Luther Magazine Winter 2024 by Luther College

Luther Deeply rooted

Luther grads dig in on sustainable food systems

WINTER 2024

Luther magazine Volume 57, number 2, winter 2024 © Luther College 2024 Editor Kate Frentzel Pioneering peace psychologist Ufra Mir ’11, who works widely with people in conflict zones, delivered a talk at TedxSurat in 2019. Read more about her efforts on pages 18–19.

Art director/designer Michael Bartels Contributors Sherry (Braun) Alcock ’82 Jessica Campos Arzate Kelli Billstein ’07 Armando Jenkins-Vazquez ’21 Mariah (Bringer) Smith ’95 Rachel (Schutte) Vsetecka ’09 Luther College Photo Bureau Luther magazine feedback, inquiries, and ideas may be sent to the Editor, Luther Magazine, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 521011045; magazine@luther.edu; phone (563) 387-1483. Class Notes submissions, changes of address, and alumni news may be sent to the Alumni Office, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045; alumni@luther. edu; (800) 225-8664; (800) 2 ALUMNI. Find us online at luther.edu/ magazine.

Contents 6

Homecoming 2023

Meet deeply deserving award recipients.

1 President’s letter

Lifetime legacies

Football teams six decades apart come together to celebrate the Norse legacy. Cover: Kevin Oppermann ’06 raises Scottish Highland cattle on his pasturebased farm in Dane County, Wis.

Departments

Advanced fiction

Luther writers bring a new textbook to life.

2 Campus news 18 Alumni

22 Class Notes 27 Births/Adoptions 27 Marriages 28 In Memoriam

Calendar inside back cover

Deeply rooted

Alumni across sectors work to build more sustainable food systems.

LE T’S STAY IN TOUCH Update your contact information to hear about class reunions, events in your area, and college and alumni news. You can also update your personal and professional news or submit a birth/adoption or marriage announcement. Scan the code, email alumni@luther.edu, or call 800-225-8664.

Molly Wilker (center), associate professor of chemistry and director of undergraduate research, teaches a lab to pre-engineering students in December 2023.

Time IT’S

FOR LUTHER events and activities: launching the

President Jenifer K. Ward Dear Luther Community,

undertake the first substantial

first projects in the campus master

named fundraising campaign in

plan, renovating the SRC and two

over a decade, alumni generosity

classrooms, and adding an outdoor

has taken off like a rocket, in the

gathering space between Ylvisa-

form of a significant $2 million

ker and the CFL. It’s developing

gift from Dennis ’64 and Suzanne

plans for the renewal of the Regents

Birkestrand and a historic gift from

Center, Preus Library, and Main. It’s

Michael ’92 and Nicole Gerdin and

implementing our new core curric-

the Gerdin Charitable Foundation.

ulum, which offers more flexibil-

This $10 million commitment is the

ity, skill-building, and experiential

largest single gift in Luther’s history,

and community-based learning. It’s

and will support the renovation

leaning into our strategic frame-

of the Regents Center, soon to be

work to expand our reach, align

named the Gerdin Fieldhouse for

our resources and mission, and

Athletics and Wellness. It will also

There is a German phrase—

strengthen our organization to

house the Birkestrand Family Court,

Torschlusspanik—that aptly

more effectively support our Luther

along with other improvements.

describes the atmosphere of a

education that is both grounded

college campus at the end of a year.

and global.

What a year! Everywhere I turn, I see reflections of what Mr. Gerdin

Its literal meaning is “gate close

said to me when he shared the news

panic,” referring to the fear that the

It’s celebrating the impressive

gate is closing or time is running

accomplishments of our alumni,

of his gift: “It’s time for Luther.”

out. It’s the rush to complete final

whose stories are highlighted in

Indeed it is. We are so glad you are

papers, finish grading, get long-de-

this magazine. And it’s recognizing

part of this time with us.

ferred meetings scheduled under

their generosity, each from their

the wire, and rush toward holiday

means, to support our college year

break. That’s in a normal year.

after year.

In Luther’s case, though, it means

Luther alumni are consistently

catching up on daily things that

generous. And this year, as we

were displaced by extraordinary

undergo a preparation study to

Soli Deo Gloria!

Jenifer K. Ward

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MAGAZINE

HISTORIC GIVING In November, Luther received a historic $10 million gift from Michael ’92 and Nicole Gerdin and the Gerdin Charitable Foundation. It’s the largest individual gift in the college’s 162-year history and will serve as the lead gift toward the renovation of the Regents Center, home to Norse athletics and Luther’s center for sports and recreation.

Rendering of the future Gerdin Fieldhouse

At Luther, Mike studied management and was a

at Luther with a $1.5 million gift in spring 2016 and

member of the Norse men’s basketball team. He started

provided a lead gift toward Legacy Field.

his career as a teenager at the company his father

“These gifts of support from our alumni show

founded, Heartland Express in North Liberty, Iowa,

remarkable confidence in the future of Luther

one of North America’s largest truckload transporta-

College,” says Luther President Jenifer K. Ward. “The

tion and logistics companies. He moved up the ranks

recent investments in Luther by our graduates are

to lead the company as chairman, president, and CEO.

symbolic of their journeys, and they call us toward

In recognition of this historic gift, the facility will

our future. Mike and Dennis came to Luther in differ-

be renamed the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and

ent generations, but they both received a broad-based

Wellness. Among the highlights in the preliminary

education that grounded them in the ability to adapt

plans for the Gerdin Fieldhouse are an arena-style

and succeed. They share the same common thread of

venue, a new entrance space for the public, a team

hard work up through the ranks, building their compa-

meeting space, renovation of the locker rooms, and a

nies and careers, and now giving back so the next

new common area and study space.

generation can benefit from that same Luther

Also in November, Luther celebrated a $2 million gift from Dennis ’64 and Suzanne Birkestrand to

experience.” Rendering of the future Birkestrand Family Court

support renovations in the gymnasium of the Regents Center (soon, the Gerdin Fieldhouse). The gift ranks among the largest individual gifts to the college. In recognition, the facility’s court will be named the Birkestrand Family Court. As a student-athlete at Luther, Dennis played football and ran track. Dennis and Suzanne spent 22 years in marketing and sales with Maytag before eventually founding Factory Direct Appliance. They endowed the Birkestrand Economics and Management Chair After 28 hours of giving, 6,600 messages from student-athletes, and 1,560 gifts from donors, we raised $367,011 for Norse Athletics in the fourth annual One Team Day on November 16. Thank you for your generous support of the Norse!

WINTER 2024

N E W S T R AT E G I C F R A M E W O R K Luther launched a new strategic framework to guide the college for the next two years. It addresses the need to expand our reach, align our resources, and strengthen our organization, while maintaining an education that is both grounded and global. The framework proposes expanding the reach of the college through launching new academic programs and identifying possible master’s and certificate programs; strengthening recruitment of first-year and transfer students and student-athletes; closely aligning volunteer engagement with college needs; and seeking out community partnerships that support student learning. To align college resources, the framework prescribes launching the campus master plan and raising funds to

Two newly renovated classrooms—one in Olin 112 and one in Main 112—were completed for the fall 2023 semester as a first step toward implementing the campus master plan.

improve campus spaces; improving processes in human resources; and increasing diversity and inclusion through

market research to support student recruitment; launch-

training, recruitment, retention, and development.

ing a team-based advising program to support student

To strengthen the organization, the framework recommends changes to compensation and staffing; refreshing

retention; pursuing a campus-wide data strategy; and collaborating with local organizations.

NEW CORE CURRICULUM

First-year students began an updated core curriculum last

fall. The new curriculum focuses on skill-building courses across a variety of disciplines as well as experiential learning within the community. It includes fewer required credits and gives students more flexibility to pursue their interests. And, as a result of student demand, it also incorporates social and environmental justice components. Under the new curriculum, students will take six literacy courses: creative, data, religious, scientific, social systems, and textual literacies. These courses are designed to cultivate critical thinking and close-reading skills and are not limited by department or division. For example, one January-Term class that could satisfy the data literacy requirement is Math and Democracy, which explores how numbers impact democratic practices like

Arthaus director Shannon Dallenbach Durbin (left) works with Luther students—and Social Impact Research Fellows—Soren Basnet ’25 (center) and Grayson Gardner ’25 (right) to develop software to check into the center. This kind of experiential, community-b ased learning is a hallmark of the new curriculum.

mapping political districts. Luther’s signature Paideia program remains part of the

gaps and provide higher-level cognitive learning. It will

curriculum, with first-year students taking Paideia 111 and

also help make research and internships accessible to all

112: Enduring Questions and seniors continuing on to the

students.

capstone course, Paideia 450: Ethical Choices. Paideia 450

If you’re interested in hosting a Luther student

will now include community-based learning, like working

internship, which offers valuable experiential learn-

with a local food bank or other nonprofit.

ing, please reach out to Madeline Jungbauer ’11 in the

The experiential and community-based learning that

Career Center, jungma01@luther.edu or (563) 387-1472.

the new curriculum emphasizes aims to shrink equity

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

TRIO ANNIVERSARY

This academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the TRIO Achievement Program, helping Luther students navigate higher education. TRIO arose from the civil rights movement and refers to the three federal programs—Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services—established in the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs ensured equal educational opportunity for all students and were eventually combined into one initiative as a “trio.” The TRIO initiative began at Luther in 1973. For half a century, the program has provided coaching for academic, personal, financial, and career decisions to Luther students. Currently, TRIO at Luther offers Student Support Services to 165 students each year. It also provides financial assistance through lending programs, grants, and scholarships that help participants save money and reduce debt. Each year, the program at Luther awards 11 participants a scholarship that’s funded by donors with Luther connections. “Luther has always been an institution of connection and relationships; TRIO is a part of Luther’s legacy throughout each graduating class,” says Heidi Ludeking, student achievement and instructional specialist at Luther. “Thousands of Heather Cote (left), student achievement specialist, celebrates the TRIO anniversary during Homecoming 2023 with Fernando Ruiz Vega ’25.

students have been impacted by the supportive relationships that were forged through their college journey through the program.”

INCREASED FINANCIAL AID For incoming students beginning in 2024, Luther has expanded its Impact Award, offering four years of free tuition for qualified students. Previously available only to students residing in Iowa, it is now also available to Minnesota residents. To qualify, students must live in Iowa or Minnesota, achieve a certain threshold of academic excellence, have a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, and live on campus. Luther has also added a First Generation Award, providing $2,000 per year to students whose parents don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, and a Campus Visit Award, providing $1,000 per year to first-year and transfer students who visit Luther’s campus before enrolling. At Luther, 100 percent of students receive some sort of financial aid. In fall 2022, Luther students were gifted nearly $50 million from more than 850 different funds.

GENEROUS ALUMNI According to U.S. News & World Report, Luther has ranked among the top 50 national liberal arts colleges for alumni giving for the past two years. The average rate of Luther alumni who gave to the college during this time was 22 percent (compared to 17 percent for all ACM schools). In the last five years, the average Luther alumni gift has increased by almost $100.

