Author: Luther College News

Lessons, classes and musical experiences are open to musicians of all ages and experience levels.

Luther College music education students are gearing up to relaunch the Luther College Community Music School. Area musicians are now invited to enroll for the fall 2022 offerings. LCCMS will offer private study, service learning opportunities, and community events in the year ahead.

“I am excited about the opportunity to teach students about music in a real-world environment,” said Emily Fisher ’23, student teacher. “I know this experience will help me grow as a music educator and will be a positive experience for young students to learn a new skill.”

Students of all ages enrolling in private lessons (all band and orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, drums, and ukulele) will have twelve 30-minute weekly lessons with LCCMS teachers, scheduled for Monday evenings or Saturday mornings with other times available upon request. A LCCMS student recital will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov.14 in the Noble Recital Hall on Luther’s campus. Tuition is $150, which includes the lessons, recital participation, and an accompanist for the student recital. Online registration for lessons is available at https://lccms.luther.edu.

The service learning component of the LCCMS allows Luther music education students to volunteer under the supervision of a faculty member. Community connections will include music classes at Sunflower Child Development Center, Modern Band (rock band) classes with students from Crossroads Academy, ukulele ensemble with homeschooled students in the area, and directing the Voices in Harmony choir at Gundersen Harmony Care Center. These experiences are designed to be mutually beneficial for participants and our future educators.

The first community event, Ukepalooza, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Orchestra Room of the Jenson Noble Hall of Music. Send your student (ages 10 and up) or bring your whole family for a fun evening of group playing. Bring a uke if you have one or use one of ours!

The Young Person’s Concert is an event is created for preschool and young elementary students. We choose a picture book and bring it to life with music, complete with activities for audience participation, and followed by an instrument petting zoo experience. Mark your calendars for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5!

“I am excited to teach through the LCCMS because this is an opportunity to apply what I spend so much time studying – teaching music to the greater community and kids,” said Patrick Carew ’24, student teacher. “As someone who entered college in fall 2020, the opportunity to first work with students in a classroom as a first-year was not a reality for me, so to finally be able to have exposure and a feel of what facilitating a learning environment consists of is super exciting. The earlier I can understand how I can be the best teacher I can be, the better.”

The Luther College Community Music School exists to nurture students of all ages and levels of experience in order to expand their musical skills, provide affordable music education opportunities, offer teaching experience for future music educators, and encourage lifelong music making. Contact Jill Wilson [email protected] with questions.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Luther College student, Michael Musa ’23, has been working with community organizations to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among minority groups in Rochester. As a data analyst intern for the Diversity Council, a nonprofit organization devoted to designing equitable communities, Musa interacted with people and data to help improve health equity for Rochester residents.

“This internship was so thrilling because I got the opportunity to build relationships with people of various backgrounds in a new setting,” said Musa. “With my work focused on analyzing vaccine event data and searching for cultural barriers that limit data entry, I was able to identify what systems I could create to improve vaccine event data collection and interpretation.”

During his time at the Diversity Council, Musa gained invaluable experience in designing data collection systems for organizations and individuals.

“The major problem I was trying to solve concerned data redundancy and incorrect data entry. Since I was largely working with a multicultural group, many acronyms needed for data collection were lengthy and confusing. By creating a database-enforced WebApp, I was able to solve these problems and improve data querying, presentation and access,” said Musa.

A recent partnership between the Diversity Council and Project Healings rose out of mutual organizational goals to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized groups. One of their primary efforts is to make COVID-19 vaccines accessible to all residents of the state. The Diversity Council aims to destigmatize vaccine hesitancy and investigate the socio-economic disparities that cause it. With key partners such as Project Healings, the Diversity Council hopes to expand its reach to ensure all people are served equitably.

Musa completed this internship as part of Luther’s Rochester Semester program which provides students of all majors an opportunity to study and work in Rochester. Drawing on the college’s expansive alumni base in the area, students have unique access to immersive learning opportunities designed to help them discern career paths, acquire job-related experience, and facilitate career networking. Rochester Semester participants also enroll in two Rochester-based courses taught by Luther College faculty.

 

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities, and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Luther College held the 2022 Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 22, in Carlson Stadium.

President Jenifer K. Ward greeted the graduates and the in-person audience. She then read a message from Keith Plessy and Phoebe Ferguson, who were to deliver the commencement address but could not attend due to illness. Their biggest piece of advice to the graduates read “Don’t be afraid to flip the script. At some point in life each of us with be faced with an opportunity to turn VERSUS into AND or THEM into US…You have within you the capacity to make a difference and to help make this world a better place.”

At the ceremony, Godson Sowah ’08 received the Luther College Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes the outstanding achievement of Luther alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years. 

Nora Nyi Myint ’22 was awarded the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal. That award is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

A total of 413 students participated in Commencement. Of that number, 183 graduates received Latin honors, seven were fourth-generation Luther graduates, and more than 100 were first-generation college students.

The graduates represented 32 different countries.

To view Luther’s 2022 Commencement, visit luther.edu/commencement/.

Congratulations to the following graduates:

United States:

Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin

International:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, China, East Timor, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ghana, Haiti, India, Ireland, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, Tajikistan, Uganda, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yemen

Alaska

Palmer
Parker Kizer, Accounting 

California

Anaheim
Tan Le, Computer Science

Murrieta
Hayden Glynn, Nursing

Colorado

Aurora
Esther Choo, Nursing, magna cum laude
Mara Wood, Global Health

Colorado Springs
Bryce Cox, Accounting 

Parker
Ian Clear, Management 

Steamboat Springs
Robert Reece, English, magna cum laude

Georgia

Woodstock
Skyler Shuman, Computer Science

Idaho

Twin Falls
Kayla Davis, Classics, magna cum laude

Illinois

Algonquin
Adam Burdzy, Chemistry, cum laude

Atkinson
Shane Holmstrom, Data Science 

Aurora
Shelby Cassidy, Nursing
Stephanie Viayra, Art

Chicago
Lucero Estrada, Management
Joselin Gonzalez, Management
Elisa Herrera, Health Promotion
Karla Lechuga Villa, Elementary Education
Tamara Rojas Luna, Management
Yashica Zuniga, Psychology

Columbia
Sienna Haubein, Music Education

East Dubuque
Alison Schneider, Social Work

East Dundee
Brynn Guth, Psychology, cum laude

Erie
Hannah Schanze, Nursing, cum laude

Galena
Michael Lorento, Economics

Geneseo
Madison Miller, Music Education, summa cum laude

Glen Ellyn
Erin Villmow, Music Education

Hoffman Estates
Molly Holcomb, Management

Jacksonville
Nora Homolka, Nursing

LaGrange
Madeline Wilkins, Music Education

Libertyville
Alexander Dikelsky, Computer Science, Mathematics, magna cum laude
Lukas Plunkett, Management

Moline
William Van Vooren, History, magna cum laude

Morrison
Allison Houldson, Music, summa cum laude

Normal
Elizabeth Burton, Music Education, magna cum laude

Oak Park
Destini Miller, Management

Port Byron
Kirsten Melaas-Swanson, Anthropology, French, summa cum laude

Saint Charles
Naomi Kreiner, Sociology, History

South Jacksonville
Camille Blanford, Music Education, magna cum laude

St. Charles
Alexander Laskowski, Music 

Sterling
Charles Lehman, Mathematics/Statistics 

Urbana
Natalie Brown, Elementary Education 

Indiana

Carmel
Elijah Rotto, Management

Iowa

Adel
Silvia Angel, Psychology
Nicholas Dufoe

Algona
Alison Merrill, Religion, Management

Altoona
Emily Martinson, Biology
Gabrielle Sonntag, French, Psychology

Ames
Alison McHenry, Nursing
Lauren Taylor, French, magna cum laude
Isak Werner Anderson, Environmental Studies 

Anamosa
Sophia Wilt, Art, cum laude

Aredale
Ashley Harms, Music

Bettendorf
Bailey Connors, Music Education, summa cum laude
Emily Kidwell, Social Work
Elizabeth Lindmark, Social Work

Burlington
Thea Good, Nursing, magna cum laude

Calmar
Madisen Ondrashek, Elementary Education, cum laude

Cedar Falls
Caleb Burjes, Biology, magna cum laude
Sarah Hoehns, Biology, magna cum laude
Emily Lehman, Spanish, Communication Studies, summa cum laude
Clare Rolinger, Theatre, English, magna cum laude
Samuel Schillinger, Philosophy, Identity Studies, magna cum laude

Cedar Rapids
Kate Andreasen, Political Science, Social Work, summa cum laude
Shelby Cook, Identity Studies, cum laude
Isabelle Dalton, Elementary Education
Megan Grimm, Accounting, summa cum laude
Kennedy Wilson, Nursing

Center Point
Madison Kurt, Elementary Education

Clinton
Kristen Flathers, Communication Studies

Columbus Junction
Grace Rotter, Dance Therapy

Cresco
Haley Newman, Nordic Studies, Biology

Davenport
Brittney Witt, English
Dakota Wright, Exercise Science

Decorah
Madeleine Davis, Social Work
Isabel De la Cruz Hexom, Social Work, cum laude
Sierra Duncan, Communication Studies
Rye Hawley-Bourcier, English
Meron Kahsay, Data Science 
Andrew Kozelka, Sociology
Harley McCabe, Chemistry, cum laude
Keshawn McCain, Dance
Isaiah Mitchell, Visual Communication, Management, cum laude
Jake Muhlbauer, Accounting, summa cum laude
Jarod Phillips, Neuroscience, summa cum laude
Rylea Ranum, Psychology, Neuroscience, magna cum laude
Andrea Sullivan, Elementary Education
Abigail Toussaint, Music Education, magna cum laude
Abby Trewin, Music, Accounting, magna cum laude

Denver
Colin Beck, Accounting, Management, cum laude

Des Moines
Emma Hildebrandt, Nursing
Jerry Jones, Political Science, Philosophy, English, cum laude
Sophia Rodriguez, French

Dubuque
Trina Biver, Anthropology
Theresa Easley, Economics, Environmental Studies
Brianna Fry, Nursing, cum laude
Katherine Gorton, English, magna cum laude
Grace Herber, Social Work, magna cum laude
Heather Hostager, Nursing, magna cum laude
Madeline Perreard, Psychology

Elkader
Lauryn Swigart, Art, cum laude

Epworth
Chloe Baumgartner, Elementary Education, cum laude

Grimes
Emily Frett, Chemistry, magna cum laude
Jayson Peitzman, Music Education

Independence
Cyrus Butters, Management 

Indianola
Elizabeth Lester, Allied Health Sciences
Madison Wedmore, Nursing, cum laude

Iowa City
Katharine Dunn, Nursing
Ethan Goers, Political Science, cum laude
Elizabeth Heimer-Lang, English, summa cum laude
Julia Lassner, Biology
Quenton Max, Accounting, Data Science, summa cum laude
Amelia Morrow, Political Science, magna cum laude
Lindsey Parrott, Biology, magna cum laude
Jacob Sharafuddin, Biology, summa cum laude
Emilia Thedens, Mathematics/Statistics, cum laude
Anna Ziniel, Nursing, summa cum laude

Johnston
Hailey Abbey, Political Science, History, summa cum laude
Madison Gregurek, Political Science, Biology
Peyton McClure, Biology, Anthropology, magna cum laude
Carsten Thompson
Waleed Yual, Chemistry

Kalona
Kaitlin Poock, Social Work, magna cum laude

Kensett
Anna Dietrich, Communication Studies

Keokuk
Gerald Glenn, Exercise Science

Lake Mills
Lily Thompson, Mathematics

Lansing
Kendra Cooper, Allied Health Sciences, Exercise Science

Le Mars
Sarah Benton, Psychology, Allied Health Sciences, magna cum laude

Maquoketa
Camryn Berg, Theatre, Biology, cum laude

Marion
William Angstman, Management, cum laude
Hoffman Chan, Chemistry, cum laude
Kirsten Loynachan, Music, Accounting, summa cum laude

Mason City
Natalia Cadena, Psychology

Monticello
Ryan Manternach, Data Science

Mount Vernon
Kristen Elliott, Allied Health Sciences, cum laude
Preston Shultz, Elementary Education
Katherine Bellamy, Nursing

Muscatine
Morgan Hogenson, Elementary Education

Newton
Preston Sherwood, Chemistry, cum laude

North Liberty
Stone Grell, Accounting, Management
Cassandra Kaminsky, Political Science
Jayden Kies, History

Osage
Claire Sullivan, Nursing, summa cum laude

Readlyn
Kyla Billington, Music

Remsen
Jenna Gengler, Communication Studies, Management, cum laude

Sheffield
Sarah Retz, Nursing

Solon
Faye Duster, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Jill Richards, Biology, magna cum laude

Spirit Lake
Kylie Holdorf, Biology, magna cum laude

Storm Lake
Shannon Schultz, Biology

Story City
Megan Stevenson, Visual Communication

Urbandale
Alex Thompson, Communication Studies, summa cum laude

Vinton
Brittany Grendler, Communication Studies

Waterloo
Taryn Ray, Neuroscience

Waukee
Sonja Barrett, Nursing
Benjamin Meyer, Chemistry, summa cum laude

Waukon
Katelyn Leiran, Biology, cum laude

Waverly
Ashley Schultz, Religion, History, magna cum laude
Samantha Snyder, Nursing, magna cum laude
Burke Wallace, Communication Studies

West Des Moines
Greta Carlson, Psychology
Kelsey Hubble, Nursing, cum laude
Danielle Nichols, Elementary Education 

West Union
Zoey Frey, Nursing

Williamsburg
Jurgen Dovre, English 

Kansas

Lawrence
Lindsey Fry, Theatre, Visual Communication

Michigan

Decatur
Logan Kennedy, Health Promotion

Minnesota

Alden
Benjamin Jahnke, Music

Alexandria
Nathaniel Eck, Philosophy, Music

Apple Valley
Kira Dobberman, English, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Hope Gilbertson, Communication Studies, cum laude

Arden Hills
Marikka Coltvet, Nursing

Austin
Hannah Alberts, Psychology
Samuel Bailey, Accounting
Isaac Christopherson, Biology, summa cum laude
Jordan Harmon, Management
Ochain Okey, Biology
Matias Parada, Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Belle Plaine
Hunter Meyer, Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Bloomington
Madison Chesky, Nordic Studies, Psychology
Philip Royer, Theatre
Sydnee Schreier, Nursing

Burnsville
Kyle Brusco, Political Science, Philosophy, summa cum laude

Cannon Falls
Tessa Barnes, Nursing, cum laude
Abigail Collins, Nursing
Grace Hall, Neuroscience

Chanhassen
Sydney Thompson, Nursing

Chaska
Joseph Jersak, Management

Chatfield
Hunter Hobbs, Biology, magna cum laude

Clearwater
Sarah Damhof, International Studies, Political Science, magna cum laude

Coon Rapids
Ian Wreisner, English

Corcoran
Heidi Trandahl, Visual Communication

Cottage Grove
Fancy Mua, Sociology, Political Science

Duluth
Frost Bowen-Bailey, Music, Accounting, summa cum laude
Olivia Helland, Environmental Studies, Nordic Studies

Eagan
Eleanor Schrantz, Nursing, summa cum laude
Anna Tahnk, Social Work, Sociology, summa cum laude

East Bethel
Logan Olson, Environmental Studies, summa cum laude
Laura Voltz, Nursing

Eden Prairie
Asher Smith, Communication Studies
Kaija Welter, Communication Studies

Edina
Emily Dyrdahl, Psychology, cum laude
Ian Klein, History, German, cum laude
Eli Leupold, Communication Studies, cum laude
Natalie Richards, Art, cum laude

Eyota
Valorie Ziemer, Music Education, cum laude

Faribault
Amanda Johnson, Art

Geneva
Nikita Peterson, Nursing

Hastings
Eric Bacon, English, magna cum laude

Hayfield
Kyal Heydt, Physical Education

Henderson
Gabrielle Malecha, Elementary Education
Chastity Swenson, Elementary Education

Houston
Ethan Papenfuss, Music Education, magna cum laude

Hugo
Katherine McKeown, Communication Studies

Inver Grove Heights
Kelly Fiedler, Elementary Education, magna cum laude

Kenyon
Lauren Berg, Economics
Layla Sjolander, Elementary Education, magna cum laude

La Crescent
Weston Riley, History

Lakeland
Anthony Hamer, German, Environmental Studies

Lakeville
Kinsey Greenlee, Communication Studies
Griffin Pleschourt,
ManagementJenna Uphoff, Psychology, cum laude

Lanesboro
Matthew Eversole, Visual Communication
Alleigh Meyer, Allied Health Sciences, Nursing

Lindstrom
Naomi Weiss, Communication Studies

Lino Lakes
Charles Sylvester, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude

Mankato
Rachel Clennon, Social Work, Political Science, cum laude
Kaitlyn Frutiger, Allied Health Sciences
Maya Mukamuri, Sociology

