Author: Luther College News

Luther College awards inaugural Joy Tlou Memorial Award

Mychal with his (L-R) father, stepfather, and mother.

Luther College has awarded the inaugural Joy Tlou Memorial Award to Mychal Shed ’23. 

The Joy Tlou Memorial Award is a new award at Luther established by Hla Tlou in memory of her brother, Bonolo Joy Tlou ’86. It is awarded to students whose character, leadership, and participation in the campus community enhance the quality of campus life and encourage a “community of joy.”

“I am so honored, grateful, and blessed to be the recipient of this award and scholarship as it has reminded me that my joy and genuine love for the people and community of Luther College is appreciated and will always be remembered as pure,” said Shed. 

Shed will graduate with the class of 2023 with a degree in psychology. He is the son of Maya Sample and Marcus Shed and is from Teague, Texas. Shed is a member of the Luther men’s basketball team and was voted team captain. Additionally, he is the president of the Black Student Union and serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Luther’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He also works in the Admissions Office as a Lead Student Ambassador and is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.

“As a community leader here at Luther, the organizations and people I have been blessed enough to serve and share my joy with have expressed their gratitude on a number of occasions,” said Shed. “As the Black Student Union president, I have had members reach out to me personally and thank me for helping make our organization inclusive and respectful to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, beliefs, sexual or cultural differences.”

Shed chose Luther because of the opportunity to be involved in a diverse, inclusive, proactive and genuine community, and to make connections with people of all denominations, life experiences and ethnic backgrounds. 

When asked, “What joy can you bring to the campus community?” Shed replied, “I have come to realize that happiness and joy are two completely different things. There is a quote that states, ‘Happiness requires happy circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, sticks around. It doesn’t get chased off by trouble.’ My joy sticks around because it’s bigger than me. I have a very simple, yet meaningful ‘joy triune’–my faith, my family and my passion in life, which is serving others.”

After graduating from Luther, Shed will be attending the University of Chicago this fall as he has been accepted into the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice in pursuit of obtaining his master’s degree in social work.


About Bonolo “Joy” Tlou

Joy Tlou was born in Gwanda, Zimbabwe in 1963. He moved to Decorah with his mom and sisters when he was two years old to join his father who was a student at Luther College. Joy attended elementary school in Decorah; junior high school in Glencoe, Illinois; and graduated high school in Blacksburg, Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Luther College in 1986. No matter where Joy went, he was loved by everyone and was a friend to anyone. 

In addition to working as a college administrator, Joy was an artist who made beautiful pottery, a singer and musician, a cook who hosted dinners for no other reason than to bring people together. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, telling jokes and simply being in the company of friends and family.

About The Joy Tlou Memorial Award

The Joy Tlou Memorial Award shall be awarded to students, with or without a demonstrated need for financial assistance, whose character, leadership, and participation in the campus community enhance the quality of campus life and encourage a “community of joy.” The $3,000 award is managed through both an application and nomination process. In addition to meeting the criteria above, the following questions are addressed through the application or nomination: 1) What gifts do you have to share; 2) What joy can you bring to the campus community; and 3) What will you do to be like Joy?

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.

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Luther College ranked number two nationally for “Most Students Studying Abroad”

According to U.S. News and World Report, Luther College is ranked number two in the nation when it comes to the percentage of students who participate in study abroad programs. In 2021, 82% of graduating Luther College seniors reported studying abroad during their undergraduate years. 

“Luther students recognize the enormous benefits of a study away experience,” said Victoria Christman, director of the Center for Global Learning at Luther. “Global Learning is embedded in the College mission statement, which encourages ‘learning that moves us beyond immediate interests and present knowledge into a larger world.’ We strive to make that possible for everyone by providing Luther College-run programs that offer almost cost-neutral opportunities for experiential learning and global engagement both domestically and internationally. 82% is a great number. I’d love to see us move even higher in the coming years!”

