Spring 2020

Dear Members of the Class of 2001,
 
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 Joy's letter that she wrote to you, the Class of 2001, 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
Greetings!

Greetings from the Midwest as spring is here and what a wonderful time of year! We hope wherever you are that you had a wonderful winter and are excited for all that the spring season brings. I remember some of those spring days at Luther when you could walk between classes on the library lawn, play frisbee, hike around Dunning's Spring and enjoy the beauty of Decorah!

Luther has many exciting opportunities for students in keeping with the traditions of a high-quality liberal arts education. Learn about their partnership with Northeast Iowa Community college and social work students here .

Another exciting new program Luther will launch in the fall of 2020 is the global health program . This degree will allow students skills and knowledge to help the health of people across the world. Seeing more students from Luther impact their local communities and the world is so exciting!

We know in this busy season of life there are many opportunities for giving back of your time, talents, and finances. Please consider giving back to Luther as you are able in order to continue to help support current and future students! Happy Spring!
Joy Stevens

2001 Class Agents:
Joy (Christian) Stevens
37948 Dendal Drive
Peterson, MN 55962
319-464-0002
Laura (Ahlstrand) Bunch
1344 Kiefer Bluffs Drive
Ballwin, MO 63021
636-236-1682
Paul Hoyem
35130 Mulberry Lane
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-606-4098

CLASS NOTES

Mollie Busta Lange has a radio show called, “Mollie B Polka Party,” on Rural Radio, channel 147 on Sirius XM, Sundays from 10:00 to noon (Central Time).

Jacob Coleman is a physician with Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte, N.C.

Matthew Herrick earned the EdS degree from the University of Iowa. He is principal at St. Francis Catholic School in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Natalie (Van Vuren) Jackson earned the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) designation and is a case manager at Neuro Restorative in Garland, Texas.

Laura Koenig is assistant professor of psychology at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn.

Jenny Kuderer of Winona, Minn., published her third book of poetry entitled, The Pulse of Days: Poetic Effusions .

Heather (Miland) Peterson is corporate manager, revenue growth management, at Hormel
Foods in Austin, Minn.

Julie Shockey Trytten is co-owner of Your Place in Decorah.

Ariana (Anderson) and Jason Wright live in Kasson, Minn. Ariana is principal at Kasson/Mantorville Elementary School. Jason teaches choir for the Rochester Public Schools at Friedell Middle School and is also a composer and arranger. He recently recorded and released solo piano albums entitled Journey to the Manger, Journey to the Cross, and Journey Home . The albums are available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.


BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS

Katerzyna Eilis, in June 2019, child of Alissa and MATT HERRICK

Abigail, in November 2018, child of STEPHANIE (DICKS) and JEFF DIENER