Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

Luther College is celebrating Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month in November with a series of events. Guest speakers will highlight Indigenous perspectives on educational leadership, regional history, and current events. Film screenings and an extraordinary planetarium experience will reveal more about Native American cultures. 

This heritage month’s activities build on a fall semester of guest speakers from Native American communities. In September, Oscar Hokeah discussed the Paideia Summer Read, his novel “Calling for a Blanket Dance.” Hokeah is a regionalist Native American writer of literary fiction, a citizen of Cherokee Nation and the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, with Mexican heritage from Chihuahua as well. In addition, Rebecca Nagle spoke about “Justice on Native Land” for Luther College’s annual Farwell Distinguished Lecture. Nagle is a writer, podcaster, advocate and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. 

All these events are free and open to the public.

Micki Abercrombie-Donahue, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and associate professor of education at Whitworth University

Wednesday, Nov. 6: “Indigeneity, Relationality, and Reciprocity: Transforming Models of Leadership in Higher Education,” Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, 7 p.m. 

Micki Abercrombie-Donahue will explore how Indigenous perspectives on leadership, grounded in principles of relationality and reciprocity, offer transformative models for higher education. Abercrombie-Donahue is vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and associate professor of education at Whitworth University in Washington. This discussion will highlight the importance of community, interconnectedness and mutual care in reshaping leadership practices within academic institutions. This event is made possible by the Lucille Price Endowed Lecture and the Luther College Department of Identity Studies. 

“The identity studies department is thrilled to continue our focus on Indigenous studies this year with Dr. Abercrombie-Donahue’s visit to campus,” said Char Kunkel, professor of sociology and identity studies department head at Luther College. “She brings not only strength in leadership but also research-based suggestions for transforming higher education in both leadership modeling and multilingual education, which leads to greater student retention for all. Her lecture and interactions are not only timely for Luther College but for the country.”

Thursday, Nov. 7: “The Business of Baskets: Weaving Economic Ties Between the Bethany Indian Mission, Ho-Chunk Families, and Lutheran Ladies’ Aides in the Mid-20th Century Midwest,” Pulpit Rock Brewery Event Room, 7 p.m. 

Anna Peterson, associate professor of history at Luther College, will explore the ways Ho-Chunk women and their families negotiated the effects the Bethany Indian Mission in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, had on their lives and took advantage of the opportunities it presented through the making and selling of black ash basketry. While Bethany missionaries often saw this work as unnecessarily burdensome and outside of the scope of their call, the basket weavers and their families put pressure on the Mission to act as a conduit between the basket makers and basket buyers. In this way, they used the Mission and its contacts to ensure ancestral basket weaving survived in the face of great adversity. Luther College played a significant role in the history of the Mission. This event is sponsored by the Luther College Department of History. 

Friday, Nov. 8: Anishinaabe Star-Knowledge Film+Planetarium Experience in Valders 206 and 205 (Planetarium), 7 p.m.  

This multimedia evening will leave you looking up. The program will start in Valders 206 with a 25-minute film, “Living in Balance: Anishinaabe Star Knowledge.” The film highlights Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons in relation to contemporary insights about environmental changes. Immediately following the film, attendees will move next door to the Luther College planetarium for a presentation, given by physics professor Jeff Wilkerson, featuring key elements in “Living in Balance.” The planetarium has a maximum capacity of 30, so this part of the program will be on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement.

Tuesday, Nov. 12: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Valders 206, 5 p.m.  

Jessica Engelking of the Great Plains Action Society

Jessica Engelking, representation director with the Great Plains Action Society, will address the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). The Great Plains Action Society addresses the trauma that Indigenous peoples and the Earth face and builds power in Indigenous communities. Engelking’s talk will focus on the crisis of Native American communities when relatives go missing. Come learn about this issue and how we can reduce and end violence against Indigenous communities. This talk is sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support. 

Thursday, Nov. 21: “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” Valders 206, 6 p.m.  

Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support for a screening of Chloe Zhao’s independent film, “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” (2015). The film follows two siblings, living on Pine Ridge Reservation, who face challenges after their father’s death. The brother considers leaving for Los Angeles, but it would mean separating from his beloved sister. Zhao is the director of “Nomadland” (2020) and “Eternals” (2021).

Amy Nam, Luther College adjunct faculty in music for harp and composition, was awarded second prize in the World Harp Competition, held during the 2024 Dutch Harp Festival in Utrecht, Holland, in April 2024.  

