Author: Luther College News

May 31, 2023

Amanda Weber, class of 2008, receives the Young Alumni Award at commencement, May 21, 2023.

Luther College 2008 graduate Amanda Weber, founder of the Voices of Hope choirs, received the college’s 2023 Young Alumni Award. The announcement was made during the commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21.

The Young Alumni Award is given to a Luther alumnus in the spring of each year for notable personal accomplishments, leadership qualities and service to Luther or society. The recipient must be a graduate from the last 15 years who best represents the college’s mission to serve society.

“Receiving this award and attending commencement at Luther with my family has me reflecting on so many ways in which my college experience shaped me,” Weber said. “I am so grateful for the memories—the mentoring from faculty who continue to inspire me, the challenging new ideas, the opportunities for leadership and of course the lasting friendships. It was an honor to accept the Young Alumni Award and even more moving to see this year’s graduates and sense their collective enthusiasm for all that awaits them. I am proud to be a part of this community. Go Norse!”

After graduating from Luther with a double major in music and art, Weber has pursued her calling as a musician while working in service to her community. She is the founder and artistic director of Voices of Hope, a choral organization providing singing opportunities in Minnesota state prisons. Weber also serves as director of worship and the arts at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.

Amanda Weber, Luther College class of 2008

Early in her career, Weber spent a year in Washington, D.C., with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. She was assigned to a church that had a women’s homeless shelter. When her supervisor suggested she get to know the women at the shelter a little better, she decided to start a choir. She directed Bethany’s Women of Praise for three years.

While working on her doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Minnesota, Weber started the Voices of Hope choir at the women’s prison in Shakopee, Minnesota. Voices of Hope has expanded to include a second choir—for men—at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater.

Singing in a choir provides people who are incarcerated the opportunity to feel free, heal from trauma and build community. One Voices of Hope singer said, “We are given many tools at Shakopee, but none have healed me like music.”

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.

May 22, 2023

Luther College graduating senior Mychal Shed received the college’s Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal for the class of 2023. The announcement was made during the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21. 

“I feel truly blessed and honored to win this award. The Jenson Medal is especially humbling for me because it came from my classmates and friends who deemed me worthy enough to represent Luther College and the amazingly talented class of 2023. These are the same people who I entered Luther College with as strangers, and now, four years later, we are leaving as friends, teammates, brothers, and sisters. This is an honor that I will forever cherish and hold near and dear to my heart,” said Shed. 

Luther’s Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community. Established through an endowment gift from Luther alumni Paul ’48 and Elizabeth (Dybdal) Jenson ’49 of Vassalboro, Maine, the Jenson Medal supports Luther College’s mission of service.

During his time at Luther, Shed was a member of the men’s basketball team and was voted team captain. Additionally, he was the president of the Black Student Union and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and on Luther’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He also worked in the Admissions Office as a Lead Student Ambassador and was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization. The role that was most fulfilling for Shed was serving as camp counselor/mentor for the Junior Norse Skills Camps. 

“Working with the children at camp served as a challenge of patience, understanding, and connection—a challenge that I took pride in achieving. As an aspiring youth and adolescent social worker and school counselor, I know that these experiences will be similar to the day-to-day occurrences that I will face in my career. I am grateful for those campers, as they helped me learn a great deal about myself. They helped me learn how to communicate effectively with different youth, how to build and maintain genuine relationships and connections with them, and the most salient—they taught me how to become a better listener,” said Shed. 

Shed graduated with a degree in psychology. He is the son of Maya Sample and Marcus Shed and is from Teague, Texas. He said, “Coming to the rural Midwest was a concern of mine four years ago. Will I be accepted? If they do accept me, will they understand me? During my first semester at Luther these fears were alleviated completely. Now, after four years of deeply rooting myself in this community through genuine service, leadership, and love—I can wholeheartedly say that my peers have accepted me, understood me, and most definitely have supported me every step of the way.” 

This fall, Shed will attend the University of Chicago, where he has been accepted into the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice to pursue his master’s degree in social work.

Ashley Benson, dean of student engagement, got to know Shed very well during his time at Luther. She said, “Myke is a dynamic human being. I remember meeting him when I interviewed at Luther. I have enjoyed watching him grow as a student leader and seeing the impact he has on his peers. He is valued by so many. He brings warmth and joy to any room he enters. I look forward to watching him grow as a graduate student and a professional. Myke truly deserves this prestigious Jenson Medal award that is woven into the fabric of Luther College.” 

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. 

May 16, 2023

Luther College seniors Gideon Perez, Sadie Pichelmann and Berit Skogen have received Fulbright awards for the 2023-24 academic year. All three will serve as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Every year, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards more than 2,000 students, artists, and early-career professionals from all backgrounds and in more than 100 different fields of study to teach English and undertake research abroad. Fulbright awards are given based upon leadership potential, academic achievement, and record of service.

Gideon Perez ’23 was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia.

