Wartburg College has received a $2 million gift that will help transform a first-year residence hall and build the college’s endowment.

The gift from Melvia Soenke, a 1970 graduate in business education and business administration, included farmland, machinery and more than $300,000 in outright support for the transformation of Clinton Hall, as well as $1.7 million for the college’s endowment. The gift is part of the college’s upcoming comprehensive campaign, Transforming Tomorrow.

The $8 million Clinton Hall project includes major interior updates and a new addition.

Soenke, of Davenport, has remained involved with Wartburg, including arranging for the college’s musical ensembles to perform at her church. Much of the gift came in the form of a charitable remainder unitrust that will provide her with a lifetime income stream.

“Like so many of the Wartburg alums I’ve met, Melvia is an inspiration,” said Wartburg President Darrel Colson. “She thought long and hard about how she could make a positive difference in the world, and she chose to support the college’s work with students. Her generosity will benefit young people for many years to come.”

“It’s a pleasure for me to give this gift to Wartburg College to honor my parents, Albert and Helen Soenke, for their love of agriculture,” Soenke said.

The residential experience is a central element of Wartburg’s educational philosophy. The campus master plan lays the groundwork for enhancing that experience through a transformation of first-year housing. The Clinton Hall transformation is the first step in implementing this plan. The project will: