Author: Luther College News

Luther College will celebrate the class of 2022 at Commencement at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 22. Addressing the in-person class and audience will be descendants of the 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson landmark decision, Keith Plessy and Phoebe Ferguson.

The 1892 arrest of  Homer Plessy, an African American New Orleanian, seated in a ‘whites only’ train car led to the Supreme Court case. The higher court upheld Judge John Ferguson’s ruling that Mr. Plessy had violated the Separate Car Act of Louisiana and that his constitutional rights had not been violated. As a result, legalizing Jim Crow ‘separate but equal’ laws for the next 58 years.

Today, rather than Plessy VERSUS Ferguson, Keith Plessy and Phoebe Ferguson have established the Plessy AND Ferguson Foundation. Their mission is to educate the public about the legacy of the Plessy decision and its impact on African American life because “by understanding the past we are better able to work together and create a more just and equitable future.”

“Plessy and Ferguson have been steadfast in their work to seek justice for Homer Plessy,” said Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward. “Their work resulted in the November 2021 recommendation by the Louisiana Board of Pardons to clear Plessy’s name posthumously and in January of this year, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed an official pardon in a public ceremony. We are fortunate to have these two descendants of the key figures in a landmark case, as well as current champions for racial reconciliation join us at Luther as they celebrate this historic milestone, and as we ask our graduates to live out our mission to be enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another in the world.”

One encounter brought these two living legacies together and now, through their foundation, Plessy and Ferguson travel to spread their message that their mutual history can be a tool to create unity and understanding.

“We boil the case down for [students] to right and wrong. We have an amazing legacy to share, and we tell students that they, too, will have a legacy, and that it’s important to think about that while you’re young—that in your life you contribute your spirit, effort, and service in order to help make change, and that they, too, can be history makers,” said Phoebe Ferguson.

Commencement will take place in Carlson Stadium and will be a ticketed event. The event will be livestreamed and will be accessible to the public online at commencement.luther.edu.

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 60+ 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 their February board meeting, the Luther College Board of Regents approved two new academic programs. Beginning in the fall of 2022, students will be able to major in law and values and minor in counseling.

            “These new interdisciplinary academic programs demonstrate our faculty’s innovative spirit and steadfast commitment to offering majors and minors that prepare students to meet the demands of today’s complex society,” said Provost Lynda Szymanski. “These offerings are distinct among our peers and will make students more competitive when applying for graduate schools and jobs. The law and values major will ground students in both theory and application and will empower students to become leaders in law, business, politics, civil service, and the nonprofit sector, while the counseling minor is designed to complement majors associated with helping professions.”

The law and values major

            The new law and values program at Luther College is rooted in the fact that most social problems have moral, legal, political, and economic factors. Luther’s experienced and knowledgeable faculty members in the areas of economics, political science, and philosophy will teach courses designed to help students understand the systems that shape society so they may effectively engage in important conversations of law, policy, and the common good.

            “I am really looking forward to the launch of this new major,” said Steve Holland, professor of economics. “My colleagues and I are excited about building a community of curious students interested in wrestling with big questions. While it is often easy to get discouraged by the current state of the world, this is the perfect time to start a new major that encourages our students to find creative ways to solve problems.”

Students majoring in law and values will be well-equipped for law school, graduate programs in public policy and similar fields, and for the workplace.

The counseling minor

            Luther College’s mission is deeply rooted in helping others. This new counseling minor was designed to complement a number of majors, specifically those that lead students into helping professions, medical careers, or graduate school.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to create a minor that is attractive to students in various majors at the college!” said Britt Rhodes, professor of social work. “The counseling minor will provide students with important knowledge and skill sets for advanced degrees in social work or counseling to meet the ever-growing need for practitioners to provide mental health services. At the same time, the counseling minor will also provide basic knowledge and skills to students in other majors for career success even if you aren’t planning to work directly in the counseling field.” 

The counseling minor is unique to Luther in that no other college or university in the region offers a similar minor. Faculty members from Luther’s psychology and social work departments teach the courses for this interdisciplinary program.

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 60+ 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.

Katy Dane, Luther College class of 2003, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Music Educator Award by The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).

Each year, the award goes to an educator who “gives students the opportunity to learn and participate in the joy and power that music education brings in uplifting the human spirit and fostering the wellbeing of society.” Dane currently teaches music at Benold Middle School in Georgetown, Texas. According to the BHS, “Dane’s impact on music students in the Georgetown Independent School District extends across multiple ensembles and schools, including choirs, a cappella ensembles, orchestras and vocal soloists. Colleagues praise her high quality instruction and the breadth of opportunities she provides students through festivals and trips.”

Dane was honored in a surprise presentation on Feb. 2.

“I was absolutely blown away by this recognition from NAfME and the BHS,” said Dane. “Apparently the surprise had been in the works for over a month! My symphony orchestra students and I were rushed out of the classroom by our assistant principal for what we thought was an evacuation drill! For a while, none of us knew what was happening, and then we saw the flowers, balloons and a plaque.”

As for what sets Dane apart, it goes beyond notes and harmonies. She focuses on creating a positive culture that supports a sense of belonging and helping students achieve individual success.

“When kids are successful, they are engaged and more motivated. We share good things and affirmations daily, we try to mix up our warm-ups, add in team-building, and I try to make connections to their other subjects. Half of the battle these past couple of years has been showing up for people and being a steady, positive impact in their life,” said Dane.

Dane has been particularly inventive in developing virtual learning environments made necessary by the pandemic. Her students remained engaged while at home and received personally tailored instruction online.

Dane is widely recognized throughout the barbershop community as a teacher, director and leader. She has directed the BHS men’s A Cappella Texas Chorus since 2017 and the Sweet Adelines International A Cappella Unlimited Chorus since 2011. She is president of SING! Texas, a non-profit arts organization providing a cappella education and performance opportunities for youth and young adults across the state of Texas, and is a clinician for vocal arts events in Austin and the surrounding communities.

