Luther College will host its annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital, featuring Isabelle Demers, associate professor of organ at McGill University in Montréal, Québec. The recital will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus.
“Isabelle Demers is one of the premier organists in North America. She plays traditional repertoire but approaches it in a new and innovative way. She’s adventurous, well-rounded, and exciting to listen to. Her program will capture the musical capability of our instrument perfectly,” said Alexander Meszler, organist and assistant professor of music at Luther.
Demers’ program will include works by Bach, Alkan, Heiller, Mozart, Albright, and Reger. The recital is open to the public with no charge for admission.
The Chicago Classical Review has described Demers playing as having “bracing virtuosity” and the Amarillo-Globe News said she is “fearless and extraordinary.” She has appeared in recitals throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada including at the Cathedrals of Cologne and Regensburg in Germany; the ElbPhilharmonie in Hamburg; and the Royal Festival Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey in London to name a few.
Demers is in high demand to play at regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings on the Acis and Pro Organo labels. Her latest album, recorded at Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, was released in January 2020.
The annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital features outstanding artists of international caliber on the Robert Sipe Organ in the Center for Faith and Life. The intent of the concert is to provide an inspirational role model for current and prospective students who wish to pursue organ study at Luther. It is sponsored through the Kathryn Ulvilden Moen ’41 Organ Fund and the William B. Kuhlman Endowment.
Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.
Luther College invites everyone to recognize Black History Month this February by attending a series of events on campus. The series kicks off with international music performances with a Language Day workshop and several speakers to follow including the Black History Month Distinguished Lecture. All events are free to the public with no charge for admission.
“Black History Month is an annual celebration that honors the contributions and achievements of African Americans as part of the fabric of American history that has since been expanded globally in other countries. It is important that Luther College acknowledges Black History Month as our mission challenges us to be a campus where we are transformed by encounters with one another that allows us to learn about the rich histories and experiences of all members of our campus community,” says Dr. Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement.
On Feb. 4 and 5, the 29:11 International Exchange music ministry is on campus. The South African singing ensemble’s mission is to facilitate hope and reconciliation through music, cross-cultural relationships and individual artist development. All are invited to their community Sing and Share event at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and a Gospel Worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Both events take place in the Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.
This group believes that “by recognizing that each of us is worthy of understanding and love, we can bridge the ideological, racial and socio-economic gaps that divide us and live together as citizens of the world.”
At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, celebrate Mother Language Day in Mott-Borlaug Rooms in Dahl Centennial Union.Recognized by the United Nations, International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.” All are invited for conversation and snacks.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Gary Phillips will present the Black History Month Distinguished Lecture entitled “The Intersection of Crime Fiction and Social Change” in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Phillips is a renowned Los Angeles author in the genres of noir, crime and mystery. He has published novels, comics and short stories and he has edited several anthologies including “South Central Noir” and the award-winning “Obama Inheritance: Fifteen Stories of Conspiracy Noir.”
“Gary Phillips’ work finds refreshing ways to explore Black American history and our racial landscape within the noir fiction genre,” said Novian Whitsitt, professor of Africana studies and English. “I’m excited to hear him discuss this literary space and how it serves as an artistic and political canvas for his ideas.”
Phillips is a community activist and labor organizer in his native Los Angeles. His lived experience and continued engagement in these areas inform and inspire his work.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, Haywood Stowe will present “The Importance of Servant Leadership” in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Stowe is an experienced director and servant leader. He is currently the director of customer support at Collins Aerospace in Decorah with a demonstrated 25-year history of working in both the consumer goods and aviation and aerospace industries. Stowe will share how the servant leadership philosophy has become ingrained in his leadership practice.
For more information or questions about Black History Month events at Luther College, contact programming@luther.edu.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, the Luther College Center Stage presents LADAMA in the Main Hall of the Center For Faith and Life.
LADAMA is a group of four women who are exceptional musicians and educators, all from different countries. Lara Klaus from Recife, Brazil; Daniela Serna from Bogota, Colombia; Maria Fernanda Gonzalez from Barquisimeto, Venezuela; and Sara Lucas from the United States draw musical inspiration from their home countries and cultures. Self-described “sisters in song, rhythm and spirit,” they are on a quest to discover musical and cultural intersections, transcend boundaries and defy norms using traditional and non-traditional instruments from across the Americas.
