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I'm thankful for the friends I met my freshman year on C3, almost 30 years ago.

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I took a couple of computer science classes from Dr Olson in the 1980s. Computer science was new back then. I wasn't the best programmer, and my syntax wasn't all that great. Dr. Olson gave me credit for understanding the concepts and helped me work through the syntax to complete the assignments. Dr. Olson helped me learn enough about computers, computer science, and computer programming so I had the fundamental understanding necessary to become an effective and successful information technology professional, mostly working as a facilitator between computer programmers and the people who use their programs. I completed my career as a computer software and hardware project manager. I am thankful for the instruction and encouragement Dr. Olson provided while I was at Wartburg College and always enjoyed talking with him when I would see him and his wife on campus during Homecoming weekends.

-Brent Jaeger '84

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Thank you to all those–past and present–who make Wartburg College the wonderful place of learning and service that it is. 

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Thank you to all those–past and present–who make Wartburg College the wonderful place of learning and service that it is. 

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I am thankful for my education at Wartburg and how prepared that made me for pharmacy school. In the last few years, I have been proud to have students in shadowing opportunities and working with mentees through Knight Nation. Morgan Jacks '10

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What an incredible community to be part of. I’m so grateful for my time at Wartburg, for the lifelong friends I met there and for the incredible experiences and education we received. Much Gratitude for Wartburg College ❤️

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Giving thanks to the entire Advancement division and SM&C for ALL they do to lift up the Wartburg community on UKD and always!! :) So grateful for many years of camaraderie and special memories — miss you wonderful people!! Continued blessings in all of your noble work with Wartburg’s AMAZING students, alums, fac/staff, and friends!🧡

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When I think about fantastic professors, Dr. Olson comes to mind. Having a Computer Science and Math double-major, I had a lot of classes with Dr. Olson. Many of them were at 7:45am when many people were still in bed. He always made them interesting, and he always seemed delighted to pass on knowledge to his students. I didn't realize it at the time but he was largely responsible that Wartburg had a Computer Science program at all. I was so glad to catch up with him at a Homecoming 3 or 4 years ago, and very saddend to hear of his passing.

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Wartburg gave me the opportunity over my 44 years of service to the college to work with many amazing faculty, students, staff, administrators, board members, and friends of the college. I loved every minute of it and cherish the memories and relationships formed over those years! I especially appreciate the many dedicated, hard-working, thoughtful, insightful, and ambitious students with whom I've worked over the past five decades. To this day, you still inspire me! Lead on, Knights! FDR

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So thankful Wartburg brought my husband and I together so many years ago and now our daughter is making her own memories as a student, musician, and athlete 🧡🖤

- Sarah Cooper, Class of 2004

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Mary always had a smile on her face and a source of knowledge and support when figuring our financial aid. Her hugs are the best! -David Voves '07

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To the incredible students I get to work with - thank you!!! You give me so much hope for the future, and I’m inspired by you every single day. You make me laugh, you challenge me to grow, and you remind me why I love this job so deeply. I’m grateful for each of you. Keep shining - and keep me on my toes ✨ Warmly, Dean Lindsey Leonard

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Grateful for everyone I work with!

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I'm grateful for my parents and the family that I have made at Wartburg.

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New season of fortnite started today. Kinda cool

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I am thankful for the community of kindness, inclusion, and service I found at Wartburg. From the professors, advisors (Dr. Fred Strickert), and staff, to my Castle Singers, soccer, campus ministry, KWAR, and of course my Swenson House community, my time at Wartburg will always be something I am grateful for.

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Grateful for meeting a current Wartburg student interested in my field - we have made a great connection and it's exciting to help the next generation of Knights!

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Having a mentor through Knight Nation has been great!

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thankful for his humor in teaching Organic Chemistry. Helped me know that if you step on an ant, it smells like Formic acid. And cholesterol -> progesterone -> testosterone -> estrogen.

Sara Max Ceresa, ‘96

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I am so proud of my SI students that keep coming to my sessions!! and I love hearing how well they do on the exams! <3 Physiology!!!!

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I am so thankful for my great students who are already making a positive difference by supporting community inclusion for people with disability, age and identity barriers. Keep on advocating for fairness for ALL people! Dr Tammy Faux, Professor of Social Work

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Forever thankful for my time on the Wartburg College Cheerleading Team! To this day, one of the highlights of my life. Thank you Tara for being a great coach!

Also forever thankful for Jo Dorrance and Krystal Madlock for being there for me during my time at Wartburg and still to this day!

