National Committee Chair Message

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of members of Commission Wartburg, Wartburg College will have an unprecedented plan of action to prepare for the future with purpose and confidence.

On April 9, 1999, 235 individuals representing 24 states, the country of Pakistan, and a wide variety of professions and personal interests embarked upon an ambitious study of programs, challenges, and opportunities for Wartburg. Over the past year, these individuals have worked in eight task forces and authored 266 recommendations to ensure the college’s continued success.

During their work, commission members examined past achievements; analyzed the current and future environment in which Wartburg will compete; heard the viewpoints of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members; and labored over and generated reams of information.

None of this would have been possible without the capable leadership, effort, and innovation of individuals who are deeply committed to Wartburg College. I am especially grateful to the men and women who chaired the commission’s eight task forces: Marilyn Flachman, Todd Bachman, Gil Wessel, Mike Gaard, Mark Baldwin, Joe Vich, Oscar Scofield, and Joann Kilgus. I also wish to thank the task force facilitators, secretaries, and numerous other individuals who provided invaluable information and support to the task forces. Your work will make a great difference to Wartburg, and I thank you for your exceptional efforts.

Implementing these recommendations will not be easy. But Wartburg has a tradition of academic excellence and institutional strength and is faithfully committed to continual improvement. The administration’s willingness to expose the college to critical analysis through the commission process will benefit the college and its students for years to come.

On behalf of the entire commission, I am pleased to present Wartburg’s Board of Regents the Summary Report of Commission Wartburg.

Ross D. Christensen
National Chair
Commission Wartburg