference. “As a pianist you need to get those sounds in your head,” she said.

Between educational presentations, the teachers reveled in different social activities, from a casual picnic in the Atrium to a more formal luncheon in Waldorf’s restored Ballroom with Dr. Timothy Schmidt playing the French Double –Manual Harpsichord.

In a faculty presentation, Waldorf’s Dr. Brent Dodson promised to scare away the fear of technology that many educators share: using technology to enhance music learning. Dr. Dodson introduced the tech survivors to Garage Band, a digital audio workstation by Apple.

“It makes things a little more exciting,” he said to a roomful of teachers eager to update their teaching styles and connect more meaningfully with their students.

Dr. Dodson explained the audience how they can record lessons, performances, music examples and podcast episodes that will help students understand better.

The audience also enjoyed Dr. Taylor’s personal account of her musical research in Iceland, which has been ongoing since her teens.

Waldorf psychology and sociology professor Julienne Friday offered a special musical treat from during the picnic on Sunday. Friday played the bowed psaltery, a musical instrument from the renaissance period, which distracted teachers from their burgers, potato chips and cookies. “It’s my hobby run amok,” said Friday as she explained her audience how to work the instrument. “The denser the wood, brighter the tone is.”

“So many people came up to me and said what a success it was and how well we did,” said Dr. Taylor. “It reminds people that Waldorf has an excellent music department.”

The venue for the next state conference, which is held every year, has not been decided yet.

Waldorf College’s Amnesty International Club supports alternative school book drive

2011-06-06T14:05:00.005-05:00

(Left to right) Dr. Suzanne Falck-Yi with club members Alyssa Lee and Janey Rockow

For Dr. Suzanne Falck-Yi, charity begins at home. When she heard about a book drive for the local alternative school being organized by Bookadee, a Forest City bookstore, she joined the effort. She also enlisted the help of the Amnesty International Club on Waldorf’s campus.

“I think it is important to promote a good relationship between the college and the community,” said Falck-Yi, associate professor of English. “A lot of times we think charitable causes being far away and not a few blocks away.”

It was an equally thrilling experience for club member Alyssa Lee, who jumped at the idea of helping the local school. Lee, who graduated this spring in wellness, said education at any level is very important. She has been involved with several volunteering opportunities on campus and also sponsors a child in Peru.

“I really enjoyed doing it from a personal standpoint because of my background,” she said. “This was something I would be interested in.” Lee couldn’t imagine going through her high school years without the amount of books she had at her disposal.

Waldorf College was successful in collecting more than 80 books through donations from faculty, staff and community members.

The initiative for the book drive stemmed from Bookadee owner Tora Buffington’s visit to the alternative school early this year. Seeing that students only had a handful of books to read, Buffington decided to spearhead a book drive.

She said Waldorf College’s contribution doubled the amount of books she was expecting.

“I hope we can do the same drive next year. My dream is to have so many books that we will be able to donate to other places as well,” she said.

Waldorf College’s Amnesty International Club has been actively involved with events on campus. They have organized a series of host speakers, film screenings and panel discussions with people involved in issues such as domestic violence.

Previously, Waldorf College has been part of a book drive that contributed to the middle school library in Forest City.

Photos: 2011 Commencement and Baccalaureate

2011-05-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a day of smiles and great accomplishment at Waldorf College as the Class of 2011 graduated during commencement ceremonies in Hanson Fieldhouse.

Earlier in the day, baccalaureate was held in the Atrium.

For photos from commencement and baccalaureate, go to https://picasaweb.google.com/WaldorfCollege.Events/BaccalaureateAndCommencement#.

Commencement ceremony to be carried live on Internet

2011-04-29T09:38:00.005-05:00

Hundreds of people will help celebrate the graduation of the Waldorf College Class of 2011 on Saturday. For people who can't attend the commencement ceremony in Forest City, the Waldorf Communications Department will host a livestream of the event at http://stream.waldorf.edu beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The commencement ceremony begins at 2 p.m. The livestreaming also can be viewed on a mobile device, as provided by Ustream.

School officials encourage students whose families and friends are unable to attend the ceremony to share the link so that they can view the graduation live.

Anyone with questions about the live-stream may use the contact form on the stream.waldorf.edu site or by e-mailing Ian Fuchs at ian.fuchs@waldorf.edu.

A podcast of the graduation ceremony will be available at the Waldorf iTunes U page shortly after graduation is complete. The link to the iTunes U page can be found at stream.waldorf.edu.

Commencement, baccalaureate ceremonies to bring hundreds to campus on Saturday

2011-04-28T10:49:00.004-05:00

It's a big weekend for Waldorf College, as hundreds of people will descend on the campus to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2011.

Approximately 800 people, including students, their families and friends, are expected to attend the baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies on Saturday, April 30.

The baccalaureate will start at 10:30 a.m. in the Atrium and will be presided over by Steve Smith, Waldorf assistant professor and the chairman of religion and philosophy. Commencement exercises begin at 2 p.m. at Hanson Fieldhouse and will feature keynote speaker Jody Dosser, a recent inductee into the Waldorf Athletic Hall of Fame. Lunch will be provided around 11:45 a.m.

Tickets are not required for either the baccalaureate or commencement. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lunches will be provided for graduates and their family members at the following locations:

Business majors (including fire science, sport management, organizational leadership) will meet in Salveson Ballroom.
Psychology/wellness/biology/communications majors will meet in the North Dining Hall (use the northwest stairs by the Mitchell Room rather than the main entrance)
Education majors (including foundations, elementary and secondary) will meet in Gatsby's Grill.
English/history/creative writing/music/theater/humanities majors will meet in the library (second floor classrooms). Interdisciplinary majors also are included in this group.

For more information on the ceremonies, go to www.waldorf.edu/graduation.

The Waldorf Bookstore is the place to be this week, as the store has a variety of items on sale on its rummage sale tables. And on Thursday, April 28, the store is offering 25 percent off all regular priced merchandise (clothing and imprinted items).

In addition, the store is buying back students' books through Friday, April 29. Buyback hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 28-29.

The rummage sale offers $5 T-shirts and pants, $10 sweatshirts and $15 long-sleeve T-shirts and polo shirts. The sale will continue through Saturday, April 30. The store will be open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. leading into commencement exercises, which begin at 2 p.m.

Department of the Month for March: Campus Ministry

2011-04-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations goes out to the Campus Ministry Department on being selected as the Department of the Month for March!

Each month, the President's Council accepts nominations for the award that recognizes department workers for their stellar work. Campus Ministry was honored by the council and received the traveling trophy to which they will add their decorative touch.

Kelly Youngblood

Campus Ministry coordinator Kelly Youngblood serves as the lone paid employee of the department, however, she says she could do it with the help of others. They include Steve Smith, chair of the Religion and Philosophy Department,who Youngblood says is greatly involved.

"Alicia Danielson, who does some Campus Ministry work through work study, Nancy Farndale, who is the organist/pianist and Mamisoa Ranaivoson, Christine Wellendorf, Dayv Raleigh, Kellie Grunzke and Jon Aguilar who also provide music at times," are also instrumental to the success of the program, Youngblood said.

Her duties with the Campus Ministry are "to provide a variety of Christian experiences on campus as well as a spring break missions trip." Youngblood works about 10 hours a week, typically on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. She says the ministry offers some type of worship service each day of the week. She indicated about 50 or so students attend services throughout the week.

The schedule is:

* Monday: Chapel
* Tuesday: Exit to Hope
* Wednesday: Chapel
* Thursday: Catholic Mass
* Friday: Holden Evening Prayer

Youngblood says the student-led Exit to Hope is the most popular service. She hopes to implement more popular opportunities for students to worship next year

Creative Writing students to offer thesis presentations

2011-04-20T17:22:00.015-05:00

Waldorf seniors in the Creative Writing program will present their thesis works on two days next week in the Salveson Ballroom.

Four students are set to make presentations on Tuesday, April 26, and three will present on Wednesday, April 27.

Each presenter will read from his or her thesis and take questions from the audience, said Joe Wilkins, assistant professor of English and creative writing.

The following is the presentation schedule with the presenter's name, genre and name of his/her thesis:

7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 26

Anna Eggebraaten, poetry, "Fighting Forms"
Molly Lumley, mixed genre, "Broken Mirrors"
Josh Otterman, fiction, "Finding Asylum"
Lauren Trembath-Neuberger, mixed genre, "How All of It Felt Like Praying"

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27

Brian Anderson, poetry, "Web Spinner"
Rebekah Morgan, mixed genre, "Saying Aloud in the Night"
Kara Searcy, poetry, "The Spaces Around Them"

Gallery will host Student Show soon

2011-03-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

Students who will be featured in the April 1 show include: Back row from left, Gabe Vasquez,
Dean Safe, Jane Luecht-DeBoe, Sara Soto and Jillian Eischen; front row from left, Josh Calteux and Darius Leopaul.

No foolin', the Student Show 2011 kicks off Friday, April 1 in the Waldorf College Gallery and will feature the artworks of about 13 students.

According Kristi Carlson, associate professor of art and director of the gallery, the Student Show is traditionally held near the end of the school year. The exhibit will feature students' drawings from the first semester and paintings from the second semester.

Students in the show are:

Josh Calteux – Chandler, Ariz.

Jillian Eischen – Forest City, Iowa

Sharon Hadacek – Forest City, Iowa

Marissa Hopper – Keystone, Iowa

Barbara Johnson – Forest City, Iowa

Brad Johnson – Lubbock, Texas

Darius Leopaul – Lafayette, La.

Jane Luecht DeBoe – Forest City, Iowa

Brandon Porter – Columbus, Ga.

Dean Safe – Cannon Falls, Minn.

Sara Soto – Susanville, Calif.

Brianna Thomas – Colorado Springs, Iowa

Gabe Vasquez – El Paso, Texas

The Student Show runs through April 20 and gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The gallery, which is free and open to public, is located in the Campus Center. For more information, contact Carlson at carlsonk@waldorf.edu.

Bookstore employees honored for their work

2011-03-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

Terri Van Hove (left) and Karla Schaefer are employees
in the Waldorf Bookstore, the Department of the
Month for February.

Waldorf Bookstore director Karla Schaefer was shocked to learn that she and her staff members were honored as the Department of the Month for February.

“I just couldn’t believe that we were named Department of the Month,” she said. “We really felt honored. I just didn’t realize that people knew how hard we work in here, and it really felt good to know they must. Thanks.”

The bookstore is run by two full-time employees and three student workers. Joining Schaefer is Terri Van Hove, bookstore assistant, and student workers Holly Gilbertson, Jessica Fiebig and Nadean Krueger. Gilbertson also helps out part time during the summer.

The Waldorf employee who nominated the bookstore for the award wrote the following:

“Karla, Terri and staff keep a smile on their faces as they help students and staff members find what they need in the bookstore: books, supplies and clothing. The Bookstore supports Waldorf College’s athletic teams and other causes such as breast cancer and Kids Against Hunger.”

The bookstore also provides a variety of merchandise.

“We supply textbooks, school/office supplies, Waldorf clothing and imprinted gift items for all students, staff, faculty and the surrounding community people,” Schaefer said. The store also offers food items, including new gluten-free chips and bars, and Hot Pockets.

The store also features outgoing UPS shipping.

Each month, the President's Council accepts nominations for the Department of the Month award, which honors department workers for their stellar work.

Facilities Department honored for going above and beyond

2011-03-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

Members of the Facilities Department take a moment for a picture before
being treated to lunch with President Joe Manjone.
Not pictured are Dave Mull and Lynn Osterkamp.

The Facilities Department is the Waldorf Department of the Month for January.

The Facilities Department is made up of 20 employees and four work-study students, who work part-time. Director Al Eggebraaten was pleased to be recognized by coworkers.

“We were honored. We were very honored that we were noticed,” Eggebraaten said.

Two Waldorf employees from other departments nominated the Facilities Department for the award. Each month, the President's Council accepts nominations for the award that recognizes department workers for their stellar work. Department staffers were honored with a lunch with President Joe Manjone.
“Facilities always work hard,” one employee wrote in the nomination. “They have all the regular upkeep and then have to respond to all the unexpected challenges and needs each week, often times getting little or no notice. This year, like us all, they have had to adjust to more buildings to prepare/maintain and lots of additional setups for events around campus. I think they do a good job and the best they can with the number of workers they have.”

Another employee offered this comment: “Having once been part of that department, I can definitely say they do jobs that no other department would touch with a 10-foot pole, especially in the dorms.They work very hard to help in any way they can.”

Eggebraaten said in addition to routine maintenance and housekeeping, his staffers tackle many of the big projects on campus, such as their current project of building locker rooms in the Denny Jerome Athletic Center.

“With the given budget, we try to do the best and make things look nice,” he said.
Facilities Services employees (all work full time with the exception of Jane Luecht-DeBoe, part-time housekeeper, and work study students) include:

Facilities staffers
Justin Benjegerdes, housekeeping
Dave DeBoe, maintenance
Jane Luecht-DeBoe, part-time housekeeper
Al Eggebraaten, director
Lydia Gray, housekeeping
Bryan Juenger, maintenance
Kris Juenger, housekeeping
Gary Kadlecik, groundskeeper
Shannon Kesler, housekeeping
Diane Korte, housekeeping
Sherman Meyering, maintenance
Darlene Miles, maintenance secretary/office manager
Duane Moe, boiler operator

Dave Mull, maintenance

Lynn Osterkamp, maintenance/bus driver

Justin Thompson, housekeeping

Tim Severson, Al’s assistant/maintenance

John Staley, housekeeping

Mike Tjaden, housekeeping

Phuoc Van Truong (Lucky), maintenance

Facilities work-study students (part-time)

Cody Barnes, maintenance

Keisha Chelberg, laundry

Nicole (Nicki) Gray, laundry

Quinn Hesterlee, maintenance

1,000 pairs of socks donated by employees delivered to needy

2011-02-22T15:18:00.003-06:00

Waldorf employee Dawn Ramaker (center) delivers socks
to workers at a shelter in Mason City.

