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 Officers

Lynda Tysver 1990, 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.

Jeff Dirling 2021, Vice President, 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.

Tara (Crawford) Kingland 2015, 2nd Vice President, Term ends Oct. 2028

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.

Ambassadors

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, 2nd Term ends Oct. 2028

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.

Zachary Muncrief 2018 & 2021, 2nd Term ends Oct. 2028

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.

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.

Diana Humble 2020, 1st Term ends May 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, 1st 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.

Molly Vander Linden 2008, 1st term ends July 2028

Molly Vander Linden is a native of Sheldon, Iowa and graduated from Waldorf College in 2008 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and several endorsements. While teaching full-time, Molly completed her master's degree in Education through Morningside College in 2012. She is teaching special education at Spencer High School in Spencer, Iowa. She is the head coach for Spencer Special Olympics, and her favorite sport to coach is bocce. She and her students have worked to achieve the status of Spencer High School, becoming a Unified Champion School, which is recognized by Special Olympics and ESPN. She is on the church council at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer, Iowa and a choir member. For the last three summers, she has been cooking for campers at Ingham Lake Bible Camp. 

Cameron Barnes 2014, 1st term ends December 2026*

Cameron Barnes, a native of Adams, Minnesota, graduated from Southland High School as a three-sport athlete and percussionist in the band. He graduated from Waldorf College in 2014 with a B.A. in education and his coaching certificate. While at Waldorf, he played basketball as a shooting guard and was a member of the Education Club. He also worked as a Sports Information Director for three years as a student.

Cameron would go on to work at Waldorf in the Admissions office as an Admissions Counselor. Working at Waldorf from 2015-17, he witnessed the changing of names to Waldorf University; he would also meet his wife, Sally. He currently works as a mail handler at the main distribution center for the United States Postal Service. He is deeply passionate about Waldorf, and he has many goals,  such as cultivating strong relationships between alumni and trying to expand the Waldorf Alumni Board and how they can meet up. He is also pretty passionate about sports.

Cameron resides in Minneapolis, Minn., with his wife, Sally,  and his rambunctious dog, Marlo. In his free time, Cameron enjoys biking, frisbee golf,  tennis, and spending as nuch time with his family and friends as possible.  

Dean Aponte-Safe 2012, 1st term ends December 2026*

Rev. Dr. Dean Aponte-Safe hails from Cannon Falls, Minn., and is a member of the Waldorf University Class of 2012. He earned his B.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature. While at Waldorf, he was active in the Wind Symphony, campus ministry, and was a student worker in the Luise V. Hanson Library. He continued his post-graduation education at Luther Seminary, the Chicago Theological Seminary, and the Pacific School of Religion, earning Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He was ordained into the tradition of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in July of 2017 and has served two calls: his first call was in rural Southeastern Minnesota for almost six years, and he is currently interim pastor to the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Ann Arbor, Mich. He recently contracted with Fortress Press to write his first book, titled “In the Middle of Everywhere: A Queer Love Letter to the Rural Church,” slated for publication in Autumn 2027.

Outside of Church service and writing, he is spouse to Gerardo, an Episcopal priest. He is a proud dog dad to a three-year-old golden retriever, Finnegan, and enjoys cooking, reading, and playing the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata at the piano. Traveling has also been a highlight thus far: taking him to an off-grid farm in interior Alaska, working with Lutheran congregations in central Tanzania, visiting family in Puerto Rico, and companioning with the monastic community of Taizé, France.  

*Notates 2 year terms for those added after new bylaws were adopted on November 1, 2024