During Women's History Month we remember Luther's first class of women graduates from May 1936, pictured on the steps of Main II. L-R: Helen (Hoff) Haatvedt, Dorcas (Jacobson) Wrolstad, Ruth (Graeber) Boots, Laura (Monson) Elstad, and Lily (Nelson) Knudson. |
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REFLECTING ON 'ONE YEAR AGO TODAY' |
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This week has been a reminder of many “one year ago todays," referring to March 2020 when the pandemic ultimately landed in our lives.
For us here in Loyalty Hall, the development and alumni relations team, our “one year ago” mark involves Giving Day from March 5, 2020, which we consider the last official time we were together in-person in the building, operating on all cylinders, working hard (with some laughs along the way) as we helped to advance Luther's mission and support our amazing students—and connecting with you, Luther’s alumni, throughout the fast-paced day.
And now, after this incredibly challenging year, you—the Luther community—proved that the potential for the college, and in particular for the students who are here, knows no bounds. We started Giving Day 2021 by aiming to raise $1M for Luther, and you helped the college sail past the goal. On behalf of myself, Board of Regents chair Wendy (Jaycox) Davidson '92, and Alumni Council president Lisa Small Steinbauer '88, we are truly grateful for your engagement during this year’s Giving Day. Thank you.
We look forward to staying in touch with you!
Stephen Sporer
Vice President for Development
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A RECORD BREAKING GIVING DAY |
16 hours of giving + more than 2,263 gnome-tastic gifts + 2,092 volunteer service hours = $1,195,265.70, a big day for the Luther Fund!
You did it! Thank you for going big AND going gnome! #LutherGives
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COEDUCATION AT LUTHER, A HISTORY |
Did you know the first women to graduate from Luther did so in 1936? In honor of Women’s History Month, check out the Luther College Archives' history of coeducation on our campus. |
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PRESIDENT WARD SIGNS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN |
"Luther College’s educational mission calls us to be good stewards of the earth and responsible citizens. Together our actions matter, and we aim to model what stewardship looks like by continuing progress on our concrete plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, operate more efficiently, and use renewable energy to heat, cool, and power our campus." – President Jenifer K. Ward |
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A VALUABLE COMMUNITY CONNECTION |
The manufacturing company out of Decorah has established the Deco Products Applied Learning Endowment to fund internship and applied learning opportunities for qualified students.
"We want to encourage Luther students to pursue internships as a great way to learn about future career options while also contributing their skills and energy to the organization," said Chris Storlie '84, CEO of Deco Products.
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REMEMBERING ARNE SORENSON '80, A MAJOR LUTHER INFLUENCE |
Arne Sorenson, chief executive officer of Marriott International Inc. and a 1980 Luther College graduate, died of pancreatic cancer on Monday, February 15. Sorenson, who served on the Luther Board of Regents and supported the college through many strategic, philanthropic and other endeavors, was a major influence on life and learning at Luther.
"When I think of an exemplar of Luther's mission, Arne Sorenson was that exemplar," said President Jenifer K. Ward. "His life demonstrates what Luther stands for: learning actively, living purposefully and leading courageously for a lifetime of impact."
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GWEN (LYKKEN) STRAND '03 TALKS HERD IMMUNITY |
What is herd immunity and how can it be achieved? As an instructor in biology at Luther, Gwen Strand '03 explores immunity and how we can continue to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in her March 1 addition to Luther's Ideas and Creations Blog. |
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CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH |
Luther has planned virtual events throughout the month of March to celebrate the contributions of women to history, society, and culture. The series includes panels, a lecture, a film screening, and an original stage production.
The March 25 panel, “Living a Feminist Life,” will feature Luther graduates Gracie Coletta '14, Wylie Cook '18, Marley Crossland '15, and Margaret Kienitz '16. |
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LIFELONG LEARNERS SEMINAR BEGINS MARCH 17 |
Moderated by Bradley Miller '86, professor emeritus computer science, this seminar will be a discussion of Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil.
Lifelong Learner seminars offer an opportunity to engage in meaningful scholarly dialogue. Currently held via Zoom, spots still remain to join!
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LATINX ALUMNI GATHERING MARCH 27 |
Marlon Henriquez '15 invites all Latinx alumni to join this opportunity to connect, share memories, and explore interest in forming a Latinx alumni group. Held via Zoom; March 24 registration deadline. |
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"Recklessly Alive: What My Suicide Attempt Taught Me about God and Living Life to the Fullest" by Sam Eaton '10 |
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"Mom, Dad....Can We Talk?: Helping Our Aging Parents with the Insight and Wisdom of Others" by Dick Edwards '64 |
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FACULTY TENURE AND PROMOTIONS |
At its February meeting, the Board of Regents granted tenure to six Luther College faculty members, including three Luther alumni. Congratulations Marie Drews '02, English; LaDonna (Hoonstra) McGohan '95, nursing; and Ryan Torkelson '07, economics, accounting, and management! |
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LYNDA A. SZYMANKSI NAMED PROVOST |
"It is an honor to be selected as Luther's first provost, and I look forward to serving on President Ward's leadership team and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to promote student learning and success throughout the Luther experience." – Dr. Lynda Szymanski |
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ROY J. CARVER TRUST GRANT AWARD |
"This grant, along with generous gifts from Luther alumni, will allow us to increase our high-tech nursing simulation laboratories to keep up with the surge in interest and best prepare our students for their future in serving others." – Kevin Kraus, Dean of the College |
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From Golden Valley, Minn., Greta is a
management major and communication studies minor. When she's not helping manage the call center, Greta is an active member of the Student Philanthropy Council, GrandPALS, and SAC. If you see a call from 563-387-1324, we hope you’ll pick up--you may get to talk to Greta!
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