Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

This fall, Luther College celebrates year-over-year growth in its first-year class enrollment as well as a rise in key national rankings.

“We are pleased to announce that fall enrollment shows a 6.6 percent increase in the first-year class compared to last year,” President Jenifer K. Ward said. “As is the case with the trends in higher education nationwide, Luther has experienced enrollment declines for over a decade, all made more challenging by a global pandemic. Given this past year’s challenges of smaller numbers of 18-to-22-year olds in the Midwest and the unfortunate delays with FAFSA, we have reason to celebrate this positive outcome.”

Coinciding with the increase in first-year students, Luther College appears in a wide range of fall national rankings, including traditional lists like U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges and the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges, as well as newer reports like the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S.

“We are certainly pleased to see positive change in rankings across a wide range of national indicators,” Ward said. “Our standing as a nationally-ranked campus, and as a clear second among our Iowa peers, is attracting the attention of prospective students and families and also encouraging our proud Luther alumni.”

Luther first-year students and men’s soccer team members Henry Murray of Minneapolis, Minn.; Jeff Sieck of Grinnell, Iowa; Ethan Le Moine of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Theo Cornell of Minneapolis, Minn. enjoy an icebreaker activity during Welcome Week, Sept. 1, 2024.

The smaller first-year classes of the past few years at Luther led to slightly lower overall enrollment this fall compared to last fall, but the addition of the 402 new students served as a milestone.

“Even as our overall enrollment plays ‘catch up,’ today is a day for celebration,” Ward said in a message to the campus community. “I want to give special thanks to our team in Admissions and Financial Aid, as well as to the faculty and staff who rolled out the Luther blue carpet for countless individual and group campus visits, Zoom calls, sidewalk conversations, and all manner of creative and hospitable ways to demonstrate to potential students and their families that Luther College welcomed them and had much to offer.”

High marks in national and specialty rankings

Luther rose in the national liberal arts college ranking by U.S. News & World Report this year to 108, eight spots higher than last year. Luther also placed in the top 500 ranking of all American colleges and universities by the Wall Street Journal, and was named one of the top colleges in the Midwest region by the Princeton Review.

Among private liberal arts colleges in Iowa, Luther was second only to Grinnell College in the rankings by U.S News and by the Wall Street Journal. 

Along with these broad-based rankings, Luther continued its high marks in specialty areas.

Luther’s outstanding record on sustainability earned the college another top 10 ranking in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, issued by the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Along with a gold-level rating, Luther was seventh among baccalaureate institutions in the AASHE top performers.

Luther remains the “hidden gem college” for the state of Iowa by College Raptor, a distinction the college has held since 2019. Luther’s home town of Decorah was listed as a must-see or best small town for Iowa by AFAR and Thrillist.

“I’m incredibly proud of Luther College for being recognized by all of these organizations for our academic quality, commitment to accessibility, and dedication to fostering individual potential,” said Matt Beatty, acting vice president of enrollment management. “This recognition affirms our mission to provide an excellent educational experience that empowers students to thrive in an inclusive and supportive community. For high school students who would benefit from a more intimate campus experience with outstanding programs, Luther deserves to be on their list of college options.” 

Luther College, the first college in the United States founded by Norwegian immigrants, announces the publication of a new anthology that reflects on the college’s roots. The public is invited to two events in October celebrating the book’s release, where free copies of the book will be available. 

Sagas of Luther College: Norwegian and Lutheran Identities Past, Present, and Future is a collection of 21st-century personal stories, published by the Richard L. and Judith A. Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies at Luther College. “The book’s contributors write about how a Luther education shapes you, helps you navigate the challenges of the world, and invites you to serve others and the Earth,” said its editors, Maren Anderson Johnson and Rachel Faldet. “The pieces explore, challenge, and broaden the understanding of Luther College and its Norwegian and Lutheran identities past, present, and future.” 

Maren Anderson Johnson is associate professor of Nordic studies, and Rachel Faldet is assistant professor emerita of English and Luther graduate of 1978. 

