Take advantage of all the opportunities available
NAME: Jen Bye Christy
CLASS YEAR: 1995
MAJOR: Accounting
CURRENTLY: Portfolio manager, Principal Financial Group
WHY WARTBURG: There are many reasons I chose Wartburg College. I wanted to sing in the choir and play golf. Wartburg allowed me the flexibility to do both along side my classes. My family has a long legacy at Wartburg. I was never pressured to attend Wartburg – I chose it for me. At my very first college visit, I knew it was HOME.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WARTBURG TRADITION: Outfly by far! An unexpected “day off” – no other college has anything like it!
HOW DID YOUR WARTBURG EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: Wartburg provided me a good foundation that has served me well in my professional, volunteer, and family life. Through my involvement in a variety of experiences while on campus, I developed my leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills which I use in every aspect of my life.
HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO THE COLLEGE: I have served as a UKnight Day Champion, am a member of the Alumni Board, and have attended many Wartburg events in the Des Moines area. I enjoy attending Christmas with Wartburg each year, which brings with it a rush of wonderful memories of my days singing in the choir. I actively refer students to Wartburg through the Alumni Referral Program – and get so excited when they begin their Wartburg journeys. And now that my daughter is attending Wartburg, it’s so much fun to be back on campus, watching her build relationships, make her own memories, and creating her own experience.
I promote Wartburg College to make others aware of the amazing experiences they also can have as they continue their life adventures. My family legacy at Wartburg is generations long, and the history and traditions of the college continue to bond us together. Seeing others join the Wartburg family warms my heart as they build their own legacy and create lasting memories.
HOW ARE YOU LIVING OUT THE WARTBURG MISSION: The pillars of leadership and service are key components of my life. I’m very active in my church – serving as choir director, Sunday School teacher, committee member, and Praise Band member. I have served in leadership positions on the Dragon Scholarship Fund, PTO, and Johnston Band Parents Association. There are so many places in this world where extra hands are needed – and it feels great to be able to use my Wartburg skills along with the gifts that God has given me to serve others.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS: Take advantage of the MANY opportunities that are offered while at Wartburg – service trips, study abroad, music groups, athletics, activities/clubs. You will learn as much in these opportunities as you do in the classroom. Also – find the balance between fun and studying. Get out of your dorm room, look up from your phone ,and connect with others! These relationships will last a lifetime!
WHY WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WORTH IT: My experiences during my four years at Wartburg College created some of the most enjoyable memories of my life. I am proud of the well rounded education I received along with the service and leadership skills I gained during my time on campus. I appreciated being involved in a variety of activities and cherish the friendships I made that still grow today.