WINTER 2024

DOUBLE AWARD WINNER PUTS FUNDS TO GOOD USE Duong Truong ’24 spent last summer engaged in healthcare in East and Southeast Asia. Truong, a nursing major, had seen many examples of Christian-affiliated hospitals in the US that integrate belief into their care and mission, but he noticed a gap in research on how Buddhist principles would influence medicine and care within Buddhist hospitals. “I wanted to be a pioneer in studying this,” he says. His research took him to Taiwan to observe the Buddhist Tzu Chi Hospital. He was the first member of a Western undergraduate institution to study there. Truong received funding for this project through the Lynn Arthur and Mary Frost Steen Fellowship, a Luther program that gives up to two students per year $5,000 to complete research projects outside of Luther and Decorah. In addition, Truong and chemistry major Daniel Pfeffer-Kleemann ’24 received a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant last summer to help set up nursing school scholarships for Catholic nuns in Vietnam. Since Davis Projects for Peace was founded in 2007, 36 Luther students have earned this prestigious award to spread sustainable peace around the world.

N E W V P F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N In October, Bill Smith started at Luther as vice president for communication. Smith came to Luther from Arkansas State University, where he had served since 2013, most recently as chief communications officer. He holds a PhD in history from the University of Arkansas, as well as an MA in history and a BA in journalism from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Smith has taught college-level history and created and cohosted a monthly “We’re History” radio program reflecting on the use of history in popular culture for the regional National Public Radio affiliate in northwest Arkansas. For his work in university communications, he has won multiple regional awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. President Jenifer K. Ward welcomed Smith to the college, saying, “His academic training, deep communication and marketing experience, and proven success in leadership in a breadth of institutional contexts, and his affinity for Luther, all bode well for a great next chapter in our story.”

PROFESSORS PUBLISH BOOKS Justin M. Sprung, assistant professor of psychology, coauthored Personnel Psychology, a comprehensive and accessible textbook that delves into the psychological principles behind human resource practices. Elizabeth Steding, professor of German, published GDR Literature in German Curricula and Textbooks: Exploring the Legacy of GDR Authors, 1985– 2015, which analyzes the changing portrayal of East German literature in textbooks and curricula for college-preparatory secondary schools in Germany.

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MAGAZINE

Homecoming We had a wonderful Homecoming 2023! One of the highlights was celebrating alumni who’ve made an impact through service, music, and athletics.

From left: Patricia (Holtorf) Branstad ’73, Stephanie Spear Filigno ’98, Emerald-Jane (Aggrey-Appiah) Hunter ’03, Callista (Bisek) Gingrich ’88, Janet (Purmort) Tollund ’73, Denny Amundson ’73, President Jenifer K. Ward, Ken Abraham ’73, Joan (Schneider) Schatz ’88, Dennis ’63 and Ann (Henningsgaard) Christ ’66, Michael Ruzek ’68, Jill Blockhus ’88, and Leonard Myrah ’63.

Distinguished Service Awards

ber of Commerce, Austin Youth

Lutheran Church in Bloomington,

Football, and the Mower County

Minn., and is president of Middle

Leonard Myrah ’63, a US Navy

Veterans Memorial.

East Peace Now, which arranges

pilot during the Vietnam War,

Ken Abraham ’73, a retired

monthly forums featuring international speakers.

worked as a commercial pilot and

biologist and research scientist

in state and local government. He’s

with the Ontario (Canada) Ministry

Denny Amundson ’73 spent

served in many capacities as a life-

of Natural Resources, has served

his medical career in critical care

long member of Trinity Lutheran

as director on the boards of Birds

and disaster care. He came out of

Church in Spring Grove, Minn.

Canada and Trumpeter Swan

a nine-year retirement to lead the

Dennis ’63 and Ann

Conservation Ontario. He also

largest COVID ICU in the San Diego

(Henningsgaard) Christ ’66

volunteers for bird conservation

area, where he continues to prac-

have served on multiple church

monitoring programs.

tice. He volunteers with several

councils. Ann has served on the

Patricia (Holtorf ) Branstad ’73

medicine-related initiatives.

board of Luther Seminary for 12

is a founding member of Uniting

Jill Blockhus ’88 is climate

years and as the president for the

Cultures/Uniendo Culturas, which

policy and practice director at the

Luther Deaconess Association for

builds bridges between diverse

Nature Conservancy, where she

35 years. Dennis served on the St.

groups in St. James, Minn. She is

fights against climate change and

Paul United Way Board, the Minne-

chair of a collaborative history

deforestation. She also serves as

sota Business Partnership, and the

project about local immigration

a judge for the United Nations

Board of Christikon Lutheran Bible

and serves on the steering commit-

Development Programme’s Equa-

Camp in Montana.

tee for Climate Smart St. James.

tor Prize, honoring achievement in nature-based solutions and local

Michael Ruzek ’68 of Austin,

Janet (Purmort) Tollund

Minn., founded Spruce Up Austin,

’73 has led Luther alumni tours

devoted to beautification projects

and served on the Alumni Coun-

Callista (Bisek) Gingrich ’88,

around the city. He has volun-

cil for 12 years. She has served

president/CEO of Gingrich 360 and

teered with the Austin Area Cham-

in various roles at St. Stephen

president of the Gingrich Foun-

WINTER 2024

development.

Music Awards

dation, served as US Ambassa-

screening and monitoring at

dor to the Holy See. She is a board

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

member for the Basilica of the

She has served on mental health

Weston H. Noble Award

National Shrine of the Immaculate

planning and fundraising commit-

Jan (Bakker) Knutson ’78 is

Conception, the Ave Maria School

tees, and she volunteers with her

former director of choirs and

of Law, and the Richard Nixon

church and community organiza-

department chair at Parker High

Foundation.

tions that improve public spaces in

School in Janesville, Wis. She

Cincinnati.

founded Parker Arts Academy and

Joan (Schneider) Schatz ’88

Emerald-Jane (Aggrey-Ap-

has won awards including the

Industries and on the boards

piah) Hunter ’03, Emmy Award–

Jerry Hall of Fame Award, a Herb

of the St. Cloud Technical and

winning producer and founder of

Kohl Teaching Fellowship, and

Community College Foundation,

myWHY Agency in Chicago, is an

Teacher of the Year in the Janes-

the Central Minnesota Boy Scout

alumna and cohort ambassador for

ville School District.

Council, and the Boys and Girls

the Goldman Sachs Small Business

Club of Central Minnesota.

Program. She serves on the board

Carlo A. Sperati Award

of St. Cloud, Minn., is CEO of Park

of People’s Music School, a free

Gene Anderson ’63 spent most

a pediatric psychologist, led the

music school serving Chicago-area

of his career at the University of

way toward better mental health

children.

Richmond in Virginia, where he

Stephanie Spear Filigno ’98,

was director of bands, a music theory instructor, and head of the music department. He founded the Doctors of Jazz ensemble, which has played in Europe and around Richmond. Presser Scholar Award

Malachi Rettmann ’24 completed a student-faculty summer research project on improving

Athletics Awards

recruiting and marketing for

Inductees into Luther’s Athletics Hall of Fame included (left to right):

Dorian summer camps. He’s work-

Katie (Anderson) Ness ’93, basketball, track and field, soccer; Shari Huber

ing on his senior capstone project,

’13, softball; Rick Isaacson ’03, soccer; Matt Reinsmoen ’98, soccer; Doug

which examines how to manage

Mello, former men’s and women’s soccer coach; Elissa (Schmidt) Cohen

and promote diversity in profes-

’08, swimming and diving; Karl Magnuson ’78, winner of the Athletic Meri-

sional orchestras.

torious Service Award; Alex Eganhouse ’08, swimming and diving; Tami Magner ’08, softball; Marta Floyd ’88, basketball, track and field, softball; Jessica (Jewell) Tangen ’08, track and field. One highlight of Homecoming 2023 was welcoming Dorothy (McMillen) Anderson ’43, age 101, back to campus to celebrate her 80-year reunion. She enjoyed a luncheon with alumni from the classes of 1948, 1953, and 1958 and a visit with President Ward. Dorothy (center), from Mabel, Minn., is pictured here with daughter Karen (Anderson) Forde ’69 (left) and Sherry (Braun) Alcock ’82 (right), executive director of alumni relations.

Richard C. and Joann M. Hemp Family Prize for Orchestral Performance

Emma Prostine ’24 has been principal second violin in the Luther College Orchestra for the past three years. A chemistry major, she serves as president of the Chemistry Club and as a Health Sciences Club executive.

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

Members from the team of 1963 who attended the reunion include (in alphabetical order): Dick Ashland ’64, Jim Boyce ’64, Ken Belanger ’66, Larry Chellevold ’65, Dick Hemp ’64, Denny Ibbotson ’64, Earl Jensen ’64, John Lavender ’65, Steve Messer ’64, Bob Naslund ’65, Ronald Schultz ’65, and Charles Stern ’65.

THE PEOPLE WHO CARRY US A LIFETIME

Luther football teams six decades apart come together to celebrate one continuous Norse legacy.

Luther athletics in 1963 looked a lot different than the program does now. The 1963 football team played on a field behind the library. Because Preus Gymnasium burned down in 1961, they used Dante’s Cafe, in the basement of the Union, as a locker room. They won the conference title a year before Luther women were able to compete in intercollegiate athletics. But the relationships they formed, Naslund says, “were as special then as they are today.” “They helped shape my life in ways that are intangible and helped me grow into an adult. I became a

Sixty years ago, Luther’s 1963 football team, under

coach because of the experience,” says Earl Jensen

head coach Edsel Schweizer, achieved an unde-

’64 of Greybull, Wyoming. “I wish the current players

feated season and a conference title. Last October, a

could have experienced the seasons we had, but even

dozen members from that legendary team gathered in

more important are the relationships and life-altering

Decorah from places as far-flung as Arizona, Nevada,

that happens with the team.”

South Dakota, and Wyoming. Bob Naslund ’65, a 1963 team member and former

James Hutton ’26, a tight end from Dallas, can already sense it: “The people we meet here are the

Luther football and track and field coach, helped

people who will carry us a lifetime. We’ve already

organize and host the reunion. It was a time, he says,

started to go through experiences in our personal lives

“to renew that spirit and those friendships and hugs.”

and have been able to rely on each other to keep us

One of the highlights of the weekend was a chance

strong and persevere through different challenges.”

to connect with current players after the 1963 team

Noah Millhouse ’26, a quarterback from Jordan,

watched the 2023 team practice. It turns out that it was

Minnesota, says, “Since I’ve been here the past two

meaningful for players both past and present.

years, I’ve just never felt alone.”

