Dr. Susan Kosché Vallem’s distinguished career, including a long tenure at her alma mater, and devotion to the less fortunate epitomizes the leadership and service Wartburg seeks to nurture in its students.
Vallem’s interest in serving others was instilled at an early age when she accompanied her parents on dental mission work. That led to studying sociology and social work at Wartburg, and after graduating in 1966, she earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa and her Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Her professional experience includes serving as a social worker in Bremer County, director of social services for the Waverly Municipal Hospital and Bartels Lutheran Home, and a clinical social work therapist for Lutheran Services in Iowa. Vallem served on the board of the hospital, now the Waverly Health Center, for 41 years — just one piece of her extensive community involvement.
Vallem joined the Wartburg College Department of Social Work in 1987, drawing on her extensive experience in the field to prepare students for their own careers. She served broadly beyond her role in the classroom, including as chair of Faculty Council, and was a frequent author and presenter. During her tenure, her innovations included the Slife Institute for Social Work Research, Training & Consultation; the service dog training partnership with Retrieving Freedom Inc.; the St. Elizabeth Week of Service; the Day on the Hill advocacy event at the Iowa Capitol; and the first support group for gay and lesbian students on campus. She retired and was named professor emerita in 2013, and she continues to provide clinical licensure and internship services for LSI.
In addition to her work as faculty, Vallem has served on the Transforming Tomorrow National Campaign Committee, the Commission on Mission Service Task Force, the Focus on the Future Regional Partnerships Task Force, and the Social Work National Advisory Board. She was a Grand Marshal for the 2021 Homecoming & Family Weekend Parade and has previously received an Alumni Citation. Vallem and her husband, Gerald, are members of Heritage Society and the President’s Round Table.
Susan Vallem has enriched the Wartburg story as a faithful servant to her alma mater and community. In appreciation of her servant-leadership and in recognition of her longtime service, the Board of Regents hereby awards the Wartburg Medal to Dr. Susan Kosché Vallem.
Waverly, Iowa
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