Author: Luther College News

Students who transfer to Luther College from other institutions have traditionally been a small part of the new student population each year. But through participation in the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative and the hard work of Luther faculty and staff, Luther is preparing to welcome more transfer students in the future.

The project started when Luther and 18 other four-year institutions formed the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative. With support from a three-year grant from the Arthur Vining Davis and Teagle foundations, the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative brings together faculty from community colleges and four-year institutions to ensure the seamless transfer of academic credit.

Luther has addressed several challenges for student transfers, including streamlining processes, designating an admissions staff person to assist prospective students, and easing access to transfer course equivalencies. Now, transfer students are experiencing a smooth admission process.

Art professor Ben Moore explained how Luther’s curriculum committee reviewed approximately 8,000 courses from regional institutions last summer and determined the equivalent course credit at Luther.

“It was no small task,” Moore said.

Once the curriculum committee completed their work, this information was added to Transferology, a free online tool to help students explore their transfer options by answering the question, “Will my courses transfer?”

“Now it’s all in one spot,” Moore said. “We are dedicated to making the process of joining the Luther community smooth for transfer students. Transferology is one part of Luther’s ongoing goal to be a transfer-friendly college.”

Another part is the Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee agreement, which guarantees admission for students who have earned an associate of arts or an associate of science degree at a community college in Iowa. Fifteen Iowa community college presidents approved the Iowa Private Transfer Guarantee agreement with the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative in October 2024. Essentially, this agreement streamlines the transfer process for students at Iowa community colleges.

“As a proud partner of the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative, we are excited to offer more students a pathway to thrive and succeed at Luther College,” said Matt Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “We welcomed 27 new transfer students to Luther College last fall, representing 10 states, including Iowa, and four countries. We are especially proud that 18.5% of these students are first-generation.”

Luther junior Jermaine Dizon believes that Luther is well on its way to becoming a transfer-friendly institution. This global health major from Charles City described his experience as “smooth.”

“My teammates, coaches and professors took the time to ease me into everything Luther and Decorah-related and made sure I was adjusting well,” Dizon said. “They put me in contact with fellow students within my area of interest. Residence life made it easy to get adjusted by sending me all the necessary information and the admissions team answered all of my questions and concerns.”

Dizon is a member of Luther’s men’s cross country and track and field teams.

“Transferring to Luther has been the best decision I’ve made; my only regret is not coming here sooner,” he said.

Luther College will host events to commemorate Black History Month in February. The events include a distinguished lecture, a film screening, a dance performance and several social gatherings at local businesses. The events are open to the public.

“Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance and contributions of African Americans and others of the African diaspora who have shaped our nation and our world,” said Robert Clay, diversity, equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “We are called beyond Black History Month to uplift the profound legacies of African Americans who contributed to the fabric of this country, fought for justice and equality that has benefited all, while inspiring us to take meaningful action in our communities and carry this legacy forward.”

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Black History Month Keynote Address, “The Power of Belonging: Reimagining Equity and Leadership in Higher Education,” Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, 7 p.m.

Cameron C. Beatty, associate professor in the educational leadership and policy studies department at Florida State University, will give the Black History Month Keynote Address on Feb. 25. During his lecture, “The Power of Belonging: Reimagining Equity and Leadership in Higher Education,” Beatty will examine the critical role of belonging in shaping equitable and inclusive institutions. He will also offer actionable strategies to empower leaders and communities.

Friday, Feb. 14: Ailey II, CFL, 7:30 p.m.

Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the CFL Main Hall. Started in 1974 with a mission to bring African American dance into the mainstream, Ailey II is one of America’s most enduring and beloved dance companies. Buy tickets for the show and the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the CFL.

Social Events Build Connections, Inspire Change

Luther College’s Black Student Union (BSU) is hosting a bowling event to kick off Black History Month from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at KingPin Entertainment Center. Then on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) is arranging a full-day visit to the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

Next, join BSU for a Black History Month themed trivia night at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Impact Coffee. Specialty drinks will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by BSU and Impact Trivia.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, BSU will host a screening of “Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street” (2021) at Valders Hall of Science 206. Directed by Salima Koroma, this documentary celebrates the Black cultural renaissance that existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and investigates the 100-year-old race massacre that left a hidden stain on U.S. history. “Dreamland” was executive produced by NBA star LeBron James, businessman Maverick Carter, actor Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron for The SpringHill Company, and Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton for CNN Films.

Black History Month activities wrap up with a Cultural Community Connections event from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Landing Market.

BSU vice president Kwaku Junior Sarpong encouraged Decorah residents, Luther students, faculty and staff to participate in these events.

“Attending events for Black History Month will provide a space for learning and reflection while engaging in meaningful conversations about racial justice, equity and inclusion,” Sarpong said. “Through these events, we will honor the immense contributions of Black people to America, inspire change, build connections and work toward a more inclusive and just society.”

Luther College’s leadership announced the promotion of Matt Beatty ’03 to the permanent position of vice president for enrollment effective Feb. 1, and the return of current Vice President Karen Hunt to a new role at Luther as senior consultant for admissions and financial aid.

Both President Jenifer K. Ward and President-elect Brad Chamberlain informed the Luther campus of the changes on Friday morning.

“I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity to serve Luther College as its next vice president for enrollment,” Beatty said. “This is a special institution and means a great deal to so many people. My heartfelt gratitude goes to President Ward and President-elect Chamberlain for their trust and confidence in me, as well as to VP Hunt and campus partners for their unwavering support and collaboration over the past two years. I look forward to building on our shared commitment to this incredible institution and its future.”

Hunt came to Luther in 2021–22 as interim enrollment chief of staff, then agreed to work with Luther for two enrollment cycles. Her progress in rebuilding and stabilizing the enrollment division has begun to yield dividends. She agreed to extend for a third recruiting cycle last year, and along with President Ward began work to identify a successor for Hunt.

Beatty joined the Enrollment Division in fall 2022 as the director of admissions, and in partnership with Hunt and greater campus collaboration, has played an important role in Luther’s increase in first-year enrollment for fall 2024.

In late spring of 2024, Ward and Hunt began working on a succession plan, including talks with Beatty. In August, Hunt’s unexpected medical leave led to Beatty’s elevation as acting vice president.

“His performance has confirmed the original succession plan, and through his work this fall, he has earned this new role by experience and example,” Ward said. “We are delighted that he has accepted the call as the next vice president. We are equally heartened that VP Hunt has agreed to stay on in a phased consulting role through October to continue working with Dr. Beatty and provide support for ongoing initiatives in admissions and financial aid throughout the transition.”

“I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Beatty’s ability to build upon the strong foundation we’ve laid,” Hunt said. “Matt’s dedication, strong managerial skills, and deep understanding of our students’ needs make him an ideal leader for this critical area. I also want to acknowledge the continued excellence of Rachel Moser, who has been an invaluable partner in her role as financial aid director, and the entire enrollment management team. With Matt’s leadership and this exceptional team, I am confident that we will continue to enhance our institution’s commitment to student success.”

Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform in Luther College’s 2024–25 Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

“The performance is going to be beautiful and stunning,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “The dancers are unbelievably strong and graceful athletes whose movements will fascinate the viewer.”

Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II advances Alvin Ailey’s vision by giving vital experience to early-career dancers. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers.

“As a young aspiring dancer, I thoroughly loved watching the Ailey II dancers and was deeply inspired when they came to Luther in the early 1980s,” said Luther’s dance professor Jane Hawley. “After graduating from Luther College, I flew to New York City to audition and was accepted into the Ailey School certificate program. The school and program changed my life and professional trajectory in dance.”

Ailey II showcases the talent of young dancers and the creativity of today’s top choreographers.

“The lineage and soul of this company stirs one to know dance as a vital art,” Hawley said. “Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Ailey II.”

The program on Feb. 14 will feature:

• “Mystery at Sky Square,” choreography by Alia Kache. Based on the mischievous Akan folkloric character, “Anansi the Spider,” “Mystery at Sky Square” begins where love and revenge take center stage in this film noir-style dance theater work. Complete with 1940s-inspired costumes, narration to an original screenplay by Ryan Blackwell, music by Omari Tau, Kache blends the elements of a classic who-done-it for the stage.
• Inspired by “The Matrix” film series, “Down the Rabbit Hole” explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life. Set to a score by Johannes Goldbach and Franz Pomassl, choreographer Houston Thomas asks the question, in this high-powered piece: Technological change — are we powering it or is it powering us?
• “Streams,” which premiered in 1970, is an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac. Alvin Ailey’s highly structured yet fluid compilation of solos, duets, and group choreography reflects the formal, meditative mood of Kabelac’s music. While there is no narrative, the movement and music arouse distinct thoughts and feelings, evoking images and sensations inspired by bodies of water.

Buy tickets for the show and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357.

Before the performance, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The menu is selected specifically to complement the performance and consists of local ingredients. Vegan entrees are available upon request. Please inform the Ticket Office beforehand of any special dietary needs.

“We encourage you to spend your Valentine’s evening with us in the Center for Faith and Life, whether with someone special, with a friend or acquaintance, or even on your own to take in this breathtaking display of human movement,” Potvin said.

Luther College’s Fall 2024 Dean’s List includes 611 students; 132 first-years, 105 sophomores, 160 juniors and 214 seniors. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D). 

Saba Abesadze, First-year, Tbilisi, Georgia

Darren Adams, First-year, Osage, Iowa

Aspen Ahrenholz, Sophomore, Vinton, Iowa

Jacob Aji, First-year, Iowa City, Iowa

Omotola Akingba, Sophomore, Mahikeng, South Africa

Durah Albadr, Junior, Nagano, Japan

Makayla Alger, Senior, Davenport, Iowa

Abdullah Ali, First-year, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Jake Althaus, Junior, Durango, Iowa

Getruda Amos, Senior, Handeni, Tanzania

Samuel Amundson, First-year, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Jeremy Andera, Junior, Cresco, Iowa

Riley Anderson, Junior, Urbandale, Iowa

Allie Anderson, Senior, New Ulm, Minnesota

Micah Anderson, Junior, Elko New Market, Minnesota

Karlton Anderson, Junior, Baxter, Minnesota

Mara Anderson-Skelly, Senior, Lemont, Pennsylvania

Charlotte Appel, Senior, Lynnwood, Washington

Simon Argue, First-year, Oronoco, Minnesota

Gideon Armah-Amissah, Junior, Columbus, Georgia

Ethan Arndt, First-year, Northfield, Minnesota

Noah Arndt, Senior, Northfield, Minnesota

Harrison Arnold, Junior, Marion, Iowa

Aayush Aryal, First-year, Kathmandu, Nepal

Conor Baesemann, Sophomore, Pleasanton, California

Aidan Bailey, Senior, Dripping Springs, Texas

Rosie Baldus, Senior, Charles City, Iowa

Bella Bamlett, Senior, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

Anna Barbknecht, Senior, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

David Barlecaj, Sophomore, Pfullendorf, Germany

Emma Barness, Senior, Calmar, Iowa

Anna Bartsch, Junior, Nerstrand, Minnesota

Soren Basnet, Senior, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abby Bates, Senior, Alexander, Iowa

Hannah Batterson, Junior, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Colin Battien, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Marina Beachy, Senior, Wellman, Iowa

Natalie Beaver, Sophomore, Hayfield, Minnesota

Valentijn Belder, First-year, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Vienna Bell, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jack Bell, Senior, Madison, Wisconsin

Sonja Bell, Junior, Hudson, Wisconsin

Jackson Bennett, First-year, Milan, Illinois

Fin Bennett, Senior, Lisle, Illinois

Michael Benoit, Junior, Port Byron, Illinois

Casey Berg, Senior, Austin, Minnesota

Aria Bergman, Sophomore, Forest Lake, Minnesota

Rojan Bidari, First-year, Kathmandu, Nepal

Matthew Binsfeld, Senior, Elk River, Minnesota

Esther Bitijula, Senior, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Sonja Bloeser, Junior, North Liberty, Iowa

Lydia Blomberg, Junior, Plymouth, Minnesota

Samuel Blomme, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Andrea Bock, Junior, Medford, Minnesota

William Bockenstedt, Senior, Rosemount, Minnesota

Alexander Bodnar, Sophomore, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Uwen Boettcher, First-year, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Rachel Borchardt, Junior, Clarksville, Iowa

Nagham Boulos, Junior, Bethlehem, West Bank

Serenity Bownik, Sophomore, Mound, Minnesota

Mary Brady, Senior, Eldora, Iowa

Natalie Brandenburg, Sophomore, Lake Mills, Iowa

Kelsey Bratland, Senior, Spring Grove, Minnesota

Juan Bravo, Junior, Los Banos, California

Keiller Breva, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Addison Brey, First-year, Plain, Wisconsin

Patrick Brognano, Senior, Oregon, Wisconsin

Vershon Brooks, Senior, Brighton, Colorado

Geremiah Brown, Sophomore, Vallejo, California

Sophia Brown, First-year, North Liberty, Iowa

Olivia Brown, Junior, Sauk Centre, Minnesota

Eleanor Brown, Sophomore, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Maggie Bruck, Senior, Solon, Iowa

Isabelle Brummer, Junior, Stillwater, Minnesota

Jacob Bruns, Sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Jack Buchanan, First-year, Macomb, Illinois

Vin Buchner, Senior, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Rylie Bucklin, First-year, Marion, Iowa

Michelle Bui, Senior, Nam Dihn, Vietnam 

Tracy Bui, Senior, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

Megan Bumpus, Sophomore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Jack Buntrock, Sophomore, Rochester, Minnesota

