Author: Luther College News

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College’s Fall 2023 Dean’s List includes 568 students; 106 first-years, 106 sophomores, 143 juniors and 213 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). 

Bailey Acton
First-year
Winterset, IA

Ryan Adams
Senior
Osage, IA

Jane Addams
Senior
Decorah, IA

Muhammad Sarab Aftab
First-year
Faisalabad, PAKISTAN

Aspen Ahrenholz
First-year
Vinton, IA

Jake Althaus
First-year
Durango, IA

Getruda Amos
Senior

Emma Amundson
Senior
Hastings, MN

Jeremy Andera
Junior
Cresco, IA

Karlton Anderson
First-year
Baxter, MN

Allie Anderson
Junior
New Ulm, MN

Riley Anderson
First-year
Urbandale, IA

Micah Anderson
First-year
Elko New Market, MN

Eva Anderson
Senior
Ames, IA

Jamie Anderson
First-year
Ames, IA

Rose Anderson
First-year
Oregon, WI

Mara Anderson-Skelly
Junior
Lemont, PA

Xavier Andrade
Senior
Foster City, CA

Charlotte Appel
Junior
Lynnwood, WA

Anghy Aragon Alegria
Senior

Aliyah Arkley
Senior
Bloomington, MN

Harrison Arnold
Sophomore
Marion, IA

Anya Bacon
Senior
Hayward, WI

Nora Baer
Senior
Lake City, MN

Conor Baesemann
First-year
Pleasanton, CA

Kylie Bakke
Sophomore
Urbandale, IA

Bella Bamlett
Junior
Fort Atkinson, WI

Anna Barbknecht
Junior
Eden Prairie, MN

Emma Barness
Senior
Calmar, IA

Cole Barrett
Senior
Waukee, IA

Billy Barton
First-year
Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Anna Bartsch
Sophomore
Nerstrand, MN

Abby Bates
Senior
Alexander, IA

Hannah Batterson
First-year
Cedar Falls, IA

Anna Beaverson
Senior
Maple Grove, MN

Kaitlyn Bebensee
Senior
West Des Moines, IA

Madison Becthold
Senior
Altoona, IA

Nathan Behrens
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Kaitlyn Belger
Senior
Urbandale, IA

Jack Bell
Junior
Madison, WI

Michael Benoit
Sophomore
Port Byron, IL

Casey Berg
Junior
Austin, MN

Josie Bergler
Sophomore
Utica, MN

Sophie Bierlein
Senior
Jordan, MN

Jaime Bizarri
Senior
Atkinson, IL

Jens Bjorge
Senior
Amery, WI

Kaitlyn Blackburn
Senior
Stacy, MN

Sonja Bloeser
Sophomore
North Liberty, IA

Lydia Blomberg
Sophomore
Plymouth, MN

Matthew Boardman
Senior
Genoa, WI

Andrea Bock
First-year
Medford, MN

Janet Borchardt
Senior
Clarksville, IA

Rachel Borchardt
First-year
Clarksville, IA

Mary Brady
Junior
Eldora, IA

Natalie Brandenburg
First-year
Lake Mills, IA

Kelsey Bratland
Junior
Spring Grove, MN

Catherine Briddell
Sophomore
Mcfarland, WI

Benjamin Bridges
Senior
Portland, OR

Patrick Brognano
Junior
Oregon, WI

Eleanor Brown
First-year
La Crosse, WI

Victoria Brown
Senior
Aurora, CO

Olivia Brown
Sophomore
Sauk Centre, MN

Isabelle Brummer
Sophomore
Stillwater, MN

Vin Buchner
Junior
Ferryville, WI

Michelle Bui
Senior
Nam, VIETNAM

Megan Bumpus
First-year
Cedar Rapids, IA

Emilee Burcham-Scofield
Junior
Menomonie, WI

Michael Burns
Senior
Kensett, IA

Libby Bygd
Sophomore
Boyceville, WI

Margaret Callanan
Senior
Coralville, IA

Tallulah Campbell
Senior

Leif Carey-Odden
Junior
Mount Vernon, WA

Hailey Carlson
First-year
Treynor, IA

Emmy Carlson
Senior
Kasson, MN

Javi Caro Carrasco
Junior

Abigail Carroll
First-year
Saint Michael, MN

Alexandria Cassens
Sophomore
Byron, IL

Gaby Castelan
Senior
Mason City, IA

Shayla Cauldwell
Senior
De Pere, WI

Drew Chamberlain
Sophomore
Decorah, IA

Suman Chapai
Senior
Pokhara, NEPAL

L’Engle Charis-Carlson
Junior
Iowa City, IA

Jenna Charlson
Junior
Rogers, MN

Lily Chen
Senior
Austin, TX

Abhay Chhabra
Sophomore
New Delhi, INDIA

Michelle Chin
Senior
Waterloo, IA

Signe Christiansen
Junior
Minneapolis, MN

Kimberly Church
Senior
Sister Bay, WI

Anastasia Cicala
Sophomore
Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Francis Cichock
Senior
Rockford, IL

