Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

The Udall Foundation has recognized Luther College junior Kenna McGee ’27 of Eldridge, Iowa, for her commitment to reducing Luther’s carbon footprint through sustainable practices at Dining Services.

McGee received an honorable mention for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, a national scholarship awarded to future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy and health care fields. This year, 55 Udall Scholars were selected from among 381 candidates at 175 colleges and universities. McGee was among the additional 55 students to receive honorable mentions. She is the only college student from Iowa to be recognized by the Udall Foundation in 2025.

“I’m thrilled to see Kenna honored with this selection,” said Laura Peterson, professor of environmental studies at Luther. “In her work on campus as a food services sustainability intern, she has shown her capacity to lead and get things done.”

McGee is double majoring in economics and environmental studies with a minor in Spanish. She is actively involved with the Energy and Water Task Force, the Sustainable Foods Task Force, Campus Garden Revitalization, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and TRIO Student Support Services.

“The Udall Scholarship is incredibly competitive. My experience in the Caf was invaluable to my success in the application process,” McGee said. “As the dining services sustainability intern, I was given the green light to explore my interests, passions and specific initiatives that I felt particularly strongly about. One of my projects last spring was the implementation of a product named EndoCube, which changes the way that the thermometers in our walk-in coolers and freezers function, making them far more efficient.”

McGee selected for other awards and scholarships

In the spring, McGee received the Kuh Family “Positively Luther” Award. Established in 2015 by George D. Kuh ’68, Warren R. Kuh ’74 and Kristian R. Kuh ’97, the “Positively Luther” award is given each year to a student whose character, leadership and participation in co-curricular and other educationally purposeful activities enhance the quality of campus life.

“I’m honored to be selected for this award. I want to thank everyone, especially my mentors and classmates, who have supported me,” McGee said. “It’s rewarding to know that the projects I’m working on have practical benefits for the student body.”

McGee was also awarded a Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.

McGee develops diverse skills to be an effective leader

Out of the classroom, McGee worked as an assistant soccer coach at Decorah High School and a youth soccer coach for the Decorah United Soccer Club. In her free time, she provides translation services to help individuals navigate the U.S. citizenship process and volunteers at the Decorah Community Food Pantry.

“I like keeping myself busy,” McGee said. “I’ve been given so many opportunities to explore and pursue my passions here at Luther, and I’m just thankful to contribute and learn as much as I can.”

After graduation, McGee aspires to work as an environmental economist. She seeks to make a lasting impact on society, particularly through policies that promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly decisions.

“Kenna’s wide-ranging interests keep her busy outside the classroom, and by getting involved in a diverse set of activities, she is developing a skill set that is setting her up to be an effective changemaker and leader,” said Steve Holland, professor of economics and director of the Law and Values program at Luther. “Kenna has an unusual ability to reason through complex topics and communicate her ideas effectively. Kenna is also not afraid to cross disciplines, drawing upon her training in environmental studies, Spanish, agriculture and economics when necessary.”

McGee’s next project involves using hydroponic agriculture methods for growing food to serve in the Caf.

“I’m especially excited about the educational opportunities and access to locally sourced fresh food that hydroponic agriculture can offer on campus,” she said.

Luther College has announced the 2025-26 Center Stage Series schedule and highlighted a special opportunity for season subscribers. Patrons who purchase their season tickets before Wednesday, Sept. 3, are guaranteed their seat at the free Crossings Concert: Musical Migrations at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Noble Recital Hall at Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.

“The Crossings Concert celebrates the 200th anniversary of Norwegians crossing the Atlantic Ocean as they immigrated to North America — an excellent way to kick off this year’s Center Stage Series,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach at Luther.

The Crossings Concert: Musical Migrations is a free ticketed event presented in collaboration with the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk Art School and is supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland.

“The Noble Recital Hall has seating for only 300 people, so advance tickets are highly encouraged,” Potvin said. “We are proud to guarantee tickets to our Center Stage Series season subscribers. It’s a nice way to thank them for their ongoing support.”

Season subscribers who purchase tickets to all of the shows before Sept. 3 will also receive 15% off their show tickets.

Potvin noted that two of the Center Stage Series groups have Luther connections.

“I’m especially excited to have Luther alumni, Olivia Diercks and Karla Peters from The OK Factor, and Beth Willer, the artistic director of Lorelei Ensemble, back on campus for the Center Stage Series,” she said.

The 2025-26 Center Stage Series season performances are:

Crossings Concert: Musical Migrations, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 11. Join Luther College for a special night exploring the lives and works of Norwegian American composers as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to North America. Pianist-composer Steven Luksan and soprano Laura Loge share newly uncovered works that blend cultures and showcase the challenges, humor and poetry of adjusting to a new home.

Jaerv + The OK Factor, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 28. Through folk-inspired songs that are fresh, playful, intricate and joyous, the Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor and Swedish quintet Jaerv will have audiences tapping their feet and smiling in their seats.

Lorelei Ensemble, 1 p.m., Nov. 9. The Grammy-nominated Lorelei Ensemble delivers bold and inventive programs that champion the extraordinary range of the human voice. At turns eerie and hypnotic, razor-sharp and precise, resonant and dissonant, this riveting performance features a cinematic backdrop and a cautionary tale in the era of climate change.