Salaheldin Buraie, First-year, Rochester, Minnesota

Alexander Burdzy, Sophomore, Algonquin, Illinois

Caleb Burke, First-year, Waukee, Iowa

Brayden Burmeister, First-year, Jasper, Minnesota

Michael Burns, Senior, Kensett, Iowa

Libby Bygd, Junior, Boyceville, Wisconsin

Kayla Byrne, Sophomore, Stewartville, Minnesota

Jessica Campos Arzate, Senior, Decorah, Iowa

Leif Carey-Odden, Senior, Mount Vernon, Washington

Libby Carls, Senior, North Oaks, Minnesota

Hailey Carlson, Junior, Treynor, Iowa

Abigail Carroll, Sophomore, Saint Michael, Minnesota

Alexandria Cassens, Junior, Byron, Illinois

Sophia Chadima, Senior, Swisher, Iowa

Drew Chamberlain, Junior, Decorah, Iowa

Logan Chaney, First-year, Saint Charles, Minnesota

L’Engle Charis-Carlson, Senior, Iowa City, Iowa

Jenna Charlson, Senior, Rogers, Minnesota

Abhay Chhabra, Junior, New Delhi, India 

Allison Christensen, First-year, Johnston, Iowa

Benjamin Christenson, Sophomore, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Anastasia Cicala, Junior, Chisinau, Moldova 

Ethan Claire, Sophomore, Rochester, Minnesota

Kendall Clausen, Senior, Rochester, Minnesota

Aaron Claxton, First-year, Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Jaydan Clayton, Sophomore, Evansville, Indiana

Elizabeth Clement, Junior, Decorah, Iowa

Isabelle Clements, First-year, Russellville, Arkansas

Alfred Cobbinah, Senior, Freiburg, Germany 

Elena Conklin, Senior, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Lauren Conner-Dieter, Junior, Madison, Wisconsin

Aime Consolateur, Sophomore, Ngarama, Rwanda

Abraham Conway, Sophomore, Calmar, Iowa

Theodore Cornell, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hannah Coy, Junior, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Hayley Crosland, Sophomore, Hanover, Minnesota

Zachary Cummer, Sophomore, Waverly, Iowa

Ava Cummings, Sophomore, Claremont, Minnesota

Tollef Currell, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Meredith Dady, Sophomore, Rockford, Illinois

Sabina Dahal, Senior, Lalitpur, Nepal 

Joe Dahl, Sophomore, Chanhassen, Minnesota

Katie Dailey, Senior, Utica, Minnesota

Paige Daleiden, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bach Dang, Senior, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

Erin Daniel, Senior, Ottawa, Illinois

Anastasia Davidson, Senior, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Elliott Dean, First-year, Duluth, Minnesota

Jack Decker, Senior, Fairfax, Iowa

James Deeds, First-year, West Des Moines, Iowa

Katherine Denner, Junior, Marion, Iowa

Nathaniel Dennis, Junior, Winona, Minnesota

Gennaro Dimuro, Sophomore, Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Lavana Dixit, Junior, Kathmandu, Nepal

Jennifer Bakhita Do Rego Sabino, Sophomore, Victoria, Canada 

Jack Dornack, First-year, Chatfield, Minnesota

Tamim Dostyar, Sophomore, Leesburg, Virginia

Maci Doty, Junior, Marengo, Iowa

Shae Downing, Junior, Sioux City, Iowa

Sabina Doycharoen, Junior, Phuket, Thailand 

Nicholas Drew, Senior, Saint Joseph, Minnesota

Zoe Drey, Junior, Clive, Iowa

Darbi Dunning, Junior, Le Sueur, Minnesota

Sergey Dutt, Senior, Plain City, Ohio

Abigail Dykstra, Senior, Chandler, Arizona

Logan Eastman, First-year, Waukee, Iowa

Liam Edberg, Junior, Iowa City, Iowa

Kate Egan, Senior, Dubuque, Iowa

Fares El Abed, First-year, Ben Arous, Tunis, Tunisia 

Will Elias, Sophomore, Saint Peter, Minnesota

Cora Ellingworth, Junior, Waverly, Iowa

Britta Elsbernd, Senior, Mason City, Iowa

Taylan Emre, Senior, Istanbul, Turkey 

Emma Englehart, Sophomore, St. Charles, Illinois

Olivia Engler, Senior, Atlantic, Iowa

Abigail Englin, First-year, Hastings, Minnesota

Annika Evanson, First-year, Urbandale, Iowa

Joshua Fenn, Sophomore, Onalaska, Wisconsin

Avery Fisher, First-year, El Cajon, California

Alexa Fleming, Sophomore, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Anna Floden, Junior, Mason City, Iowa

Rose Forcier, First-year, Fairfax, Iowa

Owen Ford, Sophomore, Eagan, Minnesota

Amenla Forjoe, Senior, Accra, Ghana 

Johnny Fox, Sophomore, Des Moines, Iowa

Mac Kenzie Frame, Junior, Farmington, Minnesota

Henry Franken, Sophomore, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Annika Franzen, Junior, Decorah, Iowa

Ava Fritts, First-year, Monett, Missouri

Jack Fritz, Senior, Johnston, Iowa

Logan Fritz, Senior, Johnston, Iowa

Josephine Fullenkamp, First-year, Iowa City, Iowa

Mallory Fynaardt, Senior, West Des Moines, Iowa

Kamina Gager, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Peyton Gallt, Senior, Ames, Iowa

Luis Galvez, Sophomore, La Vega, Dominican Republic

Oyuntugs Ganchuluun, First-year, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 

Leah Gardner, Junior, Urbandale, Iowa

Ellie Gardner, Senior, Edina, Minnesota

Navishta Gayadin, Senior, Bambous, Mauritius

Ruby Gerhard, First-year, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Shan Ghimire, Sophomore, Kathmandu, Nepal

Anthi Giannakopoulou, Sophomore, Freiburg, Germany

Benjamin Gillikin, Senior, Long Valley, New Jersey

Brett Giltner, First-year, Clive, Iowa

Susmita Giri, Senior, Sindhupalchok, Nepal

Anika Gisvold, First-year, Dundas, Minnesota

Elleanna Gisvold, Junior, Dundas, Minnesota

Ellie Goble, First-year, New Windsor, Illinois

Isabel Goldschmidt, First-year, Madison, Wisconsin

Tia Gonzales, Sophomore, Olathe, Kansas

Hannah Gordon, First-year, Lynd, Minnesota

Jannie Gowdy, Senior, Melbourne, Iowa

Lauren Gray, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Ellie Greseth, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Lucas Grewe, First-year, Falcon Heights, Minnesota

Talia Grier, Senior, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Alex Griffeth, Senior, Commerce City, Colorado