At Luther, many students utilize their January Term (J-Term) to take in-depth courses abroad. On March 5, the Center for Global Learning revealed where students will be studying during J-Term 2024. Courses abroad will take place in England, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Italy, Malta, Turkey, Germany, New Zealand, Tanzania, South Africa, Spain, Morocco, Taiwan, Honduras, and Costa Rica.

Payton Shockey ’23 recently returned from a J-Term course that traveled to Italy, Germany and France. “Participating in a European Art History course across three unique countries and cultures as a math and management major was an incredible way to round out my time as a student at Luther College,” he said. “I was outside of my element daily, yet at every turn, my curiosity was piqued. Being able to make the world my classroom has shown me there are no bounds to how much we can learn and appreciate.”  

Hannah Hoffmann ’23 is a senior international studies major who spent a semester studying in Malta. She says her study abroad experience helped her become a better global citizen. “It gave me a better perspective of how to be a person who gives back to the world. Spending a semester in Malta felt like the culmination and realization of so many goals I’ve had here at Luther which I am so grateful for and is an experience I will treasure forever.”

It gave me a better perspective of how to be a person who gives back to the world. Spending a semester in Malta felt like the culmination and realization of so many goals I’ve had here at Luther which I am so grateful for and is an experience I will treasure forever.

Hannah Hoffmann ’23

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Luther College Center Stage Series presents: Empire Wild

March 16, 2023

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, the Luther College Center Stage presents Empire Wild in the Main Hall of the Center For Faith and Life.

Empire Wild is a genre-bending crossover trio based in New York City. The ensemble features Ken Kubota, Holly Bean and Mitch Lyon who fuse the sounds of pop, Broadway, folk and jazz with their classical training. Empire Wild’s inventive covers and twists on the classical canon are gorgeously rendered on cello, piano and vocals.

“I love the sense of joy Empire Wild brings to their music. I think some of that energy must be connected to their commitment to education and outreach–I’m excited to have them working with orchestra students at Decorah High School before performing at the CFL,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “February’s Center Stage Series brought the heat with LADAMA. In March, we have Empire Wild bringing that special New York brand of cool.”

Empire Wild was selected as an Ambassador Prize winner in the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. They are also heavily involved in their communities as passionate educators who work as teaching artists. Their community involvement ranges from private studios to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

The highly creative and talented chefs on the Norse Culinary Team invite you to partake in the Center Stage Dinner Series before the show. The dinners feature a multi-course menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required. All meals begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union. 

Additionally, the Luther Book Shop offers “Sip and Shop” before each performance. Present your ticket for a complimentary glass of wine and browse the selection before the show.

Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther’s Ticket Office and online at tickets.luther.edu, by emailing tickets@luther.edu or by calling (563) 387-1357.

 

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.

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Luther College raises $1.1 million in support of students on Giving Day

Luther College’s eighth annual Giving Day campaign was a “gnome-run” after raising more than $1.1 million dollars to support students. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the generous donors who supported Luther on this day,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team of ‘gnomes’ who worked tirelessly leading up to and on the day of the event–and who were inspired by the stories that accompanied the gifts flowing in. It was truly a day on which the impact of a Luther education was on display, over generations and across the miles.”

On March 9, people from all 50 states showed their support of the college with more than 1,500 gifts totaling $1,100,901. These donations to the Luther Fund support students in many impactful ways. From scholarships to textbooks to off-campus study, it makes student learning possible. From student organizations to volunteer opportunities, it creates experiences that shape college students into active, engaged citizens. From campus improvements to landscaping, it ensures that students live in a safe and beautiful place that they’ll be eager to return to as alumni.

“The campus is still buzzing from such a high-energy day!” said Mary Duvall, vice president for development. “While we are thrilled about the total amount raised, the meaningful part to me is the people who made it possible. From parents, to alumni, faculty and staff, community members and students – all of these people joined to collectively make a difference at the college we all love.”