Catalyst Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13. Hailed by “The New York Times” as “invariably energetic and finely burnished,” the Grammy-winning Catalyst Quartet is in wide demand around the world. Known for its unequaled unity and execution, the ensemble is equally committed to celebrating composers of color whose works have been overlooked by the traditional canon.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Great American Crooners, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28. Get ready for a stylish evening of timeless tunes and world-class talent. Relive classics like “Moon River,” “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” alongside incredible true stories about the superstar velvety voices who made them famous.

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, 7:30 p.m., April 17. Enjoy a musical whirlwind through genres that’s funny, thought-provoking and played entirely on ukuleles. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is always surprising, so come without expectations — except the expectation to laugh.

Most Center Stage Series performances are held in the Center for Faith and Life. Tickets and more information about each performance can be found at tickets.luther.edu. Individual ticket sales start Sept. 3.

Center Stage student matinees

The Center Stage Series also offers matinees for school groups and families.

Harald and His Headphones, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. Follow young Harald as he listens to different pieces of music — performed live by classical-crossover duo The OK Factor — through his headphones while processing the way the music makes him feel. This story engages students in an exciting social-emotional learning adventure, inviting them to explore how music and their emotions might affect one another.

Pete the Cat presented by TheaterWorksUSA, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. When groovy Pete the Cat meets the Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking — except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on the planet. But it turns out that Pete and Jimmy both have a little something to learn about inspiration. Join them on their adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus.

To reserve tickets for a matinee performance, contact Bradley Phillips at phillibr@luther.edu or 563-387-1293. Financial assistance may be available for tickets and transportation for qualifying school groups; please inquire at programming@luther.edu. Additional community members are welcome as space allows.

Center Stage Dinner Series

The Center Stage Dinner Series offers a gourmet three-course dinner before each show in the Peace Dining Room, overlooking the lower campus and the Upper Iowa River. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

Information for the dinner series can also be found at tickets.luther.edu, with menus posted two weeks before the corresponding events. Luther chefs can easily accommodate dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

Sponsors make the series possible

The Center Stage Series is made possible by the generous support of major season sponsors, including Decorah Bank and Trust, Emplify Health by Gundersen, Kurtich Endowment for Campus Programming, Minnesota Public Radio, Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies and Vesterheim Museum. Organizers expect to secure additional sponsors for the 2025-26 Center Stage Series in the coming weeks.

Nearly 90 Luther College alumni returned to campus on July 12–13 for the opportunity to play classical music together under the direction of Dan Baldwin, longtime conductor of the Luther College Symphony Orchestra.

This is the first time that Luther College has hosted a reunion for Symphony Orchestra alumni. Assistant director of music outreach and Dorian coordinator Nicholas Drilling ’23 said the weekend was a resounding success.

“We are so pleased with how the reunion turned out. Alumni came from as far as Portland, Ore., and Boston, ready to rehearse, ready to reconnect with old friends and excited to make music with new friends,” Drilling said.

The reunion served two purposes. Firstly, the Luther Music Department wanted a reunion for orchestra musicians, similar to the Dorian All-Band and Choir reunions. These alumni musician reunions are held annually, rotating between the band and the choir alumni.

“Now, Symphony Orchestra will have regular reunions too,” Drilling said.

Secondly, this weekend marked the end of an era for the Luther College Symphony Orchestra with the recent retirement of Baldwin, who served as the director of orchestral activities since 1997. The Board of Regents approved Baldwin’s status as professor emeritus in May 2025.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Dr. Baldwin and Luther’s long-standing orchestra program than with a reunion. As soon as we opened registration, alumni made plans to attend and told us that they wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to honor Dr. Baldwin and his contributions to Luther College,” Drilling said.

Violinist Ehler Orngard ’09, a support engineer at a software company in Oakland, Calif., rarely plays classical music anymore, but Orngard didn’t hesitate to rehearse for a weekend in the Center for Faith and Life.

“I have many fond memories from Luther College, and all of them involve Dan Baldwin and the symphony orchestra. I learned a lot as a college musician under Baldwin,” Orngard said. “This reunion is a special moment and a rare opportunity to play under Baldwin again.”

For former Dorian Summer Camp counselor and Luther Symphony Orchestra cellist Macaulley Whitlock ’13, this reunion provided a reason to return to northeast Iowa. Whitlock is an orchestra and band teacher living in Boston.

“I missed my 10-year Luther class reunion, so when I heard about this reunion, I said to myself, ‘I am not going to miss this.’ The opportunity to play under Dr. Baldwin is too special to be missed,” Whitlock said.

Denver resident and double bass player Josh Kail ’01 last visited campus in 2002. A Salesforce application director at DaVita Kidney Care, Kail had not played in an ensemble this large since college, but he wasn’t concerned about feeling out of place.

“This reunion is exactly what I was hoping it would be — I’m catching up with friends. I’m meeting new people and we’re making music together,” Kail said. “I’ve only been here for 30 minutes and I already know it was worth my time to drive here. It feels great to be back on campus. It feels like Luther.”

Tyné Rieck ’03 actively plays her bassoon with local groups in Davenport, but it’s not her full-time job. Rieck is the business and IT manager at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. For Rieck, the reunion was filled with “small world” moments and professional connections.

“My special moment at the reunion was realizing that the two other bassoon players felt like long-lost friends,” Rieck said. “We were from three different orchestra generations, meaning we didn’t cross over during any of our years, yet we all spoke the same language. We had similar experiences and many shared emotions. They knew what it was like to play bassoon in a Dr. Baldwin ensemble, to perform in a Luther College Symphony Orchestra tour, a Vienna trip, and had experienced the difficulty of balancing being a double reed player with being a good student.”