When asked how her time at Luther College shaped her career as a music educator, Dane replied that while pursuing a double major involving her two passions (string instruments and vocal music) she felt supported and challenged by her professors and peers. Her hard work, passion and drive ultimately allowed her to graduate in four years with two degrees and countless experiences.

“I am forever grateful for the ensemble experiences I had at Luther, the trips and tours we were able to take together, the cross-curricular education and the breadth of music we were exposed to at Luther. I can’t tell you how many times I have used Weston Noble’s quote from our choral methods class and Messiah rehearsals, ‘All music must dance!’ Between all of my rehearsals each week, it is something that everyone ‘gets’ and feels, it transfers between generations and all ensembles,” said Dane.

After graduating from Luther, Dane went on to get her Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at Texas State University-San Marcos with Dr. Joey Martin.

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 60+ 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. on Friday, Feb. 25, the Luther College Center Stage Series presents “Right in the Eye,” a multimedia production celebrating the films of George Méliès.

            “The silent films of Georges Méliès are quirky and surprising,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “Add live, original music and they become magical and profound. Young and old will appreciate the experience on different levels but everyone will be moved and entertained.”

            Méliès was a cinematic pioneer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. As a French illusionist and film director, he is famous for his innovation in the early days of cinema. He popularized the use of special effects, substitution splices, time-lapse photography and other production elements still used today.

            “Right in the Eye” features 12 of Méliès’ highly imaginative works and pairs them with a live score of original compositions performed by three musicians on 50 instruments. Audience members will be completely immersed in the playful, poetic experience as inventive music brings wonder-filled silent cinema to life.

This performance is sponsored in part by Decorah Bank and Trust. For the safety of the community, guests will be asked to remain masked throughout the performance.

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

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

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 60+ 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.

 

Four students at Luther College have received the news that they are semi-finalists in the 2022-23 Fulbright Scholarship Competition. Operating in 160 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the largest and most esteemed exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Luther College semi-finalists are:

●      Soren Gloege Torp ’21 – English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

●      Annika Dome ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

●      Sophia Rodriguez ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Mexico

●      Siri St. Louis ’22 – English Teaching Assistantship in Luxembourg

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

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

            The finalists will be announced this spring.

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ 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.

President Jenifer K. Ward has announced the appointment of Karen Hunt as vice president of enrollment management at Luther College. Hunt began working for the college in late 2021 as interim enrollment chief of staff and has quickly proven to be a valuable employee and effective leader. She steps into her new role immediately.  

            “Karen Hunt brings decades of progressive responsibility and leadership in admission, financial aid, marketing, enrollment management and executive leadership to Luther,” said President Ward. “Since arriving as interim enrollment chief of staff, she has impressed us with her candor, empathy, strategic thinking, analytical skills and heart for the people and programs she has found here. We know she will be a great asset to Luther College in this new role.”

            Hunt’s primary responsibilities will include leading and mentoring a team charged with recruiting and enrolling an academically driven and diverse student body. She will also serve as the principal steward of Luther’s financial aid initiatives.

            “I am honored and thrilled to join the Luther College community,” said Hunt. “The quality of Luther’s transformational and mission-driven educational experience has inspired me from my first visit, and my conversations with students, faculty and staff have affirmed it. I am excited to continue to share the Luther College story and provide opportunities for future students to choose this beautiful, friendly, life-changing learning environment as their college home.”

            Over the past decade, Hunt has contributed to the enrollment of more than 11,000 students and the generation of more than $85,000,000 in first-year revenue. Before coming to Luther, Hunt worked as the vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Bethany College in West Virginia. In two years there, she was able to increase enrollment, improve student retention and enroll more international students. She also provided vision for Bethany College’s strategic plan, served on the Pandemic Response Team and improved financial aid awarding policies.

            Most of Hunt’s nearly 30 year higher education career was spent in various admissions and marketing roles at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. From assistant dean of admission to interim vice president of marketing and communications to executive director of admission, Hunt cultivated skills in communications, marketing, strategic vision and high-level leadership. 

            Hunt earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Wilmington College and holds a master’s degree in college student personnel service from Miami University of Ohio.

            Hunt succeeds former vice president of enrollment management, Derek Hartl.

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 60+ 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 has received a NetVUE Reframing the Institutional Saga grant of nearly $40,000 to prepare and publish a collection of essays that explore the college’s identity as a Norwegian-Lutheran liberal arts college. The grant begins in February of this year and runs through January 2024, when the anthology will be published and made available to the public.

“It’s a great honor to receive this grant and to engage in broad conversations about Luther’s identity,” said Maren Johnson, associate professor of Nordic studies and project lead. “Personally, I am energized to have the conversation with students, colleagues and community members to think about how we see our Norwegian-Lutheran foundation as being inclusive and how we develop a strong story about these identities and what they mean for the college moving forward while being rooted in history.”

Johnson, along with Brad Chamberlain, vice president for mission and communication at Luther, will edit the anthology comprised of 10-12 essays written by current and retired faculty and staff, as well as local partners and global collaborators. The diverse group will contribute their unique perceptions and understanding of the Norwegian and Lutheran identities of the college, historically, now and their potential role in the future.

Whether scrolling on luther.edu or viewing items in the Book Shop, Johnson points out that presently, Luther’s Norwegian-Lutheran identity is evident. “But more than just now, as we look to the future of Luther College, how do the Norwegian and Lutheran identities shape and inform what Luther may look like 150 years from now? These are exciting questions to engage how we think about our identity, our values and our culture.”

The anthology will be integrated into the orientation programs for new members of the campus community and in outreach materials. It will also be used as part of the bicentennial celebration of Norwegian immigration to the United States in 2025.

In addition to publishing costs, the grant will fund research, several writing retreats, author stipends and a post-publication symposium. NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga are made possible through financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges by Lilly Endowment Inc.