Waldorf employees donated hundreds
of pairs of socks during
the holiday season.
(Jason Eck)

Approximately 1,000 pairs of socks donated by Waldorf College faculty and employees during the holiday season have been delivered to agencies that will get them to those in need.

Waldorf employees Dawn Ramaker and Cindy Carter recently delivered approximately 750 pairs to an emergency shelter in Mason City. The socks will be distributed to five shelters, Ramaker said.

“They were very grateful and appreciated the donation,” she said. “A woman, Jan, helped us. She was recently dislocated from her home along with her two children due to a house fire where many of their personal belongings were destroyed. Another woman told us that she would be moving out as she had secured housing in Garner.

"It was a humbling experience, as you just never know what life is going to throw at you and what you might need even down to a pair of socks,” Ramaker added.

The remaining socks will be donated to local schools and daycares in Forest City, Lake Mills, Garner and West Hancock, Ramaker said.

Waldorf employees more than doubled the goal of 450 pairs during the sock drive that culminated during an employee Christmas party Dec. 14. Staffers were encouraged to wear their favorite pair of socks or slippers while donating to the drive. They also decorated paper stockings with creative themes.

Staff members from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala., also participated in the drive. CSU, an online university, and Waldorf are owned by Mayes Education.
Waldorf took part in the drive through the non-profit organization Hannah’s Socks. It gives new socks to people in need and serves homeless and domestic violence shelters in the Midwest.

Waldorf departments had fun with the competition with playful e-mail campaigns to encourage one another to give. Staffers donated socks of all types and colors and for men, women and children.

The event was sponsored by the college’s Social Committee, a group of employees who plan a variety of social events for college staffers throughout the year, such as Halloween and Christmas parties.

Wellness Center expands hours for employees, students

2011-02-11T13:32:00.000-06:00

The Wellness Center now has expanded hours for students and Waldorf employees.

The hours are as follows:
• 6-7 a.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• 6-8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday

The Wellness Center, a facility with weight-training and exercise equipment, was closed to non-athletes and employees earlier this semester because of increased demand by athletes.

The new hours went into effect on Thursday, Feb. 10. Students and employees also can use the YMCA facilities and take part in an open gym from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays in the Waldorf gym.

Wind Symphony to perform Sunday in Forest City

2011-02-11T13:28:00.001-06:00

The Waldorf Wind Symphony performs during
Christmas with Waldorf. The ensemble will play at
Immanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday.

(Jason Eck)

The Waldorf Wind Symphony will present a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. The free concert is part of the Apollo’s Lyre concert series that features student musicians throughout the year.

The theme for the performance is “Old, New, Borrowed and Blue” and is filled with a variety of great music, said Brent Dodson, symphony

conductor and assistant professor of music. The ensemble of wind, brass and percussion players will perform music by John Philip Sousa, William Schuman and Warren Benson, among others.

The program also will feature Waldorf senior Jason Homard, who will perform “First Horn Concerto” by German composer Richard Strauss. Homard described the piece as challenging, and said his goal is to perform the music without making it sound difficult.

“We’ve all been working very hard to get the style that Strauss was looking for when he wrote the concerto,” Homard said. “It’ll be a lot of fun to perform this piece and listen to our hard work.”

The concert will conclude with an epic tone poem by William Francis McBeth titled “Of Sailors and Whales,” which musically depicts the principal characters in Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby Dick.”

New hours for Wellness Center usage

2011-02-03T17:19:00.000-06:00

The Wellness Center, a facility with weight-training and exercise equipment, will now be open from 6 to 7 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for students and Waldorf employees, according to President Joe Manjone.

Students and employees also can use the YMCA Forest City facilities and take part in an open gym from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays in the Waldorf gym.

Bruce Mielke, executive director of the Forest City YMCA, said the YMCA is looking into buying new weight equipment and expanding into an adjacent room to help address recent demand. He estimated a completion by the end of March.

A YMCA membership is included in students’ fees to attend Waldorf. Waldorf now pays for a portion of an employee’s membership to the YMCA.

Tonight's basketball games postponed

2011-02-02T10:11:00.000-06:00

The Waldorf men’s and women’s home basketball games tonight against Mount Mercy University have been postponed because of bad weather.

The games are rescheduled for Thursday night. The women’s game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. at Hanson Fieldhouse gym.

Fans are encouraged to wear black to the games in support of the “Black Out All Cancer” event.

Open forum set tonight on Wellness Center

2011-02-01T12:19:00.001-06:00

An open forum about recent changes in usage
of the Wellness Center is tonight.

Students and employees are invited to an open forum tonight about the recent changes in usage of the Wellness Center on campus.

The Waldorf Student Senate will host the event at 8 p.m. in the Breen Classroom. President Joe Manjone and possibly a representative from the YMCA will be present to answer any questions and concerns.

As of the start of spring semester, only Waldorf athletes are allowed to use the Wellness Center for strength and conditioning work. Students and employees, who used to share the facility with athletes, were encouraged to use the YMCA facilities and take part in an open gym from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays in the Waldorf gym.

“There have been some student concerns about the transition,” said Jason Ramaker, dean of students. Ramaker said some students have complained that the YMCA isn’t open as long as the Wellness Center and that the YMCA doesn’t offer some of the same equipment as the Wellness Center.

A YMCA membership is included in students’ fees to attend Waldorf. Waldorf now pays for a portion of an employee’s membership to the YMCA.

Students can enjoy laser tag tonight, bowling on Saturday night

2011-01-28T14:15:00.000-06:00

A couple of cool activities are planned for students tonight and Saturday.

Students are invited to play laser tag at 7:30 tonight in the Atrium. Students do not need to register in advance and can just show up for the event, said Amy Scott, director of student activities. The event is sponsored by SWAT (Social Warrior Activities Team).

On Saturday, students are encouraged to go cosmic bowling from 8-10 p.m. at Super Bowl in Forest City. Students must register in the Campus Information Center. Student Life will provide a shuttle for those who need a ride to the event, which is hosted by Student Senate.

The events are free.

Presentation about Catholic Mass set tonight

2011-01-27T10:25:00.000-06:00

Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 9 tonight
in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Catholic Mass.

For some people, it may be a worship service as familiar to them as walking. For others, Mass may be something they have heard about but never really experienced or understood.

Tonight, the Rev. Dennis Miller will offer an introductory talk about Mass, what it is, what it means and why it is celebrated. The presentation will begin at 8:30 p.m. in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall. Mass will follow at 9 p.m. Miller will be available after Mass to answer any questions.

“It’s a great no-pressure opportunity to learn about something you may not know much about,” student Matt Knutson said.

Miller is the pastor of the six Catholic parishes in Winnebago and Hancock counties. He lives in the rectory at St. James Church in Forest City and visits the Waldorf campus each Thursday to celebrate Mass.

The event is sponsored by ACTS (Active Catholics to Serve), a worship group on campus that works to get Catholic students and others involved in Catholic traditions. The group meets at 9 p.m. Thursdays in the Recital Hall.

For information about the Campus Ministry program, click here.

Celani Band jams at Gatsby's Grill

2011-01-25T10:23:00.000-06:00

Scott Celani and Justin Lackie perform
at Gatsby's Grill on Friday.

The Scott Celani Band rocked Gatsby’s Grill on Friday with a performance that drew about 30 students.

The Scott Celani Band plays as a six-piece, five-piece, quartet, trio or duo. On this night, the last of a five-day tour of the Midwest, guitarist and lead singer Celani was joined by Justin Lackie on saxophone for a set of original material mixed in with some covers.

The concert was sponsored by SWAT (Social Warrior Activities Team). For photos from the show, click here.

Gatsby’s will host another show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 when singer Javier takes the stage. The show was rescheduled after poor weather forced a cancellation of a performance in December. Javier's music includes splashes of R&B, hip-hop, rock, pop balladry and straight-up soul, according to his website biography.

To read more about Javier, click here.

Foundation offers land stewardship internships

2011-01-21T12:14:00.001-06:00

Students work at a site at a previous
land stewardship project.
(Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation)

For students who love the outdoors and who are up for physically demanding work, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has a paid internship just for you.

The member-supported organization that protects and restores lands in Iowa has openings for land stewardship interns. The interns work on various management and restoration projects on prairies, wetlands, savannas and other natural areas owned or protected by the INHF, said Erin Griffin, development and communciations associate for the foundation.

"They travel around the state doing different land restoration projects,” Griffin said. “It all depends on what is going on.”

Projects might include removing invasive species, cutting trees using chainsaws, stablizing stream banks and planting prairies. This program offers vital skills and experience for a career in conservation land management.

Students selected for the internship will work closely with landowners, Iowa conservation organizations and working professionals in the field. Interns will participate in the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar to expose them to conservationists and organizations in a concentrated setting.

Interns work 40 hours per week (10 hours a day Monday through Thursday) beginning in mid-May through early August. Interns must provide their own transportation to worksites and are required to camp at parks near the worksites.

Past interns in the position have included students majoring in animal ecology, botany, biology, environmental studies and environmental science.

For more information and to apply for this paid internship, click here. The application deadline is Feb. 11. The foundation selects between eight and 10 full-time interns.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation also sponsors internships in communications, graphic design and program support/grant writing. However, those positions are currently filled.

For more information about the Iowa Naturall Heritage Foundation, click here.

Civil rights message resonates with students

2011-01-18T12:01:00.001-06:00

Speaker Patti Miller describes her experiences
working in Mississippi during the civil rights movement
at the MLK Convocation on Monday.
(Jason Eck)

Patti Miller, who as a young college student helped fight for civil rights in Mississippi in 1964, made a significant impression on students during the MLK Convocation on Monday at Waldorf College.

“The decisions I made at your age stayed with me the rest of my life,” Miller said. She grew up as a white girl in rural Iowa who knew nothing about the civil rights movement. Later, she joined fellow college students to help with voting rights and education efforts in the South in 1964.

Miller received shocking news on the first day she arrived in Meridian, Miss., as three fellow civil rights workers had died at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. It was crushing news, she said, adding that she and other students pressed on for what they believed in, knowing there was a possibility they could die. Miller also discussed how she later worked in Chicago with Martin Luther King Jr. in an effort to end slums.

"After listening to Patti Miller's story today, it left me quite speechless because she actually got to work with MLK and help him out," said Kelsey Heintz, a Waldorf sophomore who is majoring in physical education. "After listening to all the things she went through, I thought it was quite crazy the stuff she did and how she helped the children out and handed out brochures. Yet she never knew what was going to happen to herself; but she took the chance."

Senior Kenny Olson, who is majoring in humanities with a religion minor, said Miller’s message was inspiring. Olson, who is Filipino, said he especially appreciated her story as a minority himself.

He explained the lesson that resonates with him the most is the continued efforts needed to bring about greater equality in the United States.

“How far we’ve come is a huge deal,” Olson said. But, he added, the country has a lot of work to do in accepting people for who they are and not judging them by the color of their skin.

He said he was impressed by Miller’s willingness to work in the South during the civil rights movement, how humbled she became by the community around her and her ability to reach people during times of struggle.

For photos from the MLK Convocation, click here.

Scholarship established in memory of Charlotte Fredrickson

2011-01-18T08:12:00.002-06:00

Charlotte Fredrickson
(bomanfh.com)

A scholarship in memory of Charlotte Fredrickson, a longtime administrative assistant in the Waldorf College music department, has been established by family and friends.

Fredrickson died Jan. 3 in Mason City after a short battle with cancer.

Details haven’t been worked out yet, but most likely, the family will choose to have gifts go toward a music scholarship, said Nancy Olson, director of institutional relations and volunteer with the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation.

Fredrickson, a popular employee, worked at Waldorf for 19 years and continued helping with the Waldorf Community Artist Series even after her retirement in 2005.

Donations for the fund should be directed to the Waldorf Foundation and designated for the Charlotte Fredrickson scholarship.
For more information, contact Olson at (641) 585-8147 or at olsonn@waldorf.edu.

Welcome back, students, employees: The week ahead

2011-01-10T16:46:00.004-06:00

Students and staff were greeted by steady snow on Monday, the first day of spring semester.

(Jason Eck)

Warrior Crossing Cafe now will feature new operating hours during the spring semester.
(Jason Eck)

Welcome back, Waldorf students. And a special welcome to our new students.

Here is a look at what is happening this week on campus.
Tuesday, Jan. 11

Canceled: JV men’s wrestling dual vs. North Iowa Area Community College, 4 p.m., Hanson Fieldhouse gym
Varsity men's basketball vs. Faith Baptist Bible College, 7:30 p.m., Hanson Fieldhouse gym
Student Senate, 8 p.m., Breen Classroom
Worship: Exit to Hope, 9 p.m., Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall. This service, led by students, offers contemporary worship, Bible study and prayer.