“It made me practice with a sense of pride, just

“I’ve never felt a brotherhood like this before,”

feeling really happy to know that I’m carrying on

agrees James Bradley ’26, a defensive back from

something that’s a lot bigger than me,” says Malachi

Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

McElroy ’26, a running back from Atlanta. First-year Keyvaughn Connor, a defensive lineman from Coleyville, Texas, agrees, saying, “They came

“I know that further down the road,” McElroy says, “the love’s still going to be there. These guys will be at my wedding having a good old time.”

together to watch what is now the future that they built with this program. When we went to shake their hands, I could see the love they had in their eyes for the culture that we continue.”

WINTER 2024

—Kate Frentzel

es work ction featur Advanced Fi on ion by Shann and reflect Annika 1, ’2 d vi Bir Baker ’20, Le n ’16, eed Johnso Dome ’22, R erek Lin eister ’01, D Keith Lesm ari Myers urillo ’17, K ’20, Joel M d Ian Tiede ’19, an ’08, Andrew slation 2, plus tran Wreisner ’2 glish essor of En work by prof aard. Lise Kildeg

Advanced Observati on Advanced Reflection Advanced Connection Advanced Curiosity Advanced Joy

Advanced Fiction

by Kate Frentzel

One way to help students write with more impact is to teach them good technique. Amy Weldon, professor of English, set out to do just that in her latest book, Advanced Fiction: A Writer’s Guide and Anthology. Not only does it distill lessons from Weldon’s 20 years of teaching, it also features 10 Luther grads who bring those lessons to life.

A LIGHTBULB MOMENT LEADS TO A ONE-OF-A-KIND TEXTBOOK Around the time that Weldon decided to write the book, she was teaching an advanced fiction class of five students. The group had just completed an assignment to treat a figure of speech literally, as though it were actually happening. In a poignant, emotionally loaded story, Shannon Baker ’20 worked with the phrase “the elephant in the room.” Weldon says, “I remember thinking: This is such a great example of subtext. And then the lightbulb went off over my

Sadie’s couple of years, “After those first ize gn co as grew to re pans and spatul year st nds. For the pa just one set of ha the clocked miles in or so, while Dex venad g kin pt her ba park, Sadie had ke ant. ph ele e e help of th tures alive with th isk wh e uld hand her th The elephant wo en she needed it, or the spatula wh nd ing onto it a seco sometimes hold r to he g ssary, forcin longer than nece th its trunk.” play tug-of-war wi n abits” by Shanno —excerpt from “H Baker ’20

head: This needs to be in the textbook. And then I thought: Why not gather more student writing?” Weldon pitched the idea of highlighting student work to her editors. They were thrilled. The inclusion of student work, student reflection about that work, and student interviews was unique in the field. They’d never seen it done in a similar textbook. The resulting volume is thoughtfully organized by common craft issues for advanced fiction writers, with Luther student writing illustrating most chapters. Weldon includes segments on organizing, risk-taking, writing the other, psychic distance and point of view, world-building, revising, and more.

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MAGAZINE

Most of these issues, she says, start in the mind.

Chapter 6, “Building a World,” introduces us to

And so the work that writers do in Weldon’s class-

“Fields of Ash” by Kari Myers ’08, who uses small,

room—and that she asks writers to do throughout her

sensual details to tell the story of a tragic farm acci-

book—is complex, extremely reflective, and some-

dent. In her reflection on creating an immersive sense

times existential. It matters beyond the page. As

of place, Myers writes, “I love the opportunity to

Weldon says, “Writing can be part of your life and a

revisit those ‘place makers’ and see if there are ones

way you make meaning for yourself even if you never

that can be brought more clearly into focus or deep-

publish a word.”

ened, that, more than sensory, point to a deeper layer of truth or theme in the story.”

LUTHER WRITERS BRING TECHNIQUE TO LIFE

The world-building chapter also illustrates some

One of the joys of Weldon’s book is journeying along-

focused revision by Joel Murillo ’17 on his novella

side budding Luther writers as they reflect on their

Cracker Jack, which transformed from a document

creative process or move from early draft to finished

that felt like an info-dump to a well-paced novella that

prose.

showed, rather than told, a story. “I wanted to cover

Weldon’s chapter on “Mystery, Conviction, Form,

a world that could span 1,000 pages within 17,” he

and Risk” uses an excerpt from Levi Bird ’21 to illus-

says. But after some deep work, he instead “provided

trate risk-taking. While the excerpt itself is moving,

puzzle pieces that readers could connect to arrive at

Bird’s reflection on it is even more profound. He writes

their own conclusions.”

that venturing into risk is “an opportunity to truly sit and wrestle with your perspective and biases as

BUILDING CAPACITY ON AND OFF THE PAGE

an individual. It’s a chance to ensure that you do the

If the work that Weldon prescribes asks a lot of writ-

characters of your story and the people who reflect

ers, it also offers a big payoff. In Weldon’s book, a

those lived experiences justice. . . . The most import-

story by Ian Wreisner ’22, “The New Chicago,” illus-

ant part of this writing was not just leaping into a

trates “writing across the aisle” or writing from the

risky topic and staring with wide eyes or a furrowed

point of view of your political opposite. “Ian wanted to

brow through the window at Tracy’s life; it was seeing

separate his own stance from Richard’s without cari-

my reflection through the window pane, questioning

caturing Richard as a character or seeming to promote

my own intention and identity as a writer, and decid-

his views to the reader,” Weldon explains. The balance that Wreisner reached in Weldon’s

ing to take a risk.” A chapter on psychic distance and point of view

class continues to serve him in his work as a newspa-

features writing from “Till Death” by Andrew Tiede

per reporter today. He recently reflected: “I’m cover-

’19. The piece went through significant revision in

ing my home county of Anoka County, which has

class. Take a look at the incredible, punchy retooling

some incredibly diverse political opinions. I think

of its opening sentence:

about ‘presenting people as they’re seen’ every day I sit down to write, and it’s helped me not only write responsible news pieces, but turned some very rant-

ung Before: “When I was yo a be to d I hadn’t wante mortician.” ht After: “As a kid, I thoug of ff stu the this job was nightmares.”

WINTER 2024

ing op-eds into measured responses to current events. Although I’m not necessarily writing ‘creatively’ when it comes to hard news, I use the skills taught to me in class every single day.”

Two of the Luther students featured in the bo ok went on to found literar y journals. Derek Lin ’20 foun ded The Star ter, and Keith Pilapil Lesmeister ’01 co founded independent liter ary publisher Eastov er Press and its offshoot jour nal, Cutleaf.

Weldon hopes that seeing student work in her book—alongside household names like James Joyce, Colson Whitehead, and Rebecca Makkai—will help aspiring writers see that they offer something of value. “Once you’ve realized in any area of your life that you have something to contribute,” Weldon says, “that tends to bleed over into every other area of life too.” She continues, “Looking at what’s coming up— climate dysfunction or water shortage, all the other

Reed Johnson ’16, an internist at University of Iowa

things we worry about—this is the capacity that we’ve

Health Care whose reflection is included in Weldon’s

got to build as humans and that I’m hoping to build in

book, also applies advanced fiction technique to his

my students and myself, which is take yourself seri-

profession. “At the core of being a good physician and

ously, take other people seriously, build the capacity

a good writer,” he says, “is the ability to pay attention

to do the work on the regular. Writing is an arena in

and notice.”

which you can practice that every day and see some

“Courses that these students took for ‘fun’ have

results.

actually put a foundation under their professional

“This is why Luther matters. This is why college

identity in ways they didn’t expect,” Weldon says.

matters. Because this is the space where you practice

“That’s a benefit of what we do here at Luther—you get

and build those muscles for the world.”

your payback five years, 10 years, 15 years down the road. Much like writing itself—I mean, it’s very seldom the case that you write something, it’s perfect, and it gets published.”

s Luther grad One of the iction, Advanced F featured in r ’01, il Lesmeiste Keith Pilap ks of ed two boo has publish Been ve Could Ha fiction, We ippi and Mississ Happy Here um. River Muse at re o Learn m er.com. st keithlesmei

Amy Weldon, professor of English, took a group of lucky students to the 2018 Graywolf Literary Salon, a fundraiser for prestigious independent Graywolf Press. Left to right: Shannon Baker ’20, Andrew Tiede ’19, Alexander Streitz ’19, Amy Weldon, Becca Buse ’19, and Connor Olson ’19.

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

Rooted DEEPLY

by Kate Frentzel

Luther’s mission statement calls us to “practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us.” The alumni we profile here, all of whom work toward healthier, more sustainable food systems, take that charge seriously. But, in typical liberal arts fashion, they come at it from very different angles.

Maren (Stumme-Diers) Beard ’08 and her husband, Tom, own Luna Valley Farm in Decorah. It’s a place of connection and community—especially on pizza nights, during which they serve up many local ingredients. Photo by Charlie Langton.

WINTER 2024

The Educator

Audrey Tran Lam ’13 (left), pictured here at EcoFest 2019 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, brings a public health perspective to agricultural practices.

Audrey Tran Lam ’13

works at the intersection of agriculture and public health. As environmental health program manager at the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Environmental Education (CEEE), she oversees its Farming for Public Health program. She explains, “The program is really about elevat-

The Farmers

ing the evidence-based, land-based solutions that work

Robert (Robby) Jewell III ’14 is the sixth genera-

upstream to address this cascade of environmental

tion to farm the nearly 1,600-acre Jewell family farm

health problems that ultimately impact people who live

in Decorah. With his family’s deep farming history,

in the Midwest and, in particular, Iowa.”

he’s quick to recognize that many farmers feel like

In her role, Audrey educates people on things like

they can’t pursue both economic and environmental

PFAs, pesticides, and water quality; the herbicide tread-

health—they have to choose one or the other. But

mill and what it means for weed resistance; soil health

through experimenting, innovating,

and flooding; and how all of these things impact human

and openness to new ways of doing

health.

things, he thinks they’ve found

“I find myself being a cross-pollinator in a lot of the settings that I’m in,” she says, “and I make sure to bring

a happy medium. The Jewells raise organic

perspectives of both public health and agriculture.

turkeys, as well as row

Whether it’s a public health conference or an agricul-

crops, mostly pastured

tural conference, I want to be able to represent the side

cattle, and pastured pigs

of the coin that’s not being voiced there.”

that help manage their

In terms of solutions, Audrey says, “The simplest

scrubland. They tried

thing we could do in order to make incredible strides

running their cattle operation

for public health in the state is to add a third crop to our

organically for about a decade

current corn-soy rotation. By adding in a small grain,

but stopped because they were

we can see significant—like upward of 80 percent signif-

barely breaking even financially.

icant—decreases in the amount of synthetic nitrogen

They grow conventional crops

that’s being applied to these fields, which is one of the

using herbicides and synthetic

main drivers of harmful algal blooms in waterways, in

fertilizers, but they also plant

recreational bodies of water and beaches, and in private

cover crops and farm without till-

wells. And this is without impacting profitability.”

ing (soil tillage increases erosion,

She continues, “When soil is improved, we see all

nutrient runoff into waterways,

of these different metrics emerge around the ecological

and the release of greenhouse

environment of those fields. You have more microbiotic

gasses).