Katherine Griffin, Junior, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Emily Groppoli, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Owen Gruenwald, Senior, Ankeny, Iowa

Lydia Gruenwald, Senior, Lombard, Illinois

Ethan Grunewald, Senior, Fairmont, Minnesota

Banele Gumede, Junior, Dilijan, Armenia 

Zachary Gwost, First-year, Little Falls, Minnesota

Emily Hagen, Senior, Owatonna, Minnesota

Malaika Hale, Junior, Centennial, Colorado

Colin Halverson, Senior, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Emma Halvorsen, First-year, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Kolby Hamman, Sophomore, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Penelope Hansen, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Sharla Hanson, Senior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Lucille Hanson, Sophomore, Nowthen, Minnesota

Lindsay Hanson, Sophomore, Morristown, Minnesota

Lilly Hayden, Junior, Fulton, Illinois

Linnea Hedin, Junior, Hastings, Minnesota

Liz Heim, Senior, East Dubuque, Illinois

Noah Heinke, First-year, Seymour, Wisconsin

Michel Heinrich, Sophomore, Hannover, Germany

Ellie Helgerson, Senior, Jordan, Minnesota

Eva Hemenway, First-year, Harmony, Minnesota

Braeden Hendel, Senior, Mankato, Minnesota

Noelle Hendricks, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Keely Hermanson, Senior, Decorah, Iowa

Aaron Hernandez, First-year, Chico, California

Juan Hernandez Herrera, Sophomore, Bogota, Colombia

Stevie Herrera, Junior, Hancock, Iowa

Emma Heying, Senior, Waverly, Iowa

Chase Heying, Senior, Sartell, Minnesota

Maggie Hickman, Junior, Solon, Iowa

Anna Hielsberg, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Benjamin Hilgers, Junior, Madison, Wisconsin

Harrison Hilyer, Junior, Sylacauga, Alabama

Gabriel Hiner, First-year, Decorah, Iowa

Jayce Hingtgen, First-year, Center Point, Iowa

Elliora Hoehne, Junior, Decorah, Iowa

Sirianna Hokanson, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Kenai Holien, Sophomore, Klawock, Alaska

Eva Hollingsworth, First-year, Platteville, Wisconsin

Anna Holm, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Allison Horswill, Sophomore, Iowa City, Iowa

Katelyn Hosking, Senior, Slinger, Wisconsin

Foster Hull, Senior, Dubuque, Iowa

Teia Hulshizer, Junior, Utica, Minnesota

Emily Hursh, Senior, Saint Charles, Minnesota

Ella Husemann, Junior, Fairfax, Iowa

Ebuka Ifedi, Junior, Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Elise Ilsley, Senior, Springfield, Illinois

Ashley Imdieke, Senior, Northfield, Minnesota

Lauren Ingram, Junior, Mantorville, Minnesota

Mason Irving, Senior, Iowa City, Iowa

Cassiah James, Senior, Evansville, Wisconsin

Georgia Jeddeloh, First-year, Richmond, Minnesota

Makaylee Jensen, Junior, North Bend, Washington

Tara Jeremiah Rajanesan, Junior, Tamil Nadu, India

Kathryn Jiran, Sophomore, Carver, Minnesota

Hannah Johnson, Senior, North Liberty, Iowa

Molly Johnson, Junior, Davenport, Iowa

Ethan Johnson, Junior, Brooklyn, Wisconsin

Kailey Jones, Senior, Avoca, Iowa

Rowan Jordahl, Sophomore, Hutchinson, Minnesota

Cheyanne Jordan, Junior, Hastings, Minnesota

Noah Jorgensen, Sophomore, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Maddie Kaasa, Senior, Delaware, Ohio

Jordan Kahl, First-year, Humboldt, Iowa

Isaiah Kahl, Junior, Humboldt, Iowa

Morgan Kane, Senior, Lake City, Minnesota

Ryan Kane, First-year, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Spike Karau, First-year, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Casey Kellett Whitwham, Senior, Navan, Ireland

Piper Kellner, Senior, Lansing, Minnesota

Suin Kim, First-year, Daegu, South Korea

Owen King, Sophomore, Dubuque, Iowa

Lillian Kitundu, First-year, Des Moines, Iowa

Sophie Klein, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Katy Klein, Senior, Elgin, Minnesota

Jenna Kleven, Senior, Albert Lea, Minnesota

Mariah Klimesh, Junior, Eldora, Iowa

Jacob Klingsten, Senior, Waterford, Wisconsin

Chase Kmosena, Senior, Wausau, Wisconsin

Natalie Koopman, First-year, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Emma Kowalczyk, Senior, Colgate, Wisconsin

Elizabeth Kowalski, First-year, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Kaitlyn Krambeer, Sophomore, Lansing, Iowa

Naomi Kravitz, Junior, Glenview, Illinois

Henry Kreckman, First-year, Oregon, Wisconsin

Keira Kreider, First-year, Ames, Iowa

Kevin Kretz, Senior, Fairfield, Iowa

Charlotte Krob, First-year, Mount Vernon, Iowa

Quinn Kruckman, Sophomore, Spillville, Iowa

Will Kuelbs, Senior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Audrey Kuhn, Senior, Madison, Wisconsin

Ethan Kunka, Senior, Great Falls, Montana

Evelyn Kunz, First-year, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hannah LaBonte, Senior, Lake City, Minnesota

Kaelin Lamphere, Senior, Mantorville, Minnesota

Grace Landmesser, Sophomore, Ankeny, Iowa

Jenna Langen, Junior, La Crescent, Minnesota

Mya Larsen, First-year, Elkhorn, Nebraska

Nicole Larson, Senior, Lakeville, Minnesota

Keagan Larson, Senior, Austin, Minnesota

Brynn Larson, First-year, Lakeville, Minnesota

Katherine Lawson, Senior, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Do Ngoc Diep Le, Senior, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Binh Le, Sophomore, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam 

Minh Quang Le, Sophomore, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Ethan Le Moine, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Cj Lee, Senior, Lewiston, Minnesota

