To all the service trippers of Wartburg, we salute you for offering a helping hand and commend you for your efforts to truly make a difference across the nation.
Not only have you contributed your time and efforts for a good cause, but the number of student service trip participants has made Wartburg one of the leading schools in the nation in service trip participation. In 2009, 13.8 percent of the student body participated in service trips while the 2010 statistic jumped to 15.6 percent.
Even students who are not participating in service trips have shown a commitment to helping others by taking action for critical issues throughout the world.
When the devastating earthquake struck Haiti, Students for Peace and Justice (SPJ) started a campus relief fund, collecting money for the victims.
After former Wartburg student Nico Kadimoke died of lupus, the dance team organized a dance benefit to help raise money for Nico’s family and the Lupus Foundation of America.
Wartburg students have even taken the initiative to make the campus “green,” creating the sustainability challenge between Wartburg and rival Luther.
The action taken by these student organizations shows how students are willing to donate their time and manpower when a crisis occurs, wherever that may be.
As you leave for your winter break keep in mind, however, service may soon be needed closer to home.
The National Weather Service has predicted that beginning in late March to early April much of the Cedar Valley will experience another season of flooding. Right now the Cedar River has a 22 percent chance of reaching flood stage in Waverly and a 61 percent chance of reaching flood stage in Waterloo, but with each new snowfall, the chances continue to increase.
Although we’re not trying to cause mass panic, given the outcome of the 2008 flood (specifically in Waverly), it’s important to prepare for the worst so that the city can have a quick and efficient recovery.
In order to prepare for whatever response may be needed, Wartburg is putting together a campus-wide first response team to help with clean up efforts and other assistance. The college will send e-mail and text messages to alert students if help is needed.
If you would like to volunteer for flood preparation and clean up efforts via text, please send your cell phone number and cell carrier (i.e. Verizon, US Cellular, etc.) to cce@wartburg.edu.