Alumni news & updates
May 2023
Congratulations Class of 2023!
A BIG congratulations to all of our Class of 2023 graduates! We are so proud of you all, and we are happy to welcome each of you to the Waldorf University Alumni Association. Although you may be leaving us for your next journeys, never forget - Once a Warrior, always a Warrior! Please come and visit us anytime!
This year, we had a mother-and-son duo who were graduating together.
Mom Sharese graduated with her master's, and her son Alex graduated with his bachelor's. Sharese said, "Alex was the one who motivated her to go back." These two are inspiring; thanks for choosing Waldorf University to help accomplish your dreams.
We had a number of Fire Science graduates who walked at commencement. We are proud of each and every one of our firefighters - thank you for keeping us safe!
Click the links below to re-watch our 2023 Waldorf Commencement Ceremonies
2023 Spring Alumni Panel
An Alumni Panel Discussion Event was held in the Waldorf Atrium this spring with a special focus held on business, education, bio-medical science, and health promotion career fields along with general workplace etiquette. Alumni who returned for the event as panelists were: Mike Cole '03, Jim Willmore '89, Savanna Cordle '20, Sarah Leichsenring '10, Austin Lich '19, Nicholas Trask '05, Sara Brown '07, Karla Weiss '97, '03, '20, Don Meyer '72, Audrey Sparks '16, '19, Dr. Adam Herrick '11, Dr. Rick Young '16, Dr. Amanda Burow-Williams '09, Dr. Tom Wicks '88, Andy Schryver '06, Marissa Widener '20, Elizabeth Eser '12, Dr. Ross Reynolds '08, & Thomas Ebeling '88. The event allowed our alumni to answer questions from current students and provide advice regarding their future careers and workplace etiquette. Students were encouraged to network with the alumni present and create mentoring opportunities. Career Services and the Alumni Department are continuing to expand this event each year, as this has been a good event for both alumni and current students.

We are looking for alumni to participate in future panel events! If you are interested in participating please email alumni@waldorf.edu.
Homecoming 2023 - Oct. 5-8

HOMECOMING 2023 - SAVE THE DATE! We are excited to welcome back our alumni for our annual Waldorf University homecoming celebration Oct. 5 - 8, 2023! Our theme for this year is “Back to Our Roots” in honor of the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation taking ownership of the university and to celebrate 120 years of Waldorf. The weekend will include many traditional events including the Hall of Fame and Alumni Award banquets and ceremonies, along with class reunions, a concert from the music department, the football game and so much more! We are especially excited to welcome back the class of 1973 who will celebrate their 50-year reunion! More details will be coming soon!

Wanted: Class Representatives!
The alumni office is looking for class representatives to assist with reunion planning for Homecoming 2023. If you are interested in assisting please email alumni@waldorf.edu or call 641-585-8148. The following classes have reunions in 2023:
1958, 1963, 1968, 1973 (50 years), 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018.
The Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation is conducting a "Window of Opportunity" pledge campaign. Any donations will be matched by an extremely generous donor during this "window", all the way up to $500,000 in total donations. So - think of each dollar donated to this campaign as being worth double its value within this threshold. If you have been thinking about donating, now is a very good time to consider contributing. If you feel inclined - click the "donate online" button below, and then you must select "Window of Opportunity" as the option. We are grateful for every single donation we have received so far, and the generosity of our incredible donors will help us sustain a successful and bright future for Waldorf University as a whole. Thank you, and God Bless!
Alumni in the News
Fitzgerald '07 Named Notre Dame (WI) Head Volleyball Coach
This will be Chris Fitzgerald’s first head coaching experience at the varsity level.
Fitzgerald’s journey didn’t begin in Wisconsin, however; it began in Iowa. 

“I first got into coaching volleyball while I was at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. I played baseball my first three years, and my last year I couldn’t because I was unable to student-teach and play at the same time.”
Fitzgerald added, “The head volleyball coach asked me to assist with the program. I learned so much from her in regards to teaching the game.” 

After gaining some experience with an NAIA school, Fitzgerald made his way back to Wisconsin.

“I was an assistant at Appleton North and was a practice coach at St. Norbert before working with the JV at Notre Dame in the spring of 2021,” he said, “Notre Dame has all the pieces to be a top tier program in the state, and I’m looking forward to working with the families to get to that position. We have started open gyms, have a spring clinic coming up and our summer calendar is together.” Fitzgerald added. 

For the full article, please click the image of Chris above
Boman '80 Named Trustee for Vesterheim Museum Board of Trustees
Greg Boman attended Waldorf College, graduating from Texas Lutheran and also from the seminary. He worked alongside his father Gerald Boman at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, Iowa, and was a leader in the company’s marketing strategies. In 1999, he and his wife Becky and their family moved to Castle Rock, Colorado.

Boman has owned and operated businesses in downtown Castle Rock and is a civic leader who has been influential in the growth and development of the community. Recently, he has owned and managed, with his daughter, the Emporium – a merchant mall of 60 merchants carefully selected and curated.

Recognized as the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year in Castle Rock, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Council of Castle Rock. Boman serves on the Board of Directors of the Hanson Family Foundation, a private family foundation that gives back to communities and enhances the quality of life for individuals in north central Iowa. He is also on the Board of Directors of MBT Bank, with locations in Iowa and Minnesota. 


For the full article, please click the image of Greg above
Bossman '21 Named Omaha (NE) Fire Chief
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced her selection of OFD Assistant Fire Chief Kathy Bossman to head the department last month.

“Chief Bossman takes over at a time of tremendous growth in Omaha that will require updated emergency plans, facilities, equipment and technology, and advanced training for our firefighters,” Stothert said when making the announcement.

“I am confident Chief Bossman will successfully continue our commitment to provide the best fire and emergency medical response possible.”

Bossman will be the first female to serve in the role of Omaha Fire Chief.

For the full article, please click the image of Chief Bossman above

The Waldorf University Bookstore has all the Warrior gear you could ever need. Click the button below to shop online and support WU!
What's Your Waldorf Story?
The Waldorf University Marketing Team is searching for alumni willing to share their "Waldorf Story" and possibly be included in an upcoming marketing campaign. We love staying in touch with our alumni and want to see where everyone is at years after their Waldorf journey. Pictured above is the 1998-99 SWAT students! Click the button below to share your story, or send an email to alumni@waldorf.edu - we can't wait to read it - Go Warriors!