Robby Jewell ’14 and his family raise organic turkeys and experiment with more sustainable ways of tending crops and animals on their 1,600-acre farm.

life in the soil, which improves yields, which improves

This flexible approach—experimenting, then

how what is planted is able to compete with the weeds.”

adopting methods that work for them and setting aside those that don’t—allows the Jewells to continu-

“It’s very beautiful how the system can come together and work if we’re not fighting against what the soil wants and needs.”

ally move toward ecological health. Rotational grazing—moving pastured animals from area to area—is another way in which the Jewells innovate. It prevents overgrazing, but it takes finesse. “It’s been a learning experience for us,” Robby says. “There’s no equation we can look at—it’s different

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

every time. It’s been fun and frustrating. But the land

For Kevin’s family, this way of farming makes

is resilient—when it rests and recovers is when it’s

economic sense. “It’s a way to differentiate ourselves

building back deeper, stronger root structures.”

in the marketplace,” Kevin says. “And one thing I learned in my Luther marketing class is that you don’t

Kevin Oppermann ’06 pivoted to farming from a

have to compete on price to compete on quality. That’s

career in healthcare software at Epic Systems in

100 percent what we do now.”

Verona, Wis. Farming started as a hobby—a way to

Pasture-raised cattle have turned out to be

connect to the farming he’d helped his grandparents

lower-maintenance for him too. “The sun and rain

with as a kid—but it grew almost overnight into a

grow grass for us every year. The cows fertilize,” Kevin

full-time job when he had the opportunity to buy 150

says. “All I have to do is run a fence every day. It’s

Scottish Highland cattle. “We moved 100 animals in 24

simple compared to having to plant, fertilize, harvest,

hours. That was a crazy time,” he recalls.

and truck grain.”

Everything Kevin does at Highland Spring Farm

Kevin recognizes the noneconomic benefits of

in Dane County, Wis., is pasture-based. Over the past

his farm as well: “It’s a great way to go to work every

eight years, he’s converted not only his own property

morning, to walk out to the cows, who are belly deep

to 100 percent permanent pasture but also most of the

in green grass, happy. One of my favorite things is

Stoneman Family Farm up the road as well. All told,

evening pasture check with the kids, listening to

it’s about 150 acres he’s moved out of rotatable crops

nature, listening to animals chewing grass and cud.

and tillage and into pasture.

Everything feels right about it.”

“One of my favorite things is evening pasture check with the kids, listening to nature, listening to animals chewing grass and cud. Everything feels right about it.” —Kevin Oppermann ’06

WINTER 2024

The Connector

local producers go above and beyond when it comes to

Sometimes a special something just makes a system

“Many are also trying to pay their employees well and,

work better. In the Decorah regional food scene,

if possible, themselves!”

Peter Kraus ’12 of the Iowa Food Hub is that special something.

stewarding the soil, water, and biodiversity,” he says.

He feels lucky to play a part in this supply chain, saying,

“It’s my job to pass along to customers a deeper sense of place and connection to where their food comes from and how it was produced, from the field to their plate.”

The Researcher Kate Freund Saxhaug ’11 is Decorah native Peter Kraus ’12 plays a critical role in his hometown, connecting regional producers with regional consumers through the Iowa Food Hub.

using a new science to make strides in understanding plants. As a postdoctoral researcher at the

The nonprofit Iowa Food Hub started around 2012

University of Minne-

as a way to connect local food producers with bigger

sota, she studies plant

institutional customers like schools and colleges. The

metabolomics, the

hub aggregates food from suppliers within a 150-mile

measurement and anal-

radius of Decorah. It then distributes orders via refrig-

ysis of metabolites—the

erated truck to schools, colleges, restaurants, and

products of metabolic

grocery stores. And, since the start of the pandemic,

reactions—within a system,

individual customers can also access local food

like a cell or organism.

through its online marketplace.

Kate’s current research

Peter jumped into the position of general manager

examines the chemicals

in August 2020. “It’s been a rollercoaster ever since,”

plants produce that help

he says. Over the past three years, the food hub has

them adapt to their environ-

tackled several grant projects to expand delivery

ment. One goal is to reduce

routes, grow its staff, add physical infrastructure, and

the use of synthetic sprays

distribute literal tons and tons of locally produced

by developing a botanically

food.

based deterrent for Japanese

Peter has both farming and culinary experience

Kate Freund Saxhaug ’11 studies the chemicals plants produce in response to their environments. Research like hers may lead to plant breeds with better pest resistance, requiring less pesticide use.

beetles. Another goal is to

and thinks that being able to anticipate the needs of

inform breeding efforts. “We want to provide informa-

producers and chefs is critical to his position.

tion to breeding programs about which grapevine or

“I like to say that I’m the matchmaker between producer and customer,” he says. In playing matchmaker, Peter is often elevating the

apple tree to use to breed in beetle resistance. Can we breed a plant to survive the beetle rather than using pesticides?”

responsible practices of his suppliers. “A lot of our

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

The Landowner When Meg (Funfar) Nielsen ’69 of McFarland, Wis., inherited 115 acres of farmland in Minnesota, she and her husband, Glenn ’70, took their new land stewardship seriously. “Since Glenn is a retired instrumental music teacher and I’m still a rostered deacon, neither of us had much experience in farming beyond backyard gardening,” she says. “But once we realized the importance of our idea, there was no turning back.” After lots of research and support from grassroots organizations, they took 50 acres of corn and soy fields that had been rented out and converted them to pasture grazing. They enrolled another two acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, which gives farmers a yearly payment in exchange for taking land out of production and planting species that will protect

Katie Prochaska ’01 and Mike Bollinger ’02 own River Root Farm in Decorah, where Mike also works as executive director of Seed Savers Exchange.

in the past few years, knowing that trees are one of

The Seedkeeper

the best ways to prevent soil erosion, they’ve planted

Healthy food systems depend on shared resources.

more than 1,000 of them!

Mike Bollinger ’02 and Katie Prochaska ’01 know

soil and water health and build wildlife habitat. And

this well. After college, Katie served with the Peace Corps in Mali, where Mike joined her for an extended time. Katie was focused on agriculture, natural resources, and human health. Mike recalls: “Malnutrition was pervasive simply because of the limited diversity of things to consume. Corn, sorghum, and millet were staples. There was a commodity crop—cotton—that was an export. And there was limited subsistence farming due to the extreme heat and seasonal rainfall. It was a fragile ecosystem of food access.” The flipside of this was the community care that

Glenn ’70 and Meg (Funfar) Nielsen ’69 have planted more than 1,000 trees on their farm property—with help from their daughter, Jen (Nielsen) Snow ‘96; Jim ‘69 and Kathy (Olson) Potter ‘70; Ben McDonald Coltvet ‘96 and his son, Abenet; and Emily Aldrich, a St. Paul resident who heard Meg interviewed about the project on MPR and wanted to help!

emerged. When someone ran out of food, neighbors would make sure everyone had something to eat. “It was an initial glimpse for me of what community health could look like,” he says. Mike and Katie carried the idea of community

Meg and Glenn found tremendous support from

health with them, eventually, back to Decorah—but

the people who banded together to form Climate Land

they had many stops along the way. They spent their

Leaders (CLL), a group that the Nielsens and others

20s and 30s garnering experiences—from stewarding

founded in 2020. Since then, CLL has grown to over

a regenerative farm, to working as lead horticultur-

110 members, representing 32,500 acres of land, in just

ist at the Chicago Botanic Garden (Katie) and urban

three years. Meg is president of its board of directors.

farming with kids through the Green Youth Initiative

Meg encourages anyone considering a similar

(Mike), to consulting with would-be farmers on setting

undertaking to reach out to others: “There are thou-

up their infrastructure. Eventually they cofounded a

sands of small and large groups that are working to

small-farm tool and greenhouse company called Four

restore the land, alleviate climate change, and care for

Season Tools.

God’s good creation.”

WINTER 2024

In 2009, they bought a seven-acre hillside in

bles and prepare things fresh, but they did.” (Luther’s

Decorah to start a small homestead. Several years

current purchases vary seasonally, with between 19

later they stepped away from their other ventures and

and 38 percent of food purchased from local vendors.)

focused on River Root Farm, an organic vegetable farm

In 2014, Maren and husband Tom started Luna

that includes salad greens, herbs, and flowers. These

Valley Farm in Decorah, where they keep pasture-

days, it’s a full-time enterprise for Katie, while Mike

raised beef and lamb. In 2017, they began their popu-

focuses on his role, since 2022, as executive director of

lar pizza nights, serving artisan pizza pies using local

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE).

ingredients, including some from their own farm. In

SSE collects, preserves, and shares an astounding

a full-circle kind of way, the Beards give back to their

20,000 varieties of heirloom seeds. Its website notes

community through donating a percentage of pizza

that over the last century, the world has lost 75 percent

sales to local organizations like the Decorah Commu-

of its edible plant varieties and that seed diversity

nity Food Pantry and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

protects our food system by increasing the probability

Luna Valley has earned well-deserved coverage in

of having plants that can adapt to a changing climate

national publications from Better Homes and Gardens

and the challenges that brings.

to the New York Times (in an article that also featured

SSE engenders a kind of community care that extends across the country. It is, Mike says, “building a community of backyard home gardeners that are

the family farm of Zach Hawkins ’04!). It’s an inviting and magical place.

for uniformity and shipability. And because heirloom

“It’s always been a goal of ours to make Luna Valley a place where everybody feels welcome,”

seeds are open-pollinated, they’ll grow true to expec-

Maren says. “We have neighbors from many differ-

tation from year to year.

ent backgrounds who love coming for our pizza. It’s a

preserving a huge array of food and genetic diversity.” It’s maintaining a supply chain that exists outside of the major seed manufacturers, which often breed

All of this is a major win for food security and edible plant diversity. Ultimately, Mike says,

place of connection.” By inviting people to experience that connection and participate in local

“We’re trying to help people understand that there are things they can do in their own backyards that really matter.”

food sourced from small farms, Maren and the folks at Luna Valley are ultimately helping to shape their community. “How we eat has a really significant impact on landscapes—literal and

The Community-Builder

economic,” she says. “If there aren’t small farms with small herds of livestock, there

Maren (Stumme-Diers) Beard ’08 has deep roots in

aren’t going to be veterinarian

the Decorah food system. As a college student learn-

offices to serve them. There aren’t

ing about the environmental impacts of what we eat,

going to be small feed stores. When

it disappointed her to participate in a board plan that

a small town like Decorah has farms

relied on food trucked in from far and wide.

of all sorts that can support differ-

As a student, and later as a Luther staff member, she worked to change the system from the inside. She

ent businesses, it really makes it a

Tom and Maren (Stumme-Diers) Beard ’08 with their son, Fritz (a second son, Otto, has since joined the family).

thriving community.”

helped Luther Dining Services source about 35 percent of Luther’s food from local suppliers. She notes, “It was a lot more work for them to develop those relationships with local farmers and actually peel vegeta-

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

Mental health IS POLITICAL by Kate Frentzel

Pioneering peace psychologist Ufra Mir ’11 hopes to build healthy futures while getting honest about building peace.