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Chapel, 10:30 a.m., Salveson Ballroom. This is a traditional worship service with sermons given by students and employees.

Thursday, Jan. 13

Student organization roundtable, noon, Anna Marie Mitchell Meeting Room.
JV men’s basketball vs. William Penn University, 7 p.m., Hanson Fieldhouse gym
Worship: ACTS (Active Catholics to Serve), Catholic Mass, 9 p.m., Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall

Friday, Jan. 14

Worship: Holden Evening Prayer service, 5:10 p.m., Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.
Movie Night, Forest Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Students may pick up free tickets at the Campus Center information desk. Held throughout the semester.
Open gym, 8 to 11 p.m., Hanson Fieldhouse.

Saturday, Jan. 15

Comedian Evan Wecksell, 7:30 p.m., Gatsby's Grill. Students: Free nachos will be served!

Sunday, Jan. 16

Movie Night, Forest Theatre, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. Students may pick up free tickets at the Campus Center information desk. Held throughout the semester.

Monday (Jan. 17)

MLK Convocation: Iowa native Patti Miller, who as a young activist helped catapult the civil rights movement into the national spotlight in the mid-1960s, will tell her inspiring story from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. in the Atrium on the Waldorf College campus. The campus will be using a convocation schedule.
Chapel, 7 p.m., Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall. This new service replaces the Sunday night chapel service. This is a traditional worship service with sermons by students and employees.

Warrior Crossing/Gatsby’s Grill update: Dining services have adjusted the hours for both locations based on how much each was used last semester. The new hours are:

Warrior Crossing Cafe: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Warrior Crossing was open until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday last semester.
Gatsby’s Grill: 7 p.m. to midnight, Sunday through Friday; closed Saturday. Gatsby’s opened at 3 p.m. on Sundays last semester for students to catch NFL games.

The cafeteria hours remain the same.

Stay connected: There are several ways to learn about the happenings on campus:

Subscribe via e-mail to the Campus Connection Blog at the upper right-hand side of the blog above the Campus Events calendar.
Find us on Facebook.
Travel to Twitter.

Registrar's Office honored for keeping up with increased workload

2011-01-07T09:52:00.001-06:00

Twylah Kragel (left), registrar, and Becky Stumme, assistant registrar, stand in front of the big board they use to schedule classes for fall and spring semesters. Karen Hehman (pictured below) is an assistant registrar for Waldorf who works at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala.
(Jason Eck)

Karen Hehman

Increased enrollment at Waldorf College has brought extra work for departments campuswide, just ask the trio of employees in the Registrar’s Office.

For its efforts, the department was named the Department of the Month for December by the President’s Council. The group received the traveling trophy to which they will add their decorative touch.

The workload has increased in the Registrar's Office as Waldorf saw an increase of nearly 100 students from fall 2009 to fall 2010 as well as the addition of many students seeking online course offerings.

The Registrar’s Office consists of three employees, Twylah Kragel, registrar; Becky Stumme, assistant registrar; and Karen Hehman, assistant registrar. Kragel and Stumme work at Waldorf and Hehman works as a Waldorf employee at Columbia Southern University in Alabama.

The President’s Council members review nominations each month before selecting a winner. The following is the nomination e-mail submitted about the Registrar’s Office:

“The Registrar’s Office does a great job day in and day out and have been particularly busy with the increase in the number of students. They meet each returning student to make certain they are in the correct classes, do graduation audits, determine student-athlete eligibility, which has increased greatly, schedule all of our courses, complete evaluations for students transferring to Waldorf’s online programs, and much, much more.”
“Thank you Twylah, Becky and Karen for all that you do for Waldorf and our students,” Waldorf President Joe Manjone said.

The Department was honored recently at a luncheon at Shooters with Manjone.

“Serving the students is why we are here,” Kraglel said.

Kragel said the primary responsibilities of the Registrar’s Office are working with faculty members to create semester schedules, registering students, preparing transcripts and degree audits, determining athletic eligibility, meeting with prospective students and their parents, preparing grade reports, monitoring academic progress of students and preparing for graduation. Staff members also prepare other various reports and final exam schedules.

Kragel started working at Waldorf as activities director in 1982. She became assistant registrar in 1988 and registrar in 1993.

Stumme started at Waldorf in 1998 and has worked since then in the Registrar’s Office.

Hehman, who started with CSU in July 2008, handles registrar issues for Waldorf online students. As of Jan. 5, Waldorf has 126 online students, Hehman said. Hehman became a Waldorf employee in January 2009 after CSU purchased the school.

Alpha Chi awards two students $500 grants

2011-01-05T10:27:00.001-06:00

The Waldorf College Alpha Chi Honor Society has awarded $500 grants to two of its members for undergraduate research.

Junior Lauren Trembath and senior Adam Herrick are the 2010 winners. They were among four students who submitted applications. The competition was open to Alpha Chi members and nonmembers.

Trembath will use her grant to pursue her study of creative writing this summer. She hopes to attend the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Vermont or an artists’ colony. Trembath’s adviser is Joe Wilkins, assistant professor of English and creative writing.

Herrick will use his grant to help in his research of a molecule in a Chinese tea and the effect it may have on advancing the treatment of medical conditions, such as cancer. Herrick’s adviser is Gary Coombs, assistant professor of biology.

Entries were judged by Alpha Chi officers Chanel Childs, Elizabeth Hanson, Tiffany McNelly, Jonathan Aguilar and April DeVries.

“All of the officers found the applications to be professionally presented with clear information about the purpose of their studies and the need for funding,” said Suzanne Falck-Yi, associate professor of English and club adviser.

Grant money comes from the Alpha Chi general fund. The grants are available each year to help students pay for costs related to an undergraduate research-related expense.

Alpha Chi is a national college honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines. Membership is limited to the top 10 percent of an institution's juniors, seniors and graduate students. To learn more, e-mail Falck-Yi at falckyis@waldorf.edu, call Ext. 8218 or visit http://www.alphachihonor.or g.

Former Waldorf music department employee dies

2011-01-04T16:36:00.014-06:00

Charlotte Fredrickson
(www.bomanfh.com)

Charlotte Fredrickson, who worked as an administrative assistant for the Waldorf College Music Department for 19 years, died Monday in Mason City. She recently was diagnosed with cancer. She was 70.

The funeral is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church in Forest City. Burial will be at First Baptist Cemetery.

Waldorf faculty and staff remember Fredrickson as a talented employee, but even more as a great woman who cared deeply about people.

Nancy Farndale, instructor of music lessons and composer in residence at Waldorf, knew Fredrickson before she came to Waldorf. Farndale describes her former colleague as capable and fun.

"She could juggle so many balls," Farndale said. "She could keep people in line and yet do it in a good-spirited, no-nonsense way. She made people feel good."

In 2004, she was the recipient of the Holmen Professional Excellence Award, one of the most prestigious awards given annually by Waldorf College.

Following is an excerpt from the citation that was read before Fredrickson accepted her award:

“Charlotte is most highly respected by those who work with her in the Music Department. She manages the day-to-day schedule of the entire Music Department, oversees the schedule of all Music Department events, prepares programs for all events and manages work-study students. In addition, she is the department budget manager and coordinates all of departmental spending. Charlotte facilitates the Waldorf Community Artist Series by handling contracts for the performers, helping with grant writing to get extra income for the series, being available at all events as a ticket seller and maintaining records of tickets purchased.

“One of the Music Department members had this to say about Charlotte:

‘Coordinating the various endeavors of the Music Department is far more intricate and involved than one might imagine. Charlotte Fredrickson always has her finger right on the pulse of what is going on in music at our college. She is the most dependable and astute administrative assistant I have ever worked with. She is worth her weight in gold.’ "

Cindy Carter, assistant to the president at Waldorf, was good friends with Fredrickson. Carter remembers playing bridge with Fredrickson during lunches on Tuesdays. And they both belonged to the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a women's group that promotes educational opportunities for women.

Carter said Fredrickson was a well-organized and smart woman. Fredrickson's dedication to the school was evident, Carter said, as Fredrickson continued helping with the Waldorf Community Artist Series even after her retirement in 2005.

“I’ll miss her. She was very musically talented, the kind who could sit down and play the piano at the drop of a hat,” Carter said.

Amy McGinnis, the music office coordinator at Waldorf, said she can't look around her office without being reminded of Fredrickson, who helped train McGinnis for the complex job.

"She was an incredible help and resource to me throughout the past few years," McGinnis said. "Charlotte was always so gracious to give me advice and help on anything I needed. She was a mentor and a friend. She is already greatly missed."

Online: Click on this link to read an obituary from Boman Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. There is a link at the end of the obituary to add a personal online condolence.

Waldorf employees sing Christmas classic

2010-12-22T15:10:00.001-06:00

Waldorf employees got in the holiday spirit earlier this month during a Christmas party in a packed Salveson Ballroom. They also donated hundreds of pairs of socks that will be given to organizations in the area to help others keep warm this winter.

Please enjoy (or relive, as the case may be) our rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Hey guys, at least we have a whole year to practice.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Zane Choat answers some follow-up questions after appearance on MTV

2010-12-21T12:37:00.003-06:00

Zane Choat is on the home page of MTV.com today after his appearance Monday night on the show "True Life."

Waldorf College freshman football player Zane Choat starred on MTV on Monday night.

And today, Choat answers some follow-up questions on the MTV.com Remote Control Blog.

In case you missed Monday's episode, "True Life: I'm an Albino," here it is. The episode will air again on MTV at 1:42 p.m. (CST) Sunday, Dec. 26.
Choat was born with albinism, a rare genetic disorder in which skin and hair appear white because of a lack of melanin pigment. It also affects his eyesight, which is reduced. But he hasn't let the condition keep him from pursuing his dream of playing professional football.

Choat was one of three young people MTV chose to profile. Zane and others show how they have overcome struggles with the disorder that significantly reduces their vision and makes them stand out in a crowd.

MTV followed Choat for four months and visited Austin, Texas, where he signed his letter of intent to play football at Waldorf. During October, a cameraman followed Choat around campus for two days.

Waldorf students may be eligible for $1,000 scholarship

2010-12-20T15:22:00.006-06:00

Some Waldorf College students may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship offered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

The Hovland Scholarship is open to students who will be entering their junior year in fall 2011. Students must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and be of Norwegian descent, with preference given to applicants from the Bomlo community of Norway.

Applicants also must demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

A description on the foundation’s website reads: “The award was established in memory of Christian T. and Anna (Barnes) Hovland. It is funded for the express purpose of promoting and encouraging students of Norwegian descent to pursue education beyond high school, anticipating purposeful and professional employment as well as possible cultural exchange.”

The application deadline is July 15.

Here is a link to the application: http://www.sfacf.org/App_Items/ScholarshipPDFs/FINAL%20Hovland.pdf.
For information about the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, go to http://www.sfacf.org/.

Waldorf alumni to honor late son with portrait on Rose Parade float

2010-12-20T09:47:00.001-06:00

Jody (holding portrait) and Rick Dosser (right) and members
of their extended family helped decorate the floragraph of their son Jermiah.
(Submitted photo)

Waldorf College graduates Jody and Rick Dosser, (Class of 1971), will honor their late son in a special way during the Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif.

They were selected by Donate Life America to have a memorial floragraph portrait of their son Jermiah on the Donate Life float. Donate Life is a national organization that advocates for organ, eye and tissue donation. Jody will ride on the float.

An image of Jermiah, who was killed when a driver of a pick-up truck rear-ended his motorcycle at a stoplight in 2007, will be one of 60 similar portraits on the float. He was 24 when he died.

Jermiah, a 2006 Waldorf graduate, made his wishes known that he wanted to be an organ donor. Surgeons harvested his corneas and other tissue.

Jody and Rick and members of their extended family helped decorate Jermiah’s floragraph in early December in Pasadena, Calif. They were told that the Donate Life float will follow behind the Rose Queen and her court as approximately the 10^th float in the parade lineup.

Jody coached volleyball and served as chairwoman of the physical education department for seven years at Waldorf before retiring in 2008.

Jermiah's death drove her to become an advocate for organ donations. Six months after his death, Jody and the Waldorf women’s volleyball team organized Donor Awareness Week to promote the state donor registry and support the local Lions Club donor project. The successful event was repeated in 2008.

Her work didn't stop there. In spring 2010, "Jermiah’s Law," championed by Rick and Jody, went into effect in Iowa. The law provides stiffer penalties for drivers who run red lights and unintentionally hurt or kill an individual. Jody will ride on the float in honor of her work as a donor advocate.

Following are some links about Jermiah and the Dossers:

Watch the YouTube video of the Dossers on the Los Angeles NBC News.

Read Jody's float rider story.

Watch a video interview with the Dossers and other families as they prepare float decorations.

For more information about the float and Donate Life, go to http://www.donatelifefloat.org/.

Waldorf student to star in MTV program 'True Life'

2010-12-17T09:52:00.001-06:00

Zane Choat signs a national letter of intent to play football
at Waldorf College as a videographer captures
the moment for the MTV program "True Life." Choat signed at a training center in Austin, Texas. With Choat are his parents, Molly Choat (left), father Zachary Choat (right), and trainers.

Waldorf College student and football player Zane Choat will be featured on the MTV program "True Life" on Monday, Dec. 20.

The episode, "True Life: I'm an Albino," will air at 9 p.m. CST. Check local listings to confirm the air time.