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 60+ 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 Fall 2021 Dean’s List includes 698 students; 120 first-years, 163 sophomores, 167 juniors and 248 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, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

International:

Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Italy, Kosovo, Liberia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Uruguay, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

United States

Arizona

Chandler
Abigail Dykstra, first-year

Tucson
Matias Parada, senior

Arkansas

Little Rock
Ruby Zorn, first-year

California

Encinitas
Mark Prince, first-year

Murrieta
Hayden Glynn, senior

Petaluma
Lizzie Snyder, first-year

Rancho Santa Fe
Ben Houri, junior

Sacramento
Ahmad Danesh Rassa, senior

Whittier
Nicholas Viveros, first-year

Colorado

Arvada
Sam Bundy, sophomore

Aurora
Victoria Brown, sophomore
Mara Wood, senior

Brighton
Vershon Brooks, first-year

Colorado Springs
Tim Mewborn, sophomore
Peter Stinar, first-year

Fort Collins
Carmen Henderson, first-year
Cassie Magee, junior

Larkspur
Ella Smith, junior

Loveland
Alena Schuemann, sophomore

Parker
Esther Choo, senior

Florida

Jacksonville
Nova Withers, senior

Illinois

Algonquin
Adam Burdzy, senior

Aurora
Shelby Cassidy, senior

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

Chicago
Amari Craig, junior
Ozzie De Paz, junior

Coal Valley
Hannah Evans, junior

Columbia
Sienna Haubein, senior

Danvers
Layken McGuire, sophomore

Dixon
Patrick Powers, junior

East Dundee
Brynn Guth, senior

Elmhurst
Judy Rosland, first-year

Erie
Hannah Schanze, senior

Freeport
Payton Shockey, junior

Geneseo
Madi Miller, senior

Hoffman Estates
Brandon Dorans, junior

La Grange
Madeline Wilkins, senior

Libertyville
Alex Dikelsky, senior
Kiley Nolan, sophomore

Moline
William Van Vooren, senior

Morrison
Allison Houldson, senior

Normal
Liz Burton, senior

Oak Park
Justin Stewart, senior

Plainfield
Jami Dietz, sophomore

Port Byron
Daniel Benoit, junior

Rapids City
Sammy Ferguson, junior

Rock Island
Ethan Braun, junior
Siobhan Dunn, sophomore
Aislinn Geedey, junior

Rockford
Francis Cichock, sophomore

Romeoville
Kaylee Martin, sophomore

South Jacksonville
Camille Blanford, senior

Springfield
Elise Ilsley, first-year

Iowa

Alburnett
Elise Smith, junior
Nicole Smith, junior

Alexander
Abby Bates, first-year

Algona
Alison Merrill, senior

Altoona
Madison Becthold, sophomore

Ames
Eva Anderson, sophomore
Peyton Gallt, first-year
Alison McHenry, senior
Jake Steenhoek, sophomore

Anamosa
Sophie Wilt, senior

Ankeny
Rebekah Riedemann, senior
Elise Wilson, junior

Avoca
Kailey Jones, sophomore

Bettendorf
Bailey Connors, senior
Abby Hamborg, sophomore
Sarah Schmidt, first-year

Birmingham
Grace Davidson, sophomore

Burlington
Thea Good, senior

Calamus
Navia-Ayauna Erbst, junior

Calmar
Emma Barness, first-year

Camanche
Dylan Determan, junior

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

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

Center Point
Madison Kurt, senior

Charles City
Anastasia Baldus, junior

Clarksville
Janet Borchardt, junior

Columbus Junction
Grace Watson, junior

Coralville
Mia Irving, sophomore
Eric Shaffer, sophomore

Cresco
Haley Newman, senior

Creston
Marie Mullin, first-year

Davenport
Becca Davis, junior
Brittney Witt, senior
Zeke Wynsma, junior

Decorah
Pat Bockman, sophomore
Maddie Davis, senior
Isabel De la Cruz Hexom, senior
Erin Dintaman, junior
Thomas Hadley, sophomore
Beau Hawley-Bourcier, sophomore
Rye Hawley-Bourcier, senior
Willem Hawley-Bourcier, sophomore
Keely Hermanson, first-year
Ava Holland, sophomore
Hallie Johnson, senior
Meron Kahsay, senior
Lily McGohan, sophomore
Adam Mertzenich, sophomore
Elijah Mitchell, sophomore
Jake Muhlbauer, senior
Jarod Phillips, senior
Maddie Putnam, sophomore
Rylea Ranum, senior
Isaac Roberts, junior
Braydon Saltou, junior
Meg Sessions, sophomore
Lily Smith, first-year
Abigail Toussaint, senior
Sam Wilson, senior
Tucker Young, sophomore
Avery Zheng, junior

Denver
Colin Beck, senior
Mackenzie Milder, first-year

Des Moines
Reagan Anania, junior
Greta Carlson, senior
Kenneth Cronin, first-year
Ella Cummings, senior
Jackson Geadelmann, junior
Delilah Gray, junior
Jerry Jones, senior
Emma Lin, junior
Will Ode, junior
Sofia Sackett, junior
Waleed Yual, senior

DeWitt
Allison Hasenmiller, junior

Dubuque
Theresa Easley, senior
Brianna Fry, senior
Katie Gorton, senior
Grace Herber, senior
Heather Hostager, senior
Foster Hull, first-year
Riley O’Donnell, first-year