Rieck also praised the long-term impact of Baldwin.

“Dr. Baldwin had an immense impact on me as a college student. I respected him so much; I never wanted to disappoint him or waste his time. Although he was supportive, he kept pushing us to be better,” Rieck said. “He also had some musical words of wisdom that made a big impact and I continue to follow. The ones that have stuck with me are about settling for mediocre playing, such as ‘mediocrity kills ensembles’ and ‘mediocrity means you are going backward.’”

Baldwin earned his bachelor of music (cello) degree from Furman University, and master of music (cello) and doctor of musical arts (orchestral conducting) degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his arrival at Luther, Baldwin served as director of orchestral activities at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

About Symphony Orchestra

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra is Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble. Student musicians performing with Symphony Orchestra represent a variety of academic disciplines. Many are also involved in chamber music, choir, band or a jazz ensemble.

The orchestra tours regularly in the United States, and every four years, it spends a month studying, rehearsing and performing in Vienna, Austria. The orchestra also collaborates with Luther College choirs for the annual Christmas at Luther performances.

Luther College TRIO Student Support Services is proud to announce that 11 Luther students were awarded scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year.

“These scholarships are more than financial support — they’re a recognition of our students’ resilience, leadership and academic excellence,” said Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services at Luther. “I am incredibly proud of this year’s recipients, and we are grateful for the generous donors who continue to believe in the talent and determination of first-generation college students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities, many of whom are trailblazers for their siblings and communities.”

TRIO Student Support Services is a federally-funded program that provides specialized support for first-generation college students, income-eligible students and students registered with Disability Services. It has been sponsored by Luther College for more than 50 years, fostering the academic, professional, and personal growth of 165 students annually.

Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship

Six students — Jenna Kleven, Kenna McGee, Stephanie Mews, Zion Oyelude, Cecilia Ruiz and Ren Talerico — received a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship. The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship was established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames, Iowa, in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson, who graduated from Luther in 1985.

 

Jenna Kleven ’26, a senior from Albert Lee, Minn., is double majoring in music and management. She is a member of the Luther College Concert Band, enjoys being a Dorian Summer Camp counselor and was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. Kleven has worked in the Department of Music office on campus and at Home Depot. She is exploring the possibility of graduate school after her graduation from Luther.

 

 

Kenna McGee ’27, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, is double majoring in economics and environmental studies with a minor in Spanish. She is a member of the Luther Women’s Soccer Team, Energy and Water Task Group, Campus Garden Revitalization, Citizens Climate Lobby and the Sustainable Foods Task Force. She also volunteers as a translator at the Decorah Community Food Pantry. In spring 2025, McGee was named to the Dean’s List. She aspires to work as an environmental economist and seeks to make a lasting impact on society.

 

Stephanie Mews ’27, a junior from Marshfield, Wis., is double majoring in music and visual communication. She was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. She is a member of Cathedral Choir, Tau Delta Gamma and the TRIO Leadership Council (TLC). Mews also runs the lighting board for Luther opera performances. During the summer, she works at Target. After college, Mews would like to do design work for musicians.

 

Zion Oyelude ’27, a junior from Plainfield, Ill., is a nursing major. He is a member of the Black Student Union and Alpha Lambda Delta. Oyelude was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List and is a resident assistant at Ylvisaker Hall on campus. His future plans include becoming a registered nurse focusing on patient care and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

 

 

Cecilia Ruiz ’25, a senior from Chicago, is majoring in nursing and is a Luther College cheerleader. Ruiz was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. During the summer, Ruiz works in the emergency department at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She is looking forward to a career as a pediatric nurse.

 

 

Ren Talerico ’27, a junior from Madison, Wis., is an elementary education major with an art minor. She is a member of the Luther Women’s Swim Team. Talerico volunteers with Partners and Leaders in Service (PALS), a community mentorship program that pairs elementary and middle school students with Luther students, and Luther’s Cafeteria to Community Program. Talerico was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. During the summer, Talerico is a swim coach, lesson instructor and lifeguard. After graduation, she plans to be an elementary school teacher who inspires bright minds.

 

Karen Julesberg Scholarship

Five students — Jersie Benson, Geremiah Brown, Stevie Herrera, Arif Seepersaud Jr. and Aiyana Taipe — were each awarded a $1,000 Karen Julesberg Scholarship. The Karen Julesberg Scholarship benefits first-generation students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities involved in TRIO Student Support Services at Luther College.

Karen Julesberg ’60 of Madison, Wisc., has sponsored the scholarship since 2012.

“When I was considering the many worthwhile opportunities that support Luther students and programs, it took me some time to select one that not only fit my interests but also touched my heart,” Julesberg said. “Once I learned about TRIO with its variety of activities designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students, my choice was easy.”

 

Jersie Benson ’26, a senior from Evansdale, Iowa, is an English major with a sociology minor. Benson is on Luther’s Bowling Team. She works at the Decorah Public Library and is a board member of Luther’s Oneota Review literary publication. Benson was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. After graduating from Luther College, she hopes to be a librarian.

 

 

Geremiah Brown ’26, a senior from Vallejo, Calif., is a management major. He is on the Luther Football Team and received the Jeff Wetach Character Award. Earlier this year, Brown received first place in the Dr. Reneé Watson First-Generation Student Essay Contest. He was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. He currently works at Kwik Star. In the future, Brown hopes to become a data analyst for a major sports team.