Choat was born with albinism, a rare genetic disorder in which skin and hair appear white because of a lack of melanin pigment. It also affects his eyesight, which is reduced. But he hasn't let the condition keep him from pursuing his dream of playing professional football.

MTV followed Choat for four months and visited Austin, Texas, where he signed his letter of intent to play football at Waldorf. During October, a cameraman followed Choat around campus for two days.

Here are some stories and video featuring Choat's story:

The Lobbyist, Waldorf College student newspaper: http://tinyurl.com/2djojom
KVUE, Austin, Texas, television news station: http://tinyurl.com/35k87vh

Award is 'big deal' for first-year residents

2010-12-15T14:54:00.001-06:00

Resident life staffers are honoring first-year students who are doing positive things in their halls with an award called Warrior of the Week.

“The reason we do Warrior of the Week is to focus positively on what students in our halls are doing with their experience here at Waldorf,” said Katie Mullaly, the First Year Experience coordinator for Johnson-London Hall, a co-educational residence hall that serves 144 students. “As past and present statistics show, it’s difficult to get first-year students engaged in their first year of college life outside of a schedule of ‘school, work, sleep, eat.' So when we (that being myself and the RA staff at J and L) see acts of kindness that go beyond what we usually see in first-year students, we reward them by honoring them as Warrior of the Week.”

Winners of the award receive a parking space close to Johnson and London, and in the campus parking lot.

Here are this semester’s winners and what they did to earn recognition:

Dec. 6: Dallas Ellsworth, "for lending a helping hand to neighbors and strangers during this past week's blizzard."
Nov. 29: Sean Beaton, "for shoveling some snow for the residents at Johnson and London."
Nov. 22: Jesse Von Behren, "for helping her RA get their floor pumped up for Thanksgiving."
Nov. 15: Trevn Lee, “for setting an example of excellence in Johnson and London.”
Nov. 8: Haley Rinaldi, “for helping students who needed it the most."
Nov. 1: Ashley Sweet, "for helping clean up after herself, and even other people."
Oct. 25: Jane Barratt, "for sticking up for herself in a rough situation."
Oct. 11: Erik Lopez, "for being an amazingly studious student, we call him 'the bookworm.' "
Oct. 4: Carlos Ruiz, "for being extremely studious and doing well on test."
Sept. 27: Mike Swearingen, "for being extremely busy-bodied and balancing it all very well."
Sept. 20: Jena Indrelie, "for working through life's tough situations."
Sept. 13: Vanessa Anderson, "for being extremely caring and taking some men to the E.R."

Johnson-London Hall has been the first-year experience residence hall for the past three years, so almost all of its residents are first-year students, Mullaly said.

Mullaly meets with her resident assistant staff on Mondays to discuss who is deserving of the Warrior of the Week honor.

“On Tuesdays, I present (the winner) to the Waldorf community (via e-mail) to continually praise and appreciate the Warrior of the Week for what may seem like a small achievement to some, (that) becomes a big deal for our first-year residents."

News briefs: Late Night Breakfast set tonight

2010-12-13T16:33:00.008-06:00

Finals week is here. In between studying, don't forget about tonight's Late Night Breakfast. Below are details about the event and other news:

Late Night Breakfast set tonight

A Late Night Breakfast will be served from 9 to 10:30 p.m. in the Dining Hall.

The annual event is designed to give students plenty of energy if they need to pull an all-nighter preparing for exams.

The menu will include a frost-your-own doughnut bar, eggs, French toast and sausage. Faculty and staff are encouraged to catch a meal and to help out if they can.

Wellness Center hours reduced this week

The Wellness Center will be open as follows this week:

· Monday: Regular hours (7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

· Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 6 to 8:30 p.m.

· Friday: Closed. The Wellness Center will be closed for winter break and will re-open in January.

Wellness Center's focus to change

The Wellness Center will no longer be available for general use by students and employees beginning next semester, President Joe Manjone said.

"The closing of this facility is due to the little use that it has been getting, and the need for the facility by the athletic strength-and-conditioning program," Manjone said.

In related news, college employees may have an added incentive to join the YMCA. Soon, Waldorf employees will be offered up to $170 in matching annual membership fees at the Forest City YMCA. YMCA and Waldorf human resources officials will have more information about the program. Students already receive a membership to the Forest City YMCA as part of their student fees.

In addition, open gyms will be offered from 8 to 11 p.m. each Friday during spring semester to give students and employees another recreation option.

Flu shots are still available

Students and employees who missed the flu shot clinics on campus can still get a flu shot at the Winnebago County Public Health office.

Walk-in shot clinic hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.If you prefer, you can call (641) 585-4763 to set up an appointment.

Cost for the flu vaccine is $15.

Winnebago Public Health Office is at 216 South Fourth St. (one block south of the Kum & Go station).

Sunday's women's, men's basketball games postponed again because of weather

2010-12-12T08:40:00.000-06:00

The women’s and men's basketball games between Waldorf College and Viterbo University rescheduled for today have been canceled. The games are rescheduled for 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. The games originally were set for Saturday but were postponed to Sunday because of poor weather.

Saturday's women's, men's basketball games postponed because of weather

2010-12-11T11:20:00.000-06:00

The Waldorf College women's and men's varsity basketball games scheduled Saturday, Dec. 11, against Viterbo University have been postponed because of poor weather.

The games will be played on Sunday, Dec. 12, in Forest City. Games are still set at 1 p.m. for the women and 3 p.m. for the men.

Photo gallery: Students fill recital hall with music

2010-12-10T14:29:00.000-06:00

Waldorf music students put on a show during the "Apollo's Lyre: Student Recital" on Wednesday night in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall. Below, sporano Keisha Chelburg, sings "Come Again, Sweet Love" by John Dowland (1563-1626), accompanied by Timothy Schmidt, professor emeritus in the keyboard area.

More photos: For photos of other vocalists and instrumentalists who performed at the recital, see the photo gallery at http://tinyurl.com/37jznhk

Open gyms begin tonight, will continue during spring semester

2010-12-10T14:20:00.024-06:00

Waldorf students and employees have a new recreation option on campus beginning today (Dec. 10) and each Friday during the spring semester.

The Hanson Fieldhouse gymnasium will be open from 8 to 11 tonight and will again open at the same times on the first Friday of the spring semester (Jan. 14). Participants can play basketball, football, Frisbee, dodgeball, volleyball and soccer.

There has been increased interest in using gymnasium facilities this semester, especially outside the hours of the YMCA, said Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and recreation. The YMCA closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays.

To address the concern, Van Cleave met with Jason Ramaker, dean of students, Joe Manjone, president, and Michael Scarano, athletic director, and students who participate in athletics, intramurals or activities at the YMCA and devised the plan to offer open gyms.

Many colleges and universities have student recreational centers that are geared for all students to participate in open recreation and exercise at times during and beyond the normal workday hours.

"While Waldorf College doesn’t have a student rec center, the Athletic Department has agreed to let any student/faculty use of their gymnasium for open recreation," Van Cleave said. "We will start by having open gyms on Fridays from 8 to 11p.m. We will monitor the use of the open gyms and decide whether to incorporate more or less hours as the semester goes on."

There will be a sign-in, similar to the Wellness Center, where faculty/students present their identification cards.

"Late Night Breakfast" on Monday to kick off finals week

2010-12-10T09:22:00.000-06:00

Students and employees will have the chance to fuel up in advance of the first day of final exams with a late-night breakfast on Monday, Dec. 13.

Hosted by Campus Dining and Student Life, the free "Late Night Breakfast" will be served from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Monday in the dining hall. It's designed to give students plenty of energy if they need to pull an all-nighter preparing for exams.
"The late night breakfast has been a tradition since I started here in 2005," said Brian Keely, director of ARAMARK/Campus Dining. "Traditionally, it kicks off finals week. It’s open to all students, faculty and staff who would like to come, with Campus Dining providing the food and Student Life and volunteer faculty helping with the serving."

The menu will include a frost-your-own doughnut bar, eggs, French toast and sausage.

Final exams are Tuesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec.17.

Jason Ramaker, dean of students, said the event fills a need: namely students' stomachs.

"It’s a fun and energizing tradition to get all students gathered together in one place socializing and nourishing themselves before the stress of tests begins," Ramaker said.

Bookstore to buy back books next week

2010-12-09T13:54:00.000-06:00

For students in need of cash for Christmas shopping, the Waldorf College Bookstore will be open Tuesday through Friday (Dec. 14-17) to buy back textbooks.

Almost all books are eligible for buy back, said bookstore manager Karla Schaefer. Of course, students are not required to sell their books and damaged books will net less.

The bookstore will pay a maximum 50 percent of the original book price. The store also will offer up to 30 percent of the original price for books that the store can't use. Those books will be sold to a wholesaler.

Schaefer reminds students that they must bring their student identification with them to return books.

Hours are as follows:

Tuesday, Dec. 14: 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 15: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 16: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 17: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Recital tonight to feature Waldorf musicians

2010-12-08T12:35:00.001-06:00

The Waldorf College Music Department will present “Apollo’s Lyre: Student Recital,” a free musical event featuring vocal, piano and instrumental performances at 7:30 tonight in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Janelle Flatebo, a sophomore music education major, is no stranger to recitals at Waldorf, having participated in events last year. She said a recital is an important performance for students because they gain the crucial experience of performing in front of an audience.

"Students can work on calming their nerves with each performance, as well as improving other skills, such as stage presence," she said. "I am able to see the progress that my peers have made with their own pieces, as well."

Flatebo is scheduled to sing and play the flute during tonight's recital. She said she doesn't let nerves get to her.

"Typically, I am somewhat nervous before I enter the stage, but then, I remind myself that I am fully capable of performing at the best of my ability," she said. "And once I tell myself just to have fun, that also calms my nerves."

The following students are scheduled to perform:

Vocalists (all accompanied by Timothy Schmidt, professor emeritus in the keyboard area)

Keisha Chelburg, soprano
Wes Tener, baritone
Janelle Flatebo, soprano
Laura Lindsay, soprano
William Eilts, tenor
Anna Eggebraaten, mezzo-soprano
Brittany Banks, soprano
Lauren Severson, soprano
Zachariah Carlson, bass-baritone

Instrumentalists

Janelle Flatebo, flute
Jason Homard, horn
Heather Fridlington, piano
Wes Tener, piano
Britt Banks, piano
Tamara Cook, piano
Britt Banks, Tamara Cook, Heather Fridlington, Katherine Frush, piano

The recital will be the last of the fall semester. Waldorf holds as many as three student recitals each semester.

Waldorf wrestling team to renew rivalry with NIACC

2010-12-07T15:59:00.000-06:00

The Waldorf College wrestling program will renew its rivalry with North Iowa Area Community College tonight with a dual featuring the NIACC team and the Waldorf junior varsity squad.

"I'ts probably been 35 years since we've wrestled," said Steve Kelly, head coach at NIACC and a former head coach at Waldorf. "It's been a long time."

Waldorf and NIACC were competitive rivals for many years as junior colleges until NIACC cut the sport in the mid-1970s. The Trojans brought back the program three years ago.

The dual begins at 7 p.m. at NIACC.

Waldorf head coach Tyler Brandt said this will be a good opportunity for younger wrestlers to get some matches in.

“We hope to go over there and be extremely competitive,” he said.

Waldorf's JV men's wrestling team is coached by Robert Thomas and Matt Paeth.

Kelly coached at Waldorf when it was a two-year junior college and was here during the transition from a two-year to a four-year institution.

De-stress Days may be just what the doctor ordered for students

2010-12-07T13:51:00.000-06:00

For those students who may be feeling the stress of final exams, the Student Life department has simple remedy: "De-stress" Days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Atrium.

The days will feature a variety of activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. guaranteed to help you unwind a bit.

Student Life offers De-stress Days each semester around finals as a way to relax before a week of exams, said Amy Scott, director of student activities. Finals are Tuesday through Friday,
Dec. 14-17.

Here's what is planned for De-stress Days:

Wednesday

Decorate your own cookies
Crafts
Tarot card readings
Coloring
Area professionals will offer five-minute massages to help relieve pre-finals stress.

Thursday

‘Big Red Chair’ photos. Students can sit in a huge inflatable red chair and have their photo taken with a friend or two. Oversized props will be available for students who want to get extra silly.
Massages

Friday

Moon bounce. Students can jump to their heart's content in an inflatable bounce house.
Students can decorate their own Christmas ornament from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center. The event is sponsored by the Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Committee (AODA). Students may take the ornament home with them or leave it on the Campus Center tree.

Students, employees urged to sign up for text-alert service, hotline in event of emergency

2010-12-07T11:51:00.000-06:00

Waldorf College administrators have taken steps to make the campus safer in the event of a major crisis or emergency with the addition of an emergency cell phone text-alert service and hotline.

"These are two additional sources of information for people in the event of a problem that we did not have in the past," said Jason Ramaker, dean of students. "Before 2009, all we had was campus e-mail to alert the campus community in a timely manner that there was a problem. Between the three services and having information on our web page, I think we would be providing a good variety of options for students, employees and family members to receive up-to-date information."

The system, called FastCommand, will allow students, parents and employees to receive a direct text message from the college to their cell phone and e-mail (personal account) in the event of a campus emergency. Callers would not be able to leave a message.

Most students signed up for the text-alert service at the beginning of the semester. Now, Waldorf employees may sign up for the service, which Ramaker encourages.

