Author: Luther College News

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 (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, 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 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.

During the month of February, Luther College alumna Vanessa (Grima Baldacchino) Frazier ’90 is leading the United Nations Security Council as its president. In 2020, Frazier was named the permanent representative of Malta to the United Nations, the first woman to assume that title.

On Feb. 2, 2023, Frazier led an in-person civil society dialogue. Hosted by the World Federation of United Nations Associations, the discussions were between civil society representatives and the UN Security Council. During the event, Frazier highlighted Malta’s priorities surrounding women’s peace and security, sea level rise as a security risk and children in areas of conflict. 

On Feb. 2, Frazier wrote, “Today I assumed, on behalf of Malta, the Presidency of the UN Security Council. As a young girl and later as a young diplomat, never did I imagine that I would have the privilege to utter these words. I hope that by my actions I can inspire girls to dream big!”

The dialogue hosted by Frazier can be viewed at media.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k1ok15zu63.

Frazier graduated from Luther in 1990 with degrees in French and business management and went on to receive her master’s degree in diplomatic studies from the University of Malta.

Her career began as a student diplomat in 1992. Since then Frazier has held appointments in Washington, Rome, London and Brussels.

Among Frazier’s many awards and accolades, she is most praised for her role in Malta’s humanitarian response to the Libyan revolution in 2011. She worked to create the Humanitarian Hub in Malta which proved to be one of the most impactful Maltese efforts in resolving the Libyan crisis.

 

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.

Amy Nam, Luther College adjunct faculty in music, is one of nine composers selected by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) for the 2023 EarShot Readings in New York. Nearly 400 composers across the country submitted pieces in hopes of securing this coveted opportunity in the contemporary music world.     

“This program supports new music creation and living composers,” said Nam. “This opportunity is especially helpful for those of us who have never had a professional orchestra play our music. You can’t get better at writing music unless you hear it performed by a large ensemble. I am so grateful that there are opportunities like this and that my music has been selected.” 

In June, Nam, a composer and harpist, will travel to New York where the American Composers Orchestra will workshop her written score. The full orchestra, along with their conductor and Nam, will work together to bring the piece to life; a piece that holds very special meaning to its composer. 

“When I was growing up, my grandmother, who I called Mimi, made up a song for me,’” said Nam. “Her song provided the foundation and inspiration for the score, so the piece is called ‘Mimi’s Song.’ I have many fond childhood memories of spending time with Mimi in her garden. I wanted to capture the feelings of timelessness, nostalgia, and joy that these memories evoke and convey a sense of the emotional depth of our relationship.”

ACO’s EarShot Readings will be conducted by Tito Muñoz, with mentor composers Derek Bermel, Mary Kouyoumdjian and Daniel Bernard Roumain. Two events will be open to the public including a working rehearsal on Thursday, June 1, and a public reading of the works on Friday, June 2, at the New School Tishman Auditorium on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Amy Nam is a faculty member at Luther College and teaches at Mt. Calvary Academy of Music in Excelsior, Minnesota, as well as Blessings Academy of Arts and Music in Hastings, Minnesota. As a soloist, she has appeared with the McGill Contemporary Ensemble, the Vanderbilt University Orchestra and the Sewannee Summer Festival Orchestra. Nam holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (B.M.), McGill University (M.M.) and the Eastman School of Music (M.M.). As an educator, Nam aids students in developing creative problem-solving abilities, musicality, critical listening skills, confidence, joy and curiosity.

The ACO is committed to the creation and development of new orchestra music, and to the next generation of composers. For over a generation, EarShot Readings have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising emerging composers. Readings alumni have won every major composition award, including the Pulitzer, Grammy, Grawemeyer, American Academy of Arts & Letters, and Rome Prizes.

 

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.

February 7, 2023

Luther College piano faculty members Xiao Hu and Du Huang will perform a Valentine’s Day concert to be broadcast live on Iowa Public Radio Classical at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. 

The program opens with their performance of “Sheep May Safely Graze” by J.S. Bach, arranged by Leonard Duck, with works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Doming Lam and Astor Piazzolla to follow.

To stream the broadcast, visit iowapublicradio.org, click “All Streams” at the top right corner of the IPR home screen, and select IPR Classical. 

Huang and Hu are husband and wife and perform regularly as the Unison Piano Duo. 

“We are ordinary people, and share the ebb and flow of joy, sorrow, and hope of human life every day including Valentine’s Day,” said Huang. “When we perform piano duo concerts together, we always want to communicate a lot of things in our hearts, and at the same time, enjoy each other’s good company.”

Ahead of their Valentine’s Day performance, Huang and Hu will present a concert as part of Luther’s Faculty Artist Series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Noble Recital Hall in Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.

The New York Concert Review has remarked that the Unison Piano Duo is “sparkling and fleeting…unusually high level of ensemble playing.” Recently, their world premiere performance of Luther College Composer in Residence Brooke Joyce’s “He Hung His Head and Died,” was featured on National Public Radio’s Performance Today. They have presented piano duo recitals at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, and performed abroad in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.