 

 

Stevie Herrera ’26, a senior from Hancock, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education with an endorsement in middle school for social studies and English as a Second Language (ESL). She volunteers with PALS and is a member of Tau Delta Gamma. She was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List and received the Tau Delta Gamma Outstanding Service Project award. Herrera works as a tutor at the Decorah Middle School. This fall, she is excited to begin student teaching.

 

Arif Seepersaud Jr. ’28, a sophomore from Elko New Market, Minn., is a data science major with a marketing minor. Seepersaud is a member of the Luther College Football Team, Alpha Lambda Delta and TLC. He is also a preceptor in computer science. This fall, he will be a resident assistant at Ylvisaker Hall. Seepersaud was named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. His dream is to be a data analyst for an NFL team.

 

 

Aiyana Taipe ’27, a junior from Burnsville, Minn., is majoring in sociology with a Spanish minor. Taipe is involved in Alpha Beta Psi, Performing Arts Committee and Latines Unides. She is a member of TLC. She has worked as a teacher assistant. After graduating, Taipe plans to attend graduate school and work as a human resources specialist.

Luther College announced that 268 students graduated in the spring of 2025. They were honored at the 2025 Commencement ceremony on May 25.

Of the graduating class, 124 received Latin honors across a variety of majors and 18% were first-generation college students. Approximately 4% of the graduates were transfer students, 14% were international students and nearly 20% of students were double majors. 

Watch a video featuring highlights from Commencement.

Congratulations to the following graduates:

 

Ryan Richard Adams, Osage, Iowa

Chemistry, cum laude

 

Raul Alfonso Ferrández, Alicante, Spain

Management

 

Allie Anderson, New Ulm, Minnesota

Communication Studies, Visual Communication, summa cum laude

 

Mara Anderson-Skelly, Lemont, Pennsylvania

Environmental Studies, summa cum laude

 

Charlotte Appel, Lynnwood, Washington

Music Education, summa cum laude

 

Noah James Arndt, Northfield, Minnesota

Biology

 

Gabriel James Atkins, Castle Pines, Colorado

Management

 

Victor Azih, Mbabane, Eswatini

Management

 

Aidan Christopher Bailey, Dripping Springs, Texas

Management

 

Rosie Baldus, Charles City, Iowa

Theatre, cum laude

 

Anna Barbknecht, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Accounting, Management, cum laude

 

Emma Elizabeth Kastl Barness, Aurora, Colorado

International Studies, Political Science, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude

 

Milan Bartelt, Denver, Colorado

Biology

 

Soren Basnet, Kathmandu, Nepal

Computer Science

 

Abigail Bates, Belmond, Iowa

Environmental Studies, summa cum laude

 

Ava Catherine Bednarz, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Psychology

 

Jack Bell, Madison, Wisconsin

Exercise Science, magna cum laude

 

Fiona Bennett, Lisle, Illinois

Nursing

 

Casey Berg, Austin, Minnesota

Accounting, Management

 

Alyssa Rae Blankenship, Columbia Falls, Montana

Biology

 

Samuel Blomme, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Nursing, cum laude

 

Mary Brady, Eldora, Iowa

English, magna cum laude 

 

Patrick Brognano, Oregon, Wisconsin

Chemistry, cum laude

 

Vershon Brooks, Brighton, Colorado

Exercise Science–Allied Health

 

Kayla Brummer, Ankeny, Iowa

Biology

 

Vincent Buchner, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Computer Science, summa cum laude

 

Thuy Tram Bui, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Mathematics/Statistics, magna cum laude 

 

Michelle Thi Bui, Vietnam

Accounting, Economics, magna cum laude 

 

Maia Bumgardner, Urbandale, Iowa

Chemistry

 

Brady Burkheimer, Ames, Iowa

Biology

 

Michael Burns, Forest City, Iowa

Visual Communication

 

Chanyanuch Butsayaturt, Thailand

Political Science, International Studies

 

Jessica Campos Arzate, Decorah, Iowa

Communication Studies

 

Leif Carey-Odden, Mount Vernon, Washington

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Toby Carls, St. Paul, Minnesota

English

 

Christopher Cevallos, El Salvador

Political Science, International Studies

 

Signe Christiansen, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Elementary Education, magna cum laude 

 

Cody Clark, Wayzata, Minnesota

Religion, Identity Studies

 

Kendall Clausen, Rochester, Minnesota

Psychology, cum laude

 

Alfred Adade Cobbinah, Decorah, Iowa

Neuroscience, cum laude

 

Sabina Dahal, Lalitpur, Nepal

Computer Science, cum laude

 

Makenzie Dahlstrom, Packwood, Iowa

Law and Values

 

Kaitlyn Dailey, Utica, Minnesota

Social Work, summa cum laude

 

Jerrianne Dannenmueller, Osceola, Wisconsin

Psychology

 

Anastasia Violet Davidson, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Music, summa cum laude

 

Vicky Davis, Davenport, Iowa

Neuroscience

 

Tristan Day, Clearlake, California

Psychology

 

Jackson Decker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Chemistry, cum laude

 

Kellen DeKok, Archer, Iowa

Economics, Spanish, cum laude

 

Ethan Allen Ducklow, Carver, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Strength and Conditioning 

 

Noah Dutler, Plainfield, Illinois

Management

 

