Iowa Wesleyan College

"My Wesleyan experience was one that changed my life. As a non-traditional, full-time day student (who returned to college after several years in the workforce), I didn’t expect to fit in as easily as I did. But, I was made to feel “at home” and an important part of the campus community. From the caring faculty, (who were always approachable and took the time to provide individualized time), to the involved staff, (who encouraged me to get involved with campus leadership activities), to the fellow students, (who brought so much to the classroom experience with their diverse backgrounds), I came away knowing that my Wesleyan education was well-rounded and one that prepared me for a more rewarding career and personal life. Iowa Wesleyan College prepared me to think critically, communicate effectively and to get involved in societal issues.” 

I credit Iowa Wesleyan's focus on each citizen's duty to the community for shaping my attitude about service to others. Through the Responsible Social Involvement (R.S.I.) program, college students in my era were introduced to the countless ways one person can make a difference for humankind. I completed my R.S.I. term in government service, working for a U.S. Presidential campaign. Clearly, that early experience prompted me to devote my professional life to public service and to contribute my personal time generously as a community volunteer.

I gave Iowa Wesleyan College four short years of my life from the fall of 1967 to the spring of 1971. In exchange, Iowa Wesleyan will serve me the rest of my life. I will probably never know just how different my life would be without the wonderful experience of having been here. I do know I continue to be affected by professors who challenged me oh so long ago, a career that serves me well now, acquaintances that I hardly knew then but wonder about yet, memories true, hazy, or enhanced, and so many of the most wonderful, life-long friends one could ever hope for. With them, and many others before and since, I share a deep and warm bond that can only be attributed to growing up and growing together by sharing the experience of Iowa Wesleyan College. I am proud to have a close association with an historical and proud institution that continues to change the lives of young people.

Anita Brent Hampton ’71

As a young man, I found IWC to be a great fit for me, academically and personally. The courses were interesting, challenging and prepared me for my future. More importantly, the professors were personable, caring and creative people. I was able to establish personal connections with instructors who were able to help me develop my strengths and address the areas in which I needed growth. This individualized and personal attention allowed me to prosper. Through my IWC experiences, I was able to walk away with not only a diploma but the skills needed to be a successful classroom teacher and eventually an educational administrator. I guarantee I would not have received this personal guidance at a larger university or college.

IWC’s true gift is their dedicated staff’s ability to build and nurture relationships. Since graduating from IWC, I have retired as an Army Colonel, taught school, served as an elementary school principal and am currently a school superintendent. During these professional endeavors I have found that success is deeply rooted in the relationships we build during the daily execution of our duties and responsibilities. These relationships are actually the bonds that hold individuals and organizations together during times of prosperity and moreover, during times of challenge and turmoil. Relationship building has been the greatest lesson IWC taught me. This was not necessarily an intentional portion of a curriculum, yet I feel it is more of a way of life, a belief, and an ethical and moral standard cultivated and nurtured by the professional caring staff at IWC. As an alumnus, I am a better person because of my alma mater and the relationships I formed. If you are a prospective student, come experience it for yourself! As they say, when working with people, more is caught than taught. Come catch something great at IWC. I did and you can too.

Patrick Coen ’92

Iowa Wesleyan College prepared me to contribute in the business world of innovation. The focus on not only academics, but in preparing a student for the competitive world with a focus on responsibility for the greater good of the community has been truly rewarding for me!

Duane Roth ‘64

The liberal arts program at Iowa Wesleyan College helped me to develop a broad base of interests and experiences. The opportunity to play on a nationally prominent women’s basketball team helped me learn to love competition. Iowa Wesleyan is where the foundation of my business career was started, and has led me to owning my own successful consumer products business. Iowa Wesleyan College was a great choice for me.

Lori Williams Wright ‘64

My Iowa Wesleyan professors took an individualized approach in helping me plan my education. They would spend time with me and really got to know me as a person. I definitely wasn’t just a number or a warm body in the seat, but an individual with unique interests and needs. My professors built a sense of confidence within me that carried me through graduate school and my career.

Lisa Kongable, MA, ARNP ‘86

Iowa Wesleyan College provided me an opportunity to be a student-athlete. While I was earning a bachelor’s degree in education, I had the opportunity for success on the gridiron. Being selected to the Dean’s List twice and my involvement with the Student Iowa State Education Association provided me a well-rounded educational experience. I admit Iowa Wesleyan education did not specifically train me how to run a custom home building company. They did, however, develop life-long skills through my experiences as a student-athlete, in and out of the classroom that prepared me for success after college.

Dustin Dewald ‘91