Waldorf College

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Waldorf College
Image:Waldorf night.jpg

Established	1903
Type:	Private
President:	Dr. Richard Hanson
Students:	650
Location	Forest City, Iowa, USA
Colors:	Purple and Gold
Nickname:	Warriors
Affiliations:	Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Website:	http://www.waldorf.edu/

Waldorf College is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Forest City, Iowa. Among other benefactors, Waldorf has been the recipient of many large donations from the John K. Hanson family, founders of recreation vehicle-maker Winnebago Industries, also located in Forest City.

Brad Anderson, CEO of Best Buy received his A.A. from Waldorf College in 1969. In 2003, Anderson gave the college 5.5 million dollars, its largest ever one-time financial gift.

Rooted in the Norwegian Lutheran tradition, Pastor C. S. Salveson founded Waldorf in 1903. Waldorf existed as a junior college for most of its history, but expanded to offer accelerated bachelors degree programs in select programs in the 1990s. By 2003, the college switched its emphasis to a four year baccalaureate curriculum, including its athletic programs, which moved from junior college to National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics competition status.

A new library was dedicated in 2005. The college is also home of a music program, whose Waldorf Choir is recognized as one of the oldest a cappella choirs in the United States.

WHAT WALDORF COLLEGE OFFERS

Waldorf College offers a high quality, affordable education. 100% of Waldorf's students receive financial aid through a newly instituted merit scholarship program. The College currently has 16 majors with 22 emphases to choose from.

Waldorf promotes close relationships with faculty and offers Guaranteed Internships.

There is a high level of participation in athletics, fine arts and faith-based groups at Waldorf College.

Over 98% of Waldorf College graduates find a job in their field of study or enter graduate school within six months of graduation.

Waldorf students also make a difference. In 2007, Waldorf began its unique "50 Days of Service" in which student, faculty, staff and alumni rallied together to serve various communities for 50 consecutive days. For more information on the 50 Days of Service, go to the 50 Days of Service website at [1].

For more information on attending Waldorf College, contact the Waldorf College Admissions Office at admissions@waldorf.edu or 1.800.292.1903.

HISTORY AND CHARACTER

Waldorf’s character is shaped by the values and beliefs of its Norwegian Lutheran founders: veracity, discipline, the dignity and responsibility of the individual, a commitment to service, and faith in God.

Waldorf was founded in 1903 by The Reverend C. S. Salveson, then the pastor of what is now Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Unlike several other Lutheran colleges founded by Norwegian immigrants and the first generation of their progeny, Waldorf began operation as an academy and business college rather than as a preparatory program primarily for future pastors.

Thus, from its earliest days, Waldorf has viewed education sponsored by the church as vital for persons who would serve primarily in the secular society. Waldorf’s emphasis is 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. Waldorf’s mission has always stressed service to others as the means to serve God and achieve fulfilling lives. Whether as future business leaders, teachers, professors, scientists, entrepreneurs, ordained clergy, social workers or musicians—it is hoped that Waldorf graduates will aspire to lives of service.

Since 1920, when Waldorf became a junior college, the curriculum has gradually evolved to fully reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Now, nearly all students enroll with the intent of ultimately earning at least a bachelor’s degree. In the spring of 1994, the College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer its first bachelor’s degrees. In February of 2001, Waldorf became a fully accredited bachelors degree granting college.

Lux et Veritas, reads the motto on the official Seal of the College—"Light and Truth." In its Lutheran and Norwegian roots and uncommon quality of community, Waldorf College offers a distinctive educational experience in a spiritual and moral framework.