Abigail Jean Dykstra, Chandler, Arizona

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Katelyn Elisabeth Egan, Dubuque, Iowa

Nursing

 

Nour El Kassem, Beirut, Lebanon

Neuroscience, Nordic Studies

 

Britta Elsbernd, Mason City, Iowa

Music, Visual Communication, summa cum laude

 

Olivia Engler, Atlantic, Iowa

Accounting, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude 

 

Zoe Epple, Edina, Minnesota

Environmental Studies

 

Anthony Marco Esposito, Plymouth, Minnesota

Data Science

 

Bitijula Esther Bitijula, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Social Work, Psychology

 

Jay Fjelstul, Decorah, Iowa

Management, Nordic Studies

 

Mac Kenzie Rose Frame, Farmington, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Allied Health, cum laude

 

Jack Henry Fritz, Johnston, Iowa

Psychology, summa cum laude

 

Logan Daniel Fritz, Johnston, Iowa

Biology, summa cum laude

 

Mallory Fynaardt, West Des Moines, Iowa

Biology, Anthropology, magna cum laude 

 

Kamina Gager, Woodbury, Minnesota

History, summa cum laude

 

Peyton Gallt, Ames, Iowa

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Cameron Gallt, Ames, Iowa

Exercise Science

 

Rafael Gamballi, Cuiaba, Brazil

Management

 

Ellie Gardner, Edina, Minnesota

Biology, summa cum laude

 

Benjamin Ryan Gillikin, Long Valley, New Jersey

Nursing, cum laude

 

Jose Giménez, Santiago, Chile

Economics

 

Susmita Giri, Sangachok, Nepal

Data Science, Economics, magna cum laude 

 

Joseph Gorman, Santa Rosa, California

Environmental Studies

 

Janette Gowdy, Melbourne, Iowa

English, Nordic Studies, summa cum laude

 

Lauren Gray, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Biology, summa cum laude

 

Alyssa Gray, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Biology

 

Talia Anessa Grier, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Management

 

Emily Groppoli, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Allied Health Sciences, magna cum laude 

 

Owen Gruenwald, Ankeny, Iowa

Data Science, Theatre

 

Lydia Gruenwald, Lombard, Illinois

History

 

Ethan Grunewald, Fairmont, Minnesota

Computer Science, Mathematics, magna cum laude 

 

Olivia Grace Gustafson, Edina, Minnesota

Biology, summa cum laude

 

Avery June Hagstrom, Alexandria, Minnesota

Elementary Education, summa cum laude

 

Rawan Hannoon, Gaza, Palestine

Neuroscience

 

Kressin Hartl, Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Music Education

 

Alexys Harwood, Spring Valley, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Allied Health

 

Jonas Haugland, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Chemistry

 

Cade Hawkins, Batavia, Illinois

Chemistry

 

Elizabeth Steele Heim, East Dubuque, Illinois

Social Work, magna cum laude 

 

Garren Heinert, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Law and Values

 

William Heithoff, Winterset, Iowa

Exercise Science–Allied Health

 

Braeden Hendel, Mankato, Minnesota

Nursing

 

Keely Shea Hermanson, Decorah, Iowa

Psychology, Social Work, cum laude

 

Chase Heying, Sartell, Minnesota

Anthropology, Sociology–Criminology Track, cum laude

 

Ryan Daniel Hinderaker, Ames, Iowa

Music Education

 

Ryan Lucas Holt, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Music, Physics, Mathematics, magna cum laude 

 

Katelyn Hosking, Slinger, Wisconsin

Exercise Science–Allied Health, magna cum laude 

 

Foster Hull, Dubuque, Iowa

Visual Communication, magna cum laude 

 

Emily Hursh, St. Charles, Minnesota

History, magna cum laude 

 

Elise Lynnée Ilsley, Springfield, Illinois

Nursing, cum laude

 

Ashley Imdieke, Northfield, Minnesota

English, magna cum laude 

 

Redempta Iratunganye, Musanze, Rwanda

Neuroscience

 

Mason Irving, Iowa City, Iowa

History, magna cum laude 

 

Chelin Isaacson, Superior, Colorado

Elementary Education, magna cum laude 

 

Cassiah James, Evansville, Wisconsin

Communication Studies

 

Piper Marie Jensen, Stoughton, Wisconsin

Biology

 

Christian Jensen, Madison, Wisconsin

History, Theatre, cum laude

 

Blake Jondle, Long Beach, California

Exercise Science –Strength and Conditioning

 

Taiyo Kakegawa-Fernandez, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Psychology

 

Morgan Kane, Lake City, Minnesota

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Alyssa Keller, Rochester, Minnesota

Visual Communication

 

Casey Kellett Whitwham, Essex, England/Navan, Ireland

Data Science

 

Piper Kellner, Austin, Minnesota

Biology, cum laude

 

Jillian Kaye Kipp, Plymouth, Minnesota

Environmental Studies

 

Katy Klein, Elgin, Minnesota

Accounting, magna cum laude 

 

Jacob Aaron Klingsten, Waterford, Wisconsin

Music Education, summa cum laude

 

Leo Kloos, St. Paul, Minnesota

Visual Communication

 

Leah Koenig, Lakeville, Minnesota

English, cum laude

 

Emma Kowalczyk, Colgate, Wisconsin

Management

 

Will Kuelbs, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Social Work

 