Eldora
Mary Brady, first-year

Elgin
Carson Ward, junior

Elkader
Lauryn Swigart, senior

Ely
Riley Sauser, first-year

Emmetsburg
Gabrielle Janssen, sophomore
Thomas Woodford, senior

Epworth
Chloe Baumgartner, senior

Gladbrook
Kerrigan Hatch, sophomore

Granger
Tom Altier, senior
Emma Forbes, senior

Grimes
Emily Frett, senior

Grinnell
Grace McIlrath, first-year
Danica Nolton, senior

Hudson
Morgan Hansen, sophomore
Sophie Selenke, sophomore

Huxley
Karlee Emerson, senior

Indianola
Maddy Wedmore, senior

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

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

Kalona
Adria Ebersole, junior
Micah Miller, junior
Kaitlin Poock, senior

Kensett
Anna Dietrich, senior

Keosauqua
Tayton Bartholomew, senior

La Motte
Emma Sanders, sophomore

La Porte City
Madelon Rathe, first-year

Lansing
Kendra Cooper, senior

Le Mars
Sarah Benton, senior

Lime Springs
Shelby Pisney, junior

Long Grove
Zoe Warm, junior

Manchester
Jacob Wenger, first-year

Maquoketa
Camryn Berg, senior
Addie Craig, senior

Marion
Will Angstman, senior
Hoffman Chan, senior
Kirsten Loynachan, senior

Marshalltown
Shakira Herrera, junior

Mason City
Natalia Cadena, senior
Gaby Castelan, sophomore
Britta Elsbernd, first-year
Nathan Elsbernd, senior

Mc Gregor
Maxwell Koeller, sophomore

Melbourne
Jannie Gowdy, first-year

Monticello
Ryan Manternach, senior

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

Muscatine
Brylee Christopher, sophomore

Newton
Preston Sherwood, senior
Laura Wyre, junior

North Liberty
Hannah Johnson, first-year
Lauren Siems, sophomore
Hayden Thompson, first-year
Eli Young, first-year

Osage
Claire Sullivan, senior

Oskaloosa
Joshua Hartl, senior

Polk City
Kayla Brummer, first-year

Postville
Laura Roman Camarillo, junior

Robins
Erica Schulte, first-year
Julia Schulte, junior
Abby Spore, sophomore

Sheffield
Sarah Retz, senior

Sherrill
Jessica Droessler, junior

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

Spillville
Emmaleigh Ohrt, sophomore

Spirit Lake
Kylie Holdorf, senior

Swisher
Megan Grimm, senior

Tiffin
Claire Hruby, junior

Urbana
Newelle Dalton, sophomore

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

Washington
Olivia Quinby, junior

Waterloo
Michelle Chin, sophomore

Waterville
Katelyn Leiran, senior

Waukee
Cole Barrett, sophomore
Sonja Barrett, senior
Courtney McDermott, junior
Jack Moriarty, sophomore

Waukon
Leslie Halverson, senior

Waverly
Ashley Schultz, senior
Samantha Snyder, senior
Amy Webb, sophomore
Avery Wrage, first-year

Wellman
Skyler Schneider, sophomore

West Des Moines
Kaitlyn Bebensee, sophomore
Kelsey Hubble, senior

West Union
Zoey Frey, senior

Winterset
Will Heithoff, sophomore

Winthrop
Kimberly Fank, senior

Kansas

Lawrence
Lindsey Fry, senior

Olathe
Ian Gonzales, sophomore

Kentucky

Louisville
Aidan Schooling, junior

Maine

Surry
Kalista Farmer, junior

Massachusetts

Hudson
Sam Maston, sophomore

Michigan

Milan
Mark Severtson, sophomore

Minnesota

Alexandria
Avery Hagstrom, sophomore

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

Annandale
Reece Wright, first-year

Anoka
Kitri Lindberg, junior

Apple Valley
Hope Gilbertson, senior
Rose Sieve, senior

Austin
Hannah Alberts, senior
Isaac Christopherson, senior
Keagan Larson, sophomore
Gideon Perez, junior

Belle Plaine
Hunter Meyer, senior

Bemidji
Mattie Snyder, sophomore

Blaine
Claudia Podesta, sophomore

Bloomington
Ellie Murnan, junior
Philip Royer, senior

Brooklyn Park
Ryan Holt, sophomore

Buffalo
Anna Ebnet, senior

Burnsville
Taylor Bergerson, junior

Caledonia
Ethan Papenfuss, senior

Cannon Falls
Tessa Barnes, senior

Carlton
Mary Osborne, sophomore

Carver
Peter Edlund, junior

Center City
Lars Heinecke, junior

Chanhassen
Marin Leone, senior

Chaska
Ella Marti, first-year

Chatfield
Isabelle Berg, junior
Sloan Clemens, sophomore

Cold Spring
Austin Wesenberg, sophomore

Cottage Grove
Fancy Mua, senior

Crystal
Anna Hunke, sophomore

Dassel
Brynn Olsen, senior
Anders Peterson, junior

Deer River
Madeline Starck, junior

Dennison
Josie Ramler, junior

Duluth
Adelaide Bohlmann, junior
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
Kaija Welter, senior

Edina
Ellie Gardner, sophomore
Olivia Gustafson, first-year
Charlie Heinecke, junior
Eli Leupold, senior
Riley Masica, junior

Elgin
Katy Klein, first-year

Elk River
Sam Orgon, sophomore

Eyota
Valorie Ziemer, senior

Fairmont
Ethan Grunewald, sophomore
Eric Head, senior

Falcon Heights
Nathan Behrens, sophomore
Sarah Schreiner, junior

Faribault
Amanda Johnson, senior
Donald Scheel, junior

Farmington
Katherine Bellefeuille, junior
Chayla Velander, junior

Fergus Falls
Berit Skogen, junior
Cami Sternberg, senior

Fountain
Hunter Hobbs, senior

Fridley
Harrison Blum, junior
Peter Heryla, sophomore

Geneva
Nikita Peterson, senior

Hamel
Cassandra Hultgren, sophomore

Hastings
Eric Bacon, senior
Owen Matzek, first-year

Hokah
Sidney Miller, sophomore

Inver Grove Heights
Kelly Fiedler, senior
Samantha Sabin, sophomore
Abbi Slininger, sophomore