Maple Grove
Kyra Kjeldahl, Global Health, magna cum laude

Mendota Heights
Emilie Gitter, Biology, summa cum laude

Minneapolis
Mercedes Cruz, Political Science, magna cum laude
Hailee Gilliand, Biology, magna cum laude
Anna Hasper, Visual Communication
Anna Jenewein, Management
Owen Johnson, Physics, summa cum laude
Kell Knutsen, Nordic Studies, Psychology
Grace Meyers, Visual Communication
Sophia Nall, English, Theatre, magna cum laude
Anna Northenscold, English, French, cum laude
Maxwell Pardo, Psychology
Annie Thoma, English, Theatre
Kathryn Waller, Visual Communication, magna cum laude

Minnetonka
Jane Bremer, German, English, magna cum laude

Minnetrista
Anna Worden, English, Psychology

Morristown
Maclean Braun, Music

Nerstrand
Olivia Schmidt, History, English, magna cum laude

Northfield
Jacob Gonnerman, History
Jessica Labenski, Biology, Religion, magna cum laude
Brooke Stanga, Biology, cum laude

Owatonna
Elena Dant, Music, magna cum laude

Park Rapids
Matthew Benson, Biology, summa cum laude

Pine Island
Katilynn Swanson, Sociology, summa cum laude

Plymouth
Ingrid Christopherson, Psychology, magna cum laude
Elena Fackler, Theatre
Molly Jaeger, Nursing, cum laude

Princeton
Elena Palashewski, Social Work, Theatre

Red Wing
Calvin Harper, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude

Rochester
Abigail Gapinski, Elementary Education
Elizabeth King, Psychology
Noel Krotzer, Biology
Abbe Lacey, English
Josie LaVoi, English
Zachary Olson, Health Promotion
Alex Smith, Management, Psychology, cum laude
Siri St. Louis, French, magna cum laude
Kenova Withers, Anthropology, cum laude

Rosemount
Collin Chalmers, Economics, Data Science
Nathan Putman, Accounting, cum laude

Roseville
Gibson Swalley, Music

Rushford
Anna Kjos, Nursing, summa cum laude

Saint Charles
Abigail Miller, Biology
Cami Sternberg, Elementary Education

Saint James
Landon Hoppe, Political Science, cum laude

Saint Michael
Nathan Loch, Art
Nora Weigle, Social Work
Brent Zastrow, History

Saint Paul
William Benjamin, Chemistry, cum laude
Annika Hedges, Art, cum laude
David Herrick, Political Science
Alexandra Hire, Social Work, cum laude
Mary McTeague, Environmental Studies, English, magna cum laude
Kimberlyn Perez-Salazar, Nursing
Meghan Rice, Chemistry, Mathematics, cum laude
Leif Saveraid, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Parker Swenson, History
Emilia Syers, Nursing
Catherine Vitt, Art History, summa cum laude

Saint Peter
Greta Anderson, Psychology, summa cum laude
Alexis Orth, Biology, Chemistry, magna cum laude

Savage
Greta Brua, Elementary Education

Scandia
Laura Bailey, Computer Science

Shoreview
Ella Sneltjes, Communication Studies, magna cum laude

Spring Valley
Audrey Farlinger, Elementary Education, cum laude

Stewartville
Emily Rinken, Nursing, magna cum laude
Nathan Sikkink, Music Education, cum laude

Stillwater
Carolyn Wrightsman, Nursing, magna cum laude

Waconia
Grace Edsill, Nursing
Annah Fritz, Political Science, Biology

Winona
Caleb Glodowski, Elementary Education
Sarah Halverson, Athletic Training, magna cum laude
Haley Hoffmann, Accounting, magna cum laude

Woodbury
Leah Marxhausen, Music, Communication Studies
Tessa Sand, Nursing, magna cum laude

Wyoming
Natalie Danzl, Biology, cum laude

Zimmerman
Lindsey Briggs, Theatre

Zumbrota
Dalton Ludington, Physics

Missouri

Kansas City
Frederick Farrand, Mathematics, magna cum laude

Montana

Kalispell
John Desmul, Management, Music

North Dakota

Grand Forks
Shauna Stoltman, Nursing, cum laude

Ohio

Beavercreek
Cody Hocker, History
Bryce Neuse, Management

South Dakota

Canton
Samantha Feucht, Social Work

Sioux Falls
Abigail Falconer, Music Education
Ethan Moore, Nursing, cum laude
Benjamin Wentzel, Psychology
Isaac Woods, Allied Health Sciences, cum laude

Tennessee

Pleasant View
Mitchell Camper, Environmental Studies

Texas

College Station
Aimee Hodges, Elementary Education

Houston
Dominique Stringer, Anthropology, summa cum laude

Utah

Cedar Hills
Christopher Robinson, Management

Virginia

Lynchburg
Jordan Pennix, Psychology

Stafford
Christion Pinkney, Sociology

Wisconsin

Alma
Juhl Kuhlemeier Sarao, English, cum laude

Appleton
Katherine Fetting, Biology, summa cum laude

Eau Claire
Hannah Messer, Global Health
Cassidy Miller, Biology
Laurel Studt, Psychology, summa cum laude

Ferryville
Lane Buchner, Neuroscience, cum laude

Fon du Lac
Hailey Becker, Health Promotion, cum laude

Franklin
Emily Versnik, Accounting, Management

Glenwood City
Jacob Nadeau, Accounting

Hazel Green
Derek Leibfried, Accounting

Hudson
Jacey Echo, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude
Zachary Yanta, Exercise Science

Janesville
Jack Jorgensen, Music Education, summa cum laude

La Crosse
Annika Dome, English, German, Nordic Studies
Nina Kudimova, Biology, cum laude
Isaac List, Computer Science, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude

Lodi
Hunter Bowman, Music

Madison
Elizabeth Roby, Social Work, summa cum laude
Rose Torti, Anthropology

Manitowoc
Rebekah Nteso, Accounting, cum laude

Middleton
Iris Ohlrogge, International Studies, Spanish, Global Health, magna cum laude

Milwaukee
Paul Priester, Environmental Studies

Monona
Gabriel McKelvey, Philosophy

Monroe
Stephanie Kolden, Social Work

Mukwonago
David Burgad, Allied Health Sciences, Exercise Science

New Lisbon
Hannah Slater, Health and Dance Performance

New Richmond
James Nysse, English

Onalaska
William Moses, Accounting

Oregon
Michaela Bieno, English

Osceola
Ryan Rogers, Environmental Studies, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude

Prairie du Chien
Owen Feye, Psychology
Carter Wittrig, English, Visual Communication, cum laude

Racine
Erin Keller, Visual Communication

Retreat
Isabella Audetat, Economics

Rice Lake
Paul Adams, Theatre
Laura Elmquist, Music Education
Emily Fell, Visual Communication, Art, cum laude

Sheboygan
Andrew Engberg, Political Science 

South Range
Mollie Middleton, Psychology, Political Science, cum laude

Tomahawk
Allison Meinheit, Elementary Education, summa cum laude

Viroqua
Evergreen Wildingway, Theatre, magna cum laude

Waumandee
Kaleb Krzyszton, Music Education

Wilton
Tyler Brandau, Management, Political Science

International

Afghanistan

Panjsher
Ahmad Danesh Rassa, Visual Communication

Armenia

Vanadzor
Ani Sargsyan, Art, summa cum laude

Yerevan
Arpine Hovhannisyan, Management, cum laude

Bangladesh

Dinajpur
C M Nafi, Data Science, cum laude

Belarus

Minsk
Darya Davidouskaya, Communication Studies

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Mostar
Edis Pajic, Nordic Studies, Psychology

Brazil

Joinville, Santa Catarina
Brendha Klaus, Communication Studies

Burundi

Bujumbura
Alain Nishimwe, Physics

Canada

Edmonton, Alberta
Anneke Knauss, Neuroscience, cum laude

China

Beijing
Qian Yang, Computer Science, cum laude

East Timor

Jorania Ferreira Alves, Economics, Data Science, cum laude
Ruivaldo Freitas Viana, Economics, cum laude

Ethiopia

Aksum
Yordanos Alemu Kiros, Data Science

El Salvador

Antiguo Cuscatlan
Sofia Martinez Cruz, International Studies

San Salvador
Jorge Contreras Osegueda, Computer Science
Juan Quintanilla Cervantes, Chemistry

Eswatini

Malkerns
Siyabonga Mabuza, Management, Data Science, magna cum laude

Nhlangano
Sitsandziwe Simelane, Neuroscience, cum laude

Ghana

Accra
Ursula Damtse, French, International Studies
Alice Odame, International Studies, Economics, cum laude

