Month: February 2026

Sophia Chadima, Hannah Hoffmann and Niamh Mee are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Two Luther College students and one recent graduate are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Operating in over 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the largest and most esteemed exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Luther College semi-finalists are:

• Sophia Chadima, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic
• Hannah Hoffmann, class of 2023, Study/Research grant in Spain
• Niamh Mee, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Estonia

These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

The finalists for 2026-27 will be announced this spring.

Luther College graduate Kayla Will, class of 2025, won the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award as a student participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS), where she interned at the Death Penalty Information Center.

Kayla Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, received the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award.

The Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate an inquisitive nature in their studies and are committed to learning. The award is named for the late Dr. Christopher C. Joyner, former LCWS faculty member and professor of international law at Georgetown University.

Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, was nominated by her fellow LCWS students and faculty members.

“Being selected for the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award feels truly amazing,” Will said. “Exploring new experiences, engaging with communities, supporting others and having meaningful conversations have always been central to how I learn and grow. And that’s exactly what Lutheran College Washington Semester embodies, and what the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes — dedication, curiosity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for learning — and I am so grateful to my peers for recognizing me in these qualities. This is an honor I will always remember.”

During her semester in Washington, D.C., Will interned as a data researcher and archivist at the Death Penalty Information (DPI) Center. Her primary role involved maintaining and updating the database of all individuals on death row in the United States. She had the opportunity to attend events with the DPI team, such as a gathering at the German Embassy for World Day Against the Death Penalty and a lecture on wrongful convictions at Georgetown University Law Center.

“I learned so much — not from textbooks or lectures, but from the daily realities of working in a real office and supporting projects that have a tangible impact,” Will said. “I gained firsthand experience in meaningful, purpose-driven work and developed a deeper understanding of both the research process and the broader impact of informed policy analysis.”

Will recently graduated from Luther with a degree in political science. She transferred to Luther for the 2023 fall semester and immersed herself in campus life. She played center for the Norse women’s basketball team and was president of the Luther Democrats.

Will is grateful for her LCWS experience.

“Participating in the program has strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and made me feel ready, prepared and excited for my job search,” she said.

Will is passionate about “helping people stay informed, bridge differences and work together toward fair and effective solutions.”

“I want to support a government and society where understanding and collaboration drive meaningful, positive change. I’m especially interested in issues like criminal justice reform, education, veterans’ benefits, women’s rights and freedoms, and civic engagement,” Will said. “Moving forward, I hope to pursue work that allows me to combine these passions.”

Celebrate the golden age of jazz and sentimental serenades when Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The performance is part of Luther College’s 2025-26 Center Stage Series.

“This installment of our Center Stage Series provides something different from all of the artists we’ve brought in so far this season. It’s going to be so fun to hear outstanding jazz artists — both vocal and instrumental — performing timeless jazz standards,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “I hope that regular Center Stage attendees will invite their friends to join them for a classy evening of music, and that folks who haven’t yet attended a Center Stage event will give it a try.”

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners features Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III; New York City-based pianist, vocalist, composer and educator Robbie Lee; and vocalist Shenel Johns performing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Misty,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and many more. In addition to soaring vocals, the trio of Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians will share the true stories about the legendary performers who brought these timeless songs to life.

“As a self-proclaimed crooner myself, this show is very near and dear to my heart,” Benack said. “Many of us grew up on these classics playing around the house, at family gatherings, and spent hours singing along to the radio. It’s timeless repertoire that will drum up all kinds of nostalgia and fond memories, but with our stellar cast, we’ll keep things fresh.”

Before the performance, treat yourself to dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person. Dietary accommodations are available upon request.

Buy tickets for the Feb. 28 performance and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.