 

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.

February 2, 2023

Luther College will host its annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital, featuring Isabelle Demers, associate professor of organ at McGill University in Montréal, Québec. The recital will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus. 

“Isabelle Demers is one of the premier organists in North America. She plays traditional repertoire but approaches it in a new and innovative way. She’s adventurous, well-rounded, and exciting to listen to. Her program will capture the musical capability of our instrument perfectly,” said Alexander Meszler, organist and assistant professor of music at Luther. 

Demers’ program will include works by Bach, Alkan, Heiller, Mozart, Albright, and Reger. The recital is open to the public with no charge for admission. 

The Chicago Classical Review has described Demers playing as having “bracing virtuosity” and the Amarillo-Globe News said she is “fearless and extraordinary.” She has appeared in recitals throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada including at the Cathedrals of Cologne and Regensburg in Germany; the ElbPhilharmonie in Hamburg; and the Royal Festival Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey in London to name a few.

Demers is in high demand to play at regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings on the Acis and Pro Organo labels. Her latest album, recorded at Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, was released in January 2020.

The annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital features outstanding artists of international caliber on the Robert Sipe Organ in the Center for Faith and Life. The intent of the concert is to provide an inspirational role model for current and prospective students who wish to pursue organ study at Luther. It is sponsored through the Kathryn Ulvilden Moen ’41 Organ Fund and the William B. Kuhlman Endowment.

Read more about the organs at Luther College.

 

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.

January 27, 2023

Luther College invites everyone to recognize Black History Month this February by attending a series of events on campus. The series kicks off with international music performances with a Language Day workshop and several speakers to follow including the Black History Month Distinguished Lecture. All events are free to the public with no charge for admission. 

“Black History Month is an annual celebration that honors the contributions and achievements of African Americans as part of the fabric of American history that has since been expanded globally in other countries. It is important that Luther College acknowledges Black History Month as our mission challenges us to be a campus where we are transformed by encounters with one another that allows us to learn about the rich histories and experiences of all members of our campus community,” says Dr. Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement.

On Feb. 4 and 5, the 29:11 International Exchange music ministry is on campus. The South African singing ensemble’s mission is to facilitate hope and reconciliation through music, cross-cultural relationships and individual artist development. All are invited to their community Sing and Share event at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and a Gospel Worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Both events take place in the Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music. 

This group believes that “by recognizing that each of us is worthy of understanding and love, we can bridge the ideological, racial and socio-economic gaps that divide us and live together as citizens of the world.”

At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, celebrate Mother Language Day in Mott-Borlaug Rooms in Dahl Centennial Union. Recognized by the United Nations, International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.” All are invited for conversation and snacks.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Gary Phillips will present the Black History Month Distinguished Lecture entitled “The Intersection of Crime Fiction and Social Change” in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Phillips is a renowned Los Angeles author in the genres of noir, crime and mystery. He has published novels, comics and short stories and he has edited several anthologies including “South Central Noir” and the award-winning “Obama Inheritance: Fifteen Stories of Conspiracy Noir.”

“Gary Phillips’ work finds refreshing ways to explore Black American history and our racial landscape within the noir fiction genre,” said Novian Whitsitt, professor of Africana studies and English. “I’m excited to hear him discuss this literary space and how it serves as an artistic and political canvas for his ideas.” 

Phillips is a community activist and labor organizer in his native Los Angeles. His lived experience and continued engagement in these areas inform and inspire his work. 

The Black History Month Distinguished Lecture is sponsored by Luther’s Identity Studies program and the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. A link to the livestream will be posted under the event listing at luther.edu/events the day of the lecture. 

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, Haywood Stowe will present “The Importance of Servant Leadership” in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Stowe is an experienced director and servant leader. He is currently the director of customer support at Collins Aerospace in Decorah with a demonstrated 25-year history of working in both the consumer goods and aviation and aerospace industries. Stowe will share how the servant leadership philosophy has become ingrained in his leadership practice.

For more information or questions about Black History Month events at Luther College, contact programming@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.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, the Luther College Center Stage presents LADAMA in the Main Hall of the Center For Faith and Life. 

LADAMA is a group of four women who are exceptional musicians and educators, all from different countries. Lara Klaus from Recife, Brazil; Daniela Serna from Bogota, Colombia; Maria Fernanda Gonzalez from Barquisimeto, Venezuela; and Sara Lucas from the United States draw musical inspiration from their home countries and cultures. Self-described “sisters in song, rhythm and spirit,” they are on a quest to discover musical and cultural intersections, transcend boundaries and defy norms using traditional and non-traditional instruments from across the Americas.

“This will be such a wonderful evening of music. I love LADAMA’s quintessential Latin rhythms, their powerful camaraderie on stage, and their mission as musicians — to bridge the gap between cultures,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “For a fun sample of what’s in store, search the web for the video of LADAMA’s Tiny Desk Concert on NPR.” 

