Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

Luther College raised a total of $1,377,593 to support scholarships and world-class education during the college’s 11th annual Giving Day on Thursday, March 5. Gifts made on Giving Day are critical to the continued support and growth of the Luther Fund, Luther’s unrestricted current fund that supports all students, faculty, staff and community endeavors on campus.

“At Luther, we know that the future is shaped by those who believe in it,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “Once again, the Luther community demonstrated with record support their belief in Luther College and our ability to continue to shape the world one graduate at a time. We are grateful for all those who participated in Giving Day and how they have inspired and equipped us to create more Luther stories.”

Giving Day 2026 was the most successful Giving Day in the college’s history with gifts from all 50 states and 10 countries. Organizers pointed out that Giving Day 2026 was Luther’s second record-breaking single day fundraising event during the 2025-26 academic year. The college raised a total of $592,631 during the sixth annual One Team Day held on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

Also in the numbers, more than 1,800 gifts—a remarkable increase from last year’s 1,600 donors – as Luther topped the previous year’s $1.2 million total.

Giving Day capped off “Luther Gives,” a weeklong campus event celebrating the generosity of Luther alumni, donors and campus community. Students wrote thank you notes to donors who funded their scholarships, made friendship bracelets, spun a wheel for prizes, and responded to special notes from donors on why they give to Luther for Giving Day.

Alumni and friends also hosted Giving Day gatherings in communities across the country, including Iowa City, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; Redmond, Oregon; Tucson, Arizona; and here in Decorah at Luther Day at The Landing.

Mark your calendars for next year, as Giving Day returns on Thursday, March 4, 2027.

Sending Luther Love to Our Donors

Thank you to everyone who supported Luther College during Luther Gives.

Luther College is hosting several events to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. The events are open to the public.

“March is a time to reflect on women’s history and accomplishments,” said Char Kunkel, head of the Identity Studies Department at Luther College. “Women have always contributed to society, but have often been invisible or ignored. Now is the time to acknowledge and lift up women.”

The monthlong Women’s History Month celebration will kick off with the “Power of Hair with Folashade Oloye” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Mott Room, located on the first floor of the Dahl Centennial Union. Oloye is the founder and CEO of Cashmere Lux Hair Salon in Rochester, Minnesota. As a cosmetology expert with more than 20 years of experience, Oloye will provide healthy hair care and styling tips for a variety of hair types. The event is sponsored by the Center for Engagement and Support (CIES).

Sorority members from Alpha Beta Psi (ABY), Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) and Tau Delta Gamma (TDG) will host the annual International Women’s Day Tea on Sunday, March 8, in the Peace Dining Room, located on the second floor of the Union. The event begins at 11 a.m. Organizers said the annual tea is a wonderful opportunity “to pause, connect and hear from an inspiring speaker.”

“Whether you are part of a sorority or just looking to connect with a supportive network of women, we would love for you to join the conversation,” said Emily Ostermann, president of ABY. “We believe that history is made through the friendships and service we build together every day.”

Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz

University of Iowa Associate Professor Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. The lecture is sponsored by CIES and the Identity Studies Department at Luther College.

The lecture, “Feminist Futures: WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Solidarity in the Movement for Reproductive Justice,” draws on her decades of experience in academic research and community organizing to explore trans liberation as essential to reproductive justice. Fixmer-Oraiz is the author of two books: “Homeland Maternity: U.S. Security Culture and the New Reproductive Regime” (2019) and “Doing Gender Justice: Queering Reproduction, Kin, and Care” (2025; with Shui-yin Sharon Yam). Fixmer-Oraiz teaches courses in rhetorical theory and criticism, gender and sexuality studies, social movements and feminisms at Iowa.

Community members are invited to a special worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. This service will include the sharing of communion and lighting candles in prayer and remembrance.

“We will celebrate the gifts and legacy of women of faith. All are invited to bring pictures or mementos of inspiring women in their lives to add to our table of gratitude,” said Pastor Melissa Bills, director of college ministries at Luther.

Self-described decolonial pathfinder Shelley Buffalo will present her lecture titled “Rematriation and Indigenous Futurism” at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. This event is co-sponsored by CIES and Identity Studies.

Buffalo is an enrolled member of the Meskwaki Tribe, also known as the Sac and Fox of the Mississippi, in Tama, Iowa. Buffalo served her community as the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Coordinator and now offers consultancy for food sovereignty and local foods initiatives. She is an advocate for indigenous foodways, food justice and rematriation. In 2024, Buffalo received a 2024 Environmental Leader Award from the Center for Rural Affairs.

