History
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.
The "core" of the liberal arts program has as its goals that students:
- learn to think, write and speak clearly;
- begin the process of developing a mature and inquiring mind, with the ability to formulate questions, solve problems and make both intellectual and value judgments;
- engage in and appreciate the arts;
- acquire understanding of our historical and scientific heritage;
- begin to develop an appreciation of other cultures and their ways of knowing; and,
- consider their religious commitments for their meaning in life and the world in which they live and serve.
Finally, the Faculty recognizes that concern for the goals of liberal education does not begin at Waldorf, nor are these goals likely to be fully achieved on this campus. The development of an appreciation of "a life of the mind" ought to begin in the home and school, be further nurtured at Waldorf, continue in baccalaureate studies
at Waldorf, and in graduate schools, and become a lifelong process.
This College’s task, as we understand it, is to build upon skills and knowledge students bring to this campus; to assist students in honing the basic skills necessary for further studies; and to awaken, introduce, inspire and enrich.
We believe the success of Waldorf’s program results from the interplay of several characteristics:
- a dedicated, capable faculty who take pride in effective teaching, and who share a personal commitment to the faith, values and traditions of the College;
- a low student to faculty ratio, permitting a high level of faculty/student interaction;
- solid curricular offerings in a variety of disciplines, enabling students to begin to clarify career goals;
- an environment in which faith and values are a subject of inquiry, and one in which growth toward moral maturity is a valued goal;
- a special emphasis on writing, speaking, and global awareness.
- a solid tradition in the arts, coupled with a lively program of cultural events, and a broad program of varsity and intramural sports to help students shape a life of enrichment and physical well-being.
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.