Audrey Kuhn, Madison, Wisconsin

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Ethan Kunka, Great Falls, Montana

Music Education, cum laude

 

Hannah LaBonte, Lake City, Minnesota

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Gislaine Lainfiesta Lopez, St. Paul, Minnesota

Anthropology

 

Courtney Landgrebe, Rosemount, Minnesota

Elementary Education, magna cum laude 

 

Claire Larson, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Art

 

Claudia Larson, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Environmental Studies

 

Nicole Larson, Lakeville, Minnesota

Nursing, magna cum laude 

 

Asli Joelle Lawrence, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

Music, magna cum laude 

 

Katherine Lawson, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Music Education, summa cum laude

 

Diep Le, Hanoi, Vietnam

Accounting, Data Science, magna cum laude 

 

Carl Jamison Lee, Lewiston, Minnesota

Political Science

 

Tancrède Lefort, Golbey, France

International Studies, Political Science, magna cum laude 

 

Noah Lindeman, St. Paul, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Strength and Conditioning

 

Quinn Lohse, Waukee, Iowa

Elementary Education

 

Awate Elizabeth Elisama Loma, Juba, South Sudan

Economics, International Studies, cum laude 

 

Sullivan Lucy, St. Paul, Minnesota

Mathematics/Statistics

 

Justin Maas-Espinoza, Tracy, California

Sociology

 

Madi Major, Golden, Colorado

Biology, Environmental Studies

 

Ryan Malecha, Northfield, Minnesota

English, magna cum laude 

 

Hernan Jesus Manzanet, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Data Science

 

Evan Jordan Marinov, Toronto, Canada

Computer Science

 

Amara Kyri Marks, Urbandale, Iowa

Law and Values

 

Ellanor Elizabeth Marti, Chaska, Minnesota

Environmental Studies, cum laude 

 

Delaney Estrella Martinez-Wilson, Mead, Colorado

Exercise Science

 

Owen Matzek, Hastings, Minnesota

Environmental Studies, magna cum laude 

 

Mark McCollor, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Visual Communication

 

Adam McDonald, Cold Spring, Minnesota

Music

 

Hannah McFarland, Winterset, Iowa

Nursing

 

Erin McGrath, Woodbury, Minnesota

Psychology, Neuroscience

 

Grace McIlrath, Grinnell, Iowa

Anthropology, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude 

 

Mitchell McManus, Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Music

 

Bruna Costa, Brasilia, Brazil

Visual Communication, magna cum laude 

 

Raul Medrano III, Madera, California

Management

 

Jordan Melendez, Worthington, Minnesota

Computer Science

 

Elisa Millán, Plymouth, Minnesota

Economics, Spanish, cum laude 

 

Megan Hyla Miller, Urbandale, Iowa

Economics, Nordic Studies, summa cum laude

 

Jack Moriarty, Waukee, Iowa

Mathematics, Physics, summa cum laude

 

Jack Morrison, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Environmental Studies

 

Sonnet Mungyeh, Happy Valley, Oregon

Global Health–Plan 1, German

 

Alexia Murano, Urbandale, Iowa

Elementary Education, Spanish, cum laude

 

Jorge Murillo Uruñuela, Madrid, Spain

Computer Science

 

Arnold Mushumbusi Mutasingwa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Neuroscience

 

Nev Nelson, Woodinville, Washington

Chemistry, cum laude

 

Alana Suzanne Newell, Pecatonica, Illinois

Biology

 

Duy Nguyen, Vietnam

Data Science, Physics

 

Tapiwanashe (Taps) Nkompilo, Highfields Harare, Zimbabwe

Data Science

 

Clayton Nowak, Andover, Minnesota

Biology

 

Riley O’Donnell, Dubuque, Iowa

Neuroscience, cum laude

 

Emmaleigh Ohrt, Decorah, Iowa

Music, cum laude

 

Halle Olson, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Nursing

 

Kyah Joann Olson-Sola, Northfield, Minnesota

Nursing, cum laude

 

Oluwa Victor Olayemi, Lagos, Nigeria

Social Work, Psychology, cum laude

 

Ava Severina O’Neill, Northfield, Minnesota

Environmental Studies, Political Science

 

Ahmed Daud Osman, Hargeisa, Somaliland

Economics

 

Javier Pastor Valls, Alicante, Spain

Economics

 

Ellen Petersen, Madison, Wisconsin

Psychology

 

Bryan Peterson, Estherville, Iowa

Communication Studies

 

Emma Pichelmann, Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Biology, Anthropology, summa cum laude

 

Amber Pinter, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Nursing, cum laude

 

Gray Pitsenbarger, Shoreview, Minnesota

Art

 

Mya Ploor, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Music

 

Cole Pollock, Ankeny, Iowa

Biology

 

Stirling Pollock, Grand Marais, Minnesota

Visual Communication

 

Ricardo Antonio Portilla Ruiz, Quito, Ecuador

Global Health–Plan 1, cum laude

 

Gracia Powell, Bellingham, Washington

International Studies, Political Science, cum laude

 

Julia Lynn Praska, St. Paul, Minnesota

Nursing

 

Mark Prince, San Diego, California

Mathematics, Physics, cum laude

 

Carlie Prymek, Iowa City, Iowa

Music

 

Mara Quackenbush, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Communication Studies

 

Ian McAlister Ramirez, Janesville, Wisconsin

Communication Studies

 

Montserrat Ramírez Mainou, Queretaro, Mexico

Neuroscience

 

