Month: March 2026

Influential health leader Dr. Michael Osterholm to address ‘public health in crisis’ at Roslien Distinguished Lecture on April 15

Dr. Michael Osterholm, who was recently named as one of the world’s “most influential leaders in health” by Time magazine, will discuss concerns surrounding the current status of public health in the world and what he recommends we do to address this crisis at the Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership. The lecture titled “Public Health in Crisis: What This Means to You” will start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on Luther College’s campus. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Dr. Michael Osterholm

Dr. Michael Osterholm

This year’s Roslien Distinguished Lecture will be a conversational fireside chat format with Osterholm answering questions posed by Dr. Mark Larson, medical director of Mayo Clinic Care Network. Larson graduated from Luther in 1978 and he currently serves on the Luther College Board of Regents with Osterholm.

“In the past year, we have seen significant changes to public health leadership and policies, and this lecture will deliver a powerful and precise analysis of how these changes are already shaping our lives,” said Andy Hageman, director of the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement and a professor of English. “Dr. Osterholm is uniquely positioned to shed light on multiple aspects of public health changes, from government agency approaches to scientific research to vaccine attitudes, policies and trends.”

Osterholm, a 1975 Luther College graduate, holds many roles at the University of Minnesota. Currently, Osterholm is a regents professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the medical school.

In 2025, Osterholm and colleagues founded the Vaccine Integrity Project, a key initiative dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the United States. Osterholm is the author of three books, and he will highlight the findings detailed in his 2025 book, “The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics,” at the Roslien Distinguished Lecture.

“If you want to get a revered insider perspective on what is happening in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and why it matters to you and your family, community, and country, you won’t want to miss this lecture,” added Hageman.

The lecture will be livestreamed on Luther College’s YouTube channel.

dining service workers hold up a stainless steel container at Oneota Market

Luther is the first campus in Iowa to launch plastic-free takeout with USEFULL. 

March 12 2026

Bell between two stone columns with sign above that says "Luther College."

Of the winter graduating class, 19% were first-generation college students, 15.9% were international students and 11.1% were transfer students.

March 11 2026

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Luther College launches reusable takeout program with USEFULL

Luther College is taking a major step toward zero-waste by partnering with USEFULL to provide a tech-enabled stainless steel container reuse program for takeout orders at Oneota Market inside the Dahl Centennial Union.

Luther College students stand next to a sign encouraging students to download the USEFULL app

Luther College students check out durable stainless steel containers through a new partnership with USEFULL.

USEFULL’s system uses durable stainless steel containers with silicone lids to keep meals hot or cold for hours, providing students with a premium dining experience while eliminating reliance on plastic and short-life reusables. Its technology platform includes container tracking, automatic return reminders, and performance reporting at both the institutional and individual level.

“This partnership reflects our community’s core values around sustainability and care for the environment,” said Kara Holmstrom, Luther’s sustainability coordinator. “USEFULL is helping us build a healthier and more responsible campus dining culture, while reducing waste and ensuring flexibility for our students who want to take food on-the-go.”

The program debuted on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and since then, students have been checking out USEFULL containers and integrating sustainability into their daily dining routines. Reuse is growing in retail dining on campus, and this is a step forward for Luther to eliminate plastic from its waste streams, one small part of the college’s goal of being a carbon neutral institution by 2030.

“Reducing waste is one important piece of our larger effort to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our campus operations and culture,” said Jon Jensen, director of Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities. “The great thing about this program is that it is also giving students an enhanced experience when they eat on the go.”

In partnership with Bon Appétit Management Company, Luther is the first college in the state of Iowa to partner with USEFULL.

“Luther College is part of a real movement to rethink campus waste and do reuse right,” said Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. “We’re proud to support the college’s commitment to long-term sustainability with a reuse system that students and dining teams love to use.”

dining service workers hold up a stainless steel container at Oneota Market

Luther College is the first college in Iowa to partner with USEFULL for a reusable takeout program.

The program is free to students, faculty and staff with minor fees applied only to containers returned after the two-day usage period or unreturned containers.

“It’s like checking out a library book, but for reusable containers,” Jensen said.