- Aurion Redding ‘21 🧡🖤

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I am so appreciative of the opportunities and people Student Senate has brought into my life! VP for life!

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Huge thank you to all who donate to our college and support the arts! You are a major reason that our students can grow as leaders and artists!

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I am grateful for the dance team and the Wartburg Choir! They make my day all the time and I am so glad that I have them! I am also so thankful for my friends all across campus they are pretty cool:)

Maura<3

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Thank you to the music department for giving me opportunities I never though possible!

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I LOVE MY DANCE TEAM

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The 70's were crazy times. The Mafia, panti raids, tequila sunrise parties...hope they washed out the garbage cans! Wartburg choir tours and Dr Fritschel's intros..."Maverick"?! We all have great memories. I hope everyone contributes to this generations memories! Hark I Hear!

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The 70's were crazy times. The Mafia, panti raids, tequila sunrise parties...hope they washed out the garbage cans! Wartburg choir tours and Dr Fritschel's intros..."Maverick"?! We all have great memories. I hope everyone contributes to this generations memories! Hark I Hear!

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The man literally wrote the book on Python — and his intro class during my first May Term steered me into computer science as a major. (Am I using it directly right now? No, and thank goodness for the liberal arts core. But am I glad to have that background and that knowledge? Absolutely.)

— Alan Simmer '07

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Thank you to the emeritus history professors, Ray Norheim and Dr. Axel Schuessler who instilled a life-long fascination in world history. It enriched my life while making me more information literate in a society of misinformation about what exists beyond our borders. Randall Schroeder, ‘82.

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Religion Department and Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry

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Religion Department and Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry

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I cannot express my gratitude enough to the Religion Department and the Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry team during my time at Wartburg College (2016-2020). Most especially, I am honored to have been the student of Rev. Dr. Judith Jones, Dr. Brian Jones, Rev. Dr. Kyle Schenkewitz, Rev. Dr. Ramona Bouzard, Dr. Justin Jeffcoat Shedtler, Rev. Dr. Chip Bouzard, Dr. Caryn Riswold, Dr. Minjung Noh, Rev. Dr. Kristin Wendland, Rev. Dr. Kyle Fever, and Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom. These folks at this place changed the trajectory of my life for the better. They helped mold me into the biblical scholar and theologian I am today. PROTECT THESE DEPARTMENTS AT ALL COSTS!

- Jackson Reynolds ('20)

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I am beyond grateful for my teammates. They are there when I need anything and their support means so much to me.

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We're proud to donate in honor of our favorite Wartburg Knight and Student Body President-Elect, Jonathan Meyer.

Kristi and Jeremy Meyer, Parents

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I'm thankful to the musicians, Dr. Nederhiser, the Symphony Board, and the symphony supporters. Every single one of you are a part of allowing me to have music in my life every day. I love rehearsing with you, performing with you and for our audiences, and learning from everyone. What great experiences we have together!

~ Renée Barney

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I am thankful for the ELITE Consultants at Vogel Library. These students provide important technology education and services to the library staff and to students and faculty/staff on campus. They are creative and helpful and enthusiastic!

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i am grateful for mason because he's the goat

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After a horrible high school experience, I was given the opportunity to start fresh at Wartburg. I am grateful for my peers, my professors, and staff who have pushed me towards greatness. I am accomplishing things I could have never imagined!

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Thank you to Irene Weldon for all the support and training which has given me a lifetime of joy in singing!

Doug Poppen '81

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I am grateful for my team and my coaches

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I am thankful for teammates and friends like Abbey Angus and Nadia Bowden that Wartburg brought me!

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Being able to see everybody as a unity.

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I am forever grateful for the many experiences and people my time at Wartburg College gave me. Today I am especially grateful for the Wartburg Choir where I met my husband and father of my child, Austin Zaruba. This gift is given in memory of his 39th birthday.

-Liz (Reedstrom) Zaruba '08

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I am very thankful for my time at Wartburg and all of the connections I made while I was a student. I’m grateful for the professors from J&C past and present (Cliff, Pam, Penni, Travis, Chris) who taught me the true value of storytelling in various forms and to Krystal Madlock for being the best listening ear and person anyone could have. Truly enjoyed my time and can’t wait to be back soon!

~Maya Weatherall ‘18

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My time in the Wartburg College Concert Band (there was only one back then) is something that has shaped my life profoundly. The wisdom of the great Dr Robert E Lee was shared with us daily, and it applied across life, not just across music performance. I still have life long friends from the band and am so grateful for the music we made together back in the day and the things we've accomplished with our lives since graduating "so many" years ago.

