“Prior to graduating my senior year, I was fortunate to spend time in the IW Admissions Office as an admission counselor intern. It is because of that experience I was able to seamlessly transfer into my first full-time job as an admission counselor at Coe College. The intern experience springboarded my career into higher education. Additionally, the student affairs professionals who I had while a student at IW were vital to me wanting to pursue a career in the field.” Jamarco’s Favorite Memory of Iowa Wesleyan: “My favorite IW memory would have been walking across the stage and receiving my degree. I was the first in my family to graduate and that opportunity has allowed me to break a longstanding trend of generational poverty. IW has allowed me to create a bright future for myself and my family.”

The IW nursing program is very strong and prepares you for the real world. The number of clinical hours we completed built my critical thinking skills and gave me the experience I needed to succeed as an ICU nurse. The small class sizes gave me the ability to have more one-on-one time with my professors which built a trusting relationship.

Caitlin’s Favorite Memory of Iowa Wesleyan: “Meeting all my friends through my nursing classes, living in the dorms and playing on the softball and soccer teams.”

“IW first prepared me for further education at an Ivy League level. Then, my IW education prepared me for a series of varying career moves. IW prepared me for my current career by giving me a love for the institution and a desire to be of service. This is the essence of our mission statement about preparing students to lead ‘meaningful lives and careers.’” Jim’s Favorite Memory of Iowa Wesleyan: “My favorite academic term was in 1980 when I experienced poetry workshop with Mrs. Bensmiller and History of the World since 1945 with Dr. Shepherd. I almost changed majors. Later that same Spring, I fondly remember standing on the Chapel steps during final rehearsal for “Richard the Third” listening to a country rock band playing “Stairway to Heaven” on a beautiful April afternoon after a late snowfall had melted.”

“I had to take some classes that I wasn’t sure would help me in becoming a better nurse but I was wrong. Those courses gave me a new perspective. The combination of classes made me a well rounded nurse.” Shelley’s Favorite Memory of Iowa Wesleyan: “Having my daughter participate in the pinning ceremony. Studying at night and doing homework with my 3 children. Having them see that education is important not only for them but adults also.”

Studying forensics and bio-psychology at IW has really been a very fascinating experience. I feel like I have developed a very strong understanding of the human condition from an interdisciplinary perspective, being able to extract and test anyone’s DNA, psychological assessments and even by lifting trace evidence that is several weeks old is interesting to me. I feel confident this major has prepared me to work in a forensics laboratory and continue working in an investigative field

Deciding to study biology with a pre-med track at Iowa Wesleyan University was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I have worked at local nursing homes and in our hospital laboratory for several years now and I loved the opportunities my classes provided me to obtain these positions

“The instruction I received in Early Childhood fully prepared me to be successful in the classroom. The professors made the learning very engaging and relevant. I really look forward to having my own Early Childhood classroom and implementing everything that I have learned!”