Cody Clark
Sophomore
Plymouth, MN

Kendall Clausen
Senior
Rochester, MN

Jaydan Clayton
First-year
Evansville, IN

Sloan Clemens
Senior
Chatfield, MN

Elizabeth Clement
Sophomore
Decorah, IA

Alfred Cobbinah
Junior
Freiburg, GERMANY

William Coffey
Junior
Niagara, WI

Gwen Coleman
Senior
Waverly, IA

Elena Conklin
Junior
Bainbridge Island, WA

Lauren Conner-Dieter
Sophomore
Madison, WI

Aime Consolateur
First-year
Ngarama, RWANDA

Lucy Corbin
Sophomore
Iowa City, IA

Hannah Coy
Sophomore
Mahtomedi, MN

Morgan Coy
Senior
Mantorville, MN

Marcus Cramer
Senior
Rochester, MN

Carina Crouse
Sophomore
Waukee, IA

Zachary Cummer
First-year
Waverly, IA

Tollef Currell
Sophomore
Saint Paul, MN

Meredith Dady
First-year
Rockford, IL

Jessica Dahl
Senior
Maple Grove, MN

Katie Dailey
Junior
Utica, MN

Bella Dassow
Sophomore
Hudson, WI

Anastasia Davidson
Senior
Cedar Falls, IA

Grace Davidson
Senior
Birmingham, IA

Sara De La Rosa
Senior
Morley, IA

Kellen DeKok
Junior
Archer, IA

Katherine Denner
First-year
Marion, IA

Nathaniel Dennis
First-year
Winona, MN

Mathea Diedrich
Senior
Deforest, WI

Jami Dietz
Senior
Plainfield, IL

Elizabeth Doane
Junior

Abigail Doffing
First-year
Hastings, MN

Ryan Dornfeld
Senior
Saint Michael, MN

Maci Doty
Sophomore
Marengo, IA

Shae Downing
Sophomore
Sioux City, IA

Nicholas Drew
Senior
Saint Joseph, MN

Zoe Drey
Sophomore
Clive, IA

Jessica Droessler
Senior
Sherrill, IA

Nolan Dungey
Senior
New Hampton, IA

Siobhan Dunn
Senior
Rock Island, IL

Darbi Dunning
Sophomore
Le Sueur, MN

Sergey Dutt
Junior
Plain City, OH

Abigail Dykstra
Junior
Chandler, AZ

Liam Edberg
Sophomore
Iowa City, IA

Austin Efflandt
Senior
East Moline, IL

Kate Egan
Junior
Dubuque, IA

Will Elias
First-year
Saint Peter, MN

Jasmine Elliott
Senior
Decorah, IA

Britta Elsbernd
Senior
Mason City, IA

Emma Englehart
First-year
St Charles, IL

Olivia Engler
Junior
Atlantic, IA

Ethan Erickson
Senior
Rochester, MN

Elizabeth Ess
Junior
Waconia, MN

Kaeden Fellingham
Senior
Olathe, KS

Alexa Fleming
First-year
Eden Prairie, MN

Anna Floden
Sophomore
Mason City, IA

Mac Kenzie Frame
Sophomore
Farmington, MN

Henry Franken
First-year
Saint Paul, MN

Matthew Franzen
Senior
Decorah, IA

Logan Fritz
Junior
Johnston, IA

Jack Fritz
Junior
Johnston, IA

Megan Frutiger
Senior
Eagle Lake, MN

Britt Fulton
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

McKenna Gager
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Peyton Gallt
Junior
Ames, IA

Ellie Gardner
Senior
Edina, MN

Leah Gardner
Sophomore
Urbandale, IA

Fiona Garrity
Senior
Batavia, IL

Aidan Garrity
First-year
Batavia, IL

Navishta Gayadin
Junior

Shan Ghimire
First-year
Kathmandu, NEPAL

Anthi Giannakopoulou
First-year
Freiburg, GERMANY

Emma Gibson
Senior
Iowa City, IA

Ben Gill
Senior
Castle Cove, AUSTRALIA

Elleanna Gisvold
Sophomore
Dundas, MN

Griffin Glassel
Senior
Madison, WI

Ana Goellner
Senior
Mankato, MN

Elizabeth Goff
First-year
Cedar Rapids, IA

Tia Gonzales
First-year
Olathe, KS

Ian Gonzales
Senior
Olathe, KS

Jannie Gowdy
Junior
Melbourne, IA

Lauren Gray
Senior
Cedar Rapids, IA

Alyssa Gray
Junior
Cedar Rapids, IA

Ellie Greseth
Sophomore
Saint Paul, MN

Alex Griffeth
Senior
Brighton, CO

Maya Grocholski
Senior
Plymouth, MN

Neil Grube
Junior
Minneapolis, MN

Ethan Grunewald
Senior
Fairmont, MN

Olivia Gustafson
Junior
Minneapolis, MN

Makayla Haddorff
Senior
Eagan, MN

Avery Hagstrom
Senior
Alexandria, MN

Malaika Hale
Sophomore
Centennial, CO

Maggie Haller
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Kjerstin Halverson
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Abby Hamborg
Senior
Bettendorf, IA