“This will be such a wonderful evening of music. I love LADAMA’s quintessential Latin rhythms, their powerful camaraderie on stage, and their mission as musicians — to bridge the gap between cultures,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “For a fun sample of what’s in store, search the web for the video of LADAMA’s Tiny Desk Concert on NPR.”
LADAMA has performed at TED, the Skoll World Forum, on ESPN and at dozens of prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Their self-titled debut album, released through Six Degrees Records in 2017, reached #1 on both iTunes and Amazon’s Latin Music Charts. In 2018, LADAMA was featured on NPR’s program All Things Considered.
“LADAMA takes on traditional genres with confidence and vigor without being constrained by their conventions. The result is a vivid montage of music of the Americas with irresistible spirit and universal appeal.” – All Things Considered, NPR
The highly creative and talented chefs on the Norse Culinary Team invite you to partake in the Center Stage Dinner Series before the show. The dinners feature a multi-course menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required. All meals begin at 5:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union.
Additionally, the Luther Book Shop offers “Sip and Shop” before each performance. Present your ticket for a complimentary glass of wine and browse the selection before the show.
Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther’s Ticket Office and online at tickets.luther.edu, by emailing tickets@luther.edu or by calling (563) 387-1357.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra performs in Stockerau, Austria. Photo by Bill Rosholt.
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra will present their Vienna Residency Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus.
The concert comes after the student performers spent more than three weeks in Vienna, rehearsing, performing and experiencing music in a city known for its world-class orchestras.
“This trip has given me the opportunity to not only attend performances and concerts on a daily basis but also to rehearse and aspire to that level,” said Catherine Wedin ’23, violin. “Every night we are able to hear some of the greatest symphonies and operas, in the city where it all originated.”
Conducted by Daniel Baldwin, the Homecoming Concert will feature a variety of works including Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8” in G major, George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Anatoly Lyadov’s “Kikimora, Op. 63.” The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.
While abroad, the students also take part in a four-credit course taught by Luther faculty. This year, Martin Klammer, professor of English, and Kathy Reed, Paideia director and instructor in music, led the students through an in-depth study of Angus Robertson’s “The Crossroads of Civilization: A History of Vienna.” Class lectures were paired with experiential visits to important places in Vienna, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere Palace, and to memorable performances including Brahms’ First and Second Symphonies at the Konzerthaus and “La Boheme” at the Staatsoper.
“In addition to making new friendships, expanding my comfort zones and becoming a more independent person, studying abroad/being able to go on tour with the Symphony Orchestra in Vienna has given me the experience of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Sophia Kouay ’23, percussion. “Vienna is such a unique city, with so much history and culture attached to it and as a musician, I am continually in awe of the world-class musicianship and history we get to experience during our time here.”
A Symphony Orchestra small group outside Mozart’s birthplace
While music is the heart and soul of the residency, Luther students also experience some distinctive Viennese traditions—from enjoying goulash and schnitzel for meals, to attending a formal Officers’ Ball at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Some students even ventured on side trips to Hungary, Slovenia, or Salzburg.
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra is Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble. The group is made up of more than 80 student musicians, representing a variety of academic disciplines. Many members also sing in a choir, play in a band or jazz ensemble, and form small chamber groups. Every four years since 1977, the student musicians live, practice and perform in Vienna for three weeks during the month of January.
About Luther College Music
Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.
Decorah High School speech students participated in a district Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, January 21st held at Turkey Valley High School.
The performers had an excellent showing, earning 28 Division I ratings out of 29 total entries. The ninth-grade team performed in five entries, and the varsity team performed in 24 entries. Each ninth-grade and varsity entry receiving a Division I rating will perform at state competition on Saturday, February 4th, at Waterloo West High School.
Cast lists for the varsity groups moving to state contest are as follows:
Choral Reading “The Power of Words” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Aya Hawthorn, Junior Battle, Elsa Johnson, Margret Zook, Annika Keefe, Sylvia Sandhorst, Julia Schwarz, Luke Arendt, Bethany Hanson, Gabriel Hiner, Jensen Korsness, Simon Kutz, Grace Blikre, Corina Timm, and Natalie Goodner.
Ensemble Acting “The Spot” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants include Leslie Campbell, Peter Essa, Ethan Stravers, Danielle Rix, Gwen Thompson, and Elliana Brodbeck.
Ensemble Acting “Bullies Anonymous” was directed by Lyra McKnight. Participants include Rebecca Bruening, Kathryn Kelly, Lexy Walker, Davis Coppola, Klaara Short, and Nathan Swarbrick.
