Author: Luther College News

For its 2026 spring tour, the Luther College Jazz Orchestra, one of the premier collegiate instrumental jazz ensembles in the United States, will be traveling to the birthplace of jazz and six other cities starting Saturday, March 21.

The Jazz Orchestra and their conductor, Juan Tony Guzmán

Whether they’re swinging to the tunes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie, making a Brazilian samba come alive or simply laying down a heavy funk groove, the Jazz Orchestra and their conductor, Juan Tony Guzmán, are guaranteed to make any space come alive with musical energy.

Their spring tour repertoire includes highlights from Gordon Goodwin, Astor Piazzolla, Marshall Gilkes and Bob Washut.

Students from a variety of academic programs perform with the Jazz Orchestra and will be featured as soloists during the spring tour.

While rest of campus enjoys spring break (March 23-27), the Jazz Orchestra will perform in the following locations:

• Iowa City, Iowa
• Collierville, Tenn.
• New Orleans, La.
• Lafayette, La.
• Little Rock, Ark.
• Topeka, Kan.
• Johnston, Iowa

The Jazz Orchestra will return to Decorah for a homecoming concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The concerts are free and open to the public.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, who was recently named as one of the world’s “most influential leaders in health” by Time magazine, will discuss concerns surrounding the current status of public health in the world and what he recommends we do to address this crisis at the Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership. The lecture titled “Public Health in Crisis: What This Means to You” will start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on Luther College’s campus. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Dr. Michael Osterholm

This year’s Roslien Distinguished Lecture will be a conversational fireside chat format with Osterholm answering questions posed by Dr. Mark Larson, medical director of Mayo Clinic Care Network. Larson graduated from Luther in 1978 and he currently serves on the Luther College Board of Regents with Osterholm.

“In the past year, we have seen significant changes to public health leadership and policies, and this lecture will deliver a powerful and precise analysis of how these changes are already shaping our lives,” said Andy Hageman, director of the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement and a professor of English. “Dr. Osterholm is uniquely positioned to shed light on multiple aspects of public health changes, from government agency approaches to scientific research to vaccine attitudes, policies and trends.”

Osterholm, a 1975 Luther College graduate, holds many roles at the University of Minnesota. Currently, Osterholm is a regents professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the medical school.

In 2025, Osterholm and colleagues founded the Vaccine Integrity Project, a key initiative dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the United States. Osterholm is the author of three books, and he will highlight the findings detailed in his 2025 book, “The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics,” at the Roslien Distinguished Lecture.

“If you want to get a revered insider perspective on what is happening in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and why it matters to you and your family, community, and country, you won’t want to miss this lecture,” added Hageman.

The lecture will be livestreamed on Luther College’s YouTube channel.

Luther College is taking a major step toward zero-waste by partnering with USEFULL to provide a tech-enabled stainless steel container reuse program for takeout orders at Oneota Market inside the Dahl Centennial Union.

Luther College students check out durable stainless steel containers through a new partnership with USEFULL.

USEFULL’s system uses durable stainless steel containers with silicone lids to keep meals hot or cold for hours, providing students with a premium dining experience while eliminating reliance on plastic and short-life reusables. Its technology platform includes container tracking, automatic return reminders, and performance reporting at both the institutional and individual level.

“This partnership reflects our community’s core values around sustainability and care for the environment,” said Kara Holmstrom, Luther’s sustainability coordinator. “USEFULL is helping us build a healthier and more responsible campus dining culture, while reducing waste and ensuring flexibility for our students who want to take food on-the-go.”

The program debuted on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and since then, students have been checking out USEFULL containers and integrating sustainability into their daily dining routines. Reuse is growing in retail dining on campus, and this is a step forward for Luther to eliminate plastic from its waste streams, one small part of the college’s goal of being a carbon neutral institution by 2030.

“Reducing waste is one important piece of our larger effort to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our campus operations and culture,” said Jon Jensen, director of Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities. “The great thing about this program is that it is also giving students an enhanced experience when they eat on the go.”

In partnership with Bon Appétit Management Company, Luther is the first college in the state of Iowa to partner with USEFULL.

“Luther College is part of a real movement to rethink campus waste and do reuse right,” said Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. “We’re proud to support the college’s commitment to long-term sustainability with a reuse system that students and dining teams love to use.”

Luther College is the first college in Iowa to partner with USEFULL for a reusable takeout program.

The program is free to students, faculty and staff with minor fees applied only to containers returned after the two-day usage period or unreturned containers.