Employees and students who are interested in signing up for the service may go to http://waldorf.fastcommand.com/. The link will take you to a custom Waldorf FastCommand website that will provide a page for inputting your information.

Additionally, Waldorf has added an emergency hotline phone number to its crisis communication plan. The hotline allows students, parents or employees to call and receive updates and instructions in the event of an emergency. The hotline number is 877-270-7333. Waldorf students and employees are encouraged to add this number to their mobile phones.

The text message alert system and hotline number would work in tandem if an emergency occurs. A message would be sent to the people who have signed up for the text alerts, and the hotline would have an updated message, instructions or information on the issue.

Waldorf officials will only use the service for periodic testing and campus emergencies, Ramaker said. The service will not be used for campus updates, general alerts or for basic information purposes.

"We hope these are services we never have to use," Ramaker said.

Photo gallery: Christmas with Waldorf CDs available for purchase

2010-12-06T14:14:00.000-06:00

Conductor Blair Buffington leads students during
Saturday's performance of Christmas with Waldorf.
For more pictures, go to http://tinyurl.com/3yn2qos

Hundreds recently attended the weekend performances of Christmas with Waldorf, an annual Christmas festival that showcases the music programs at Waldorf College and kicks off the Advent season.

For people who missed the concerts on Dec. 4 and 5, or who would like to hear it again in their own home, CDs are available for $10 each and will be available to pick up after Jan. 17. To order a CD, e-mail Amy McGinnis, music office coordinator, at mcginnisa@waldorf.edu.

LaVaun Ausen of Hartland, Minn., came to watch her granddaughter, Kellie Grunzke, perform on Sunday afternoon. Grunzke, a junior, plays alto saxophone in the Waldorf Wind Symphony. Grunzke's mother and aunt also attended.

"I enjoyed it very much," Ausen said. "They're very good. Good singers."

For more pictures from the concerts, Scandinavian dinner and brunch, go to http://tinyurl.com/3yn2qos

Weekend happenings include Christmas with Waldorf

2010-12-03T14:33:00.000-06:00

There's plenty to do this weekend including the annual Christmas with Waldorf holiday fesitval, featuring the Waldorf Choir, Waldorf Wind Symphony, St. Christopher Chorale, Sangkor Women’s Ensemble and the Viking Men’s Chorus.

This year's theme is "Come, See, Rejoice!" The performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and another at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Fieldhouse. A Scandinavian dinner will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and a brunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Atrium. Waldorf faculty, staff and student tickets are $2 and available by calling Whitney Tait at Ext. 8724.

Here's another holiday option to consider this weekend off-campus:

Christmas by The Lake, Clear Lake, Friday through Sunday. Festival of Trees at Opportunity Village is 5-8 p.m. Friday. Events are set all day Saturday, including a lighted parade at 5:07 p.m. and a fireworks show. A concert featuring Christmas with Elvis is set at 7 p.m. at the Surf Ballroom. Sunday features the Polar Bear Club plunge, which draws hundreds of people to watch swimmers take a chilly plunge into Clear Lake. Sunday also will feature a free matinee at 1:30 p.m. at the Lake Theatre. Food donations will be accepted for an area food bank. Information: http://www.clearlakeiowa.com/.

New Olson Theme House honors special alumni

2010-12-02T11:33:00.000-06:00

The Olsons and six residents of the Olson House take a moment for a photo in the new theme house. Pictured are: (back row, from left) Nadean Krueger, Makenzie Bemis, Nancy Olson, Steve Olson, Emily Hoague and Lauren Devereaux; and (front row, from left) Holly Gilbertson and Ashley Lutrick. For more photos from the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/26n26ko

The name plaque on the Olson House,
Waldorf's fifth theme house.

Waldorf College has a new theme house on campus and it is named after two alumni who have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to their alma mater.

The Olson House, at Seventh and K streets (a block from campus), was dedicated in honor of Steve and Nancy Olson (Class of 1975) during a ceremony Nov. 18. The dedication ceremony was attended by college faculty and staff, including President Joe Manjone, family and friends of the Olsons and the six students who live in the house.

The Olsons, whose family owned the house for several years, sold it to the college earlier this year at what Nancy Olson described as "a very reasonable price." It is the fifth theme house on campus.

A plaque posted in the house and a replica that was presented to the Olsons reads that the couple "have faithfully served Waldorf College with a humble heart and giving spirit for more than 25 years" and "serve as tireless ambassadors of Waldorf, going the extra mile to support their alma mater whenever and however they can."

Jason Ramaker, dean of students, said Waldorf is lucky to have the Olsons affiliated with the college.

"When the college acquired the house from Steve and Nancy, it was only logical to honor them for their support over the years and name the house the Olson House," Ramaker said. "The dedication event was a great success."

Nancy Olson said she and her husband were taken by the dedication.

"It was a wonderful event, very humbling, very exciting," she said. "We love the girls who are living in the house. They're fantastic women."

Nancy has served the college in various capacities for more than 25 years and currently is director of Institutional Relations. She also has played a key role this year in the development of the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation, which supports scholarships, campus ministry and alumni/community relations.

Steve is a teacher with Forest City Community Schools. He also serves as a charter member of the Waldorf Education Advisory Board and is a member of the Waldorf quartet, Brethren, which was formed when he attended Waldorf in the mid-1970s.

The Olsons' contributions to the college also come financially. Rita Gilbertson, director of Alumni Relations and volunteer for the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation, said the Olsons have given more than $35,000 (donation figures are published in the Waldorf Magazine) over the years to the college and foundation. They fund an endowed scholarship in Nancy’s family name.

The Olsons graduated from Waldorf with their associate degrees in 1975. Nancy went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business in 1997 from Waldorf.

The women who live in the Olson House are Nadean Krueger, Makenzie Bemis, Emily Hoague, Lauren Devereaux, Holly Gilbertson and Ashley Lutrick.

Theme houses allow students with common areas of interest to live in a nontraditional residential setting. The six women advocate breast cancer awareness and live in what has become known as the "Pink House" to symbolize breast cancer awareness. They have sponsored a few events on campus and are planning more. Earlier this year, the women participated in Race for the Cure and raised about $500 for breast cancer awareness.

Lutrick moved into the house at the beginning of this semester. She said conversing with the Olsons and everyone else involved in establishing the house was great. Lutrick said she was moved when the Olsons spoke about what the house means to them.

"To be completely honest, it brought tears to my eyes," she said. "They had expressed how much Waldorf meant to them and they only wanted to give back to Waldorf what it had given to them, which was memories."

For more photos from the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/26n26ko.

Get your pingpong on!

2010-11-30T14:28:00.000-06:00

Registration for intramural pingpong is open now throughout the remainder of the week at the information desk in the Campus Center.

A team competition is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday in the Campus Center. Students, faculty and staff may sign up individually; later, players will be assigned to teams.
T-shirts and prizes will be awarded.

For more information, call Zach VanCleave, director of intramurals and recreation, at Ext. 8490 or zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu.

Flu shots offered Monday at reduced cost

2010-11-23T12:58:00.000-06:00

An ounce of prevention, or rather, a shot of flu prevention will be offered on campus at a reduced cost next week.

Winnebago County Public Health has an excess of flu shots and will run a discount clinic from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 29, in the Atrium. Shots will cost $15, reduced from the normal $25.

The cost is not covered by Waldorf College’s medical insurance because Winnebago County Public Health is not an in-network provider, said Dawn Ramaker, payroll and benefits coordinator at Waldorf College.

But employees who are participating in a flexible spending plan (Advantage Administrators, previously RD Drenkow) can submit a receipt as a qualified reimbursable expense, Ramaker said.

The health department also offered flu shots on campus in October.

For information, call Winnebago County Public Health at (641) 585-4763 or go to www.winncoph.org.

Student Life honored as Department of the Month

2010-11-22T15:57:00.002-06:00

Waldorf College President Joe Manjone (left) presents Student Life Department staffers with the Department of the Month trophy. Staff members are (back row, from left) Jason Ramaker, Anna Moklestad, September Bickmore, Katie Mullaly and Andrew Saeger; and (front row, from left) Momo Wolapaye and Zach Van Cleave. Missing are Jim Amelsburg, Amy Scott, Mary Mathiasen and Kelly Youngblood.

The Waldorf College Student Life Department is the winner of the Department of the Month award for the month of November.

Each month, the President's Council accepts nominations for the award, which honors department workers for their stellar work. The inaugural award went to the Institutional Technologies Department in October. Department workers are nominated by their peers.

"Student Life was selected because of the many new activities that were successfully conducted by the Student Life staff, and because of the number of sick and injured students that were cared for by the nurses office, which is part of Student Life," President Joe Manjone said.

The Student Life Department received the traveling trophy and were treated to lunch with Manjone.

Jason Ramaker, dean of students who supervises the large department, recently took the time to reflect on winning the award and discuss the work his staffers do at Waldorf College.

Question: What was your reaction upon learning you had won the award? What does it mean to you and your staff?

Answer: I am very excited for the Student Life staff. Like many other offices on campus, it has been (a) nonstop ride since early August. There has been a lot of change with new people in the department, so it has been a real transition semester for our unit. There has also been a lot of adjustments that we are all getting used to with the increased number of students (such as) having more halls open, more international students, more students attending events, and more students with health, recreation and counseling needs.

Q: As dean of students, describe all of the areas you oversee. How does the structure work?

A: I oversee the following areas, which are mostly run by one-person departments except for Residence Life:

-Security/Crisis Response

-Intramurals Recreation

-Student Activities/Orientation

-Health Services

-Counseling Services

-International Student Coordination

-Parking

-Residence Life

-Campus Ministry

The Student Life staff is a very mutually supportive group who are close, collaborative and crossed trained -- some in each others' areas. We meet every other week as a staff, and then I will meet individually with each staff member throughout the semester. I think it’s fair to say that we are driven by student success and a very student-centered team.

Q: Who are your employees and what are their job titles in Student Life?

A:Anna Moklestad, Student Life administrative coordinator

Jim Amelsberg, director of counseling

Mary Mathiasen, director of health services

Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and campus recreation

Amy Scott, director of Student Activities/Orientation

Momo Wolapaye, director of residence life

Kelly Youngblood, coordinator of campus ministry

Katie Mullaly, area coordinator of Johnson-London Hall and Timberland apartments/coordinator of First Year Experience

Andrew Saeger, area coordinator of Rassmusson and Ormseth halls/Campus Hearing Board specialist

Barry Bendickson, contracted security director for Winnebago Security

September Bickmore, area coordinator of Breen and Tanner halls/international student, Campus Information Center coordinator

Q: Describe the role of the Student Life Department at Waldorf College. What makes Waldorf unique?

A: Philosophically, our role is to support the mission of the college and help students achieve their full potential, develop passionate lifelong learners and prepare students for leadership and service in society. I would also say we have a huge role in the development of values as part of a student’s intellectual growth during their time here at Waldorf.

In general, our office is responsible for the general management of a comprehensive student life program that includes student activities, residence life, health services, counseling, multicultural programs, campus safety, crisis response, judicial affairs, campus information center, alcohol and drug education, spirituality and ministry, and student leadership through clubs and organizations. In sum, we actively support student engagement in the life of the campus community through the development of programs and services.

Q: Your department has so much to do with how students experience life on campus. That has to be rewarding for you and your staff. How do you do it?

A: We interact with students on the frontline every day, which makes our jobs very exciting. We play a lot of roles in the students life such as “parent,” mentor, teacher, coach, custodian, cop, counselor, friend, adviser, judicial hearing officer, energizer, etc. No day is the same, and we all have a lot of variety in what we do, which makes it so much fun. Our challenge is balancing the reactive kinds of situations with planning services and programs as we look ahead. I think my staff would say that watching students grow, mature and develop over their four years here as successful students is the most satisfying part of the job ... knowing we were part of their life and learning experience while at Waldorf College.

Q: How many students work in Student Life?

A: We have 20 resident assistants (RAs), four assistant hall directors (AHDs), eight intramural/recreation officials, four members who are paid by SWAT (Social Warrior Activities Team), 14 orientation leaders, nine Campus Information Center desk workers, six mailroom workers, two Student Life workers, two summer RAs and four Student Senate officers. Seventy-three total, all paid. No unpaid workers.

Q: How long have you been at Waldorf and where did you work previously?

A: I am starting my fifth year at WC. Previously I was the director of residence life at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wis. (8 years). Before that I worked at Carthage College (Kenosha, Wis.) as the associate dean of students.

Q: The traveling trophy is quite the award. (The Institutional Technologies Department created a cape for the warrior.) I guess you get to decorate it in some way?

A: We had a lot of fun discussing what we would do to the traveling accolade! We decided the perfect touch was to add a Warrior Helmet to the top with a little bedazzle! A lot of work went into fitting the helmet and attaching the gems. It’s all about the details!

Q: I understand you were treated to lunch. Where did you go?

A: We had lunch with Dr. Joe in the dining hall. It was a lot of fun and a great excuse to get the entire staff together at one large table. I felt like I was with family at Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks, Dr. Joe!

Lastly, we in Student Life really appreciate the recognition. There are a lot of deserving offices and we feel lucky to have won for this month.

Student Life has a really diverse and fun staff. We do our best to be a visible presence on campus and to be strong advocates for students as a student centered team in principle and action. Our goal is to focus on how Student Life programs and activities support institutional goals related to retention. We continue to adjust and understand the issues and opportunities that arise on our changing and highly residential campus.

