Luther College News – Decorah Now

Brian Solberg receives Hamlet Peterson Professorship

September 10, 2026 Luther College News

Three Luther College faculty were named to endowed positions at the college’s Opening Convocation held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Brian Solberg, associate professor of health and exercise science, was selected for the inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science. Gregory Patton, associate professor of management, was reappointed the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair; and Dan Davis, associate professor of classics, was reappointed the Orlando W. Qualley Chair in Classics.

Brian Solberg, Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science

Brian Solberg

Solberg is a Decorah native and Luther alum who has taught at Luther since 1991. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Luther in 1988. He holds a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Iowa. He also completed additional study in exercise science from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

Solberg serves as the head of the Health and Exercise Science Department at Luther College. His work with undergraduate students on research projects has included concepts of physiology as applied to human performance and supplements that aid performance.

“Teaching has always been a part of my family, with students as the center of our efforts. I truly enjoy the laboratory and research setting as the opportunity to engage with students and apply concepts to real-world situations. Their desire to learn motivates me to look for new and innovative ways to teach and adapt the classroom setting,” Solberg said.

The Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship was established by Helen (Peterson) ’52 and Jack Hustad. This professorship is named for Hamlet “Coach Pete” Peterson ’22, and is in honor of Hamlet and Thelma Peterson and Ferd and Vera Hustad. Renowned for his role in Luther College athletics, Peterson was a member of the Luther College faculty from 1922 to 1967. The award recognizes the integral role physical education plays in the liberal arts tradition and honors the dedicated faculty in the health and exercise science program at Luther College.

The Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship appointment is a three-year term.

Gregory Patton, Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair

The Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair was established by Suzanne Birkestrand and Dennis Birkestrand ’64, former business owners who believe in and support the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our nation’s free-market economy, in recognition of the profound impact Luther College has had on their lives. The Birkestrand Chair is awarded to a professor who is dedicated to empowering undergraduates to achieve and who recognizes the importance of free-market friendly perspectives on economic theory, private enterprise and good business practices.

Patton, associate professor of management, will serve as the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair for 2026–2029. Patton holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and joined the Luther faculty in 2013.

Dan Davis, Orlando W. Qualley Chair of Classical Languages

The first endowed faculty chair established at Luther was the Qualley Chair. This chair honors Orlando W. (Pip) Qualley (1897–1988), who served six decades as a Luther faculty member and administrator. Qualley held positions of vice president, dean, professor of classical languages, registrar, basketball coach and football coach. Known for his firmness, directness and drive, he encouraged high academic standards and recruited a faculty devoted to education.

Davis, associate professor of classics, was reappointed the Qualley Chair for 2026–2029. Davis holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He joined the Luther faculty in 2011. He also directs the classical studies minor within the history department.

Continuing Endowed Chairs and Professorships

The following Luther faculty are continuing in their current chair and professorship roles:

Nena Amundson Distinguished Professorship, Molly McNicoll, 2025-2027
Bert M. and Mildred O. Dahl Chair in Economics, Steve Holland, 2023-2028
Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professorship in History, Richard Mtisi, 2025-2028
Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies, Guy Nave, 2025-2028
Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities, Amy Weldon, 2025-2028
Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professorship in International Studies, Orçun Selçuk, 2025-2028
Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies, Robert Christman, 2025-2030
Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology, Jodi Enos-Berlage, 2025-2028
Wardell Professorship in Sociology, Char Kunkel, 2025-2028

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Broadway’s Next Hit Musical comes to Luther College Sept. 12

September 8, 2026 Luther College News

The cast of Broadway’s Next Hit Musical will create and perform a spontaneous evening of music and laughter at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL) Main Hall at Luther College.

Three performers singing on a stage in New York City

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical is the first performance in Luther College’s 2026-27 Center Stage Series.

“The performers in Broadway’s Next Hit Musical are master improvisers and incredibly creative at customizing their on-stage performance to match the entries from the local audience. This is going to be a hilariously fun night for everyone in attendance, and it’s appropriate for all ages,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach.

Tickets for Broadway’s Next Hit Musical can be purchased at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the CFL. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.

Under the direction of improv veterans Rob Schiffmann and Deb Rabbai, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical will present an original improvised awards show titled “The Phony Awards” on Sept. 12. Master improvisers will gather made-up, hit song suggestions from the audience. Then, the audience votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns this Phony Award-winning song into a full-blown, improvised musical. Every show is personalized to the audience.

“Everyone will be entertained by the unique storyline that evolves, not to mention amazed by the skill of the performers. I hope you’ll bring your families and friends for a memorable evening,” Potvin said.

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical has performed extensively throughout the United States, as well as internationally. When the group is not on the road, they perform regularly at 54 Below, a Broadway-themed supper club and nonprofit venue committed to preserving the art of the cabaret in New York City. They have also been seen at the Triad Theater, the Tribeca Film Festival and at the New York Musical Theater Festival.

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical is the first performance in Luther College’s 2026-27 Center Stage Series.