“It’s like checking out a library book, but for reusable containers,” Jensen said.

The reusable takeout program integrates with other sustainability practices at Luther including Cafeteria to Community and food composting efforts. Through the Cafeteria to Community program, Luther students and volunteers work together to package and label food that is provided to four northeast Iowa facilities: Open Hands Food Pantry, Northeast Iowa Community Action, Decorah Food Pantry and Midwest Mission Bible Training Center. Each facility ensures that individuals and families receive nutritious meals at no cost.

Luther College raised a total of $1,377,593 to support scholarships and world-class education during the college’s 11th annual Giving Day on Thursday, March 5. Gifts made on Giving Day are critical to the continued support and growth of the Luther Fund, Luther’s unrestricted current fund that supports all students, faculty, staff and community endeavors on campus.

“At Luther, we know that the future is shaped by those who believe in it,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “Once again, the Luther community demonstrated with record support their belief in Luther College and our ability to continue to shape the world one graduate at a time. We are grateful for all those who participated in Giving Day and how they have inspired and equipped us to create more Luther stories.”

Giving Day 2026 was the most successful Giving Day in the college’s history with gifts from all 50 states and 10 countries. Organizers pointed out that Giving Day 2026 was Luther’s second record-breaking single day fundraising event during the 2025-26 academic year. The college raised a total of $592,631 during the sixth annual One Team Day held on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Also in the numbers, more than 1,800 gifts—a remarkable increase from last year’s 1,600 donors – as Luther topped the previous year’s $1.2 million total.

Giving Day capped off “Luther Gives,” a weeklong campus event celebrating the generosity of Luther alumni, donors and campus community. Students wrote thank you notes to donors who funded their scholarships, made friendship bracelets, spun a wheel for prizes, and responded to special notes from donors on why they give to Luther for Giving Day.

Alumni and friends also hosted Giving Day gatherings in communities across the country, including Iowa City, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; Redmond, Oregon; Tucson, Arizona; and here in Decorah at Luther Day at The Landing.

Mark your calendars for next year, as Giving Day returns on Thursday, March 4, 2027.

Sending Luther Love to Our Donors

Thank you to everyone who supported Luther College during Luther Gives.

Luther College is hosting several events to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. The events are open to the public.

“March is a time to reflect on women’s history and accomplishments,” said Char Kunkel, head of the Identity Studies Department at Luther College. “Women have always contributed to society, but have often been invisible or ignored. Now is the time to acknowledge and lift up women.”

The monthlong Women’s History Month celebration will kick off with the “Power of Hair with Folashade Oloye” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Mott Room, located on the first floor of the Dahl Centennial Union. Oloye is the founder and CEO of Cashmere Lux Hair Salon in Rochester, Minnesota. As a cosmetology expert with more than 20 years of experience, Oloye will provide healthy hair care and styling tips for a variety of hair types. The event is sponsored by the Center for Engagement and Support (CIES).

Sorority members from Alpha Beta Psi (ABY), Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) and Tau Delta Gamma (TDG) will host the annual International Women’s Day Tea on Sunday, March 8, in the Peace Dining Room, located on the second floor of the Union. The event begins at 11 a.m. Organizers said the annual tea is a wonderful opportunity “to pause, connect and hear from an inspiring speaker.”

“Whether you are part of a sorority or just looking to connect with a supportive network of women, we would love for you to join the conversation,” said Emily Ostermann, president of ABY. “We believe that history is made through the friendships and service we build together every day.”

Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz

University of Iowa Associate Professor Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. The lecture is sponsored by CIES and the Identity Studies Department at Luther College.

The lecture, “Feminist Futures: WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Solidarity in the Movement for Reproductive Justice,” draws on her decades of experience in academic research and community organizing to explore trans liberation as essential to reproductive justice. Fixmer-Oraiz is the author of two books: “Homeland Maternity: U.S. Security Culture and the New Reproductive Regime” (2019) and “Doing Gender Justice: Queering Reproduction, Kin, and Care” (2025; with Shui-yin Sharon Yam). Fixmer-Oraiz teaches courses in rhetorical theory and criticism, gender and sexuality studies, social movements and feminisms at Iowa.

Community members are invited to a special worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. This service will include the sharing of communion and lighting candles in prayer and remembrance.

“We will celebrate the gifts and legacy of women of faith. All are invited to bring pictures or mementos of inspiring women in their lives to add to our table of gratitude,” said Pastor Melissa Bills, director of college ministries at Luther.

