Author: Luther College News

DECORAH, IOWA—Gnome is where the heart is for Luther College’s Giving Day, which  returns for its ninth year on Thursday, March 7. The annual event aims to celebrate the Luther community while raising  money for the Luther Fund, Luther’s unrestricted current fund that supports all students, faculty, staff and community endeavors on campus. 

“Giving Day at Luther remains one of my favorite events because we get the opportunity to see the generosity of our entire community,” Mary Duvall, vice president for development said. “Each year, we see beautiful notes come in alongside these gifts that honor faculty, staff, and others across the Luther community that have made an impact throughout the decades.” 

Luther College’s Giving Day returns March 7.

While all gifts made to the Luther Fund on Giving Day will be matched by the Gnome Team, a group of donors whose generosity supports the success of Giving Day, this year, some gifts will be tripled.

This year, some gifts will be triple matched during special “power hours.” For example, during the “Grounded and Global” power hours from 9–11 a.m. and again from 5–7 p.m. All donations made by members of the Decorah community and anyone living abroad will be tripled, in celebration of Luther as a school grounded in Decorah that sets students up for success all over the world. A full schedule of power hours is available on the Giving Day website. 

“I love Giving Day because of the way it brings together every person in the Luther community to have an impact,”Duvall said. “The fun and energy it generates is incredible, and this year, I’m especially looking forward to the Gnome-fluencers on social media.”

There are many ways to participate in Giving Day: 

• Join the Facebook event and see fun posts and videos leading up to and throughout the day. 
• When you make a gift in honor of Luther faculty or staff,  Luther staff will share your dedication with that person and connect you both in an email that same day.  
• New this year, those in the Decorah area can stop by The Landing Market for Luther Day at the Landing, a day in which 100% of all sales made at Justin’s and The Buzz will be matched with an equal gift to the Luther Fund.

Last year, Luther celebrated over $1.1 million raised at the end of Giving Day. These donations go toward essential financial aid, life-changing study abroad programs, and community-building student groups on campus, all of which shape Luther into a vibrant community filled with young adults ready to face a changing world. These donations make the Luther experience and shaping students as engaged citizens possible. 

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Hongxiao Yu took her students to local businesses, like Pulpit Rock Brewery, as part of her curriculum.

DECORAH, IOWA—Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of management at Luther College, won the inaugural Excellence in Collaboration Award this year for forging connections between the college and Decorah businesses like Impact Coffee, Pulpit Rock Brewery and the Landing Market. 

“Visits to local companies allows Luther students to hear firsthand the success stories and community-centric values of these businesses,” Yu said. “I want to connect the academic curriculum with real-world experiences for students.” 

The award, presented by Luther and the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, honors collaboration between Luther and the Decorah-area community. For the past two years, Yu has brought students from her management classes to meet with local companies to gain insights on how businesses operate. 

“Professor Yu is extremely intentional about connecting subjects in class to local businesses,” said Samuel Scott, a senior management major who took Yu’s marketing class in spring 2023. “Her efforts to link classroom material to real life application has been integral to my learning in the management department.”

Yu also invited local managers and business leaders to share work experience with Luther students. For example, Linnea Carlson Rahlf, class of 2020 and marketing director of Decorah Area Bank & Trust Co., gave students practical advice to help guide their professional journeys. 

“As a Luther alumni and Decorah employee, sharing my real-world career experience with the students was rewarding. Creating connections between the classroom and our community helps all of us grow,” said Rahlf. “Their questions were insightful, and I enjoyed the opportunity to hear what interests today’s Luther students. In life and work, we’re all always learning from each other. I appreciate Hongxiao reaching out and making the connection.”

Yu also took students to Impact Coffee.

Yu has also hosted a Lunar New Year celebration for the past two years at the Landing Market to foster cultural exchanges, where she cooked traditional Chinese food for community members to ring in the holiday. During the 2023 celebration, the event sold out. 

To continue to strengthen the college and community connection, Yu joined Luther’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (CEPE) Advisory Board. The CEPE designs opportunities for Luther students and the community by inviting speakers, organizing book groups and hosting events. 