Mental health, says Ufra Mir ’11, is political: “It exists in relation to the ecosystem, frameworks, and politics around you. If you’re existing in an ecosystem that is constantly toxic for you, full of fear and political anxieties, then mental health support isn’t sustainable in the long-term. Because the trauma is ongoing, and healing probably doesn’t happen in these contexts the way people in the West understand.” Mir speaks with authority—not only did she grow up in a traumatized community in Kashmir, but she became that region’s first and only practitioner of peace psychology, a subfield of psychology that uses theory and practices to try to limit violence and conflict, and promote peace. While that might sound straightforward, on the ground, Mir knows, peacebuilding is quite complicated.

WORKING AGAINST NORMALIZED VIOLENCE

Mir was the first Kashmiri to attend United World

Mir grew up in Kashmir, a conflict region for more than seven decades. Curfews, shutdowns, middle-ofthe-night searches, human rights violations, and daily killings were routine in her world. “From a very young age, I knew that something wasn’t right,” she says. “Around me, there was so much chaos, and slowly it was becoming normalized to us.”

courses and peace training for the first time. At Luther,

College Mumbai, where she encountered psychology she double majored in health and psychology while also training in peacebuilding. After graduating, she stayed with her Luther host family for a year while ramping up the nonprofit she’d started, Paigaam, an Urdu/Persian word that translates to “a message.” Paigaam has now evolved into the International Center for Peace Psychology (ICPP).

WINTER 2024

Ufra Mir ’11, founder of the International Center for Peace Psychology, works with a global network of professionals and activists who promote healing and healthy expression through peace education, youth empowerment programs, mental health awareness, and peace psychology techniques.

WHEN PEACE IS CONTROVERSIAL

C U LT U R A L LY I N S P I R E D P S Y C H O L O G Y

For the past 12 years, Mir has worked as a peace psychologist

Because many of the frameworks that psychologists use

in Kashmir, Myanmar, and other parts of South Asia and the

are Eurocentric and may not work well in all Global South

Global South.

contexts, Mir has tailored her practice to her community.

Mir’s work subjects her to high levels of surveillance and

“I started taking inspiration from my own culture, history,

patriarchal norms. She has to constantly consider her plans.

architecture, language, arts,” she says. “This is also, in a

There’s a level of distrust in the region that makes even the

way, a protest against the [collective] memory and history

word “peace” controversial.

that’s being changed. In order to save and preserve it, I

“When people hear that you’re in peacebuilding, sometimes the community thinks you’re working with the govern-

started making use of these elements a lot more, as my focus is on decolonized peace psychology practice.”

ment, and sometimes the government thinks you’re work-

One practice that illustrates this is the Zuun-é-Daeb

ing with extremist groups. You have to constantly walk on

initiative at ICPP, which takes its name from Kashmiri archi-

eggshells,” she says. She has refused funding for her work

tecture. In old Kashmiri houses, people would gather and

because she worries about what funders would expect in

use this attic room to connect with one another. In Mir’s

return, as well as how funding might affect trust levels in the

practice, this translates to a creative/reflective safe space—

community.

virtual or physical—where people can share, express, learn,

“Even gathering is a privilege,” she says. “But I try to create a safe space for people to come together to take charge

listen, and find mutual support.

of their own narratives, because the system is always trying

CONNECTING REALIT Y WITH POLICY

to create a counter-narrative for you. I try to create a pause

For the past few years, Mir has focused on connecting prac-

or a bridge where people can stop and ask themselves: Is this

titioners’ on-the-ground learning to policy spaces, includ-

normal?”

ing global forums that work directly and indirectly with the

WHEN RESEARCH IS A PRIVILEGE Psychology is mostly a research-oriented field, and many

United Nations. “Otherwise,” she says, “you have people making policies who have no idea what’s happening on the ground.”

Western researchers work in peaceful contexts. “From

After many fellowships, for the next year, she plans to

the get-go,” says Mir, “I wanted to keep my work more

continue this work through a fully funded Rotary Peace

practice-oriented. This was also a way to protest against

Fellowship at the University of Bradford in the UK, home

academia being colonized. When you live in a conflict zone,

of the world’s largest peace studies department. But she’ll

you don’t have the luxury or privilege of doing research. For

remain active with ICPP from afar.

that, you need resources, funding, and mental space to sit and reflect.”

“For me, peacebuilding is not just about teaching people how to be nonviolent. The people are not the problem—the

She continues, “Things change in conflict zones so very

systems are the problem,” she says. “The work I’m doing, in

often that you always have to be on your toes. There’s no

that way, redefines what peacebuilding is. It’s a process. It’s

concept of breaks. You’re always working—people can be

awareness. Moreover, much of peacebuilding, resilience,

calling you for support at 3 a.m. with panic attacks.”

and nonviolence needs to be rethought through a liberation, justice, local resistance perspective.”

To learn more, visit internationalcenterforpeacepsychology.org.

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

ACCESS TO THE

Arts

Madeline Geier ’17 works to bring life-changing art to a wider audience. Madeline Geier ’17 is on a mission. Make that several

the curriculum, plans projects, supervises onboarding, hires

missions. She’s a full-time program director for Arts For Life,

team members and volunteers, and sometimes implements

a North Carolina–based nonprofit that brings visual art,

the arts curriculum herself.

music, and theatre to children’s hospitals. She’s also an arts and theatre educator, an intimacy choreographer, an accessibility consultant, and co-leader for the Theatre for Young Audiences/USA Disability Affinity Group. The throughline in Geier’s various endeavors, she says, is the question: How can we make this experience equitable, accessible, and joyous for as many people as possible? Geier traces the origin of that question back to Luther. As a theatre major, she realized she was less interested in acting than she was in stage direction and choreography, educat-

“We’re using the arts to provide an outlet for expression, an opportunity for joy, and agency and choice within the medical setting,” Geier says. She adds that “the arts are a tremendous way for us to express ourselves and our experiences.” Geier also works as an accessibility consultant for theatre

ing others, and working behind the scenes. She felt strongly

companies, writing accessibility statements (like what

about topics that weren’t discussed often enough: consent-

accommodations the theatre can provide to those with

based intimacy choreography, accessibility, and advocacy

disabilities) and consulting on new initiatives, projects, or

for those living with disability, as well as the ways that arts

expansions the organization can make to be more accessible.

could serve the disability community. She credits many of her

“There’s a mantra: nothing about us without us,” she says.

Luther professors and friends with helping her navigate a way

“It’s the idea that there shouldn’t be decisions or advocacy

forward through her many burgeoning passions.

happening without including the people those things are

An internship for the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC)

directly affecting.” So a significant part of her work involves

in Minneapolis led Geier to full-time work there after gradu-

connecting clients with people who have certain lived expe-

ation. The roles she held at CTC over the course of four and

riences.

a half years positioned her for her current work as program

“Arts and culture are about possibility, creativity, and

director at Arts For Life in Asheville. “This job perfectly inter-

imagination,” Geier says. “How does that not intertwine with

twines my passion for arts education and my passion for

accessibility?”

accessibility,” Geier says. At Arts For Life, Geier determines the programming to serve pediatric patients for five hospital sites. She decides

WINTER 2024

—Kelli Billstein ’07

Boldly

PA D D L I N G

Dave Ellingson ’69 explores the world’s most renowned rivers with generosity and purpose. Dave Ellingson ’69, aka the Paddle Pilgrim,

learned that Tito’s father, Dith Pran, was the

spent the majority of his life serving as a

Cambodian photojournalist who coined the

Lutheran pastor and professor. Now, in what

name “the Killing Fields” after his family

he describes as his “third act,” he’s kayaked

escaped Khmer Rouge rule and fled to the

through enough water to have circled the

United States.

globe at least once. Through books, videos,

Feeling the stirrings of another pilgrim-

and other media, he shares vivid reflections

age, Ellingson pinpointed the Mekong River

and stories about all his voyages. But his

as his next destination and pledged to raise

latest, along the Mekong River, was one of

money for the Dith Pran Foundation to

his most memorable pilgrimages because of

support the education of Cambodian youth.

the lives it touched.

From there, Ellingson extended a paddle

Paddling is a lifelong theme for Elling-

invite to a former student turned dear

son. “I often have my kayak on top of my car,

friend who came to the US from Vietnam

and it’s like a divining rod,” he says with a

as a nine-year-old adoptee. This added the

chuckle. “If there’s any water nearby, my

component of raising money to support the

car just automatically turns toward it. Water

orphanage where his friend spent time as a

defines my spirit in many ways.”

child.

Ellingson’s first pilgrimage, in 2012,

Finally, Ellingson raised money for his

comprised the full length of the Mississippi

namesake scholarship started by former

River (2,350 miles), which he paddled solo

students to support the next generation

with a waterproof journal strapped to the

of environmentalists. (Ellingson taught a

bow, pausing to jot down notes and musings

course in environmental ethics for years.)

throughout the two-month journey. He also paddled the Erie Canal and Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty (500 miles) and the Sogne and Hardanger Fjords in Norway (400 miles). In March 2023, he and three other paddlers took on the Mekong River (600

“I hope what people take away from my story is that every one of us is capable of amazing things,”

miles) in Southeast Asia. Philanthropy

Ellingson says. “To your dying day, you’re

underpinned the journey, and it grew out

going to be learning something new, grow-

of the swirls and eddies that have brought

ing, and being alive. That’s the adventure of

Ellingson into contact with people in his

life.”

own life. After knee surgery in 2013, Ellingson had

So, he adds, with a twinkle in his eye, “Paddle boldly.”

to relearn to walk. He spent a lot of time with his physical therapist, Titonath (Tito)

—Kelli Billstein ’07

Dith, and the two became friends. Ellingson

LUTHER

MAGAZINE

Class Notes by Mariah (Bringer) Smith ’95

’56

Arnold Fredriksen of Rochester, Minn., participated in a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., and toured the last fully operational WWII landing ship tank, the USS LST 325.

’58

Tom Wilkens of Georgetown, Texas, has published a book, Meditations on the Way: Looking Back in Faith, Looking Ahead in Hope, and—Above All— Looking Around in Love.

’60

Kathy (Fjone) Richardson of Cincinnati recently celebrated her successful surgery and radiation treatment for cancer with a 24-day trans-Atlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2. Kathy shared this adventure with her companion, Saul Schach, who celebrated his 100th birthday on the cruise. Kathy continues to take classes and teach memoir writing with the University of Cincinnati OLLI learning-in-retirement program.

’68 Donald Davidson of

Wayzata, Minn., serves as an officer on the executive committee of the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association.

’69 Dean Johnson of

Willmar, Minn., is retired after serving for 50 years as pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. During his career, Dean also served for four years in the Minnesota House of Representatives and for 24 years in the state senate. In addition, Dean was a chaplain in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 38 years and a member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for 12 years.

