Spring 2020

Dear Members of the Class of 1958,
 
Like colleges all over the country (and the world), Luther College is experiencing a spring semester like no other. Our students are participating in remote learning, connecting with their professors and classmates online. It certainly isn't the spring semester we imagined, but Luther is responding with resiliency and creativity.
 
Many of us are making adjustments, sometimes daily or even hourly, to these uncertain times but we wanted to connect with you and to send you Marilyn's letter that she wrote to you, the Class of 1958, just weeks before we became immersed in the COVID-19 pandemic. We think you'll enjoy reading what she has to share, knowing, of course, that any events referenced may have been cancelled or postponed.
 
Especially now, gifts to the Luther Fund can make a big difference in supporting students as they navigate all that's ahead. If you can ,   I hope you will consider making a gift today.

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during these times. For updated information about Luther's response to the pandemic, visit luther.edu.

Many thanks for your steadfast love and support.
 
Mariah Bringer Smith ‘95
Director of Development, Current Gifts
Class of '58

Greetings to you all - Class of '58! It has been awhile since we have greeted each other! Hope all are well and families happy and well!

The Luther Alumni magazine of Winter 2020 reminded me that Luther College is still there and many events are going on. A very interesting fact was included in the front cover: The Advancement of Sustainability in Higher- Education (AASHE) ranked Luther in the top ten baccalaureate institutions in the US in its 2019 Sustainable Campus Index report.

It is so interesting and great to see events adding to more history at Luther! The new president, Dr. Jenifer K. Ward, was inaugurated and is already well into her first year at Luther. It was fun to hear her mention many events such as Christmas at Luther , visiting with alumni donors on campus, in Decorah, across the country, and as far away as Berlin. I look forward to meeting her soon. It is also very encouraging to read about the programs which Luther is and soon launching!

In the Fall of 2020, Luther will offer a program to equip students with the knowledge and skills to improve the health and wellness of people worldwide. This new program, Global Health , addresses health and health equity for people around the world. In today’s world, there is a growing emphasis on solving health issues which will require an increase in workers appropriate educational background and training. Information: luther.edu/global-health .

Luther College and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) are partnering in an effort to meet increased needs in the social work field. On February 6, President Jenifer K. Ward and NICC President, Liang Chee Wee, signed the agreement crediting an A.A. to B.A. Social Work Transfer Pathway. This transfer pathway will provide students the opportunity to complete an A.A. at NICC with credits that will directly transfer to Luther, allowing them to obtain their B.A. in social work in only two more years. Luther has a long history of educating social workers, with accreditation since 1976. www.nicc.edu

So much is happening at Luther of which we should be proud and support!

Soli Dea Gloria,
Marilyn Sorlien Skatrud,
1958 Class Agent
2108 Concord Trail
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-829-6903

OBITUARIES
 
Marit (Running) Pudas of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Dec. 4, 2019, age 84.
 
Niina Rebassoo of Seattle, died Jan. 11, 2020, age 97.