Luther alum Josh Cinnamo won gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games.
DECORAH, IOWA— Luther College alum Josh Cinnamo, class of 2003, won a gold medal in the shot put event at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, which ran from Nov. 17–26.
Cinnamo’s outstanding throw of 14.93 meters earned him the gold in the Men’s F46 Shot Put — F46 refers to para-athletes who have an absence of the arm below or above the elbow. Cinnamo, who has a congenital limb deficiency, was a Norse football player and competed in track and field.
Cinnamo (middle) at the Parapan American Games.
Cinnamo holds the world record for Men’s F46 shot put at 16.80 meters, which he earned at the 2019 Dubai Para Athletics Championships. He also holds the record in shot put for the Parapan American Games,earned in 2019 in Lima, Peru. Cinnamo is one of two Luther alums to become an Olympic athlete. Gary Neist, class of 1969, wrestled in the 1972 Munich Olympics
“It’s not the tangible end result, the diploma or gold medal with meaningful value; it’s the journey, the people, the experiences and the victory over adversity you cherish,” Cinnamo said.
As a record holder, he outlines his strategic approach to setting and surpassing his own achievements. With an eye on The Paralympic Games of Paris 2024, he emphasizes the importance of incremental milestones and discipline.
Beyond records and medals, Cinnamo finds personal fulfillment in serving as a role model for his two children and benefiting from a network of highly motivated individuals.
“My continued participation in competitions stems from the desire to instill crucial values in my children, fostering their potential for success,” Cinnamo said.
Representing the U.S. internationally holds immense significance for Cinnamo. He takes pride in showcasing the best of the country, bridging cultural gaps and fostering global unity through sports and competition.
“Standing atop the podium and hearing our national anthem is an extraordinary experience that never loses its impact,” Cinnamo said. “My intention is for it to be the culminating moment in my throwing career.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Students performing at the dress rehearsal for Christmas at Luther 2023 “Love, the Rose, Is on the Way.”
DECORAH, IOWA—While Luther College performers have hung up their robes for 2023, that doesn’t mean that Christmas at Luther is over. Video on Demand tickets for “Love, the Rose, Is on the Way,” are availble to purchase online. Audiences can view the entire performance through Jan. 2 through VOD, while selections from Christmas at Luther will also be broadcast on radio and television stations this month.
Featured performers for the 2023 show include Aurora and Collegiate Choir conducted by Adrianna Tam, Norskkor and Cathedral Choir conducted by Mark Potvin, Nordic Choir conducted by Andrew Last, Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dan Baldwin, Percussion Ensemble prepared by Ryan Frost, and college organist Alex Meszler.
This year, selections from Christmas at Luther will also be broadcast on the following dates and times:
Radio broadcasts:
KCZQ FM 102.3 Cresco: Dec. 24, 1 p.m.
KCCK 88.3 FM Cedar Rapids/Iowa City: Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
WVRQ 1360 AM Viroqua: Dec. 25, 9 a.m.
IPR Iowa Public Radio: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and Dec. 25, 4 p.m.
WPR Wisconsin Public Radio: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and Dec. 25, 2 p.m.
The dates and times of these broadcasts could change in the coming weeks, so check local listings in case of any changes in the broadcast schedule.
The performance is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. The Christmas at Luther 2023 CD is available to purchase at the Luther Book Shop or online. The Christmas at Luther 2023 ornament is also available to purchase at the Book Shop or online.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Luther College students and Decorah community members at Culture Fest on Sept. 23, 2023, where the campus and community engaged with diverse cultures and traditions through food, performances, art and educational opportunities.
DECORAH, IOWA—A new study from the NAFSA: Association of International Educators shows that Luther College international students contributed $8.2 million to the U.S. economy by supporting 32 jobs during the 2022-23 academic year. Luther also ranked top four in the state of Iowa.
“I know the Luther and Decorah communities are more vibrant, more engaged, more diverse, more connected and more globally aware as a result of the 185 international students from 62 countries who currently live and study with us,” said Jon Lund, director of international admissions at Luther. “I frequently hear from faculty and staff on campus and members of the Decorah community how pleased they are that our international students decided to call this place home for four years.”
Luther ranked fourth for the state for economic impact of its international students, following only Iowa State University, University of Iowa and Grinnell College.
