Dawn Jaeger ’83
Grinnell, Iowa

Dawn Jaeger draws from a deep well of compassion in her personal and professional life, sharing empathy with those around her and doing what she can to empower others.

After graduating from Wartburg, Jaeger worked at Bremwood Lutheran Children’s Home prior to an extended leave for cancer treatment and surgery. She worked several part-time positions in human services before joining Brown County Human Services in Green Bay, Wis., as part of the foster care, parenting, and adult services teams. After she and her family moved to Grinnell, she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa. She was a medical social worker at Grinnell Regional Medical Center prior to serving in a number of roles over 22 years at the Central Rivers Area Education Agency.

Formally, Jaeger was a school social worker, ensuring students with disabilities were provided with high-quality educations. She is a leader in the areas of social-emotional learning and bullying prevention, a topic she has presented on to audiences across the country. She served on the crisis response team, initially as a resource to schools following traumatic events, then for the past few years as a designated debriefing facilitator, supporting co-workers who have dealt with difficult and traumatic situations. She is also the president-elect and treasurer of the International Bullying Prevention Association and was recognized as the 2012 Iowa School Social Worker of the Year.

Informally, Jaeger is a role model and a shoulder to lean on for many colleagues and friends. During the pandemic, she realized the effects school closures were having on teachers and students and began researching ways to help. She quickly became an expert on self-care, checking in regularly with co-workers and providing support to teachers and school leaders.

“Not only does Dawn learn academically for her professional development as a social worker, she also approaches life as a curious student eagerly embarking on adventures and experiences,” wrote one of her nominators.

Jaeger has been active in her church, playing in the bell choir, participating in retreats, and mentoring youth. “I have seen Dawn guide others through difficult chapters in their spiritual journeys, offering grace, compassion, empathy, and wisdom,” wrote a nominator, even as Jaeger has dealt with her own health challenges. “After many years of knowing her, I believe she exemplifies the mission of Wartburg. Her life is a model of leadership, service, faith, and learning,” wrote another.

For her empathy and work championing those society ignores, exemplifying a life of leadership and service as a spirited expression of her faith and learning, the Wartburg College Alumni Board is pleased to present Dawn Jaeger with an Alumni Citation.