Haiti

Cite Soleil
Marc-Arthur Shapiro, French

India

Bangalore
Sebastine Swamynathan, Accounting

Bihar
Sneha Verma, Data Science, Economics, summa cum laude

Phaltan
Sharayu Phanse, Computer Science

Ireland

Ardee, County Louth
Ben Phipps, Accounting

Laos

Vientiane
Dalavanh Phongsavath, Computer Science, Mathematics, cum laude

Lebanon

Tripoli
Marwa Bahij, Chemistry

Lesotho

Maseru
Nyathi Motlojoa, Management

Myanmar

Yangon
San Thu Min, Visual Communication, cum laude
Nyi Myint Nora, International Studies, Women and Gender Studies, summa cum laude

Namibia

Otjiwarongo
Kelao Neumbo, Biology, Global Health

Ruacana
Kovenda Mbuale, Data Science

Nepal

Kathmandu
Rajiv Chaudhary, Data Science

Nepal
Juni Deshar, Accounting

Nuwakot
Anita Tamang, Global Health

Panama

Aguadulce
Melany Nicole Ruiz Torres, Management

Paraguay

Pilar Neembucu
Juan Palacios Rodas, Computer Science, magna cum laude

Spain

Madrid
Marcos Vila Valdivieso, Management

Tajikistan

Tajikistan
Firdavs Atabaev, Computer Science

Uganda

Kampala
Joshua Lutaakome, Biology

Vietnam

Can Tho
Quang Lam, Computer Science, magna cum laude

Hanoi
Duc Chu, Biology, Nursing, summa cum laude
Thi Bang Linh Do, East Asian Studies, Visual Communication,
My Hieu Kien Huynh, Music, Psychology, summa cum laude
Anh Nguyen, Psychology, magna cum laude

Western Sahara

Auserd
Rabab Mohamed Nafe, Data Science

Yemen

Hungary
Ahmed Abdrabu Hamid, Biology, magna cum laude

Luther College students are using their archaeology knowledge and specialized technology to learn more about a piece of Decorah history – the Ice Cave Mill.

“This project was particularly exciting because it provided the ability to reveal an important, but largely forgotten, aspect of Decorah’s history that remains buried just beneath the surface,” said Colin Betts, professor of anthropology. “It was the perfect way to have students apply the knowledge from the classroom to a real world setting. Not only were they able to get practical experience using the technology and interpreting the results, but in the process, we were able to generate information that will be of interest to the larger Decorah community.”

The Ice Cave Mill was constructed in 1874 and was an important part of Decorah’s economy. Located in what is now Wold Park on the east side of Decorah, it was a large, three-story structure that provided the area with flour until it closed in 1931. The building burned down in 1939 and was demolished years later. Although the general location is known, and the associated mill race is still visible, the exact location and archaeological preservation of the mill were unknown until now.

“The students used cutting edge geophysical remote sensing techniques, including ground penetrating radar and soil resistivity, to investigate the site. These techniques are able to provide a picture of archaeological remains below the ground without having to dig. Our research allowed us to accurately map the location of the intact mill foundations and traces of the associated railroad siding,” said Betts. 

Identifying the location and features of the mill proved to be a memorable research opportunity for Betts’ students.

“I am very grateful I had the opportunity to experience archaeology firsthand with this project. It definitely gave me a different perspective on how the field can contribute not only to my education as an anthropology major but to the impact that we, as researchers can have on the community,” said student researcher Salome Valvidieso ’23.

Betts has shared their findings with city officials. Researchers may also present what they learned during a public event in the near future.

“It’s great to be able to drive five minutes from campus and have a research spot like the Ice Cave Mill within town. I also like the fact that there’s a lot of local interest in stuff like this from the historical society and beyond,” said Betts.

About Luther College
            Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Luther College alum Karla (Sylling) Bloem ’94 is the founder and executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn. Each year, during the International Festival of Owls, the center hosts an international children’s owl art competition. Thousands of owl drawings, watercolors and pastels come in from all over the world and there is never a shortage of Ukrainian student submissions.

“When war broke out in Ukraine, we shared some images of the owl artwork created by children from Ukraine on our social media and in our e-newsletter, stating that we hoped the young artists were safe,” said Bloem. “We received a strong response from people who were so moved by the art, and many asked if they could purchase it.”

So, Bloem, along with volunteers and staff went into the archives and pulled out more than 300 pieces of Ukrainian art.

“It seemed like the perfect opportunity to hold a fundraiser to support the kids, using their own artwork, and thus far we have hosted three overwhelmingly successful auctions that have left me speechless,” she said.

To date, more than $222,000 has been raised with all proceeds going to UNICEF to help the children of Ukraine. One piece of artwork, The Snowy Owl by 14-year-old Sofia Burevich, went for $8,005 alone!

“I am touched by how much people care and how generous and supportive they are. It feels wonderful to be part of something that can help in a pretty meaningful way,” said Bloem. “I also want to thank my staff and volunteers including Jayne Overstreet as well as Houston Area Community Foundation for helping me make this idea a reality.”

There are still two online auctions to go. They are planned for June 22–26 and August 10–14. According to Bloem, the limited-edition prints typically sell out one hour after the auction opens. To be notified of the auctions, people can sign up for the International Owl Center’s e-newsletter on their website, or visit the auction page at internationalowlcenter.org/ukrainianart.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Luther College’s Spring 2022 Dean’s List includes 678 students; 88 first-years, 126 sophomores, 194 juniors and 270 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).

United States:

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

International: 

Canada, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Italy, Laos, Liberia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Norway, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

 

United States

Arizona
Chandler
Abigail Dykstra, sophomore

Tucson
Matias Parada, senior

Arkansas
Little Rock
Ruby Zorn, first-year

California
Encinitas
Mark Prince, first-year

Foster City
Xavier Andrade, sophomore

Rancho Santa Fe
Ben Houri, junior

Sunnyvale
Sophia Kouay, junior

Whittier
Nicholas Viveros, first-year
Andre Viveros, sophomore

Colorado
Arvada
Sam Bundy, junior

Colorado Springs
Tim Mewborn, sophomore

Fort Collins
Carmen Henderson, sophomore
Cassie Magee, junior

Franktown
Thane Larson, sophomore

Loveland
Alena Schuemann, sophomore

Florida
Jacksonville
Nova Withers, senior

Ponte Vedra
Sadie Pichelmann, senior

Royal Palm Beach
Dylan Anderson, junior

Idaho
Boise
Jalen DenHartog, junior

Illinois
Algonquin
Adam Burdzy, senior

Atkinson
Jaime Bizarri, sophomore

Batavia
Fiona Garrity, junior
Cade Hawkins, first-year
Nathan Knautz, senior

Chicago
Amari Craig, junior
Ozzie De Paz, senior

Danvers
Layken McGuire, junior

Dixon
Patrick Powers, senior

Downers Grove
Ian Baker, junior

East Dubuque
Liz Heim, first-year

East Dundee
Brynn Guth, senior

Freeport
Payton Shockey, senior

Galena
Mickey Lorento, senior

Grayslake
Matt Snavely, junior

Hoffman Estates
Brandon Dorans, junior

Libertyville
Alex Dikelsky, senior
Kiley Nolan, sophomore

Moline
Aiden Michna, senior

Naperville
Kaitlyn Andrews, junior

Oak Park
Justin Stewart, senior

Plainfield
Jami Dietz, sophomore

Port Byron
Daniel Benoit, senior

Rapids City
Sammy Ferguson, junior

Rock Island
Ethan Braun, junior
Aislinn Geedey, senior

Rockford
Francis Cichock, sophomore

Rockton
Adrienne Clefisch, senior

Springfield
Elise Ilsley, first-year

Washington
Victoria Graf, junior

Wheaton
Hannah Haworth, first-year

Indiana
South Bend
Kamden Goering, sophomore

Iowa
Alburnett
Nicole Smith, senior
Elise Smith, senior

Alexander
Abby Bates, sophomore

Altoona
Madison Becthold, junior
Gabrielle Sonntag, senior

Ames
Eva Anderson, junior
Peyton Gallt, sophomore
Kaija Rice, first-year
Riley Taylor, senior

Anamosa
Sophie Wilt, senior

Ankeny
Elise Wilson, junior

Archer
Kellen DeKok, first-year

Avoca
Kailey Jones, sophomore

Bettendorf
Tyler DiFiore, senior
Abby Hamborg, sophomore
Sarah Schmidt, first-year

