Dear Class of ‘62,
I hope that I can follow John Helgeland’s class letters in sharing information about the college as well as highlights for the Class of ‘62. John’s communications were always amazing and he certainly captured all the essence of our time at Luther as well as kept us updated with his philosophical and humorous manner. Bill and I were so grateful when his letters would arrive, and I know we will miss his unique take on what was “behind us” and what was “to take place.”
I have recently been in contact with the college, specifically with the Alumni and Development office. Although I knew the pandemic had a significant impact on the college, I am also learning how they are working through it in terms of enrollment and moving ahead with well-thought-out plans for addressing the future. I attended the donor recognition event this spring and had an opportunity to connect with staff and hear from President Jenifer Ward as well as from a group of students who have benefited from donor scholarships. This support made it possible for them to attend Luther and now they are prepared to move into some incredible careers across the county as well as spanning the globe.
President Ward highlighted that the loss of enrollment has been coming for a long time due not only to the pandemic but to the smaller number of high school graduates, especially in the Midwest. The last years I spent in my school district saw a loss of about 100 students per year due to demographics we had been aware of for some time, ultimately impacting high school attendance and graduation rates. As President Ward noted, Luther has continued to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of students and their families. This has included the creation of new academic programs, including a new major in Law and Values and a new minor in Counseling as well as an overall revision of Luther’s core curriculum. In addition, a master planning process is underway that will ensure new programs and learning opportunities will make the best use of existing campus facilities.
It was also fun to hear of plans being made to engage more seniors and community members in the life of the college, including the Dorian Choral Retreat that was held this summer.
I am particularly interested in the new additions to the nursing simulation lab housed in the science building as one example of proactive planning for the future. I have been involved in the development of such a lab being created at Winona Health, and realize the significant impact that this teaching concept—with the use of the latest technology—will have as we move into another era of medical practices.
As Luther grads we are challenged to learn about these opportunities and contribute our thoughts and ideas to expand the possibilities offered to today’s Luther students at a college with a smaller enrollment. Rather than being nostalgic about the decline in enrollment, we can share in the excitement of how today’s students will make an impact on an ever-changing society.
Our 60-year class reunion luncheon and program will be Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mott-Borlaug Rooms in Dahl Centennial Union. I am in communication with the college to begin planning our gathering. I hope many of you will join me with ideas and planning for this occasion. We are the fortunate ones who will be able to celebrate 60 years together. Please let the Alumni and Development office or me know if you would be willing to help with the reunion. We will send out reminders to you as we get closer to the middle of September. It will be good to see everyone who can make the trip to Decorah.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Judy Ream Davis, Class of 1962