Each year, NAFSA conducts a study on the economic impact of international students. The 2022-23 study found that more than one million international students across the country contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy through more than 360,000 jobs.
International students bring key cultural and academic contributions to Luther and the Decorah community as well.
“Luther’s new strategic framework outlines that the college is ‘grounded and global’ in its approach. This highlights how Luther welcomes international students who are grounded in the Decorah community,” said Karen Hunt, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “International students both benefit from and contribute to Luther’s distinct and transformative education.”
The study found that for every three international students in the U.S., one job is created or supported. Data also shows that international students’ financial contributions rose almost 10 percent compared to the previous year. In Iowa alone, international students contributed more than $250 million and directly created 765 jobs.
“International students support the local economy and add vibrancy of culture to the community. They cultivate direct and substantial connections between dozens of countries and Decorah. There is not a more authentic way to share Decorah than to have the daily experience told to friends and family abroad,” said Jessica Rilling, executive director for the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. “Decorah is pleased to welcome students from around the world and appreciates all the ways that they shape the collective narrative of this place.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
DECORAH, IOWA — A new podcast presented by Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (The CEPE) in partnership with Luther’s radio station, KWLC, released its first season this spring with seven episodes. Featuring recent Luther graduates, “The Podeia Podcast” aims to reveal to current and prospective students that everyone has difficult or embarrassing moments in college and that these are often vital parts of learning and building community.
“The Podeida Podcast” asks recent alumni to share stories from their time at Luther College.
Planning for the podcast began in the spring of 2022 with the premise to feature alumni who graduated within the last 10 years as guests who recount their awkward moments during their time at Luther and discuss how they handled these moments and what they learned from the experience.
“I know almost every student listens to podcasts, and the purpose of Podeia is to bring in recent graduates and hear from them. Current and prospective students can relate to their stories in an entertaining and fun way,” said Andy Hageman, director of The CEPE and Luther College professor of English.
The first episode featured Emily Tope, an English major from Luther College who graduated in 2015. She discussed how she handled the situation of not being prepared for her Luther lab elective class and her own experience taking the lab elective. Other episodes discussed how to deal with college decisions from breaking rules to managing loneliness and much more.
Luther students and alumni collaborated on the production of the podcast. Dominique Stringer, class of 2022, hosted, wrote and produced the first season. Asher Elliott Smith, class of 2024, edited “Podeia” and Methembe Moyo, class of 2023, served as the production assistant. Alum Andrew Murray, class of 2018, composed the theme song.
The name “Podeia” is a play on Paideia, which is a longstanding set of core curriculum courses taken by all Luther students, but the show is not affiliated with the curriculum.
“The wordplay of mashing up ‘pod’ from ‘podcast’ with ‘Paideia’ lines up with the audience we’re trying to reach consisting of current and prospective Luther students,” Hageman said.
The second season of the podcast “Podeia” will begin production in January and is set to release episodes in the spring of 2024. The new season will have a new host, as well as group interviews featuring multiple alumni in one episode.
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
DECORAH, IOWA — A new podcast presented by Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (The CEPE) in partnership with Luther’s radio station, KWLC, released its first season this spring with seven episodes. Featuring recent Luther graduates, “The Podeia Podcast” aims to reveal to current and prospective students that everyone has difficult or embarrassing moments in college and that these are often vital parts of learning and building community.
“The Podeida Podcast” asks recent alumni to share stories from their time at Luther College.
Planning for the podcast began in the spring of 2022 with the premise to feature alumni who graduated within the last 10 years as guests who recount their awkward moments during their time at Luther and discuss how they handled these moments and what they learned from the experience.
“I know almost every student listens to podcasts, and the purpose of Podeia is to bring in recent graduates and hear from them. Current and prospective students can relate to their stories in an entertaining and fun way,” said Andy Hageman, director of The CEPE and Luther College professor of English.
The first episode featured Emily Tope, an English major from Luther College who graduated in 2015. She discussed how she handled the situation of not being prepared for her Luther lab elective class and her own experience taking the lab elective. Other episodes discussed how to deal with college decisions from breaking rules to managing loneliness and much more.
Luther students and alumni collaborated on the production of the podcast. Dominique Stringer, class of 2022, hosted, wrote and produced the first season. Asher Elliott Smith, class of 2024, edited “Podeia” and Methembe Moyo, class of 2023, served as the production assistant. Alum Andrew Murray, class of 2018, composed the theme song.
