Wartburg receives $2.3 million gift to bolster Knight's Experience Fund

Waverly, IA (10/28/2024) — Wartburg College has received a $2.3 million gift to help grow a new endowed fund that will offset the cost of experiential learning opportunities for all Wartburg students.

John Sauer, a 1978 graduate in business and accounting, was a faithful Wartburg College supporter for more than 30 years and made plans before his passing in 2021 to include the college in his estate.

"Wartburg had an impact on my life, and sharing a portion of my estate to support the college's future really leaves me with a good feeling of being able to share my blessings in this way. We need schools that are healthy and strong. I want to help ensure that Wartburg continues to provide the kind of educational experiences I enjoyed," Sauer said prior to his passing.

The college estimates the Knight's Experience Fund will disburse about $450,000 to students each year for experiential learning opportunities. Sauer's gift will help the college build a $9 million endowment to offset that expense. Until the endowment is fully funded, the college will raise at least $450,000 annually.

Though the Knight's Experience Fund was only in its early planning stages in 2021, Sauer heard about the possibility just before he died and was drawn to the opportunity to provide funding for students who wanted to experience more through travel courses, research and internships.

"As a student, John traveled throughout Europe with the Wartburg College band. Growing up in a small, rural Minnesota town like he and I did, we hadn't had a lot of exposure to the world, and that experience made a huge impression on him," said Steve Wetzell, Sauer's lifelong friend and the executor of his estate. "And now his generous gift will help future generations of Wartburg students benefit from the same kinds of life-changing experiences that John had traveling throughout Europe with the band."

Sauer had a successful career in finance at St. Paul Cos. and The Travelers, including time working in London. Sauer also served on the college's Planned Giving Advisory Council and the Board of Regents Investment Subcommittee as a non-regent member.

"I know that John would be thrilled to see his gift directly benefitting students. The Knight's Experience Fund was the perfect match," Wetzell said. "What a legacy to leave."

Sauer was posthumously inducted into the President's Round Table during the college's Homecoming & Family Weekend celebration.

"In our final conversation, John shared his support and enthusiasm for assisting students in participating in experiential learning. It is an honor to share John's generosity and impact with so many future Wartburg students as they have their own meaningful learning experiences," said Jay Boeding, senior gift planner.

In addition to his gift to Wartburg, Sauer also left $2.3 million to the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, a rehabilitation and physical, occupational and speech therapy program in Minneapolis that helped him overcome a severe stutter as a child.

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