Luther College students sing at the 2025 Opening Conovcation

Convocation begins at 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

August 31 2026

Luther College Ticket Office

Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance

The ticketing office may be closed during scheduled academic breaks

Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101

tickets@luther.edu

Phone: 563-387-1357

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Author Nora Krug to give Opening Convocation address

August 31, 2026 Luther College News

Nora Krug. Photo by Nina Subin

Nora Krug, author of “Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home,” will give the Luther College Opening Convocation address on Thursday, Sept. 3. Convocation begins at 9:40 a.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Krug is associate professor of illustration at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her 228-page visual memoir “Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home” wrestles with the idea of “Heimat,” the German word for the place that first forms us, where the sensibilities and identity of one generation pass on to the next.

In this visual memoir — equal parts graphic novel, family scrapbook and investigative narrative — Krug draws on letters, archival material, flea market finds and photographs to attempt to understand what it means to belong. A wholly original record of a German woman’s struggle with the weight of catastrophic history, “Belonging” is also a reflection on the responsibility that we all have as inheritors of our countries’ pasts, according to the author’s website.

“Belonging” will be the first book discussed by Luther students enrolled in Paideia for the fall 2026 semester.

“‘Belonging’ asks questions about the boundaries between individual, family and national identities, and about the gap between self-perception and how others see oneself,” said Brian P. Caton, director of the Paideia program at Luther College.

“Belonging” was chosen as a best book of the year by the New York Times, the Guardian, NPR, Kirkus Review, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Boston Globe. It was the winner of the 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award, the Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, the Art Directors Club Gold and Discipline Winner Cubes, the Society of Illustrators Silver Medal, and the British Book Design and Production Award, among others.

Krug holds a bachelor’s degree from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, a Diplom in visual communications from the University of Arts Berlin, and an M.F.A. in illustration as a visual essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York. She was a fellow at Yale University’s Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies in 2024 and 2025, and was a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin.

Spirit of Luther award close-up photo taken outside

“Over an extraordinary career spanning 41.5 years, Jay served Luther College with unwavering dedication,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain.

August 31 2026

Hamlet Peterson talking to basketball players in a locker room.

Affectionately known as “Coach Pete,” Hamlet Peterson coached basketball for 40 seasons.

August 27 2026

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Jay Uthoff posthumously receives Spirit of Luther Award

August 31, 2026 Luther College News

Longtime Luther College Director of Facilities Services Jay Uthoff posthumously received the 2026 Spirit of Luther award for his “unwavering dedication” to Luther’s mission on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Luther College President Brad Chamberlain presented the award to Uthoff’s wife, Kathy, during the college’s annual Service of Dedication in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Uthoff died on Dec. 23, 2025. Spirit of Luther award close-up photo taken outside

“Over an extraordinary career spanning 41.5 years, Jay served Luther College with unwavering dedication,” Chamberlain said. “Despite a relentless avalanche of daily demands, Jay cheerfully chipped away at his to-do list without ever showing resentment or grumpiness. A genuine servant leader, he always found time to pause for a conversation or share a chuckle with community members. His profound affection for Luther’s students, faculty and staff was deeply mutual. Jay’s lifetime of exemplary service leaves a lasting legacy, and he is missed profoundly across campus.”

In 1984 Uthoff was hired as an electrician at Luther College. He advanced to the position of lead electrician in 1990, electrical supervisor in 1994 and manager of trade services in 1997.

Uthoff played an instrumental role on campus. He was a member of the building construction teams for Baker Village, the Sampson Hoffland Laboratories, the aquatic center, Center for the Arts and many more facility improvement projects. In 2013, Uthoff was named director of facilities services.

“The scope of Jay’s stewardship was vast,” Chamberlain said. “He oversaw a large and complicated campus network that included buildings, grounds and roads as well as steam tunnels and an underground electrical distribution system. During his tenure, several campus facilities were built or remodeled. Jay worked hand-in-hand with contractors to guarantee the work was finished on schedule. He was equally steadfast during emergency crises, guiding the campus through two 500-year floods in the span of eight years.”

Uthoff also played a pivotal role in the college’s sustainability initiatives, including the installation of Luther’s wind turbine and several large solar arrays, as well as investments in hybrid vehicles and a bio-diesel production facility.

“Jay was proud that Luther was a sustainability leader,” Chamberlain said.

The Spirit of Luther Award recognizes individuals or couples who have provided significant sustained service to the college. This award recognizes persons who have demonstrated a personal commitment to Luther’s mission, quality and character. Recipients are endorsed by the Faculty Honorary Degrees Committee and chosen by the president of Luther College.

Affectionately known as “Coach Pete,” Hamlet Peterson coached basketball for 40 seasons.

August 27 2026

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Luther College to announce recipient of inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science on Sept. 3

August 27, 2026 Luther College News

Luther College will announce the recipient of the inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship in Exercise Science during the college’s Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Hamlet E. Peterson

The professorship is named for Hamlet E. Peterson, who is renowned for his role in Luther College athletics. Peterson, who graduated from Luther College in 1922, taught classical languages (Latin and Greek) and physical education at Luther after his graduation. In 1925, Peterson became coach of the football, basketball and track teams, and later baseball. Affectionately known as “Coach Pete,” Peterson coached basketball for 40 seasons. It is estimated that Peterson coached more than 100 teams during his coaching career.

