Director of Alumni Relations

Theodore Schoneman 2020

Theodore “Theo” Schoneman, a native of Garner, Iowa, graduated from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School in 2016. He received his A.A. in General Education from North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in 2017. He graduated summa cum laude from Waldorf in 2020 with his B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in digital media, public relations and journalism. While at Waldorf, he was a member of the wind symphony, Alpha Chi, WAL-TV and KZOW radio, where he served as sports director and called play-by-play and color commentary for various Waldorf sporting events.

Before joining the Waldorf staff as director of alumni relations in October 2022, he worked in marketing for a local North Iowa company. Theo is deeply passionate about Waldorf, and he has many goals, such as expanding Waldorf’s alumni network and continuing to cultivate strong relationships between alumni, students and the university. He is also a devout believer in Christ and deeply appreciates Waldorf’s Christian roots as an institution. Theo resides in Forest City with his wife, Baili 2022, son Grayson and their mini-goldendoodle,  Oakli. In his free time, Theo enjoys golfing, bowling, listening to music, watching sports and spending as much quality time with family and friends as possible.

Alumni Board Officers

Dr. Thomas Wicks 1988, President, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Dr. Thomas “Tom” Wicks is the Waldorf University Alumni Association president and hails from a fifth-generation family farm near Kanawha, Iowa. Waldorf is a whole family tradition for the Wicks family, with his parents and siblings also being fellow alum. “Doc” received his A.A. in 1988 from Waldorf University and his B.A. from Wartburg College in 1990. He continued his postgraduate education at Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, earning his D.P.M. in podiatric medicine in 1994. Dr. Wicks then completed his podiatric surgical residency at Michiana Community Hospital in South Bend, Ind., and later founded Acute Foot and Ankle Care, PC, located in Greencastle, Ind. His podiatric medical and surgical practice specialized in diabetic limb salvage and surgical reconstruction of the rheumatoid and arthritic foot.

Dr. Wicks relocated his practice in 2014, joining multi-specialty groups Southern Plainsnd the Five Oaks Medical Group in Chickasha, Okla., Medical Group a which provided opportunities in limb salvage and reconstructive surgery. Smith and Nephew Pharmaceuticals also chose him to be a nationwide speaker on diabetic limb salvage.

Presently, Dr. Wicks practices in southeast Oklahoma as a podiatric physician with the McAlester Bone and Joint Clinic owned by McAlester Regional Health Center, encompassing trauma, reconstructive surgery and limb salvage. Doc serves as an adjunct professor with the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, training residents and students of osteopathic medicine. 

Dr. Wicks has a passion for service in his communities, church and his alma maters.  He has served over twenty years in the fire service as a firefighter with the Greencastle Fire Department, Grady County Fire Department, the Texanna Fire Department and served as the chief medical officer for the Grady County Fire Department. 

Dr. Wicks is married to Dr. Laura Black-Wicks, a family physician and educator, and has two sons Thomas and James. Dr. Wicks enjoys being “semi-retired with a full-time job” living on the lake in southern Oklahoma. He spends his spare time golfing, skiing, cooking and is a Corvette enthusiast.

Lynda Tysver 1990, Vice-President, 2nd term ends Oct. 2027

Lynda "Georgee" Tysver graduated from Waldorf with the class of 1990 and then obtained her B.A. from the University of N. Colorado. She has been a research analyst for 6 years with Lexmark Int'l., an artist and owner of TD'S Happy Faces for over 13 years and brings smiles everywhere through clowning, singing, balloon twisting, teaching and face and body painting. She has been a member and leader of Team RWB Twin Cities, a non-profit group, for 10 years. Lynda's passion is her work for over 33 years with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She started as a donor and quickly found ways to volunteer at as many charity events as available in Minn. and Wis.

