Month: October 2024

Luther College’s Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership presents author Shawn Otto at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Otto’s talk, titled “The War on Science” (after his 2016 book of the same title), will be followed by a time for questions and answers, moderated by Luther Regent Dr. Michael Osterholm, Luther College class of 1975, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. 

Shawn Otto speaks to audiences worldwide about the scientific foundations of democracy and the causes and dangers of anti-science authoritarianism. His award-winning non-fiction book “The War on Science: Who’s Waging It, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do About It” predicted the rise of anti-science authoritarians and the threat they pose to democracy. 

“Shawn Otto’s lecture at Luther is wonderfully timed, as folks are certainly engaging in discussions and decisions at the heart of U.S. democracy,” said Andy Hageman, associate professor of English and director of the college’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. “He brings tremendous research and insight to the ways science and policy have been mixed by governments and leaders.” 

“Folks who attend will get a deep perspective on what is at stake regarding science and science-informed policy going forward, and that can inform and shape how we engage in elections and civic interaction with government officials,” Hageman added. 

After the lecture, there will be a book signing with opportunities to buy Otto’s books. 

About Shawn Otto

Shawn Otto will give the 2024 Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership.

Shawn Otto’s book “The War on Science” has been called “a game changer.” “If you care about attacks on climate science and the rise of authoritarianism, if you care about biased media coverage or shake-your-head political tomfoolery, this book is for you,” said The Guardian in a 2016 review.

Otto was awarded the National Distinguished Public Service Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology, for his work elevating science in American public dialogue. He was cofounder and producer of the 2016 U.S. presidential science debates. Otto has advised candidate science debate efforts in many countries. 

He is also an award-winning screenwriter and novelist, including writing and co-producing the Academy Award-nominated movie “House of Sand and Fog.” He also wrote the literary crime novel “Sins of Our Fathers,” a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist. 

He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Rebecca Otto, the former Minnesota state auditor and candidate for governor, in a solar- and wind-powered green home he designed and the couple built with their own hands. Learn more about him on his website, www.shawnotto.com. 

About the Roslien Distinguished Lecture

The Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership brings internationally recognized individuals who have made impacts on society through the use of cutting-edge science or global leadership in policy and programs to Luther College to engage with faculty and students.

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward announces that Michael “Mike” Anderson, a Luther College 1999 alumnus with a distinguished nursing career, will join the college’s Board of Regents this month. In addition, alumni Brian Johnson and Michelle Klisanich are joining the Board of Regents investment committee to provide their specialized expertise in business and financial planning.  

“We are proud of the knowledge, counsel and commitment that these Luther alumni will share with their alma mater,” said President Ward. “Luther College is proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their willingness to offer their leadership to the Board of Regents.” 

Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA, is the chief operating officer for Heartland Anesthesia and Consulting.

Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA, Luther College class of 1999, is the chief operating officer for Heartland Anesthesia and Consulting. Before this role, he was a clinical nurse anesthetist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he also served as a clinical associate professor and the clinical coordinator of the Anesthesia Nursing Program. He continues to serve as an adjunct associate professor for the University of Iowa’s College of Nursing. 

Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts in nursing from Luther in 1999, followed by a master’s in nurse anesthesia from Cleveland Clinic/Case Western Reserve University in 2009. He completed his Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Iowa in 2014, focusing on infection control in the operating room. 

Mike and his wife, Carryn (Ensrude) Anderson ’99, live in North Liberty, Iowa, with their two sons, Austin and Braden. They are actively involved in their community and remain dedicated to supporting Luther College through endowments for nursing simulation and musical touring.  Mike received the Luther College Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2019. In 2024, they established the Anderson Endowment for musical touring after a transformative experience on the Nordic Choir companion tour to Norway. He has also served on the Alumni Council and is a member of the Heritage Club. 

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is senior vice president of investor relations and business development for Casey’s General Stores Inc.

Brian Johnson, Luther College class of 1998, has over 20 years of experience at Casey’s General Stores Inc., where he currently serves as senior vice president of investor relations and business development. Before that, he was director of finance and accounting manager. Brian started his career with KPMG. 

With an accounting degree from Luther and an MBA from Drake University, Johnson combines strategic thinking with deep financial expertise. A former Luther swimmer, he remains a dedicated supporter of Luther College. Johnson lives in Johnston, Iowa, with his wife, Patricia, and their children, Joseph, Abigail and Jacob. 

Michelle Klisanich

Michelle Klisanich is a wealth advisor and certified financial planner professional at Navista Wealth Management.

Michelle (Monson) Klisanich, Luther College class of 2006, is a wealth advisor and certified financial planner professional at Navista Wealth Management (previously called Birch Cove Group) in Minneapolis, Minn. Her areas of expertise include retirement strategies, tax-efficient saving and investing, college savings and insurance planning. Michelle previously worked as a wealth advisor at Thrivent Financial. She earned her CFP certification from the American College of Financial Services. 

Klisanich was honored as one of “Twin Cities Finest” for not only excelling in her profession but also giving back to the community. A Spanish major at Luther, she is a former member of the Luther College Alumni Council and a member of the Heritage Club. Klisanich and her husband, Michael, live in Minnetonka, Minn., with their daughters, Anja and Mari.

Luther College announces a new partnership with Lightcast, a global leader in labor market data, to participate in the National Alumni Career Mobility (NACM) survey. This annual national benchmark survey seeks career satisfaction and insights from the alumni cohorts who graduated five years ago and 10 years ago — this year, the classes of 2014 and 2019. 

The data collected by this survey will be used to help Luther College better understand and learn from the professional pathways of its graduates, and to prepare future alumni for continued career success. 

“At Luther College, we deeply value staying connected with our alumni, hearing their stories, and learning about their career journeys,” said Mary Duvall, vice president for advancement. “That’s why the Luther College Career Center, in partnership with other campus departments, is participating in the National Alumni Career Mobility survey. 

“The survey is an opportunity for alumni in the classes of 2014 and 2019 to reflect on their personal and professional journeys, including how specific experiences influenced their careers, successes, and engagement with their community,” Duvall added. “These insights, combined with those of peers across the country, will help Luther understand how well we are preparing graduates for successful careers and meaningful lives.” 

If you are a 2014 or 2019 graduate of Luther College, look for an email link to the survey, starting October 15. The survey will be open through December 15. 

About Lightcast

Lightcast provides trusted global labor market data, analytics, and expert guidance that empowers communities, corporations and learning providers to make informed decisions and navigate the increasingly complex world of work. With a database of more than one billion job postings and career profiles, our team provides best-in-class customer service with robust data, clear analysis, and expert guidance on skills, jobs, and opportunities. For more, visit www.lightcast.io.