Wartburg College will celebrate St. Elizabeth Week — an observance devoted to community activism and service — Nov. 15–21.
St. Elizabeth Week, organized by Wartburg’s Volunteer Action Center, includes activities developed by students from Habitat for Humanity, Manna, Campus Ministry, Students for Peace and Justice and Student Senate. Projects will focus on efforts to alleviate hunger and homelessness.
St. Elizabeth Week honors the legacy of the 13th century German woman who built a hospital, fed the hungry and assisted the poor. After her death in 1231, Pope Gregory IX proclaimed her a saint.
The St. Elizabeth Week celebration begins with a new launch event featuring live music performances, a DJ and prizes Saturday, Nov. 15, 6-8 p.m., in Cardinal Commons between Grossmann and Löhe halls. The St. Elizabeth Chorale will provide music for a worship service Sunday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m., in the chapel. The CROP Hunger Walk — hosted by Manna — begins at 2 p.m., with registration at The W at 1:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to organizations fighting hunger.
Other St. Elizabeth Week activities include:
- A weeklong clothing drive with boxes in all residence halls and Saemann Student Center.
- A service day hosted by Manna, Saturday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo. Participants are needed to sort and package food.
- The “Voices of the Issues” panel with representatives speaking about hunger and homelessness Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m., in Whitehouse Business Center 214.
- A community partner reception Tuesday, Nov. 18, 4-6 p.m., in McCoy West of Saemann Student Center. Then, from 5 to 7 p.m., students and community members can write cards to children during “Stop and Serve.” The Northeast Iowa Food Bank will distribute the cards.
- Presentation of the St. Elizabeth Award for Service and the Pastor Larry Trachte Award Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10:15 a.m., in Wartburg Chapel. The St. Elizabeth Award is given to three individuals who exemplify a commitment to service. The Pastor Larry Trachte Award is given to two faculty or staff members who embody his “enthusiasm, support, enthusiasm, dedication and overall commitment to Wartburg’s mission of service.”
- Re-Launching “Orange Band” Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m., in the Heritage Room of Saemann Student Center. Participants can write down an issue they feel passionate about on an orange fabric and tie it to their backpack where it can be seen and discussed.
- A 30-hour fast that ends with the Famine Feast Hunger Banquet, an interactive and educational dinner experience, Friday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m., in Whitehouse Business Center 214.
- St. Lizzie’s Sleep Out Friday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m., in the Classroom Technology Center skywalk.