The winners of the 2024 Dutch Harp Festival’s World Harp Competition are Kevin Le Pennec (center), first prize and audience award; Amy Nam (left), second prize; and Ariel Sol (right), third prize. Photo: Elizabeth Jaxon, courtesy of World Harp Competition.

“I was very excited,” said Nam about the experience. “I was the last to play in the semi-final round. It was a whirlwind. I was so happy to get to go, because all of the contestants’ programs were unique and interesting.”

Unlike many musical competitions that set the repertoire for participants, the World Harp Competition allows each contestant to create their own 45-minute program. “It’s whatever you want to play, anything involving you playing the harp,” said Nam. “There are all kinds of harps, even electric harps, folk harps and classical harps. It encourages creativity and pushing the harp outside the box.”  

Nam’s program is entitled “Cosmic Fragments: Words and Music About Life, the Universe and Everything.” According to harpcolumn.com, “Nam’s program featured works written within the last century, alternating poems and prose with short works for solo harp, and reflecting on themes of the human experience in the context of the cosmos.” 

It included compositions by multiple composers, including Nam’s own work, played on the acoustic concert grand harp, a small electric harp and a large floor pedal harp that was electroacoustic. Between playing, Nam recited selected written works by authors ranging from Italo Calvino to Mary Oliver over a background of electronic interludes composed by Sean William Calhoun. 

Nam described her program as “a sweeping and quirky musical-poetic survey of human experience and the universe we inhabit. … It grapples with the most profound aspects of our existence: impermanence, imagination, suffering, wonder and potential.” Nam premiered the program in April, before the World Harp Competition, at Luther College’s Weston H. Noble Recital Hall.  

“I’m left with three things,” Nam said about the competition and its results. “One was increased weight and credibility with my name. There’s also the program that I’ve developed that’s unique and that I can take places, such as other festivals. It’s something personal to me that has been worked to a high level. Finally, going to that competition and seeing other contestants in a whole festival with other harpists from around the world was very inspiring and energizing, and I will run off that energy for a long time.” 

Luther College’s Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership presents author Shawn Otto at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Otto’s talk, titled “The War on Science” (after his 2016 book of the same title), will be followed by a time for questions and answers, moderated by Luther Regent Dr. Michael Osterholm, Luther College class of 1975, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. 

Shawn Otto speaks to audiences worldwide about the scientific foundations of democracy and the causes and dangers of anti-science authoritarianism. His award-winning non-fiction book “The War on Science: Who’s Waging It, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do About It” predicted the rise of anti-science authoritarians and the threat they pose to democracy. 

“Shawn Otto’s lecture at Luther is wonderfully timed, as folks are certainly engaging in discussions and decisions at the heart of U.S. democracy,” said Andy Hageman, associate professor of English and director of the college’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. “He brings tremendous research and insight to the ways science and policy have been mixed by governments and leaders.” 

“Folks who attend will get a deep perspective on what is at stake regarding science and science-informed policy going forward, and that can inform and shape how we engage in elections and civic interaction with government officials,” Hageman added. 

After the lecture, there will be a book signing with opportunities to buy Otto’s books. 

About Shawn Otto

Shawn Otto will give the 2024 Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership.

Shawn Otto’s book “The War on Science” has been called “a game changer.” “If you care about attacks on climate science and the rise of authoritarianism, if you care about biased media coverage or shake-your-head political tomfoolery, this book is for you,” said The Guardian in a 2016 review.

Otto was awarded the National Distinguished Public Service Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology, for his work elevating science in American public dialogue. He was cofounder and producer of the 2016 U.S. presidential science debates. Otto has advised candidate science debate efforts in many countries. 

He is also an award-winning screenwriter and novelist, including writing and co-producing the Academy Award-nominated movie “House of Sand and Fog.” He also wrote the literary crime novel “Sins of Our Fathers,” a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist. 

He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Rebecca Otto, the former Minnesota state auditor and candidate for governor, in a solar- and wind-powered green home he designed and the couple built with their own hands. Learn more about him on his website, www.shawnotto.com. 

About the Roslien Distinguished Lecture

The Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership brings internationally recognized individuals who have made impacts on society through the use of cutting-edge science or global leadership in policy and programs to Luther College to engage with faculty and students.

