December 2021
Dear Classmates of 1951,
The last communication I wrote as your Class Agent was March 9, 2020. Class Agent letters never were sent because the pandemic shut down activities and canceled much information that was in those letters. I thought you might like to read one paragraph I wrote in that letter:
The spring issue of Luther Magazine announced the launch of a new global health program in the fall of 2020. In the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus we are experiencing at present, it is timely that our alma mater is addressing this as an interdisciplinary field that addresses health, health equity, and socioeconomic concerns for people around the world. Maybe you and I will have great-grandchildren who are called to the challenges of this vocation. For now, follow the precautions and stay well.
I have no further word that the faculty were able to begin this new global health program, but as we've lived with the effects of COVID world wide, it seems an especially important addition.
In September of 2021 when some of the restrictions were lifted, the college was able to hold reunion celebrations over two weekends in October. I hope you received the invitation to our 70-year reunion on Saturday, October 16. I can report that five of us 90-year-olds were able to attend. At the time of the invitation we still had 70 living members. Our class was paired with the Class of 1956 for the luncheon, making us a group of 25.
Happily, I was able to attend because my granddaughter from Washington, D.C. volunteered to spend an extended weekend with me and bring me to the event. Marilyn (Myrah) Bunge from Preston was the other woman in attendance. Three fellows, Howard Bernatz, Lew Lewison, and Jack Krupicka were there. Lew and Jack and their wives had planned to attend together. A month before, I sent letters to four women from the freshman class who lived at Sunnyside with me, hoping health and transportation made it possible for them to join me. However, the only response I received was a fun phone call from Priscilla (Tee) Giere remembering our early days.
Following our luncheon, a member of the 1956 class was the emcee and he shared why he chose to enroll at Luther. He invited others to share their reason for coming. We learned that many of us in attendance came because of the music program, Nordic Choir or Band under Weston Noble. Lew and Jack said because they were involved in athletics, and not music, they hadn't gotten to know us. We enjoyed the reunion. The latest issue of the Luther Magazine, Fall 2021, also noted the 100th birthday of Koren Library where we spent many hours.
President Jenifer Ward brought us a greeting at the reunion. If you are a computer user, you recently received a live thank you for our annual giving. Our class has remained a top supporter of our alma mater. We also have an active scholarship. The 2021-2022 recipient was Ana Goellner, sophomore from Mankato, MN and Riley Frank from Whitehall, WI.
It would be fun to connect with you by email or US mail. I hope you have enjoyed this update
Peace and Joy,
