Alumna's Gift Encourages Student Learning and Growth

By Janie (Wooddell) Worrall

By the time I was getting ready to graduate from high school, I truly wanted to get out of my own hometown. I couldn't bear the thought of living at home and attending my local university and commuting to classes. That did not sound like much adventure to me! Because I had been raised in the United Church of Christ, I knew about Heidelberg College and it seemed it might be just the right place for me to learn, grow and experience more of life.

That, I surely did. From the first time I had dinner in my residence hall with a faculty member to share thoughts and ideas to the spring of 1970 and the Student Strike, my days were full of learning and growth.

I am filled with tremendous appreciation for the quality of faculty who surrounded me in my learning. I think I was part of those first groups of students who, as part of their biology lab experience, trekked out with Dr. David Baker to garner water samples.

I am still able to recite some major works of art as a result of our Lit and Fine Arts class. Dr. Bruce Lohof helped me put my own American culture into perspective. Assistant Dean of Women Charlotte Morocco made residence hall living vibrant. Rev. Bill Hobbs helped me keep my connections to the tenets of my faith. There has never been a time when I have not appreciated the value of my liberal arts education and the critical thinking skills I obtained at Heidelberg.

In many ways, it is not surprising that I spent my entire career in three different states in the work of student development in higher education in a community college setting. I was passionate about how learning and critical thinking could open up new doors and adventures in one's life. I am pleased to donate to Heidelberg University to support scholarships for minority and first-generation college students to have the same opportunities for quality learning and living…and plenty of adventures!

Like Janie, your future support allows Heidelberg University students to learn, grow and experience more of life. Contact Doug Kellar at dkellar@heidelberg.edu or 419-448-2888 to learn about your giving options.