Dylan Rauser, Ankeny, Iowa

Exercise Science–Allied Health Sciences

 

Hogan Reuter, Farmington, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Allied Health Sciences

 

Kaija Elizabeth Rice, Ames, Iowa

Social Work, cum laude

 

Annika Mary Rice, Ames, Iowa

Nursing

 

Kelly Ristau, Preston, Minnesota

Psychology, Art

 

Isaac Roberts, Decorah, Iowa

Nordic Studies

 

Mateus Rohden, Joinville, Brazil

Computer Science

 

Christina Rolf, River Falls, Wisconsin

Art, magna cum laude 

 

Juan Pablo Rosaldo, Mexico City, Mexico

Economics

 

Noel Rosales Jr., Chicago, Illinois

Law and Values

 

Jax Rosland, Elmhurst, Illinois

Communication Studies

 

Paige Ross, Faribault, Minnesota

Exercise Science–Allied Health, cum laude

 

Hannah Roth, Rochester, Minnesota

Music

 

Ella Rowley, Rochester, Minnesota

Mathematics

 

Chloe Rozga, Northfield, Minnesota

Communication Studies, Law and Values, summa cum laude

 

Fernando Ruiz Vega, Chicago, Illinois

Accounting

 

Abby Russeth, Lakeville, Minnesota

Global Health, summa cum laude

 

Haakon Rustad, Northfield, Minnesota

Nordic Studies, Accounting

 

Khalil Saldivar, Houston, Texas

Visual Communication

 

Junita Sangare, Monrovia, Liberia

Biology, cum laude

 

Riley Mae Sauser, Ely, Iowa

Exercise Science–Allied Health, magna cum laude 

 

Sarah Schmidt, Bettendorf, Iowa

Mathematics, Biology, summa cum laude

 

Kenlin Mae Schmitt, Elgin, Iowa

Exercise Science–Allied Health

 

Tori Nichole Schnell, Deforest, Wisconsin

Exercise Science–Allied Health

 

Andie Schrader, Bloomington, Minnesota

Social Work

 

Erica Schulte, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Accounting, Management, cum laude

 

Riley Schulte, Plymouth, Minnesota

Management, magna cum laude 

 

Aidan Schultheis, Des Moines, Iowa

Psychology

 

Mark Severtson, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Music, summa cum laude

 

Nico Shrestha, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Political Science, Spanish, Law and Values

 

Elijah Shubatt, Dubuque, Iowa

Law and Values

 

Matthew Gunner Smith, Decorah, Iowa

History, Political Science

 

Lizzie Snyder, Petaluma, California

Individualized Interdisciplinary-Ancient Civilizations

 

Kai Stemm, Roseville, Minnesota

Data Science, German

 

Anna Stenerson, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Social Work, magna cum laude 

 

Peter Stinar, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Accounting, magna cum laude 

 

Isaac Stivers, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

German

 

Hannah Isabel Stoutner, Whitehall, Wisconsin

Communication Studies, magna cum laude 

 

Alyssa Strampe, Janesville, Wisconsin

Psychology, magna cum laude 

 

Zed Strom, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Political Science

 

Sorley Swanstrom-Arnold, Washburn, Wisconsin

History, magna cum laude 

 

Kaleb Thiesse, Kasson, Minnesota

Elementary Education

 

Allison Thomley, Middleton, Wisconsin

Visual Communication, Art, magna cum laude 

 

Hayden Thompson, North Liberty, Iowa

Psychology, cum laude 

 

Vincent Torgerson, Mabel, Minnesota

Political Science

 

Elise Trail-Johnson, St. Paul, Minnesota

Visual Communication, magna cum laude 

 

Emma Tran, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Mathematics/Statistics, magna cum laude 

 

Hannah Marie Kerchner, West Branch, Iowa

Music, magna cum laude 

 

Marcus Uthke, Eyota, Minnesota

Management

 

Soley Valdimarsdottir, Reykjavik, Iceland

Data Science, Management, cum laude 

 

Anastasios Vasileiou, Paiania, Greece

Management

 

William Foster Vavrichek, Hopkins, Minnesota

Chemistry

 

Justin Velzke, Owatonna, Minnesota

Management

 

Zoe Verhey, Dassel, Minnesota

Management

 

Andre Viveros, Whittier, California

Economics

 

Anishka Vogl, Austin, Texas

Music

 

Renee Vorndran, Osceola, Wisconsin

Environmental Studies

 

Grace Vuckovich, Mokena, Illinois

Sociology

 

Josh Wackerfuss, Chaska, Minnesota

International Studies, Spanish, Political Science, magna cum laude 

 

Alexander Wagner, Mosinee, Wisconsin

Communication Studies

 

Emma Walker, Decorah, Iowa

English, cum laude 

 

Finn Wallace, Eagan, Minnesota

Visual Communication

 

Shulei Wang, China

Computer Science, Religion, magna cum laude 

 

Julia Weiner, Iowa City, Iowa

Psychology,  magna cum laude 

 

Jacob Wenger, Manchester, Iowa

Chemistry, summa cum laude

 

Luke Westholder, Edina, Minnesota

Management

 

Ava White, Duluth, Minnesota

Communication Studies, summa cum laude

 

Livia Monet Williams, Coralville, Iowa

Exercise Science–Strength and Conditioning

 

Clara Wodny, Duluth, Minnesota

Visual Communication, English, summa cum laude

 

Avery Wrage, Waverly, Iowa

Biology, magna cum laude 

 

Reece Wright, Annandale, Minnesota

Music Education, magna cum laude 

 

Dexter Wright II, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psychology, cum laude 

 

Sophie Yakes, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Identity Studies

 

Eli Young, North Liberty, Iowa

Management, magna cum laude 

 

Judith Zimundi, Harare, Zimbabwe

Chemistry

 

Ruby Zorn, Little Rock, Arkansas

English, cum laude 

Megan Wilson has been named athletics director at Luther College, President Brad Chamberlain announced today.