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I am grateful for my teammates, and the experiences Wartburg Track & Field has given me!

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I'm thankful for the opportunity to connect with fellow alums and students. This really makes me feel part of the Wartburg community!

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Tailwinds for President Becky.....so thankful for her leadership at Wartburg College.

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So thankful for the personal connection and community I have had!

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The amazing Wartburg students--past, present, and future--are the main reason why I give on UKnight Day.

-Ben Bousquet

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This year marks my 10 year graduation anniversary from Wartburg and the farther I get from graduation, the more grateful I am for such a wonderful college experience. Words cannot express how much my life would be different had I chosen a different school, and I find myself thankful all the time to have been a knight!

-Ashley Rosa-Ruggieri

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Grateful for the late, great Dr. Robert E. Lee!

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Grateful for the late, great Dr. Robert E. Lee!

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I am thankful for time spent with Dr. Lee in the Wartburg College Concert Band during my years as a student. He was always so full of energy and inspirational and had many memorable quotes that we still use to this day! I'm also grateful for the awesome people in the bands who became good friends (and one who became my wife!). Shout out to Allan Jacobson, director of the Knightliters Jazz Band at the time, as well. Thanks for your devotion to the program for a lot of years, Al!

Gregory Drewes '89 - Go Knights!

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I am so immensely grateful for Wartburg and the experience it has brought me. A new home, my bestest of friends, experiences through Wartburg Choir, Castle Singers, Kammerstreicher, The Wartburg Players with my amazing cast, the Admissions office and being an ambassador of the college, the Parent and Alumni office and really learning the ropes of the office, and truly everyone I have met and connected with. I am so glad that I can call Wartburg home, and you truly do experience more at Wartburg College, Go Knights!

-Karen West

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I am thankful for the Alumni Office and the friends that I have made while working there as a student intern! Having that opportunity has made a huge impact on my life and my future career!

-Jacoba

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Thank you to all the Knight supporters! You help make our students #ExperienceMore at Wartburg.

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Thankful to have met my mentor on Knight Nation

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Even 25+ years after I graduated with a degree, my Wartburg experience keeps on giving!

🧡My college friends are still a tight-knit group that gets together every year

🧡Opportunities to meet current students and help them grow in their skills is very rewarding

🧡Returning to campus and seeing it grow yet still hold to impactful traditions

🧡Connections that will last a lifetime! Wartburg truly has the BEST people!

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I am thankful to have a home away from home! I love the Wartburg community and am forever grateful for the friendships and relationships that I have made at Wartburg. I am thankful for all the opportunities that I have had, including going to Colorado for May Term and Student Teaching in Des Moines! Will be forever grateful for the Wartburg Community!

- Koryn B.

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I am thankful for my roommates! I'm so thankful we lived in Knights Village together our senior year and became the Dubuque Haus Hotties! I'm even more thankful for their continued friendship and support since we have graduated and our yearly get togethers! You all bring me so much joy! Ellen Engh '08

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I want to say thank you to the juniors and seniors for being inspiring to me and helping me be a part of the Wartburg family.

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I am incredibly thankful to Wartburg College for my experiences both as a student and former staff member. I owe so much of who I am and what I do now to this awesome place and the wonderful people. Go Knights!

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Thank you, Wartburg, for being such an important part of my life for over 20 years. As a staff member, I am proud to be part of a community that continues to grow and strive toward being more inclusive...where people increasingly valued, supported, and welcomed. I'm grateful to belong to a place committed to becoming better and making a difference!

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I am thankful for the many ways that Wartburg shaped my life. My classroom experiences and interaction with professors provided an education that has served me well. Beyond academics, I developed friendships that continue to this day. My husband jokes that we can't go anywhere without me making some kind of Wartburg connection! The Wartburg community is truly a family, and attending there was one of the best decisions of my life! With gratitude,

Robin Zwanziger Abraham, Class of 1984

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I am so grateful to Wartburg College for the lifelong friends, great mentors, and supportive community that has extended into my time as an alum. I am especially grateful to the Music department for the opportunity to continue to grow as a musician, travel and sing with great friends, and connect with people all over the country and world, all while preparing for my career outside of music.

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Truly grateful for all of the memories made during the 1993-1995 golf seasons! We played some great courses, enhanced our friendships and had lots of laughs! Our coach, Stu Thorson, was a great support to us as well! Go Knights!