Birmingham
Grace Davidson, junior

Burlington
Thea Good, senior

Calamus
Navia-Ayauna Erbst, senior

Calmar
Madi Ondrashek, senior
Sam Wilson, senior

Camanche
Dylan Determan, senior

Cedar Falls
Anastasia Davidson, sophomore
Sarah Hoehns, senior
Ethan Kober, junior
Katherine Lawson, sophomore
Emily Lehman, senior
Clare Rolinger, senior
Sam Schillinger, senior

Cedar Rapids
Audrey Fashimpaur, senior
Lauren Gray, sophomore
Alyssa Gray, first-year
Max Holt, senior
Madelyn O’Brien, junior
Emma Prostine, junior
Kaylee Waterhouse, junior

Charles City
Rosie Baldus, first-year

Clarksville
Janet Borchardt, junior

Clive
Riley Bartlett, senior

Coralville
Mia Irving, junior
Eric Shaffer, sophomore

Creston
Marie Mullin, first-year

Davenport
Becca Davis, junior
Zeke Wynsma, junior

Decorah
Hailey Abbey, senior
Pat Bockman, sophomore
Erin Dintaman, junior
Braden Elton, junior
Emma Fretheim, junior
Simon Hadley, junior
Willem Hawley-Bourcier, junior
Beau Hawley-Bourcier, junior
Keely Hermanson, first-year
Ava Holland, junior
Lily McGohan, junior
Adam Mertzenich, junior
Elijah Mitchell, junior
Jarod Phillips, senior
Maddie Putnam, junior
Rylea Ranum, senior
Isaac Roberts, junior
Braydon Saltou, junior
Meg Sessions, junior
Amey Shedinger, junior
Lily Smith, junior
Matthew Smith, sophomore
Solomon Thompson, senior
Abs Trewin, senior
Tucker Young, junior
Avery Zheng, junior

Denver
Colin Beck, senior
Mackenzie Milder, sophomore
Luke Prendergast, sophomore
Marissa Stock, junior

Des Moines
Reagan Anania, senior
Greta Carlson, senior
Jackson Geadelmann, senior
Delilah Gray, junior
Jerry Jones, senior
Emma Lin, junior
Will Ode, junior
Sophia Rodriguez, senior
Sofia Sackett, junior
Justin Scott, sophomore

DeWitt
Allison Hasenmiller, senior

Dubuque
Theresa Easley, senior
Katie Gorton, senior
Heather Hostager, senior
Foster Hull, first-year
Jack Kates, junior
Riley O’Donnell, sophomore

Eldora
Mary Brady, sophomore

Elgin
Carson Ward, senior

Elkader
Samuel Nemechek, junior

Ely
Riley Sauser, first-year

Emmetsburg
Gabrielle Janssen, sophomore
Thomas Woodford, senior

Fairfield
Elizabeth Doane, sophomore

Garner
Patrick Carew, junior

Granger
Tom Altier, senior
Emma Forbes, senior

Grimes
Emily Frett, senior

Grinnell
Grace McIlrath, first-year
Danica Nolton, senior

Hudson
Sophie Selenke, junior

Huxley
Karlee Emerson, senior

Independence
Cyrus Butters, senior

Indianola
Maddy Wedmore, senior

Iowa City
Katie Dunn, senior
Emma Gibson, junior
Ethan Goers, senior
Mason Irving, first-year
Quenton Max, senior
Amelia Morrow, senior
Lindsey Parrott, senior
Grace Parrott, junior
Jake Sharafuddin, senior
Julia Weiner, sophomore
Anna Ziniel, senior

Johnston
Jack Fritz, first-year
Logan Fritz, first-year
Peyton McClure, senior
Alex Thompson, senior

Joice
Lily Thompson, senior

Kalona
Adria Ebersole, senior

Kensett
Anna Dietrich, senior

Keokuk
Gerald Glenn, senior

Keosauqua
Tayton Bartholomew, senior

La Motte
Emma Sanders, junior

La Porte City
Madelon Rathe, sophomore

Lansing
Elena Rolfs, junior

Le Mars
Sarah Benton, senior

Lime Springs
Shelby Pisney, junior

Long Grove
Zoe Warm, junior

Manchester
Jacob Wenger, first-year

Maquoketa
Addie Craig, senior

Marion
Will Angstman, senior
Kirsten Loynachan, senior
Alison Merrill, senior
Brianna Young, sophomore

Marshalltown
Shakira Herrera, senior

Mason City
Natalia Cadena, senior
Gaby Castelan, junior
Britta Elsbernd, sophomore
Nathan Elsbernd, senior

Melbourne
Jannie Gowdy, first-year

Monticello
Ryan Manternach, senior

Mount Vernon
Katy Bellamy, senior
Sara De La Rosa, first-year
Kristen Elliott, senior
Danielle Pitts, first-year
Annie Rhomberg, junior
Keaton Wenz, junior
Paige Zaruba, senior

Muscatine
Brylee Christopher, sophomore
Morgan Hogenson, senior

Newton
Preston Sherwood, senior
Laura Wyre, junior

North Liberty
Nicole Fitzpatrick, junior
Hannah Johnson, first-year
Dylan Schmidt, junior
Lauren Siems, sophomore
Hayden Thompson, first-year
Eli Young, first-year

Northwood
Austin Efflandt, sophomore

Osage
Ryan Adams, sophomore

Oskaloosa
Joshua Hartl, senior

Prairie City
Hannah McCarthy, sophomore

Robins
Erica Schulte, sophomore
Abby Spore, junior

Sheffield
Devon Kothenbeutel, senior

Sherrill
Jessica Droessler, junior
Maddie Perreard, senior

Sibley
Isaac Habben, senior

Solon
Kale Altman, senior
Faye Duster, senior
Jill Richards, senior

Spillville
Emmaleigh Ohrt, sophomore

Spirit Lake
Kylie Holdorf, senior

Swisher
Megan Grimm, senior

Urbana
Newelle Dalton, sophomore

Urbandale
Kaitlyn Belger, junior
Maia Bumgardner, first-year
Ben Meyer, senior
Megan Miller, sophomore
Josh Muller, senior
Riley Vander Hart, senior

Washington
Olivia Quinby, senior

Waterloo
Michelle Chin, junior
Maya Winkel, sophomore

Waukee
Silvia Angel, senior
Cole Barrett, junior
Sonja Barrett, senior
Jack Moriarty, sophomore

Waukon
Miann Barr, senior
Leslie Halverson, senior

Waverly
Sarah Olson, sophomore
Ashley Schultz, senior
Amy Webb, junior
Avery Wrage, first-year

Wellman
Marina Beachy, sophomore
Skyler Schneider, sophomore

West Des Moines
Mallory Fynaardt, sophomore
Kelsey Hubble, senior
Danielle Nichols, senior

Winterset
Will Heithoff, junior

Kansas
Olathe
Ian Gonzales, junior

Maine
Surry
Kalista Farmer, senior

Massachusetts
Hudson
Sam Maston, junior

Michigan
Milan
Mark Severtson, sophomore

Minnesota
Albert Lea
Sydney Nelson, senior

Alden
Benjamin Jahnke, senior

Alexandria
Avery Hagstrom, sophomore

Andover
Sam Feine, senior
Stephanie Lewis, junior
Aidan Winter, first-year

Annandale
Reece Wright, first-year

Anoka
Kitri Lindberg, senior

Apple Valley
Hope Gilbertson, senior
Ingrid Gustafson, sophomore
Lillian Haseman, junior
Abby Reis, junior

Austin
Isaac Christopherson, senior
Gideon Perez, senior

Bemidji
Mattie Snyder, junior

Blaine
Claudia Podesta, sophomore

Bloomington
Emma Elbert, junior
Abby Faulk, senior
Ellie Murnan, junior
Philip Royer, senior

Brooklyn Park
Ryan Holt, sophomore

Burnsville
Taylor Bergerson, junior

Byron
Emma Vanbenschoten, junior

Carlton
Mary Osborne, junior

Carver
Peter Edlund, senior

Center City
Lars Heinecke, junior

Chanhassen
Marin Leone, senio
DJ Thompson, junior

Chaska
Ella Marti, first-year
Joshua Wackerfuss, sophomore

Chatfield
Isabelle Berg, junior
Sloan Clemens, sophomore

Clearwater
Sarah Damhof, senior

Cold Spring
Austin Wesenberg, junior

Cottage Grove
Fancy Mua, senior
Dex Wright, first-year

Crystal
Anna Hunke, junior

Dassel
Brynn Olsen, senior
Anders Peterson, junior

Deer River
Madeline Starck, senior

Dennison
Josie Ramler, senior

Duluth
Frost Bowen-Bailey, senior
Erik Radke, sophomore
Olivia Rawlyk, senior
Ava White, sophomore
Clara Wodny, junior