Waldorf launches material on iTunes U site

2010-11-17T11:50:00.000-06:00

So, you missed the latest sporting event, radio show or fine arts event on campus?

Waldorf College has you covered. Numerous audio and video presentations featuring campus events such as football and soccer games, plays, convocations and student-produced radio shows are now available on iTunes U.

In general, the site allows colleges and universities to share content publicly at the iTunes Store and is a perfect way for students, faculty and staff to keep current on campus events using their mobile phones or personal computers.

To access the Waldorf page, users must first download and install iTunes at Apple.com/itunes. At the iTunes page, search for Waldorf College. Here is a link to the site: http://itunes.apple.com/us/institution/waldorf-college/id397156346. There you will find seven categories under "Experience Waldorf": Academic Enrichment, Athletics, Fine Arts, Soccer, Wal-TV, SWAT and KZOW Radio. All Waldorf content is free.

Ian Fuchs, a media specialist in the Communications Department, helped create the site. He said more material will be added to the site each week that he will announce periodically via Facebook. Fuchs worked with staff from the Institutional Technologies and Communications Department to get the audio and video on the Internet. Call Fuchs at Ext. 8242 or e-mail ian.fuchs@waldorf.edu. if you would like to add content to the library.

Following are examples of material currently available:

Homecoming concert
Fall Convocation and Opening Convocation
KZOW student-produced radio shows
Clips from football games

And here are videos to watch for:

Waldorf Wind Symphony and Waldorf Jazz Band performances
Theater production "Much Ado About Nothing"
Student-produced TV shows

Fuchs hopes to have Torch magazine and Lobbyist newspaper available as e-books by the end of this semester.
Waldorf College is one of more than 800 colleges and universities that have active iTunes U sites. About half of these institutions -- including Stanford, Yale, MIT, Oxford and UC Berkeley -- distribute their content publicly at the iTunes Store.

Universities, such as Stanford, use iTunes U to provide students with class lectures and other materials. Looking long term, Fuchs hopes to start providing such content on the Waldorf site.

Waldorf alumnus elected president of Wartburg Seminary

2010-11-12T10:36:00.000-06:00

The Rev. Stanley Olson

The Rev. Stanley N. Olson, a Waldorf College alumnus, has been elected president of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, effective Jan. 1.

Olson holds degrees from Waldorf College, St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., Luther Seminary and Yale University.

In 1997, Olson was honored with the Waldorf College Alumni Distinguished Service Award. He was cited "for inspiring leadership in the church as parish pastor, educator and bishop, and for outstanding dedication and service to community."

Olson graduated from Waldorf in 1966. He grew up on a farm near Eagle Grove.

In addition to serving congregations in New Ulm and Duluth, Olson has served as bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, as executive director of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Division for Ministry and as executive director of the ELCA Vocation and Education program unit.

"With confidence in God and deep appreciation for the mission and people of Wartburg Theological Seminary, I accept this call to serve as president," Olson said in a Western Iowa Synod ELCA e-newsletter. "Wartburg is a wonderful asset to the church. In these challenging times, the ELCA needs the kinds of leaders Wartburg is gathering and sending out. And Wartburg needs the church to send the people who should be nurtured for leadership and the resources and partnerships that will make that possible."

Alpha Chi offers $500 grants for undergrad research

2010-11-09T09:32:00.000-06:00

Waldorf's College's Alpha Chi Honor Society is offering two $500 grants for undergraduate research.

One of the grants is available to an Alpha Chi member and the other is open to all students.

The grants can be used for lab materials, library materials, research-related travel, travel to present student work at a conference, workshop or other undergraduate research-related expenses. The expenses can be incurred anytime from now until August 2011o. The expenses could be related to a senior thesis, Honors Inquirere thesis, class project or other plan for conducting research.

"Any student who is conducting a significant research project should consider applying for this year’s Alpha Chi grants," said Suzanne Falck-Yi, associate professor of English and club advisor. "It’s a great way to find that extra money that might be needed to purchase books or journals, lab materials or other supplies, or to attend a conference to learn more about the project’s topic or to present the project at a gathering of other scholars."

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23 and will be judged by Alpha Chi officers.

Students who are interested in applying should e-mail Falck-Yi at falckyis@waldorf.edu with a research statement including:

• A description of the project;
• The name of the project;
• The name of the faculty advisor(s);
• An overview of the projected time span for the research; and
• A proposed list of expenses.

Waldorf's Mason Harms named to 20 under 40 list

2010-11-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

Mason dressed up as a carpenter
for Waldorf's Halloween festivities.

Mason Harms, Waldorf College's vice president for business affairs, has been honored by the Mason City Globe Gazette for his contributions to the community of Forest City.

Harms was one of 20 people profiled as part of a feature called "20 Under 40: North Iowans Who Make a Difference." He was nominated as a person in North Iowa age 39 or younger who is making a significant contribution to his community. His profile appeared in a special section in the Globe Gazette on Sunday. The story can be viewed online at http://tinyurl.com/29noayg.

Harms, 37, was credited for his leadership qualities and his dedication to helping his hometown grow. Harms is a member of the Forest City Rotary and the Forest City Economic Development Board of Directors.

Harms played a big role in guiding Waldorf College during its recent financial troubles. He led the financial and legal work necessary to complete the sale of the college to Mayes Education Inc.He recognized the college’s severe financial problems and discussed it with then-President Dick Hanson.

“(President Hanson) took my analysis seriously and we put things in motion,” he said. “Beyond the financial and legal mechanics we had to convince people it was the right thing to do."

-- Source: The Globe Gazette

Amnesty International Club to host movie on Thursday

2010-11-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Waldorf Amnesty International Club is hosting a movie at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Small Pit adjacent to the Atrium.

The documentary film "Little Town of Bethlehem" tells the story of men born into the conflict in the Middle East who search for a means of reconciliation rather than fighting. The film is about finding peaceful means of ending the decades-long conflict between Jews, Muslims and Christians in Israel and Palestine, said Suzanne Falck-Yi, a club advisor and associate professor of English.

"The movie is going to be especially enlightening for anyone interested in human rights and, in particular, finding viable solutions to war-troubled regions," Falck-Yi said.

The movie shows how the theories of passive resistance promoted by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi can be employed in the Middle East in an effort to bring peace to a troubled region.

The trailer for the movie is at http://littletownofbethlehem.org/.

A discussion will follow the 77-minute film and refreshments will be served.

Amnesty International is a human rights group. Anyone who is interested in joining the Waldorf group may contact advisors Momo Wolapaye at Ext. 8162 or wolapaye@waldorf.edu, Roberta Kraft-Abrahamson Ext. 8682 or kraftr@waldorf.edu or Falck-Yi at Ext. 8218 or falckyis@waldorf.edu.

Today is last chance to view gallery exhibit

2010-10-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

Roger Varland

Today is the final opportunity to view the work of landscape photographer Roger Varland in the Waldorf College Gallery.

“A Landscape of Faith: Contemporary Landscape Photography by Roger Varland” will be on display today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a closing reception from 7 to 9 tonight. Varland is scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m.

The gallery is on the main level of the Campus Center. Students, staff and faculty members are encouraged to stop by for viewing, conversation and food, said Kristi Carlson, gallery director and associate professor of art.

Varland's images are from his exploration of the American cultural landscape. His work is described as "unsentimental images of the landscape and everyday moments."

Varland is associate professor of history and art at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich., where he teaches courses in photography and art history. Two years in Kenya and a semester in China have shaped his photography and classroom perspective. He and his wife, Deborah, also on the faculty, have taken students on 15 cross-cultural study tours to countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The gallery is open to the public, and admission is free. It is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays when classes are in session or by appointment by calling (641) 585-8210.

For information about the Waldorf College Gallery, go to www.waldorf.edu/Art-Gallery or call (641) 585-8210.

Off-campus weekend happenings

2010-10-29T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here are a few off-campus events to consider this weekend:

Saturday
Rudd's Halloween Happenings is 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Rudd Community Center. Event features a House of Horrors, mini haunted house, maze and game room. The family event is sponsored by the Rudd Community Betterment Corporation. Details: Call (641) 756-3553 or (641) 398 2244.

Friday through Sunday
D&D Haunted Ranch will present the annual Haunted Hike from 7 to 11 p.m. each night. The ranch is at 2532 S. Shore Drive, Clear Lake. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Details: http://www.thedanddranch.com/ or (641) 357-1695.

Worship service added

2010-10-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Back by popular demand, Waldorf College worship leaders are adding a worship service at the end of the work week beginning Friday.

The Holden Evening Prayer service will be held at 5:10 p.m. Fridays in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

"We have done it hear in the past and students have asked if we could start doing it again," said Steve Smith, assistant professor of religion.

Holden Evening Prayer is a 20-minute liturgical service. "The music in it is beautiful," Smith said.

The new Friday worship service is one of several offered on campus. Here are other worship services offered each week:

Worship, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Salveson Ballroom, previously held in Atrium.
Active Catholics to Serve (ACTS), 9 p.m. Thursdays, Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.
Exit to Hope, 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Halloween activities kick off today

2010-10-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

Halloween is arriving and Waldorf College has several activities planned across campus now through the weekend:

Today

Pumpkin carving for students, faculty members and staffers is 3 to 5 p.m. today in the Campus Center Lounge. Pumpkins and tools to carve them will be available. Faculty members and staffers are reminded to bring their pumpkins to the Salveson Ballroom by 9:30 a.m. Friday to participate in a contest. A separate contest will be held for students. Details: Amy Scott at Ext. 8726.
The Waldorf College Theatre presents the sixth annual Haunted House: Don't Lose Your Head. Open 7 to 10 p.m., Smith Theatre. Details: Ext. 8288.

Thursday

The Waldorf College Theatre presents Haunted House: Don't Lose Your Head. Open 7 to 10 p.m., Smith Theatre. Details: Ext. 8288.

Friday

Halloween Lunch Bash and Costume Contest for faculty members and staff is at noon at Salveson Ballroom. Participants can reference an e-mail sent out Tuesday morning by Dawn Ramaker for details.
The Waldorf College Theatre presents Haunted House: Don't Lose Your Head. Open 7 p.m. to midnight, Smith Theatre. Details: Ext. 8288.

Saturday

Costume Bingo in Gatsby's Grill, 7 p.m. Hosted by Student Senate, students are invited to play bingo dressed in Halloween costumes. First- and second-place will be awarded for best costumes. Details: Jason Ramaker at Ext. 8161.
The Waldorf College Theatre presents Haunted House: Don't Lose Your Head. Open 7 p.m. to midnight, Smith Theatre. Details: Call Ext. 8288.

Sunday

Residence Life invites children from the community to walk through the dorms on Sunday, Halloween night for trick-or-treating from 5 to 10 p.m. Johnson and London, Breen, Tanner, Ormseth and Rasmusson will be open for trick-or-treaters. Only the lobbies will be open to walk through, and children must have an adult present. Waldorf faculty members or staffers are welcome to bring their children. Details: Katie Mullaly at Ext. 8727.
Social Warrior Activities Team will host the movie "The Crazies," which is set in a small Iowa town, at 2 p.m. in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall. Details: Amy Scott at Ext. 8726.

Fall Convocation speaker's book available today

2010-10-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

Monday night's Fall Convocation featured cultural anthropologist Mary Catherine Bateson who read from her book "Composing a Life." Copies of the book are now available at the Waldorf College Bookstore.

Mary Catherine Bateson reads from her book "Composing a Life"
during Monday's Fall Convocation at Waldorf College.

Bateson spoke earlier Monday to a group of senior citizens in Lake Mills, where copies of her book sold out.

The paperback version of the book is $14 plus tax. The bookstore can order hardcover versions for people who are interested, said Terri Van Hove, bookstore assistant.

Bateson is attending religion professor Steve Smith's class this morning and will meet students at noon for lunch in the cafeteria. Bateson will be available to sign books during this time.

An essay by Bateson appears in "Leading Lives that Matter," a book gifted to all first-year students the past two years that is used in two courses. Bateson was chosen in large part because her scholarship speaks directly to the concept of vocation, a central issue to a Waldorf education, said Bob Alsop, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

Details: Waldorf College Bookstore at Ext. 8159; http://www.marycatherinebateson.com/.

Waldorf's IT Department workers honored

2010-10-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

IT Department staffers (from left) are Matt Hernes, Eric Guth, Julie Eischen, Tammy Larson and Carolyn Sunde.

The department that keeps Waldorf College’s computers humming, the Institutional Technology Department and its six employees, is the winner of the inaugural Department of the Month award.

The October award begins a tradition of honoring the workers of a department each month. Nominations for November’s award will be accepted through 5 p.m. Tuesday. E-mail nominees to Cindy Carter, assistant to the president, at carterc@waldorf.edu.

The IT Department was recognized for all the work its staffers do to keep computer systems and networks operating, Waldorf President Joe Manjone said. They were treated to lunch and received a trophy.

“Without the IT department, you would not be getting this e-mail,” Manjone said in an e-mail to students, staffers and faculty members. “The IT Department was given this recognition because of the exceptional job that they are doing in providing students, faculty and staff with outstanding Internet and e-mail service and for the round-the-clock work hours that they have been maintaining to provide us with this service, and also for the excellent job that they did and continue to do in setting up, distributing and maintaining student computers.”

The IT Department staff is made up of six full-time employees who work year-round to keep about 1,000 computer accounts of students, faculty members, staffers and online users working. They also maintain the laptops of more than 600 students.

