Month: January 2025

Luther College will host events to commemorate Black History Month in February. The events include a distinguished lecture, a film screening, a dance performance and several social gatherings at local businesses. The events are open to the public.

“Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance and contributions of African Americans and others of the African diaspora who have shaped our nation and our world,” said Robert Clay, diversity, equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “We are called beyond Black History Month to uplift the profound legacies of African Americans who contributed to the fabric of this country, fought for justice and equality that has benefited all, while inspiring us to take meaningful action in our communities and carry this legacy forward.”

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Black History Month Keynote Address, “The Power of Belonging: Reimagining Equity and Leadership in Higher Education,” Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, 7 p.m.

Cameron Beatty is an associate professor in the educational leadership and policy studies department at Florida State University.

Cameron C. Beatty, associate professor in the educational leadership and policy studies department at Florida State University, will give the Black History Month Keynote Address on Feb. 25. During his lecture, “The Power of Belonging: Reimagining Equity and Leadership in Higher Education,” Beatty will examine the critical role of belonging in shaping equitable and inclusive institutions. He will also offer actionable strategies to empower leaders and communities.

Friday, Feb. 14: Ailey II, CFL, 7:30 p.m.

Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the CFL Main Hall. Started in 1974 with a mission to bring African American dance into the mainstream, Ailey II is one of America’s most enduring and beloved dance companies. Buy tickets for the show and the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the CFL.

Social Events Build Connections, Inspire Change

Luther College’s Black Student Union (BSU) is hosting a bowling event to kick off Black History Month from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at KingPin Entertainment Center. Then on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) is arranging a full-day visit to the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

Next, join BSU for a Black History Month themed trivia night at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Impact Coffee. Specialty drinks will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by BSU and Impact Trivia.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, BSU will host a screening of “Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street” (2021) at Valders Hall of Science 206. Directed by Salima Koroma, this documentary celebrates the Black cultural renaissance that existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and investigates the 100-year-old race massacre that left a hidden stain on U.S. history. “Dreamland” was executive produced by NBA star LeBron James, businessman Maverick Carter, actor Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron for The SpringHill Company, and Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton for CNN Films.

Black History Month activities wrap up with a Cultural Community Connections event from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Landing Market.

BSU vice president Kwaku Junior Sarpong encouraged Decorah residents, Luther students, faculty and staff to participate in these events.

“Attending events for Black History Month will provide a space for learning and reflection while engaging in meaningful conversations about racial justice, equity and inclusion,” Sarpong said. “Through these events, we will honor the immense contributions of Black people to America, inspire change, build connections and work toward a more inclusive and just society.”

Luther College’s leadership announced the promotion of Matt Beatty ’03 to the permanent position of vice president for enrollment effective Feb. 1, and the return of current Vice President Karen Hunt to a new role at Luther as senior consultant for admissions and financial aid.

Matt Beatty ’03 will serve as Luther College’s vice president for enrollment starting Feb. 1, 2025.

Both President Jenifer K. Ward and President-elect Brad Chamberlain informed the Luther campus of the changes on Friday morning.

“I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity to serve Luther College as its next vice president for enrollment,” Beatty said. “This is a special institution and means a great deal to so many people. My heartfelt gratitude goes to President Ward and President-elect Chamberlain for their trust and confidence in me, as well as to VP Hunt and campus partners for their unwavering support and collaboration over the past two years. I look forward to building on our shared commitment to this incredible institution and its future.”

Hunt came to Luther in 2021–22 as interim enrollment chief of staff, then agreed to work with Luther for two enrollment cycles. Her progress in rebuilding and stabilizing the enrollment division has begun to yield dividends. She agreed to extend for a third recruiting cycle last year, and along with President Ward began work to identify a successor for Hunt.

Beatty joined the Enrollment Division in fall 2022 as the director of admissions, and in partnership with Hunt and greater campus collaboration, has played an important role in Luther’s increase in first-year enrollment for fall 2024.

In late spring of 2024, Ward and Hunt began working on a succession plan, including talks with Beatty. In August, Hunt’s unexpected medical leave led to Beatty’s elevation as acting vice president.

“His performance has confirmed the original succession plan, and through his work this fall, he has earned this new role by experience and example,” Ward said. “We are delighted that he has accepted the call as the next vice president. We are equally heartened that VP Hunt has agreed to stay on in a phased consulting role through October to continue working with Dr. Beatty and provide support for ongoing initiatives in admissions and financial aid throughout the transition.”

“I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Beatty’s ability to build upon the strong foundation we’ve laid,” Hunt said. “Matt’s dedication, strong managerial skills, and deep understanding of our students’ needs make him an ideal leader for this critical area. I also want to acknowledge the continued excellence of Rachel Moser, who has been an invaluable partner in her role as financial aid director, and the entire enrollment management team. With Matt’s leadership and this exceptional team, I am confident that we will continue to enhance our institution’s commitment to student success.”

Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform in Luther College’s 2024–25 Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

“The performance is going to be beautiful and stunning,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “The dancers are unbelievably strong and graceful athletes whose movements will fascinate the viewer.”

Ailey II’s Alfred L. Jordan II and Kiri Moore in Alia Kache’s “Mystery at Sky Square.” Ailey II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is performing in Decorah on Friday, Feb. 14, as part of its 28-city tour. Photo by Nir Arieli.

Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II advances Alvin Ailey’s vision by giving vital experience to early-career dancers. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers.

“As a young aspiring dancer, I thoroughly loved watching the Ailey II dancers and was deeply inspired when they came to Luther in the early 1980s,” said Luther’s dance professor Jane Hawley. “After graduating from Luther College, I flew to New York City to audition and was accepted into the Ailey School certificate program. The school and program changed my life and professional trajectory in dance.”

Ailey II showcases the talent of young dancers and the creativity of today’s top choreographers.

“The lineage and soul of this company stirs one to know dance as a vital art,” Hawley said. “Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Ailey II.”

The program on Feb. 14 will feature:

• “Mystery at Sky Square,” choreography by Alia Kache. Based on the mischievous Akan folkloric character, “Anansi the Spider,” “Mystery at Sky Square” begins where love and revenge take center stage in this film noir-style dance theater work. Complete with 1940s-inspired costumes, narration to an original screenplay by Ryan Blackwell, music by Omari Tau, Kache blends the elements of a classic who-done-it for the stage.
• Inspired by “The Matrix” film series, “Down the Rabbit Hole” explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life. Set to a score by Johannes Goldbach and Franz Pomassl, choreographer Houston Thomas asks the question, in this high-powered piece: Technological change — are we powering it or is it powering us?
• “Streams,” which premiered in 1970, is an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac. Alvin Ailey’s highly structured yet fluid compilation of solos, duets, and group choreography reflects the formal, meditative mood of Kabelac’s music. While there is no narrative, the movement and music arouse distinct thoughts and feelings, evoking images and sensations inspired by bodies of water.

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.

Before the performance, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The menu is selected specifically to complement the performance and consists of local ingredients. Vegan entrees are available upon request. Please inform the Ticket Office beforehand of any special dietary needs.

“We encourage you to spend your Valentine’s evening with us in the Center for Faith and Life, whether with someone special, with a friend or acquaintance, or even on your own to take in this breathtaking display of human movement,” Potvin said.