Month: November 2023

Luther College announced a change of dates for its 2024 Homecoming celebration today, shifting to October 25–27, 2024.

A change in the overall schedule by the American Rivers Conference (in association with the NCAA) regarding the first week of competition for the entirety of Division III has resulted in the shift of the American Rivers Conference schedule for all members.

“Homecoming is a special event at Luther, and both our Alumni Office and Athletic Department work diligently to announce the dates two years in advance,” Director of Athletics Renae Hartl said in a message to campus today.  “We considered our options, including holding Homecoming on the original weekend without a football game, but after further consultation with internal and external groups, we have determined the new date for Homecoming will be October 25–27, as the Norse host Nebraska Wesleyan.”

Local Decorah area hotels have indicated they plan to honor reservations for the original 2024 Homecoming dates of October 4–6, but all who have reservations must contact their hotel by Friday, November 10, to confirm their reservations for the new Homecoming weekend. The college has also reached out to area short-term housing owners on platforms like AirBnB or Vrbo to encourage them to also allow visiting alumni and friends to rebook for the new dates.

Key on-campus partners were consulted about the options that were available, and they agreed that October 25–27 was the best option. They are already shifting the many other Homecoming traditions to align with this new weekend, including the numerous class reunions, performances and lectures, Homecoming concert, and Sunday worship service.

“We want to reassure you that we explored a wide variety of options, and we took feedback from many groups in reaching this decision,” Mary Duvall, vice president for development, said.  “It is unfortunate that the change of weekends is necessary, but we truly believe it’s the best solution when considering all the factors, and will lead to the best Homecoming atmosphere possible. We recognize this causes an inconvenience in rescheduling accommodations and other plans, and we want to be a resource for you.”

Those with questions related to logistics like rooms or venues can contact Sherry Alcock, executive director of alumni relations, by phone at 563-387-1861 or by email at alcock@luther.edu. For other questions, Duvall encouraged individuals to contact her at 563-387-1525 or mary.duvall@luther.edu.

“On behalf of all of Luther, I want to thank everyone in advance for their support and assistance, and, I might add, your grace,” Duvall said. “We are working diligently to facilitate the changes that will be necessary to shift weekends. But most of all, we are so grateful for the ways you show up and support Luther, and we are all looking forward to a fantastic Homecoming weekend next October 25–27, 2024.”

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu

Luther College has launched a new strategic framework to guide the institution for the next two years. The framework addresses the college’s need to expand its reach, align its resources and strengthen its organization, as it maintains a vision of being both grounded and global.

During the fall 2023 semester, newly renovated classroom spaces provide active learning environments, a first step in implementing the college’s new campus master plan.

“This approach is deliberately conceived as a ‘framework,’ rather than as a ‘plan,’” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “Instead of creating a multi-year plan, which would require a lengthy process and has a high potential of becoming out-of-date in this era of rapid change, the framework will enable Luther College to lay the groundwork for adapting its strategies and operations going forward, while also aligning us with the college’s historical mission and values, which call us to be a community where we are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another.”

The framework’s vision states that the college is both grounded in its place and mission and also global in its reach and impact. Luther is the first U.S. college founded by Norwegian immigrants, and its “rooted and open” Lutheran intellectual heritage remains a vital underpinning of its identity. At the same time, the strategic framework’s vision emphasizes its openness to the world, with high enrollment of international students and participation of students in study abroad, as well as a curriculum with a global focus.

In order to expand the college’s reach, the framework specifies work to add new academic programs, engage its constituencies, and form new partnerships. This area of focus would expand upon recent work such as a new engineering science major and a partnership with the University of Iowa College of Public Health to create a 4 + 1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree in Public Health. The college also launched a new core curriculum this fall with an emphasis on skills-based and experiential learning.

Another important tenet of the new framework is engaging alumni and friends of Luther to support the college and mission.

“’Activation’ is an important word for us right now. Luther is blessed to have so many alumni, parents and donors who have a deep love for this place and this community,” said Mary Duvall, vice president for development at Luther. “So we’re seeking to activate our community—equipping our alumni to connect current students to internships and job opportunities, inspiring prospective students to choose Luther and ensuring the transformational Luther experience is available for students long into the future.”

Implementing the first phase of the college’s new campus master plan is another component of the strategic framework. An early example of the types of campus-wide changes envisioned by the campus master plan includes this summer’s renovation of two classrooms, one in Main Hall and one in Olin Building, in order to create more active learning spaces. Additional projects included in the strategic framework include renovating more classrooms, fundraising for a Regents Center renovation and completing feasibility studies for the renovation of Preus Library and Main Building.

The strategic framework web page includes more details about the college’s plans to expand its reach, align its resources, and strengthen its organization during the next two years. The new framework succeeds the previous strategic plan, “Inspired. Empowered. Engaged,” launched in 2018 with a five-year life span.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.