Waldorf Warriors

Waldorf University

Former names	Waldorf College
Motto	Lux et Veritas, Light and Truth
Type	Private liberal arts college
Established	1903
Affiliation	Columbia Southern University, currently for-profit
President	Robert Alsop, Ph.D.
Academic staff	71
Students	680
Location	Forest City, Iowa, U.S.
Campus	Rural, 50 acres
Colors	Purple and gold
Nickname	Warriors
Sporting affiliations	National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics – North Star Athletic Association
Website	www.waldorf.edu

Coordinates: 43°15′49″N 93°38′23″W / 43.263607°N 93.63962°W / 43.263607; -93.63962

Waldorf University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts based institution with roots in the Lutheran tradition offering undergraduate and graduate degrees through both residential and online modalities. This tradition values service to the community, academic excellence, freedom of inquiry, a liberating education, and learning through the exchange of ideas in open conversation. Waldorf University is located in Forest City, Iowa, United States, approximately 120 miles south of Minneapolis and 123 miles north of Des Moines.

Waldorf University, founded in 1903 as Waldorf College, was a result of "The Great Hotel War of Forest City". This expression refers to a competitive battle between the only two upper class hotels of Forest City that were built at the same time. The end result was the Waldorf Hotel being left vacant after only four months of operation. The vacant hotel provided an opportunity for Rev. C.S. Salveson to put together the necessary resources in order to create a Christian college. Waldorf started out as an academy and business college and not just a preparatory program primarily for future pastors. From its earliest days, Waldorf viewed education sponsored by the church as being essential for success in society. The Waldorf mission has always stressed service to others as the means to achieve fulfilling lives. Since 1920, Waldorf's curriculum has gradually evolved to fully reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Today, almost all the students who enroll have the intent of ultimately earning a bachelor's degree. In the spring of 1994, Waldorf (College) was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

On February 10, 2016 President Bob Alsop and other members of the Waldorf president's council announced groundbreaking news for the future of the institution. "Today is an exciting and important milestone for everybody linked to Waldorf", Alsop said. "We are honoring our school's rich history with a new position for which everyone associated with Waldorf can be proud. With the success of our graduate program and the diversity of academic offerings, we felt the title university best represents who we are and who we strive to be." As of March 17, 2016, Waldorf College became Waldorf University.