The reusable takeout program integrates with other sustainability practices at Luther including Cafeteria to Community and food composting efforts. Through the Cafeteria to Community program, Luther students and volunteers work together to package and label food that is provided to four northeast Iowa facilities: Open Hands Food Pantry, Northeast Iowa Community Action, Decorah Food Pantry and Midwest Mission Bible Training Center. Each facility ensures that individuals and families receive nutritious meals at no cost.

Bell between two stone columns with sign above that says "Luther College."

Of the winter graduating class, 19% were first-generation college students, 15.9% were international students and 11.1% were transfer students.

March 11 2026

two students hold up thank you cards

“At Luther, we know that the future is shaped by those who believe in it,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain.

March 6 2026

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WinnMed Welcomes New Foundation Director

Ben Krouse-Gagne, Foundation Director
Ben Krouse-Gagne, Foundation Director

WinnMed is pleased to welcome Ben Krouse-Gagne as the new Director of Foundation.

Ben brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and community engagement, having spent over a decade building strong donor relationships and leading successful fundraising initiatives. Most recently, he served as Senior Development Officer at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) Alumni & Friends Foundation, where played a key role in generating significant philanthropic support by managing the Planned Giving program, serving as the liaison to the College of Science & Health, and leading multiple strategic fundraising initiatives.

Nearer to home, Ben served as the Director of Community Engagement at Helping Services for Youth & Families, where he partnered with individuals, businesses and organizations to provide local support for those in need.  He and his wife, Christina, an Occupational Therapist at WinnMed, live in Decorah with their two young children.

 “I’m thrilled to join the WinnMed Foundation at a moment of real momentum, with the chance to help turn that energy into transformative healthcare for our region,” says Krouse-Gagne. “Strengthening community health and expanding access to exceptional care are deeply important to me, and I’m eager to work alongside the WinnMed Foundation Board to build relationships, elevate our mission, and mobilize the support that will shape the future of care here.”

The WinnMed Foundation, a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization, partners with donors who value community service by providing impactful ways to support local healthcare. The Director of Foundation leads their philanthropic strategy alongside the Foundation Board and in coordination with the WinnMed leadership team. Recent Foundation initiatives include the Transforming Tomorrow expansion naming opportunities for WinnMed’s new Clinic and Obstetric spaces. This momentum also extends to strengthening surgical services and building permanent endowments that will support WinnMed’s mission in perpetuity, ensuring exceptional care for generations across the region.

Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer, says, “The WinnMed Foundation has done excellent work to support our organization over the years and with the recent success of our naming opportunities for Transforming Tomorrow, there is great momentum moving forward.  Ben was clearly the right candidate with his background to help take our foundation to the next level and match potential donors with areas they are passionate about.”  

The WinnMed Foundation Board is comprised of community leaders who volunteer their time, knowledge, compassion and resources toward serving the healthcare needs of WinnMed patients.  Current board members: Kerbie Dahlen, President; Mike Huinker, Vice President; Jennifer Harman, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Burns, Rick Burras, Richard Gaard, Karla Hageman, John Heying, Erick Kephart, Kelly Sorenson, Eric Svestka, M.D., Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer (Ex Officio); and Ben Krouse-Gagne, WinnMed Foundation Director.

To reach the WinnMed Foundation, call 563-387-3129 or email [email protected].

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Recycling Center Improves Cardboard Processing with Baler Upgrades

Cardboard makes up the largest share of material processed at our recycling center. It adds up to more than half of everything we collect and ship to recycling mills. Because of this, keeping our cardboard baler running efficiently is essential to maintaining a smooth and effective recycling operation.

 

Recently, we completed several important upgrades to our baler that will improve both efficiency and reliability.

 

One of the biggest improvements was the installation of an ejector base pedal. This upgrade allows staff to more easily and safely eject finished cardboard bales from the machine, speeding up the process and reducing the physical effort required to move each bale.

 

We also completed mechanical improvements to the baler itself. The hydraulic cylinder was repaired, and the hydraulic oil was replaced, helping ensure the machine continues to operate smoothly and consistently. These updates will help extend the life of the equipment while minimizing downtime.

 

None of these improvements would have been possible without support from the Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency. The Agency awarded a $5,002.78 grant, which funded a significant portion of the project costs.