Maren Lee, Senior, Gloversville, New York

Eleanor Lefort, Sophomore, Golbey, France

Tancrede Lefort, Senior, Golbey, France

Elijah Lehmann, Senior, Oregon, Wisconsin

Enzo Leite Mitidieri, Junior, Campinas, Brazil 

Raymond Li, First-year, Zumbrota, Minnesota

Elliot Lindberg, First-year, Danderyd, Sweden 

Folabomi Longe, Sophomore, Abuja, Nigeria 

William Lookingbill, First-year, Urbandale, Iowa

Aitor Lopez Barriga, Junior, Madrid, Spain

Benjamin Lorence, Sophomore, Mason City, Iowa

Diego Loria-Eivins, First-year, Iowa City, Iowa

Julianne Lundvall, Junior, Ames, Iowa

Mia Lung, Sophomore, Perham, Minnesota

Kyla Maatta, Junior, Farmington, Minnesota

Alyce Madson, Junior, Robbinsdale, Minnesota

Madi Major, Senior, Golden, Colorado

Ryan Malecha, Senior, Northfield, Minnesota

Faneeza Malik, Junior, Lahore, Pakistan 

Hernan Manzanet Montas, Senior, Miami, Florida

Evan Marinov, Senior, Wilmington, North Carolina

Lydia Marti, Junior, Highland, Illinois

Ella Marti, Senior, Chaska, Minnesota

Rose Martinsen-Burrell, First-year, Decorah, Iowa

Julianna Mascardo, Sophomore, Iowa City, Iowa

Teagan Matheson, First-year, Shakopee, Minnesota

Andre Matos Palavra, Sophomore, Portugal

Owen Matzek, Senior, Hastings, Minnesota

Peter McBride, Junior, St Louis Park, Minnesota

Regan McConville, Junior, Ames, Iowa

Owen McCredie, Sophomore, Bettendorf, Iowa

Norah McDonald, Sophomore, Wellington, Colorado

Simon McDonald, Junior, Northfield, Minnesota

Bryce McDonough, Junior, Nora Springs, Iowa

Evan McElroy, Junior, Carmichael, California

Hannah McFarland, Senior, Winterset, Iowa

Kenna McGee, Junior, Eldridge, Iowa

Kelsey McGregor, First-year, Yorkville, Illinois

Grace McIlrath, Senior, Grinnell, Iowa

Lillian McRoberts, Sophomore, Prior Lake, Minnesota

Sean Medcalfe, Junior, Augusta, Georgia

Bruna Medeiros Costa, Junior, Brasilia, Brazil

Niamh Mee, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Madeline Meehan, First-year, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa

Elizabeth Meehan, Junior, Northfield, Minnesota

Alex Meeter, Junior, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Mira Melander, Sophomore, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kathryn Merten, Junior, Ellensburg, Washington

Stephanie Mews, Sophomore, Marshfield, Wisconsin

Jacob Michaelson, Junior, Iowa Falls, Iowa

Katherine Miklethun, First-year, Plymouth, Minnesota

Megan Miller, Senior, Urbandale, Iowa

Isabella Miller, First-year, Ely, Iowa

Molly Miller, Senior, Winfield, Iowa

Elijah Miller, Sophomore, Lake City, Minnesota

Mari Mineck, Senior, Urbandale, Iowa

Chloe Moeller, Sophomore, Rosemount, Minnesota

Cam Moll, Senior, Cross Plains, Wisconsin

Christian Montover, Senior, North Liberty, Iowa

Olivia Mooney, Senior, Arcadia, Wisconsin

Olivia Moore, Junior, Winona, Minnesota

Jack Moriarty, Senior, Waukee, Iowa

Kendall Moritz, First-year, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Lawson Morris, Junior, Oskaloosa, Iowa

Jack Morrison, Senior, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Delia Mortell, Senior, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Nels Mortenson, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Lindsey Moseley, Junior, Roseville, Minnesota

Violet Mowrey, Sophomore, Iowa City, Iowa

Zoltan Mraz, First-year, Szigetszentmiklos, Hungary 

Ruthveridiana Mtaita, Sophomore, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 

Jorge Mueller de Melo, Senior, Lago Sul, Brazil 

Bret Muhlbauer, Senior, Carroll, Iowa

Dylan Muhlbauer, Senior, Decorah, Iowa

Joseph Mulindwa, First-year, Kisongo, Tanzania 

Charles Mullin, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Francesco Mungari, First-year, Rome, Italy

Sonnet Mungyeh, Senior, Happy Valley, Oregon 

Wyatt Murphy, Senior, Spring Grove, Minnesota

Benjamin Murr, First-year, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Arnie Mutasingwa, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Rejoice Mzumara, Sophomore, Pune, India 

Ethan Nelson, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kim Anh Thy Nguyen, Junior, Catonsville, Maryland

Khanh Linh Nguyen, Sophomore, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Phuong Nguyen, First-year, Bien Hoa, Vietnam 

Nhi Nguyen, First-year, Ha Tinh, Vietnam 

Anh Nguyen, Junior, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Tran Nguyen, First-year, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Thanh Tu Nguyen, Sophomore, Bac Ninh, Vietnam 

Tung Nguyen, Junior, Quan Le Chan, Vietnam 

Duy Nguyen, Senior, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Dao Duy Bao Nguyen, Senior, Dong Ha, Vietnam 

Tapiwanashe Nkompilo, Senior, Harare, Zimbabwe 

Lily Nuland, Junior, Forde, Norway

Riley O’Donnell, Senior, Dubuque, Iowa

Maddie O’Malley, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sydney Obaseki, Sophomore, Abuja, Nigeria 

Kate Oelfke, Junior, Austin, Minnesota

Ellis Olson, First-year, Yorkville, Illinois

Elliot Olson, Junior, Zumbrota, Minnesota

Halle Olson, Senior, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Kyah Olson Sola, Senior, Northfield, Minnesota

Victor Oluwa, Senior, Freiburg, Germany

Annisten Ondrashek, First-year, Calmar, Iowa

Grace Orme, Junior, Seattle, Washington

Abigail Ostermann, Senior, Menasha, Wisconsin

Emily Ostermann, Junior, Menasha, Wisconsin

Mara Pankow, Junior, Decorah, Iowa

Magda Patten, Senior, Waukee, Iowa

Supreme Paudel, Senior, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Mari Paulsen, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Faith Pavlos, Sophomore, Grayslake, Illinois

Nora Pederson, First-year, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Samuel Persaud, First-year, Surrey, Canada

Simon Persson, First-year, Horby, Sweden

Tanner Peters, Sophomore, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Norah Petersen, First-year, West Bend, Wisconsin

Brooks Peterson, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nino Pfeifer, Sophomore, Tillmitsch, Austria

Emma Pichelmann, Senior, Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Amber Pinter, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

David Pittman, First-year, Johnston, Iowa

Danielle Pitts, Senior, Mount Vernon, Iowa

Annabelle Pollock, First-year, Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Kadence Popejoy, First-year, Anoka, Minnesota

Ricardo Portilla Ruiz, Senior, Quito, Ecuador 

Avery Potter, First-year, Newton, Iowa

Julia Praska, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Mia Prater, Sophomore, Superior, Colorado

Mark Prince, Senior, Encinitas, California

Mara Quackenbush, Senior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Lilian Quale, First-year, Long Lake, Minnesota

Rafaela Queiroga Tavares, Junior, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Joseph Quinn, Sophomore, East Dubuque, Illinois