Mark your calendars! Giving Day 2024 is set for Thursday, March 7. 

 

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.

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Luther College announces alum Sharran Srivatsaa as 2023 Commencement speaker

Sharran Srivatsaa will deliver the 2023 Commencement address in Luther College’s Carlson Stadium at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023. Srivatsaa graduated from Luther in 2001 and is now a successful entrepreneur, sought-after keynote speaker, angel investor, business podcast host and private advisor to top CEOs. Srivatsaa is the president of Real (TSX: REAX) (NASDAQ: REAX), the fastest-growing publicly traded real estate brokerage in the world. 

In the last 19 years, Srivatsaa has nurtured, grown and sold five companies. Most recently, he led Teles Properties’ unprecedented growth, resulting in a four-year consecutive streak on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list. In addition, Srivatsaa mentors CEOs in his exclusive Legends Program, hosts the top-rated podcast titled “Business School” and is the creator of the popular 5am Club for Entrepreneurs.

“Sharran is an engaging and energetic speaker who reminds his listeners that one of the key concerns of their clients is uncertainty about the ‘next step’ in their journeys,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “At a time when our graduates will be wondering about their own next steps, I am excited to hear what a successful alumnus might say to the Class of 2023 about how he engaged that question upon leaving Luther.”   

Srivatsaa provides thought leadership to major publications including the Wall Street Journal, SUCCESS Magazine, Huffington Post and Forbes. He told SUCCESS, “My entire world changed when I learned that networking was not about building my database but about being the gateway to another great relationship. Every time I meet someone new, I’ve trained myself to ask the question, whom can I introduce this person to that could change their life?”

Each morning, more than 9,000 entrepreneurs tune into a conference call with Srivatsaa as part of his 5am Club. One listener says, “It is the slingshot that propels my day.”

Srivatsaa is a member of Young Presidents Organization and as an active angel investor, he serves as co-founder, investor and advisor to various companies. Sharran earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Luther College and his MBA with honors from Vanderbilt University. He lives with his family in Orange County, California.

Commencement will be a ticketed event. It will be livestreamed and accessible to the public online at commencement.luther.edu. 

 

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.

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Luther College Concert Band to perform Tour Homecoming Concert

The Luther College Concert Band will perform their Tour Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life. 

The concert is the final performance of the group’s Midwest tour titled “Respect is what we owe; love, what we give” which included stops in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Audience members will enjoy wind ensemble repertoire by Oscar Navarro, Florence Price, Matthew Hindson and others, along with traditional Luther band encores by J.S. Bach and John Philip Sousa. 

Director Cory Near said he found the quote, “Respect is what we owe; love, what we give,” by English poet Philip James Bailey while searching for material focused on the word respect. 

“The idea of respect comes from one of the pieces on our program by my dear friend Kevin Poelking. His piece, “By the Hands that Reach Us,” is dedicated to people in our lives who lift us up: mentors, colleagues, family and friends. For me, those people are who I respect the most. I then decided to choose additional repertoire that highlights composers and stories that I find to be of huge value. We are thrilled to be sharing this program of reflection, joy and respect with our audiences,” said Near.

This concert is open to the public with no charge for admission. It will also be livestreamed on the Luther College Music Department’s YouTube channel. 

The Luther College Concert Band was formed in 1878, laying the foundation for what would become the college’s long-standing tradition of musical excellence. One of the oldest touring groups in the nation, Concert Band has risen to its current position of prestige through the influential directorships of Carlo Sperati, 1905-1943; Weston Noble, 1948-1973; Frederick Nyline, 1973-2011; and Joan deAlbuquerque, 2011-2020. Since 2020, Cory Near, a Cincinnati native, has led the band.