For many years, Peterson also served as the college’s athletic director. He developed Luther’s health and physical education department, now known as the exercise science department. Peterson retired from Luther in 1967. In his 1972 book, “The Noble Norsemen,” Peterson narrated the story of Luther College athletics through the 1960s. He died in 1973.

Hamlet and Thelma Peterson had three children and all three were Luther alumni. Their two sons, Dr. Hamlet A. Peterson was a 1954 graduate, and Luther Peterson was a 1961 graduate. Their daughter, Helen Hustad graduated in 1952.

The Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship is funded by an estate gift made by Jack F. Hustad and Regent Emerita Helen (Peterson) Hustad. Starting in 1986, Helen served two consecutive terms as a member of the Luther College Board of Regents. Helen died in 2024 and Jack Hustad passed away in 2025.

The gift honors both Helen’s parents, Hamlet and Thelma Peterson, and Jack’s parents, Ferd and Vera Hustad.

“We are deeply honored that our parents have chosen to celebrate the remarkable lives and contributions that our grandparents made to Luther College and the Decorah community through this professorship,” said Mikkel Hustad, son of Jack and Helen Hustad. Mikkel is a 1983 graduate of Luther.

Peterson was born in 1897 on a farm one mile north of Scarville, Iowa. He entered Luther as a student in 1916, but his education was interrupted by military service during World War I. He returned to Luther in 1919, where he had success as a student-athlete in football, basketball and baseball. During his senior year, Peterson was quarterback and captain of Luther’s football team.

Black and white photo of Coach Pete and his wife Thelma in 1965

Hamlet and Thelma Peterson were honored at “Coach Pete Night” on March 2, 1965 at Luther College. (Luther College Archives)

Peterson earned his master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1931. In 1958 Peterson was elected to the Hall of Fame (basketball section) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In 1964 he was inducted into the Luther Hall of Fame. He received an honorary doctorate from Luther in 1967. Following his retirement, he received numerous honors and recognition awards from sports organizations.

“Coach Pete and Thelma devoted their lives to nurturing the whole person — mind, body, character and community. For decades, Coach Pete’s leadership — on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community, reflected this belief. Thelma’s spirit and dedication matched his in every way. They helped shape countless lives. We are grateful that their legacy will continue to support and strengthen Luther for years to come,” said Mikkel Hustad.

The recipient of the Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship is selected by recommendation from Luther’s provost and appointed by the president. The professorship is meant to support a member of the exercise science program. The term for appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Provost and the President.

The inaugural recipient will be announced during Luther’s Opening Convocation at 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

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New York Times bestselling author David Epstein to discuss the value of a liberal arts education on Sept. 24

August 18, 2026 Luther College News

David Epstein

Luther College is pleased to announce New York Times bestselling author David Epstein will give a lecture about the value of a liberal arts education at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on campus.

His lecture at Luther College is supported by the Elwin D. and Helen Farwell Distinguished Lecture Series Endowment. Luther College students, faculty, staff, emeriti faculty and retired staff will be admitted at no charge by showing their Luther College ID card.

The public is invited to purchase general seating tickets for $10 each plus transaction fees. Tickets are on sale now at the Luther Ticket Office and online at tickets.luther.edu.

Drawing on his insights from his book, “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,” Epstein will make the case that in most career fields — especially those that are complex, unpredictable and difficult to automate — graduates with a liberal arts education are primed to excel. Using research to dismantle the myth that specialization is the key to high performance, Epstein will discuss how a liberal arts curriculum at colleges, such as Luther College, provides a foundation for individuals to think flexibly and expansively. As a result, a liberal arts education produces graduates who are aware, perceptive, critical and creative, and it gives them the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

“At Luther College, we know that the best preparation for an uncertain future is a broad course of study that develops whole persons,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “We also understand how nurturing a guiding purpose inspires and equips students with the tools and dispositions to be global citizens working to make a difference in the world.”

Epstein’s latest book, “Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better” was published in May 2026 and became an instant New York Times best seller. Building on questions that arose from “Range,” “Inside the Box” examines how constraints, limitations and restrictions can actually be catalysts for creativity, collaboration, contentment, resilience and reinvention in today’s rapidly changing business environments.

“With his two New York Times best sellers, David Epstein affirms the impact of Luther’s approach to learning, explaining why generalists triumph in a specialized world and how a disciplined approach to analyzing, connecting and formulating ideas enable us to engage society’s most pressing challenges and identify innovative solutions,” Chamberlain said.

Both “Range” and “Inside the Box” will be available for purchase in the lobby before and after the lecture. Epstein is planning to sign books following his lecture.

Before becoming an author, Epstein was a science and investigative reporter at ProPublica and a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. His writing has been honored by an array of organizations, from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Center on Disability and Journalism, and has been included in the Best American Science and Nature Writing anthology. His TED Talks have been viewed more than 12 million times.