’71

Denny Linderbaum is retired, following a 50-year fundraising career that culminated in leading the UnityPoint Health– Des Moines Foundation for the last 23 years. Brian Snell of West Des Moines, Iowa, is retired after a 33-year

WINTER 2024

career in teaching. Brian also served as the accompanist for the NIACC choirs and was organist and pianist at Mason City First United Methodist Church for 16 years.

’72

Kathy (Estenson) Carlson, a swim and dive coach for 32 years, was honored by the Shakopee (Minn.) school board when they renamed the Shakopee West Middle School pool complex the Kathy Carlson Aquatic Center.

’75

Mark Iverson is retired from teaching math and science for Arch Ford Educational Cooperative at the Crossett, Ark., ALE location.

’77 Tom Bahr is retired after

serving for 44 years in the emergency department at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Wis., and 19 years as a paramedic with the Orange Cross Ambulance Service. Tom continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member at Lakeshore Technical College, Public Safety Division, and is vice chair of the Sheboygan County Emergency Medical Services Council. Sue (Avesing) Thone is retired following a 45-year career as a corporate paralegal, spending the last 23 years in corporate and securities law at FedEx Corporation.

’78

Linda Short of Moorhead, Minn., is retired from a singing and performing career and has turned to writing books: Wisps of Light: Where Christ and Culture Meet and Beams of Abundance: When Life Gives You Lemons, Squirt ’Em on Lobster.

’84

Craig Gahnz-Kuhar of University Heights, Ohio, is retired after serving as a school and church choir director. Pam (Christensen) Nelson of Duluth, Minn., is retired from teaching English as a second language to elementary students and enjoys hiking, biking, and living near Lake Superior.

’85

John Anderson of Washburn, Wis., was selected as associate dean of the Wisconsin Judicial College, which provides judicial education for all new judges in their first year and for all other judges who attend once every six years.

’86

Dave Reppe of Highlands Ranch, Colo., is national sales manager for E2 Optics in Englewood, Colo.

’87

Peter Hanson of Oullins, France, is mission pastor at United Protestant Church of France in Lyon.

’88 Stuart Arey is a physics

and chemistry teacher at St. Paul (Minn.) Academy and Summit School.

’89 Scott Halverson was

named the 2023 Winona (Minn.) Education Association’s Teacher of the Year. Scott teaches math at Winona Senior High School and has coached basketball, softball, and baseball. Shari Prestemon of Eden Prairie, Minn., was named acting associate general minister for wider church ministries and co-executive for global ministries for the United Church of Christ.

’90

’82 Tom Becher of Neenah,

Brent Asplin of Barrington, Ill., is cofounder and chief executive officer of Gather Health.

’83

Pete Lawrence of Strasburg, Colo., is retired following a career as a master trooper with the Colorado State Patrol.

Wis., is retired following a career in teaching. Kathy (Hawley) Becher of Neenah, Wis., is retired following a career as a controller.

Gretchen Olson Kopp of Spokane, Wash., completed an MDiv degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary and earned a graduate certificate in spiritual direction and directed retreat from Creighton University and is in ELCA candidacy for the ministry of word and sacrament. Gretchen is also associate chaplain with Providence–Sacred Heart Medical Center.

’91

Brad Skogen is associate with the bishop for congregational leadership and transition with the Eastern North Dakota Synod, ELCA.

’92

Debra Bullock of Niles, Ill., is a middle school science teacher at Science and Arts Academy in Des Plaines, Ill. Wendy (Jaycox) Davidson of Wheaton, Ill., was named by the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council as one of the World’s Most Influential Decision Makers. She was also selected as one of CEO Connection’s 2023 Most Influential Women of the Mid-Market. Wendy, a Luther regent emerita, is president/CEO of the Hain Celestial Group. Debbie (Hess) Smith of Denver, N.C., is senior director, product management with Ellucian. Staci Sievert Zahn of Appleton, Wis., was featured in Forbes magazine for her work in revitalizing the technical education program at Seymour (Wis.) High School.

’94

Nicole Engdahl of Washington, D.C., is vice president for individual giving at the African Wildlife Foundation.

’95

Jennifer McKay of Sioux Falls, S.D., is a clinical specialist with Google Health. Jon Ploetz is vice president— general counsel and secretary for Applied Industrial Technologies in Cleveland.

Affirm the dreams of Luther students While the world is ever-changing and stock markets rise and fall, Luther College’s mission stands unwaivering, making a lasting impact in the lives of our students. Create predictable stability with a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, and new tools for your IRA. Feel reassured knowing that you have provided for your future and made a Luther education possible for students now and in the future. • A charitable gift annuity gives you payments for life at fixed rates. • A charitable remainder trust pays you at a rate of 5% or higher. • You can satisfy part or all of your IRA’s required minimum distribution by giving to Luther College. • All of these options offer tax benefits for you.

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MAGAZINE

’96

Arne Hengesteg of Evanston, Wyo., was selected to represent the state of Wyoming as a 2023 James Madison Fellow. James Madison Fellowships support graduate studies with a concentration in history and the U.S. Constitution. Sam Teigen of Hawthorne, N.J., is controller for the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

’97

George Hawkinson of Leawood, Kan., is a project manager with Burns and McDonnell.

’98

Nicole (Voss) Hawkinson is a pediatric dentist in Leawood, Kan. Doug Ross of Wausau, Wis., is director of claims with Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Ann (Bossard) Smith is assistant dean of student success and director of disability services at Luther College.

’99

Jake Eastman of San Francisco is a training and engagement specialist with the GLIDE Foundation. Kurt Hoover of Joliet, Ill., serves as a trustee for the Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ.

’00

Chris Hofer of Surprise, Ariz., is a learning management system technologist with the College for Creative Studies. Becki (Mensing) LeGrant of Bakersfield, Calif., earned a master’s degree in education administration and is an assistant principal at Wonderful Prep Academy in Delano, Calif.

’01

David Severtson is associate pastor at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Natalie (Van Vuren) Witt of Princeton, Texas, is director of social services at Princeton Medical Lodge.

’02

Molly (Krol) Sandgren of Champaign, Ill., is a family medical nurse practitioner with Christie Clinic.

’03 Josh Cinnamo of San

Diego, Calif., won the gold medal in shot put at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile. WINTER 2024

Kelly (Moen) Farley is a middle school math teacher with the Decorah Community School District. Brandon Fraseur is athletics and activities director at Seoul International School in South Korea. Tim Hammond of Grinnell, Iowa, is associate dean for health and wellness and director of student health promotion at Grinnell College.

with the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colo.

Ga., is program director for hunger education with the ELCA.

Brie (Corfman) Taralson of New Ulm, Minn., is the owner of Lykke Books and founder of Lykke Communities, a nonprofit organization focused on building community connections.

Jess (Boese) Purdie of Morristown, Minn., is a risk consultant with Federated Insurance.

Heather (Buckner) Wilensky of Coralville, Iowa, is a senior recruiter with the Bryant Group.

’07

Tom Swenson of West Des Moines, Iowa, is an account executive with Access Systems.

Molly Andersen of Minneapolis is a showroom manager with Shaw, Inc.

Dana Roberts of Richfield, Minn., earned an MBA degree from Southern Utah University and serves as director of sales for Ameriprise Financial.

Kelsey Knutti of Rolling Meadows, Ill., is chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

’08 Kadra Abdi of Blaine,

’04

Tim Arnold of Delano, Minn., is band director at Orono (Minn.) High School and was named as a quarter finalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award. Barry Bosacker is school associate superintendent with the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nev. Kelly (Arneson) Egan of Westgate, Iowa, is a middle school social studies teacher with the Waverly–Shell Rock Community Schools.

’06 Aaron Bohr of North Liberty, Iowa, is a special education teacher and assistant football coach at Center Point–Urbana High School. Rachel (Ware) Carlton is associate vice president for academic affairs at Lakeland University in Plymouth, Wis. Megan (Finnegan) Kelley is an assistant controller with Rose Financial Solutions in Bloomington, Minn. Emily (Anderson) Shockley is communications coordinator

’10

Douglas Junius is a 10th-grade world history teacher at ITW Speer Academy–Noble Street Charter School in Chicago. Douglas was honorably discharged after serving in the Illinois Army National Guard.

Andy Jolivette of Roseville, Minn., is director of alignment with North Oaks Financial Group and founder and coach at Align Coaching.

Katherine (Fletcher) Martinson of Naperville, Ill., completed a doctorate of nursing practice degree and is an advanced practice registered nurse with a specialty in certified nurse midwifery. Katie works as a senior research specialist with the University of Illinois–Chicago.

Julian Stanke serves as principal at Birch Lake Elementary School in White Bear Lake, Minn.

Minn., is director of local policy and field building with Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers and serves as a board member for the Center for Victims of Torture. Drew Haefner of Davenport, Iowa, is assistant controller with IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union.

’11

Kate (Trigger) Duffert lives in Louisville, Ky., and is director of general assembly planning with Presbyterian Church (USA). Steven Thai of Burnsville, Minn., is director of the Global Crisis and Issues Communications Center of Excellence with Cargill.

’12

Brandon Boles of Holmen, Wis., is an assistant store leader with Kwik Trip.

Eddie Holmvig-Johnson is a special education teacher with St. Paul (Minn.) City School and serves as chair of the Richfield (Minn.) Planning Commission.

Doug Winkey earned a master’s degree in higher education–student affairs and serves as the assistant director of catering at Luther College.

Kristen (Learman) Stengl is a self-employed photographer and serves as a key spouse for the 41st RQS at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. Kristen is also a volunteer who fosters cats and dogs for the Humane Society of Valdosta Lowndes County.

Shannon Curtis of Minneapolis, Minn., is director of bands at Zimmerman (Minn.) Middle and High School and was named as a quarter finalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award.

Benjamin Yates, visiting associate professor of music at Luther, completed a dissertation on the history of the Luther College Concert Band. It is posted on his website at benjaminyatestrombone.com/ wflccb.

’09 Erik Clark, copresident

of Luther’s Black Alumni Association, has published a book series, Blunt Force Trauma: The Collection.

Alyson Gangstee of Eagan, Minn., earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.). Peter McLellan of Covington,

’13

Tyler Hagy serves as director of choral activities at Iowa City (Iowa) High School and was awarded the Iowa City Community School District Shine Award. Mari (Kise) Heimdal of Hopkins, Minn., is a speech and language pathologist. Anna (DiCecco) and Micah Kust live in Houston, Texas, where Anna is partnership activation manager with the Houston Rockets and Micah serves as a team physical therapist for the Houston Dynamo FC. Hannah Shatzer is an assistant professor of psychology at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Cody Webb ’09 sent in this photo of a trip that Luther Football alumni took to Laramie, Wyo., to visit former Luther coach and current University of Wyoming coach Benny Boyd. Alumni on the trip included class of 2009 teammates Al Mierau, Sean Hood, Cody Webb, Blake Humpal, Kyle Grundmeyer, Nathan Burger, and Jerry Jaeger, as well as Jason Zehr ’07.

