Endowed Funds

An endowment fund protects the principal gift and uses only a portion of the investment earnings each year to provide scholarship support. Since the principal remains intact, donors can create a legacy that will endure for generations to come. With a gift of at least $50,000, payment of which can be spread over a period of years, donors may establish an endowed scholarship in their name or in honor of a loved one, and donors may also suggest the award selection criteria. 

Generous outright and estate gifts have grown Wartburg’s endowment, providing equivalent funding to meet about six percent of the college’s annual commitment to financial aid. Imagine what could happen if our scholarship endowment reached $500 million, the level necessary to generate annual investment earnings to meet 100% of Wartburg’s financial aid budget. Such a scenario would permanently enable the college to meet the financial need of deserving students. Possible endowment gift levels include:

Scholarships by Last Name

The college recognizes and thanks its donors for helping keep a Wartburg education accessible and affordable for all students. The following donor-funded scholarships are awarded automatically as part of Wartburg’s financial aid process. No application is available or necessary for consideration.

The order of the listing is by last name. Select the tab with the appropriate starting letter of the last name to view scholarships.

The Knights Legacy Circle endowment funds provide sustaining support for Wartburg Athletics and recognize those who provide gifts or pledges of $5,000 or more to new or existing endowment funds. Whether benefitting a specific sport or the overall athletic program, these gifts honor the spirit of our alumni, parents, friends, and fans, while helping ensure the Knights’ future success. Members who provide gifts or pledges of $100,000 or more may create a named endowment fund and designate use of those funds. 

The generosity of June Rickhoff Mehlhaus ’61 led to the establishment of the Knights Legacy Circle. In 2011-12, she created the John Mehlhaus ’62 Memorial Endowment Fund in honor of her late husband, who played basketball for the Knights, and their daughter, Jody Mehlhaus Eubank ’87, who played on the Wartburg volleyball team.

Current Knights Legacy Circle Funds

Fund Name	Description
Fund Name: John Mehlhaus Memorial Endowment Fund-Knights Legacy Circle	Description: Supports the men’s basketball program, in part through defrayed travel costs, and enabled the creation of the Knights’ Legacy Circle
Track & Field Program Endowed Fund	Description: Supports the men’s and women’s track and field program
Fund Name: Volleyball Endowment Fund	Description: Supports the women’s volleyball program
Fund Name: Steve and Jennifer Walker Women’s Volleyball Endowment Fund	Supports operations for the women’s volleyball program
Fund Name: Dick Walker Wrestling Endowed Fund	Description: Supports operations for the wrestling program
Fund Name: Softball Endowment Fund	Description: Supports operations for the women’s softball program
Fund Name: Wrestling Program Endowed Fund	Description: Supports the Knights’ intercollegiate wrestling program
Fund Name: John Kurtt Cross Country Endowment Fund	Description: Supports the cross country program
Fund Name: Doug Stulken Basketball Endowment Fund	Description: Supports the men’s basketball program
Fund Name: Bill Hamm Spirit of Wartburg College Fund	Description: Supports uniting the Wartburg Community through athletics
Fund Name: Lee Bondhus Football Fund	Description: Supports the football program
Fund Name: Lynes/Koob Athletic Award	Description: Supports an annual award for the outstanding senior player
Fund Name: Men’s Basketball Endowed Fund	Description: Supports the men’s basketball program