An NCAA Division III national champion athlete, former head coach and experienced athletics administrator, Wilson returns to Luther from the University of Dubuque, where she has served as associate dean of student engagement and intercollegiate athletics for the past three years.

“NCAA Division III athletics is a complex landscape that is rapidly evolving. In Megan Wilson, Luther College and Norse athletics has found a strategic leader that will make an immediate impact on the culture of excellence and achievement that we are building together,” Chamberlain said. 

“Megan’s leadership style is rooted in building relationships and marked by transparent communication and innovative problem-solving,” Chamberlain continued. “We are excited to welcome Megan back to Luther College, and I am eager to partner with her to support a Norse student-athlete experience that is distinctive and transformational, and that meets the moment, both for Luther College and intercollegiate athletics more broadly.”

“I am honored and thrilled to return to Luther College as the next director of athletics,” Wilson said. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Chamberlain, the search committee, the athletics staff, and the entire campus community for their warm welcome and enthusiasm throughout the process. Having previously been part of this incredible community, I know firsthand the passion, pride, and commitment that define Norse Athletics. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and lead with a student-centered vision rooted in excellence, equity, and integrity.”

At Dubuque, Wilson served as an associate dean of student engagement, and as a member of the UD Athletics Department’s Senior Executive Team. In this role, she assisted in the development, implementation and management of UD’s zero-based athletics department budget, oversaw NCAA and American Rivers Conference compliance requirements, and had sport supervision duties.

Along with direct oversight of intramurals and recreation for UD, Wilson served on the university’s Cares Team, which provides resources and services to all at-risk students at Dubuque. She also was a member of the UD campus retention and persistence committee and was a deputy Title IX coordinator.

“When we began the search process, we made clear we were seeking individuals with strong administrative experience who aligned with our belief that athletics is about community, character, and competition,” Chamberlain said. “Athletics at Luther is part of our holistic approach to learning that develops mind, body, and spirit, and we were seeking a leader who could both enrich Luther’s tradition of excellence in intercollegiate athletics, and integrate athletics into the fabric of the broader campus and local communities.”

“President Chamberlain’s philosophy on athletics deeply resonates with me—especially the emphasis on character, community, and competition,” Wilson said. “These values are at the heart of what makes college athletics meaningful and transformative. I’m excited to partner with President Chamberlain and the entire Luther community as we embrace the new opportunities ahead and continue to elevate the student-athlete experience.”

Wilson’s selection concludes a process to return to a full-time athletics director at Luther, which started last fall and included a nationwide search for the position this spring.

“We were fortunate to have a robust field of applicants from across the country, and the interest in our athletics director position shows that Luther Norse athletics is highly regarded and respected,” Chamberlain said. “Megan’s naming as Luther’s new athletics director adds to the building momentum for Luther athletics, which includes the ongoing Gerdin Fieldhouse renovation and invitation to join the Midwest Conference in 2026-27. Luther is well positioned to build upon the achievements of our past conference champions, All-Americans, and NCAA Postgraduate Scholars.”

Known across the region and nationally, Wilson is a member of the A-R-C Strategic Focus Group; was a member of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Committee from 2018 to 2024, including two years as the committee chair; and has participated in various NCAA leadership programs, including the Pathway Program as a member of the 2023–24 cohort.

Prior to joining Dubuque, Wilson served as associate athletics director and advisor to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Luther. Along with home event administration for major events including the All-American cross country meet and three A-R-C conference championships hosted by Luther, she served as the director of the then-named Regents Center.

Earlier in her athletics administration career, she was associate athletics director and senior woman administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and held the same position at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

At each stop in her administrative career, Wilson established or expanded corporate sponsorship programs for her institutions. Most recently, she wrote and received the NCAA Women and Ethnic Minorities grant, which led to the creation of a paid position for a coordinator of creative media, marketing and fan engagement at UD.

As a head coach, Wilson had a nine-year career leading UW-Platteville women’s basketball, and during her time also served as the liaison for athletics and admissions for Pioneer athletics.

As a college athlete, she had a legendary career for UW-Stevens Point, playing all four years and serving as the team captain her junior and senior seasons as the Pointers won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2002. Following graduation, she became an assistant coach for the Pointers for four years, helping guide the team to back-to-back Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and NCAA tournament bids.

Earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration at UWSP, she also completed her master’s degree in education. A native of Barneveld, Wisc., she led Barneveld High School to back-to-back state championships and was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She and her husband, Josh, have three children, Aidan, Brody and Palmer.

Wilson succeeds Renae Hartl, who held both athletics director and head softball coach positions for the past decade. Hartl announced in December 2024 she was stepping down to focus full time on her role as head coach of Luther’s storied softball program, which she has led for 24 years. With Wilson’s arrival in mid-July, Hartl will also serve as associate athletics director for facility development and resume her role as Luther’s senior woman administrator.