Yu was one of 12 nominees for the award, which focused on collaborative projects between the campus and community in areas like career services, historic preservation, cultural heritage, manufacturing, small businesses, safety, tourism, research, internships and experiential learning that expanded services, added skills or enhanced the Decorah experience. Nominations for the 2025 award will open in the fall. 

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu. 

ASAA hosted the first Dashain Festival, a Hindu festival in Nepal, at Luther College.

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College’s Asian Student Association and Allies (ASAA) continues to celebrate 40 years on campus with a series of events including lectures, performances and a Center Stage Series concert this spring. The organization was founded in 1984 by students who were largely from Southeast Asia. 

Adrianna Tam

“Today, Luther has 58 international students from 13 Asian countries, as well as Asian-American students,” said Adrianna Tam, assistant professor of music and faculty advisor to ASAA. “As a second generation Asian-American myself, I am impressed by these and all of our international students not only because I have studied abroad myself, thousands of miles from home, but also because my parents first came to this country to pursue higher education.”

Events 

Campus Ministries will host an ASAA celebration chapel at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. Brian Caton, professor of history at Luther, will speak on the history of ASAA and Tam will provide musical selections. 

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Noble Recital Hall, Luther’s music department will ring in the Lunar New Year with A Thousand Tongues: An AAPI Recital with highly acclaimed AAPI musicians from the Twin Cities area along with Aurora and Collegiate Chorale. The program will celebrate Asian and Asian-American identities through song and storytelling. 

Grace Ji-Sun Kim will give the Sihler Lecture, “Theology of Visibility,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Recital Hall. In 2021, she published “Invisible,” a book on theology. Kim is also the host of Madang, a podcast which discusses topics such as Christianity, religion and culture.

At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10, in Noble Recital Hall, Tam will perform along with her mother, Jing-Ling Tam. Jing-Ling Tam is a professor of choral and vocal arts at the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Lydia X. Z. Brown will give the Price Distinguished Lecture, “Until We All Are Free: Disability Justice Interventions in Queer, Trans, Feminist Movements,” Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life’s Recital Hall. Price is a queer, disabled and East Asian advocate, organizer, attorney, strategist and writer. They also serve as the director of public policy at the National Disability Institute and are the founding executive director of the Autistic People of Color Fund. 

Small Island Big Song will perform for the final Center Stage Series concert of the year at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the CFL’s Main Hall. The collective is composed of artists and performers from 16 island nations across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Tickets are available to purchase through the Luther Ticket Office. 

History of ASAA

The ASAA was founded Feb. 14, 1984, as the Asian Student Association as a way for Asian students, who, at the time, were largely Southeast Asian refugees and first-generation immigrants from countries like Laos and Cambodia. The organization’s members aimed to advocate and organize for themselves on Luther’s campus. 

The students came to Luther through an English as a Second Language (ESL) program, which was designed to help students access Luther’s liberal arts education. 

The ASAA wanted to showcase their members’ cultures to the campus and Decorah community. In 1984, they organized the first Ethnic Arts Festival, featuring food, music and other performances. This event was so popular that it was celebrated annually until 2020. In the early 2000s, the group added “allies” to their name in order to include a wider audience on campus.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College will host its annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital, featuring Nicole Keller, assistant professor of organ at the University of Michigan. The recital will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. 

Keller’s program will include works by Buxtehude, Mendelssohn, Shearing and Bach. The recital is open to the public with no charge for admission. 

Nicole Keller

The Chicago Crusader described Keller as “an aggressive player with outstanding technique and fine musical sensibilities.” She has performed widely in the United States and abroad in such prestigious venues as St. Patrick Cathedral in New York, Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Paris and Kazakh National University for the Arts in Kazakhstan. Keller specializes in eclectic programs, pairing familiar sounds and genres with less familiar ones.

“Keller has the rare ability to play an immense variety of music from different times and places thoughtfully and sensitively,” said Alexander Meszler, assistant professor of music at Luther College. “We’re excited to host her for this program as well as provide opportunities for her to engage with Luther students.”

The annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital features outstanding artists of international caliber on Luther’s 42-stop Robert Sipe Organ in the Center for Faith and Life. The intent of the concert is to provide an inspirational role model for current and prospective students who wish to pursue organ or church music study at Luther, as well as offer the community a concert of the highest quality. It is made possible through the Kathryn Ulvilden Moen ’41 Organ Fund and the William B. Kuhlman Endowment. Learn more about the organs at Luther College. 

About Luther College Music 

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

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College invites everyone to recognize and celebrate Black History Month this February with a series of events on campus. The month will include a jazz performance of one of Langston Hughes’s poems, film screenings and a distinguished lecture. The events are open to the public. 

“Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and influences of African Americans,” said Robert Clay, diversity, equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “It also challenges us to further social justice and civil rights efforts that are necessary for African Americans to have equitable experiences in local and global capacities.”

Luther College’s Black Student Union (BSU) will host a film screening of “Pariah” (2011) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, in Valders Hall of Science 206. Directed by Dee Rees, the film tells the story of Alike (Adepero Oduye), a 17-year-old Black teenager embracing her identity as a lesbian. BSU will also host Nerdology Trivia at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Marty’s in the basement of Dahl Centennial Union.

“I’m thrilled to announce our Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts,” said Jasmine Studer-Sarjeant, president of BSU and a junior. “This theme embodies a celebration of the remarkable contributions made by African American artists throughout history. Join us in a series of enriching events that aim to highlight the diverse talents and creativity that have shaped our cultural landscape.” 

Erik Clark, class of 2009, will host a reading and signing of his book “Blunt Force Trauma” from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 in the Center for the Arts Atrium. Attendees will be able to gain insights into his creative process. 

Ron McCurdy, professor of music at University of Southern California, and his quartet will perform Langston Hughes’s “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz” for Luther College’s Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Langston Hughes wrote “Ask Your Mama” between 1959 and 1960 and shared sections at the Newport Jazz Festival. McCurdy and his quartet have brought the poem fully to life with jazz accompaniment, visuals and spoken word. Tickets are required for this event and are available online at tickets.luther.edu or by calling the Luther College Box Office at 563-387-1357.

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, BSU will host a film screening of “Fences” (2016) in Valders 206. Written by August Wilson, the film stars Denzel Washington and is based on the 1985 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. 

Rev. Lamont Wells

Rev. Lamont Wells, the executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), will give the Black History Month Keynote Address at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the CFL’s Main Hall. His lecture will share insights about ecumenism, queer identity, social justice and inclusion and how these themes motivate him as a faith leader and community organizer. 

“Together, let’s honor the past, appreciate the present, and inspire a future where the arts continue to be a powerful force for unity and understanding within our community,” said Studer-Sarjeant. 

BSU will host an Afro Music Concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, in Marty’s. Experience an evening of vibrant music, dance and spoken word that pays homage to inspiring stories throughout history. 

“Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity for the Luther campus to get a fuller understanding of American history,” said Novian Whitsitt, professor of Africana studies and English at Luther. “We still live in times in which the accepted constructed American historical narratives eliminate or diminish the integral role of Black American contributions to intellectual, scientific, political, artistic and athletic endeavors.”

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College’s Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of management, is the first recipient of the Excellence in Collaboration Award from the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for her active role in helping local businesses. 

Yu received the award at the 2024 annual Luther Luncheon, which showcases the connection between Decorah and the college.

“What a nice way to kick off 2024 with our Decorah-area partners and friends: celebrating the past with 100 years of the chamber and 33 years of our annual luncheon, while looking to the future with a new award honoring Luther College and Decorah-area organization collaborative efforts,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “We were proud to see Yu honored as the first recipient of this award.”

Hongxaio Yu

Yu worked to connect Luther students with several local employers including Decorah Bank & Trust, Landing Market, Impact Coffee and Pulpit Rock Brewery along with Luther’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement and the Career Center.

Decorah-area leadership, chamber members and business leaders filled the Peace Dining Hall in the Dahl Centennial Union for the event. 

“It was delightful to see a huge turnout for the luncheon today. The joyous occasion in honor of the 100th anniversary of the chamber exemplified the importance of the collaboration between Luther and Decorah,” said Decorah mayor Lorraine Borowski. 

Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement, presented the award. Alexander Meszler accepted the award on behalf of Yu, who was able to spend J-Term with family and friends in her home country of China.  

“She sets a standard for future efforts,” said Clay. “Yu connected academia and business, and infused new elements of creativity into our shared Decorah space.” 

Yu was one of 12 nominees for the award, which focused on collaborative projects between the campus and community in areas like career services, historic preservation, cultural heritage, manufacturing, small businesses, safety, tourism, research, internships and experiential learning that expanded services, added skills or enhanced the Decorah experience. 

Nominations for the 2025 award will open in late fall of this year on the Decorah-Area Chamber of Commerce website. Individuals or teams that demonstrate successful cooperation, collaboration or innovation to positively impact quality of life for campus and community are eligible to apply. The review committee encourages specific projects, events, efforts or initiatives that ultimately benefit campus life, community vibrancy, health and wellness, open communication or the local economy.

Hongxiao Yu is the first recipient of the Excellence in Collaboration Award. 

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

DECORAH, IOWA—Ron McCurdy, professor of music at the University of Southern California, and his quartet will perform Langston Hughes’s “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz” for Luther College’s Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. 

Langston Hughes (1901-1967) wrote “Ask Your Mama” between 1959 and 1960 and shared sections at the Newport Jazz Festival. An innovator of the literary art form known as the jazz poem during the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes died before the piece was ever staged with music as he intended. McCurdy and his quartet have brought the poem fully to life with jazz accompaniment, visuals and spoken word.

Langston Hughes

“I’m excited to bring this multimedia performance to Luther in February, especially as we’re celebrating Black History Month,” said director of campus programming Kristen Underwood. “The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of music, art and literature by Black Americans that changed our cultural landscape forever. Langston Hughes was at the center of it. I can’t wait to experience this performance in person.”

Ron McCurdy

A professor of music at the USC Thornton School of Music, McCurdy has served as chair of the school’s jazz studies department and director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at USC. His primary instrument is the trumpet. He has released several recordings, including “Once Again for the First Time” and “The Langston Hughes Project – “Live” at the Huntington.” From 1990-99, he  served as professor of music, chair of the Afro-American Studies Department, and director of jazz studies at the University of Minnesota. 

Center Stage Dinner Series

The talented chefs of the Norse Culinary Team are back with the popular Center Stage Dinner Series. The dinners feature a multicourse menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required; the menu for February 9 can be viewed at tickets.luther.edu. Dinner seating begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union.

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

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

Twenty-three Luther students represented the countries of Malta and Niger at the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago.

DECORAH, IOWA— Luther College senior Cassandra Norton won an award at the American Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference in Chicago from Nov. 18–23.

Each year, students from across the United States gather in Chicago to practice public speaking, write resolutions and learn about global issues. At the fall 2023 conference in November, more than 800 students from 61 colleges represented countries in the Model U.N. and the third year of Luther attending the conference.

Twenty-three students from Luther College Model U.N. attended the conference, with some representing Malta and others representing Niger. Norton won the Outstanding Delegate Award for her representation of Malta in the International Telecommunication Union.

“I was able to make a small collection of friends in my committee, I got along great with staff, and ended the conference feeling like I had done some really good work,” said Norton. “My favorite part was Monday morning when we made our final edits on the required amendments for the resolution. It was so exciting when each amendment passed and then the resolution itself, all by consensus.”

 Luther has a connection to Malta through Luther alumna Vanessa Frazier, class of 1990, who serves as the country’s Permanent Ambassador to the U.N. In February 2023, she also served as the Security Council President. 

Orçun Selçuk, faculty advisor to Model U.N. and assistant professor of political science, said that interest in Model U.N. has grown in the last few years. 

“I enjoy being a part of this successful program at Luther. The whole experience broadens students’ world and exposes them to new perspectives that they are not as familiar with,” Selçuk said. “This year, our team had students from over fifteen countries. We look like the United Nations ourselves.” 

If students are interested in joining Model U.N., they can email modelun@luther.edu for more information. 

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.