The Women’s History Month celebration concludes with a Cultural Community Connections Event to honor the contributions of women at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at The Landing Market, 211 College Drive in Decorah. A meal will be prepared by ABY, BTQ and TDG sorority members.. The cost is $10 per person. The cost is $5 for students (with ID) attending any college or university and for children 17 and younger. No reservations are needed.

Sophia Chadima, Hannah Hoffmann and Niamh Mee are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Two Luther College students and one recent graduate are semi-finalists in the 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Operating in over 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the largest and most esteemed exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Luther College semi-finalists are:

• Sophia Chadima, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Czech Republic
• Hannah Hoffmann, class of 2023, Study/Research grant in Spain
• Niamh Mee, class of 2026, English Teaching Assistantship in Estonia

These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

The finalists for 2026-27 will be announced this spring.

Luther College graduate Kayla Will, class of 2025, won the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award as a student participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS), where she interned at the Death Penalty Information Center.

Kayla Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, received the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award.

The Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate an inquisitive nature in their studies and are committed to learning. The award is named for the late Dr. Christopher C. Joyner, former LCWS faculty member and professor of international law at Georgetown University.

Will, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, was nominated by her fellow LCWS students and faculty members.

“Being selected for the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award feels truly amazing,” Will said. “Exploring new experiences, engaging with communities, supporting others and having meaningful conversations have always been central to how I learn and grow. And that’s exactly what Lutheran College Washington Semester embodies, and what the Dr. Christopher C. Joyner Memorial Award recognizes — dedication, curiosity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for learning — and I am so grateful to my peers for recognizing me in these qualities. This is an honor I will always remember.”

During her semester in Washington, D.C., Will interned as a data researcher and archivist at the Death Penalty Information (DPI) Center. Her primary role involved maintaining and updating the database of all individuals on death row in the United States. She had the opportunity to attend events with the DPI team, such as a gathering at the German Embassy for World Day Against the Death Penalty and a lecture on wrongful convictions at Georgetown University Law Center.

“I learned so much — not from textbooks or lectures, but from the daily realities of working in a real office and supporting projects that have a tangible impact,” Will said. “I gained firsthand experience in meaningful, purpose-driven work and developed a deeper understanding of both the research process and the broader impact of informed policy analysis.”

Will recently graduated from Luther with a degree in political science. She transferred to Luther for the 2023 fall semester and immersed herself in campus life. She played center for the Norse women’s basketball team and was president of the Luther Democrats.

Will is grateful for her LCWS experience.

“Participating in the program has strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and made me feel ready, prepared and excited for my job search,” she said.

Will is passionate about “helping people stay informed, bridge differences and work together toward fair and effective solutions.”

“I want to support a government and society where understanding and collaboration drive meaningful, positive change. I’m especially interested in issues like criminal justice reform, education, veterans’ benefits, women’s rights and freedoms, and civic engagement,” Will said. “Moving forward, I hope to pursue work that allows me to combine these passions.”

Celebrate the golden age of jazz and sentimental serenades when Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The performance is part of Luther College’s 2025-26 Center Stage Series.

“This installment of our Center Stage Series provides something different from all of the artists we’ve brought in so far this season. It’s going to be so fun to hear outstanding jazz artists — both vocal and instrumental — performing timeless jazz standards,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “I hope that regular Center Stage attendees will invite their friends to join them for a classy evening of music, and that folks who haven’t yet attended a Center Stage event will give it a try.”

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners features Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III; New York City-based pianist, vocalist, composer and educator Robbie Lee; and vocalist Shenel Johns performing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Misty,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and many more. In addition to soaring vocals, the trio of Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians will share the true stories about the legendary performers who brought these timeless songs to life.

“As a self-proclaimed crooner myself, this show is very near and dear to my heart,” Benack said. “Many of us grew up on these classics playing around the house, at family gatherings, and spent hours singing along to the radio. It’s timeless repertoire that will drum up all kinds of nostalgia and fond memories, but with our stellar cast, we’ll keep things fresh.”

Before the performance, treat yourself to dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person. Dietary accommodations are available upon request.

Buy tickets for the Feb. 28 performance and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.

