Category: Community

At Luther College, learning happens everywhere, and sometimes in unconventional ways. In Andy Hageman’s classroom, learning includes a journey into a galaxy far, far away that brings international and domestic students closer together.

Hageman, associate professor of English at Luther College, teaches a science fiction film course that allows students to explore specific areas of film and cultivate visual media knowledge. During the course, students analyze and compare two Star Wars films: “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977) and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016). 

“The combination of different exposures to Star Wars makes it a vibrant topic for discussion and it introduces some surprising perspectives,” said Hageman. “In particular, international students connect the films to their own experiences of journeying far, far from home and navigating new cultures, relationships and values. Often they see Star Wars as a socially-shared story with immense power to connect and communicate.”

These observations were recently featured in the article titled “Great Expectations” in Star Wars Insider.

One student, for whom English was her second language, noted the multilingual abilities of various characters, while another student, Tam Ta, from Vietnam, found the lack of language barriers between characters to be especially significant.

“It was really exciting to be able to offer my feelings and interpretations of Star Wars,” said Ta. “I never thought deeply about my experience coming to the U.S. as it relates to the movies so it was nice to unfold my own thoughts, assumptions and expectations.”

The personal experiences of international students sparked further conversation and connections between students. Many shared the common experience of engaging with popular media such as Star Wars as a way to prepare for American life. Chi Pham, also from Vietnam, said “as a person of color, and an international student, it has always been my interest to understand U.S. culture and how films such as Star Wars sparked discussion about culture and political movements. I felt honored and grateful to have my voice included in this project.”

Others made historical connections and observed unique sociological dynamics. In the article, Warsan Yusuf ’20 from Somalia also noted the significance of the relationships between droids and humans, prompting discussion surrounding the history of slavery and racism.

These observations and more can be found in the March 15 issue of Star Wars Insider, the official Star Wars magazine.

“When international students share expectations and experiences like this with American students, Star Wars helps build bridges,” said Hageman. “Ultimately, this suggests that Star Wars is not a story about conflict but about drawing people together.”

About Luther College

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

President Jenifer K. Ward has announced the appointment of Mary Duvall as vice president for development at Luther College. Beginning this summer, Duvall will provide leadership and mentoring to staff in the offices of development, alumni relations, and the Career Center. 

“During the interview process, I observed how different groups meeting with Mary moved quickly from interviewing to actually starting the work together,” said Ward. “Her exceptional listening skills and knowledge of Lutheran values and approach to higher education, as well as specific familiarity with Luther College through family and colleague relationships, were all apparent and heartening. I welcome Mary to our leadership team and look forward to introducing her to our community.”

As vice president for development, Duvall will provide strategic direction for all aspects of the college’s fundraising and external engagement efforts and serve as a key member of the president’s cabinet. She will be tasked with formulating a future fundraising plan for the college that harnesses the momentum of successful 2022 campaigns including Giving Day and One Team Day. 

“There is something truly special about Luther,” said Duvall. “The care and passion for this place is clear and I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformational power of Luther connections and a liberal arts education. My husband, Terry ’01, son Max and I are thrilled to join the Decorah community and I’m honored to serve in this capacity. I can’t wait to hear your stories of care for this institution and how, together, we can ensure equitable access, meaningful opportunities and bold outcomes for students today and generations to come.”

Duvall has 15 years of experience in non-profit management, including mission-driven fundraising for Lutheran organizations. She comes to Luther from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she has worked since 2015. Duvall began employment at the university as executive director of advancement, was promoted to associate vice president of advancement in 2018, and most recently she served as associate vice president of university relations. During her tenure at PLU, Duvall managed teams that grew the institution’s annual giving, built a newly integrated alumni engagement and career development team and led the division’s annual strategic planning process. Duvall also served on a variety of cross-campus committees, including PLU’s Diversity Committee which operationalized the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. 

Prior to her work at PLU, from 2007 to 2015, Duvall served in multiple capacities at Lutheran World Relief to expand their donor base, secure funding and, therefore, serve more people. The organization’s goal is to work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering. 

Duvall earned her bachelor of arts degree in religion from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. She earned her master’s of nonprofit management degree from Hamline University in Saint Paul and a certificate of advanced leadership studies from St. Catherine’s University. She also was a recent Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) Fellow, a program that provides a year-long leadership development experience organized around vocation and calling, sustainable leader development and visionary organizational leadership.

About Luther College 

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

Summer Registration begins Monday, May 2

Posted: April 29, 2022 at 12:21 PM in News Recreation

2022 Swim Pool Passes on Sale Now

Posted: April 29, 2022 at 12:00 PM in News

Free Event: Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Championships

Posted: April 29, 2022 at 10:30 AM in News Recreation

The Luther College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has 45 new members including 41 seniors and four juniors. On Sunday, April 24, the students were inducted into the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States. Members are elected on the basis of broad academic interests, scholarly achievement and good character. The 2022 inductees include seniors: 

·       Riley Taylor of Ames, Iowa

·       Sarah Hoehns of Cedar Falls, Iowa

·       Clare Rolinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa

·       Sam Schillinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa

·       Sarah Damhof of Clearwater, Minnesota

·       Jarod Phillips of Decorah, Iowa

·       Heather Hostager of Dubuque, Iowa

·       Frost Bowen-Bailey of Duluth, Minnesota

·       Laurel Studt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

·       Hunter Hobbs of Fountain, Minnesota

·       Kim Duc Chu of Hanoi, Vietnam

·       Quang Anh Nguyen of Hanoi, Vietnam

·       Quenton Max of Iowa City, Iowa

·       Lindsey Parrott of Iowa City, Iowa

·       Jake Sharafuddin of Iowa City, Iowa

·       Fred Farrand of Kansas City, Missouri

·       Isaac List of La Crosse, Wisconsin

·       Sarah Benton of Le Mars, Iowa

·       Lexi Orth of Madison Lake, Minnesota

·       Siyabonga Mabuza of Malkerns, Swaziland

·       Kirsten Loynachan of Marion, Iowa

·       Hailee Gilliand of Minneapolis, Minnesota

·       Owen Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota

·       Jane Bremer of Minnetonka, Minnesota

·       Ahmed Abdrabu Hamid of Yemen and Budapest, Hungary

·       Sneha Verma of New Delhi, India

·       Kirsten Melaas-Swanson of North St. Paul, Minnesota

·       Jessi Labenski of Northfield, Minnesota

·       Elena Dant of Owatonna, Minnesota

·       Matt Benson of Park Rapids, Minnesota

·       Kien Huynh of Hanoi, Vietnam

·       Siri St. Louis of Rochester, Minnesota

·       Emilie Gitter of Saint Paul, Minnesota

·       Mary McTeague of Saint Paul, Minnesota

·       Leif Saveraid of Saint Paul, Minnesota

·       Catherine Vitt of Saint Paul, Minnesota

·       Greta Anderson of Saint Peter, Minnesota

·       Jill Richards of Solon, Iowa

·       Logan Olson of Stacy, Minnesota

·       Megan Grimm of Swisher, Iowa

·       Ben Meyer of Urbandale, Iowa

And juniors:

·       Marin Leone of Chanhassen, Minnesota

·       Ghazal Alabtah of Palestine and Syria

·       Sydney Clausen of Rochester, Minnesota

·       Nathan Anderson of Saint Paul, Minnesota

The junior members will become student leaders in the organization during their senior year. They will be invited to chapter meetings and encouraged to participate in chapter activities, including the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar events.

Luther College is one of a select group of private liberal arts colleges in the United States with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The society has fostered and recognized excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776 and the society’s distinctive emblem, a golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.

Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who 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.