In 2016, Lynda became a St. Jude hero - raising money and awareness for the work St. Jude does through running half marathons and more all over the country. In 2020, she became a national St. Jude hero ambassador doing all the above and adding speaking engagements, helping build their hero program, helping other heroes succeed in their goals, teaching kids the importance of paying it forward and creating more fundraising opportunities. She is proud to be a member of the alumni board and a part of the Waldorf family.

Jim Willmore 1989, Secretary, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Jim has worked in the cable television and internet provider field for the past 29 years in various capacities and is currently employed by Charter Communications. At Charter, Jim serves as an area inside plant operations manager, covering over 20 Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin sites. He manages a staff of 12 engineers who cover the distribution of video, phone and internet services to over 50 communities. Jim lives in Superior, Wis. with his wife, Christy. They have five adult children and enjoy volunteering in their community and traveling to visit family and friends.

2nd term Board members

Michael Cole 2003, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Michael “Mike” Cole graduated from Waldorf in 2003 with a B.A. in CIS and has worked in IT for over 20 years in various industries such as manufacturing, finance, medical and e-commerce. He travels the Midwest, speaking at technical conferences and previously speaking at events in Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Des Moines and Lincoln. In 2014, he started working remotely full-time, and The Remote Life is the topic of his signature conference presentation.

In 2016, he launched Cole Consulting, Inc., where he enjoys building and maintaining software for several clients. He has also shifted his focus to the multiple facets of running a small business, such as accounting, subcontracting, marketing, legal and client retention. In 2016, he joined the Waldorf alumni board to reconnect with his alma mater and rekindle old friendships. He currently lives in Cedar Falls with his wife of 18 years and their two children.

Thomas Faber 2002, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Thomas “Tom” Faber is a 1999 Graduate of Forest City High School. He attended Waldorf from 1999-2002 where he received his B.A. in finance. He has 20 years of experience in the banking industry and currently works for Old National Bank, where he leads their Small Business Administration (SBA) lending division. He and his wife, Jennifer, have 2 children and reside in Rosemount, Minn.

Lance E. Skov 1989, 2nd term ends Oct. 2026

Lance graduated with an A.A. from Waldorf College in 1991. Waldorf was just starting the transition to being a 4-year college the year he graduated, and the Waldorf Atrium had just been completed. He currently resides in Albert Lea, Minn. and works as a CPA.

After graduating from Waldorf, he earned his bachelor's at Wartburg College in 1993. 

Lance has worked in public accounting since 2005 and became a shareholder in January 2008. Before working in public accounting, he worked as a credit analyst and financial accountant from 1993-2005. Lance works in payroll, individual tax, non-profit tax, corporate tax, bookkeeping and audits of local governments and non-profit organizations.

Lance has served on several community organizations. He has served as president of St John’s Lutheran Community Board of Directors, and he currently serves as a trustee at Security Bank MN in Albert Lea and on the board of directors for Hillcrest Cemetery.

Brian Chisholm 2002, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Brian Chisholm is a 1999 graduate of Forest City High School. He went to Waldorf College, where he played 2 years of football for the Warriors. He received his B.A. degree in finance/management from Waldorf in 2002. Immediately upon graduation, he was offered a job with Wells Fargo, still employed as a VA mortgage underwriter. He and his wife, Emily, have 4 children and currently reside in Polk City, Iowa.

Braden Falline 2012, 2nd term ends Oct. 2024

Braden Falline grew up in Everly, Iowa and received his B.A. in history in 2012 from Waldorf. Braden moved to Spencer and began working at Merrill Company from 2012-15 when he was hired as the director of collections at Clay County Heritage. Braden continued in that position until October 2022, when he was promoted to executive director. Braden has served on several local nonprofit boards and committees and served two terms on the Iowa Arts Council board of directors.

1st term Board members

Amanda (Anderson) Braun 2004, Term ends Oct. 2026

Amanda Braun earned her B.A. from Waldorf in 2004. She holds designations as a project management professional (PMP), a certified professional in talent development (CPTD) and a certified life coach (CPC).