The anthology is funded by a Reframing the Institutional Saga grant from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (CIC-NetVUE). The grant funding totaled close to $40,000. The leadership team for the grant project included Johnson; Jeanie Lovell, senior director of foundation and government relations; and Brad Chamberlain, provost and professor of chemistry. 

In the anthology’s foreword, Chamberlain explained that Luther has “engaged in an institution-wide campaign to discern and express its institutional identity” since 2018. 

“Luther has a number of published histories, though no recent book focused explicitly on the implications of the college’s Norwegian-Lutheran identity and heritage, and none used tales of identity, ethics, and values — the elements of saga that guide communities — as an organizing framework,” said Chamberlain. “In a time of disruption in U.S. education, … shared stories are increasingly important for an institution as it binds its myriad stakeholders, fully embraces its mission, and makes difficult decisions.” 

The anthology has thirteen personal essays and one intergenerational interview. The authors represent diverse relationships to Luther College — among them alumni, current and emeritus professors, and Lutheran pastors. Each piece showcases its own voice, stands alone as its own story, but contributes to an overarching theme of roots and identity.  

There will be two official launch events for the book. 

• 4:30–6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Vesterheim Commons, downtown Decorah, featuring a program at 4:45 p.m. 
• 1:30-2:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in Main 112 on the Luther campus during Homecoming.

The public is invited to the events. Free copies of the book will be available. The book is available for purchase by contacting Maren Johnson at maren@luther.edu.

Luther senior Jack Moriarty has been named a Rossing Physics Scholar for the 2024–25 academic year.

Luther College senior Jack Moriarty has been named a Rossing Physics Scholar for the 2024–25 academic year. Moriarty will receive $10,000 from the Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education.

Moriarty, a double major in physics and mathematics from Waukee, Iowa, plans to pursue a career as a theoretical physicist. He would like to help deepen our understanding of the universe by applying mathematics to physics.

“For as long as I can remember, math and science have fascinated me,” he said. “At some point in high school, I became drawn to the subject of calculus and its power to solve difficult problems.” 

At Luther, he has been involved in National Science Foundation-funded physics research led by Professor Todd Pedlar, focused on experimental particle physics. Pedlar and his students conduct research as members of the international collaborations Belle and Belle II at KEK, Japan’s High Energy Research Organization, located in Tsukuba, Japan. 

“I reached out to Jack to find out if he’d be willing to join my research group the summer after his first year, and he jumped at the chance—and I have been so glad that he did, as he has been an outstanding research assistant since then,” said Pedlar.

During the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, and continuing into this academic year, Moriarty focused on the study of elementary particle physics. He applied several advanced mathematical and computational methods to improve the precision of his results, which deepened his understanding and enjoyment of the research process. During this, his senior year, he will complete an Honors Senior Project based on this research.

“My physics courses have led me to a profound love of the theoretical frameworks of physics, and my experimental research has given me the drive to build and understand models to answer the open questions about the universe,” Moriarty said. “For these reasons, I plan to earn my Ph.D. and pursue a career as a theoretical physicist. In this way, I would like to use the language of mathematics to explore models of physical systems and help further our understanding of the universe.”

The Thomas D. Rossing Fund for Physics Education makes available scholarships annually for exemplary students in physics. The awards are made possible through gifts from Dr. Thomas D. Rossing, who created the fund through the foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. After graduating from Luther, Rossing earned master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Iowa State University and worked as a professor of physics at St. Olaf College, Northern Illinois University and Stanford University. Rossing wanted to support students who majored in physics by providing scholarships in addition to other financial aid to exemplary physics students. 

Imani Winds, the 2024 Grammy winner in the Classical Compendium category, will perform in Luther College’s 2024–25 Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The Imani Winds featuring Kevin Edward Newton Jr., French horn; Monica Ellis, bassoon; Brandon Patrick George, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; and Mark Dover, clarinet

The Imani Winds members are Monica Ellis, bassoon; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Brandon Patrick George, flute; Kevin Edward Newton Jr., French horn; and Mark Dover, clarinet.