Epstein has master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism. An avid runner, he was a Columbia University record holder and twice NCAA All-East as an 800-meter runner.

Ellingsen succeeds Nordic Studies Associate Professor Maren Johnson as the center’s director.

August 17 2026

Lurth’s book is the second book in the Small Luxuries series, published by the Quarto Group.

August 12 2026

Luther College Ticket Office

Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance

Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101

tickets@luther.edu

Phone: 563-387-1357

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Andrew Ellingsen is appointed director of Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies

August 17, 2026 Luther College News

Luther College alum Andrew Ellingsen has been named director of the Richard L. and Judith A. Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies at Luther College, Provost Pam Bacon announced this week.

Andrew Ellingsen

“We’re pleased to have Andrew Ellingsen serve as the center’s director,” Bacon said. “His past experiences as an educator and program leader made him a standout candidate for the position. Andrew has deep roots in Decorah and is well connected within the Norwegian-American heritage community.”

The Richard L. and Judith A. Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies honors Luther College’s legacy as the first college in the United States founded by Norwegian immigrants. Established in 2018, the Torgerson Center’s mission is to foster connections with modern Norway and other Nordic countries through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, provide learning opportunities for students and faculty, and collaborate on programming with Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School in Decorah. The Torgerson Center is the only endowed undergraduate Nordic Studies center in the United States.

Ellingsen succeeds Nordic Studies Associate Professor Maren Johnson as the center’s director. Johnson was recently appointed executive director of the center.

“I am very excited for Andrew to be part of the Luther team. He’s a generative, thoughtful leader who will help move the needle for the Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies,” Johnson said.

Before joining Luther, Ellingsen was director of folk art education at Vesterheim. In that role, Ellingsen successfully expanded participation and significantly grew programs through strategic planning and organizational initiatives.

During his more than five years at Vesterheim, Ellingsen collaborated closely with Luther College on educational opportunities and programs. These opportunities included hosting Luther College January term classes at Vesterheim, supporting a Vesterheim–Torgerson Center internship pipeline for Luther students, and planning educationally-focused tours in Norway, including FCUL 139: Nordic Tales and Traditions (2024), co-taught with Johnson as a pilot program for Luther students studying away in their first year.

Prior to working at Vesterheim, Ellingsen taught elementary music for nearly 20 years, first in the Twin Cities and then in Decorah. During these years, Ellingsen also taught undergraduate elementary music methods at Luther College and served as part of the faculty for Orff Schulwerk graduate courses at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ellingsen earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2003, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Luther College.

Ellingsen’s first day on campus was Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Lurth’s book is the second book in the Small Luxuries series, published by the Quarto Group.

August 12 2026

a row of college graduates stand for a photo

Among these graduates that participated in Commencement, 22% were double majors and 20% were first-generation college students.

August 7 2026

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Professor Aaron Lurth’s ‘Small Luxuries: Film Cameras’ book outlines the history and complexities of film cameras

August 12, 2026 Luther College News

Aaron Lurth

Aaron Lurth, program director of visual communication and associate professor of art at Luther College, published his first book, “Small Luxuries: Film Cameras” on Aug. 4.

“This book outlines the history of film cameras,” Lurth said. “The book walks through what a camera is, the history of the technology, historic brands, famous models of cameras, and the major players of the camera world.”

Lurth’s book is the second book in the Small Luxuries series, published by the Quarto Group. The Small Luxurious series celebrates everyday objects that have helped shape American culture.

“This is a coffee table-style book, so there are a lot of photos and it’s written to be accessible and general surface level things about the history of the medium,” Lurth said.

With a degree in both graphic design and photography, Lurth has a strong knowledge of film cameras and how they work. However, researching and writing this book gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge of the history of photography.

“Both of my degrees are in the studio practice of my medium, so while I know a bit about the history of photography, I didn’t necessarily know a lot about specific models and brands. So, I was able to learn quite a bit about that aspect,” Lurth said.

The compact 128-page hardcover book features numerous illustrations and photographs. Lurth sourced and photographed around one third of the pictures himself, through cameras he owns or has access to. One of the oldest cameras photographed was a Kodak No. 3A Folding Brownie from 1909. The remaining images were sourced through older advertisements, photographs and newspaper clippings.

Lurth said one of the most fascinating discoveries from his research was the story of the German camera company, Leica. In the 1930s, Leica’s owner Ernst Leitz II helped approximately 300 Jews escape Nazi Germany by reassigning them to offices in France, Great Britain, Hong Kong and the United States under the guise of Leica employment. This effort was later called the Leica Freedom Train.

“To have one of the bigger, prestigious brands come up with a clever way to get people out of the country to save them was kind of neat to hear about,” Lurth said.

Lurth earned his bachelor’s degree in art from Luther College in 2008. He received his MFA in photography and graphic design from the University of Iowa in 2012 before returning to Luther as a professor of art and visual communication.