Luther College President Brad Chamberlain announced the Luther Promise, a set of four institutional commitments designed to provide incoming students with support to earn their bachelor’s degrees in four years and career preparation for their futures.

“Luther College has a strong record of providing a rigorous education in the liberal arts that prepares students for leadership in their careers and communities,” Chamberlain said. “The Luther Promise makes explicit what our awards, accolades and alumni testimonials have repeatedly told us over the years – that Luther College helps students find a good job and create a meaningful life. I am excited by how the institutional commitments represented in the Luther Promise will strengthen our partnerships with students and their families, and increase their confidence in Luther’s ability to help students achieve their personal dreams and professional goals.”

The Luther Promise, which includes a four-year graduation guarantee and a substantial investment of $120,000 in scholarship assistance over a student’s career, is made up of four institutional commitments. Each commitment represents a strategic, purpose-driven investment from Luther and is intentionally designed to ensure that students thrive both on campus and after graduation. The Luther Promise begins with the college’s four-year graduation guarantee.

“We know the transformative value of a four-year degree, but also the importance of completing in four years,” said Matt Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther College. “Families are asking hard questions about return on investment – both the dollars invested and the time to earn a college degree. At Luther, finishing on time is no longer a talking point; it’s a promise. The Luther Promise delivers real value in both time and money, without compromising the education their student deserves.”

The next commitment in the Luther Promise is an affordable high-value degree. The Luther Promise will invest a minimum of $120,000 in scholarships per eligible student over a four-year period.
“Affordability is more than just the bottom line – it’s about honoring the family’s investment of time and money,” Beatty said. “It’s also about doing what’s best for each individual student. The Luther Promise turns that belief into action.”

Luther has been recognized as one of the nation’s best private colleges for financial aid and almost $50 million in gift aid is awarded annually to Luther students.

Experiential learning opportunities and career preparedness are the two other components of the Luther Promise. Students may choose from a wide range of high-impact experiences, such as internships, research with faculty, and global study programs under the Luther Promise.

“At Luther, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. Every student has the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience designed to prepare them and apply their liberal arts education in their future careers,” Beatty said.

Full-time first-year college students entering Luther in fall 2026 are eligible for the Luther Promise. Learn more about the details of the Luther Promise at luther.edu/promise.

Luther College is proud to present the annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital featuring Syracuse University organist Anne Laver at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

Syracuse University organist Anne Laver maintains an active career as concert organist, scholar and pedagogue.

Described by Fanfare magazine as a “complete musician, totally adept and utterly stylish in everything she plays,” Laver maintains an active career as concert organist, scholar and pedagogue. Her programs are tailored to the specific organ at hand and center around themes ranging from the art of variation in 17th-century Germany, to music of women composers, to organ music with live dance.

“I’m so excited to welcome Anne Laver to Luther College. Her inventive programming and extraordinary musicianship will bring the CFL organ to life,” said Alexander Meszler, assistant professor of music at Luther College. “Her program will showcase both the tradition and the future of the instrument, and I’m particularly excited to hear works by Natalie Draper, an up-and-coming composer of note.”

As associate professor of organ and university organist at Syracuse’s Setnor School of Music, Laver has had the pleasure of collaborating with Syracuse colleague and composer Natalie Draper. The pair is in the process of recording eight new works together which will be released later this year.

Laver’s program at Luther on Feb. 22 will sample an “eclectic collection of pieces that explore the art of variation, from Bach’s monumental Passacaglia and Fugue to more modern expressions of the genre,” according to the program notes. Along with two pieces composed by Draper, the program will also include music by American composers Dudley Buck and Carl Haywood, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, Dutch pianist and composer Ad Wammes and Canadian organist Rachel Laurin.

The annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital features outstanding artists of international caliber on Luther’s 42-stop Robert Sipe Organ in the Center for Faith and Life. The concert intends to provide an inspirational role model for current and prospective students who wish to pursue organ or church music study at Luther, as well as offer the community a concert of the highest quality.

This recital is made possible, in part, through the generosity of the William B. Kuhlman Endowment for Organ Performance and the Kathryn Ulvilden Moen Fund for Organ and Church Music. William Kuhlman earned degrees from St. Olaf College and Syracuse University and spent his career as professor of music and college organist at Luther College from 1969 to 2005.

The late Kathryn Ulvilden Moen ’41 earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Luther College and a master’s degree from Northwestern University. She taught for many years at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls and at Luther College.