September 2022
Dear 1955 Classmates:
This is a bittersweet letter to write, for two reasons. First, it has been a long time since my last letter in the spring of 2020. Initially, this was because of the COVID. As a result, many staff members in the college’s Development Office worked from home which made it very difficult to maintain the detailed process for keeping the fall and spring class letters on schedule. The second has to do with our personal health. I am finding that aging takes its toll physically and mentally. Also, I now need to assist Mary as she is experiencing the same issues. Nevertheless, we do benefit from support from good neighbors. Nonetheless, this may well be my last letter to you as Class Agent. We shall see.
President Ward sent out a letter in April with some information on the college. Of particular interest was the comment that enrollment has continued to decline in recent years due to a decline in high school graduation numbers. Another reason that should be noted is that the traditional four-year higher education degree is less attractive now than in the past since vocational schools and career programs can be completed quicker and at less cost. As a good school, Luther has reacted with program changes – a new major in Law and Values, a new minor in Counseling, and a revision of the General Education curriculum.
The summer on campus has been active with numerous camps and gatherings. And the fall promises to be active as well. Of special note is the observance of the founding of the Nordic Choir 75 years ago. Many of our class members were members of this distinguished choir. To note this milestone the first weekend in October has been identified, which is also the traditional weekend for Homecoming. On Saturday, October 8, former members will gather at 2 p.m. to rehearse two numbers to be presented on Sunday at the 1:30 p.m. Homecoming concert. At 3 p.m. on Saturday there will a reception. Saturday events will be in Jensen Noble Hall. Former members wishing to participate can contact alumni@luther.edu.
In 2020 at Homecoming our class was due to celebrate its 65th reunion. The COVID ended that along with the reunions of all classes ending with a 0 or 5. This is one way of being recorded in the annals of Luther, though not the way we would have preferred. One positive item, however, is that classmate Ted Tweed was named one of the Distinguished Service Award recipients in 2020 for his achievements, particularly his work in treating hearing loss. The actual award ceremony for Ted and others from 2020 was held as part of the 2021 Homecoming award ceremony. Congratulations, Ted.
On a sad note, several classmates have passed away since the last class letter. At our age this is to be expected. The names I have been able to retrieve include Millie (Olson) Anderson, Vernon Anderson, Lois (Eddingsaas) Chappell, David Fadness, Norman Gunderson, Gretta (Bjerke) Hahn, Alice (Ullestad) Johnson, Dixie Lee (Blom) Keeney, Richard Landborg, Ruth (Novak) Roy, Richard Sundbo, and Mary Jo (Iverson) Wilke. May our memories of these classmates remain with us.
I have not received much news from classmates over the past months. Alan Brudos called some time ago to inquire about the situation with the class letter. I told him what I have written in the first paragraph above. We had a good chat. He continues to enjoy life in California. Kathy (Sanger) Larson continues to live in Naperville, IL and remains active in her church. Her family is nearby though the pandemic has had an effect on many of them. Janet (Campbell) and Ted Tweed live in Waunakee, Wis. and remain active with the Community Band which Janet founded many years ago. Ted continues on trombone with Blessed Brass which presented a program at an area Methodist Church, is program chair for the Men’s Fellowship at Bethel Lutheran in Madison, and is a member of the Waunakee Legion Post where he serves on the Honor Guard. As for us, we sold our Arizona townhouse in May 2021. The trips to and from were getting to be too challenging. But we enjoyed once again, after many years, of living full time in Minnesota and experiencing the four distinct seasons of the year, each with its beauty and charm.
If this is my last letter to you, please know that it has been a joy and privilege to do these over several years. But all good things must end sometime. So, if this is the end, thank you for providing information over the years. If there is anyone in the class who would be willing to take over as Class Agent, please let me know. I can help with any transition, including informing the college Alumni Office. Meanwhile, if you have any information to share for a future letter, you can send it to me and I will pass it along if I cannot continue.
And do not forget to remember Luther with a gift, a place special in our hearts. Our class has always ranked high in terms of the percent of members making gifts to the College.
Finally, as fall approaches, remember the words in September Song – “the days trickle down to a precious few.” So, embrace each day. And have a joyous and blessed holiday season.
With fond memories and good wishes.
