A Story of Grateful Giving: William Feldmann ’90

William “Bill” Feldmann ’90

Serving as Student Government Association (SGA) president for two years as a non-traditional-aged Mount Mercy University student is a favorite memory for William “Bill” Feldmann ’90. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990 but was not your typical SGA president. He offered a unique perspective to the faculty, administration and other students.

You see, Bill had served as a United States Marine for eight and a half years. He then completed a year of general education studies as a part-time Kirkwood Community College student before transferring to Mount Mercy in 1986. His Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits enabled him to attend Mount Mercy, where he had a wonderful experience with a lot of support from his wife and family.

Bill recalls many life lessons from his time on the Hill. He remembers telling William “Bill” Hood, Vice President for Student Affairs, that he didn’t have time to complete a project. The student affairs professional promptly corrected him, saying, “No, you didn’t make time.” Bill also appreciated inspiration from his biology professor, Dr. Frank Jaszcz, who demonstrated the value of asking questions and working hard for good grades.

Reflecting on his time at Mount Mercy, Bill recognizes that his college experience has served him well throughout life. During college, Mount Mercy students of all ages develop their strengths, learn their weaknesses and explore beliefs and opinions. Bill cultivated his joy of serving others while participating in four campus ministry trips to Appalachia, where they collected toys to distribute to families through the local Catholic church.

Bill credits his Mount Mercy degree with helping him become a better senior leader in the Army National Guard and completing the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. His degree helped him get hired as a Cedar Rapids police officer, where he thrived for 12 years. He also started his own successful business, which allowed him to instill a strong work ethic in his two youngest daughters.

He received a scholarship and wanted to help others grow and benefit from the Mount Mercy educational experience as he did. He established the William and Susan Feldmann Endowed Scholarship in 1992 to support upper-level students who have shown leadership qualities through involvement in student government, campus ministry or volunteer activities on campus or in the community. He took advantage of his company’s matching gift program to maximize his initial gifts for the scholarship.

Bill retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as a command sergeant major with 30 years served. In retirement, he spends time in Florida. During the winter, Bill rides bikes, listens to live music and takes long walks. For the rest of the year, he likes to stay busy with work, which allows him to continue to fund his passion for education. He is a familiar face in Anamosa, Iowa, a community he has enjoyed and served for many years.

Bill has fond memories of Sister Mary Cephas Wichman, who was instrumental in sparking his interest in planned giving. She would be pleased to know that Bill has also named Mount Mercy as a beneficiary of life insurance policies that will help grow his endowed scholarship when he passes.

Have You Considered Your Legacy?

Why not make it a priority to sustain the organizations that have impacted you and your loved ones? Contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu to learn how to maximize your philanthropic spirit through Mount Mercy University.