Nick Ludwig is an Alliant Energy customer solutions specialist in Cedar Rapids. The thing he loves most about volunteering is the impact he can make in the community.
In 2017, before he joined our company, a friend invited him to serve on the board of Murals & More, a Cedar Rapids public arts organization. Though his initial interest in public art was limited, he’s always been open to new experiences and he readily agreed. Through Murals & More, Ludwig found his passion for using public art as a community-wide canvas to address social problems.
“Art that is accessible to all can be uplifting and creates common ground among different groups of people,” said Ludwig. “I'm a natural optimist and love to dream about ways to bring people together.”
Since joining Murals & More, Ludwig has extended his public art-related community service to other Iowa organizations. In early 2020, he served on a Cedar Rapids Public Art Commission task force to develop a city-wide plan centered on art about community.
Also at the beginning of 2020, Ludwig accepted an invitation to join the Emerging Leaders United subcommittee of United Way of East Central Iowa. In that role, he secured art pieces to be donated for the organization’s fundraisers.
In 2019, Ludwig planned and executed the first inaugural fundraiser for Murals & More called The Crunch Berry Run, securing a sponsorship from Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids. The Crunch Berry Run is a 5K run or walk where participants are covered in colored powder and experience music and entertainment throughout the route. Ludwig continues to plan and execute the event, which continues to grow in popularity. The fundraiser will celebrate its fifth year in 2024.
Ludwig’s interests in service have also kept him connected to his alma mater, Coe College. He has served as a member of the Alumni Council since 2022. Over the years, he has found ways to help at Coe including career-related networking with students. He serves as an alumni mentor for the college’s Kohawk Startup, a competitive event for students learning about entrepreneurship.
“Volunteering with Coe College, an Alliant Energy customer and a campus focused on sustainability, has helped me better understand the needs of our customers as I manage energy efficiency programs and offerings,” he said.
We recognize Nick Ludwig with a Values in Practice (VIP) award, an honor that celebrates employees who donate their time and energy to the communities we serve.
All 2024 VIPs receive a $500 grant to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. The funds from Ludwig’s Values in Practice (VIP) award are going to Murals & More.
We thank Ludwig and the other VIPs for how they act for tomorrow, do the right thing, make things better and care for others – the values that shape everything we do.