In the past, Lurth’s photographic work has been used by National Geographic, ABC, NBC, CBS, MTV.com, Time, the Des Moines Register, General Electric, CNET.com, Red Cross and The Iowa Review. His film projects have screened at more than 100 festivals worldwide and have won a number of awards, including the Iowa Motion Picture Association’s Best Documentary film. In 2022, two of Lurth’s photographs were added to a permanent collection at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.

“Small Luxuries: Film Cameras” was published by the Quarto Group. Copies may be purchased at the Luther Book Shop or online.

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Luther College celebrates spring 2026 graduates

August 7, 2026 Luther College News

Luther College is proud to announce its spring 2026 graduates. They were honored at the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24.

At the ceremony, Gideon Armah-Amissah was awarded the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal. That award is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

Conservation social scientist, environmental anthropologist and Luther College 2011 graduate David Hecht received the Young Alumni Award and delivered the Commencement address. The Young Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of Luther alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years. Watch a video featuring highlights from Commencement.

Of the spring 2026 graduating class, 110 students earned Latin honors across a variety of majors and 22% were double majors. Approximately 20% of the graduates were first-generation college students, 17% were international students and 6% were transfer students. Congratulations to these new alumni as they start the next chapter of their lives.

Below is a list of students, along with their majors, academic honors and hometowns, that participated in Commencement in May 2026.

Durah Kamil Mahdi Albadr, Basra, Iraq
Computer Science, Visual Communication

Jeremy Andera, Cresco, Iowa
Environmental Studies, cum laude

Gideon Armah-Amissah, Columbus, Georgia
Economics

Gad Max Armel, Douala, Cameroon
Data Science

Gabriel John Armstrong, Farmington, Minnesota
Data Science

Harrison Arnold, Marion, Iowa
Neuroscience, summa cum laude

Isaac Ayers, Missoula, Montana
History

Kylie Bakke, Urbandale, Iowa
Environmental Studies

Paige Barker, Manly, Iowa
Music Education

Allison Kathryn Beatty, Earlham, Iowa
Biology

Sonja Bell, Hudson, Wisconsin
Nursing, magna cum laude

Walker Atticus Bennett, Des Moines, Iowa
Data Science

Mike Benoit, Port Byron, Illinois
Biology, summa cum laude

Annika Benson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Biology

Jersie Benson, Evansdale, Iowa
English, cum laude

Thea Bentley, Hudson, Wisconsin
Nordic Studies, Visual Communication

Josie Bergler, Utica, Minnesota
Theatre, cum laude

Nischal Bhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Computer Science

Matthew Binsfeld, Elk River, Minnesota
Biology, Chemistry

Sonja Bloeser, North Liberty, Iowa
Music

Apollo Blomberg, Plymouth, Minnesota
Art, Visual Communication, cum laude

Will Bockenstedt, Eagan, Minnesota
Exercise Science, Management

Kenneth Boddie, Oceanside, California
Social Work

CJ Boudreaux, Humble, Texas
Anthropology

Nagham Boulos, Beit-Sahur, Palestine
Psychology

James David Bradley, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Exercise Science

Geremiah Jamaari Adonis Brown, Vallejo, California
Management

Emilee Burcham-Scofield, Kingman, Arizona
Environmental Studies

Libby Faith Bygd, Boyceville, Wisconsin
Communication Studies, magna cum laude

Andrew Bradley Chamberlain, Decorah, Iowa
Law and Values, Nordic Studies, cum laude

L’Engle Joan Charis-Carlson, Iowa City, Iowa
Art, Visual Communication, summa cum laude

Abhay Chhabra, New Delhi, India
Data Science, Management, magna cum laude

Caleb Christiansen, Dubuque, Iowa
Biology

Nastya Cicala, Chisinau, Moldova
Chemistry, Mathematics, summa cum laude

Aaron Clark, Bellevue, Washington
Economics

Elizabeth Clement, Decorah, Iowa
Social Work, cum laude

William Coffey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nursing, cum laude

Jake John Collis, Lara, Australia
Management

Lauren Conner-Dieter, Madison, Wisconsin
Anthropology, magna cum laude

Lucy Corbin, Iowa City, Iowa
Anthropology, English, cum laude

Hannah Coy, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Elementary Education, magna cum laude

Carina Crouse, Waukee, Iowa
English

Tollef Luke Currell, St. Paul, Minnesota
Theatre, summa cum laude

Paige Daleiden, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Elementary Education

Gianna Damiani, Mesa, Arizona
Nursing

Asher Morghan Darsee, Urbandale, Iowa
Art

Julia da Silva Moreno, Itajaí, Brazil
Engineering Science

Jose Eliano Da Silva Nanarica, Lautem, Timor-Leste
Economics, International Studies

Bella Dassow, Woodbury, Minnesota
Music, cum laude

Kaidance Davidson, Rochester, Minnesota
Elementary Education

Ian De Wall, Ames, Iowa
Data Science

Allison Dobbins, Littleton, Colorado
Chemistry, Spanish, cum laude

Maci A. Doty, Marengo, Iowa
International Studies, magna cum laude

Shae Downing, Sioux City, Iowa
Social Work, magna cum laude

Pimonwan Doycharoen, Phangnga, Thailand
Management

Darbi Dunning, Le Sueur, Minnesota
Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Sergey Dutt, Plain City, Ohio
Physics, magna cum laude

