With dreams of a future in Chicago, Wally Martinson came to Wittenberg to study business and finance. Along the way, however, he discovered a deeper passion - a passion to serve.

That passion and his commitment to service were recently recognized during Homecoming 2006, when the university presented him with an Alumni Citation Award. Given to those who have brought honor to Wittenberg by their exceptional accomplishments in which service to humanity is placed ahead of personal gain or recognition, the award provided Martinson with an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.

"It was an honor to receive this award," said Martinson, explaining that his life plan began to change as he became more involved in the Wittenberg Christian Fellowship his junior year.

"I was at a prayer meeting, and I heard a voice telling me that I would live in Springfield," Martinson said. He admitted it sounds unbelievable, but it changed the course of his life.

Although he continued to groom himself for a secular life, including a Washington Semester in 1980, he remained an active member of Christian fellowship.

"In 1982, Pete Baur '80, James Robertson '80 and I formalized what was basically a Christian fraternity," Martinson said, referring to the Salt House on Fountain Avenue.

Martinson's role as a faith-based adviser had begun, and over time his list of contacts grew. Eventually these men asked what they could do together that they couldn't do individually, and in 1993, they founded the Nehemiah Foundation. Martinson was named executive director, a position he still holds today.

"Our role is to advise, support and encourage as we engage the community with faith-based perspectives," Martinson said. "We serve 6,500 families, and our community partners include the Juvenile Court, the Department of Job and Family Services, Springfield Police Department, Springfield City Schools, 80 businesses and 50 churches."

Married to Anne Duffin Martinson '85, Martinson said his life is firmly entrenched in Springfield. His passion to serve the community remains strong, as does his faith. It goes without saying that he will continue his work one prayer at a time.

-Phyllis Eberts '00