Eagan
Makayla Haddorff, junior
Sam Nelson, junior
Jane Ottesen, junior

Eden Prairie
Anna Barbknecht, first-year
Jillian Kipp, first-year

Edina
Ellie Gardner, junior
Charlie Heinecke, senior
Theo Keller, junior
Eli Leupold, senior

Elk River
Alexander Heidorn, junior

Excelsior
Britt Huss, junior

Fairmont
Ethan Grunewald, junior
Eric Head, senior

Falcon Heights
Sarah Schreiner, senior

Faribault
Donald Scheel, junior
Abigael Stroup, junior

Farmington
Katherine Bellefeuille, junior
Hogan Reuter, first-year
Chayla Velander, junior

Fergus Falls
Berit Skogen, senior
Cami Sternberg, senior

Fridley
Harrison Blum, senior
Peter Heryla, junior

Ham Lake
Greta Stauffacher, junior

Hamel
Cassandra Hultgren, junior

Hastings
Eric Bacon, senior

Henderson
Chastity Swenson, senior

Hokah
Sidney Miller, junior

Inver Grove Heights
Samantha Sabin, junior

Jordan
Sophie Bierlein, junior

Kasota
Marina Sawyer, junior

Kasson
Jared Ellison, senior

Kenyon
Layla Sjolander, senior
Kaitlyn Vold, junior

La Crescent
Hannah Clarkin, senior

Lake City
Hannah LaBonte, first-year

Lakeland
Anthony Hamer, senior

Lakeville
Kinsey Greenlee, senior
Nicole Larson, sophomore
Abigael McCarthy, junior
Cassandra Norton, junior
Abigail Russeth, first-year

Le Sueur
Kylie Dunning, junior
Lane Schwarz, junior

Lewiston
Cj Lee, first-year

Lino Lakes
Brenna Reiland, junior
Charlie Sylvester, senior

Long Lake
Katie Dore, senior

Mankato
Ana Goellner, sophomore
Maya Mukamuri, senior

Mantorville
Kaleb Thiesse, sophomore

Maple Grove
Anna Beaverson, junior
Jessica Dahl, sophomore
Anna Kjeldahl, sophomore
Camryn Nelson, sophomore
Samantha Peterson, sophomore
Anna Stenerson, first-year

Mazeppa
Cole Peters, senior

Mendota Heights
Emilie Gitter, senior

Minneapolis
Norah Austin, sophomore
Rainey Baker, junior
Ingrid Christopherson, senior
Emily Dyrdahl, senior
Britt Fulton, junior
Betsy Gebhard, sophomore
Hailee Gilliand, senior
Olivia Gustafson, first-year
Maggie Haller, junior
Anna Hasper, senior
Molly Jaeger, senior
Owen Johnson, senior
Ian Klein, senior
Andrew Mantini, junior
Grace Meyers, senior
Margaret Mullin, junior
Sophie Nall, senior
Anna Northenscold, senior
Jorgen Olson, sophomore
Penelope Onsrud, junior
Max Pardo, senior
Lainey Patzloff, junior
Natalie Richards, senior
Syd Schreier, senior
Cullen Stamp, senior
Lucy Tschida, sophomore
Kathryn Waller, senior
Ian Wreisner, senior

Minnesota City
Caleb Glodowski, senior

Minnetonka
Jane Bremer, senior
Noah Howe, junior

Mound
Tia Meyer, junior

Nerstrand
Kasandra Keller, junior
Olivia Schmidt, senior

New Ulm
Allie Anderson, sophomore

North Oaks
Lizzie Kauls, senior

North St. Paul
Kirsten Melaas-Swanson, senior

Northfield
Ashley Imdieke, sophomore
Jessi Labenski, senior
Ryan Malecha, first-year
Jack Meehan, senior
Jessica Olson, junior
Kyah Olson Sola, first-year
Chloe Rozga, first-year
Brooke Stanga, senior

Owatonna
Elena Dant, senior
Abbi Schroeder, junior

Park Rapids
Matt Benson, senior

Pine Island
Lauren Monosmith, junior
Katilynn Swanson, senior
Madilyn Wooten, junior

Plato
Leah Crown, senior

Plymouth
Maya Grocholski, junior
Riley Schulte, first-year

Princeton
Hanna Beck, junior
Ellie Palashewski, senior

Randolph
Hailey Roberge, junior

Red Wing
Calvin Harper, senior
Marshall Laidlaw, junior

Robbinsdale
Josie Meyer, junior

Rochester
Sydney Clausen, senior
Ethan Erickson, junior
Elena Freund, junior
Daniel Hunsberger, sophomore
Elizabeth King, senior
Johanna Muenkel, sophomore
Isaiah Nordine, junior
Sela Rist, junior
Alex Smith, senior
Mia Suzuki, sophomore

Rockford
Alayna Eichstadt, junior

Rogers
Jenna Charlson, sophomore
Emily Rubbelke, senior

Rosemount
William Bockenstedt, first-year
Caroline Lambrecht, sophomore
Abbie Ostrum, junior
Nathan Putman, senior

Michaela Weber, junior

Roseville
Alice Feist, junior
Cirdan Klindworth, junior
Nick Rogness, junior
Elijah Wallace, junior

Rushford
Anna Kjos, senior
Noah Woxland, junior

Saint Charles
Anna Decker, junior
Emily Hursh, sophomore

Saint James
Landon Hoppe, senior

Saint Joseph
Nicholas Drew, sophomore

Saint Michael
Josh Kainz, sophomore
Ted Weigle, junior

Saint Paul
Nathan Anderson, senior
Caylee Christian, sophomore
Kira Dobberman, senior
McKenna Gager, sophomore
Emma Goulet, senior
Emily Groppoli, first-year
Kjerstin Halverson, sophomore
Anni Hedges, senior
John Hottinger, junior
Benjamin Hughes, junior
Leo Kloos, first-year
Samuel Liska, junior
Sully Lucy, first-year
Mary McTeague, senior
Kimberlyn Perez-Salazar, senior

Meghan Rice, senior
Leif Saveraid, senior
Emma Syers, senior
Leah Thompson, senior
Elise Trail-Johnson, sophomore
Catherine Vitt, senior
Charlie Weill, junior
Lydia Wilkie, junior
Maya Wosepka, sophomore

Saint Peter
Greta Anderson, senior

Sargeant
Kyal Heydt, senior

Sartell
Benjamin Kiewel, junior
Maren Lee, sophomore
Rachel Schatz, senior

Savage
Greta Brua, senior

Shakopee
Tanner Olsen, senior
Blayre Wisneski, junior

Shoreview
Jolie Deuel, junior
Megan Rasmussen, junior
Ella Sneltjes, senior

Spring Grove
Wyatt Murphy, sophomore
Amelia Solum, junior

Springfield
Eva Mark, junior

Stacy
Kaitlyn Blackburn, junior
Logan Olson, senior

Stewartville
Gloria Nelson, sophomore
Kaylee Smidt, junior

Stillwater
Seth Olson, senior

Utica
Katie Dailey, first-year
Alayna Helgemoe, sophomore

Waconia
Katelyn Siebert, senior

Waterville
Brianna Highum, senior

West Saint Paul
Allison Reding, junior

White Bear Lake
Jack Morrison, first-year

Winona
Stephen Hadaway, senior
Haley Hoffmann, senior
Anna Rem, senior

Woodbury
Charlie Anderson, junior
Grace May, sophomore
Tessa Sand, senior

Worthington
Adam Koller, junior

Zimmerman
Kaylee Turney, junior

Zumbro Falls
Morgan Kane, first-year

Zumbrota
Dalton Ludington, senior

Montana
Kalispell
Jack Desmul, senior

Nebraska
Lincoln
Catherine Wedin, senior

Omaha
Alena Bennett, first-year

Papillion
Payton Lott, senior

Oregon
Irrigon
Mahanaim Robles, sophomore

Portland
Benjamin Bridges, sophomore

Pennsylvania
Lemont
Mara Anderson-Skelly, first-year

Selinsgrove
Asli Lawrence, sophomore

South Carolina
Charleston
Katie Bevers, first-year

Marietta
Erin Villmow, senior

South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Sam Eng, sophomore
Ethan Moore, senior
Benjamin Wentzel, senior
Isaac Woods, senior