Khadija Ramadan, Junior, Poughkeepsie, New York

Amelia Ramirez, Junior, Laveen, Arizona

Gerardo Ramirez Mainou, First-year, San Juan Del Rio, Mexico

Madelon Rathe, Senior, La Porte City, Iowa

Dylan Rauser, Senior, Ankeny, Iowa

Hailey Reckmann, Sophomore, Lake City, Minnesota

Martine Redshaw, First-year, Hovland, Minnesota

Jacob Reister, Junior, Northfield, Minnesota

Samantha Renkas, First-year, Holmen, Wisconsin

Kaija Rice, Senior, Ames, Iowa

Annika Rice, Senior, Ames, Iowa

Lillian Riedel, Sophomore, Shoreview, Minnesota

Aiden Rinker, First-year, Des Moines, Iowa

Pieter Rippentrop, First-year, Swisher, Iowa

Iris Roddy, Senior, Kansas City, Missouri

Emma Roe, Junior, Red Wing, Minnesota

Ingrid Roeske, Sophomore, South Beloit, Illinois

Hannah Roesler, Senior, Nixa, Missouri

Matthew Rogness, Junior, Roseville, Minnesota

Mateus Rohden, Senior, Draper, Utah

Christina Rolf, Senior, River Falls, Wisconsin

Grace Rosholt, Junior, Middleton, Wisconsin

Kelsey Roskamp, Junior, Johnston, Iowa

Paige Ross, Junior, Faribault, Minnesota

Cassie Rounds, Senior, West Des Moines, Iowa

Chloe Rozga, Senior, Northfield, Minnesota

Rylan Ruf, Junior, Clayton, New Mexico

Cecilia Ruiz, Junior, Chicago, Illinois

Abigail Russeth, Senior, Lakeville, Minnesota

Marissa Rutkowski, Sophomore, Woodbury, Minnesota

Kinza Sagel, First-year, Greeley, Colorado

Kenedy Sandoval, Junior, Aurora, Colorado

Kwaku Junior Sarpong, Junior, Duino, Italy

Riley Sauser, Senior, Ely, Iowa

Teagan Schaefer, Junior, Williamsburg, Iowa

Carly Schettler, First-year, Indianola, Iowa

Annemarie Schloo, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sarah Schmidt, Senior, Bettendorf, Iowa

Kenlin Schmitt, Junior, Elgin, Iowa

Erica Schulte, Senior, Robins, Iowa

Riley Schulte, Senior, Plymouth, Minnesota

Hailey Schultz, Junior, Burbank, Illinois

Nicole Schultz, Junior, Fountain, Minnesota

Brooklyn Schultz, First-year, Sparta, Wisconsin

Lauran Schwake, Junior, Solon, Iowa

Alayna Schwendinger, Senior, Utica, Minnesota

William Scott, Sophomore, Kissimmee, Florida

Arif Seepersaud, First-year, Elko New Market, Minnesota

Calista Seiler, First-year, Owatonna, Minnesota

Korpo Selay, Junior, Montserrado, Liberia 

Seth Semmler, First-year, Circle Pines, Minnesota

Julia Severtson, First-year, Decorah, Iowa

Mark Severtson, Senior, Milan, Michigan

Noah Shepherd, First-year, Schaller, Iowa

Julia Sheyko, Senior, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Maddux Shockey, Sophomore, Freeport, Illinois

Nico Shrestha, Senior, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Jeffrey Sieck, First-year, Grinnell, Iowa

Jackson Simeck, Sophomore, Adel, Iowa

Haylee Slotness, Junior, Shoreview, Minnesota

Natalie Smith, Junior, West Des Moines, Iowa

Alex Smith, Junior, Grinnell, Iowa

Luke Smith, Sophomore, Ely, Iowa

Christopher Smith, Sophomore, Rochester, Minnesota

Lizzie Snyder, Senior, Star, Indiana

Alyssa Sobolik, Junior, Cresco, Iowa

Lillian Spade, Senior, Eagan, Minnesota

Garett Sperber, Junior, Oronoco, Minnesota

Eva Stadtlander, Junior, Iowa City, Iowa

Isabelle Staton, Senior, Urbandale, Iowa

Brynnen Stefan, Sophomore, Tomahawk, Wisconsin 

Ava Stemler, Junior, West Des Moines, Iowa

Anna Stenerson, Senior, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Alexa Stevermer, First-year, West Des Moines, Iowa

Peter Stinar, Senior, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Grace Stone, Junior, Andover, Minnesota

Kristian Stordalen, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Hannah Stoutner, Senior, Whitehall, Wisconsin

Alyssa Strampe, Senior, Janesville, Wisconsin

Evelyn Strigel, Sophomore, Madison, Wisconsin

Logan Strom, Junior, Albert Lea, Minnesota

Abby Struble, Junior, Clinton, Iowa

Haylie Strum, Junior, Stewartville, Minnesota

Elliott Stuenkel, Senior, Waterloo, Iowa

Samantha Suski, Senior, Watertown, Wisconsin

Izaak Swanson, Sophomore, Bettendorf, Iowa

Sorley Swanstrom-Arnold, Senior, Duluth, Minnesota

Lydia Swarney, Junior, Ottumwa, Iowa

Kael Swarts, Junior, Newton, Iowa

Ella Swarts, First-year, Newton, Iowa

Alex Swartz, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Mackenzie Syvrud, First-year, Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Jalen Taha, First-year, West Des Moines, Iowa

Ren Talerico, Sophomore, Madison, Wisconsin

Anna Tauscher, Senior, Rochester, Minnesota

Amanda Teske, Senior, De Pere, Wisconsin

Mia Tessier, Sophomore, Urbandale, Iowa

Claire Tessum, First-year, Ramsey, Minnesota

Alli Thomley, Senior, Verona, Wisconsin

Carter Thompson, Junior, Fairfield, Iowa

Hayden Thompson, Senior, North Liberty, Iowa

Ashlynn Thorsen, Junior, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Alexandra Tiernan, Junior, Fort Dodge, Iowa

Lilly Timm, Sophomore, Des Moines, Iowa

Elise Trail-Johnson, Senior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Khanh Linh Tran, Senior, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Khanh Tran, Sophomore, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nora Tresemer, Sophomore, Geneva, Illinois

Isaac Trowbridge, Sophomore, Inver Grove, Minnesota

Karson Trujillo, Junior, Delano, Minnesota

Thuy Duong Truong, Senior, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam 

Elias Tsiabardas, First-year, Laval, Canada

Tlelepe Tsoako, First-year, Qacha’s Nek, Lesotho 

Kieran Ulbee, Junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hannah Ullah, Senior, Des Moines, Iowa

Ellen Upper, First-year, Johnston, Iowa

Madi Urfer, Junior, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Soley Valdimarsdottir, Senior, Reykjavikurborg, Iceland