Liam Edberg, Iowa City, Iowa
Environmental Studies, cum laude

Annika Elco, Scottsdale, Arizona
Management

Cora Ellingworth, Waverly, Iowa
Elementary Education

Leah Elsner, Denver, Colorado
Neuroscience, Psychology

Madelyn Sue Elwood, Mason City, Iowa
Exercise Science

Tushig Erdenebulgan, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Computer Science

Elizabeth Nicole Ess, Waconia, Minnesota
Music Education, summa cum laude

Kylie Fenton, Harmony, Minnesota
Psychology

Azimjon Firuzov, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Data Science

Anna Floden, Mason City, Iowa
Music Education, magna cum laude

Levi Flora, Danbury, Texas
Management

Annika Karin Franzen, Decorah, Iowa
Communication Studies

João Fábio Franzen Meira Da Costa, Florianópolis, Brazil
International Studies, Management

Karl Fuhrman, Osseo, Minnesota
Management

Addison Marie Fyles, Castle Rock, Colorado
Exercise Science

Elleanna Gisvold, Northfield, Minnesota
History, cum laude

Bryce Glaspie, Houston, Texas
Management

Nick Gonzalez, Banquete, Texas
Management

Ellie Greseth, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sociology, summa cum laude

Katherine Griffin, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
English

Neil Grube, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Environmental Studies, summa cum laude

Banele Gumede, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Neuroscience

Zachary James Gwost, Little Falls, Minnesota
Communication Studies

Ethan Andre Hagen Espino, Taxco Guerrero, Mexico
Biology

Malaika Hale, Centennial, Colorado
Music Education, summa cum laude

Colin Halverson, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nursing

Evan Hansen, South St. Paul, Minnesota
Environmental Studies

Penelope Hansen, St. Paul, Minnesota
Anthropology, English, cum laude

Katherine Hardtke, Woodbury, Minnesota
Chemistry

Lilly Marie Hayden, Fulton, Illinois
Nursing, cum laude

Linnea Ester Pechacek Hedin, Hastings, Minnesota
Exercise Science, Psychology, summa cum laude

Ella Heiks, Appleton, Wisconsin
International Studies, Political Science, cum laude

Aaron Hernandez, Durham, California
Exercise Science, cum laude

Stevie Marie Herrera, Hancock, Iowa
Elementary Education

Margaret Anne Hickman, Solon, Iowa
Music Education

Anna Hielsberg, St. Paul, Minnesota
Management

Benjamin Hilgers, Madison, Wisconsin
Music

Harrison Matthew Hilyer, Sylacauga, Alabama
Exercise Science, cum laude

Sirianna Hokanson, St. Paul, Minnesota
Global Health, summa cum laude

Peter Hollingshead, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Accounting

Anna Holm, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nursing, cum laude

Elizabeth Husemann, Fairfax, Iowa
Neuroscience, magna cum laude

Lauren Ingram, Mantorville, Minnesota
Art, Psychology, cum laude

Diamond Jenkins, Chicago, Illinois
Social Work

Charles Jetton, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Anthropology

Ethan Johnson, Brooklyn, Wisconsin
Music Education, magna cum laude

Joseph Johnson, Maywood, Illinois
Music

Molly Johnson, Davenport, Iowa
Nursing, cum laude

Charles Julien, Greendale, Wisconsin
Communication Studies, Spanish, Visual Communication

Isaiah Kahl, Humboldt, Iowa
Biology, cum laude

Connor Kidd, Morton, Illinois
History

Garrett Kilgas, Brillion, Wisconsin
Communication Studies

Mary Kitundu, Des Moines, Iowa
International Studies

Sophie Klein, Edina, Minnesota
Music, Spanish, summa cum laude

Jenna Kleven, Albert Lea, Minnesota
Management, Music, magna cum laude

Mariah Klimesh, Eldora, Iowa
Psychology, Sociology, magna cum laude

Nolan Klocke, Hayfield, Minnesota
Management

Justina Joyce Kollie, Paynesville, Liberia
Political Science, Psychology

Eva Elizabeth Kraske, Rochester, Minnesota
Theatre

Naomi Grace Kravitz, Glenview, Illinois
Theatre

Arin Mackenzie Kyllo, Kenyon, Minnesota
Exercise Science

Joy Antonia Laker, Kampala, Uganda
Global Health

Jenna Kathleen Langen, La Crescent, Minnesota
Elementary Education, cum laude

Lauryn Claire Larson, Waukee, Iowa
Exercise Science

Parker Lau, Burlington, Iowa
Management

Kurt Lebakken, Edina, Minnesota
Computer Science

Lenny Lechner, Schwaigern, Germany
Management, cum laude

Andrew James Lee, Orono, Minnesota
Data Science

Emma Lee, Lewiston, Minnesota
Chemistry

Taylor Lehman, Ankeny, Iowa
Nursing, cum laude

Eli Lehmann, Oregon, Wisconsin
English, summa cum laude

Enzo Mitidieri, Campinas, Brazil
Economics, Management, summa cum laude

Aitor Lopez Barriga, Madrid, Spain
Data Science, Management

Enrique Lopez Barriga, Madrid, Spain
Mathematics, Physics, cum laude

Kyla Maatta, Farmington, Minnesota
Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Ethan Joseph Maldonado, Spillville, Iowa
Visual Communication