Self-described decolonial pathfinder Shelley Buffalo will present her lecture titled “Rematriation and Indigenous Futurism” at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. This event is co-sponsored by CIES and Identity Studies.

Buffalo is an enrolled member of the Meskwaki Tribe, also known as the Sac and Fox of the Mississippi, in Tama, Iowa. Buffalo served her community as the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Coordinator and now offers consultancy for food sovereignty and local foods initiatives. She is an advocate for indigenous foodways, food justice and rematriation. In 2024, Buffalo received a 2024 Environmental Leader Award from the Center for Rural Affairs.

The Women’s History Month celebration concludes with a Cultural Community Connections Event to honor the contributions of women at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at The Landing Market, 211 College Drive in Decorah. A meal will be prepared by ABY, BTQ and TDG sorority members.. The cost is $10 per person. The cost is $5 for students (with ID) attending any college or university and for children 17 and younger. No reservations are needed.

Sophia Chadima, Hannah Hoffmann and Niamh Mee are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Two Luther College students and one recent graduate are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Operating in over 140 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:

• Sophia Chadima, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic
• Hannah Hoffmann, class of 2023, Study/Research grant in Spain
• Niamh Mee, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Estonia

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

The finalists for 2026-27 will be announced this spring.

Luther College graduate Kayla Will, class of 2025, won the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award as a student participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS), where she interned at the Death Penalty Information Center.

Kayla Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, received the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award.

The Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate an inquisitive nature in their studies and are committed to learning. The award is named for the late Dr. Christopher C. Joyner, former LCWS faculty member and professor of international law at Georgetown University.

Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, was nominated by her fellow LCWS students and faculty members.

“Being selected for the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award feels truly amazing,” Will said. “Exploring new experiences, engaging with communities, supporting others and having meaningful conversations have always been central to how I learn and grow. And that’s exactly what Lutheran College Washington Semester embodies, and what the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes — dedication, curiosity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for learning — and I am so grateful to my peers for recognizing me in these qualities. This is an honor I will always remember.”

During her semester in Washington, D.C., Will interned as a data researcher and archivist at the Death Penalty Information (DPI) Center. Her primary role involved maintaining and updating the database of all individuals on death row in the United States. She had the opportunity to attend events with the DPI team, such as a gathering at the German Embassy for World Day Against the Death Penalty and a lecture on wrongful convictions at Georgetown University Law Center.

“I learned so much — not from textbooks or lectures, but from the daily realities of working in a real office and supporting projects that have a tangible impact,” Will said. “I gained firsthand experience in meaningful, purpose-driven work and developed a deeper understanding of both the research process and the broader impact of informed policy analysis.”

Will recently graduated from Luther with a degree in political science. She transferred to Luther for the 2023 fall semester and immersed herself in campus life. She played center for the Norse women’s basketball team and was president of the Luther Democrats.

Will is grateful for her LCWS experience.

“Participating in the program has strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and made me feel ready, prepared and excited for my job search,” she said.

Will is passionate about “helping people stay informed, bridge differences and work together toward fair and effective solutions.”

“I want to support a government and society where understanding and collaboration drive meaningful, positive change. I’m especially interested in issues like criminal justice reform, education, veterans’ benefits, women’s rights and freedoms, and civic engagement,” Will said. “Moving forward, I hope to pursue work that allows me to combine these passions.”

Celebrate the golden age of jazz and sentimental serenades when Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The performance is part of Luther College’s 2025-26 Center Stage Series.

“This installment of our Center Stage Series provides something different from all of the artists we’ve brought in so far this season. It’s going to be so fun to hear outstanding jazz artists — both vocal and instrumental — performing timeless jazz standards,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “I hope that regular Center Stage attendees will invite their friends to join them for a classy evening of music, and that folks who haven’t yet attended a Center Stage event will give it a try.”

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners features Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III; New York City-based pianist, vocalist, composer and educator Robbie Lee; and vocalist Shenel Johns performing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Misty,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and many more. In addition to soaring vocals, the trio of Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians will share the true stories about the legendary performers who brought these timeless songs to life.

“As a self-proclaimed crooner myself, this show is very near and dear to my heart,” Benack said. “Many of us grew up on these classics playing around the house, at family gatherings, and spent hours singing along to the radio. It’s timeless repertoire that will drum up all kinds of nostalgia and fond memories, but with our stellar cast, we’ll keep things fresh.”

Before the performance, treat yourself to dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person. Dietary accommodations are available upon request.

Buy tickets for the Feb. 28 performance and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.