Jordan
Sophie Bierlein, junior

Kasota
Marina Sawyer, sophomore

Kasson
Emmy Carlson, junior
Jared Ellison, senior

Kenyon
Annalie Piller, sophomore
Kaitlyn Vold, junior

La Crescent
Hannah Clarkin, junior

Lakeland
Anthony Hamer, senior

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

Lanesboro
Matthew Eversole, senior

Le Sueur
Kylie Dunning, junior
Lane Schwarz, junior

Lino Lakes
Charlie Sylvester, senior

Long Lake
Katie Dore, senior

Luverne
Courtney Wendland, junior

Mabel
Sarina Stortz, sophomore

Mankato
Rachel Clennon, senior
Ana Goellner, sophomore

Mantorville
Morgan Coy, sophomore

Maple Grove
Anna Beaverson, sophomore
Jessica Dahl, sophomore
Anna Kjeldahl, sophomore
Kyra Kjeldahl, senior
Samantha Peterson, sophomore
Anna Stenerson, first-year

Maple Plain
Madeline Eppard, senior

Mazeppa
Cole Peters, senior

Minneapolis
Norah Austin, first-year
Rainey Baker, sophomore
Sten Bulander, junior
Ingrid Christopherson, senior
Mercedes Cruz, junior
Emily Dyrdahl, senior
Britt Fulton, sophomore
Betsy Gebhard, sophomore
Hailee Gilliand, senior
Maggie Haller, sophomore
Jonas Haugland, first-year
Molly Jaeger, senior
Owen Johnson, senior
Ian Klein, senior
Will Kuelbs, first-year
Margaret Mullin, sophomore
Sophie Nall, senior
Jorgen Olson, sophomore
Penelope Onsrud, junior
Max Pardo, senior
Lainey Patzloff, sophomore
Charlie Rubendall, junior
Syd Schreier, senior
Cullen Stamp, junior
Lucy Tschida, sophomore
Kathryn Waller, senior
Ian Wreisner, senior

Minnetonka
Jane Bremer, senior
Noah Howe, sophomore

Mound
Tia Meyer, junior

Nerstrand
Kasandra Keller, junior
Olivia Schmidt, senior

New Ulm
Allie Anderson, first-year

North Oaks
Libby Carls, first-year
Lizzie Kauls, junior

Northfield
Noah Arndt, first-year
Ashley Imdieke, first-year
Jessi Labenski, senior
Ryan Malecha, first-year
Jessica Olson, junior
Chloe Rozga, first-year
Brooke Stanga, senior
Gabriella Vargas, junior

Owatonna
Elena Dant, senior
Abbi Schroeder, sophomore

Park Rapids
Matt Benson, senior

Pine Island
Lauren Monosmith, junior
Madilyn Wooten, junior

Plato
Leah Crown, junior

Plymouth
Connor Fuzzey, junior
Maya Grocholski, sophomore
Riley Schulte, first-year

Princeton
Ellie Palashewski, senior

Prior Lake
Jenna Uphoff, senior

Randolph
Hailey Roberge, junior

Red Wing
Calvin Harper, senior
Marshall Laidlaw, junior

Robbinsdale
Josie Meyer, sophomore

Rochester
Sydney Clausen, senior
Ethan Erickson, sophomore
Sydney Frank, junior
Elena Freund, junior
Abbey Gapinski, senior
Allegra Garcia, junior
Ben Gunsch, senior
Daniel Hunsberger, sophomore
Elizabeth King, senior
Abbe Lacey, senior
Josie LaVoi, senior
Isaiah Nordine, sophomore
Daniel Pfeffer-Kleemann, sophomore
Ella Rowley, sophomore
Alex Smith, senior
Mia Suzuki, sophomore

Rogers
Jenna Charlson, first-year

Rosemount
Abbie Ostrum, sophomore
Nathan Putman, senior
Michaela Weber, sophomore

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

Rushford
Anna Kjos, senior
Jasmine Schueler, junior
Noah Woxland, junior

Saint Charles
Anna Decker, junior
Emily Hursh, first-year

Saint James
Landon Hoppe, senior

Saint Joseph
Nicholas Drew, first-year

Saint Michael
Josh Kainz, sophomore
Nora Weigle, senior
Ted Weigle, sophomore

Saint Paul
Nathan Anderson, junior
Will Benjamin, senior
Caylee Christian, sophomore
Kira Dobberman, senior
McKenna Gager, first-year
Emilie Gitter, senior
Emma Goulet, junior
Nick Greseth, junior
Emily Groppoli, first-year
August Halverson, junior
Kjerstin Halverson, sophomore
Anni Hedges, senior
Benjamin Hughes, junior
Samuel Liska, junior
Sully Lucy, first-year
Leah Marxhausen, senior
Kirby Masso, sophomore
Erin McCulloch, junior
Mary McTeague, senior
Ally Moseley, junior
Kimberlyn Perez-Salazar, senior
Natalie Peterson, junior
Julia Praska, first-year
Meghan Rice, senior
Meg Stucker, sophomore
Emma Syers, senior
Anna Tahnk, senior
Leah Thompson, senior
Elise Trail-Johnson, first-year
Catherine Vitt, senior
Maya Wosepka, sophomore

Saint Peter
Greta Anderson, senior

Sartell
Chase Heying, first-year
Rachel Schatz, senior

Shakopee
Blayre Wisneski, sophomore

Shoreview
Megan Rasmussen, sophomore
Ella Sneltjes, senior

Spring Grove
Kelsey Bratland, first-year
Amelia Solum, sophomore

Spring Valley
Audrey Farlinger, senior

Springfield
Eva Mark, sophomore

Stacy
Kaitlyn Blackburn, sophomore
Logan Olson, senior

Stewartville
Gloria Nelson, sophomore
Emily Rinken, senior
Nate Sikkink, senior
Kaylee Smidt, junior