The IT staffers are:

Tammy Larson, lead systems analyst.

Eric Guth, technical support representative.

Matt Hernes, network systems manager.

Julie Eischen, technical support specialist.

Carolyn Sunde, IT assistant/financial aid associate.

Ken Styron, chief information officer.

The IT Department is busy all year long.

“We spend the school year meeting the various needs of all users, continuing into the summer when we prepare to do it all over again,” Larson said.

The biggest task in the department comes at the start or end of a semester when equipment is checked in and checked out, Larson said. That is when staffers have to assess, repair and clean used equipment for new users.

Once nominees are received, they will be reviewed by the President’s Council and a Department of the Month will be announced at the final Friday Coffee of the month in which the department will be honored. November's winner will be named Friday.

Give the gift of life

2010-10-22T12:44:00.000-05:00

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday in the Atrium.

In addition to giving blood, volunteers are needed to help with other tasks for the drive, including setting up and tearing down. Workers also are needed in one-hour shifts to greet and escort donors and to work in the food cateen.

Blood donation appointments are available every 15 minutes beginning at 9 a.m.

The goal for the drive is 60 units, said Mary Mathiasen, instructor of wellness.

To make an appointment or to help, call Mathiasen at Ext. 8157 or e-mail her at mathiasem@waldorf.edu.

Weekend happenings around the area

2010-10-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

There are plenty of fun things to do on campus. But sometimes it's good to get away.

For a list of upcoming off-campus events, see the new Off-Campus Events calendar at bottom right of the Campus Connection Blog.

Here are a few cool things going on this weekend in the area that you might want to check out:

Friday

Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos, a piano variety act offering a Las Vegas-style show, 8 p.m., Surf Ballroom & Museum. Details: http://www.wildpianos/. Tickets: (641) 357-6151 or http://www.surfballroom.com/.

Saturday

Flavors of Forest City, featuring foods from area restaurants, Iron Chef Forest City contest, chili cookoff benefit, live DJ, square dancing and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., around Courthouse Square, downtown Forest City. Event is in conjunction with Relay for Life teams, which will be raising money for cancer research. Details: Forest City Chamber of Commerce at (641) 585-2092.

Sunday

Waldorf College Choir to perform at First Congregational Church, 10:30 a.m., Spencer, Iowa. A free concert will be held at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Church is at 1212 First Ave W. Details: Call Amy McGinnis at (641) 585-8177.

Sunday worship service canceled

2010-10-22T08:03:00.000-05:00

Sunday evening's worship service has been canceled.

Musicians involved in the chapel service are traveling Sunday as part of the Waldorf College Choir performance at a church in Spencer, Iowa, and may not be back in time to lead worship, said Steve Smith, assistant professor of religion.

Sunday worship is regularly held at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Other worship opportunities on campus:

Worship, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Atrium.
Active Catholics to Serve (ACTS), 9 p.m. Thursdays, Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.
Exit to Hope, 9 p.m. Tuesday, Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Waldorf College Choir to perform Sunday at Spencer church

2010-10-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

The Waldorf College Choir will present a program Sunday afternoon at First Congregational Church at 1212 First Ave. W in Spencer, Iowa.

"Sweetheart of the Sun," under the direction of professor Blair Buffington, will begin at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.

The group will perform several songs and will perform two pieces accompanied by pianist and composer in residence Nancy Farndale. She has written one piece that will be premiered at the church concert. Her work, “Den Store Hvite Flokk Ve Se,” is an arrangement of the Norwegian hymn, “Behold the Host Arrayed in White.”

Also performing will be the St. Christopher Chorale, a select ensemble of mixed voices from the Waldorf Choir. Choir members are planning to participate in the church’s 10:30 a.m. service by singing a few selections from their repertoire.

Details: Please call Amy McGinnis (641) 585-8177.

Healthier Gatsby's Grill opens tonight

2010-10-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

Gatsby's Grill will reopen tonight after
renovations this summer.

The wait is over.

Gatsby’s Grill will reopen tonight at 7 after a summer renovation, giving students another dining option on campus. It’s taken longer than expected, but Food Service Director Brian Keely said students will notice the improvements, beginning with the new, healthier menu.

“They were looking for more healthier options,” Keely said. Fried foods will be replaced with submarine sandwiches, quesadillas, salads and pizza. Many of the options will be build-your-own, allowing students to choose the toppings they want, Keely said.

Sophomore Britney Ott, who is majoring in math and education and minoring in English, said she appreciates the availability of healthier options. She said she regularly frequented Gatsby’s as a freshman. “I’m really looking forward to the opening” she said.

Students also will notice a new stage that will be used for performances and events and the addition of three TVs. A pingpong and foosball table also are available. A more subtle change to the Grill is the addition of white paint to the walls to help brighten up the space, Keely said. A wall was built between the main room and kitchen to prevent noise and distractions during events.

Interior decorating is a work in progress. One idea, Keely said, is to include decorations similar to those seen in Applebee’s restaurants, with items such as historical photographs, jerseys and band instruments hung from the walls.

Located on the lower level of the Campus Center, Gatsby’s will be open 7 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight Sundays and closed Saturday. Keely said he may adust the hours depending on demand.

The other dining options on campus, Warrior Crossing and the cafeteria, will remain open during regular hours. Warrior Crossing is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and closed Saturday and Sunday. The cafeteria is open 7 to 9 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 6:30 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday. Brunch is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Gatsby's Grill to open Wednesday

2010-10-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

Gatsby's Grill, located on the first floor of the Campus Center, is scheduled to re-open Wednesday.
For more information, call 585-8170.

Professional development day set

2010-10-18T11:34:00.000-05:00

Waldorf junior and seniors are invited
to take part in career day on Nov. 2 in Minneapolis.

Waldorf College students will have the opportunity to get a jump-start on their career during a professional development day on Nov. 2 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Sponsored by the Career Center and the Alumni Relations Office, “Living and Working in the Twin Cities" will offer a day packed with information valuable for students who soon will be searching for internships and jobs.

“The event is in the Twin Cities, but it is not only for students who want to go and live there after graduation,” said Mary Reisetter, director of career planning. “Any student who wants to learn the skills that are necessary for a successful job search can benefit from this opportunity.”

The event will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn. At 5:30 p.m. the event shifts to the Minneappolis Airport Marriott for a networking session. Students will practice how to make connections with individuals who may be able to help them with their internship and/or job search.

During the day sessions, Waldorf College alumni from different fields will speak about professionalism and ethics in the workplace, networking, building a career portfolio in college and beyond, and life after college. They also will critique students’ resumes and cover letters.

Students will be transported by the college and will leave campus at 7:30 a.m. and return at 9:30 p.m. There is a $10 fee to help cover the cost of transportation. Students will be on their own for lunch. Students will visit the Mall of America before the networking session.

Students interested in attending may RSVP at careers@waldorf.edu by Thursday. For more information, contact Reisetter at careers@waldorf.edu or call her at Ext. 8681.

Rake-a-Thon offers chance to help others

2010-10-18T08:57:00.000-05:00

Rake-a-Thon in 2007 participants.

Colder temperatures are settling in as autumn continues and of course, leaves are falling and piling up in yards across Forest City.

To help area residents, Waldorf College students, staffers and faculty members are invited to join in raking and bagging leaves for people in need during Rake-a-Thon from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 in Forest City. Participants are asked to meet at 1 p.m. in Salveson lobby.

Organizers are asking those interested in participating as an individual or as a team to register at the Campus Information Center.

Sponsored by Student Life and Student Senate, the Rake-a-Thon pairs participants with residents around town who request help. The event is in its sixth year.

As an incentive this year, Student Life is conducting prize drawings for students who participate. Two $50 gift cards for individuals and four $100 gift cards for teams of five or more students will be offered. Employees could be eligible for one of the two individual prizes. Also, Student Life will host a party for the residence hall floor with the most participants.

Many residents who request assistance are elderly and more than appreciate the help, said Jason Ramaker, dean of students. He said it is not uncommon for people to offer hot chocolate or other treats as volunteers clear their yards. Ramaker hopes for a big turnout this year.

“We hope to get 30 to 40 kids,” Ramaker said. “The more we get, the less work it will be for everyone.”

Raking leaves each fall is a task many may dread each year. For some students, however, the job is something new.

“Some students come from areas where they don’t rake,” Ramaker said.

Alicia Danielson, a senior who is majoring in history with minors in humanities and religion, is no stranger to helping out. She has participated in Rake-a-Thon for three years, taking part with her residence hall floor and History Club.

“I love Rake-a-Thon because it allows me to meet and get to know various members of the community,” Danielson said. “The people who sign up for Rake-a-Thon are always so friendly and accommodating, and they are fun to spend time with.”

Rake-a-Thon also provides a “wonderful opportunity” to help friends and neighbors in the Forest City community, Danielson said.

“It’s kind of fun when you’re done,” Ramaker added. “You feel good about it.”

Men's basketball team hosts scrimmage tonight

2010-10-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College’s men’s basketball team kicks off the season tonight at 7:30 with a scrimmage against North Iowa Area Community College at Fieldhouse.

Head coach Chad Brown returns five players from last year’s team, including 6-foot-5 power forward Damien Riley, a senior from San Dimas, Calif. He averaged a team-high nine points last season.

The team began practicing in late September. Head coach Chad Brown said tonight's scrimmage is a chance for everyone to play.

“We’re really looking to see what we picked up offensively,” he said, adding that the coaching staff is introducing a new offensive scheme this season.

NIACC of Mason City is an old archrival of Waldorf when both schools were junior colleges.

Waldorf has another scrimmage – at Rochester Community and Technical College on Oct. 23 – before opening the season Oct. 29-30 at the Calumet St. Joseph Tournament in Whiting, Ind. Waldorf will play University of St. Francis (Ill.) and Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Waldorf opens Midwest Collegiate Conference play Dec. 1 on the road against William Penn University.

12 students inducted into national honor society

2010-10-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

Alpha Chi inductee Elizabeth Hanson is congratulated by assistant professor of history
Blake Slonecker, left, and group faculty advisor Scott Searcy during a recent
ceremony at Waldorf.

A group of Waldorf College students joined a prestigious academic group during Homecoming Weekend.

Twelve juniors and seniors were inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society, a national college honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines. Membership is limited to the top 10 percent of an institution's juniors, seniors and graduate students.

“Being inducted as a member of Alpha Chi is a great honor. It represents years of hard work and dedication to learning,” said Megan Dobberstein, a junior inductee who is studying elementary education. “However, as our speaker noted, it is far more than just an honor. It is a challenge.”

The challenge, Dobberstein said, is to continue the hard work and dedication every day. “It does not stop here.”

Dobberstein, who would like to teach in a small town in Iowa or Minnesota, said it was an honor to join the group alongside her peers and with her supportive family in attendance.

Other Waldorf students inducted on Sunday include Jessica L. Aakre, Jonathan R. Aguilar, Chanel A. Childs, April E. DeVries, Laura Jean Follmann, Elizabeth Kay Hanson, Troy D. Hobscheidt, Tiffany Thoa McNelly, Amy Elizabeth Nelson, Marit K. Rheinheimer and Lauren C. Trembath-Neuberger.

Suzanne Falck-Yi, an English professor, and Scott Searcy, a mathematics professor, are the faculty advisers for Alpha Chi.

“I’m very proud of their academic achievements,” Falck-Yi said of the group.

The induction ceremony has been the last event of Homecoming for the past several years. During the formal ceremony, new inductees lit a candle from the candle of knowledge, repeated the Alpha Chi pledge and signed their names in the official Alpha Chi book.

There are several benefits to being an Alpha Chi member, including qualifying for scholarships. Members also nominate instructors for professor of the year awards that students vote on. The award is presented in the spring at Waldorf.
Students also plan service projects. Last year, Waldorf’s Alpha Chi chapter held a bake sale to benefit Kids Against Hunger, a local effort to collect food for hungry people around the world.

For more information, visit www.alphachihonor.org/

Flu shots offered on campus on Oct. 20

2010-10-13T11:40:00.000-05:00

Flu shots will be offered at Waldorf College
on Oct. 20 in the Atrium.

As cold and flu season fast approaches, Waldorf College students, staffers and faculty members and their family members can get a flu shot from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 in the Atrium.

“We do this every year,” said Jayne Shaffer, administrator of Winnebago County Public Health. “We also work with Waldorf on the tobacco program.”

Shaffer said she isn’t sure what kind of flu season to expect this year.

“It’s hard to say right now, but the H1N1 is included in the shot,” she said, referring to the influenza virus first detected in 2009. High-risk groups were encouraged last year to get a separate vaccine for H1N1. As more of the vaccine became available, it was recommended that others get the vaccination. H1N1 is still around, so it is important for people to protect themselves against the virus, Shaffer said.

Winnebago County Public Health will charge $25 for the flu shots. However, the cost is not covered by Waldorf College’s medical insurance because Winnebago County Public Health is not an in-network provider, said Dawn Ramaker, payroll and benefits coordinator at Waldorf College.

But employees who are participating in a flexible spending plan (Advantage Administrators, previously RD Drenkow) can submit a receipt as a qualified reimbursable expense, Ramaker said.

The health insurance plan offered to students does not cover preventive services, including flu shots, said Bev Retland, Perkins loan officer and student insurance coordinator. Students should check with their primary insurance provider to see if a flu shot is covered, Retland said.

