A Marine-Turned-Author Finds His Voice at Mount Mercy

After five years on the road as a truck driver and a period of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan Helm '28 didn't expect to find himself at Mount Mercy University studying music education.

Nathan's path has taken him across nearly every state in the country-he's lived in Utah, Missouri, Texas, Idaho, Iowa, California, Hawaii, and North Carolina, where he was stationed during his military service. Yet, it was a familiar face from Iowa that set him on a new course.

His decision to enroll at Mount Mercy began with a reconnection with longtime mentor Kent Keating (former Mount Mercy choir director), whom Nathan has known since high school. That meeting reignited his love for music and creativity-and opened the door to a new beginning.

"I knew both Kent and Gerry Kreitzer, DMA, so it was a personal connection," Nathan said. "That's why I came to Mount Mercy."

While Nathan explored other schools, Mount Mercy's close-knit community and hands-on faculty ultimately won him over-hallmarks of the university's music education program.

Returning to college after nearly a decade away wasn't easy. Between coursework, rehearsals, and daily life, the transition was challenging.

"It was a little overwhelming at first, but the experience has been really good," he said, noting support from faculty members like Jack Frank, head of the music department, and private vocal instructor Stephanie Michalicek helped him regain his rhythm.