Stillwater
Seth Olson, junior
Carolyn Wrightsman, senior

Utica
Katie Dailey, first-year
Alayna Helgemoe, first-year

Waconia
Jacob Larson, senior

Wayzata
Jared Penshorn, junior

Webster
Sam Vue, sophomore

West Saint Paul
Allison Reding, junior

Winona
Sarah Halverson, senior
Anna Rem, senior
Jordan Rubie, sophomore

Woodbury
Charlie Anderson, sophomore
Grace May, first-year
Tessa Sand, senior

Worthington
Adam Koller, sophomore

Zimmerman
Kaylee Turney, junior

Zumbro Falls
Morgan Kane, first-year

Zumbrota
Dalton Ludington, senior

Missouri

Kansas City
Fred Farrand, senior

Nebraska

Lincoln
Catherine Wedin, junior

Omaha
Alena Bennett, first-year
Allison Marasco, first-year

Oklahoma

Edmond
Robert Reece, senior

Oregon

Portland
Benjamin Bridges, sophomore

Pennsylvania

Lemont
Mara Anderson-Skelly, first-year

Selinsgrove
Asli Lawrence, first-year

Puerto Rico

San Juan
Luis Figueroa, first-year

South Carolina

Marietta
Erin Villmow, senior

South Dakota

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

Texas

Houston
Alisa Stringer, senior

Temple
Noah Hill, junior

Virginia

Stafford
Christion Pinkney, senior

Washington

Bainbridge Island
Elena Conklin, first-year

Bellingham
Leigh Hjelmseth, sophomore
Gracia Powell, first-year

Lynnwood
Charlotte Appel, first-year

Mount Vernon
Leif Carey-Odden, first-year

Woodinville
Nev Nelson, first-year

Wisconsin

Amery
Addison Tollakson, junior

Appleton
Katie Fetting, senior
Alexis Johnson, junior
Allison Meinheit, senior

Brookfield
Barrett Poetker, senior

Cambridge
Cammi Gould, junior
Hannah Hoffmann, junior

Cross Plains
Cam Moll, first-year

De Pere
Shayla Cauldwell, sophomore

Deforest
Mathea Diedrich, sophomore

Dodgeville
Cody Pierce, sophomore

Eagle River
Vicky Harris, junior

Eau Claire
Emma Pichelmann, first-year
Sadie Pichelmann, senior
Laurel Studt, senior

Ellsworth
Jolene Schultz, first-year

Ettrick
Izzy Clark, junior

Evansville
Irelyn Baumberger, junior

Ferryville
Lanie Buchner, senior
Vin Buchner, first-year

Fond Du Lac
Hailey Becker, senior

Green Bay
Ashley Karas, sophomore

Hayward
Anya Bacon, sophomore

Hudson
Jacey Echo, junior
Scott Rust, sophomore

Janesville
Jack Jorgensen, senior
Olivia Luster, sophomore
Alyssa Strampe, first-year

La Crosse
Annika Dome, senior
Anna Gorski, junior
Isaac List, senior
Ava Shively, sophomore

Lancaster
Madalyn McWilliams, junior

Lodi
Samantha Himegarner, junior

Madison
Jack Bell, first-year
Emmelyn Cullen, junior
Griffin Glassel, sophomore
Audrey Kuhn, first-year
Charlotte Ravenscroft, junior
Malachi Rettmann, sophomore
Elizabeth Roby, senior

Mellen
Sorley Swanstrom-Arnold, first-year

Menomonie
Tyler Buhr, sophomore
Rachel Heinrich, sophomore
Carly Witucki, sophomore

Middleton
Iris Ohlrogge, senior

Milwaukee
Anne Sedlacek, junior

Mosinee
Megan Priest, junior

Muskego
Darren Kremer, senior

New Auburn
Laura Elmquist, senior

New Richmond
James Nysse, senior

Onalaska
Matti Sysimaki, first-year

Oregon
Blake Anderson, sophomore
Michaela Bieno, senior

Osceola
Ryan Rogers, senior

Prairie du Chien
Carter Wittrig, senior

Racine
Christina Dressler, junior
Erin Keller, senior

Rice Lake
Emily Fell, senior

River Falls
Christina Rolf, first-year
Tobias Snow, sophomore
William Tuchtenhagen, junior

Seymour
Mercede Heinke, junior

Slinger
Katelyn Hosking, first-year

Sparta
Myah Kenyon, sophomore

Spring Green
Emily Kane, first-year

Stevens Point
Rachel Lummis, junior

Stoughton
Piper Jensen, first-year

Sturgeon Bay
Mya Ploor, sophomore

Sun Prairie
Madeleine Way, sophomore

Union Grove
McKinley Leinweber, sophomore

Verona
Alli Thomley, first-year

Viroqua
Evergreen Wildingway, senior

Waterford
Jacob Klingsten, first-year

Watertown
Evan Berth, junior

Waukesha
Grace James, senior

Wauwatosa
Jimmy Fuhrman, junior

Whitehall
Riley Frank, junior
Hannah Stoutner, first-year

 

