Waldorf University: A Legacy of Leaders and Innovators
Waldorf University, nestled in the heart of Forest City, Iowa, has been a beacon of academic innovation since its inception in 1903. With a rich history rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its predecessors, Waldorf has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the world around them. Over the years, Waldorf has produced a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, from business and the arts to public service and athletics. This article explores the notable alumni of Waldorf University, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on their respective communities.
The Foundation of Waldorf University
Waldorf University's story began with the "Great Hotel War of Forest City," a rivalry that left the Waldorf Hotel vacant after only four months of operation. This presented an opportunity for Rev. C.S. Salveson to establish a Christian college, initially as an academy and business college. Since 1920, Waldorf's curriculum has shifted towards a liberal arts emphasis, with the majority of students now pursuing bachelor's degrees.
From its earliest days, Waldorf viewed education sponsored by the church as vital for persons serving primarily in secular society. The Waldorf emphasis was fundamentally a “stewardship emphasis”: human lives are viewed as a gift from God, and the educational enterprise offers the opportunity for the full flowering of one’s potential.
Alumni Success Stories
Waldorf University boasts a diverse alumni network of over 20,000 individuals who have made their mark on the world. These alumni include a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company, authors, professional athletes, Guinness World record holders, and leaders in government, law, public service, education, and the arts.
Business and Leadership
Kenneth Chenault: While not explicitly mentioned as a Waldorf alumnus in the provided text, Waldorf graduates have achieved CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating the potential for business leadership fostered by the university.
Read also: The Waldorf Approach
Amanda (Anderson) Braun (Class of 2004): Amanda Braun, a 2004 graduate, has spent over 18 years in human resources/talent management at Nationwide Insurance. Her extensive experience includes consulting, designing, facilitating, and managing learning programs, with a current focus on enabling employees to transition into new roles within the organization.
Richard (Rick) K. Gaumer: With a master’s degree in Management from UW Milwaukee, a bachelor in business from Lakeland University, the CPA license (Wis.), and the Certified Fraud Examiner designation from the ACFE, Mr. Gaumer has enjoyed a unique career with over 25 years’ experience in a variety of private sector financial leadership positions and over 40 years of part-time and full-time teaching experience in higher education. Since 2014 he served as Vice President for business and finance [CFO] at Emory & Henry College (EHC) in Virginia.
David Weber (Class of 1962): David Weber, who received his A.A. degree in 1962 from Waldorf University, was elected CEO and chairman of the board of the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and has been reelected subsequently for two more terms. During this time he has served in state and national roles in the American Medical Group Association where he was the founding president of the CEO Leadership Council and in the American Medical Association. He currently chairs the group practice advisory committee of the American Medical Association. He is proud to be the recipient of the Waldorf University 2005 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Arts and Communication
Diana Humble (Class of 2016): Diana Humble, a 2016 graduate, earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Creative Writing with an English minor. During her time at Waldorf, she was involved in various activities, including managing the campus radio station (KZOW), serving as president of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and Rotaract service-learning club, and contributing to the Waldorf Literary Review. She earned her Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of South Dakota in 2022 and teaches courses at the University of Memphis while pursuing her doctorate in Applied Communication.
Tara (Crawford) Kingland (Class of 2015): Tara (Crawford) Kingland, a 2015 graduate, earned a B.A. in communications with an emphasis in graphic design and journalism. She was involved in Alpha Chi, the Torch magazine, WAL-TV, and the Waldorf Literary Review. Tara was hired in the Waldorf marketing department as the graphic designer and worked in that role until she was promoted to director of marketing in January 2020.