Alex Van Surksum, Junior, Sheldon, Iowa

Nathan Vaughan, Sophomore, Berthoud, Colorado

Annika Veit, Sophomore, Iowa City, Iowa

Jay-Jay Boy Ventura, First-year, Flekke, Norway

Zoe Verhey, Senior, Dassel, Minnesota

Nicholas Viveros, Senior, Whittier, California

Andre Viveros, Senior, Whittier, California

Paige Vogel, First-year, Mantorville, Minnesota

Alyson Voltz, Junior, Cedar, Minnesota

Joshua Wackerfuss, Senior, Chaska, Minnesota

Alexander Wagner, Senior, Junction City, Wisconsin 

Regina Waldbillig, First-year, Rochester, Minnesota

Enya Wallace, First-year, Rapid City, South Dakota

Linaea Walsh, Sophomore, Lombard, Illinois

Anna Walters-Smith, Junior, Rochester, Minnesota

Millie Wang, Senior, Heze, Shandong, China

Muhammad Mughees Akbar Warraich, Senior, Faisalabad, Pakistan 

Maya Warren, Senior, Iowa City, Iowa

Andrew Weidemann, First-year, Dubuque, Iowa

Abby Weidt, Senior, Hugo, Minnesota

Julia Weigle, Senior, Saint Michael, Minnesota

Julia Weiner, Senior, Iowa City, Iowa

Karinna Welter, Sophomore, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Annika Welter, Junior, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Jacob Wenger, Senior, Manchester, Iowa

Ava White, Senior, Duluth, Minnesota

Josiah Wickum, First-year, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Kayla Will, Junior, Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Olivia Williams, First-year, Wheatland, Iowa

Haley Wince, Junior, West Des Moines, Iowa

Rachel Winzenburg, First-year, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota

Clara Wodny, Senior, Duluth, Minnesota

Alexander Wold, Sophomore, Duluth, Minnesota

Jenna Woodsmall, Senior, Grimes, Iowa

Avery Wrage, Senior, Waverly, Iowa

Reece Wright, Senior, Annandale, Minnesota

Adelee Wrightsman, Junior, Stillwater, Minnesota

Daniel Yormesor, Junior, Dilijan, Armenia

Eli Young, Senior, North Liberty, Iowa

Hugo Zadig, Junior, Stockholm, Sweden

Leen Zaher, Junior, Sebline, Lebanon 

Sebastian Zavala Brito, Senior, Decorah, Iowa

Resana Zayan, Junior, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Kylie Zeigler, First-year, Gilbert, Iowa

Rebecca Zheng, Junior, Waverly, Iowa

Matvii Zhuravlov, Sophomore, West Des Moines, Iowa

Audrey Zielstra, Senior, Glenwood, Iowa

Kendahl Zimmerman, First-year, Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Luther College recently announced that its Nordic Choir, one of the premier collegiate choral ensembles in the United States, is embarking on a nine-state performance tour in January.

The tour kicks off at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames on Jan. 18. From there, the choir travels to Fort Dodge for a performance on Jan. 19 at First United Methodist Church.

Then while the campus enjoys a weeklong January Term break (Jan. 30-Feb. 4), Nordic Choir will enchant audiences with performances in the following locations:

• Cedar Rapids
• Springfield, Illinois
• Indianapolis
• Dublin, Ohio
• New Lenox, Illinois
• Janesville, Wisconsin

The choir will return Decorah for a homecoming concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall before traveling to Des Moines for a first-of-its-kind concert in collaboration with Iowa State Singers and Des Moines Choral Society on Feb. 15.

Besides performing throughout the Midwest in January and February, Nordic Choir will also give special performances at the American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Dallas on March 20.

The tour concludes with a March 21 concert in Bentonville, Arkansas, at the Thaden School Performing Arts Center and a performance at the Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, on March 22. A complete tour schedule with performance times and locations is available online.

Nordic Choir’s 2025 tour concert features repertoire and themes that celebrate both the breathtaking choral music of the past and the innovative voices of the present. Audiences can expect to hear music composed by Antonio Lotti, Jacob Handl Gallus, Ruthie Foster, Jennifer Lucy Cook and Marques L.A. Garrett.

Since the program features music from the early Renaissance to cutting-edge musical theatre, there is something for everyone, said Andrew Last, director of Nordic Choir.

“It is our hope to serve as ‘storytellers’ through our music. This year is no different,” Last said. “We embrace the unique opportunity we have to connect with friends, family and folks that will experience their first Nordic Choir concert through music that ‘speaks’ to them in unexpected ways.”

Concert tickets may be purchased in advance online at tickets.luther.edu or by calling 563-387-1357. To purchase tickets for a specific concert, select the corresponding date from the options. Tickets may also be purchased at the door one hour prior to the performance.

A few performances do not require a ticket, but instead ask for a freewill donation.

Luther College invites community members to attend Dream Week events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 20–24. Guest speakers, engaging discussions and community outreach events will honor King’s legacy and examine the issues of racism, bias, inequity and injustice in our society.

The events are free and open to the public.

Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther, described the vision for Dream Week 2025 and its positive impact for community members, both on and off campus.

“King reminds us that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,’” Clay said. “This year for Dream Week may we carry the hope that justice is not only a dream, but a collective responsibility. Together, we must honor King’s vision by recommitting ourselves to working collaboratively as a campus community for a world where equity, dignity and love guide our actions toward lasting change.”

Monday, Jan. 20: “The Continuing Fight for Multiracial Democracy,” Center for Faith and Life Main Hall, 7 p.m.

Madiba Dennie, deputy editor and senior contributor at “Balls & Strikes” and author of “The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back,” will evaluate the current state of multiracial democracy. Her lecture will also discuss the role of law and legal interpretation in confronting or cementing white supremacy, outline how political movements can impact public understanding of the law, and examine how King’s legacy should shape the meaning of laws today. The lecture is supported by the Williams Endowment Fund for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture.

“Luther College is pleased to have Madiba Dennie on campus for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture,” said Char Kunkel, head of the identity studies department at Luther. “Her book is a timely call to action during a harrowing political time. Madiba asks us to continue the reimagining of the very foundations of law so that oppressed people can ‘know freedom, equality and justice.’ Please join us in welcoming her to campus and begin the journey of inclusive constitutionalism.”

In Dennie’s previous role as a counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, she provided legal and policy analysis regarding a range of democracy issues including the census, the courts, and attempts to disempower communities of color.

Dennie has taught at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and New York University School of Law in New York City. She earned her law degree from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from Princeton University.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: “A Conversation on Racial Healing,” Mott-Borlaug Room, Dahl Centennial Union, 4 p.m. 

This event is held in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, which calls on colleges and universities across the country to engage in activities, events or strategies that promote healing and foster engagement around the issues of racism, bias, inequity and injustice in our society. Students, faculty, staff and community members will discuss how to create a more just and equitable world.

Wednesday, Jan. 22: Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving, Center for Faith and Life Lobby, 4 p.m. 

