Month: September 2024

Luther senior Jack Moriarty has been named a Rossing Physics Scholar for the 2024–25 academic year.

Luther College senior Jack Moriarty has been named a Rossing Physics Scholar for the 2024–25 academic year. Moriarty will receive $10,000 from the Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education.

Moriarty, a double major in physics and mathematics from Waukee, Iowa, plans to pursue a career as a theoretical physicist. He would like to help deepen our understanding of the universe by applying mathematics to physics.

“For as long as I can remember, math and science have fascinated me,” he said. “At some point in high school, I became drawn to the subject of calculus and its power to solve difficult problems.” 

At Luther, he has been involved in National Science Foundation-funded physics research led by Professor Todd Pedlar, focused on experimental particle physics. Pedlar and his students conduct research as members of the international collaborations Belle and Belle II at KEK, Japan’s High Energy Research Organization, located in Tsukuba, Japan. 

“I reached out to Jack to find out if he’d be willing to join my research group the summer after his first year, and he jumped at the chance—and I have been so glad that he did, as he has been an outstanding research assistant since then,” said Pedlar.

During the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, and continuing into this academic year, Moriarty focused on the study of elementary particle physics. He applied several advanced mathematical and computational methods to improve the precision of his results, which deepened his understanding and enjoyment of the research process. During this, his senior year, he will complete an Honors Senior Project based on this research.

“My physics courses have led me to a profound love of the theoretical frameworks of physics, and my experimental research has given me the drive to build and understand models to answer the open questions about the universe,” Moriarty said. “For these reasons, I plan to earn my Ph.D. and pursue a career as a theoretical physicist. In this way, I would like to use the language of mathematics to explore models of physical systems and help further our understanding of the universe.”

The Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education makes available scholarships annually for exemplary students in physics. The awards are made possible through gifts from Dr. Thomas D. Rossing, who created the fund through the foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. After graduating from Luther, Rossing earned master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Iowa State University and worked as a professor of physics at St. Olaf College, Northern Illinois University and Stanford University. Rossing wanted to support students who majored in physics by providing scholarships in addition to other financial aid to exemplary physics students. 

Imani Winds, the 2024 Grammy winner in the Classical Compendium category, will perform in Luther College’s 2024–25 Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The Imani Winds featuring Kevin Edward Newton Jr., French horn; Monica Ellis, bassoon; Brandon Patrick George, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; and Mark Dover, clarinet

The Imani Winds members are Monica Ellis, bassoon; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Brandon Patrick George, flute; Kevin Edward Newton Jr., French horn; and Mark Dover, clarinet.

Founded more than 25 years ago, Imani Winds have led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their vibrant performances, bold programming and imaginative collaborations. Their work embraces both traditional chamber music and newly commissioned pieces that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

“The Imani Winds have a well-deserved international reputation for their masterful playing and engaging stage presence,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “They are bringing an exciting show to Luther entitled ‘Grooves and Meditations,’ which will showcase a diverse repertoire ranging from a Stevie Wonder cover to a brand-new commission.”

“Grooves and Meditations” kicks off with Valerie Coleman’s Red Clay and Mississippi Delta, a piece that showcases the rich history and spirit of the American South. Kalevi Aho’s Wind Quintet No. 1 evokes innovative and distinctive tones, colors and moods. Paquito D’Rivera’s A Little Cuban Walz offers a lively tribute to Latin rhythms, followed by Stevie Wonder and Mark Dover’s Overjoyed. The program will also feature Alevi Dedeler raki masasinda  by Fazil Say. Dance Mediterranea by Simon Shaheen, arranged by Jeff Scott, will bring the event to a close. 

Imani Winds won the 2024 Grammy for their album “Passion for Bach and Coltrane,” released through their record label, Imani Winds Media. Their groundbreaking approach has earned them three additional Grammy nominations. 

In 2021, Imani Winds became the first-ever Faculty Wind Quintet at the Curtis Institute of Music, highlighting their deep commitment to education. Their dedication is further reflected in the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, which they launched in 2010. This annual summer program focuses on musical excellence and career development for pre-professional instrumentalists and composers

In 2019, the ensemble launched the Imani Winds Foundation to further support their mission of outreach and education. With a permanent presence in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Imani Winds continue to leave an unforgettable mark on the music world. Buy tickets for the show and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357.

Luther College is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in October with a guest speaker, a film showing and participation in Decorah Pride Week events.  

“While Pride Month is in June for many organizations, Luther is focusing on LGBTQ+ History month in October,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “We celebrate heritage months during the academic year in order to maximize efforts and reach the widest community audience.”

All of these events are free and open to the public. 

On Friday, Oct. 11, Coming Out Day will be honored with an all-day tabling event in the Dahl Centennial Union lobby, hosted by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support and the Wellness Office. “Our all-day tabling event will provide a supportive and informative space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. “This is a perfect opportunity to connect, educate, and foster a sense of community.”

Gina Weekley, Luther’s 2024 Queer History Month Speaker

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, CIES presents Queer History Month Speaker Gina Weekley, in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Gina Weekley, an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community, will be sharing her insights and experiences with a focus on the history and ongoing struggles of queer individuals. 

“Gina Weekley is an engaging, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable presenter,” said Roberto Coral, CIES office manager. “Her own personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Her training services provide practical and empowering ideas on how to create an inclusive environment.”  

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, in Valders 206, the Monthly Movie will feature “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. 

Decorah Pride Week events will be held Oct. 8–12. Please see Decorah Pride’s website for complete details about all events. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, the Pride Parade will include many local guests and organizations, followed by a Party in the Park. Multiple groups from Luther College will participate in the parade and the party. 

One event of Decorah Pride Week will feature Luther’s musical talent in concert: queerPOPERA at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah. The music will include pieces by Verdi, Bernstein, Donizetti, Sondheim and other composers, as well as visual art, dance and instrumental collaborations. The performance will conclude with a closing dance party, with music by Driftless Jazz. 

The mission of queerPOPERA, founded by Jaime Webb, guest lecturer in voice at Luther, is to showcase the diverse narratives of the LGBTQ+ community through the emotive power of opera. 

The Oct. 12 concert will feature Luther faculty and staff Adrianna Tam, Andrew Last, Andrew Whitfield, Camille Balleza, Carla Hanson, Jaime Webb, Nicholas Shaneyfelt and Rachel Storlie; alumni Aidan Spencer, Ava Shively, Jana Lundell (dancer), Marie Sauze, Olivia Luster and Sasha Tomasevich; and students Arin Kyllo, Erin Daniel, Jaime Bizarri, Kelly Ristau (visual artist) and Malaika Hale.