Name: Brandy Beatty ’26
Hometown: Elkport, Iowa
Major: Accounting and Business Administration
Involvement on campus: Phi Eta Sigma, Baldwin Leadership Fellows, Wartburg Players, Peer Learning Lab tutor, Wartburg Volleyball Club
Internship and study abroad experiences: Freedom Bank Customer Service Representative Intern; VGM Corporate Accounting Intern; Gosling and Company Tax Intern; Wartburg Business Office Accounting Assistant II; People, Profit, and Plant study abroad in the Netherlands and Germany during May Term
Plans after graduation: Junior staff auditor at Gardiner and Company in Charles City, Iowa
Why did you choose Wartburg?
Wartburg wasn’t originally on my radar, but the moment I stepped on campus I knew it was where I was meant to be. The size was the perfect fit and allowed me to build personal relationships with my professors. The opportunities here are truly endless.
What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how has your perspective on it changed since your first year?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an accountant, but I didn’t realize how many paths a degree in accounting could open. Since my first year, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the different areas within the field and the range of career opportunities it offers.
Can you describe a specific moment when you knew you made the right decision in choosing Wartburg?
I knew I had made the right choice during freshman orientation. The people, the energy, and the welcoming atmosphere made it clear that Wartburg would become home for the next four years.
Is there a faculty or staff member who made a significant impact on your journey? What is the best piece of advice they gave you?
Security officer Vicky Green made a meaningful impact on my Wartburg experience. Her radiant smile and constant support were felt across campus. Her encouragement never wavered, and she always reminded me to stay true to myself.
Which co-curricular activity defined your college experience?
My involvement in Phi Eta Sigma and Baldwin Leadership Fellows shaped me into a servant-leader. Through these organizations, I discovered a love for volunteering that will stay with me long after graduation.
What is the one thing you never imagined you would/could do before coming to Wartburg?
As an aspiring CPA, I needed 150 credit hours to be licensed in the State of Iowa. While many schools require a five‑year track to meet this requirement, Wartburg empowered me to add an additional major and concentration, allowing me to earn the necessary hours and still graduate on time. I also never imagined I would have the opportunity to study abroad, but Wartburg made that possible as well. The memories I made during that experience will stay with me forever.
What was your favorite Wartburg memory?
One of my favorite Wartburg memories was a huge snowstorm in 2023. Campus was quiet, and my boyfriend (a 2024 Wartburg alum) and I decided to build a snowman. Slowly, other students began to join in, and by the end of the night the campus lawn was full of people having snowball fights, building snowmen, and just enjoying the moment. It truly felt like a scene from a movie.
What advice do you have for prospective or first-year students?
Take advantage of every resource Wartburg offers — the career center, Peer Learning Lab, professor office hours, and the library. Never hesitate to ask for help because the people here genuinely want to see you succeed.
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