Although pre-registration is not required, director of Student Health Services Mary Mathiasen has asked that those interested contact her to ensure vaccine supply is adequate. Mathiasen can be reached at Ext. 8157 or e-mail her at mathiasem@waldorf.edu.

Intramural basketball registration

2010-10-12T17:08:00.000-05:00

Registration is now being taken for 3-on-3 intramural basketball.

There will be men’s and women’s divisions. Rosters are limited to four players. Game times are flexible to fit around players’ schedules.

Registration is due by 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Campus Center information desk.

For more information, call Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and recreation, at Ext. 8490 or e-mail him at zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu.

Texas Hold'em tournament scheduled Oct. 23

2010-10-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

So, you think all college intramural sports are physical?

That's certainly not the case. One of the latest intramural offerings is more a test of the mind than a test of athletic ability. An intramural Texas Hold'em card tournament is set at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the renovated Gatsby's Grill, which is set to reopen next week.

The event is open to students, staff members and faculty. Registration will be open through Oct. 22 at the Campus Center information desk.

Intramural championship T-shirts will go to the final five players.

For more information, call Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and recreation, at Ext. 8490 or e-mail him at zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu.

Weekend happenings around the area

2010-10-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

Los Lobos

Saturday

Los Lobos with special guest Backyard Tire Fire: Doors open at 8 p.m., Surf Ballroom and Museum, Clear Lake. Details: www.surfballroom.com/ or call (641) 357-6151.
Selah, a Christian music trio, will perform at 7 p.m., E.B. Stillman Auditorium, Clear Lake. Details: http://selahonline.com/.

Sunday

Fall Canoe Paddle: 1:30 to 3 p.m., Thorpe Park’s Lake Catherine boat ramp, about five miles west of Forest City. Free. Details: Robert Schwartz or Lisa Ralls at (641) 565-3390.

Canoe trip offered on Sunday near Forest City

2010-10-05T11:04:00.000-05:00

In celebration of autumn, the Winnebago County Conservation Board's Fall Canoe Paddle will offer free canoe usage on Sunday at Thorpe Park’s Lake Catherine, which is about five miles west of Forest City.

The free event is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and about five canoes will be available at the boat ramp on Sunday. Life jackets, paddles and refreshments will be provided, as will instruction for those with little or no canoeing skills.

Since there are a limited number of canoes, there might be a small wait. To pass the time, visitors are encouraged to bring a fishing pole, hike the trail or try their hand at geocaching.

For information, call Robert Schwartz or Lisa Ralls at (641) 565-3390.

Students can vie for $200 cash prize tonight

2010-10-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

In need of some extra cash? Curious as to why there is money hanging off the balcony of the Atrium?

Well, the money is a sign to Waldorf students that they will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of $200 tonight at a game show in the Atrium. The event begins at 9 p.m.

ThinkFast is an interactive game show featuring trivia about Waldorf College and general topics such as pop culture and sports. An outside company has been hired to present the event which is sponsored by Social Warrior Activities Team (S.W.A.T.), Student Senate and Student Life.

Only students are allowed to participate and win the prize money.

For more information, call Amy Scott at Ext. 8726 or e-mail her at Amy.scott@waldorf.edu.

Artwork of landscape photographer on display at Waldorf College Gallery

2010-10-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

Roger Varland

The work of landscape photographer Roger Varland is now on display in the Waldorf College Gallery.

Varland's images are from his exploration of the American cultural landscape. His work is described as "unsentimental images of the landscape and everyday moments."

“A Landscape of Faith: Contemporary Landscape Photography by Roger Varland” will be on display through Oct. 29 with a closing reception from 7 to 9 that night. Varland will speak at 7:30.

The gallery is on the main level of the Campus Center. It is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays when classes are in session or by appointment by calling (641) 585-8210.

It is open to the public, and admission is free.

Varland is associate professor of history and art at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich., where he teaches courses in photography and art history. Two years in Kenya and a semester in China have shaped his photography and classroom perspective. He and his wife, Deborah, also on the faculty, have taken students on 15 cross-cultural study tours to countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Varland’s photographs have been featured in juried exhibitions such as “The Faces of Christ” which can be seen at the Christians in the Visual Arts website (http://www.civa.org/).

For information about the Waldorf College Gallery, go to www.waldorf.edu/Art-Gallery or call (641) 585-8210.

Waldorf instructors to present academic works

2010-10-01T09:12:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College faculty members will present their recently published or peer-reviewed papers, projects and performances on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 4 and 5) at the Waldorf College Faculty Inquirere.

Students, staff members and other faculty members are encouraged to come see and hear all the fascinating scholarship being undertaken on the Waldorf College campus.

All presentations will be in Nilssen-Boe Hall, Room 116 (Small Pit).

The following is a schedule of times, presenters and presentation titles.

Monday:

6:30 p.m. – Deepraj Mukherjee, assistant professor of business and economics, “The PTA Factor: Role of Preferential Trade Agreements in the Trade -Institution Relation”

7 p.m. – Blake Slonecker, assistant professor of history, “Near the Eye of a Movement Storm: Liberation News Service and Second-Wave Feminism”

7:30 pm – Luke Fiedorowicz, assistant professor of psychology, “Do Unto Others as Others Have Done Unto You: How Perceiving Discrimination Influences Stigmatized Group Members’ Evaluations of Other Stigmatized Groups”

8 p.m. – Gary Coombs, assistant professor of cell and molecular biology, “WLS-dependent secretion of WNT3A requires Ser209 acylation and vacuolar acidification”

8:30 p.m. – Joy Newcom, instructor of communications, “The Effects of Advanced Organizers on Grammar-related Learned Helplessness”

Tuesday:

7 p.m. – Cassie Eno, assistant professor of psychology, “Southern Discomfort: Stereotype Threat of Southeastern U.S. Students”

7:30 p.m. – Brent Dodson, assistant professor of music, “Something Left in the Silence”

8:00 p.m. – Joe Wilkins, assistant professor of English and creative writing, “The Mountain, the Fathers”

8:30 p.m. – Suzanne Falck-Yi, associate professor of English, “The Shores of Silver Lake from Manuscript to Book"

Volunteers needed to decorate downtown for fall

2010-09-28T16:39:00.000-05:00

Autumn is here and the City of Forest City is looking for volunteers to help decorate the downtown area for the new season.
Waldorf College students, staffers and faculty are encouraged to participate. The event is 5 p.m.Thursday. Participants will meet in front of the tank in the courthouse square. Fifteen volunteers are needed.

To volunteer, contact Jason Eck, Waldorf College communications specialist, at Jason.eck@Waldorf.edu or call 641-585-8268.

Speakers announced for chapel services

2010-09-28T15:39:00.000-05:00

Chapel is held Wednesday morning in the Atrium.

Vickie Zobel, administrative assistant for the Waldorf College Education Department, will lead the chapel service on Wednesday morning.

Chapel begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Atrium and is conducted each Wednesday.

At Sunday night's worship service, Jeremy Padilla, Waldorf College's student body vice president, will deliver the message. Sunday worship is at 7 p.m. in the Odvin Hagen Music Center Recital Hall.

Chapel speakers vary each week and are volunteers, said assistant professor of religion Steve Smith.

Students, staffers and faculty are encouraged to attend chapel services.

For more information, contact Smith at 641-585-8253.

‘The Glass Menagerie’ kicks off four-night run on Wednesday

2010-09-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

The Waldorf College Theater Department opens its mainstage production season on Wednesday night with Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.”

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Smith Theatre. It will run through Saturday beginning at the same time each night.

Tickets are still available and may be purchased at the box office, which is open from 1-3 p.m. weekdays, or at 7 p.m. each night of the show.

Tickets can be reserved online at www.waldorf.edu/Residential/Fine-Arts/Theatre/2010-11-Season.

Cost is $10 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $2 for Waldorf students.

Season tickets are available at $28 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. A season ticket allows the recipient to attend four of the mainstage shows (at a savings of $12), as well as preferred seating and a reservation calling service.

For information on buying a season ticket, call Bob AuFrance, associate professor of theater, at (641) 585-8288 or e-mail him at aufrancer@waldorf.edu.

Students can strike up some fun bowling

2010-09-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Students are invited to bowl Saturday night at Super Bowl in Forest City.

The event, sponsored by the Social Warrior Activities Team (S.W.A.T.), is from 9 to 11 p.m.

Students can sign up at the Campus Center information desk.

S.W.A.T. seeks to provide entertainment for the Waldorf College community. The group brings events such as comedy acts, coffeehouse artists, day programming, formal dances, novelty acts, speakers and artists to the Waldorf campus.

S.W.A.T. encourages students to attend each event and become involved with planning future events. The club conducts meetings for general members every other week. The next meeting is 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Anna Marie Mitchell Meeting Room.

Students can get involved in many ways with S.W.A.T. including hospitality, advertising and attending the programs.

For information about S.W.A.T., call Christina Watkinson at (563) 543-4605 or e-mail her at watkinsoc@waldorf.edu.

Flag football sign-ups due Wednesday

2010-09-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for some football?

Registration for 4-on-4 intramural flag football is by 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Campus Center information desk.

Men’s and women’s divisions will be offered and split into competitive and less competitive groups depending on how many teams sign up.

Championship T-shirts will go to the winners.

For information about other intramural sports, contact Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and recreation, at Ext. 8490 or e-mail zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu. To see all the intramural offerings for fall, go to www.waldorf.edu/intramurals.

The following is a schedule of upcoming intramural sports and other recreational opportunities:

Today

Intramural slow-pitch softball: Pammel Park fields, 6:50 pm

October

First week: 4-on-4 intramural flag football (date to be announced)
Second week: Ultimate Frisbee
Oct. 16: Outdoor recreation canoe trip on the Des Moines River. To sign up, e-mail zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu.
Oct. 22: Des Moines Buccaneers hockey game. Trip is full.
Oct. 23: Texas Hold’em poker tournament, 7 p.m., Gatsby’s. Sign up at Campus Center or show up at Gatsby’s at 6:45 p.m.
Fourth week: 3-on-3 basketball sign-ups due by 4 p.m. Oct. 27, at Campus Center information desk.
Oct. 29: Iowa State University hockey game. Sign up at the Campus Center information desk or e-mail zach.vancleave@waldorf.edu. Group will leave at 5:30 p.m. from Campus Center.

New issue of Waldorf Magazine available online

2010-09-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

The fall issue of The Waldorf Magazine is available to read online at www.waldorf.edu/Residential/Alumni/Waldorf-Magazine.

Waldorf Magazine is published for alumni and friends of Waldorf College. It is published twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.

Clinic set Saturday to certify judges for high school speech events

2010-09-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College will host an Iowa High School Speech Association judges’ certification clinic on Saturday.

The clinic is 10 a.m. in the second floor conference room of Luise V. Hanson Library. It is open to anyone interested in obtaining certification or recertification for judging IHSSA individual and large group speech contests.

The clinic will take approximately 90 minutes. People who are interested in obtaining certification should bring a pencil and a $5 certification fee.

Dan Putz, a member of the IHSSA certification committee, will conduct the workshop.

Waldorf College will host the IHSSA State Speech Contest for individual events in March 2012.

For information, contact Ken Hansen, associate professor of speech and English, at ext. 8223 or at hansenk@waldorf.edu.

Waldorf welcomes new biology professor

2010-09-22T14:17:00.000-05:00

Gary Coombs recently joined the faculty at Waldorf College, a four-year liberal arts college in Forest City, Iowa. He will teach freshman majors biology, biochemistry, a senior seminar in the fall and genetics and developmental biology during the spring.

“I am interested in developing my teaching skills in order to play a larger role in guiding the careers and aspirations of new scientists,” Coombs said. His past experience includes teaching reading and writing skills as an undergraduate student and mentoring graduate students in both studies and research. He also taught a course on metastasis at the University of Utah.

Coombs, 43, holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a doctorate degree in molecular biophysics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Coombs, who hails from Colorado Springs, Colo., is moving to Waldorf after working three years as a senior research fellow in the lab of Dr. David Virshup, director of the Cancer and Stem Cell Biology program at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School in Singapore.” I have never lived in the Midwest, but I like small communities. I also liked the idea of beginning a teaching career with class sizes that don’t require an auditorium,” he added.

Coombs is married with two sons. He looks forward to enjoying canoeing and other outdoor activities in and around Forest City.

As for teaching, “I hope to become proficient as quickly as possible at teaching, and have the time and energy to build an undergraduate driven research program focusing initially on Wnt signaling and iron metabolism,” Coombs said. Wnt signaling refers to a network of protein hormones which act as “morphogens” or determinants of body shape and size during pre- and post-natal development.

Coombs’ interest in biology stems from accomplishments and teaching skills of the professor who taught my freshman biology course at BYU. “He developed live culture vaccines for bacterial pneumonia in domestic turkeys, and taught the processes of inflammation in several lectures focused on the life cycle of the zit. I remain interested because I am always learning something new,” Coombs explained.

Christian music group to play concert Tuesday night in Atrium

2010-09-21T16:25:00.000-05:00

Waldorf College Campus Ministry invites students and staffers to a free concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday night in the Atrium.

CTI Music Ministries, a contemporary Christian music group that travels internationally spreading God’s word through song, testimonials and dramas, will visit campus.

A free-will donation will be taken, but an offering is not required.

The musicians will deliver the message at chapel from 10:30-10:50 a.m. Wednesday in the Atrium.

For information, call Trudy Pommerening at 641-585-8221.