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward announces that Michael “Mike” Anderson, a Luther College 1999 alumnus with a distinguished nursing career, will join the college’s Board of Regents this month. In addition, alumni Brian Johnson and Michelle Klisanich are joining the Board of Regents investment committee to provide their specialized expertise in business and financial planning.  

“We are proud of the knowledge, counsel and commitment that these Luther alumni will share with their alma mater,” said President Ward. “Luther College is proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their willingness to offer their leadership to the Board of Regents.” 

Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA, is the chief operating officer for Heartland Anesthesia and Consulting.

Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA, Luther College class of 1999, is the chief operating officer for Heartland Anesthesia and Consulting. Before this role, he was a clinical nurse anesthetist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he also served as a clinical associate professor and the clinical coordinator of the Anesthesia Nursing Program. He continues to serve as an adjunct associate professor for the University of Iowa’s College of Nursing. 

Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts in nursing from Luther in 1999, followed by a master’s in nurse anesthesia from Cleveland Clinic/Case Western Reserve University in 2009. He completed his Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Iowa in 2014, focusing on infection control in the operating room. 

Mike and his wife, Carryn (Ensrude) Anderson ’99, live in North Liberty, Iowa, with their two sons, Austin and Braden. They are actively involved in their community and remain dedicated to supporting Luther College through endowments for nursing simulation and musical touring.  Mike received the Luther College Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2019. In 2024, they established the Anderson Endowment for musical touring after a transformative experience on the Nordic Choir companion tour to Norway. He has also served on the Alumni Council and is a member of the Heritage Club. 

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is senior vice president of investor relations and business development for Casey’s General Stores Inc.

Brian Johnson, Luther College class of 1998, has over 20 years of experience at Casey’s General Stores Inc., where he currently serves as senior vice president of investor relations and business development. Before that, he was director of finance and accounting manager. Brian started his career with KPMG. 

With an accounting degree from Luther and an MBA from Drake University, Johnson combines strategic thinking with deep financial expertise. A former Luther swimmer, he remains a dedicated supporter of Luther College. Johnson lives in Johnston, Iowa, with his wife, Patricia, and their children, Joseph, Abigail and Jacob. 

Michelle Klisanich

Michelle Klisanich is a wealth advisor and certified financial planner professional at Navista Wealth Management.

Michelle (Monson) Klisanich, Luther College class of 2006, is a wealth advisor and certified financial planner professional at Navista Wealth Management (previously called Birch Cove Group) in Minneapolis, Minn. Her areas of expertise include retirement strategies, tax-efficient saving and investing, college savings and insurance planning. Michelle previously worked as a wealth advisor at Thrivent Financial. She earned her CFP certification from the American College of Financial Services. 

Klisanich was honored as one of “Twin Cities Finest” for not only excelling in her profession but also giving back to the community. A Spanish major at Luther, she is a former member of the Luther College Alumni Council and a member of the Heritage Club. Klisanich and her husband, Michael, live in Minnetonka, Minn., with their daughters, Anja and Mari.

Luther College announces a new partnership with Lightcast, a global leader in labor market data, to participate in the National Alumni Career Mobility (NACM) survey. This annual national benchmark survey seeks career satisfaction and insights from the alumni cohorts who graduated five years ago and 10 years ago — this year, the classes of 2014 and 2019. 

The data collected by this survey will be used to help Luther College better understand and learn from the professional pathways of its graduates, and to prepare future alumni for continued career success. 

“At Luther College, we deeply value staying connected with our alumni, hearing their stories, and learning about their career journeys,” said Mary Duvall, vice president for advancement. “That’s why the Luther College Career Center, in partnership with other campus departments, is participating in the National Alumni Career Mobility survey. 

“The survey is an opportunity for alumni in the classes of 2014 and 2019 to reflect on their personal and professional journeys, including how specific experiences influenced their careers, successes, and engagement with their community,” Duvall added. “These insights, combined with those of peers across the country, will help Luther understand how well we are preparing graduates for successful careers and meaningful lives.” 

If you are a 2014 or 2019 graduate of Luther College, look for an email link to the survey, starting October 15. The survey will be open through December 15. 

About Lightcast

Lightcast provides trusted global labor market data, analytics, and expert guidance that empowers communities, corporations and learning providers to make informed decisions and navigate the increasingly complex world of work. With a database of more than one billion job postings and career profiles, our team provides best-in-class customer service with robust data, clear analysis, and expert guidance on skills, jobs, and opportunities. For more, visit www.lightcast.io.

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.”