BU Grad Joey Waltz: Prepared to Serve

Joey Waltz, a 2013 Bluefield University alumnus, is now using his degree and experience from BU to serve his community.

After graduating with a degree in Graphic Communication from Bluefield, Waltz pursued a master’s degree in Intercultural and Urban Studies from Moody Theological Seminary.

“Bluefield offered one of the most beneficial college experiences for me as an aspiring young professional,” Waltz said about his time at BU. The experiences he said he had in the classroom greatly impacted him and prepared him for life after college. He specifically loved the Designing for Graphic Customers class.

“I appreciated the challenge of working under pressure to develop a concept, making revisions based on feedback, and ending up with a satisfactory product,” he said about the Graphic Customers class. “I learned how to listen and understand, then produce something that aligned with the customer’s vision and purpose behind the project. The patron-client dynamics from this part of the class prepared me for navigating today’s industry demands.”

In addition to fond memories in the classroom, Waltz enjoyed participating on the men’s soccer team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Campus Ministries. Involvement in these extracurricular activities also prepared him for his future careers, which began first as a soccer coach and adjunct instructor at Moody Theological Seminary.

“It was a great way to gain professional experience as a student,” Waltz said about his work at Moody. “It was also a chance to develop in multiple areas of interest.”

His involvement in soccer continues today as he works as a graphic designer and urban soccer coach with the Chicago Eagles, a faith-based soccer organization whose mission is “to glorify God and see lives transformed by sharing the message of Jesus Christ through the global environment of soccer.”

Waltz had previous experience with this organization. In the summer of 2011 and 2013, he was actually a participant.

“I participated in the Chicago Eagles Summer Academy,” he said, “which is a multifaceted experience for college soccer players. It provides high-level training and competitions through the summer.”

Because of Waltz’s previous experience, he has flourished in his position with the Chicago Eagles. It allows him to coach from a pastoral perspective.

“Though I typically introduce myself as a soccer coach, some people still think of me as a pastor,” Waltz said.

Waltz is also involved in ministry with New Life Bilingual Church as the community outreach coordinator, where he plans outreach activities for the church to be a part of throughout the year. Thanks to the education he received at Bluefield University, he was well prepared to make the impact he is making today. He also said he relied heavily on prayer to guide him.

He added that the best way to make that leap out of college and into a professional career is to “start by gaining experience in your field by serving organizations you respect and admire … Once you have a portfolio of professional work and referrals gained from real clients, there are a lot more options.”