Kolby Hamman
First-year
Sioux Falls, SD

Morgan Hansen
Senior
Hudson, IA

Lindsay Hanson
First-year
Morristown, MN

Kai Haroldson
Senior
Excelsior, MN

Andrew Harris
First-year
Stillwater, MN

Kressin Hartl
Junior
Cannon Falls, MN

Bronwyn Harvey
Senior
Stillwater, MN

Jeremiah Haven
First-year
East Dubuque, IL

Linnea Hedin
Sophomore
Hastings, MN

Liz Heim
Junior
East Dubuque, IL

Lars Heinecke
Senior
Center City, MN

Michel Heinrich
First-year
Hannover, GERMANY

Will Heithoff
Senior
Winterset, IA

Alayna Helgemoe
Junior
Utica, MN

Ellie Helgerson
Junior
Jordan, MN

Carmen Henderson
Senior
Fort Collins, CO

Noelle Hendricks
First-year
Minneapolis, MN

Keely Hermanson
Junior
Decorah, IA

Peter Heryla
Senior
Fridley, MN

Chase Heying
Junior
Sartell, MN

Maggie Hickman
Sophomore
Solon, IA

Samantha Himegarner
Senior
Lodi, WI

Ryan Hinderaker
Senior
Ames, IA

Breah Hippler
First-year
Clive, IA

Nancy Hoang Ngan Le
Junior

Sirianna Hokanson
Sophomore
Saint Paul, MN

Ava Holland
Senior
Decorah, IA

Ryan Holt
Senior
Brooklyn Park, MN

Allison Horswill
First-year
Iowa City, IA

Jake Horton
First-year
Robins, IA

Katelyn Hosking
Junior
Slinger, WI

Rylee Houser
Sophomore
Kalispell, MT

Noah Howe
Senior
Minnetonka, MN

Foster Hull
Junior
Dubuque, IA

Cassandra Hultgren
Senior
Chandler, AZ

Anna Hunke
Senior
Crystal, MN

Aidan Hunter
Senior
Decorah, IA

Emily Hursh
Junior
Saint Charles, MN

Ella Husemann
Sophomore
Fairfax, IA

Ashley Imdieke
Junior
Northfield, MN

Mia Irving
Senior
Coralville, IA

Mason Irving
Junior
Iowa City, IA

Chelin Isaacson
Junior
Superior, CO

Drew Jaeger
Senior
Ixonia, WI

Gabrielle Janssen
Senior
Emmetsburg, IA

Tara Jeremiah Rajanesan
Sophomore
TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Kathryn Jiran
First-year
Carver, MN

Douglas Barthold Johansson
First-year
Vastra Gotaland, SWEDEN

Hannah Johnson
Junior
North Liberty, IA

Ethan Johnson
Sophomore
Brooklyn, WI

Molly Johnson
Sophomore
Davenport, IA

Linnea Johnson Nordqvist
Senior
SWEDEN

Kailey Jones
Senior
Avoca, IA

Rowan Jordahl
First-year
Hutchinson, MN

Felipe Jorge Biscaro
Sophomore
São Paulo, BRAZIL

Rachel Jorgensen
Sophomore
Plover, WI

Maddie Kaasa
Junior
Delaware, OH

Isaiah Kahl
Sophomore
Humboldt, IA

Josh Kainz
Senior
Saint Michael, MN

Morgan Kane
Junior
Lake City, MN

Stella Kaster
Sophomore
Horace, ND

Jack Kates
Senior
Dubuque, IA

Piper Kellner
Senior
Lansing, MN

Hannah Kerchner
Junior
Lenox, IA

Sophia Kersten
Senior
Bettendorf, IA

Jibran Khan
Senior

Owen King
First-year
Dubuque, IA

Malina Kirtley
Senior
Divide, CO

Anna Kjeldahl
Senior
Maple Grove, MN

Sophie Klein
Sophomore
Minneapolis, MN

Katy Klein
Junior
Elgin, MN

Jenna Kleven
Junior
Albert Lea, MN

Cirdan Klindworth
Senior
Roseville, MN

Chase Kmosena
Junior
Wausau, WI

Ethan Kober
Senior
Cedar Falls, IA

Leah Koenig
Senior
Lakeville, MN

Adam Koller
Senior
Worthington, MN

Quinn Kruckman
First-year
Spillville, IA

Audrey Kuhn
Junior
Madison, WI

Hannah LaBonte
Junior
Lake City, MN

Marshall Laidlaw
Senior
Red Wing, MN

Courtney Landgrebe
Junior
Rosemount, MN

Jenna Langen
Sophomore
La Crescent, MN

Nicole Larson
Senior
Lakeville, MN

Claire Larson
Junior
Golden Valley, MN

Do Ngoc Diep Le
Junior

Minh Quang Le
First-year
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM

Binh Le
First-year
Thanh, VIETNAM

Kurt Lebakken
Sophomore
Minneapolis, MN

Lenny Lechner
Sophomore
Schwaigern, GERMANY

Maren Lee
Junior
Gloversville, NY

Tancrede Lefort
Junior
George Sand Golbey, FRANCE

Elijah Lehmann
Junior
Oregon, WI

McKinley Leinweber
Senior
Union Grove, WI

Enzo Leite Mitidieri
Sophomore
Campinas, BRAZIL

Brooke Lidberg
Senior
Hastings, MN

Emma Lin
Senior
Des Moines, IA

Madelynn Liston
Senior
Knoxville, IA

Folabomi Longe
First-year
NIGERIA

Enrique Lopez Barriga
Sophomore
Pozuelo de, SPAIN

Aitor Lopez Barriga
Sophomore
Madrid, SPAIN

Sam Lubs
Senior
Cedar Falls, IA

Sully Lucy
Junior
Saint Paul, MN

Jonathan Lundeby
Senior
Arvada, CO

Julianne Lundvall
First-year
Ames, IA

Kyla Maatta
Sophomore
Farmington, MN

Olivia Macumber
Junior
Grimes, IA

Alyce Madson
Sophomore
Robbinsdale, MN

Cassie Magee
Senior
Fort Collins, CO

Ryan Malecha
Junior
Northfield, MN

Andrew Mantini
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Eva Mark
Senior
Springfield, MN

