Fall semester kicks off at Waldorf University

by Conrad Bascom
Lake Mills Graphic
Over the past few weeks, Forest City has gradually regained its characteristic color, as Waldorf University’s student body returned to campus from summer break in staggered increments. Student athletes were the first to touch down in Forest City, as various summer training camps and preseason games commenced in early August; meanwhile, new student non-athletes arrived on campus Aug. 27 (and early birds the Sabbath morning the day before), as many families could be seen unloading young lifetime-supplies of posters and Ikea furniture out of jam-packed vans and into Waldorf’s selection of dormitories over the course of the day.
On Monday and Tuesday, incoming freshmen and transfer students were oriented by seasoned, upperclassmen orientation leaders—who showed the green-gilled cadets the ropes, educating the recent arrivals on collegiate life, the cafeterias, health insurance, student aid, and the like.
Jennet Hojanazora, an international student from Turkmenistan and one of Waldorf’s orientation leaders, talked about her experience passing the proverbial baton off to the freshmen: “These two days have been really nostalgic for me because—around this time last year—I had also just arrived in this completely foreign place (as-of-then) and felt a little overwhelmed by my sudden independence and self-responsibility. I’m really proud to have come far enough to be able to give advice and guidance to the Class of ‘22 during their transitions.”
Much like many of the years that preceded, 2018’s fall semester ramped up to the first day of classes with the previously-mentioned orientation process and the timelessly eccentric, eye-catching pageantry of the Opening Convocation—a yearly ritual wherein the President, Dean, tenured and adjunct professors gather in their academic regalia (think: graduation robes) in the Atrium to officially commence the new school year. The whole show is more than a little humorous, because of the jarring clash between the extremely formal dress of the academic staff, and the extremely informal garb of the student athletes who’ve just come from practice. Classes were officially in session the morning following the ceremony’s spectacle.
For Waldorf students and faculty, the 2018-19 school year comes bearing gifts—the most tantalizing of which, is the long heralded opening of the recently-dubbed Boman Fine Arts Center. Erected by Waldorf University in conjunction with the City of Forest City and Forest City Community Schools, the facility was named to memorialize lifelong Forest City resident, Mary Jo Boman—who happens to be the daughter of John K. and Luise V. Hanson, founders of Winnebago Industries and the Hanson Foundation. Located at 225 John K. Hanson Drive in Forest City, the impressive state-of-the-art structure encompasses two stories and 29,743 square feet. The Boman Fine Arts Center houses a 200-seat banquet hall, catering kitchen, art gallery, performance space, and offices. The hope is that the Boman can become a centralized venue for national and regional entertainment in Winnebago County. The Boman grounds are also home to a 6,000 square foot plaza with green spaces and outdoor seating. After the ribbon cutting ceremony in October, the Boman will begin to host Waldorf, Forest City Community Schools, and Brick Street Theater Company events, as well as the aforementioned national and regional entertainment.
Even though October is still more than a month away, Waldorf students and area residents need not fear, because they won’t be wanting for entertainment. There’s plenty to be done between now and then. On Thursday, Aug. 30, the Back-to-School Block Party will commandeer and cordon off the street outside the Rasmussen Hall—there will be burgers and hotdogs and DJs and games.
Finally, Community Night will take place Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Waldorf University football field—the Waldorf men’s soccer team will kick-off the festivities with a game at 1 p.m. The community is welcome to bring both trucks and RV vehicles to tailgate starting at 3 p.m.—there will be a rock climbing wall, bounce house, giant yard games, s’mores, and more (fun for the whole family, essentially). The Waldorf football team plays Dordt College at 6 p.m.; during half-time, the crowd will be wowed by the combustible antics of the Insphyre Fire Jugglers. Stay put after the game to enjoy fireworks.