 

We are extremely grateful for their continued support of recycling infrastructure in our community. Investments like this help ensure we can continue processing large volumes of cardboard efficiently and keep valuable materials out of the landfill.

 

Picture of conveyer belt and cardboard baler at Winneshiek County Recycling.
Conveyer belt and cardboard baler at Winneshiek County Recycling.

Luther College announces winter graduates

Luther College is proud to announce the winter graduates from December 2025 and January 2026.

Of the winter graduating class, 19% were first-generation college students, 15.9% were international students and 11.1% were transfer students. Congratulations to these new alumni as they start the next chapter of their lives.

Below is a list of the 63 graduates, along with their majors, academic honors and hometowns.

Makayla Alger, Davenport, Iowa
Nursing

Isabella Bamlett, Cambridge, Wis.
Elementary Education, cum laude

Colin Battien, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Communication Studies

Kelsey Ann Bratland, Spring Grove, Minn.
Elementary Education, cum laude

Juan Eucevio Bravo Jr., Los Banos, Calif.
Nursing, cum laude

Maggie Elizabeth Bruck, Solon, Iowa
English

Isabelle Brummer, Stillwater, Minn.
Nursing, summa cum laude

Alexandria Lee Cassens, Byron, Ill.
Nursing, magna cum laude

Elena Conklin, Bainbridge Island, Wash.
Elementary Education, summa cum laude

Jacob Dahl, Chanhassen, Minn.
History

Erin Daniel, Ottawa, Ill.
Music Education, cum laude

Lavana Dixit, Kathmandu, Nepal
Political Science

Grayson Gardner, Milo, Iowa
Social Work

Leah Gardner, Urbandale, Iowa
Nursing, cum laude

Payton Alexandra Glenn, Eagan, Minn.
Psychology

Teagan Hansen, Elgin, Minn.
Exercise Science-Allied Health

Sharla Hanson, Blaine, Minn.
Exercise Science-Allied Health, Spanish

Rachel Andrea Jorgensen, Plover, Wis.
Environmental Studies, Political Science

Madelyn Kaasa, Delaware, Ohio
Elementary Education, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude

Spencer Ketterling, Rochester, Minn.
Music

Jibran Ahmed Khan, Islamabad, Pakistan
Data Science, Management, cum laude

Chase Johnathon Kmosena, Wausau, Wis.
Communication Studies, cum laude

Kevin Kretz, Fairfield, Iowa
Accounting, Management

Maren Lee, Muscat, Oman
Elementary Education, magna cum laude

Lauren Patricia Linkletter, Clive, Iowa
Biology, Spanish

Olivia Macumber, Grimes, Iowa
History, Nordic Studies

Alyce Madson, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Nursing, magna cum laude

Faneeza Malik, Lahore, Pakistan
Management, cum laude

Regan McConville, Ames, Iowa
Nursing, cum laude

Rachel Catherine Meehan, Iowa City, Iowa
Music Education

Kathryn Merten, Ellensburg, Wash.
Mathematics, cum laude

Noah Millhouse, Jordan, Minn.
Management

Cameron Moll, Madison, Wis.
Music Education, magna cum laude

Olivia Rose Mooney, Arcadia, Wis.
Nursing

Bret Muhlbauer, Carroll, Iowa
Spanish, summa cum laude

Marie Mullin, Creston, Iowa
Biology

Wyatt James Murphy, Spring Grove, Minn.
History, cum laude

Milo James Neill, Spring Green, Wis.
Management

Tung Nguyen, Hai Phong, Vietnam
Computer Science

Lily Nuland, Bergen, Norway
International Studies, Management

Supreme Paudel, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Computer Science, magna cum laude

Lauren Pease, Grinnell, Iowa
Psychology

Emma Christine Roe, Red Wing, Minn.
Nursing

Cecilia Xiomara Ruiz, Chicago, Ill.
Nursing

Kwaku Junior Sarpong, Kumasi, Ghana
Political Science, cum laude

Nicole Schultz, Fountain, Minn.
Management, Accounting, cum laude

Madeline Shea, Minneapolis, Minn.
Exercise Science

Julia Sheyko, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nursing, summa cum laude