After graduating from Waldorf, she joined Nationwide Insurance, where she has been in human resources/talent management for over 18 years. She has extensive experience in consulting, designing, facilitating and managing learning programs. In her current role, she focuses on enabling employees with the skills and connections to move into new roles across the organization. She currently manages enterprise mentoring and reskilling certification programs that allow employees to build new skills to broaden their career options for the future workforce.

Amanda lives in the Des Moines metro with her husband, whom she met at Waldorf, and their two young boys. When not working or attending her kid’s sporting events, she enjoys a good book while indulging in dark chocolate and a glass of wine.

Lindsay (Rummel) Dalrymple 2005, Term ends Oct. 2024

Lindsay (Rummel) Dalrymple (music education) currently serves as the executive director for the performing arts and leadership series at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). She enjoys building teams based on mutual respect and passion. Her greatest professional achievements have been guiding the NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series through the Covid-19 shutdowns, being selected for a Kennedy Center partnership and receiving an invitation to the Edinburg Fringe Festival for directorial work at Ventura CSD. Lindsay currently lives in Mason City with her husband, Chris, and their three children, Elanora (5), Liam (1) and Grayson (1).

Andrea (Goedderz) Wright 2007, Term ends Oct. 2026

Andrea (Goedderz) Wright is a native of Royalton, Minn., and resides with her husband and two children in the Des Moines area. She received her B.A. in communications from Waldorf College in 2007, holds a graduate certificate in instructional technology and is completing her M.S. in information media online through St. Cloud State University. Andrea is the regional philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross and works with donors in Iowa who wish to make a gift to support the American Red Cross.  She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years, with previous positions at the American Cancer Society, the Initiative Foundation and Orchard Place. 

Andrea credits her career in the nonprofit sector to her time at Waldorf, where she discovered that a life of service could also expand into her professional life. Andrea previously served on state and local boards for JCI Iowa and is governor #475; she is a PEO sister, an active member of the Central Iowa Association of Fundraising Professionals, and a past recipient of the recent alumni award for service from Waldorf University. Additionally, Andrea is highly involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society following her diagnosis with the disease. She and her husband participate in and fundraise for bike MS events across the United States. Andrea continues to have a strong passion for Waldorf and continues to promote and connect with Waldorf alum every chance she possibly can.

Tara (Crawford) Kingland 2015, Term ends Oct. 2024

Tara (Crawford) Kingland is a 1996 Forest City High School graduate and was in the nursing program at North Iowa Community College (NIACC) from 1996-97. She didn't complete that degree as she chose to spend the next 15 years raising her three daughters and working various jobs, including office manager for American Family Insurance, assistant manager for Casey's, manager of Pizza Ranch, office manager for a local car dealership and the local grain elevator and aisle manager for Bill's Family Foods.

In 2012, God finally released Tara to pursue her long-time dream of earning a college degree and, in May 2015, she graduated summa cum laude from Waldorf College with a B.A. in communications, with an emphasis in graphic design and journalism. In April 2015, Tara was hired in the Waldorf marketing department as the graphic designer and worked in that role until she was promoted to director of marketing in January 2020, where she continues to serve Waldorf in that role and as the graphic designer. While at Waldorf, Tara was involved in Alpha Chi, the Torch magazine as lead designer, WAL-TV as promotions director and lead designer with the Waldorf Literary Review. 

Tara is currently earning her M.B.A. in marketing and project management through Waldorf. In her spare time, Tara enjoys leading worship at her church, spending time with friends and family, praying, gardening, reading and knitting. She currently lives in Joice with her husband, Jeff, dog and cat, and has three grown children, two son-in-laws, and four grandsons.

Zachary Muncrief 2018 & 2021, Term ends Oct. 2024

Zachary “Zach” Muncrief joined the Waldorf alumni board of directors in 2020. He has spent the past 20 years in the financial crime investigations and surveillance industry, working for a native tribe in Oklahoma. Zac was published in a trade publication for his table games protection industry work.