Tennessee
Clarksville
Anirudh Chauhan, senior

Texas
College Station
Aimee Hodges, senior

Houston
Alisa Stringer, senior

Utah
Cedar Hills
Wyatt Robinson, senior

Virginia
Arlington
Tamara Ayers, senior

Stafford
Christion Pinkney, senior

Washington
Bainbridge Island
Elena Conklin, sophomore

Bellingham
Leigh Hjelmseth, sophomore
Gracia Powell, sophomore

Lynnwood
Charlotte Appel, first-year

Mount Vernon
Leif Carey-Odden, first-year

Woodinville
Nev Nelson, first-year

Wisconsin
Amery
Jens Bjorge, sophomore
Addison Tollakson, senior

Appleton
Katie Fetting, senior

Bangor
Danika Brasic, sophomore

Cross Plains
Cam Moll, first-year

De Pere
Shayla Cauldwell, sophomore

Deforest
Mathea Diedrich, junior

Dodgeville
Cody Pierce, sophomore

Eau Claire
Ethan Beckermann, first-year
Emma Pichelmann, sophomore
Laurel Studt, senior

Eleva
Kelsey Nyseth, sophomore

Ellsworth
Jolene Schultz, first-year

Ettrick
Izzy Clark, junior

Ferryville
Vin Buchner, first-year
Lanie Buchner, senior

Fort Atkinson
Bella Bamlett, first-year

Hayward
Anya Bacon, sophomore

Hudson
Jacey Echo, senior

Janesville
Alyssa Strampe, first-year

Kendall
Hannah Slater, senior

La Crosse
Anna Gorski, senior
Isaac List, senior
Ava Shively, junior

Lancaster
Madalyn McWilliams, senior

Lodi
Samantha Himegarner, junior

Madison
Jack Bell, first-year
Griffin Glassel, junior
Audrey Kuhn, first-year
Charlotte Ravenscroft, junior
Malachi Rettmann, sophomore

Manitowoc
Rebekah Nteso, senior

Mellen
Sorley Swanstrom-Arnold, first-year

Menomonie
Lexi Hastings, junior
Rachel Heinrich, junior
Carly Witucki, sophomore

Middleton
Iris Ohlrogge, senior

Milwaukee
Anne Sedlacek, junior

Mosinee
Megan Priest, senior

Mukwonago
David Burgad, senior

Nekoosa
Tosha Guldan, junior

New Auburn
Laura Elmquist, senior

New Richmond
Ben Garcia, first-year
James Nysse, senior

Onalaska
Emily Fisher, senior
Matti Sysimaki, first-year

Oregon
Blake Anderson, junior

Osceola
Ryan Rogers, senior

Racine
Christina Dressler, junior
Erin Keller, senior

Rice Lake
Emily Fell, senior

River Falls
Christina Rolf, sophomore
Tobias Snow, sophomore

Seymour
Mercede Heinke, senior
Jacob Vandermoss, senior

Slinger
Katelyn Hosking, first-year

South Range
Mollie Middleton, senior

Sparta
Myah Kenyon, sophomore

Spring Green
Emily Kane, sophomore

Stoughton
Piper Jensen, first-year

Sun Prairie
Madeleine Way, sophomore

Union Grove
McKinley Leinweber, sophomore

Verona
Emmelyn Cullen, junior
Alli Thomley, first-year
Anna Thomley, senior

Viroqua
Evergreen Wildingway, senior

Waterford
Jacob Klingsten, sophomore

Watertown
Sammy Suski, first-year

Waukesha
Grace James, senior

Wausau
Chase Kmosena, sophomore

Wauwatosa
Jimmy Fuhrman, senior

West Bend
Jessi Lambo, junior

Whitehall
Riley Frank, senior
Hannah Stoutner, sophomore

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward is announcing that Alessandro Raniolo, Leah Vriesman and Liang Chee Wee will join the Luther College Board of Regents.

“I am pleased and excited to welcome this impressive slate of new Regents to our board,” said Ward. “Their varied life experiences, professional backgrounds, and local, national, and international perspectives will contribute so much to the important work our board does in support of a Luther College that is both grounded in Decorah, Iowa, and global in reach and impact.”

Raniolo, Vriesman and Wee will attend their first Board of Regents meeting in October. The regents serve as trustees and stewards, ensuring that Luther fulfills its mission by providing fiduciary and strategic oversight in collaboration with college constituents.

Alessandro (Sandro) Raniolo ’88

            Sandro Raniolo has over 30 years of international experience working for luxury brands and selective distribution. He is the former president of global commercial real estate for Ralph Lauren. In this role, he was responsible for expanding the brand’s retail and wholesale business globally. Prior to joining Ralph Lauren in 2012, Raniolo held brand and general management positions with L’Oreal, The Estee Lauder Companies and Ermenegildo Zegna.

            Raniolo and his family have lived in multiple countries and territories including Malta, the U.S., Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom. One common thread for Raniolo lies in his interest and support of museums and contemporary art.

            “By serving on Luther’s Board of Regents, I hope to deepen my connections to the college and its community and to give back to an institution that has shaped my life so significantly. I hope to bring my international network and business experience for the good of the school,” said Raniolo.

He holds a master’s degree in economics from the College d’Europe and bachelor’s degree in management information systems and economics from Luther College. He speaks English, Italian, Maltese and French.

Raniolo is married to Christine B. Pillsbury. The couple has two children named Marc and Eleanor. He currently lives in Singapore.

Dr. Leah Vriesman ’88

            Beginning in July 2022, Leah Vriesman will realize her promotion to associate dean of academic and faculty affairs at the University of California Los Angeles. Previously, she was a professor and the executive director of Executive Programs in Health Policy and Management at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health. An expert in her field, Vriesman teaches about strategic management of health service organizations and international health systems and travels often to give keynotes for audiences on healthcare innovation and transforming healthcare delivery systems.

Vriesman was chosen as the inaugural 2018 National Faculty of the Year from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. As a 2010-11 U.S. Senior Fulbright grant recipient and German Scholar Exchange award winner, she spent a year in Neu Ulm, Bavaria, Germany teaching international healthcare management and strategic marketing to German physicians studying for their healthcare MBA at the University of Applied Sciences.

For eight years, Vriesman has served on the board of Angel Flight West, a volunteer non-profit pilot organization based at the Santa Monica airport that provides medical transportation in all states west of the Rockies.

“After my husband, Jonathan Wee, and I received the Luther College Distinguished Service Award in 2008 for our early alumni work with the college, I’ve been interested in continuing to give my service once my kids were grown,” said Vriesman. “Representing West Coast alumni and higher education leadership, I look forward to serving as a regent for Luther’s continued growth and success.”

Vriesman received her Ph.D. in medical sociology from UCLA and her MHA and MBA in strategy from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. She lives in Hermosa Beach, California, with her husband Jonathan Wee ’88 and kids, Xander Vriesman and Linnea Wee.

Dr. Liang Chee Wee

            Dr. Liang Chee Wee has been an educator for over 35 years. 15 of those years were spent at Luther College teaching and serving as a department head and associate dean. In 2007, he left Luther to become the provost and later assumed the presidency of Northeast Iowa Community College, a position he is retiring from in June 2022. Wee has a passion for establishing partnerships in the interest of creating educational opportunities for all learners, driving economic development for business success and enhancing community vitality for northeast Iowa.

            Wee grew up in a rural village in Singapore and arrived in the U.S. on July 4, 1983, after serving in the Singapore Armed Forces. Now, he is a board member of many groups and organizations including the Community College Alliance for Agricultural Advancement of nine midwestern states, the Sector Partnership Leadership Council of the State of Iowa, MercyOne Dubuque and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. He is a member of the Decorah Rotary, Calmar Economic Development and the Post-Secondary Course Audit Committee of the Iowa Department of Education.

“During my time at Luther College, I developed a deeper understanding of vocation and service,” said Wee. “Through my service on the board, I look forward to supporting President Ward’s leadership, the caring work of the faculty and staff and the learning journey of the students.”

Wee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with distinction from the University of Arizona and an MBA and a Ph.D. in business administration from the Karl Eller Graduate School of Management at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Wee lives in Decorah with his wife Jane Ann Whelan who worked at Luther College for 34 years in the academic Dean’s office. His stepson Paul Whelan ’95, daughter-in-law Kristy (Miller) Whelan ’94 and stepson Mark Whelan ’02 all graduated from Luther College.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning, and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Luther College student, Minh Nguyen ’24, has been named a Rossing Physics Scholar for the 2021-22 academic year. He will receive the top award amount of $10,000 from the Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education. Each year, the foundation makes a limited number of scholarships available to exemplary students in physics.

“I was really surprised and happy to win this award. It was the first time I’ve ever won a Physics award, so it feels very special to me,” said Nguyen. 