Emily Marthaler
Senior
West Union, MN

Ella Marti
Junior
Chaska, MN

Andre Matos Palavra
First-year
PORTUGAL

Owen Matzek
Senior
Hastings, MN

Grace May
Senior
Woodbury, MN

Peter McBride
Sophomore
St Louis Park, MN

Hannah McCarthy
Senior
Prairie City, IA

Regan McConville
Sophomore
Ames, IA

Simon McDonald
Sophomore
Northfield, MN

Bryce McDonough
Sophomore
Nora Springs, IA

Evan McElroy
Sophomore
Iowa City, IA

Kenna McGee
First-year
Eldridge, IA

Lily McGohan
Senior
Decorah, IA

Grace McIlrath
Junior
Grinnell, IA

Brittany McKeage
First-year
Livermore, IA

Sean Medcalfe
First-year
Augusta, GA

Niamh Mee
Junior
Saint Paul, MN

Elizabeth Meehan
Sophomore
Northfield, MN

Mira Melander
First-year
Minneapolis, MN

Kathryn Merten
Sophomore
Ellensburg, WA

Adam Mertzenich
Senior
Decorah, IA

Tim Mewborn
Senior
Colorado Springs, CO

Stephanie Mews
First-year
Marshfield, WI

Josie Meyer
Senior
Robbinsdale, MN

Jacob Michaelson
Sophomore
Iowa Falls, IA

Megan Miller
Junior
Urbandale, IA

Sidney Miller
Senior
Hokah, MN

Molly Miller
Junior
Winfield, IA

Elijah Miller
First-year
Lake City, MN

Daniel Millner
Sophomore
Hastings, MN

Mari Mineck
Junior
Urbandale, IA

Elijah Mitchell
Senior
Decorah, IA

Chloe Moeller
First-year
Rosemount, MN

Cam Moll
Junior
Cross Plains, WI

Lauren Monosmith
Senior
Pine Island, MN

Christian Montover
Sophomore
North Liberty, IA

Olivia Moore
First-year
Winona, MN

Jack Moriarty
Senior
Waukee, IA

Lawson Morris
First-year
Oskaloosa, IA

Delia Mortell
Junior
La Crosse, WI

Lindsey Moseley
Sophomore
Roseville, MN

Violet Mowrey
First-year
Iowa City, IA

Mackenzie Muehleip
Senior
Galena, IL

Johanna Muenkel
Senior
Rochester, MN

Bret Muhlbauer
Junior
Carroll, IA

Dylan Muhlbauer
Junior
Decorah, IA

Margaret Mullin
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Calie Mundahl
Senior
Woodbury, MN

Alexia Murano
Senior
Urbandale, IA

Rejoice Mzumara
First-year
Pune, INDIA

Camryn Nelson
Senior
Maple Grove, MN

Gloria Nelson
Senior
Stewartville, MN

Ethan Nelson
First-year
Minneapolis, MN

Sydney Nelson
Senior
Albert Lea, MN

Gia Minh Nguyen
Senior
Ha Tinh, VIETNAM

Anh Nguyen
Sophomore
Ho Chi Minh, VIETNAM

Khanh Linh Nguyen
First-year
, VIETNAM

Thanh Tu Nguyen
First-year
Bac Ninh, VIETNAM

Kim Anh Thy Nguyen
Sophomore
Catonsville, MD

Tung Nguyen
Sophomore

Kiley Nolan
Senior
Libertyville, IL

Cassandra Norton
Senior
Lakeville, MN

Francisco Nsabimana
Junior
Mbabane, SWAZILAND

Tanner Nuss
First-year
Waverly, IA

Sydney Obaseki
First-year
Abuja, NIGERIA

Madelyn O’Brien
Senior
Cedar Rapids, IA

Will Ode
Senior
Des Moines, IA

Kate Oelfke
Sophomore
Austin, MN

Jorgen Olson
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Ethan Olson
Junior
Edina, MN

Halle Olson
Junior
Cottage Grove, WI

Victor Oluwa
Junior
Freiburg, GERMANY

Grace Orme
Sophomore
Seattle, WA

Mary Osborne
Senior
Carlton, MN

Abigail Ostermann
Junior
Menasha, WI

Abbie Ostrum
Senior
Rosemount, MN

Charlotte Ottemoeller
First-year
Cedar Rapids, IA

Zion Oyelude
First-year
Plainfield, IL

Abigail Panka
First-year
Marshall, MN

Mara Pankow
Sophomore
Decorah, IA

Grace Parrott
Senior
Iowa City, IA

Magda Patten
Junior
Waukee, IA

Lainey Patzloff
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Supreme Paudel
Junior

Mari Paulsen
Sophomore
Saint Paul, MN

Lauren Pease
Sophomore
Grinnell, IA

Nicholas Perrott
First-year
Waverly, IA

Brooks Peterson
Sophomore
Minneapolis, MN

Anders Peterson
Senior
Dassel, MN

Benjamin Peterson
First-year
Galesville, WI

Samantha Peterson
Senior
Maple Grove, MN

Kaden Peterson
First-year
Rapid City, SD

Emma Pichelmann
Senior
Jacksonville Beach, FL

Cody Pierce
Senior
Dodgeville, WI

Annalie Piller
Senior
Kenyon, MN

Grace Pitsenbarger
Junior
Shoreview, MN

Danielle Pitts
Junior
Mount Vernon, IA

Claudia Podesta
Senior
Blaine, MN

Stirling Pollock
Junior
Grand Marais, MN

Ricardo Portilla Ruiz
Junior
Quito, ECUADOR

Julia Praska
Junior
Saint Paul, MN

Mia Prater
First-year
Superior, CO

Leta Prestemon
Sophomore
Northfield, MN

Mark Prince
Junior
Encinitas, CA

Emma Prostine
Senior
Cedar Rapids, IA

Mara Quackenbush
Junior
Minneapolis, MN

Joseph Quinn
First-year
East Dubuque, IL

Corwin Radcliff
First-year
Denton, TX

Erik Radke
Senior
Duluth, MN

Amelia Ramirez
Sophomore
Laveen, AZ

Alexander Randell
Junior
Buffalo Grove, IL

Megan Rasmussen
Senior
Shoreview, MN

Madelon Rathe
Junior
La Porte City, IA

Dylan Rauser
Junior
Ankeny, IA

Charlotte Ravenscroft
Senior
Madison, WI

Justin Reinhart
First-year
Guthrie Center, IA

Abby Reis
Senior
Apple Valley, MN

Malachi Rettmann
Senior
Madison, WI

Kaija Rice
Junior
Ames, IA

Annika Rice
Junior
Ames, IA

Lillian Riedel
First-year
Shoreview, MN

Louk Peter Rijsdijk
First-year
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS

