JASON MEYER STAFF WRITER
A recent Wartburg graduate is the new residence hall director of the Centennial Complex.
Alek Wipperman ’06 replaced Jake Abbott in the position. Abbot left for personal reasons. Wipperman has been working at Wartburg College since September 2008 as the Residential Life Service Coordinator before becoming hall director. Wipperman worked closely with Abbott to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“It’s an easy adjustment for me to move over to . . . the Complex. . . . The transition is easier for the college,” Wipperman said.
Wipperman said that he is used to working with upper class students who are committed to doing service projects rather than students in their first year away from home and students that have never experienced some of the newfound freedoms of being a college student.
Director of Residential Life Pete Armstrong said the deciding factor in selecting Wipperman was his experience. Wipperman has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science. Wipperman’s interest in working with students and his familiarity with the college campus were also crucial in the decision.
Armstrong said he is confident, because Wipperman is comfortable interacting with students
“Given the team that’s already in place, it will be relatively easy for me to transition in and continue the good that’s already gone on,” Wipperman said.
Before working at Wartburg, Wipperman was employed by Obama for America and the Iowa Democratic Party. Wipperman also ran for Iowa House of Representatives in 2006. Wipperman siad he joined the residential life staff to build community in a larger setting, such as a residence hall
Wipperman said a crucial part in directing the complex is continuing the programs that are in place, including the community building activities each floor puts on five times each term.
“A lot of the mechanisms are already there and it’s just working with the R.A.s in the building to try and make sure we continue to do that,” he said.