Ensemble Acting “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” was directed by Lyra McKnight. Participants include Libby Phillips, Evon Leitz, Ezra Vorvick, Grace Blikre, Rebecca Kane, and Lucas Hanson.
Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight. Participants performed in three groups.
Group One: Adam Jones, Anders Lovstuen, Ansel Kowitz, Jack Sovern, and Alex Irwin.
Group Two: Henry Weis, Abbie Valkosky, Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Brynn Storhoff.
Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Lily Sandhorst, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse.
Group Mime “Jen’s Big Day” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Chloe Chyle, Brinley Krivachek, Mya Redenius, Lily Iverson, Kaeley Downing, and Jorja Folkedahl.
Group Mime “Paycheck Please” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Britann Mettille, Paige Wrightsman, Natalie Goodner, Faith Meyer, and Julia Schwarz.
Group Mime “Rumors” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Jensen Korsness, Sophia Christman, Grace Neal, Thea Schissel, Max Wilson, and Sally Laybourn.
Solo Mime “Oh Snap!” by Rebecca Anderson was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Solo Mime “The Assis-STUNT” by Ramsey Zilka was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Musical Theater “Mean Girls” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Ella Grouws, Jenna Hartz, Hayley Stowe, Elsa Johnson, Ada Lovelace, Gwen Thompson, Annalise Skrade, and Elayna Hook.
Musical Theater “Come from Away” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Jake Magner, Max Wilson, Rebecca Kane, Ezra Vorvick, Alex Kane, and Sally Laybourn.
One Act Play “New Normal” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Bella Bishop, Jenna Hartz, Alex Kane, Ada Lovelace, Ellen Rooney, Kathryn Kelly, Hayley Stowe, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Margret Zook, Camryn Holland, and Danielle Rix.
Radio Broadcasting “KOLD” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Amelia Dugger, Grace Hoyland, Sylvia Sandhorst, Anders Lovstuen, Alex McGohan, Britann Mettille, Karmyn Bakken, and Lillian Jensen.
Radio Broadcasting “KQNA” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, Davis Coppola, Easton Luzum, Lily Sandhorst, Nathan Swarbrick, Addison Wicklund, and Hannah Arendt.
Readers Theater “Starcatcher” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Bella Bishop, Sophia Christman, Carter Kowitz, Jake Magner, Michael Njus, Ethan Stravers, Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, Greta Jones, Ramsey Zilka, McKenzie Riley, Grant Zilka, and Rebecca Anderson.
Short Film “Run, Hide, Fight” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Liam Chamberlain, Annalise Skrade, Annaleissa Arnold, Bethany Hanson, Faith Meyer, Liz Pritchard, Beau Newhouse, Caden Branum, Amelia Dugger, Ella Grouws, Grace Hoyland, Mya Redenius, Caleb Krieg, Evynne Downing, and Evon Leitz.
Short Film “Reflections” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Kamryn Steines, Hannah Arendt, Chloe Chyle, Klaara Short, Diep Doan, Braunwyn Darrington, Lucas Hanson, Paige Werner, Andy Kruger, Annika Keefe, Ryan Sibley, Kealy Hines, Joe Stammeyer, and Daniel Skrade.
Short Film “Soar” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Nev Harper, Bailey Donaldson, Adam Jones, Thomas Esslemont, and Jakob Maret.
TV News “Vanished: The Search for Jodi Huisentruit” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Diep Doan, Kaeley Downing, Lily Iverson, Karmyn Bakken, Grace Neal, Ellen Rooney, Kamryn Steines, Thea Schissel, Kealy Hines, Bridget Bentley, Braunwyn Darrington, Sydney Kipp, Rebecca Bruening, and Addison Wicklund.
TV News “Iowa Wild: Off the Grid” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Simon Kutz, Corina Timm, Paige Wrightsman, Easton Luzum, Liz Pritchard, Annaleissa Arnold, Lillian Jensen, Caden Branum, Jack Sovern, Brynn Storhoff, Luke Arendt, Ansel Kowitz, Paige Werner, Daniel Skrade, and Andy Kruger.
Cast lists for other varsity groups that performed at District contest are as follows:
Solo Mime “Crime Doesn’t Pay” by Junior Battle was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.
Cast lists for the 9th grade groups moving onto State contest are as follows:
Musical Theater “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, and Jameson LaBelle.