Founded more than 25 years ago, Imani Winds have led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their vibrant performances, bold programming and imaginative collaborations. Their work embraces both traditional chamber music and newly commissioned pieces that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

“The Imani Winds have a well-deserved international reputation for their masterful playing and engaging stage presence,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “They are bringing an exciting show to Luther entitled ‘Grooves and Meditations,’ which will showcase a diverse repertoire ranging from a Stevie Wonder cover to a brand-new commission.”

“Grooves and Meditations” kicks off with Valerie Coleman’s Red Clay and Mississippi Delta, a piece that showcases the rich history and spirit of the American South. Kalevi Aho’s Wind Quintet No. 1 evokes innovative and distinctive tones, colors and moods. Paquito D’Rivera’s A Little Cuban Walz offers a lively tribute to Latin rhythms, followed by Stevie Wonder and Mark Dover’s Overjoyed. The program will also feature Alevi Dedeler raki masasinda  by Fazil Say. Dance Mediterranea by Simon Shaheen, arranged by Jeff Scott, will bring the event to a close. 

Imani Winds won the 2024 Grammy for their album “Passion for Bach and Coltrane,” released through their record label, Imani Winds Media. Their groundbreaking approach has earned them three additional Grammy nominations. 

In 2021, Imani Winds became the first-ever Faculty Wind Quintet at the Curtis Institute of Music, highlighting their deep commitment to education. Their dedication is further reflected in the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, which they launched in 2010. This annual summer program focuses on musical excellence and career development for pre-professional instrumentalists and composers

In 2019, the ensemble launched the Imani Winds Foundation to further support their mission of outreach and education. With a permanent presence in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Imani Winds continue to leave an unforgettable mark on the music world. Buy tickets for the show and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357.

Luther College is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in October with a guest speaker, a film showing and participation in Decorah Pride Week events.  

“While Pride Month is in June for many organizations, Luther is focusing on LGBTQ+ History month in October,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “We celebrate heritage months during the academic year in order to maximize efforts and reach the widest community audience.”

All of these events are free and open to the public. 

On Friday, Oct. 11, Coming Out Day will be honored with an all-day tabling event in the Dahl Centennial Union lobby, hosted by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support and the Wellness Office. “Our all-day tabling event will provide a supportive and informative space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. “This is a perfect opportunity to connect, educate, and foster a sense of community.”

Gina Weekley, Luther’s 2024 Queer History Month Speaker

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, CIES presents Queer History Month Speaker Gina Weekley, in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Gina Weekley, an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community, will be sharing her insights and experiences with a focus on the history and ongoing struggles of queer individuals. 

“Gina Weekley is an engaging, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable presenter,” said Roberto Coral, CIES office manager. “Her own personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Her training services provide practical and empowering ideas on how to create an inclusive environment.”  

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, in Valders 206, the Monthly Movie will feature “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. 

Decorah Pride Week events will be held Oct. 8–12. Please see Decorah Pride’s website for complete details about all events. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, the Pride Parade will include many local guests and organizations, followed by a Party in the Park. Multiple groups from Luther College will participate in the parade and the party. 

One event of Decorah Pride Week will feature Luther’s musical talent in concert: queerPOPERA at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah. The music will include pieces by Verdi, Bernstein, Donizetti, Sondheim and other composers, as well as visual art, dance and instrumental collaborations. The performance will conclude with a closing dance party, with music by Driftless Jazz. 

The mission of queerPOPERA, founded by Jaime Webb, guest lecturer in voice at Luther, is to showcase the diverse narratives of the LGBTQ+ community through the emotive power of opera. 

The Oct. 12 concert will feature Luther faculty and staff Adrianna Tam, Andrew Last, Andrew Whitfield, Camille Balleza, Carla Hanson, Jaime Webb, Nicholas Shaneyfelt and Rachel Storlie; alumni Aidan Spencer, Ava Shively, Jana Lundell (dancer), Marie Sauze, Olivia Luster and Sasha Tomasevich; and students Arin Kyllo, Erin Daniel, Jaime Bizarri, Kelly Ristau (visual artist) and Malaika Hale.