Wartburg College has met its $2 million fundraising goal to enhance social work initiatives benefitting students and the Cedar Valley.

The college received $2,002,625 in gifts and pledges as part of its recently concluded Social Work Initiative supporting the Slife Institute for Social Work Consultation, Research, and Training as well as the Tomson Family Distinguished Chair in Social Work. 

Wartburg graduates Jack and Sarah Slife Salzwedel provided a leadership gift for the Slife Institute honoring her parents, the late Harry and Polly Slife, who were prominent Cedar Valley leaders. Harry also was chair of the Wartburg Board of Regents. A November 2013 event honoring the Slifes and a $50,000 grant from the R.J. McElroy Trust helped put it over the top

The O. Jay and Patricia Tomson Professorship — established in 1984 through the generosity of O. Jay and Patricia Tomson of Mason City — was elevated to a distinguished chair in 2012 after the Tomsons provided a $500,000 challenge grant. Dr. Tammy Faux, professor of social work, holds the Tomson Family Distinguished Chair in Social Work.

Jack Salzwedel, a Wartburg regent, is chairman and chief executive officer of American Family Insurance. O. Jay Tomson, a former regent from 1989 to 1998, is chairman of First Citizens National Bank of Mason City.

“Wartburg’s social work department serves our communities well and equips its students to attend some of the best graduate schools,” Pat Tomson said.

“These gifts help the Slife Institute partner with area social service agencies to fill needs for affordable continuing education opportunities and provide consultation and research services that help area agencies strengthen their services,” Faux said.

Christina Walker, a 2012 Wartburg graduate in social work and a Master of Social Work candidate at Washington University in St. Louis, developed an action plan for legislative changes to expand respite foster care — giving foster parents time off — as part of the Slife Institute.

“I was transformed from a knowledgeable, but timid student to a passionate and effective social worker,” Walker said. “I found that the voice of a social worker is strong and that I as a social worker have a place in the legislative process.”

Current institute projects include working with:

• The Waverly Shell Rock Area United Way to present a workshop to help member agencies with requesting and tracking funds, plus basic grant-writing information.
• The Iowa Department on Aging to host a conference in May.
• The Cedar Valley Friends of the Family on program evaluations.
• The Allison Area Foster Parent Association on respite foster care.
• Inclusion Connection, which advocates for persons with disabilities.