Wartburg College secures $185,000 grant to transform classroom technology

Waverly, IA (08/14/2024) — Wartburg College is the recipient of a $185,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust that will help transform technology in more than 60 classrooms and advance the college's vision of becoming a fully wireless campus by 2030.

The five-year initiative will begin in 2025 and will equip faculty with advanced tools for effective teaching, promoting innovation and creativity in addition to creating a more engaging and interactive learning environment.

"The Classroom Technology Transformation initiative is a critical element in enabling Wartburg to fulfill its bold new vision and accomplish its strategic goal of equipping students for success," said Scott Leisinger, vice president for institutional advancement. "It is imperative that we initiate this much-needed transformation and enhance the teaching and learning environment across campus."

The college anticipates the first year of improvements to total about $269,000, with a budget of about $615,000 for the entire project.

"This leadership grant allows us to move forward and provides momentum to inspire the broader Wartburg community of alumni and friends to help us bring the full initiative to fruition," Leisinger said.

The Classroom Technology Transformation will integrate state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and control systems in each classroom, offering enhanced learning experiences and contributing to the overall digital transformation of the campus infrastructure. In addition, the strategic approach ensures that classrooms are equipped to seamlessly integrate with future wireless solutions, laying the foundation for a more interconnected and technologically advanced campus environment.

"This initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of education at Wartburg College," said President Rebecca Ehretsman. "By leveraging modern technology, Wartburg can create a better learning environment for our students, foster academic excellence and position itself as a leader in digital transformation within the higher education landscape."

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the state, with annual grant distributions of more than $15 million. It was created through the will of Roy J. Carver, a Muscatine industrialist and philanthropist who died in 1981. Since its creation in 1987, the trust has distributed about 2,100 grants totaling nearly $330 million. Medical and scientific research; primary, secondary and higher education; and other issues related to the needs of youth are the program areas of greatest interest to the trust.

Those interested in contributing to the Classroom Technology Transformation initiative may contact the Development Office at 319-352-8491 or development@wartburg.edu.