Throughout its long history, Concert Band has enjoyed performance opportunities in the United States, Western Europe and Japan. The ensemble tours annually, including an international tour every four years. In 2013, the band toured Iceland and Norway, 100 years after its first Norwegian tour. In 2017, the ensemble traveled to Spain. The next international tour for Concert Band will occur in 2025. 

 

About Luther College Music 

Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.

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Luther College announces faculty promotions

March 7, 2023

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward and Provost Brad Chamberlain have announced promotions for current faculty members. 

At its February meeting, the Board of Regents announced the promotions of Heather Armstrong, music; Sean Burke, religion; and Maryna Nading, philosophy, to full professor. Nicholas Shaneyfelt of the Music Department was also promoted to associate professor. The promotion to full professor involves student, department, faculty committee, provost, and president review.

“I join the broader Luther College community in recognizing and celebrating these members of the faculty on their well-deserved promotions. I am grateful for their work as teachers, scholars, and citizens of the college, knowing the impact that their service has upon our students, their academic disciplines, and the mission of Luther College,” said Provost Brad Chamberlain.

 

Heather Armstrong

Heather Armstrong began teaching at Luther College in 2006. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from Houghton College and earned Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in oboe performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music. She teaches applied oboe lessons, music theory, and double reed methods for future music educators. During her 2022 sabbatical project she explored how educational and outreach initiatives can help make the oboe more accessible to students who want to learn to play it.

 

Sean Burke

Sean Burke joined the Luther College faculty in 2007 as a member of the Religion Department. He earned a B.A. from Concordia College (NY), an M.Div. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and a Ph.D. in biblical studies from the Graduate Theological Union. His research has focused on gender, sexuality, and the Bible, and his teaching interests have also included comparative study of the Bible, the Qur’an, and the Book of Mormon. In addition to teaching, he has served the college as associate dean and director of faculty development and as associate provost.

 

 

Maryna Nading

Maryna Nading has taught at Luther College since 2010. She earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from State University of New York at Albany. Nading teaches courses in cultural anthropology, medical anthropology, and global health. Nading’s research focuses on the health workforce and gender. She has written on issues of gender segregation by medical specialty, professionalization, remuneration, and class in Ukraine. Her work has appeared in Medical Anthropology Theory, Human Organization, Medical Anthropology Quarterly, and Anthropology of Work. Nading’s current research investigates sites of care that extend beyond clinical settings. A native of Ukraine, she is now working with a Ukrainian volunteer group Maskuty, that creates camouflage nets for the army. Nading argues that such war relief efforts can be understood as a type of reproductive labor that fosters radical hope in the face of adversity.

 

Nicholas Shaneyfelt

Nicholas Shaneyfelt has been Luther College’s vocal coach and faculty collaborative pianist since 2016. Shaneyfelt directs Luther College’s opera program, teaches courses in vocal and instrumental accompanying, and collaborates with faculty and students frequently in recitals on campus and across the country. After earning dual undergraduate degrees in music and computer science from the University of Notre Dame, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in collaborative piano from the University of Michigan, under the mentorship of Martin Katz. Shaneyfelt serves as associate director of the International Music Festival of the Adriatic in Duino, Italy, and tours regularly with the Piatigorsky Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing live classical music to all corners of the country.

 

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.

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Five Luther College students named Fulbright semi-finalists

Luther College is proud to announce that five students are semi-finalists in the 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Operating in 160 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the largest and most esteemed exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Luther College semi-finalists are: 

  • Sarah Damhof ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Uganda
  • Hannah Hoffmann ’23 – English Teaching Assistantship in the Czech Republic
  • Gideon Perez ’23 – English Teaching Assistantship in the Slovak Republic
  • Sadie Pichelmann ’23 – English Teaching Assistantship in the Slovak Republic
  • Berit Skogen ’23 – English Teaching Assistantship in Norway

These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected among the nearly 10,000 applicants on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. 

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals abroad as assistant English teachers in classrooms from primary through university level.

The finalists will be announced this spring.

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.