Iris Roddy
Junior
Kansas City, MO

Ingrid Roeske
First-year
South Beloit, IL

Nick Rogness
Senior
Roseville, MN

Matthew Rogness
Sophomore
Roseville, MN

Mateus Rohden
Sophomore
Draper, UT

Christina Rolf
Junior
River Falls, WI

Kyra Rose
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Grace Rosholt
Sophomore
Middleton, WI

Johnna Rotto
First-year
Ames, IA

Cassie Rounds
Junior
West Des Moines, IA

Madeline Rouse
First-year
Coralville, IA

Chloe Rozga
Junior
Northfield, MN

Kaci Ruen
First-year
Lanesboro, MN

Ella Runestad
Senior
Northfield, MN

Abigail Russeth
Junior
Lakeville, MN

Madigan Ryan
First-year
Bloomington, MN

Samantha Sabin
Senior
Inver Grove Heights, MN

Eirine Salman
First-year
Stillwater, MN

Braydon Saltou
Senior
Decorah, IA

Tiago Sambiase de Felicio
Sophomore
Orlando, FL

Junita Sangare
Junior
Montserrado, LIBERIA

Hannah Saucedo
Senior
Harvard, IL

Riley Sauser
Junior
Ely, IA

Teagan Schaefer
Junior
Williamsburg, IA

Samuel Scheffler
Sophomore
Lakeville, MN

Annemarie Schloo
First-year
Minneapolis, MN

Sarah Schmidt
Junior
Bettendorf, IA

Jasmine Schueler
Senior
Rushford, MN

Riley Schulte
Junior
Plymouth, MN

Erica Schulte
Junior
Robins, IA

Nicole Schultz
Sophomore
Fountain, MN

Lauran Schwake
Sophomore
Solon, IA

Moliehi Seipati
First-year
Maseru, LESOTHO

Korpo Selay
Sophomore
Montserrado, LIBERIA

Meg Sessions
Senior
Decorah, IA

Mark Severtson
Senior
Milan, MI

Eric Shaffer
Senior
Coralville, IA

Amey Shedinger
Senior
Decorah, IA

Julia Sheyko
Junior
Cedar Rapids, IA

Ava Shively
Senior
La Crosse, WI

Ellie Shuros
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Lauren Siems
Senior
North Liberty, IA

Olivia Sinclair
First-year
Waterloo, IA

Lily Smith
Senior
Decorah, IA

Natalie Smith
First-year
West Des Moines, IA

Natalia Smith
Senior
Littleton, CO

Alex Smith
Sophomore
Grinnell, IA

Mattie Snyder
Senior
Bemidji, MN

Amelia Solum
Senior
Spring Grove, MN

Ella Sorum
First-year
Pine Island, MN

Lillian Spade
Sophomore
Dallas, TX

Hugh Spann
First-year
Viroqua, WI

Eva Stadtlander
Sophomore
Iowa City, IA

Isabelle Staton
Junior
Urbandale, IA

Brynnen Stefan
First-year
Tomahawk, WI

Ava Stemler
First-year
West Des Moines, IA

Anna Stenerson
Junior
Maple Grove, MN

Peter Stinar
Junior
Colorado Springs, CO

Isaac Stivers
Junior
Minneapolis, MN

Kristian Stordalen
Sophomore
Saint Paul, MN

Hannah Stoutner
Senior
Whitehall, WI

Alyssa Strampe
Junior
Janesville, WI

Logan Strom
First-year
Albert Lea, MN

Abby Struble
Sophomore
Clinton, IA

Haylie Strum
Sophomore
Stewartville, MN

Elliott Stuenkel
Junior
Waterloo, IA

Sammy Suski
Junior
Watertown, WI

Mia Suzuki
Senior
Rochester, MN

Alexis Svestka
Senior
Decorah, IA

Izaak Swanson
First-year
Bettendorf, IA

Sorley Swanstrom-Arnold
Junior
Duluth, MN

Lydia Swarney
Sophomore
Ottumwa, IA

Kael Swarts
Sophomore
Newton, IA

Alex Swartz
Junior
Saint Paul, MN

Katie Syers
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Ren Talerico
First-year
Madison, WI

Anna Tauscher
Junior
Rochester, MN

Carly Tautges
Senior
Rochester, MN

Amanda Teske
Junior
De Pere, WI

Kaleb Thiesse
Senior
Mantorville, MN

Alli Thomley
Junior
Verona, WI

Carter Thompson
Sophomore
Fairfield, IA

Hayden Thompson
Junior
North Liberty, IA

Ashlynn Thorsen
Sophomore
Oconomowoc, WI

JaColbey Torgerson
First-year
Mabel, MN

Elise Trail-Johnson
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Khanh Tran
First-year
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM

Nora Tresemer
First-year
Geneva, IL

Karson Trujillo
Sophomore
Delano, MN

Thuy Duong Truong
Junior

Duong Truong
Senior
Vung Tau City, VIETNAM

Lucy Tschida
Senior
Minneapolis, MN

Rachel Tully
Senior
Stoddard, WI

Kaylee Turney
Senior
Zimmerman, MN

Kieran Ulbee
Sophomore
Minneapolis, MN

Lev Van Hemert
First-year
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS

Alex Van Surksum
Sophomore
Sheldon, IA

Emma Vanbenschoten
Senior
Byron, MN

Nathan Vaughan
First-year
Berthoud, CO

Ken Vavrichek
Junior
Hopkins, MN

Annika Veit
First-year
Iowa City, IA

Chayla Velander
Senior
Farmington, MN

Nicholas Viveros
Junior
Whittier, CA

Tran Luc Vuong
Senior
Nghe an, VIETNAM

Joshua Wackerfuss
Junior
Chaska, MN

Alexander Wagner
Junior
Junction City, WI

Emma Walker
Junior
Arvada, CO

Elijah Wallace
Senior
Roseville, MN

Anna Walters-Smith
Sophomore
Rochester, MN

Zoe Warm
Senior
Long Grove, IA

Muhammad Mughees Akbar Warraich
Junior
Faisalabad, PAKISTAN

Amy Webb
Senior
Waverly, IA

Michaela Weber
Senior
Rosemount, MN

Daniel Webster
Senior
Plano, TX

Abby Weidt
Junior
Hugo, MN

Ted Weigle
Senior
Saint Michael, MN

Julia Weigle
Junior
Saint Michael, MN

Julia Weiner
Junior
Iowa City, IA

Annika Welter
Sophomore
Eden Prairie, MN

Julia Wendt
Sophomore
Madison, WI

Jacob Wenger
Senior
Manchester, IA

Keaton Wenz
Senior
Mount Vernon, IA

Austin Wesenberg
Senior
Cold Spring, MN

Ava White
Senior
Duluth, MN

Kayla Will
Sophomore
Lake Mills, WI

Sheridan Wilson
Sophomore
Zumbrota, MN

Haley Wince
Sophomore
West Des Moines, IA

Maya Winkel
Senior
Waterloo, IA

Blayre Wisneski
Senior
Shakopee, MN

Carly Witucki
Senior
Menomonie, WI

Linnea Wolle
Senior
Westminster, CO

Abigail Wood
Sophomore
New Albin, IA

Jenna Woodsmall
Junior
Grimes, IA

Maya Wosepka
Senior
Saint Paul, MN

Avery Wrage
Junior
Waverly, IA

Hannah Wren
Senior
Anthem, AZ

Dex Wright
Junior
Cottage Grove, MN

Reece Wright
Junior
Annandale, MN

Sophie Yakes
Junior
St Louis Park, MN

Owen Yoder
Junior
Des Moines, IA

Eli Young
Junior
North Liberty, IA

Hugo Zadig
Sophomore
Stockholm, SWEDEN

Sebastian Zavala Brito
Junior
Mexico City, MEXICO

Resana Zayan
Junior
Dhaka, BANGLADESH 

Samuel Zegler-Evans
Senior
Topock, AZ

Rebecca Zheng
First-year
Waverly, IA

Audrey Zielstra
Junior
Glenwood, IA

Angelina Zimmerman
Senior
Maquoketa, IA

Ruby Zorn
Junior
Little Rock, AR

 

DECORAH, IOWA—The Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the premier collegiate choral ensembles in the United States, will perform across the Upper Midwest in January and February. 

Students will perform in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska. The full itinerary of the 2024 Midwest tour is available on Luther’s website. The choir features 66 students from the sophomore, junior and senior classes. Tickets for the tour are available to purchase online or at the door an hour before the performances. However, there are a few performances that do not require a ticket, but instead ask for a freewill donation. 

 “While the choir is blessed to travel across the United States, some of my favorite audiences are in the Upper Midwest,” said Andrew Last, director of Nordic Choir. “This year’s tour will be an opportunity to connect with many friends, family and Luther alumni as we make stops in six different states. The weather may be cold, but we anticipate many warm hearts in the audiences.” 

During their performances across the Midwest this winter, Nordic Choir will feature choral classics such as Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Bogoroditse Devo” and Hans Leo Hassler’s “Verbum caro factum est,” premieres by composer Zach Moore, and excerpts from Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard.” 

 “Audiences will hear selections that celebrate arriving at home,” said Last. “Luther is the first college in the United States founded by Norwegian immigrants, and we chose this theme to honor the 200th anniversary of the first Norwegian immigrants coming to the United States.” That celebration will continue in May, when Last leads Nordic Choir on a tour of Norway. 

Nordic Choir is Luther’s principal touring choir in a choral program that includes three upper-class touring choirs and two first-year choirs. Nordic Choir honors the Lutheran choral tradition while exploring new and innovative choral works that span styles and genres. Performances have been described as “thrilling,” “breathtaking” and “rock-solid in intonation and rhythmic clarity.”  

The Luther College Nordic Choir was founded by Sigvart Steen and memorably conducted for 57 years by Weston Noble, class of 1943. Previous conductors include Craig Arnold and Allen Hightower. Since 2017, the choir has been under the direction of Last, associate professor of music and director of choral activities and graduate of the class of 1997. He earned a master’s degree in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University and a doctor of musical arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Music.

Nordic Choir tours annually, performing in churches of all denominations, schools and concert halls, including Lincoln Center in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Internationally, the choir has toured in Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Russia and Eastern Europe.  

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 will host Dream Week to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 10–19. Events, activities and community outreach are planned throughout the week to remember King’s work and legacy and to examine the state of racism, bias, inequity and injustice in the world.  

Dr. Keona K. Ervin, a professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies at Bowdoin College and former Luther assistant professor of history and Africana Studies, will give this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. The lecture, Insurgent Black Study: A Brief History of the Present, will trace the genealogy of struggles for freedom, power and liberation within Black studies and Black feminist studies. The lecture is sponsored by the Williams Endowment Fund and the Luther identity studies department.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ervin to Luther to give this year’s MLK Lecture,” said Char Kunkel, head of the identity studies department at Luther. “She brings an intersectional lens to her social justice activism by looking at racism, gender and sexuality inequities. She reminds us that we have not yet fully achieved the dream of social justice and that we must look ahead in the fight for equality.” 