Lydia Marti, Highland, Illinois
Social Work, magna cum laude

Alison Morgan Martinez, Brighton, Colorado
Visual Communication

Peter McBride, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Accounting, Management

Simon McDonald, Northfield, Minnesota
Engineering Science, magna cum laude

Clayton McDonough, Nora Springs, Iowa
Exercise Science

Evan McElroy, Iowa City, Iowa
Anthropology, History, cum laude

Malachi Jermiah McElroy, Atlanta, Georgia
Social Work

Niamh Mee, St. Paul, Minnesota
English, summa cum laude

Edie Meehan, Northfield, Minnesota
English, magna cum laude

Alex Meeter, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Economics, International Studies

Joseph Mehlhorn, Farmington, Minnesota
Visual Communication

Jacob James Michaelson, Iowa Falls, Iowa
Biology, cum laude

Elaine Jane Miller, Dumont, Iowa
Theatre

Sarah Miller, Nevada, Iowa
English

Mari Annika Mineck, Urbandale, Iowa
Biology, magna cum laude

Christian Dietrich Kretzmann Montover, Iowa City, Iowa
Anthropology, Religion, summa cum laude

Lindsey Moseley, Roseville, Minnesota
Computer Science, Visual Communication, summa cum laude

Dylan Joseph Muhlbauer, Decorah, Iowa
Accounting, Management, magna cum laude

Lionel Mujuni, Kampala, Uganda
Computer Science

Adelaide Munoz, St. Paul, Minnesota
Global Health

Cleanwell Mwalwanda, Mzuzu, Mzimba
Computer Science, Visual Communication

Tina Ngakeni, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Environmental Studies

Anh Nguyen, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Art, magna cum laude

Bao Nguyen, Quang Tri, Vietnam
Environmental Studies, International Studies, cum laude

Huy Nguyen, Vinh City, Vietnam
Data Science, Mathematics

Kim Anh Thy Nguyen, Can Tho, Vietnam
Nursing, magna cum laude

Maren Nietz, Zumbrota, Minnesota
Visual Communication

Janik Niggli, Malans, Switzerland
Management

Daniel Nnodim, Imo, Nigeria
Computer Science, Economics

Evan Nordquist, Oceanside, California
Sociology

Kate Marie Oelfke, Austin, Minnesota
Nursing, magna cum laude

Elliot Olson, Wanamingo, Minnesota
Theatre, Visual Communication, cum laude

Sea Orme, Seattle, Washington
English, Nordic Studies, summa cum laude

Abigail Ostermann, Kimberly, Wisconsin
Exercise Science, summa cum laude

Magda Helena Patten, Waukee, Iowa
Psychology, magna cum laude

Mari Paulsen, Eagan, Minnesota
History, magna cum laude

Markus Pederson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Exercise Science

Jeanette Pelletier, Northfield, Minnesota
Communication Studies

Randy Pereyra, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Communication Studies

Brooks Peterson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Computer Science, Data Science, summa cum laude

Noah Pettit, Chico, California
Nursing

Kyle Pido, Rochester, Minnesota
Nursing, magna cum laude

Callie Pierce, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Music Education, magna cum laude

Kyle Pluskwa, St. Charles, Illinois
Management

Grace Violet Priestly, Fort Myers, Florida
Psychology, Management

Rafaela Queiroga Tavares, São José dos Campos, Brazil
Economics

Elisabeth Queoff, Madison, Wisconsin
Communication Studies

Mohamed Mostafa Ragab, Mit Ghamr, Egypt
Data Science

Zoe Rahberg, St. Paul, Minnesota
Exercise Science

Tara Rajanesan, Dohnavur, India
German, Music, summa cum laude

Khadija Ramadan, Accra, Ghana
Biology

Amelia Ramirez, Phoenix, Arizona
Music, magna cum laude

Henrique Ramos, Campinas, Brazil
Exercise Science

Hailey Reckmann, Lake City, Minnesota
Nursing

Jacob Reister, Northfield, Minnesota
Economics, Religion

Lillian Christina Riedel, Shoreview, Minnesota
Law and Values, summa cum laude

Iris Ann Hansen Roddy, Kansas City, Missouri
Anthropology, Biology, summa cum laude

Kelsey Roskamp, Johnston, Iowa
Nursing, cum laude

Cassandra Rae Rounds, West Des Moines, Iowa
Elementary Education, magna cum laude

Charles Running, Prior Lake, Minnesota
Accounting

Matthew Sale, Huddersfield, England
Exercise Science

Kenedy Sandoval, Aurora, Colorado
Environmental Studies, International Studies, Political Science, cum laude