The name “Podeia” is a play on Paideia, which is a longstanding set of core curriculum courses taken by all Luther students, but the show is not affiliated with the curriculum.
“The wordplay of mashing up ‘pod’ from ‘podcast’ with ‘Paideia’ lines up with the audience we’re trying to reach consisting of current and prospective Luther students,” Hageman said.
The second season of the podcast “Podeia” will begin production in January and is set to release episodes in the spring of 2024. The new season will have a new host, as well as group interviews featuring multiple alumni in one episode.
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
An artist’s rendering of the entrance to the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.
DECORAH, IOWA – Luther College announced today the commitment of a historic $10 million gift from Michael and Nicole Gerdin and the Gerdin Charitable Foundation. This is the largest individual gift in the college’s 162-year history, which will serve as the lead gift toward the expansion and renovation of the Regents Center, home to Norse athletics and the center for sports and recreation at Luther College.
“Today it’s my absolute joy and distinct privilege to announce this transformational gift to Luther College,” President Jenifer K. Ward said. “This support is not only historic, it speaks to the strength of Luther’s reputation as a fine Iowa college destination and to our potential for future success.” The Chairman, President and CEO of Heartland Express in North Liberty, Iowa, Gerdin is a 1992 graduate of Luther who studied management and was a member of the Norse men’s basketball team. Starting his career as a teenager at the company his father founded, Gerdin moved up the ranks at Heartland to lead the firm, mirroring Heartland’s rise into one of North America’s largest truckload transportation and logistics companies.
From left to right: Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward, Mike Gerdin, former Luther College Basketball Coach Jeff Olinger, Athletic Director Renae Hartl and Luther Vice President for Development Mary Duvall.
“I wanted to play college basketball, and I wanted to go to a place that had a good business school. I kept coming back to Luther,” Gerdin said when describing his college decision process in the announcement Monday morning. “I talked to President Ward about what this upgrade could mean for Luther and the whole Decorah community. It is time for Luther.”
In recognition of this commitment, the facility will be renamed the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.
“We want this project to embody that spirit of bringing all of campus together,” Ward said. “While the Regents Center is home to many Norse athletic teams as a training and competition venue, it is also heavily utilized by students, faculty, staff, and community members for recreation and wellness. This investment by the Gerdins and the Gerdin Charitable Foundation not only touches Luther, but contributes to the vitality of Decorah and all of northeast Iowa.”
“This is so incredibly exciting for all of us, and we are beyond grateful to Mike and his family for believing in us and this special place,” Athletic Director Renae Hartl said. “Here at Luther, students are at the heart of all we do, and these gifts are really about them. Our campus becomes their home for four years, and we work hard to provide an environment where we exercise our minds in classes and labs and we stress and push and exercise our bodies as part of overall wellness and a strong tradition of NCAA Division III athletics.”
The Luther campus and Decorah community came to the donation announcement Monday morning.
Aside from serving as the headquarters for the Luther Norse athletic department, the center also houses facilities used by the entire college, including the campus’ student, faculty and staff fitness facility, the college’s aquatics center, and the recently renovated indoor track, tennis courts, and flexible usage space of the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center. Among the highlights in the preliminary plans for the Gerdin Fieldhouse are a new entrance space for the public, a team meeting space open for use by all teams, renovation of the locker rooms, and a new common area and study space for the 21 Norse athletic teams. Originally constructed in 1963, the current Regents Center is over 200,000 square feet, and will become one of the largest renovation projects in the college’s history. The Gerdin gift comes just weeks after the announcement of another significant individual gift with $2 million from Dennis and Suzanne Birkestrand to renovate and rename the court inside the Regents Center to the Birkestrand Family Court. Watch the announcement on Luther’s YouTube channel.
“These gifts of support from our alumni show remarkable confidence in the future of Luther College,” Ward said. “The recent investments in Luther by our graduates are symbolic of their journeys, and they call us toward our future. Mike and Dennis came to Luther in different generations, but they both received a broad-based education that grounded them in the ability to adapt and succeed. They share the same common thread of hard work up through the ranks, building their companies and careers, and now giving back so the next generation can benefit from that same Luther experience.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Dave Mitchell, head wrestling coach for Luther, speaks at the One Team Day celebration at T-Bock’s.