Nathan Edward Shimon, Rockford, Ill.
Music

Princess-Margaret Siafa, Lofa County, Liberia
Global Health-Plan 1, cum laude

Haylee Slotness, Shoreview, Minn.
Nursing

Anthony Derrell Smith, Prairieville, La.
Political Science

Morgan Leigh Stromberg, Minneapolis, Minn.
Biology

Kyla Sykes, Champlin, Minn.
Exercise Science-Allied Health

Isaac Taylor, Iowa City, Iowa
Environmental Studies

Carson Weichers, Waverly, Iowa
Music Education

Abigail Weidt, Hugo, Minn.
Social Work

Kayla Will, Lake Mills, Wis.
Political Science, magna cum laude

Jaxon Withers, Granger, Iowa
Elementary Education

Jenna Woodsmall, Johnston, Iowa
Environmental Studies, magna cum laude

Adelee Wrightsman, Madison, Wis.
Nursing, cum laude

Yigit Yarisci, Istanbul, Turkey
Management

Ainsley Zahn, Farmington Hills, Mich.
Nursing

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Adult Recess: Hoops and Hops

Thursday, March 26th at 5:30pm- 7:00pm- Must be 21+
Get in the March Madness spirit with a fun, casual evening of basketball challenges and social time at Adult Recess: Hoops & Hops.
We’ll start the night at Wayside Park with a series of friendly basketball competitions inspired by the excitement of the tournament.
Outdoor Hoops Challenges-
Test your skills in these quick, drop-in style contests:
HORSE Tournament – casual bracket or drop-in rounds
Free Throw Challenge – most made in 60 seconds
3-Point Contest – classic shootout format
Knockout – fast-paced and always a crowd favorite
Hot Shot – score points from different spots around the court
After the outdoor games, we’ll head to The Landing Market for food and drink specials, catch the Sweet Sixteen games, and keep the fun going with friendly stat contests and games while we watch.
Specials include:
2-point bucket special- $2 off any beverage at The Buzz or from the coolers
3-pointer-$3 off any menu item from Justin’s
Bring a friend, bring your best jump shot, and enjoy a little March Madness, recess-style.
Sign up for free today!

The post Adult Recess: Hoops and Hops appeared first on Decorah Park & Recreation Department.

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WinnMed Welcomes Dr. Cole Puffer to Family Medicine Team

WinnMed is pleased to welcome Cole Puffer, M.D., to its medical team. Joining the practice the end of April, Dr. Puffer provides family medicine care for patients of all ages in the clinical setting and serves as a hospitalist, caring for inpatients during their hospital stay.

Originally from southeast Minnesota, Dr. Puffer spent his undergraduate years in Decorah where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Luther College.  He went on to medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus prior to moving to the west coast for a family medicine residency through Cascades East Family Medicine Residency, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  Since completion, he has provided clinical and inpatient medical care through Sky Lakes Medical Center, alongside his teaching responsibilities for OHSU.  Dr. Puffer is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Puffer returns to Decorah with his wife, Devon – originally from Decorah and a fellow Luther College alum – and their young daughter.  His medical interests include health policy and health systems work, community health and wellness, pediatric care, education, and preventive medicine.

“I provide person-centered care for people of all ages, including newborn and pediatric care,  preventive care, and geriatric care,” says Dr. Puffer. “I take a collaborative approach and value each patient’s perspective. I’m glad to be returning to the Driftless area after completing my training out west. Outside of work, I enjoy woodworking, literature, and spending time outdoors with my wife, daughter, and our border collie.”

Family medicine, also known as primary care, is a medical specialty dedicated to providing comprehensive and continuous care for individuals and families of all ages, genders, and health conditions. Family medicine providers serve as the first point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in preventive care, chronic disease management, and overall wellness. By building long-term relationships, they ensure personalized care and coordinate with specialists when needed. At WinnMed, physicians and advanced practice providers deliver primary care services in Decorah, as well as in outreach locations including Ossian, Mabel and campus clinics at Luther College and Upper Iowa University, serving the college population.

To make an appointment with Dr. Puffer call 563-382-2911 or request an appointment through MyChart.

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