Read also: A Comprehensive Look at Waldorf Learning
Rev. Dr. Dean Aponte-Safe (Class of 2012): Rev. Dr. Dean Aponte-Safe, a member of the Waldorf University Class of 2012, earned his B.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature. While at Waldorf, he was active in the Wind Symphony, campus ministry, and the Luise V. Hanson Library. He continued his post-graduation education at Luther Seminary, the Chicago Theological Seminary, and the Pacific School of Religion, earning Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
Dr. Meg Lietzau (Class of 2006): Dr. Lietzau graduated from Waldorf College in 2006, where she was actively involved in the Waldorf Choir and Theatre program, and contributed to the Lobbyist.
Paul Van Auken (Class of 1993): Paul graduated with an A.A. in 1993 and then a B.A. in business administration marketing from Wartburg College (causing consternation on the part of his Luther grad father and sister) in 1995, after another European choir tour (good timing on the transfer). He defended his dissertation in the summer of 2007. He was in the classroom at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh two weeks later, where he's been ever since, as chair of the sociology department since 2014.
Education
Molly Vander Linden (Class of 2008): Molly Vander Linden, a 2008 graduate, earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. She completed her master's degree in Education through Morningside College in 2012 and is teaching special education at Spencer High School in Spencer, Iowa.
Cameron Barnes (Class of 2014): Cameron Barnes, a 2014 graduate with a B.A. in education and a coaching certificate, played basketball at Waldorf and was a member of the Education Club. He worked in the Admissions office at Waldorf from 2015-17 and is passionate about cultivating strong relationships between alumni.
Read also: Navigating the Waldorf Student Portal
Dr. Kris Meyer: Dr. Kris Meyer earned an Associate in Arts degree from Waldorf, a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s of Science in School Counseling from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa, a Ph.D. Dr. Meyer has worked as an elementary school counselor in Forest City, Iowa, as an academic counselor at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa, as an adjunct professor for the University of Northern Iowa in education as well as school and mental health counseling, and as the Director and Assistant Professor for School and Mental Health Counseling Graduate Programs for Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. She is currently the Principal of St.
Public Service and Community Engagement
Jeff Dirling: Jeff Dirling earned his B.A.S. in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management in 2016 and his M.A. in Organizational Leadership/Fire Rescue Executive Leadership in 2021. As an online student, Jeff believes that one of his best Waldorf experiences was when he visited campus for his graduation and encourages everyone to visit.
Dr. Ardrelle L. Evans, Sr.: A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Ardrelle L. Evans, Sr. holds a B.A. from Prairie View A&M University, Texas and M.A. and EdD. degrees from the University of Phoenix, Ariz. Throughout his award-winning military career, marked by 12 deployments in Southwest Asia, Africa and tours in Cold War Europe, he earned year-after-year promotions and rankings in the top 2% of governmental executives.
Terrence L. Frazier, Ph.D.: Terrence L. Frazier, Ph.D. is a student affairs administer who prides himself on being a student-centered leader with a proven track record of fostering positive and supportive student environments on the campuses he has served. His love for student affairs began on the campus of Ohio University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education.
Yolanda Gallegos: Yolanda Gallegos established her law firm, Gallegos Legal Group, in 1998 and has represented private sector schools throughout the country for over 30 years. Yolanda received her J.D. from the University Of New Mexico School of Law and her LLM in Advocacy from Georgetown University Law Center.
Athletics
- Caden Tchop (Class of 2022): Caden Tchop, a 2022 graduate with a business degree concentrated in finance & banking, captained the men’s hockey team during his time in college.
Waldorf competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, soccer, track & field and wrestling; women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, eSports and shooting sports. The Waldorf Warriors men's soccer team represents the university in college soccer.
Staying Connected with Alumni
Waldorf University recognizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with its alumni. The university encourages alumni to stay connected through various means, including:
- Updating contact information: Alumni are encouraged to update their contact information to receive monthly newsletters and stay informed about current happenings.
- Sharing news and photos: Alumni are invited to share their latest news and photos with the university to keep the community connected.
- Alumni Board: The Waldorf University alumni board works to expand Waldorf’s alumni network and continuing to cultivate strong relationships between alumni, students and the university.
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