October 2020
52101
Welcome to our Homecoming issue!
This weekend we launched our first-ever Virtual Homecoming. While planning a virtual celebration had its challenges, we hope you were able to participate in some of the many online activities. But, let’s face it—we missed seeing you in person, and campus was just not the same this last weekend without you! Weekend events included award celebrations, athletic team virtual discussions, live open mic and trivia nights, music video performances, chapel, and more. Additional events have been scheduled throughout the month as we continue to celebrate Virtual Homecoming 2020.

Thursday, October 1st was the beginning of Fall Quarter 1, and our campus community is happy that sophomores, juniors, and seniors have returned to campus, joining the first-year students. The coming academic year will be different from all others, but we look forward with anticipation and gratitude that we’re all together.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Homecoming 2021, October 1-3. We are truly looking forward to welcoming you home to Luther and hosting an in-person Homecoming next year. We value you and deeply appreciate your continued support of the college. With our thanks,

Sherry (Braun) Alcock '82, Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Kirk Johnson '82, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Alyssa Ritter '11, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Distinguished Service and Athletic Hall of Fame awards
Luther College is honored to present seven alumni with the Distinguished Service Award and induct eight individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame this year, along with presenting the Athletics Meritorious Service Award to Roger Jaeger. Congratulations to all of the honorees; we are proud of you! More information about each honoree can be found here.

Distinguished Service Awards

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Athletics Meritorious Service Award Recipient
Homecoming Open Mic Night held Friday, October 9
Did you tune in to hear what our community had to offer on Friday night? This live Zoom show invited alumni and current students to share the virtual stage. Hosted by the Student Activities Council Homecoming co-chairs, we applaud those who showcased their talents!
Online Trivia Night held Saturday, October 10
Over 250 alumni and friends from around the country and Canada gathered together virtually on Saturday night to compete in a special Luther and Decorah edition of Online Trivia hosted by Andrew '03 and Eric Ellingsen '99. Many thanks to our friends at The Courtyard and Cellar in Decorah, who host Online Trivia every Thursday night, for partnering with us to make this event possible. Congratulations to Saturday night’s winning team, the B2W O'Sixers!
Homecoming Virtual Concert – playlist and awards
The Music Department has put together a beautiful playlist featuring the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Concert Band, and Nordic Choir. We hope you enjoy these pieces in place of Luther’s traditional Homecoming Concert. Two alumni and two students are also recognized with music awards this year. Click here for the playlist, award citations, and special messages from Daniel Baldwin and Andrew Last '97.
Carlo A. Sperati Award
Weston H. Noble Award
Presser Scholar Award
Richard C. and Joann M. Hemp Award
Norse athletic team virtual gatherings
Several Luther College coaches and student athletes have scheduled Live Zoom Video Conferences to meet with alumni, parents, and friends in order to keep fans up to date on how the various teams are doing during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.
 
Dr. Michael Osterholm '75 to give Luther College Farwell Distinguished Lecture, "The Covid-19 Pandemic: Stories of a Journey"
World-renowned epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm has been in constant demand this year for his expertise regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. A frequent contributor to major television and cable news networks, radio broadcasts and podcast segments, Osterholm will deliver this year's Luther College Farwell Distinguished Lecture, "The Covid-19 Pandemic: Stories of a Journey" at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15th, in a virtual format. Osterholm will discuss where we have been, where we are now, and where we will likely be in the next several years regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. This lecture is presented in celebration of Luther's new global health major. For more information, click here.
Say What? A Fresh Look at Old Sayings
Adventurer, author, and speaker David Ellingson '69 has taught courses in spirituality, environmental ethics, human development, social justice, and youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Washington. Ellingson is most well-known for his Paddle Pilgrim books about his adventures kayaking the Mississippi and Hudson rivers, as well as the fjords of Norway. In March he launched the podcast, “Say What? A Fresh Look at Old Sayings,” where he explores the origins, meaning, and value of old sayings, familiar expressions, and adages. His latest Life Journeys segment features a conversation with Dr. Mike Osterholm '75 and can be found here.
Luther College to present "Christmas at Luther 2020: For Everyone Born" in virtual format
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the online premiere of "Christmas at Luther 2020: For Everyone Born" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 4th. Newly formatted for this unique time in history, this magical performance will be available to view from the comfort of your home, free of charge. "Our goal is to bring the same spirit and energy of a Christmas at Luther production and couple it with an opportunity to showcase our student musicians in a very different format," said Andrew Last '97, director of choral activities and artistic director of Christmas at Luther. "In addition to featuring individual ensembles, we are hoping to showcase our musicians collaborating with the Luther community in a couple of hallmark moments." Last says the theme "For Everyone Born" speaks to the unique times we are in. Audience members can expect to hear music that is both relevant and celebratory of the holiday season. Click here to register and receive a viewing link.
Impact of Giving Annual Report 2019-20
The impact of every donor gift and volunteer action touches students, faculty and staff, programs and projects, departments and disciplines. We are pleased to share with you the Impact of Giving Annual Report. This report highlights the impact of the generous support of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Luther, and represents activity during fiscal year, June 1- May 31. We value your investment in our mission and extend sincere thanks for entrusting us with your support. Click here to read the report.
Be an Alumni Ambassador today!
YOU can help the Admissions Office recruit the next generation of Luther students by referring prospective students and actively talking to them about your experience. In your role as an Alumni Ambassador, every student you officially refer receives a $1,000 scholarship each year, for four years, when they enroll at Luther. There is no limit on the number of students you can refer, but the deadline for current high school seniors (graduating in 2021) is December 1st. For more information about the Alumni Ambassador Program, click here.
Josten’s virtual ring event
Is it time to buy a Luther ring or do you need your ring repaired? Join the Josten’s representatives for a virtual ring event on Monday, October 12th, and Tuesday, October 13th. Virtual appointments can be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During the event, Josten’s is offering $30 off 10K, $50 off 14K and $100 off 18K rings. Orders may also be placed online here and repairs can be requested here.
#LutherRocks kicks off on campus
Throughout September alumni and current students were invited to paint rocks with unique designs to contribute to the #LutherRocks project. Special thanks to all who sent us painted rocks – you exceeded our expectations and we are grateful! Rock hunting groups, like #LutherRocks, have grown in popularity during the pandemic, providing an outdoor activity that promotes physical wellness. The completed rocks have now been hidden around campus for students to find, some redeemable for prizes!
Congratulations!
President Ward announces new members to the Luther College Board of Regents
Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward has announced Willie Davismckennie '84, Vanessa (Grima Baldacchino) Frazier '90, and Dr. Mark V. Larson '78 will join the Luther College Board of Regents. The regents serve as trustees and stewards, ensuring that Luther fulfills its mission and that the needs of students, faculty, staff, and other college constituents are being met. Davismckennie, Frazier, and Larson will participate in their first official Board of Regents meeting in October. Davismckennie just completed his term as co-president, along with his wife, Denise Davismckennie '82, of Luther’s Alumni Association on Saturday. To read more, click here.
Willie Davismckennie '84
Vanessa Frazier '90
Mark Larson '78
Do you have something to celebrate and share with the alumni community?
Submit your stories and celebrations to alumni@luther.edu!