Waukon High School alum Bridget (Pfiffner) Adam to be honored with Service to Community Award as part of Upper Iowa University’s Homecoming for 2026

Bridget (Pfiffner) Adam, a 1998 graduate of Waukon High School and the daughter of Jim and Jan Pfiffner of Harpers Ferry, will receive the Upper Iowa University Service to Community Award as part of the 2026 Homecoming celebration this week at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, from where she graduated in 2002. Adam is currently a teacher of Computer Science and a Building Technology Integration Leader at Holmes Junior High in Cedar Falls.

Adam has three children, including her son Chance, who also became a graduate of Upper Iowa University this past spring. Her other son, Chase, is a 2025 graduate of Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI, and her daughter Caylie is in her second year at Waldorf University in Forest City.

In addition to taking part in other Homecoming events at Upper Iowa University this week, Adam will be presented with her Service to Community Award this Saturday, October 10 during the Alumni Awards & Honor Class Breakfast, taking place from 8-10 a.m. on the Upper Iowa University campus in Fayette. The Service to Community Award is an annual alumni honor presented by Upper Iowa University to recognize graduates who have shown an outstanding commitment to the health, welfare, and betterment of their communities.

The nomination information submitted in honor of Adam’s consideration for the award appears below:
It is my distinct honor to nominate Bridget (Pfiffner) Adam, Upper Iowa University Class of 2002, for the Upper Iowa University Service to Community Award. Bridget exemplifies the spirit of selfless service through her unwavering commitment to volunteering, empowering others, and strengthening the communities she serves. For many years, she has devoted countless hours to improving the lives of others, not for recognition, but because she genuinely believes that serving others is one of life’s greatest callings.
Since becoming the advisor for the Calmar/Springfield Luther League Christians in Action youth group in 2022, Bridget has transformed the organization into a thriving ministry centered on faith, fellowship, leadership, and community service. Each month, she plans and coordinates at least one community service project, one fellowship activity, and one fundraiser, dedicating countless volunteer hours to recruiting participants, organizing logistics, mentoring youth, and ensuring every event has a meaningful impact.
Under Bridget’s leadership, Christians in Action has completed dozens of service projects benefiting individuals and organizations throughout northeast Iowa. The group has created Valentine and Christmas cards for nursing home residents, tied blankets for individuals experiencing homelessness and participants in a special needs prom, volunteered at the Greater Area Food Pantry, hosted Easter egg hunts in Spillville, organized games for community celebrations in Calmar, Spillville, and Castalia, participated in food and hygiene drives, assisted with Lutheran World Relief shipments, harvested sweet corn for the food pantry, organized Trunk or Treat events at Lake Meyer and in Castalia, created Veterans Day displays and care packages, assembled goodie bags, and delivered cupcakes and holiday gifts to nursing home residents.
Bridget has also led youth on service and mission trips to Waterloo, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nashville, Kenosha, and, this summer, Ensenada, Mexico. These experiences have provided meaningful assistance to communities in need while teaching young people the importance of compassion, servant leadership, and giving back. Through these opportunities, she has inspired dozens of youth to develop a lifelong commitment to volunteerism.
To make these service opportunities possible, Bridget organizes an impressive number of fundraising events throughout the year. She coordinates monthly coffee hours, the Valentine Italian Extravaganza, silent auctions, Easter breakfasts, apparel sales, 5K races, raffles, cookie sales, calendar sales, and numerous additional fundraisers. Her efforts ensure that financial barriers never prevent youth from participating in mission experiences while also providing resources for ongoing community outreach.
One outstanding example of Bridget’s leadership was her organization of the Calmar 175th Celebration 5K. She planned every aspect of the event - from securing sponsors and prizes to recruiting volunteers and promoting participation. The race attracted more than 80 participants, raised over $2,000 for the City of Calmar, and brought the community together to celebrate its history while promoting health, wellness, and civic pride.
Bridget also volunteers regularly with the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar. She serves once each month and every Saturday throughout January, welcoming guests, checking in families, stocking shelves, packing grocery bags, and assisting with food distribution. Because the pantry serves approximately 60 individuals each week, Bridget helps hundreds of community members access nutritious food and essential resources every year.
Her commitment to service extends to Calmar Lutheran Church, where she serves on the church council and helps guide decisions that strengthen the congregation. She also volunteers at community meals several times each year by preparing food, serving meals, and assisting with clean-up. Most recently, she has taken the lead in organizing the Neighbors in Faith Fest, a community-wide fundraising event featuring musical performances and local vendors. Bridget has coordinated vendors, obtained city permits, recruited volunteers, and managed event logistics to create an event that will bring together hundreds of community members while supporting the church’s mission.
One of Bridget’s quiet acts of service is perhaps one of her most meaningful. She has crocheted thousands of pocket hugs, which are distributed through the church to individuals who need encouragement during difficult times. These small handmade gifts serve as tangible reminders that someone cares and are a reflection of Bridget’s compassionate heart. She has always told her children, “God gave us two hands - we better be using them.” She lives those words every day.
Bridget has also dedicated many years to the Winneshiek County 4-H Program as both a leader of the Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H Club and Communications Superintendent. A former nine-year 4-H member herself, she has mentored countless youth in public speaking, educational presentations, working exhibits, extemporaneous speaking, and Share the Fun performances. Through her guidance, young people have gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and discovered talents that will benefit them throughout their lives. She has also participated in numerous community service efforts through 4-H, including Adopt-a-Family holiday programs, the Winneshiek County Fair Omelet Breakfast, fair clean-up, and preparing Christmas goodie bags for shut-ins.
The impact of Bridget’s volunteer service extends far beyond the hours she personally contributes. Through her leadership, she has mobilized dozens of youth and adult volunteers to serve alongside her, multiplying her impact across the region. Each year, her efforts positively affect hundreds of nursing home residents, veterans, food pantry clients, children, families, church members, and community organizations. More importantly, she has inspired an entire generation of young people to recognize the value of service and to become engaged, compassionate leaders in their own communities.
Bridget’s volunteerism is not measured simply by the number of projects she completes, but by the lives she changes. She leads with humility, compassion, generosity, and an unwavering belief that every act of service - no matter how small - can make a difference. She has spent years strengthening her community while encouraging others to do the same, leaving a legacy of kindness that will continue for years to come.
I can think of no one more deserving of the Upper Iowa University Service to Community Award than Bridget Adam. It is with great pride and wholehearted enthusiasm that I recommend her for this well-deserved recognition.