Radio Broadcasting “KLRS” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants include Carson Bohner, Trevor Kuennen, Madysen Lippe, Caden Malanaphy, and Mitchell Stemper.
Readers Theater “The Complete Works of Harry Potter (Abridged)” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Ariana Albert, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elsa Christman, Caleb Johnson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Klara Kelly, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Willow Shroyer.
TV News “Breaking Barriers: The Extraordinary Life of Chris Norton” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. Participants include Will Duder, Karlee Bullerman, Trevor Kuennen, Jameson LaBelle, Nora Lesmeister, Lyla Lovstuen, Will Robinson, Naomi Pedlar, Kendal Quam, Willow Shroyer, Annika Schmelzer, Mara Branum, and Mitchell Stemper.
Short Film “Alone” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. Participants include Carson Bohner, Karlee Bullerman, Marri Feuerhelm, Madysen Lippe, Lyla Lovstuen, Caden Malanaphy, Will Robinson, Annika Schmelzer, Kaylie Wemark, Mara Branum, and Alina Tallier.
Musical Theater “Mean Girls” cast members Ella Grouws, Ada Lovelace, and Annalise Skrade
The High School Music Listening Contest regional event took place on Friday, January 20, at six regions across Minnesota and Utah. Nearly 70 teams participated in the contest this year, representing 50 different schools, home schools, and private music studios.
Decorah High School had ten teams of three students each competing at Pine Island High School in Minnesota at the Region 5 competition. This was the biggest group from any school, and the largest number of teams from DHS thus far. This is the 4th year of Decorah students competing in the contest, coached by Nicole Cody.
Eight of Decorah’s ten teams placed in the top ten of the competition out of 19 teams participating from six schools. Earning 1st place with a score of 83/100 were Alex McGohan, Liz Pritchard, and Jensen Korsness. Two Decorah teams tied for 2nd place with a score of 78/100: Sylvia Sandhorst, Lily Sandhorst, and Grace Blikre; and Klara Kelly, Elsa Christman, and Mara Branum. Teams from Decorah also earned 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th, and 15th places. Cody remarked, “I am incredibly proud of all the teams. It’s amazing hearing students get so excited about Donizetti’s music or learn what an amazing person Ethel Smyth was. They learn so much, so fast, and we have so much fun listening together.”
The top two scoring teams from two different schools from the regional contests advance to the championship competition held at Augsburg University in Minneapolis on Friday, . Because of this rule, the team who scored in 3rd place, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, will advance to the championships along with Decorah’s first place winners McGohan, Pritchard, and Korsness.
The mission of the Music Listening Contest is to assist teachers in their efforts to expand the music experiences of students—primarily through the use of Western art music, commonly referred to as classical music. The contest materials cover classical music, global perspectives, and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience.
The contest is an ideal opportunity to enrich students’ experiences with classical music in a fun and competitive environment. This statewide contest connects high school students with classical music and enhances their ability to identify composers, periods, and styles. In the fall, teachers or coaches recruit three students to form a team. Team members receive a study guide and access to all the musical selections they will need to compete effectively.
All Music Listening Contest participants pose in front of the music timeline constructed in Nicole Cody’s orchestra room. Haylee Stravers, Mady Lippe, Leslie Campbell, Libby Phillips, Gwenyth Thompson, Bethany Hanson, Jenna Hartz, Hope Stahl, Ella Grouws, Julia Schwarz, Kathryn Kelly, Jensen Korsness, Annaleissa Arnold, Elsa Christman, Mara Branum, Elsa Christman, Ramsey Zilka, Braunwyn Darrington, Evon Leitz, Danielle Rix, Max Wilson, Annalise Skrade, Ansel Kowitz, Ethan Stravers, Lily Sandhorst, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre, Jake Magner, Sylvia Sandhorst, and Alex McGohan.1st place team going on to the championship round (l-r): Liz Pritchard, Jensen Korsness, and Alex McGohanTied for second place (l-r): Lily Sandhorst, Sylvia Sandhorst, Grace Blikre, Klara Kelly, Mara Branum, and Elsa Christman Photo ID (l-r): Annalise Skrade, Ella Grouws, and Ethan Stravers competing at the contest.Photo ID (l-r): Braunwyn Darrington, Bethany Hanson, and Jenna Hartz competing at the contest
In collaboration with representatives from Luther College and the Decorah Public Library, Decorah Community School District planned “Dream Week” activities to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Festivities began on Tuesday with guest readers from Luther College. Both students and staff joined each third and fourth grade classroom for the reading of books from the Decorah Public Library about Martin Luther King, Jr., other civil rights leaders, and additional books featuring strong, diverse characters.