Gideon Perez ’23 of Austin, Minnesota, will graduate in May with a major in English. He was selected for an English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia. “After learning about Slovakia’s rich history, deep culture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it was so easy to fall in love with,” said Perez. “Outside of teaching, I’m excited to integrate myself into a new community and meet plenty of new friends,” he said. After his Fulbright, he plans to continue teaching English or pursue a career in publishing.

Sadie Pichelmann ’23 was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia.

Sadie Pichelmann ’23 of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, will graduate in May with a major in history and minors in biology and music. She also was selected for an English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia. “I know much more about Western Europe than I do about Eastern Europe, and I hope to fill this gap in my knowledge through my time in Slovakia,” Pichelmann said. “I’m most excited for the opportunity to encounter people and situations that will challenge my sense of self and my worldviews,” she added. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to attend medical school. “I am of the firm conviction that treating each person as a whole and acknowledging their unique individuality is vital to being an effective caregiver, and being able to understand and appreciate other cultural backgrounds and viewpoints is a large part of that,” Pichelmann said.

Berit Skogen ’23 will be a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Norway.

Berit Skogen ’23 of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, will graduate in May with majors in history and Nordic studies and minors in Africana studies and religion. She will be an English Teaching Assistant in Norway, where she previously studied abroad. “I chose Fulbright because it provides grantees with so many amazing opportunities and connections. Living there for 10 months will give me a lot of language practice and opportunities to learn from my students as well as foster connections between the US and Norway,” said Skogen. When not in the classroom, she is excited to run and ski in the mountains. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in Scandinavian studies.

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.

May 12, 2023

Joshua Hartl ’23, U.S. Teaching Assistant (USTA) in Austria for the 2023-24 academic year.

The Austrian-American Educational Commission has selected Luther College senior Joshua Hartl of Oskaloosa, Iowa, as a U.S. Teaching Assistant (USTA) in Austria for the 2023-24 academic year.

Administered by the Fulbright Commission, the AAEC has sent more than 3,000 college graduates to teach in Austria since 1962. Teaching assistants act as cultural ambassadors and promote mutual understanding across national borders. The program is funded primarily by direct contributions from the governments of the United States and Austria.

Hartl is graduating from Luther in May 2023 with majors in communication studies, international studies and German, as well as a minor in theater. He has previously studied in Germany. He will serve as an English teaching assistant in Leoben, about an hour north of Graz.

“I wanted to do the USTA program to get experience living and working outside of the United States,” said Hartl. “I also believe education to be an invaluable opportunity to create a better future and want to do so by sharing my skills, unique perspectives and knowledge to the youth of Austria.”

He added, “I chose Austria because I am an adventurer at heart. Its beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers and snow are perfect for all of my outdoor interests.” In his free time, he plans to enjoy the many opportunities for outdoor sports that the region offers.

After his USTA position ends, Hartl hopes to seek further employment in Europe. “I want to find more places to call home and ways to make a positive impact wherever I am,” Hartl said. “I believe this assistantship will help me better understand what I am passionate about and how to use my talents to benefit those around me.”

“Ultimately, I hope it helps me find and narrow my choices for a more focused career after the assistantship,” Hartl added. “I also think working as a teacher with students abroad will teach me valuable lessons and skills applicable to whatever the future holds for me.”

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.

May 8, 2023

Ten Luther College students presented papers at the annual conference of the Sigma Tau Delta national honors society in Denver, March 29-April 1. The students, all English majors or minors, are members of Luther College’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter. Their papers examined Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” 20th-century poetry and fiction, and contemporary film. Students also read from their own short stories.

Luther students at the Sigma Tau Delta conference in Denver, March 30, 2023: Grace James, Addie Craig, Ethan Kober, Scott Rust, Amy Webb, Anastasia Baldus, Mia Irving, Reagan Anania and Clara Wodny. Photo courtesy of Martin Klammer.

With 10 students, Luther College had one of the largest contingents at the convention. Luther students attending were Reagan Anania ’23 (Des Moines, Iowa), Anastasia Baldus ’24 (Charles City, Iowa), Addie Craig ’23 (Maquoketa, Iowa), Christina Dressler ’23 (Racine, Wisconsin), Mia Irving ’24 (Coralville, Iowa), Grace James ’23 (Waukesha, Wisconsin), Ethan Kober ’24 (Cedar Falls, Iowa), Scott Rust ’24 (Hudson, Wisconsin), Amy Webb ’24 (Waverly, Iowa) and Clara Wodny ’25 (Duluth, Minnesota).

Martin Klammer, Luther College professor of English who accompanied the students, said, “What was so impressive about the Luther contingent was not only the quality of their papers, but the way they supported each other. They came to each other’s presentations, even at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning! The students learned so much, enjoyed themselves and really came together as a group.”

One of the presenters, Rust, said, “Attending the Sigma Tau Delta annual conference was an amazing experience! It was amazing to meet with and be surrounded by so many other English enthusiasts. It was also really fascinating to listen to others’ presentations and learn new things about literature.”

