Wartburg helped me lead with confidence

NAME: Billie Jo Steffenson Timm 

CLASS YEAR: 1993 

MAJORS: Mathematics and business administration 

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Senior vice president of customer experience, MasterBrand Cabinets

WHY WARTBURG: I was impressed with the people I met, the programs that were offered, its academic record, and the small community feeling that the campus was able to provide. The coaches and professors talked with me. They wanted me to be at Wartburg. They made me feel important.

WHY WAS YOUR WARTBURG EXPERIENCE WORTH IT: Wartburg provided me with great opportunities to get involved, be challenged along the way, and be who I wanted to be. I was able to navigate my path as I went by, getting an excellent education while gaining lifelong friendships and memories. 

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU NEVER IMAGINED YOU COULD DO BEFORE COMING TO WARTBURG:  I didn’t imagine that I would have the courage and strength to lead with the confidence and vision that I have. Wartburg helped to shape that for me. The culture instills service leadership and a passion to strive for what you believe in.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WARTBURG TRADITION: Christmas with Wartburg. My sister graduated from Wartburg before me, and she was in the choir so I attended her concerts. Now again it is a special time and has a new special meaning as I recently had a nephew graduate from Wartburg, and he was in the choir. I look forward to future years when more relatives choose Wartburg and make it even more special.

HOW DO YOU LIVE OUT THE WARTBURG MISSION: The faith and service leadership culture that Wartburg instills is a compass for me. I develop, mentor, and want to support people to become better leaders because of that foundation.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS: Be who you want to be and let Wartburg help you become you who want to become. At Wartburg you have a chance to “be.”