Jen Bye Christy, 1995

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I am grateful for the opportunities found in the classroom. For every faculty member who opened my eyes to new ideas and pushed me to be better and for every course that challenged the way I thought. I am thankful for the opportunities found outside the classroom. Whether on stage with the Wartburg Players, traveling the world with the Wartburg Choir, informing and entertaining the campus and community through WTV-8 and KWAR, or standing for our beliefs with Students For Peace and Justice. I will always treasure my second home, that gave me the opportunities to fail, learn, grow, and become the most authentic version of myself possible. Always and forever, orange. - Andrew Salvaterra

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I am very grateful for the community of friends and family that Wartburg has given me! I am also grateful for the Wartburg Choir and all of the opportunities I have been provided through the group:)

-Jacoba J

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I'm grateful to my colleagues and students in the Music Department for their support and kindness throughout the school year. I have felt so welcomed and appreciated!

Dr. G

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I’m grateful for music at Wartburg and for the incredible opportunities our students experience every day. I’m especially thankful for the students in our Wartburg Music program. It is a true honor to work with them and to witness their commitment, artistry, and heart. It is a gift to be in rehearsals with them each day and then performing with them in some of the world’s most inspiring spaces and place. I’m also thankful for the legacy of Dr. Liemohn, Dr. Fritschel, and Dr. Torkelson, whose vision continues to shape this program. It is an honor to carry it forward.

Dr. Lee Nelson

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Thanks to Tara Winter for not only helping transition to life on campus as a first year student (way back in 2009), but for being there for me well past your duties as an admissions counselor! I will be forever grateful for our conversations, that early morning workout class, and you never giving up on me!

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I gave to Uknight Day because over my 15 years here I have seen the impact this place has had on countless students. The education they receive here, the experiences they have here, and more importantly the relationships they form here truly shape them into to "agents of positive change" that the world desperately need.

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I am grateful for all of my experiences that I had at Wartburg including the choir, chamber choir and orchestra, along with campus ministries. I am equally grateful for professors who mentored and guided me, and the rich, lifelong friendships I still have! Thanks, Wartburg College

Go Knights! Go UKnight Day!

All the best,

Trudie Heikkila Goff, classroom of 1985

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There are so many people and things to be grateful for at Wartburg, but three individuals stand out for me. Tom Hubbard, Jan Hyde, and Pat Wayne. I did work study in food services. Within a short time, I was promoted to sutdent manager. I didn't think I was ready to take on new role, but Tom, Jan, and Pat believed in me and knew I could handle being a student manager. The greatest four years of my life in learning responsibility and accountability was under those three. I am forever grateful to them.

Romelle Slaughter '98

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Shena Collins, Class of 1997

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Thank you to all of the professors and staff of Wartburg College, past and present. Your leadership and guidance are for a lifetime. With great gratitude, I salute you.

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Pr. Trachte and Pr. Ramona had a grounding presence. Chapel, Sunday morning and Wednesday night services, Faith Alive, Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, and Christ’s Jesters filled me up and kept me going when I felt uncertain about my major. They refueled me and helped me grow holistically.

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Thank you to all the faculty, students and staff who made my Wartburg experience very memorable. My Wartburg experience and education was a turning point for me in my personal and professional life. It has left a lasting imprint on me for which I'm deeply grateful. Special appreciation for Pastor Trachte and Prof. Bob Gremmels!

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Grateful for academic rigor, the Wartburg Choir and deep friendships that have continued throughout my life.

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Thanks to all who continue to make Wartburg a special place, from my time as a student to my time as a staff member Wartburg is the best in the east and west!!  

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Thanks to all who continue to make Wartburg a special place, from my time as a student to my time as a staff member Wartburg is the best in the east and west!!  

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Being able to connect with alumni over Knight Nation has helped me grow my network and connect with alums in my field!

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Thank you to all the alumni who come back to campus over and over. Extra thanks to the alums who take the time to mentor current students, but even just talking to current students during Homecoming or CWW makes a big difference. It helps the current students know that there is a supportive network for them waiting after graduation.

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The faculty and staff of Wartburg are awesome! They ensure that students Experience More. They also support one another and work together to make this a nice work environment.

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Thanks to the social work faculty and my fellow students for helping me gain the skills I needed for my career.

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Whether it's the students I've mentored or the colleagues who have mentored me, I am thankful for a supportive community where we can all grow stronger together!

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Thanks to the Alumni and Development offices who have meticulously planned the events and communications for UKnightDay! Looking forward to seeing it all play out this week!

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I'm thankful to Dr. Terry Lindell for his knowledge and love of history which was evident in every class he taught. Enjoy a well deserved retirement! Laurie (Gitch) Everhardt '92