DECORAH, IOWA—During its fourth annual One Team Day, Luther College raised $367,011 from 1,189 donors for Norse athletics. This is the largest-ever One Team Day on record.
“We were absolutely blown away by the amount of support we received on One Team Day this year,” said Renae Hartl, director of intercollegiate athletics at Luther. “We are grateful to everyone who participated in One Team Day, and thankful for everyone who shows up to support Norse athletes throughout the year.”
Donors were able to support the specific teams of their choice. The funds raised on One Team Day provide critical operating support, such as advanced technologies for training and recovery, top-tier equipment and uniforms, and quality travel and training experiences.
During the day on Nov. 16, student-athletes from each sport reached out to alumni, family members and other supporters of Norse athletics through text messages. Lara Welter, a senior Norse softball player and mathematics major with a concentration in secondary education, had the chance to connect with alumni who played softball, in addition to her former coaches.
“It was a lot of fun reaching out to people and hearing their stories. I connected with people I hadn’t spoken with in so long, including my own former coaches from high school and childhood,” Welter said. “It’s really rewarding when something I did inspired them to support Norse athletics.”
At the end of the night, Luther alumni and members of the Decorah community gathered for the first ever One Team Day Celebration at T-Bock’s.
“Luther is Decorah’s college and Decorah is Luther’s town,” said Dave Mitchell, head wrestling coach for Luther. “They were made for each other.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
DECORAH, IOWA—For 50 years, the TRIO Achievement Program has helped students at Luther College navigate higher education. Not only does the federally funded program help first-generation and income-eligible students access financial aid and career advice, it also provides a strong support system on campus to guide students through their college careers and launch them into the next stages of their lives.
“TRIO is an integral part of the student experience. Luther has always been an institution of connection and relationships; TRIO is a part of Luther’s legacy throughout each graduating class,” said Heidi Ludeking, student achievement and instructional specialist at Luther. “Thousands of students have been impacted by the supportive relationships that were forged through their college journey through the program.”
TRIO arose from the American Civil Rights Movement, and refers to the three federal programs — Upward Bound, Talent Search and Student Support Services — established in the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs ensured equal educational opportunity for all students, and were eventually combined into one initiative as a “trio.”
The TRIO initiative began at Luther in 1973. For half of a century, the program has provided coaching for academic, personal, financial and career decisions to Luther students. Currently, TRIO at Luther offers Student Support Services (SSS) to 165 students each year.
In order to qualify for the TRIO program, students must be a first-generation college student, be income eligible or have a documented disability. Students can apply online.
TRIO also provides financial assistance through lending programs, grants and scholarships that help participants save money and reduce debt. Each year, the program at Luther awards 11 participants a scholarship that’s funded by donors with Luther connections.
Samuel Scott (left) and Andrew Peter, director of major gifts at Luther, at TRIO’s 50th anniversary celebration during Homecoming weekend.
“TRIO has helped me take advantage of so many opportunities at Luther,” said Samuel Scott, a senior majoring in business management. “There are so many events and meetings to help you navigate things like financial aid and careers.”
Whether the program was helping students of the 1980s impacted by the farm crisis or assisting current students navigating financial assistance programs to reduce debt, TRIO has remained committed to helping Luther students succeed.
“TRIO’s advisors are very supportive,” said Rose Baldus, a junior theater major with a minor in counseling. “They’re easy to talk to if you need academic or even emotional support. TRIO’s a great resource that’s helped me through college.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Steding published “GDR Literature in German Curricula and Textbooks.”
“I have been intrigued by the GDR since I was in college, and textbooks play an important role in my life as a teacher, so this project really combines two interests of mine,” said Steding. “Previous research has often focused on how the GDR is presented in history and social studies textbooks, but I wanted to show that literature textbooks can reveal ongoing political tensions regarding how unified Germany perceives the former GDR.”
The book presents readers with case studies of well-known GDR authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, Johannes R. Becher, Anna Seghers, Wolf Biermann and Christa Wolf. Steding explores how textbooks, often marketed as neutral or unbiased, can reflect ideological attitudes about the former East Germany.
“GDR Literature in German Curricula and Textbooks” can be purchased from the publisher Palgrave Macmillan and on Amazon.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
An artist’s rendering of the Birkestrand Family Court.
DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College celebrated a $2 million gift from Dennis and Suzanne Birkestrand to support renovations within the college’s Regents Center Gymnasium.
In recognition of the family’s generosity, the court will be renamed the Birkestrand Family Court.
“On behalf of all of Luther College, I want to say thank you to Suzanne and Dennis for their ongoing support,” President Jenifer K. Ward said at the announcement event. “They have already endowed the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair and provided a lead gift to the Legacy Field project. We are so fortunate and blessed to have alumni and friends like the Birkestrands who are making investments in the future of Luther College.”
The gift ranks among the largest individual gifts to Luther College, which provides a substantial investment in the ongoing renovations at Regents Center.
As a student-athlete at Luther, Dennis, class of 1964, played football as well as ran track. The Bikestrands’ son Bjorn, class of 1998, played basketball for Luther in his first year, later following his passion for music by participating in Nordic Choir.
Last week, the Birkestrands sent greetings to the campus from their home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Luther was a major contributor to my life story, and as a result, I want to give back to Luther what they gave me,” Dennis Birkestrand said. “Athletics is what brought me to Luther. They showed an interest in me when I was a high school player, and without that, I probably wouldn’t have gone to college. I feel strongly about encouraging Luther to always have a very strong athletic program.”
Suzanne and Dennis Birkestrand.
Dennis met his wife, Suzanne, when the two worked for the Maytag Corporation. While not a Luther alum, she has become keenly aware of the impact the college has on its graduates.
“I went to a Big Ten school, but it did not compare to the lasting friendships Denny has experienced and continues to experience from his time at Luther,” Suzanne Birkestrand said. “As an alumnus, he has remained interested and committed to going back, both in promoting sports and promoting business classes that explore all sides of an issue.”
Athletic Director Renae Hartl spoke on behalf of the coaches who will benefit from the renovations within the gymnasium space.
“All our teams that practice and compete here in the Regents Center gym are excited for what these changes will mean to them,” Hartl said. “From volleyball to both basketball teams and our wrestling program, they all send their profound thanks to Dennis and Suzanne for this gift.”
The initial plans for the gymnasium space will create an arena atmosphere with seating that surrounds all sides of the primary court.
Matthew Franzen, a senior basketball player for the Norse, also spoke at the livestreamed announcement event.
“On behalf of all the athletes who practice and compete in this space, we want to say thank you to the Birkestrands,” he said. “While as a senior I won’t have the opportunity to play on this new court space, I know what it will mean to the generations of Norse that will follow.”
It was Dennis’ hope that his family’s support for the new court and renovations would touch all students at Luther.
“Hopefully the whole project is going to make the whole school much more attractive to all students, not just student-athletes,” Dennis Birkestrand said. “While my desire is to always open the Sunday paper and see Luther’s success being published in the sports section. I’m hopeful this will be one of the engines that will make that happen.”
Franzen agreed the changes will elevate Luther.
“Knowing that an alum like Mr. Birkestrand and his family are committed to supporting those of us who are here now and make us very proud to represent Luther,” Franzen said. “This will make one of the loudest home courts in the conference into an even tougher place for opponents.”
The $2 million Birkestrand gift comes just months after the dedication of the renovation of the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreational Center. The $1.2 million renovation included dedication of the overall space along with the Oertel/Leake Courts for indoor tennis and the Neubauer Indoor Track, both named to honor legendary former Luther head coaches.
“The Birkestand family’s support isn’t just continuing the momentum at Luther, I believe it is helping us accelerate,” Ward said. “It was almost one year ago when we opened the doors on the Naslund Sports and Recreational Center. And now, here we are preparing to transform another part of campus. We are excited about the impact these renovations will have for our students, and the community at large that comes to the Regents Center almost daily for events or to utilize the facilities.”
The Birkestrands spent 22 years in marketing and sales with Maytag before starting a distribution business in 1988 for the Jenn-Air brand of appliances that was headquartered in Kansas City. They then founded Factory Direct Appliance in 1993, which offered a range of appliances to homebuilders and remodelers for 21 years. They sold the business in 2014, and endowed the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair at Luther with a $1.5 million gift in spring 2016.
“We are so appreciative of the Birkestrands and the way they have been advocates for all things Luther,” Ward said. “Their thoughtful support has been uplifting for the entire student experience.”
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
