Dear Classmates:
Well, another year has passed, and we all still longingly await a return to a more normal existence. While 2021 did not bring all the restrictions we experienced in 2020, we still must anticipate the next twist and turn that the ongoing pandemic will bring. It is at times like these that knowing we are part of larger families and support systems is important. Whether it is our biological family, our church family, a community organization, or some other group, we all need the support and caring that comes from these relationships. We need to be in community!
One of the communities that we all share is our Luther College family. The students are on campus and classes are in session. The college continues to do well, and campus life goes on, with many of the activities canceled last year now resuming. As we write this letter, we look forward to attending Christmas at Luther in just a few days! It has been a part of our Christmas experience since our children participated in it starting in the early 1990s.
In honor of our 50-year Class Reunion, Carolyn and I commissioned a choral composition. It premiered at the Homecoming Concert on Sunday afternoon of our reunion last year. While we now have a June date for our reunion next year (more on this below), there would not be a way for the piece to be performed live, since the Nordic Choir would not be on campus. Since the piece was completed, it was sent to Dr. Andrew Last ’97, Director of the Nordic Choir, and he chose to put it on the program for the Homecoming concert this year. Carolyn and I were able to attend, along with the composer, Greg Berg ’82, another LC graduate. There were tears in our eyes as the choir so beautifully sang and interpreted the music and text. We will be sure to make the recording a part of our celebration next year. See further information and a link below.
The reunion committee continues to plan our celebration for Saturday, June 4, 2022. We will meet again after the first of the year to put the finishing touches on the schedule of events. One of our goals is to provide as much time and opportunity for visiting with classmates as we are able. While some of the usual events of Homecoming weekend will not be possible, i.e., a football game, alumni lectures, a parade — we hope to offer other formal and informal opportunities to see the campus, visit downtown Decorah, eat food (of course), and be in community with those with whom we have been friends for many years. Please watch your email and snail mail for more information.
On behalf of the reunion committee, we would like to say THANK YOU for your support of the Class of 1970 Scholarship. We received notice last week of the recipient of the first award. He is Levi Walter, a sophomore from Elysian, Minn., majoring in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. Your generous response to the challenge gift and your giving over the years has made this scholarship possible. Please continue to remember Luther College in your philanthropic plans.
May God’s blessings be on you and your families this Christmas season. May he keep you safe and well as we anticipate the birth of his son, Jesus.