LADAMA has performed at TED, the Skoll World Forum, on ESPN and at dozens of prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Their self-titled debut album, released through Six Degrees Records in 2017, reached #1 on both iTunes and Amazon’s Latin Music Charts. In 2018, LADAMA was featured on NPR’s program All Things Considered.

“LADAMA takes on traditional genres with confidence and vigor without being constrained by their conventions. The result is a vivid montage of music of the Americas with irresistible spirit and universal appeal.” – All Things Considered, NPR

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 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.

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra performs in Stockerau, Austria. Photo by Bill Rosholt.

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra will present their Vienna Residency Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus. 

The concert comes after the student performers spent more than three weeks in Vienna, rehearsing, performing and experiencing music in a city known for its world-class orchestras. 

“This trip has given me the opportunity to not only attend performances and concerts on a daily basis but also to rehearse and aspire to that level,” said Catherine Wedin ’23, violin. “Every night we are able to hear some of the greatest symphonies and operas, in the city where it all originated.”

Conducted by Daniel Baldwin, the Homecoming Concert will feature a variety of works including Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8” in G major, George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Anatoly Lyadov’s “Kikimora, Op. 63.” The event is open to the public with no charge for admission. 

While abroad, the students also take part in a four-credit course taught by Luther faculty. This year, Martin Klammer, professor of English, and Kathy Reed, Paideia director and instructor in music, led the students through an in-depth study of Angus Robertson’s “The Crossroads of Civilization: A History of Vienna.” Class lectures were paired with experiential visits to important places in Vienna, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere Palace, and to memorable performances including Brahms’ First and Second Symphonies at the Konzerthaus and “La Boheme” at the Staatsoper.

“In addition to making new friendships, expanding my comfort zones and becoming a more independent person, studying abroad/being able to go on tour with the Symphony Orchestra in Vienna has given me the experience of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Sophia Kouay ’23, percussion. “Vienna is such a unique city, with so much history and culture attached to it and as a musician, I am continually in awe of the world-class musicianship and history we get to experience during our time here.”

While music is the heart and soul of the residency, Luther students also experience some distinctive Viennese traditions—from enjoying goulash and schnitzel for meals, to attending a formal Officers’ Ball at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Some students even ventured on side trips to Hungary, Slovenia, or Salzburg. 

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra is Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble. The group is made up of more than 80 student musicians, representing a variety of academic disciplines. Many members also sing in a choir, play in a band or jazz ensemble, and form small chamber groups. Every four years since 1977, the student musicians live, practice and perform in Vienna for three weeks during the month of January. 

 

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.

The Luther College Model UN Team in Chicago

Four Luther College students were recently awarded Exceptional Representation awards at the annual American Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference. Each year, students from 95 schools across the country gather in Chicago for the conference which simulates the UN General Assembly. Each school team is assigned a country to represent and students act as ambassadors, debating topics such as climate action, global health, and security.

Due to increased participation, this year, the Luther College Model United Nations team was assigned two countries: Albania and Serbia. Luther’s 22 participating students were divided into committees and within those, Exceptional Representation awards were given to: 

• Hannah Hoffmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
• Jackson Geadelmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
• Cassandra Norton ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board
• Verena Mueller-Baltes ’26, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board

The Security Council is the most competitive of the committees at the AMUN Conference and this was the first time in recent years Luther College had a seat at that table. 

“Jack and I were partners last year on the Human Rights Committee and won Exceptional Representation for Venezuela, so it was great to keep our streak alive,” said Hoffmann. “Model UN is such a fun club to be a part of and it really teaches people how to compromise, communicate in tense situations and gain confidence as a public speaker. Receiving an award is just the cherry on top and it feels nice to be recognized for all the work Jack and I put into the conference.”

“I was shocked but honored that Hannah and I were awarded exceptional representation. Everyone on the Security Council came prepared on their position, and I think almost everyone deserved an award for their hard work during the conference,” said Gaedelmann. “Model UN is such a great experience to take what we learn in class and apply it at different conferences. It’s also a great opportunity to meet so many different people from around the world. Luther Model UN has helped me develop a better understanding of my course material, develop diplomacy and advocacy skills, and become better at collaborating with others to reach a consensus.”  

The group is accepting new members. In 2023, the team will represent Malta. According to Orçun Selçuk, faculty advisor of Luther College Model UN, they always attempt to select a country relevant in some way to Luther. He says the team is excited to represent Malta this year because of the college’s long-standing Malta study-away program and because Luther alumna, Vanessa Frazier, serves as permanent representative of Malta to the United Nations.

“The Luther College Model UN team attracts students from various majors ranging from biology to economics,” said Selçuk. “Other schools often tell us that our team looks like the actual United Nations. We have domestic as well as international students who are actively involved. It’s a privilege for me to advise such a diverse and talented group of global citizens.”

Funding for Luther College Model UN comes from the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. Last year the group also received funding from The Center for Sustainable Communities and the Nordic Studies program.

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.