Through song, prayer and reflection, this special service will point us toward God’s liberating love and inspire us to recognize and work to repair the harm caused by racism and intolerance.

Thursday, Jan. 23: “Selma,” Olin 102, 5 p.m.

Join us to watch the historical drama film, “Selma” (2014). In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, King, portrayed by David Oyelowo and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “Selma” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Friday, Jan. 24: “Brown Bag Discussion: Intersection of Faith and Justice,” Mott-Borlaug Room, Dahl Centennial Union, Noon

This brown bag discussion will explore the powerful connection between faith and justice, inspired by the legacy of King and his call for justice rooted in spiritual identity. Participants will reflect on how faith traditions inform justice, equity and community engagement commitments. The discussion will highlight how these values are lived out in personal lives, local communities and institutional practices.

In addition to these on-campus events, Luther community members will read books about service, leadership, justice, civility and diversity to elementary students on Thursday, Jan. 23.

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About the Williams Endowment Fund for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture

Luther College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture began in 1987 to provide ongoing scholarly conversation about the struggle for human rights in the United States. It is supported by the Williams Endowment Fund, named in recognition of Lawrence and Queen Williams for their dedication and years of service to Luther. The endowment assures the continuation of the college’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. Lawrence Williams planned and solicited funding for more than 20 of these lectures throughout his career as a Luther faculty member. His dedication to the lecture series reflected a commitment to understanding civil rights that went beyond academic study. Williams’ personal experiences with the civil rights movement and its protests allowed him to share a firsthand perspective with students, and his acquaintance with civil rights leaders brought extraordinary people to campus to share their lives and stories.

Luther College is proud to announce that its Nordic Choir is one of only 13 collegiate ensembles selected to perform at the upcoming American Choral Directors Association National Conference.

“A choir’s selection for any conference sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is an extraordinary honor. A performance at the national conference is truly humbling,” said Andrew Last, director of Nordic Choir.

Approximately 6,000 people are expected to attend the 2025 ACDA National Conference on March 18-22 in Dallas. ACDA Director of Development Karen Kegelman described the conference as “the premier gathering for choral music professionals–from legends in the field to emerging professionals.”

“The conference attracts vocalists, educators, conductors, composers, and choral industry partners from around the world,” Kegelman said.

Luther’s Nordic Choir will perform twice, at two different Dallas locations, on March 20. Their first performance starts at 10:45 a.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The second show is at 3 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House.

The conference’s competitive performance process started nearly a year ago. Vocal ensembles submitted three years of audio recordings before the audition deadline in April 2024. Then, through a blind screening process where the identity of the performers is concealed from the judges, committee members evaluated choirs for exemplary musicianship.

Kegelman explained that 190 choirs auditioned for the opportunity to perform and only 32 auditioned choirs were selected for the national conference.

“Performing at the national conference is formal recognition of exceptional skill and artistry, plus an opportunity to inspire the broader choral community. It is an honor to be recognized on a national stage by choral music professionals at an exceptionally high level of expertise and to perform for peers,” Kegelman said.

The last Luther choir chosen to perform at the ACDA national conference was Collegiate Chorale in 2017. Other Luther vocal ensembles including Aurora, Collegiate Chorale and Nordic Choir have performed at regional ACDA conferences in recent years.

“Luther College has been blessed over the years to have representation from all of its choral ensembles at the regional and national events,” Last said. “Nordic Choir is honored to continue that tradition of excellence.”

Jeff Wilkerson, professor of physics at Luther College, recently published “23 Woodcock in 22 Years: Reflections on Hunting, the Night Sky, and Our Place in the Universe,” a memoir interweaving Wilkerson’s thoughts on the relationship between astronomy and bird hunting and how these two passions shape his identity.

“In hunting, I feel a deep connection to the world around me. In astronomy, I feel a deep connection to the universe,” Wilkerson said. “In each of these, I feel connected to the people who have undertaken these activities before me and are doing so now elsewhere in the world and to the people who are yet to come, but will partake in observing the sky, modeling the universe and living off the land as much as possible.”

Wilkerson is a professor at Luther focusing on the topics of x-ray and gamma-ray detector development, and the study of variable stars in clusters. This Indiana native earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, before relocating to Decorah in 1997 for a faculty position at Luther.

“One thing that might show up in the book is that I tend to burrow in and make a place home when I am there,” Wilkerson said. “California was a sort of home for me, but I needed more open country and land a little closer to my everyday life than I had in California for it to feel fully like home. Something—I didn’t know what— was missing.”

Wilkerson found what he was missing in Iowa.

“Not to try upstaging Lou Gehrig, but I am truly the luckiest person on the face of the earth for having had the chance to carve out a career, to build a life, at Luther and in the paradise that surrounds the college,” he said.

Wilkerson’s journey from physics professor to published author began in 2021, when he wrote a short story titled “The Lure of a Single Woodcock,” and the story was shared by the Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society. The society’s mission is to unite conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and all other forest wildlife. This single short story, which includes his book’s title (“My journals record 23 woodcock bagged in the past 22 years”), led Wilkerson to write more.

“I had no intention of writing a book. I was simply telling stories that my brain suggested I needed to tell,” Wilkerson said. “At some point in the writing, I asked my wife, professor of religion Kristin Swanson, ‘Is this a book?’ Apparently it was.”

The result is a 234-page memoir filled with Wilkerson’s thoughts. The book is enhanced with several black and white sketches drawn by Luther student L’Engle Charis-Carlson, a junior majoring in art and visual communication, from Iowa City. Ava Shively, who graduated from Luther in 2024, produced the cover art.

While there is a surplus of books focused on hunting stories, few have taken aim on the woodcock. And in the crowded space of memoirs, “23 Woodcock in 22 Years” stands out with the unique distinction of attempting to convey a bridge between hunting and astronomy.

“It is a strange little book that connects, sometimes obliquely, a lot of different things,” Wilkerson said. “Maybe those who like stories in general and stories of place and family will appreciate the book, even without a particular affinity for astronomy or bird hunting.”

Native to Iowa, woodcock are migratory upland birds that eat primarily earthworms and make their nests on the forest ground. “When it takes flight, the woodcock flies straight up before flying outward in an attempt to avoid tree limbs. This bird makes a unique, spiral flight pattern at dusk and dawn during the breeding season,” according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Wilkerson didn’t hunt woodcock until moving to Iowa. Now, his annual practice of bagging a woodcock for a special holiday meal marks the passage of time. This fall, he bagged two woodcock, so Wilkerson and Swanson, along with their relatives, enjoyed both birds at Thanksgiving.

“Those woodcock were a very special part of an appetizer course for all of us,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson’s book “23 Woodcock in 22 Years” was published by University of Iowa Press and released on Nov. 19, 2024. Autographed first editions are on sale at Luther Book Shop. You may also purchase “23 Woodcock in 22 Years” through the Luther Book Shop online store.