Zac earned three associate degrees from Columbia Southern University, a B.S. from Waldorf University and his master’s degree in leadership from Waldorf. All his degrees were earned through the remote learning program. Zac has earned certifications as a gaming anti-money laundering specialist, certified anti-money laundering specialist and certified financial crimes specialist. He is also a member of MENSA. Zac lives with his wife, four children, and four dogs in Eastern Oklahoma.

Samantha (Rosenberg) Potthoff 2020, Term ends Oct. 2026

Samantha Rosenberg earned a B.A. in theater arts from Waldorf University. She is working towards an M.Ed. in special education from Western Governors University. After graduating from Waldorf University, Samantha interned at Fairmont Opera House in Fairmont, Minn. where she was hired on as their technical director/Fairmont area community theater program coordinator. She has found a passion for working with children through Fairmont Opera House and after 2 years of working with entertainers from all over the world, Samantha took on a new journey in education. 

Samantha currently works as a K-2 grade special education teacher. She still uses her theater arts degree by coaching One Act and directing community theater. Samantha is also working on starting her own community theater troupe with her good friend, Jake Helmstetter. They are working towards an inclusive theatrical experience that can reach all ages.

Marques Bush 2021, Term ends Oct. 2025

Marques Bush is a 25-year veteran and student in the public safety field. He specializes in fire/emergency services and has taught all over the United States. Through his work, Bush aims to foster organizational change and development, emphasizing culture.

Bush holds a master’s in organizational leadership from Waldorf University, a B.S. in fire service administration from Columbia Southern University (CSU) and an A.S. degree in fire science from CSU. He has many professional certifications, including a graduate certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida.

Bush’s achievements and dedication to service are reflected in his career. His performance during the 2007 sofa superstore fire in Charleston, S.C. earned him the South Carolina Governor's Award for excellence. He also received the NAACP Modjeska Simkins award for his civil rights work during an incident at Richardson Lake in Aiken, S.C.

Caden Tchop 2022, Term ends Oct. 2026

Caden Tchop, a graduate of Waldorf University in the spring of 2022 with a business degree concentrated in finance & banking, played and captained the men’s hockey team during his time in college. Minnesota-born, Wisconsin-raised and Iowa-educated, Caden is a true Midwesterner growing up on a hobby farm in Superior, Wis. He now resides in the Eau Claire area as a Credit Analyst for Sterling Bank.

He holds positions on the Waldorf University alumni board, the credit committee at Sterling Bank and the council of men & deacons for Birch Street Baptist Church. He also serves as a mentor for high school students in finance and volunteers coaching youth hockey.

Caden enjoys spending time with friends, his dog Ranger, being out on the water, fitness, hiking, playing sports, road trips, attending sporting events and being around loved ones.

Duane Coppeler 1965, Term ends July 2027

After graduating from Waldorf with the class of 1965, Duane continued his education, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Sciences in 1967 and the University of Cincinnati in 1972. College was interrupted while he served three years in the Army as a medic and admin NCO. After college, Duane had various careers, including selling life insurance and ceramic tile, building and owning his own restaurant, and finally getting back into the funeral business. Duane retired in 2014, and he and his wife moved to North Carolina. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

During Duane's career, he's been in sales and management, served on various church councils and been on the board of HOAs.

Paul Van Auken 1993, Term ends July 2027

Paul Van Auken grew up at Waldorf. Or, at least, it felt that way. His parents moved to Forest City a couple of years before he was born after his dad (Z. Michael) was hired as Waldorf's band director. He also started and directed the New World Singers and worked at Waldorf for many years. Paul's mother (Inghild, a native of Norway known as "Pøtt") also taught Norwegian there for a long time. Paul graduated from Forest City High School in 1991. Like several Waldorf kids he grew up with (including his sister, Kari), he started his college career at Waldorf. Among other things, he went on a tour of Europe with the choir. He graduated with an A.A. in 1993 and then a B.A. in business administration marketing from Wartburg College (causing consternation on the part of his Luther grad father and sister) in 1995, after another European choir tour (good timing on the transfer).

