Name: Nora Tweeten ’26
Hometown: Clear Lake, Iowa
Major: Business Administration (2026 Outstanding Senior)
Involvement on Campus: I served as a resident assistant in Clinton for the past two years and have been on Orientation Staff. I was the public relations director for Student Senate and an Admissions Ambassador. I served as secretary of Kantorei and vice president of the Wartburg Trading Club. I have also been involved as the ETK marketing coordinator and Homecoming Committee marketing director, along with volunteering for Dance Marathon. This past fall, I also went on a service trip to Milwaukee, which was a really meaningful experience for me.
What are you plans after graduation?
I will be working at Edward Jones as a financial adviser in the Clear Lake area.
Why did you choose Wartburg?
I chose Wartburg because the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a sense of peace and comfort that I had not really felt anywhere else. After visiting a lot of different schools, this one just felt right. The people here are what make it so special. They are genuinely kind, caring, and invested in who you are. It quickly started to feel like home.
What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how has your perspective on it changed since your first year?
My interest in business started in high school when I created my own business called Better Said Greeting Card Company. Designing and selling my own greeting cards sparked my passion for the business world and showed me how creative and impactful it can be. My cards are still sold in the Wartburg bookstore today, which is really special to me.
Since my first year, my perspective has grown a lot. I came in knowing I liked business, but now I have a much better understanding of how I can use finance and marketing to actually help people and make a difference.
Can you describe a specific moment when you knew you made the right decision in choosing Wartburg?
A moment that stands out to me was early in my freshman year in my SEM 100 class with Lindsey Leonard. That was when I first really understood Wartburg’s mission and what it looks like in action. I realized that this was more than just a place to get a degree. It was a place where I was going to grow in every area of my life.
Tell us about the leadership and internship experiences you’ve had.
I have gained a lot of hands on experience through internships and leadership roles, especially in marketing and business. The summer going into my sophomore year, I interned at Ameriprise Financial. The summer going into my junior year, I worked at Hormel Foods as the Black Label Bacon Marketing Intern. I really enjoyed both of these experiences and they helped me better understand different areas of business.
In addition to my internships, one of my most impactful academic experiences was creating a full marketing campaign for the National Football League in one of my business classes. I had the opportunity to take that project to the National Student Advertising Competition, which challenged me to apply what I was learning in a real setting and made me even more interested in marketing.
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?
Lindsey Leonard made a big impact on my experience, especially during my first year. One of the best pieces of advice she gave was to take advantage of opportunities and not be afraid to do things that feel uncomfortable. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my time at Wartburg.
Which co-curricular activity defined your college experience?
Choir has really defined my college experience. It gave me a strong sense of community and helped me grow in my faith. It has been something that has stayed consistent for me throughout my time at Wartburg.
What is the one thing you never imagined you would or could do before coming to Wartburg?
I never imagined how involved I would become or how many leadership experiences I would take on. I also never expected to meet some of my best friends here, or even meet the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.
What advice do you have for prospective or first-year students?
Do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first. This is a place where you can try a lot of different things, and that is how you figure out what you like and where you belong. At the same time, stay true to yourself and your values. It is easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but the best experiences come when you are grounded in who you are and make choices that feel right for you.
Share
