Campus Connection

Adam Shepard speaks at Waldorf, inspires students

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:45:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:41:00 +0000


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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:51:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:05:00 +0000

(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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:38:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:19:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:33:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:18:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Small college. Big opportunities.) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:28:00 +0000

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.”