A campus visit changed her college trajectory

As the daughter of two Wartburg alumni, Julia Ratekin Verhoef ’17 thought she knew when she began her college search that it wasn’t going to end with her at Wartburg.

“I wanted to branch out, explore something new, and forge my own path. While my parents didn’t require me to apply or attend Wartburg, we did agree that I at least had to go on a campus visit,” said Verhoef.

Once on campus, Verhoef changed her mind.

“During my visit, I was immediately drawn to the campus. I distinctly remember walking to the (Bachman) Fine Arts Center to meet with Dr. (Craig) Hancock when I had a moment of clarity: This is a place where I can succeed,” said Verhoef. “Additionally, I liked the smaller class sizes, and I really appreciated that the campus was enclosed, so I didn’t have to drive or take a bus to get from my dorm to my classes. Lastly, I liked how, as a student, you could be involved in so many extracurricular activities regardless of your major or if you were a student-athlete.”

Verhoef chose graphic design and fine art as her major, adding a business minor and a leadership certificate later on.

“In high school, I took a graphic design class and loved it. I’ve always enjoyed being creative and graphic design felt like a way that I could be creative while also having a successful career. Although I don’t design for my career today, I work with designers every day, and that education and skill set have been invaluable,” said Verhoef.

In addition to classes, Verhoef stayed busy with other activities on campus such as Wind Ensemble, Tower Agency, Volunteer Action Committee (now Knights Who Serve), Handbell Choir, Kantorei, and The Trumpet. Through her involvement with one of these organizations, Verhoef got to go on the trip of a lifetime.

“During my junior year, I had the incredible opportunity to tour Europe with the Wind Ensemble for May Term. Many aspects of this trip changed me for the better, including leaving the United States for the first time, exploring the world via double-decker bus, and performing in places that are sacred to those communities,” said Verhoef. “But the experience that was most impactful out of all of them was the homestays. Being welcomed into people’s homes and eating at their dinner table was an incredible experience. In those moments the world didn’t seem quite so big and scary, and those people just felt like neighbors. It didn’t matter that we spoke different languages or ate different foods, we came together over a meal and got to know one another.”

Other traditions and norms on campus stick out in Verhoef’s memories.

“My sophomore year before the Saturday night performance of Christmas with Wartburg (CWW), a couple of my friends and I were walking from our dorm to the FAC to get ready for the performance. It was snowing – I think campus is most beautiful under a blanket of fresh snow – the air smelled like hot chocolate and my friends and I were laughing,” said Verhoef. “I don’t remember what we were talking about, but this moment is one of my favorite memories because it was a time when I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. At Wartburg, with my friends, on our way to a CWW performance.”

Spread throughout her favorite memories are the people Verhoef met on campus.

“The people I met here are still some of my best friends to this day. They’re my biggest cheerleaders, my greatest inspiration, and I know if I ever needed anything they would all be there for me,” said Verhoef. “I met my best friend, Emily, in the Wind Ensemble rehearsal room. We did multiple Wind Ensemble tours together, were college roommates and now we get lunch together at least once a week but we often spend much more time together than that.”

Verhoef is currently an account supervisor at ZLR Ignition and recently participated in Wartburg’s 40 Under 40 event which gave young alumni the opportunity to connect with students and share their insights into various career paths, cities, and professional opportunities.

For current and future students, Verhoef has some advice.

“Leverage the Wartburg network, Wartburg people LOVE to help other Wartburg people. They’ll help you find internships, job shadow experience, career guidance, ways to get involved in your community, and more,” said Verhoef. “They’re one of your greatest assets – and they’re some amazing people.”