International

Armenia

Dilijan
Ani Sargsyan, senior

Yerevan
Arpine Hovhannisyan, senior 

Bangladesh

Dhaka
Jaraad Ahmed, first-year 

Belarus

Minsk
Darya Davidouskaya, senior

Brazil

Bahia
Luiz Socorro Oliveira, sophomore 

Cambodia

Siem Reap
Ratanak Chea, junior 

Canada

Edmonton
Anneke Knauss, senior 

Chile

Santiago
Javiera Caro Carrasco, sophomore 

China

Beijing
Qian Yang, senior

Heze, Shandong
Millie Wang, first-year

Shanghai
Huan Wang, junior 

Ecuador

Chimborazo
Paola Valdivieso Santillan, junior

Ethiopia

Addis Abeba
Meron Kahsay, senior 

Germany

Altenberge
Tim Hellermann, junior

Baden-Wurttemberg
Methembe Moyo, junior

Freiburg
Victor Oluwa, first-year 

India

Ghaziabad- Uttar Pradesh
Anirudh Chauhan, junior

New Delhi
Sneha Verma, senior

Phaltan
Sharayu Phanse, senior

Pune Mh
Kien Huynh, senior

Italy

Duino
Ghazal Alabtah, junior
Awate Elizabeth Loma, first-year 

Kosovo

Gjakova
Diona Doli, junior 

Liberia

Monrovia
Delroy Taylor, junior 

Mauritius

Bambous
Navishta Gayadin, first-year 

Mexico

Mexico City
Sebastian Zavala Brito, first-year 

Myanmar

Yangon
Eric Min, junior 

Nepal

Itahari
Kritib Bhattarai, senior

Pokhara
Suman Chapai, junior

Sindhupalchok
Susmita Giri, first-year 

Netherlands

Bergen
Luna Van Tol, first-year 

Nicaragua

Jinotepe
Anghy Aragon Alegria, sophomore 

Oman

Azaiba
Maren Lee, first-year 

Panama

Panama City
Melany Nicole Ruiz Torres, senior 

Paraguay

Pilar
Juan Palacios Rodas, senior 

Spain

Barcelona
Laura Miro I Rodrigo, sophomore 

Swaziland

Hhohho
Alice Odame, senior

Malkerns
Siyabonga Mabuza, senior 

Sweden

Goteborg
Linnea Johnson Nordqvist, sophomore 

Tanzania

Arusha
Ahmed Osman, first-year 

Timor-Leste

Dili
Jora Ferreira Alves, senior 

Uruguay

Montevideo
Maite Olivera Caballero, first-year 

Vietnam

Ba Ria-Vung Tau
Thuy Duong Truong, first-year

Can Tho
Quang Lam, senior

Ha Tinh
Gia Minh Nguyen, sophomore

Hanoi
Hudson Nguyen, first-year
Thu Ta, junior
Nguyen An Vuong, junior
Do Ngoc Diep Le, first-year
Loi Mai, junior
Long Khuong, junior
Anh Nguyen, senior

Ho Chi Minh City
Tracy Bui, first-year
Tan Le, junior
Khanh Linh Tran, first-year

Hue City
Nancy Hoang Ngan Le, sophomore

Nam Dihn
Michelle Bui, first-year

Nghe an
Tran Luc Vuong, sophomore

Vung Tau City
Duong Truong, sophomore 

Zimbabwe

Harare
Michael Musa, junior

 

 

 

In recognition of Black History Month, Luther College will host “The Politics of Critical Race Theory,” a lecture by Gloria Ladson-Billings at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 via Zoom.

Ladson-Billings is known for her work in culturally relevant teaching and equity-focused instruction. She has done extensive research on the application of critical race theory in education. Her critically acclaimed book “The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African-American Children,” tells the stories, strategies and experiences of eight teachers who are successful in educating young African Americans and helping them realize their dreams. It is widely known and utilized in the education field.

During the 2005 American Educational Research Association’s annual meeting, Ladson-Billings delivered her presidential address, “From the Achievement Gap to the Education Debt: Understanding Achievement in U.S. Schools” in which she highlighted the combination of historical, moral, socio-political and economic factors that have disproportionately affected African-American, Latino, Asian and other non-white students.

“Given the national strife over the role of race in the curriculum of our educational systems, I can think of nothing more valuable than the insights of a scholar like Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, whose research on race and education has made essential contributions to the field of critical race theory,” said Novian Whitsitt, professor of Africana studies and English.

Critical race theory scholars attempt to understand and transform the relationship between race, racism, and power. In her talk, Ladson-Billings will discuss how critical race theory applies to the political landscape, culture wars and how it impacts perception of educational opportunities.

Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the department of curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she also served as the assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs.

Sponsored by Luther’s new Identity Studies program, the link to the virtual event can be found at luther.edu/events. It is open to the public at no cost.

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 60+ 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 is preparing for a major renovation of the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) in 2022. The improvements to the 45,000 square-foot facility include new floor surfacing that combines performance and safety, replacement of the multipurpose netting system to maximize space utilization, and installation of a videoboard to enhance the student and spectator experience. The estimated cost of the project is $1.2 million. To date, more than $1 million has been secured through the generosity of donors.

Constructed in 1991 as part of an expansion of Luther’s athletics complex, the SRC has never undergone significant updates. It is heavily used year-round for practices, competition, recreation, and events. The facility currently houses a 200-meter, six-lane track; two batting cages; six tennis courts; and two basketball courts.

            “We are so grateful to have the SRC. Whether it’s being used by the tennis or track and field teams for indoor training and competition, by the baseball and softball teams for preseason workouts, or by community members walking and jogging inside to avoid the cold winter weather, it has many purposes,” said Renae Hartl, director of intercollegiate athletics. “This building has served us well over the years and now it’s time to make this space more vibrant and functional so people can enjoy it for years to come.”

            Along with the renovation project comes the commemorative naming of spaces to honor Luther coaches who have made a lifetime of impact on their student-athletes.

Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center

            The SRC will be known as the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center. From a student-athlete to coach to friend and avid supporter, Robert Naslund ’65 has had strong ties to Luther for over 50 years.

“Nas” served at the helm of the football team for 18 years and the track and field team for 12 years, winning 12 Iowa Conference team titles and Coach of the Year honors nine times. He played football and ran track and field at Luther, earning all-conference honors in both sports and the respect of his coaches and teammates. Naslund was a teacher and mentor for Luther students and has maintained relationships with alumni for decades. In retirement, Naslund often drives the Luther team bus and remains a fan of Norse student-athletes and teams.

