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Wartburg student, organization and community partnership honored by SEED Coalition

Waverly, IA (04/07/2025) — Members of the Wartburg College and Waverly communities will be recognized for their commitment to civic education and community service at the SEED Coalition annual awards ceremony on April 11 at Hamline University in St. Paul.

Kylie Buchholz, a sophomore majoring in elementary education, will receive the Presidents' Student Leadership Award.

"Kylie is a remarkable leader and compassionate presence on the Wartburg College campus. She tackles every challenge with unwavering dedication and a positive spirit, inspiring those around her. She effortlessly steps up where needed, even taking on extra responsibilities, all while maintaining a calm, kind demeanor. Kylie's humility and approachability create a welcoming environment for everyone," said Michael Bechtel, a science education professor and Buchholz nominator.

"It was a complete shock for me to be receiving this award! I am very grateful and honored to be selected. This is a huge achievement and something that I never thought was possible for me," said Buchholz.

The Wartburg College Baldwin Leadership Fellows program will receive the Presidents' Civic Engagement Leadership Award. As part of the fellowship, which lasts about three years, students attend the Air Force Academy National Character and Leadership Symposium, work with faculty and staff affiliated with the Wartburg Institute for Leadership Education to carry out individual community service projects, and help expand the conversation about leadership education and civic engagement on campus.

Bremer County Emergency Management will receive the Presidents' Community Partner Award, which recognizes a community-based organization that has enhanced the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways. Bremer County Emergency Management regularly offers its Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program at Wartburg College. This impactful collaboration with Wartburg's Institute for Leadership Education has provided more than 200 students with FEMA-based training and CERT certification over the course of nearly 15 years.

The CERT program received honorable mention in the competitive Community Collaboration Award category, making it just one of just two programs across all SEED Coalition schools in Iowa and Minnesota to be recognized.

"Receiving this recognition from the SEED Coalition, a leader in civic engagement work, demonstrates how the CERT program has successfully leveraged campus and community partnership to create meaningful leadership learning opportunities for Wartburg students," said Michael Gleason, Director of the Institute for Leadership Education. "We are immensely grateful to Bremer County Emergency Management for its support of the program over the years. Their depth of expertise and commitment to student learning have helped our students consider how they can best support our communities during emergencies."

The SEED Coalition works to provide connection and resources to higher education campuses working toward civic and community engagement. Presidents' Awards recognize outstanding contributions in civic and community engagement by students, faculty, staff, collaborative teams and community organizations.

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Kylie Buchholz

Wartburg students participate in CERT training offered through Bremer County Emergency Management.

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