An impactful year in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Wilmington, Del., led to a big American road trip and eventually back to the University of Delaware, where Paul earned an M.A. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy in 1999 and then worked in community development in Madison, Wis., for four years. With encouragement from his wife Courtney, he decided to give in to the pull towards teaching that he had felt for a while and pursued a Ph.D. in sociology at UW-Madison. He defended his dissertation in the summer of 2007. He was in the classroom at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh two weeks later, where he's been ever since, as chair of the sociology department since 2014. He and Courtney live in Oshkosh with their two daughters, Tizita and Soliana.

Jeff Dirling 2021, Term ends July 2027

Jeff Dirling was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., and is now a resident of sunny Florida, where he lives with his wife of 25 years, Vickie.  Jeff retired as a firefighter after 25 years of service in Pa. and Fla. He now works for a software company that assists fire departments, police departments and EMS providers to track their training. Still dedicated to emergency services, his job ensures that his clients meet their certification and training standards, enabling them to do their jobs and keep everyone safe.

His Waldorf journey began in 2016 when he earned his B.A.S. in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management, graduating summa cum laude. He continued his learning journey when he earned his M.A. in Organizational Leadership/Fire Rescue Executive Leadership summa cum laude in 2021. As an online student, Jeff believes that one of his best Waldorf experiences was when he visited campus for his graduation and encourages everyone to visit. It is a wonderful place and should be experienced by all students.

Diana Humble 2020, Term ends July 2028

Diana Humble was born and raised in the 6,000-person town of Stewartville, Minn., and graduated from Stewartville High School in 2016. She spent the next four years attending Waldorf University. Diana graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications (emphasis in digital media, graphic design, journalism, and public relations) and Creative Writing with an English minor while in the Honors College. While at Waldorf, Diana was manager of the campus radio station (KZOW), president of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, president of Rotaract service-learning club, a Pillars scholar, student senator, peer advocate, Warrior Writing Club member, editor of the Waldorf Literary Review, Love Your Melon crew member and trumpet player in the Waldorf wind symphony. One of her fondest memories at Waldorf was winning the Thelma Hall Creative Writing Presentation Prize at the Alpha Chi Honor Society's national convention in Portland, Oregon. While at Waldorf, Diana wrote and published her poetry, fiction and non-fiction in 11 literary magazines—including the Waldorf Literary Review. Her first collection of poetry—written as part of her capstone project—was published in 2021 by Orange Apple Press.

Diana earned her Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of South Dakota in 2022. She teaches courses at the University of Memphis while pursuing her doctorate in Applied Communication. Her research examines issues of gender and violence through the lenses of health and interpersonal communication, media theory, public health, and psychology. Diana spends her free time tending to her garden, paddleboarding, reading, playing with her shelter dog, Halle and visiting her family in Minnesota.

Dr. Megan Lietzau 2006, Term ends July 2028

Dr. Meg Lietzau is an autism specialist at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) within the University of Florida College of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Gateway College and contributes as a peer reviewer for the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Dr. Lietzau has extensive experience as an expert witness and consultant in both public and private legal contexts.

Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in criminal justice studies, with master’s degrees in philosophy and psychology, and bachelor’s degrees in print communications and English literature. Her research focuses on criminology, and justice studies, particularly concerning individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the justice system and state-supported care. Her scholarly interests encompass the victimization of vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to justice for those with autism.

Dr. Lietzau graduated from Waldorf College in 2006, where she was actively involved in the Waldorf Choir and Theatre program, and contributed to the Lobbyist. She continues her engagement with Waldorf through the Alumni Mentorship Program, which she finds immensely rewarding.