“In its second year, Dream Week provides an opportunity to build upon the ideals of community and belonging,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “Dr. King once said, ‘There is another element that must be present in our struggle that then makes our resistance and nonviolence truly meaningful . . . our ultimate end must be the creation of the beloved community.’”

Wednesday, Jan. 10, The F Word: Stories of Forgiveness will open with a gallery reception at 4 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. The exhibition, which opens as part of Dream Week, will be displayed in the CFL through Jan. 24. The exhibit is a program through The Forgiveness Project and features thought-provoking images and personal narratives exploring forgiveness in the face of atrocity. 

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to A Conversation on Racial Healing. This event is in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, which calls on colleges and universities across the country to engage in activities, events and strategies that promote healing and foster engagement around the issues of racism, bias, inequity and injustice in our society. 

On Thursday, Jan. 18, Luther community members will read books to area elementary school students about service, leadership, justice, civility and diversity. 

There will also be chapel services in the CFL Main Hall, including a service remembering MLK at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, to honor King’s legacy. At 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, the community is welcome to attend a service lamenting racism. This special service will inspire all in attendance to recognize and work to repair the harm caused by racism and to recommit to doing the work of repair and restoration. 

 “It is my hope that through the program offerings and partnerships established throughout Dream Week, we can pause, reflect and answer the questions: Where are we now? Where must we go? What must be done? And more importantly, what can I do to create a just and equitable society for all of us?” Clay said. 

About the Williams Endowment Fund for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture

Luther College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture began in 1987 to provide ongoing scholarly conversation about the struggle for human rights in the United States. It is supported by the Williams Endowment Fund, named in recognition of Lawrence and Queen Williams for their dedication and years of service to Luther. The endowment assures the continuation of the college’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. Lawrence Williams planned and solicited funding for more than 20 of these lectures throughout his career as a Luther faculty member. His dedication to the lecture series reflected a commitment to understanding civil rights that went beyond academic study. Williams’ personal experiences with the civil rights movement and its protests allowed him to share a firsthand perspective with students, and his acquaintance with civil rights leaders brought extraordinary people to campus to share their lives and stories.

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 alum Josh Cinnamo, class of 2003, won a gold medal in the shot put event at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, which ran from Nov. 17–26.

Cinnamo’s outstanding throw of 14.93 meters earned him the gold in the Men’s F46 Shot Put — F46 refers to para-athletes who have an absence of the arm below or above the elbow. Cinnamo, who has a congenital limb deficiency, was a Norse football player and competed in track and field.

Cinnamo holds the world record for Men’s F46 shot put at 16.80 meters, which he earned at the 2019 Dubai Para Athletics Championships. He also holds the record in shot put for the Parapan American Games,earned in 2019 in Lima, Peru. Cinnamo is one of two Luther alums to become an Olympic athlete. Gary Neist, class of 1969, wrestled in the 1972 Munich Olympics

“It’s not the tangible end result, the diploma or gold medal with meaningful value; it’s the journey, the people, the experiences and the victory over adversity you cherish,” Cinnamo said.

As a record holder, he outlines his strategic approach to setting and surpassing his own achievements. With an eye on The Paralympic Games of Paris 2024, he emphasizes the importance of incremental milestones and discipline.

Beyond records and medals, Cinnamo finds personal fulfillment in serving as a role model for his two children and benefiting from a network of highly motivated individuals.

“My continued participation in competitions stems from the desire to instill crucial values in my children, fostering their potential for success,” Cinnamo said.

Representing the U.S. internationally holds immense significance for Cinnamo. He takes pride in showcasing the best of the country, bridging cultural gaps and fostering global unity through sports and competition.

“Standing atop the podium and hearing our national anthem is an extraordinary experience that never loses its impact,” Cinnamo said. “My intention is for it to be the culminating moment in my throwing career.”

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s 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—While Luther College performers have hung up their robes for 2023, that doesn’t mean that Christmas at Luther is over. Video on Demand tickets for “Love, the Rose, Is on the Way,” are availble to purchase online. Audiences can view the entire performance through Jan. 2 through VOD, while selections from Christmas at Luther will also be broadcast on radio and television stations this month.

Featured performers for the 2023 show include Aurora and Collegiate Choir conducted by Adrianna Tam, Norskkor and Cathedral Choir conducted by Mark Potvin, Nordic Choir conducted by Andrew Last, Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dan Baldwin, Percussion Ensemble prepared by Ryan Frost, and college organist Alex Meszler.

This year, selections from Christmas at Luther will also be broadcast on the following dates and times:

Radio broadcasts:

• KCZQ FM 102.3 Cresco: Dec. 24, 1 p.m.
• KCCK 88.3 FM Cedar Rapids/Iowa City: Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
• WVRQ 1360 AM Viroqua: Dec. 25, 9 a.m.
• IPR Iowa Public Radio: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and Dec. 25, 4 p.m.
• WPR Wisconsin Public Radio: Dec. 24, 11 a.m. and Dec. 25, 2 p.m.

Television broadcasts:

• KFXA FOX 28 Cedar Rapids: Dec. 23, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• KGAN CBS 2 Cedar Rapids: Dec. 25, 9–10 a.m.
• KIMT News 3 Rochester/Mason City: Dec. 25, 6–7 a.m. and 7–8 a.m.
• KAIT/ABC Region 8 News Jonesboro, Arkansas: Dec. 25, 6–7 a.m.
• KTIV News 4 Sioux City: Sunday Dec. 24, 11 a.m.–noon

The dates and times of these broadcasts could change in the coming weeks, so check local listings in case of any changes in the broadcast schedule.