“For me, the most valuable part of the Sigma Tau Delta convention was having the opportunity to meet students from other schools. It’s fascinating to learn about the wide-ranging interests of our peers, and their enthusiasm for their work is contagious. Working with such a supportive community inspires me to keep digging deeper and to cultivate a similar atmosphere here on campus. Sharing your work is a really valuable experience. It teaches you to take pride in your writing while remaining humble enough to explore different angles,” said Craig.

Student travel, hotel and registration costs were supported by grants from the Office of the Provost, the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, and the English Department.

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.

April 25, 2023

Beth Lynch

Beth Lynch, Luther College associate professor of biology, recently contributed chapter 13, “The Ties That Bind: Biodiversity’s Critical Importance” in a book titled “Tending Iowa’s Land – Pathways to a Sustainable Future” edited by renowned Iowa author Cornelia Mutel. The book details Iowa’s transformation from woodlands to agriculture fields and proposes solutions to the problems related to the environment. 

The book is divided into four sections that discuss soil, water, air and life, how these components affect agriculture and possible solutions. It is written for a non-technical audience and is meant to be informative but also fun to read. “It contains chapters written by research scientists like myself as well as essays written by people who are doing really interesting work in building sustainable pathways in Iowa,” said Lynch. 

In her chapter, Beth Lynch examines the value of biodiversity as an introduction to the fourth section of the book: Life. Lynch describes what biodiversity is, why it is important and the loss of biodiversity in Iowa since the mid-19th century.  

“I begin with describing some of the unexpected and marvelous species diversity that I have observed close to where I live on a farm north of Decorah and then I explain some of the science about biodiversity and extinction using examples from Iowa,” said Lynch. “It’s kind of depressing to talk about extinction, but it’s important for people to understand that we are currently experiencing a massive human-caused loss of biodiversity that will impact us and the places we live. It doesn’t get as much attention as climate change, but it is just as important and is happening much more quickly.”

The book also highlights how biodiversity and environmental problems will play a role in Iowa’s agriculture in the future. “If things continue as is, we will continue to see the rapid depletion of the little bit of biodiversity that still remains in Iowa,” said Lynch. “We will see fewer species surviving, even in parts of the state that are not planted in crops. Protecting biodiversity will require restoring and saving habitats that are needed by native species. Many people are working hard to do this on tiny fragments of public and private land, but so far it’s not on the scale that it needs to be to prevent future species losses.” 

“Tending Iowa’s Land – Pathways to a Sustainable Future” can be purchased from Dragonfly Books in Decorah at dragonflybooks.com and on Amazon.

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.

Brad Chamberlain, Luther College Provost; Jenifer K. Ward, Luther College President; Brent Gage, UI Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management; Edith Parker, Professor and Dean, UI College of Public Health

Luther College and the University of Iowa College of Public Health are partnering to create a 4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program in public health. Students who take advantage of this program will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree plus a master’s degree in public health in five years.

University of Iowa College of Public Health

“This accelerated path allows for substantial savings in both time and money, while pursuing education in one of the top 20 colleges of public health in the U.S.,” said Maryna Nading, associate professor of anthropology at Luther College. “During their senior year at Luther, students enrolled in this program will be taking both Luther courses and online graduate courses via U of I. They will be invited to participate in the events and activities at the College of Public Health, they will have a graduate school academic advisor, and will be encouraged to get to know other students in their cohort and their U of I faculty.”

Luther students from any major will be considered for admission to the Master of Public Health degree program, which provides training in epidemiology, biostatistics, community and behavioral health, occupational and environmental health, and health policy. Graduates work as epidemiologists, policymakers, biostatisticians, administrators, program planners, and environmental specialists to name a few. 

An individualized plan of study will be prepared for each student upon admission to the program to ensure that their undergraduate and graduate degrees are completed within five years’ time. 

“Luther College has a long history of opening doors for its students, especially to graduate and professional programs upon graduation,” said Brad Chamberlain, provost at Luther College. “I am excited about this new partnership and new opportunity for Luther students—an opportunity that creates a direct and expedited path to a graduate degree at a respected partner institution in a field that is both timely and relevant.”

Since the pandemic, public health careers are in demand. The Bureau of National Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in public health will increase 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to almost 2.4 million new careers in public health.

“Luther students are often guided by the ethic of service and many are committed to social justice. In the field of public health, this work often takes the form of preventing disease and reducing health disparities. What could be a more noble work in our world divided by inequalities?” said Nading. 

For more information contact Lexie Just, associate director of admissions and recruitment at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, at lexie-just@uiowa.edu.

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.

About the University of Iowa College of Public Health

The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, Iowa, is one of the nation’s premier public research universities. The College of Public Health, one of 11 colleges that make up the university, serves Iowa and the Midwest as one of the nation’s premier state-assisted schools of public health and leads the global community in rural public health education and training, research and practice. It is the only accredited school of public health in Iowa and is ranked among the nation’s top 20 public health schools and programs.