On Wednesday the district hosted a community-wide hour of service. Preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry (complete with cake mix, frosting, birthday candles, and balloons), made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books. Many members of the community brought donations for the food pantry, including the supplies needed to make additional birthday bags. Shanna Putnam Dibble, Co-Facilitator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remarked, “We would like to thank everyone who helped make our Dream Week festivities a success. We are excited for continued opportunities to learn and grow in the area of equity and diversity and to continue to serve our community.”
Luther College students and staff read books to Carrie Lee students during Dream Week.Luther College students and staff read books to Carrie Lee students during Dream Week.Luther College students and staff read books to Carrie Lee students during Dream Week.Luther College students and staff read books to Carrie Lee students during Dream Week.During Decorah Community School District’s Hour of Service, preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry, made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books.During Decorah Community School District’s Hour of Service, preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry, made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books.During Decorah Community School District’s Hour of Service, preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry, made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books.During Decorah Community School District’s Hour of Service, preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry, made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books.During Decorah Community School District’s Hour of Service, preschool through 12th grade students and families helped to pack over 60 “birthday bags” for the food pantry, made beautiful Valentines and decorations for local nursing homes, and enjoyed cookie decorating and books.Co-facilitator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Shanna Putnam Dibble presents to staff at the food pantry the birthday bags and other donations from the district’s Hour of Service.
Four Luther College students were recently awarded Exceptional Representation awards at the annual American Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference. Each year, students from 95 schools across the country gather in Chicago for the conference which simulates the UN General Assembly. Each school team is assigned a country to represent and students act as ambassadors, debating topics such as climate action, global health, and security.
Due to increased participation, this year, the Luther College Model United Nations team was assigned two countries: Albania and Serbia. Luther’s 22 participating students were divided into committees and within those, Exceptional Representation awards were given to:
Hannah Hoffmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
Jackson Geadelmann ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Security Council
Cassandra Norton ’23, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board
Verena Mueller-Baltes ’26, Exceptional Representation of Albania on the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Executive Board
The Security Council is the most competitive of the committees at the AMUN Conference and this was the first time in recent years Luther College had a seat at that table.
“Jack and I were partners last year on the Human Rights Committee and won Exceptional Representation for Venezuela, so it was great to keep our streak alive,” said Hoffmann. “Model UN is such a fun club to be a part of and it really teaches people how to compromise, communicate in tense situations and gain confidence as a public speaker. Receiving an award is just the cherry on top and it feels nice to be recognized for all the work Jack and I put into the conference.”
“I was shocked but honored that Hannah and I were awarded exceptional representation. Everyone on the Security Council came prepared on their position, and I think almost everyone deserved an award for their hard work during the conference,” said Gaedelmann. “Model UN is such a great experience to take what we learn in class and apply it at different conferences. It’s also a great opportunity to meet so many different people from around the world. Luther Model UN has helped me develop a better understanding of my course material, develop diplomacy and advocacy skills, and become better at collaborating with others to reach a consensus.”
The group is accepting new members. In 2023, the team will represent Malta. According to Orçun Selçuk, faculty advisor of Luther College Model UN, they always attempt to select a country relevant in some way to Luther. He says the team is excited to represent Malta this year because of the college’s long-standing Malta study-away program and because Luther alumna, Vanessa Frazier, serves as permanent representative of Malta to the United Nations.
“The Luther College Model UN team attracts students from various majors ranging from biology to economics,” said Selçuk. “Other schools often tell us that our team looks like the actual United Nations. We have domestic as well as international students who are actively involved. It’s a privilege for me to advise such a diverse and talented group of global citizens.”
Funding for Luther College Model UN comes from the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement. Last year the group also received funding from The Center for Sustainable Communities and the Nordic Studies program.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Luther College will host its annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital, featuring Isabelle Demers, associate professor of organ at McGill University in Montréal, Québec. The recital will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus. 
Conducted by Daniel Baldwin, the Homecoming Concert will feature a variety of works including Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8” in G major, George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Anatoly Lyadov’s “Kikimora, Op. 63.” The event is open to the public with no charge for admission. 