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Luther College reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72%

Baker Village is the first part of the Luther Campus that is carbon neutral. Due to net metering, geothermal energy from the earth and electrical power produced from the sun provide all of the energy utilized at Baker Village.

Luther College is announcing that the institution has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 72% since its baseline was established in 2003. Achieving this milestone puts the college on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

“Our mission at Luther calls us to practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us. As we celebrate this achievement, I can’t think of a better example to demonstrate how we’re living into that. This work distinguishes us as a college, and while many of our peer institutions are coming to the party now, we have been leaders in this space for some time, in part due to the commitment of many in our present campus community, those who have gone before us, and our community partners,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. 

Several projects on campus contributing to this success include 

  • Installation of the wind turbine (2011)
  • Luther’s first solar array (2011)
  • Steam pipe insulation project (2015)
  • Preus Library LED lighting upgrades (2019)
  • Solar array added with battery storage (2020)
  • Additional LED lighting upgrades (2022) 

Photo of a large solar array

The Luther College Wind Turbine, affectionately known as “Darryl,” generates one-third of the college’s electricity. Several large solar arrays also have a large impact on reducing the college’s carbon footprint. 53% of Luther’s electricity comes from renewable power sources (wind and solar) generated on campus. 

“But it’s just as much about the little things,” said Jon Jensen, director of the Center for Sustainable Communities at Luther College. “That is changing out lights to LED and everybody on campus doing their part to reduce their energy usage where they can. That combination of big projects and accumulated small actions has allowed us to get to this point.”

Luther College students contribute to these energy reduction efforts each day. Grace Parrott is an environmental studies major who volunteers in the Caf to Community program. She works to keep excess food out of the landfill and onto the tables of those who need it. 

“I want to do my part because I like to enjoy the environment. I love to be outdoors and I recognize that it’s really important to take steps now instead of waiting to take action to mitigate climate change. This work Luther is doing is really inspiring to me,” said Parrott. 

I want to do my part because I like to enjoy the environment. I love to be outdoors and I recognize that it’s really important to take steps now instead of waiting to take action to mitigate climate change. This work Luther is doing is really inspiring to me.

Grace Parrott ’24

Cole Barrett is majoring in environmental studies and Nordic studies at Luther. He assists in lowering college emissions, in part, by taking shorter, cooler showers and turning off the lights. 

“I’m interested in the fact that this is about more than just for our generation. If we want to continue living the way we want to live, it’s important to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Barrett.

Luther also supports wind energy projects in nearby Mitchell County, Iowa. In return for this financial support, Luther receives renewable energy certificates (RECs), which contribute to the reduction of the college’s carbon footprint.

Luther has self-imposed restrictions on its use of RECs, however. “Some claims to be carbon neutral are totally based on purchasing RECs,” said Jensen. “Luther made a commitment years ago to limit our use of offsets to no more than 25% of our reductions and to only use RECs from known projects within our region.” 

Next steps

To bridge the gap between 72% and 100% carbon neutrality, the college is in the beginning stages of two long-term projects. 

Part of Luther’s Energy Master Plan is to convert all campus buildings to geothermal energy, a type of renewable energy taken from the Earth’s core. Luther leaders are working with engineers on the details of the 10-year plan. The goal is to complete phase one of the project in the next two years. Currently, Baker Village and the Center for the Arts run on geothermal energy.

College leaders are also discussing the possibility of adding another large solar field in the future.  

“2030 is our carbon neutrality goal and it still feels possible. I would say the closer you get to the end, the harder it gets, so we need to be able to make those things happen. But, I am optimistic that the folks who are working on this and some of the plans that we have make it possible for us to make that 2030 goal,” said Jensen. 

 

I am optimistic that the folks who are working on this and some of the plans that we have make it possible for us to make that 2030 goal.