The annual Hernes family reunion was held at Baker Village July 14–16, 2023. The reunion, which has been going on for 50 years, saw four generations make an appearance this year. Five of the 20 Hernes cousins are Luther alumni, along with one spouse and three of the next generation. Of the nine alumni, seven were present, pictured here in order of graduating. Left to right: Janet (Hernes) Mathistad ’83, Jeff Hernes ’85, Peter Hernes ’87, Linda (Korsness) Hernes ’87, Joy Hernes ’95, Melissa Hernes Pickerign ’14, and Peter Mathistad ’19. Not pictured: Matt Hernes ’01 and Krista Mathistad ’17. Last October, Annie Hendrickson Hoffman ’05 and her husband traveled to England and Scotland. “I discovered there was a fellow Luther grad on the same tour with us,” she says. “So of course we took a photo and did the L-U chant.” Annie (right) is pictured here with Elaine Watkins-Miller ’91 in Torphichen, Scotland.

Colin Landsteiner ’18 married Jordan Wendt in Minnetrista, Minn., in early September. They were joined in the festivities by lots of Luther folks, including (left to right): Brad Kovacovich ’19, Andrew Lindstrom ’19, and class of 2018 grads Paul Clark, JD Crecca, groom Colin Landsteiner, Zach Withers, Matt Smith, Daniel Melaas-Swanson, and Sara Byom.

In August, the late Coach Chuck Enge ’58, former Luther tennis player and longtime high school tennis coach, donated $100,000 to the college to establish the Charles and Suzanne Enge Endowed Tennis Fund. He was also inducted into the National High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame. At the ceremony celebrating both accomplishments were (left to right) Adam Strand ’04, Coach Chuck Enge ’58, Sujay Lama ’92, and Randy Mack ’03. Bob Bear ’70 (left) and Diane (Balfany) Sitkowski ’10 (right) met a few years ago while singing with the Michael O'Neal Singers in Roswell, Ga., just north of Atlanta. Earlier this year, they met a young fellow singer, Elizabeth Guy (center), who noticed Bob's Luther sweatshirt. She shared that she was touring colleges and that Luther was on her list. Bob and Diane made a ton of visit suggestions and were thrilled when Elizabeth decided to enroll in Luther’s class of 2027 as a music education major! Solveig Storhoff ’66, Rev. John Hierlinger ’00, and Jan (Storhoff) Weber ’69 traveled to the Holy Land together in March of 2023. The took this photo at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem, where they had a service of Holy Communion in a chapel from the 12th century. Their two-week pilgrimage also included visits to many sites in Israel and Jordan.

Mikaela Kovarik ’18 and Issac Coohey ’18 got married on September 9, 2023. Luther alumni who celebrated with the couple include Alise Miller ’15, Carli (Radil) Jentz ’16, Samantha Bratland ’19, Addy Pender ’19, Kurt Kovarik ’97, Kris Kovarik ’95, Jennifer (Johnston) Kovarik ’95, Keith Kovarik ’91, Kelli (Trask) Kovarik ’91, Karl Kovarik ’87; class of 2017 grads Sammie (Harris) Wingstedt, Sara (Nelson) Johnson, Annie Versnik, Brooke Stauffer; and class of 2018 grads Kelsey Rox, Megan Bonnett, Ashley Burrows, Kaeli (Kovarik) Coohey, Issac Coohey, Natalie Stockman, Bella Alvarado, Jackie Krawczyk, JD Sliger, Bubba Mitchell, Spencer Davies, Kole Ruud, Izzac Suarez, and Kia (Feia) Suarez. LUTHER

MAGAZINE

Caley (Danielson) Steinert of Chicago is an associate account manager with GainShare Performance Marketing. Shannon (Koenders) Veldkamp of Elk River, Minn., is an optometrist and serves as the clinical director for Opening Eyes, Special Olympics Minnesota Healthy Athletes.

’14 Austen (Perry) and

Benjamin Anderson live in Minneapolis, where Austen is an apprentice electrician with Laketown Electric Corporation and Benjamin is a math interventionist with Minneapolis Public Schools. Sibu and Lucy (O’Connor) Dlamini live in Davenport, Iowa. Sibu is a controller with Central Scott Telephone. Lucy is a volunteer coordinator with Genesis Hospice’s Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Jocelyn (Petersen) Kalal of Burnsville, Minn., is a first-grade teacher at Minnehaha Academy. Rachel (Selvig) Lundeen of Otsego, Minn., is director of operations at FinElevate. Andrea (Keuper) Pinder of Denton, Texas, is an adjunct instructor of music in voice at Texas Women’s University. Derek Sturtevant is a high school choir director at Nansha College Preparatory Academy in Guangdong Province, China.

’15 Talia Barber-Powers of

Minneapolis is a data scientist with Asset Marketing Services. Alex Barker of Adel, Iowa, is director of sales and service with the Iowa Wolves. Marlon Henriquez of Chicago is the principal at Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy in Chicago. Annika Ring of Hutchinson, Minn., earned a master’s degree in English with a specialization in teaching from Bowling Green State University and is a high school English teacher with the Hutchinson Public Schools.

WINTER 2024

’16

Lars Johnson was named Austin (Minn.) Public Schools 2023 Teacher of the Year. Lars teaches seventh- and eighthgrade art at Ellis Middle School. Mitchell Knippenberg of St. Louis Park, Minn., is a network solutions specialist with United Health Group–Surest. Logan Larson released an album, The Monster You Made, with his ensemble, Logarhythmic Collective. The album, which combines classical music with electronic dance music, features guest artists Wesley ’16 and Marissa (Eckberg) Frye ’17 of Frye Music Duo. Nick Shaw of Minneapolis is portfolio manager with Rootstock Wine Co.

’17 Olivia (Toal) Keeton of

Middleton, Wis., is a registered nurse with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison, Wis. Anna Madrigal is a senior consultant with Cardamom Health in Madison, Wis.

’18

Tanner Gibbons of Westby, Wis., is a science teacher at West Salem High School. Jordan Keeton lives in Middleton, Wis., and is a project manager with TCS Basys Controls. Abigail (Colby) Knippenberg lives in St. Louis Park, Minn., and is an accountant II supervisor with the city of Minneapolis. Sam Tollefson of Saint Paul, Minn., is an advancement and engagement associate with Great River Greening.

’19

Xavier Conzet and Tiwonge Chirwa live in Minneapolis, where Xavier is a data analyst with Optum and Tiwonge is a registered nurse with Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Abigail (Korenchan) Conzett of St. Paul, Minn., is a K–5 music teacher at North Lakes Academy K8. Anna (Foster) Haan of Rosemount, Minn., is an occupational therapist with Minnesota Autism Center.

Erin Halverson lives in Augusta, Ga., and serves as a casework assistant in the office of U.S. senator Jon Ossoff. Jenny Hickey lives in Minneapolis and is a recruiter with Total Logistics. James Miller of Brooklyn Park, Minn., is a senior web developer at Mayo Clinic. Sam Naumann of Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a teacher with the Cedar Falls Community School District. Garrett O’Connell is a band director with the St. Charles (Minn.) Public Schools. Thomas Twiton of Madison, Wis., is a systems engineer with Epic Systems.

’20 Ali (Voigt) and Samuel

Camacho live in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Ali is a service advisor with Dan Deery Motors and Samuel is a business development representative with Mudd Advertising. Jorge Chavez of Alpharetta, Ga., serves as an ORISE mycotic research fellow with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Morgan Fanning of Portsmouth, N.H., is marketing and sales coordinator with Stoneface Brewing Co. Izzi Lockheimer Toso of St. Louis Park, Minn., is a language and literature teacher with Hopkins Public Schools. Meghan Sickel of Rosemount, Minn., earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and serves as a metro district senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health. Daniel Suhr is admissions operations and communications specialist at Des Moines (Iowa) Area Community College. Dirk Umbanhowar of Arlington, Va., is a research associate with Senate Majority PAC.

’21 Rebekah Riedemann

of Ankeny, Iowa, completed a year of national service with AmeriCorps, National Civilian

Community Corps, as a team leader.

’22

Faye Duster of Duluth, Minn., is a sustainability project coordinator for Northeast Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Kristen Flathers of Madelia, Minn., is the children’s service coordinator at Watonwan County Library. Julia Lassner lives in Iowa City, Iowa, and is an application analyst at the University of Iowa. Kirsten Loynachan of Kansas City, Mo., is assistant orchestra personnel manager with the Kansas City Symphony.

’23

Lilli Carlson of Grand Marais, Minn., is a children and family services social worker with Cook County Public Health and Human Services. Navia Erbst-Ayauna of Davenport, Iowa, is a digital marketing coordinator with Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. Sydney Frank is an executive assistant with the YWCA of La Crosse (Wis.). Spencer Gillian lives in Albertville, Minn., and is a choir teacher with the Monticello Public Schools. Isaac Habben of Fulda, Minn., is a credit analyst with First National Bank in Fulda. Alexis Johnson of Draper, Utah, is a fifth-grade teacher with the Canyons School District. Madeline Starck of Lafayette, La., is a graduate assistant at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is working toward a master’s degree in music composition. Anna Thomley lives in Dubuque, Iowa, and is a marketing analyst with Cottingham and Butler. Lauren Whitney of Omaha, Neb., is a research technologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Zoe Wood of West Des Moines, Iowa, is a human resources generalist with Ag Express Electronics in Des Moines.