Teagan Schaefer, Williamsburg, Iowa
Elementary Education, magna cum laude

Samuel Scheffler, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nordic Studies, Political Science, summa cum laude

Hailey Schultz, Burbank, Illinois
Exercise Science, cum laude

William Walker Schuman, Lincoln, Nebraska
Biology

Lauran Schwake, Solon, Iowa
English, summa cum laude

Gavin Scurr, San Diego, California
Exercise Science

Korpo M. Selay, Lofa County, Liberia
Biology, Global Health, magna cum laude

Oluwakorede Oluwaferanmi Oluwademilade Shonibare, Abuja, Nigeria
Accounting, Management

Alexander Eugene Smith, Grinnell, Iowa
Management, cum laude

Benyapa Songnoo, Phuket, Thailand
Art

Lillian Spade, Eagan, Minnesota
Biology, Data Science, summa cum laude

Grace Stone, Osceola, Wisconsin
Law and Values, cum laude

Joshua Stratton, Joliet, Illinois
Accounting

Ben Strehlow, Weyauwega, Wisconsin
Exercise Science

Abigail Joyce Struble, Clinton, Iowa
Nursing, summa cum laude

Elliott Matthew Stuenkel, Waterloo, Iowa
Mathematics/Statistics, summa cum laude

Lydia Swarney, Ottumwa, Iowa
International Studies

Kael Warren Swarts, Newton, Iowa
History, cum laude

Anna Tauscher, Rochester, Minnesota
Economics, Political Science, summa cum laude

Macy Taylor, Albert Lea, Minnesota
History, Sociology

Hannah Tepley, Champlin, Minnesota
English

Amanda Jean Teske, De Pere, Wisconsin
Exercise Science, magna cum laude

Carter Thompson, Fairfield, Iowa
Exercise Science, summa cum laude

Logan Thompson, Chatfield, Minnesota
Biology

Ashlynn Thorsen, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Social Work, magna cum laude

Hayden Torgerson, Andover, Minnesota
Exercise Science

Karson Wess Trujillo, Delano, Minnesota
Biology, summa cum laude

Keilani Trujillo, Racine, Wisconsin
Psychology

Kieran Ulbee, St. Anthony Village, Minnesota
Engineering Science, cum laude

Madison Urfer, Mounds View, Minnesota
Exercise Science, cum laude

Fatih Urhan, Istanbul, Turkey
Data Science

Michael Van Meter, Delhi, Iowa
Music

Alex Van Surksum, Sheldon, Iowa
Music Education, magna cum laude

Anna Walters-Smith, Rochester, Minnesota
Nursing, summa cum laude

Mughees Warraich, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Computer Science, Data Science, cum laude

Julia Grace Weigle, St. Michael, Minnesota
Music Education, summa cum laude

Jack Welch, La Crescent, Minnesota
Management

Luciana Welsh-Biesel, Atlanta, Georgia
Biology

Annika Katherine Welter, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
History, cum laude

Will Whalen, Dawsonville, Georgia
Accounting

Brennan Wirth, Rosemount, Minnesota
Biology

Abigail Wood, New Albin, Iowa
Computer Science

Hugo Zadig, Stockholm, Sweden
Economics, magna cum laude

Leen Zaher, Saida, Lebanon
Social Work, cum laude

Resana Zayan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Audrey Zielstra, Glenwood, Iowa
Anthropology, History, summa cum laude

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Rose Baldwin named associate director of programming and outreach

August 4, 2026 Luther College News

Luther College Vice President of Communication Bill Smith announced Rose Baldwin has been named the college’s associate director of programming and outreach. In this role, Baldwin will serve as the box office manager and oversee operations during shows and special events.

Rose Baldwin

“Rose brings a positive energy and a commitment to outstanding customer service in the Center for Faith and Life. In the coming weeks, we’re looking forward to our Luther community, both on and off campus, meeting and working with Rose. She’ll soon be a familiar face for Center Stage Series season subscribers and those attending Homecoming and Family Weekend,” Smith said. “We’re grateful to have Rose as a member of our team.”

Before joining Luther, Baldwin taught middle and high school choir at the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, she worked to increase participation and retention in the choral program, increasing enrollment significantly and cultivating engagement within the school community. Under Baldwin’s direction, the choirs participated in adjudicated performances for the first time in more than a decade and consistently earned sweepstakes ratings throughout her time at Lovett.

Earlier in her career, Baldwin was associate director of choirs at Burnett Junior High School in Wylie, Texas, as part of a choral program serving more than 450 students. She also taught elementary music in Lindsay, Texas.

Baldwin graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Luther’s former assistant director for programming and outreach, Bradley Phillips, will retire at the end of August after 37 years of service.

Baldwin’s first day on campus was July 27.

graphic to celebrate 50 years of the Center for Faith and Life

Season tickets are available now at tickets.luther.edu. Individual ticket sales start Monday, Aug. 10.

August 3 2026

“Diego brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in supporting students at a variety of higher education institutions, NASA and student affairs. His most recent experience … will help us to continue to strengthen student support and student engagement,” said Dean of Students Julie Thornton.

July 21 2026

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