Wartburg helped me achieve my goals

NAME: Mike Franzman 

CLASS YEAR: 2000 

MAJOR: Biology 

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Owner, Quad Cities Periodontics

WHY WARTBURG: While I was in high school I met some dental students at the University of Iowa who mentioned that they went to Wartburg. They spoke well of their experience, so I applied.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU NEVER IMAGINED YOU COULD DO BEFORE COMING TO WARTBURG: Participate in a service trip during spring break in South Carolina.

Mike Franzman

HOW DID YOUR WARTBURG EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE:  I learned time management. Juggling studies, activities, sports, family time, and work was hard. But all that stuff going on forced me to become organized and helped prepare me to be a successful dentist, husband, father, and friend.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WARTBURG TRADITION: May Term. The weather is nice, everyone’s in a great mood, and there’s just a great vibe to the campus.

WHY WAS YOUR WARTBURG EXPERIENCE WORTH IT: Not only did I achieve my goal of getting into dental school, the training I had and the study habits I developed at Wartburg helped me a great deal when I started grad school. I also had the opportunity to be involved in a ton of activities that weren’t related to science or dentistry that I otherwise might not have.

HOW DO YOU LIVE OUT THE WARTBURG MISSION: I work hard at my private practice to treat patients in a kind, caring way. I do my best to recognize unique individual differences between people and how best I can adapt my treatment to their preferences. I also teach at the University of Iowa, striving to help students learn in a positive and engaging environment. I remain active in my church and volunteer for multiple organizations as well.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS: Job shadow, intern, bang on doors, do whatever you can to gain experience in your chosen field and confirm that it is a career that you are passionate about. If you find that your chosen career is not what you want, you’re at Wartburg and there are protocols in place to help you find your ideal profession. The Pathways Center is amazing, use those resources available to you! 

HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO THE COLLEGE: Annual giving. Alumni board. Social media. Multiple trips to campus for meetings and Homecoming/Commencement. I encourage all alumni to get back to campus. Incredible things are happening here and we all want you to be a part of it!