Jon Jensen, director of the Center for Sustainable Communities

Luther College is a leader in sustainability

In 2022, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) named Luther College the fourth best baccalaureate institution in the nation for its efforts in sustainability. The Sustainable Campus Index is a comprehensive and independent assessment that includes hundreds of schools. Luther is ranked number nine among all colleges and universities in the nation in the Curriculum category. 37% of all courses include a sustainability component and 100% of departments have sustainability course offerings. Visit the Center for Sustainable Communities website for more information about Luther’s efforts in sustainability. The Climate Action Plan details how the goal of carbon neutrality came about. 

 

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.

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New gifts totaling $4.5 million increase access and expand learning experiences for Luther College students

As Luther College continues its work to make high-quality education accessible to all students, several generous donors are assisting in that effort in a big way. Recently, Luther received several major gifts, totaling $4.5 million, to help ensure that students have the financial resources they need to get the most out of their college experience. 

New scholarships for students with high financial need

Bob and Dell Ann Sathe

Bob and Dell Ann (Kappus) Sathe, both 1968 graduates of Luther, made a $1 million pledge to the Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Scholars Endowments. The funds will help qualified, underrepresented students with demonstrated financial need. This critical financial aid can be applied not only to tuition but also the costs of study abroad and applied learning opportunities. 

“This scholarship support is our way of saying thanks to Luther for helping us with a foundation for a good life and we encourage other alumni to join us in supporting Luther students,” said Bob. 

The Sathes established the Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Scholars Endowments upon their 50th class reunion in 2018. Their new pledge brings their lifetime giving to $2 million. They have decided to award a portion of their gift immediately (as a way to jumpstart the funds) while also growing the endowments to ensure these opportunities continue in perpetuity. Their funds are supporting 32 Luther students this academic year. 

An estate gift from Audrey Niemann of nearly $850,000 will create the endowed Audrey Niemann Scholarship Fund, which will also benefit qualified students with demonstrated financial need. The preference will go to students who would be unable to attend college without financial assistance. Niemann’s nephew, Todd Marken, worked at the college and her great-niece, Sabrina Marken, graduated from Luther.    

The new Peace Fellows program

Lynne Sootheran and Kent Simmonds

Lynne Sootheran and Kent Simmonds, emeritus professor of philosophy, gave the college $600,000 to establish the Lynne Sootheran and Kent Simmonds Endowment for Peace. The endowment will support a new Peace Fellows Program that seeks to engage students, faculty, and the broader community in how best to practice peace, in all of its dimensions. 

The endowment is designed to provide multiple student fellowships each year. Each fellow will receive funding to complete a project that addresses peace in any discipline of study. The endowment also funds a faculty Peace Fellow who will assist students in their investigations and direct their explorations together in projects that make for peace.

“It is our intent for the funds of this endowment to encourage serious study of peace in all its expressions: in natural and social sciences, in the arts, in physical activity, in skills aimed at practical professions, and in the studies of philosophy and religion,” said Simmonds. “In short, we want to encourage attention to peace in every classroom, every studio, every laboratory and every athletic enterprise, where persons are called to explore and develop the well-being of themselves and their surroundings. We express peace among us as we discover and nurture peace within us. We want to ‘study war no more.’”

Scholarships for future educators and student musicians

Barbara Lueder

Barbara Lueder graduated from Luther in 1970 and devoted her life to educating others. Through a generous pledge of $50,000, she is creating the Barbara Lueder Scholarship to support students who major in education or participate in music. 

“The education I received at Luther College opened career opportunities while the music program continues to give me great joy. As I thought about my legacy, I knew I wanted to provide scholarships to assist today’s students interested in those areas,” said Lueder.

In addition, an estate gift of $2 million has also been designated to the Barbara Lueder Scholarship endowment.

Over the past three years, Luther College has raised more than $32.1 million in gifts, pledges, and planned gifts for student scholarships. This includes funding for current scholarships (which are awarded immediately) and endowed funds. 

 

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.

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