The performance is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. The Christmas at Luther 2023 CD is available to purchase at the Luther Book Shop or online. The Christmas at Luther 2023 ornament is also available to purchase at the Book Shop or online.

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—A new study from the NAFSA: Association of International Educators shows that Luther College international students contributed $8.2 million to the U.S. economy by supporting 32 jobs during the 2022-23 academic year. Luther also ranked top four in the state of Iowa.

“I know the Luther and Decorah communities are more vibrant, more engaged, more diverse, more connected and more globally aware as a result of the 185 international students from 62 countries who currently live and study with us,” said Jon Lund, director of international admissions at Luther. “I frequently hear from faculty and staff on campus and members of the Decorah community how pleased they are that our international students decided to call this place home for four years.”

Luther ranked fourth for the state for economic impact of its international students, following only Iowa State University, University of Iowa and Grinnell College.

Each year, NAFSA conducts a study on the economic impact of international students. The 2022-23 study found that more than one million international students across the country contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy through more than 360,000 jobs.

International students bring key cultural and academic contributions to Luther and the Decorah community as well.

“Luther’s new strategic framework outlines that the college is ‘grounded and global’ in its approach. This highlights how Luther welcomes international students who are grounded in the Decorah community,” said Karen Hunt, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “International students both benefit from and contribute to Luther’s distinct and transformative education.”

The study found that for every three international students in the U.S., one job is created or supported. Data also shows that international students’ financial contributions rose almost 10 percent compared to the previous year. In Iowa alone, international students contributed more than $250 million and directly created 765 jobs.

“International students support the local economy and add vibrancy of culture to the community. They cultivate direct and substantial connections between dozens of countries and Decorah. There is not a more authentic way to share Decorah than to have the daily experience told to friends and family abroad,” said Jessica Rilling, executive director for the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. “Decorah is pleased to welcome students from around the world and appreciates all the ways that they shape the collective narrative of this place.”

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 — A new podcast presented by Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (The CEPE) in partnership with Luther’s radio station, KWLC, released its first season this spring with seven episodes. Featuring recent Luther graduates, “The Podeia Podcast” aims to reveal to current and prospective students that everyone has difficult or embarrassing moments in college and that these are often vital parts of learning and building community.

Planning for the podcast began in the spring of 2022 with the premise to feature alumni who graduated within the last 10 years as guests who recount their awkward moments during their time at Luther and discuss how they handled these moments and  what they learned from the experience.

“I know almost every student listens to podcasts, and the purpose of Podeia is to bring in recent graduates and hear from them. Current and prospective students can relate to their stories in an entertaining and fun way,” said Andy Hageman, director of The CEPE and Luther College professor of English.

The first episode featured Emily Tope, an English major from Luther College who graduated in 2015. She discussed how she handled the situation of not being prepared for her Luther lab elective class and her own experience taking the lab elective. Other episodes discussed how to deal with college decisions from breaking rules to managing loneliness and much more.

Luther students and alumni collaborated on the production of the podcast. Dominique Stringer, class of 2022, hosted, wrote and produced the first season. Asher Elliott Smith, class of 2024, edited “Podeia” and Methembe Moyo, class of 2023, served as the production assistant. Alum Andrew Murray, class of 2018, composed the theme song.

The name “Podeia” is a play on Paideia, which is a longstanding set of core curriculum courses taken by all Luther students, but the show is not affiliated with the curriculum.

“The wordplay of mashing up ‘pod’ from ‘podcast’ with ‘Paideia’ lines up with the audience we’re trying to reach consisting of current and prospective Luther students,” Hageman said.

The second season of the podcast “Podeia” will begin production in January and is set to release episodes in the spring of 2024. The new season will have a new host, as well as group interviews featuring multiple alumni in one episode.

“The Podeia Podcast” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Pocket Casts.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s 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 — A new podcast presented by Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (The CEPE) in partnership with Luther’s radio station, KWLC, released its first season this spring with seven episodes. Featuring recent Luther graduates, “The Podeia Podcast” aims to reveal to current and prospective students that everyone has difficult or embarrassing moments in college and that these are often vital parts of learning and building community.

Planning for the podcast began in the spring of 2022 with the premise to feature alumni who graduated within the last 10 years as guests who recount their awkward moments during their time at Luther and discuss how they handled these moments and  what they learned from the experience.

“I know almost every student listens to podcasts, and the purpose of Podeia is to bring in recent graduates and hear from them. Current and prospective students can relate to their stories in an entertaining and fun way,” said Andy Hageman, director of The CEPE and Luther College professor of English.

The first episode featured Emily Tope, an English major from Luther College who graduated in 2015. She discussed how she handled the situation of not being prepared for her Luther lab elective class and her own experience taking the lab elective. Other episodes discussed how to deal with college decisions from breaking rules to managing loneliness and much more.

Luther students and alumni collaborated on the production of the podcast. Dominique Stringer, class of 2022, hosted, wrote and produced the first season. Asher Elliott Smith, class of 2024, edited “Podeia” and Methembe Moyo, class of 2023, served as the production assistant. Alum Andrew Murray, class of 2018, composed the theme song.

The name “Podeia” is a play on Paideia, which is a longstanding set of core curriculum courses taken by all Luther students, but the show is not affiliated with the curriculum.

“The wordplay of mashing up ‘pod’ from ‘podcast’ with ‘Paideia’ lines up with the audience we’re trying to reach consisting of current and prospective Luther students,” Hageman said.

The second season of the podcast “Podeia” will begin production in January and is set to release episodes in the spring of 2024. The new season will have a new host, as well as group interviews featuring multiple alumni in one episode.

“The Podeia Podcast” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Pocket Casts.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Luther’s 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.