            Nguyen, from Ha Tinh, Vietnam, is a double major in math and physics. He said his interest in physics stems from his curiosity of the world around him, especially when it pertains to electricity and magnetism. Rather than accept systems or items at face value, Nguyen has innate curiosity, “I always try to understand how a machine works and know its underlying operations. I love physics because of the wide applications it has to our world. Any forms of rules or formulas will have some form of use to mankind, which, for me, is very compelling,” he said.

After graduation, Nguyen plans to go on to graduate school to pursue either engineering or theoretical physics.

Luther College has a long tradition of producing Rossing Physics Scholars. In the last 10 years, 12 scholarships have been awarded to Luther physics students, which speaks to the strength of the program.

“The fact that we continue to be successful in securing these scholarships for our research students is a fact we are proud of,” said Todd Pedlar, professor of physics. “As one can see from the destinations of our students, these scholarships are a good indicator of excellent outcomes as they move on from Luther.”

Take David Pfotenhauer ’15 for example. He received Rossing Physics Scholarships in 2013 and 2014. After earning his master’s and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and environmental sustainability from the University of Colorado Boulder, he now works for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as an air pollution and emerging contaminant researcher.

            “Upon receiving the scholarship, I started realizing that my passions were contagious and even appreciated. The incredible honor of the Rossing Scholarship seeded in me a desire to pursue a graduate degree and a career in science and science education. Now, on the other side of a master’s degree and Ph.D., I can honestly say that the scholarship altered the course of my life. I now sit at the beginning of my professional career, motivated and confident to continue the discipline of research, education and science communication,” said Pfotenhauer.

Kevin Honz ’18 received Rossing Physics Scholarships in 2016 and 2017. He is currently in graduate school at Penn State University pursuing a master’s degree. After graduation, he hopes to teach the wonder of physics to future generations.

“Physics ignites my curiosity and humility. Why does the sky turn brilliantly red and orange at sunset? Why do helicopters make a ‘taka-taka-taka’ sound when their blades are continuously spinning? Physics helps me ask and answer these questions in wonder, and a physical answer does not reduce the beauty of our natural and engineered world,” said Honz.

Other recipients of this award in the last 10 years are Jesse Hitz Graff ’16, Caleb Anderson ’17, Zach Martin ’19, Colin Weber ’20, Nicholas Behrens ’21, Aiden Berdahl ’21 and Owen Johnson ’22.

            “The monetary benefit of being a Rossing Physics Scholar is easily quantifiable. What’s less quantifiable is the personal meaning behind the award. Winning the Rossing Scholarship was incredibly affirming, a statement that I was capable of the things my older peers had done, which I aspired to do myself,” said Weber who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Minnesota.

The Rossing scholarship is made possible through gifts from Thomas D. Rossing, Luther College class of 1950, who created the scholarship fund through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Foundation. After graduating from Luther, Rossing earned master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Iowa State University and served as professor of physics at St. Olaf College and Northern Illinois University. Now retired, he is currently a visiting professor at Stanford University.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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.

Seven Luther College students have each received a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. Recipients include Jasmine Elliott, Samantha Ferguson, Lilah Gray, Emily Marthaler, Kaylee Martin, Samuel Nemechek and Samantha Reesman.

The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship was established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames, Iowa, in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson, who graduated from Luther in 1985. The scholarship benefits first-generation and income-eligible Luther College students involved in the TRIO Achievement Program. TRIO provides customized support and comprehensive programming that fosters students’ academic success, personal development and community engagement. The federally-funded program has been sponsored by Luther for nearly 50 years and serves approximately 165 students annually.

Jasmine Elliott ’24, a sophomore from Evansville, Wisconsin, is majoring in identity studies with dance and psychology minors. Elliott is a member of the Luther College dance program, Norse Against Sexual Assault and the Sunday night worship group (Focus). She is also the vice president of service for the national co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Off campus, Elliott works at ArtHaus in Decorah and is a member of the American Association of University Women. After graduating from Luther, she aspires to facilitate cultural connections, inspire healing, encourage self-responsibility and advocate for universal equity and equality through dance activism.

Samantha “Sammy” Ferguson ’23, a junior from Rapid City, Illinois, is an English major with a management minor. She is a member of Collegiate Chorale and the vice president of the Tau Delta Gamma sorority. Ferguson works on campus as a peer leader for the TRIO Achievement Program and as a tutor for the Barry Writing Center. Off campus, she works as a library aide at the Decorah Public Library. She is CPR and first aid certified and has been invited to Sigma Tau Delta, the honors society for the English department. After graduating from Luther, Ferguson aspires to become a publicist and work for a publishing company that specializes in novels.

Lilah Gray ’24, a sophomore from Des Moines, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education. Gray participates in Luther College Ballroom and Swing club and has performed with the Aurora choir. Currently, Gray is a valued student manager for Oneota Market on campus. After graduating from Luther, Gray plans to become a teacher and eventually attend graduate school.

Emily Marthaler ’24, a sophomore from West Union, Minnesota, is majoring in social work with a minor in art. Marthaler participates in the Luther College Social Work Association and Habitat for Humanity groups. After graduating from Luther, she plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in social work specializing in art therapy.

Kaylee Martin ’24, a junior from Romeoville, Illinois, is majoring in social work with a counseling minor. At Luther, she serves as the vice president of the Social Work Association and the newly formed Special Olympics group. Martin is a skills trainer at Opportunity Homes, Inc., Decorah, where she serves people with disabilities. She is certified in mental health first aid and as a medication manager and is a member of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society. Off campus, Martin volunteers at Helping Services for Youth and Families by being a “Mentor for a Day” and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. After graduating from Luther, Martin plans to attend graduate school and then become a social worker for youth involved in the foster care system.

Samuel Nemechek ’23, a junior from Elkader, Iowa, is majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy. Nemechek is co-creating a new club on the Luther campus for powerlifting and is a resident assistant in Dieseth Hall. Off campus, he works at Quality Inn and Suites in Decorah. Nemechek is certified in CPR and mental health first aid. After graduating from Luther, he would like to remain in the Decorah area but is also open to exploring the world.

Samantha “Sami” Reesman ’24, a sophomore from Burlington, Wisconsin, is a nursing major. She is a member of the Luther Women’s Swimming and Diving team and works as a lifeguard for the Luther Aquatic Center. She is certified as a water safety instructor and certified in CPR and first aid. After graduating from Luther, Reesman plans to return to Wisconsin and work as an RN.

For questions about the TRIO Achievement Program or to learn more, visit luther.edu/trio or email [email protected]

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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.

Two Luther College students, Linh Do ’22 and Sloan Clemens ’24, created the winning production for ASIANetwork’s 2022 Student Video Challenge. The video follows a Vietnamese mother telling her child the story of how he was born during pandemic times and her wishes for his future.

            “It’s an honor to have won this award in its first year and pave the way for future applicants,” said Clemens. “The theme of the video is very important to me in the way it expresses the many sufferings and struggles we’ve all had to endure throughout this COVID-19 pandemic.”

ASIANetwork’s video challenge serves as an opportunity for teams of two to four American and Asian undergraduate students to work together to create a video production. This year’s prompt asked students to draw on the challenges and successes of their countries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and create a video presentation to the World Health Organization with recommendations on how to improve the response to possible pandemics in the future. One of the most important aspects of this process is the sharing and collaboration of everyone’s perspectives and experiences, and seeing how it shapes their team’s final submission. The winning entry’s video is promoted on ASIANetwork’s website and was featured at their Annual Conference.

“It’s such an honor for us to win this award, especially as the first winners ever of the competition,” said Do.

            Do and Clemens worked alongside Vietnamese students, Minh Nguyen and Ha Tran.

While working on the project, Nguyen was based in Vietnam, while Tran was based in the United Kingdom.

“I’m quite proud of how these students organized, collaborated, and innovated,” said Thomas C. Johnson, associate professor of communication studies and faculty advisor for the project. “Furthermore, to do so with two students in the United States, one student in the United Kingdom, and one student in Vietnam, is quite remarkable. They produced top-notch work.”

When asked what contributed most to their success, Do remarked that time management was essential, since they had three separate time zones and busy schedules to plan around.

“Personally, I felt really proud of myself to lead a team of amazing colleagues through efficient brainstorming and feedback sessions. Despite having different members being in different locations, our team managed to collaborate very effectively while being able to communicate our ideas creatively and thoroughly,” said Do.

The video is available to view on ASIANetwork’s Youtube page.

About ASIANetwork

            ASIANetwork, a consortium of over 160 North American colleges, strives to strengthen the role of Asian Studies within the framework of liberal arts education to help prepare succeeding generations of undergraduates for a world in which Asian societies play prominent roles in an ever more interdependent world.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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.