“Having the Naslund name on the SRC is appreciated and meaningful beyond words for me, Ann, and our family,” said Naslund. “This newly restored center will be very special for all of the people it serves and for all of us who love Luther College.”

Naslund said he fell in love with Luther in the spring of 1960 when he arrived on campus for a visit and met coaches Edsel Schweizer and Hamlet Peterson. He enrolled in the fall of that same year.

“Ever since that 150 pound linebacking ‘Blue Bullet’ and first-generation college farm kid from Cambridge, Illinois, showed up on the Luther campus, there has been a journey full of great stories about the great people at this place! I am eternally grateful to the coaches and athletes who created all of those stories including Rich, Su, and Kirk. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside them. The Sports and Recreation Center has been and will be the source of many great stories to come,” he said.

Naslund expressed overwhelming gratitude to the donors who are making this renovation a reality. “Their extraordinary generosity and support will impact the Luther College family and Decorah community for years to come!” The naming of the facility is supported through a challenge gift from Joe ’80 and Greer Whitters.

            “We wanted to donate to this project because we believe students should have a balance between academics and extracurricular activities,” said Joe Whitters. “Luther has seen many great professors and coaches but Coach Naslund did it for so long and so well and continues his commitment to Luther Athletics to this day.”

Oertel/Leake Indoor Courts

            The tennis courts will be named the Oertel/Leake Indoor Courts in honor of coaches Su Oertel ’72 and Richard Leake.

            Oertel retired in 2006 after an impressive 31-year coaching career as the head women’s tennis coach beginning in 1975. With a dual meet record of 383-189, Oertel was one of the best known and most successful coaches in the college’s history. She guided the Norse to four AIAW Iowa State Championships in five years and an unmatched 23 of 24 Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women’s tennis championships. The women’s tennis team won 19 consecutive IIAC titles, 17 of them with Oertel coaching on site. Oertel was named Iowa Conference Coach of the Year for Division III Women’s Tennis 12 times and in 1992, she was voted Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s National Coach of the Year in Division III women. Her student-athletes made 10 trips to the NCAA Division III national team tournament and 13 trips to the NCAA III national individual tournament.

            “What a tremendous honor this naming is. I got to work in a beautiful facility that I loved, with people I loved, at a college that I love,” said Oertel. “Playing on tennis courts taped to the basketball floors and practicing in the gyms at 6 a.m. or 10 p.m. when it was available, we all excitedly watched the much-needed SRC facility being built in 1991. I want to thank those who contributed to the updating of the SRC project. The renovation of this space will update an already tremendous facility by making much-needed, sport-specific improvements. To be identified with Luther College as a student-athlete and coach and now, with my name on the indoor tennis courts with Rich are tremendous honors. Go Norse!”

            The joint naming of this space symbolizes the relationship between Oertel and Leake who worked closely with and supported each other during their coaching careers. Leake coached the women’s tennis team in 1984-85 while Oertel was pursuing her doctoral degree. That year, the team won the Iowa Conference Championship and Leake was named Coach of the Year.

            Leake was the head men’s tennis coach from 1975-83 and 1985-2001. He led the Norse to 11 Iowa Conference Championships that included a string of eight consecutive titles from 1988-1995. He coached eight Iowa Conference MVPs, one three-time NCAA III All-American, 56 conference singles champions, and 53 conference doubles champions. During his time as men’s head tennis coach, he was selected Iowa Conference Coach of the Year 12 times and completed his career with a dual meet record of 270-209.

            “It is an unbelievable honor to be recognized alongside these great Luther coaches and athletes,” said Leake. “I am very grateful for the donors who are making this top-notch facility possible. The renovation of this indoor space should be a real boost to the recruitment of tennis and track student-athletes. Although the current facility has served Luther College well for 30 years, it is time for an upgrade and a facelift. I could not be more pleased that Luther is investing in its athletic program with this new facility.”

             As part of the renovation, the indoor courts will be reconfigured to include four doubles tennis courts.

Neubauer Indoor Track

            The indoor track will be named the Neubauer Indoor Track in honor of Kirk Neubauer ’76. Neubauer was the head coach of the men’s track and field team from 1980-1986. His teams won the Iowa Conference Championships all seven years, and he was named Iowa Conference Coach of the Year four times. He also coached the women’s cross country team for three seasons (1986-1988). His ’87 team won an Iowa Conference title, and he was selected Coach of the Year.

According to Neubauer, Naslund was instrumental in his decision to attend Luther.

“During my senior year in high school, Coach Naslund made the effort to visit my home on the farm in Iowa Falls to better acquaint me with Luther. Coach Naslund convinced me, as well as my parents, that Luther was a special place. Having him as my track coach for four years and running on four conference championship teams under his leadership was a privilege.”

Neubauer said that when he was informed that the new track would be named in his honor, he was “taken aback” and wants all of the student-athletes he coached over the years to know that this naming is a collaboration of all of their efforts. He also recognizes that the new track was made possible through a generous donation.  

“Although the family who supported the track renovation wished to remain anonymous, I know their financial commitment to Luther over the years has been phenomenal, and we thank them once again for their generosity! Coaches Naslund, Oertel, Leake, and I were all members of the Luther Athletic Department staff during the same era, so sharing the excitement of the SRC renovation with them is especially gratifying.”

            Neubauer hopes that, along with being an incredible setting for training and competition, Decorah community members will utilize the track for health and fitness initiatives, especially when inclement weather interferes with exercise.

Make a gift

Fundraising continues for the SRC renovation project, and gifts and pledges of all sizes are appreciated. Multiyear pledges may be fulfilled over three years. All gifts of $10,000 or more qualify for recognition on the donor wall in the facility. For more information on ways to support this project, call the Development Office at (800) 225-8664 to speak with a development officer. For more information visit luther.edu/giving/priorities/sail-norse/src/.

Luther College, a NCAA Division III athletics program, is a member of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) located in Decorah, Iowa.

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 60+ 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.