Births & Adoptions ’92

Logan Jerome, Oct. 2023, child of Andrea Nowack and Debra Bullock

’08

Colin Luke, March 2022, child of Megan (Harding) and Eric Thorsen ’07

’11

Elsie Lenora, Feb. 2023, child of Christa (Fiedler) and Drew Engquist ’06

Beckett Jude (photo 2), May 2023, child of Rachel Loeffler-Kemp and Brent Malvick

Sylvie Marie, May 2022, child of Heather and Drew Haefner

Oliver Henry, Nov. 2021, child of Monique and Ben Marple

’09 Ava, Oct. 2023, child of

Alyson Gangstee and Andrew Herman

Julie Darlene, April 2023, child of Sara Jeske and Adam Wallin Roy Brady, April 2023, child of Sara Jeske and Adam Wallin June Evon (photo 1), Sept. 2023, child of Amanda and Julian Stanke

’10

Adam Jakob, June 2023, child of Andrea (Hatleli) and Andrew Halvorson

’12

Sophia Meihui, May 2023, child of Brenda Xie and John Lee

’13

Libby Palis (photo 3), Sept. 2022, child of Devan Benjamin and Sam Weinberg ’15 Tommy II, Feb. 2023, child of Leslie (Palmer) and Tommy Elliott Beau (photo 4), April 2023, child of Allie (Johnson) and Daniel Grainger ’12

Finn Matthew, Sept. 2023, child of Kassie and Jason Knutson Maura, Oct. 2022, child of Anna (DiCecco) and Micah Kust Bastian, March 2023, child of Chelsea Tegels and Andreas Meyris

’14

Garrett Richard, Aug. 2023, child of Anna (Derdzinski) and Alan Banks Nora Grace, June 2022, child of Andrea (Keuper) and Myles Pinder Freja, April 2022, child of Rachel (Selvig) and Wade Lundeen Joseph, July 2021, child of Alexis (Dorschner) and Ryan Wagner Philip, March 2023, child of Alexis (Dorschner) and Ryan Wagner

’15

Soleil, Dec. 2021, child of Lucy (O’Connor) and Sibu Dlamini ’14 Mikah Lynn, Aug. 2023, child of Aubrey (Ross) and Ryan Lindquist Hallie Kaitlin, Jan. 2023, child of Heather (Marking) and Josh Moechnig Harvey Joshua, Jan. 2023, child of Heather (Marking) and Josh Moechnig

’18

Jordan, March 2023, child of Heather (Lindell) and Alex Barker ’15 Oliver, June 2023, child of Emma (Brashear) and Andrew Tiede ’19 Hudson Dean (photo 5), Feb. 2023, child of Micah (Cabbage) and Adam Trautman

Marriages ’94 Serina Norvold and

Mari Kise and Jon Heimdal, Oct. 1, 2022

’17 Michole Farrin and Alex

Tiwonge Chirwa and Xavier Conzet, Aug. 13, 2022

’96 Kristi Bagstad and Kirk

Emily Merritt and Casey Schultz, Sept. 11, 2022

Hegeman, June 30, 2023

’18 Sara Byom and Daniel

Anna Foster and Brandon Haan, May 21, 2022

Dave Hallquist ’81, Oct. 28, 2023 Schultz, July 15, 2023

’05 Lindy Buck and Michael

Nadeau, July 8, 2023

’09 Amanda Farrell and

Julian Stanke, July 1, 2023

’12

Megan Thome and Jeff Emerson, Nov. 5, 2022

’13 Caley Danielson and

Adam Steinert, May 13, 2023

’14 Rachel Stenhaug and

Wes Jacobson, Sept. 16, 2023

’15

Melaas-Swanson, July 30, 2022 Micah Cabbage and Adam Trautman, July 16, 2022

’19

Sarah Lodge and Tom Perkins ’20, Oct. 7, 2023

’20

Aime Karam and Adam Leake, Oct. 7, 2023

Kaeli Kovarik and Isaac Coohey, Sept. 9, 2023

Josie Lange and Logan Morrison, Aug. 11, 2023

Bri Shekels and Hans Kittleson, Aug. 19, 2023

Jordan Wendt and Colin Landsteiner, Sept. 03, 2023

Briana McGrane and Garrett O’Connell ’19, Aug. 19, 2022

’16 Ellen Cooper and Zach

Heather Lindell and Alex Barker ’15, Oct. 22, 2021

Stekel ’17, July 8, 2023

Emily Starman and Ian Breitlow, Sept. 30, 2023 LUTHER

MAGAZINE

In Memoriam Notices as of December 6, 2023

Emeriti faculty Glenn Nelson of Decorah died July 3, 2023, age 90. Barbara Welgos of Decorah died June 13, 2023, age 100.

Louise Rolfs of Rochester, Minn., died June 30, 2023, age 93.

’53 Emma Lou

(Brandt) Benedict of Novi, Mich., died August 19, 2023, age 92.

’45

Ramona (Staack) McFarland of Kirkwood, Mo., died June 30, 2023, age 89.

’46 Vilera “Val” (Ged-

Hilbert “Bert” Reese of Northfield, Minn., died November 14, 2023, age 91.

Anitra (Kanten) Loe of Willmar, Minn., died August 22, 2023, age 97. stad) Rood of Moorhead, Minn., died November 28, 2023, age 99.

’48

Evelyn “Evie” (Fruechte) Estenson of Hector, Minn., died August 21, 2023, age 96. Helene (Rowe) Furst of Cookeville, Tenn., died September 5, 2023, age 97. Verna (Amdahl) Sand of Decorah died September 9, 2023, age 96.

’49 Allan “Ole” Eggleson of Stoughton, Wis., died October 26, 2023, age 94.

G. Keigh “Doc” Howland of Lenox, Iowa, died January 13, 2022, age 94.

’50

’54 Joan (Rod) Engq-

uist of Fairmont, Minn., died September 30, 2023, age 90. Marlys (Marshall) Styne of Chicago, Ill., died September 3, 2023, age 89.

’55

Arvid Harklau of Lima, Ohio, died November 8, 2022, age 89. Donald “Don” Ostercamp of Champlin, Minn., died November 7, 2023, age 89.

’56 Odell “Dell”

Bjerkness of Minneapolis, died November 20, 2023, age 92. Gary Hauge of Ocala, Fla., died October 21, 2023, age 89.

Doris (Kaas) Balvanz of Eldora, Iowa, died September 8, 2023, age 94.

Solveig (Urberg) Rogne of Apple Valley, Minn., died August 17, 2023, age 89.

’51 Ralph Brevig of

Bruce Hartman of Bovey, Minn., died August 24, 2023, age 87.

Chandler, Ariz., died August 11, 2023, age 98. David Nelson of Pittsburgh, Pa., died September 24, 2023, age 97.

’52 Joann (Halvorson)

Evans of Montalba, Texas, died May 16, 2023, age 92. Rosalie (Wilkins) Gulbrandson of Brainerd, Minn., died September 25, 2023, age 92. Patricia “Pat” Nelson of Little Elm, Texas, died September 3, 2023, age 90. WINTER 2024

’58

Robert “Bob” Ratcliff of Crystal Lake, Ill., died October 15, 2023, age 88.

’59

John Hoyem of Des Moines, Iowa, died November 23, 2023, age 87. Lowell Kleppe of Plymouth, Minn., died July 25, 2023, age 86. Francis “Fran” Odden of Fox Point, Wis., died September 3, 2023, age 85.

’60

Kenneth “Ken” Melby of Decorah died November 10, 2023, age 87. Theodore “Ted” Rist of Billings, Mont., died November 4, 2023, age 86. Dennis Van Den Einde of Cambridge, Wis., died November 21, 2023, age 85.

’61 Billy “Bill” Bailey of

Starbuck, Minn., died July 6, 2023, age 83.

James “Jim” Kroneman of Madison, Wis., died July 7, 2023, age 84. Gene Olstad of Winona, Minn., died September 27, 2023, age 85. Sharon (Anderson) Quee of Clarinda, Iowa, died October 16, 2023, age 84.

’62

Beverly “Bev” (Leonard) Anderson of McFarland, Wis., died October 10, 2023, age 83. Gerald “Jerry” Nelson of Mound, Minn., died October 29, 2023, age 84.

’63

Phillip “Phil” Davidson of Edina, Minn., died August 11, 2023, age 82. Carol (Hoeg) Oliver of St. Louis, Mo., died September 27, 2022, age 80. Helen (Anderson) Peterson of Plymouth, Minn., died July 21, 2023, age 82. Audrey (Spaanem) Scheide of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., died February 2, 2022, age 81.

’64 Julius Kamrud

of Ft. Collins, Colo., died August 14, 2023, age 81. Charles Knapp of Aurora, Colo., died September 22, 2023, age 81. Jerry Markham of Wykoff, Minn., died November 2, 2023, age 81. Eunice (Lee) Seffrood of Milbank, S.D., died November 11, 2023, age 92.

Robert “Bob” Strube of Glenview, Ill., died August 29, 2023, age 81.

’65

Merna (Nelson) Richardson of Tulsa, Okla., died June 29, 2023.

’67

David Behr of Oklahoma City, Okla., died September 16, 2022, age 77.

’68

Rosetta (Franklin) Nerem of McAllen, Texas, died April 17, 2022, age 76.

’69 Robert “Bob” Brinton, of Clarion, Iowa, died March 27, 2023, age 76.

Margeen (Bolson) Mau of La Crescent, Minn., died October 11, 2023, age 76. Daniel “Dan” O’Brien of Springfield, Ill., died October 23, 2023, age 76.

’70 Mary (Behrens)

Trapanese of Red Wing, Minn., died May 14, 2022, age 74. David “Jay” Young of Florence, Ky., died October 19, 2023, age 75.

’72

Vaughn Schweit zer of Minneapolis, Minn., died October 11, 2023, age 73.

’73

Robert “Bob” Weiler of Indianapolis, Ind., died February 27, 2023, age 72.

’74

Sheldon Bieri of Laurens, Iowa, died April 24, 2022, age 69. James Knudsen of Marion, Iowa, died July 26, 2023, age 75.

’75 Jay Janzen of

Sparta, Wis., died March 28, 2022, age 72. Deborah “Debbie” (Moen) Reynolds of Lino Lakes, Minn., died September 20, 2023, age 69.

’76 Nadine (Bunge)

DeVoss of Council Bluffs, Iowa, died September 25, 2023, age 69.

’77

Robert “Bob” Dryver of Carlsborg, Wash., died January 5, 2023, age 68. Deborah “Deb” (Vocke) Sommerfeldt of Merrill, Wis., died July 9, 2023, age 68.

’79

Beth (Wojahn) Wright of Layton, Utah, died June 2, 2023, age 66.

’80

Duane “Dewey” Petersen of Chaska, Minn., died October 11, 2023, age 65.

’82 Brenda Peterson of Milwaukee, Wis., died May 1, 2023, age 64.

’83

Judith “Judy” (Reisetter) Hart of Wauwatosa, Wis., died July 30, 2023, age 62. Leigh Ann (Wettach) Huser of Sac City, Iowa, died September 16, 2023, age 62. Kimberly “Kim” (Christensen) Mahlum of Ettrick, Wis., died June 21, 2023, age 62.

’89 Andrea Doeden of Trinidad, Colo., died September 27, 2023, age 56.

Naomi Mahler of Willmar, Minn., died October 21, 2023, age 56. Peter Stenoien of Eden Prairie, Minn., died September 27, 2023, age 56.

’92

Lisa Palm of Minneapolis, Minn., died August 2023, age 53.

’00 Susan (Hoep-

pner) Baus of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., died October 17, 2023, age 45. Carey (Anderson) Kopp of Lake City, Minn., died September 26, 2023, age 45.

’08 Bison James of

Minneapolis, Minn., died August 14, 2023, age 37.

Every one of the 14 students from Luther’s 1983 Nottingham Program made it to their 40-year reunion weekend gathering at the end of September! They re-created one of the group photos—with the addition of trip leaders Marian Kaehler, professor emerita of biology, and Dick Dovenberg—taken in 1983 in front of the Nottingham house. Back row (left to right): Dick Dovenberg, Julie (Roehl) Coffin ’84, Jon Harkness ’85, Ruth (Meier) Hein ’85, Leon Lillie ’84, Joan Tincher ’85, Mark Frye ’85, Rita (Oakes) Kenyon ’84, Sue Beyer Lopez ’84, Kyle Eidahl ’84. Front row: Liza (Wilson) Klokow ’84, Nancy Grant ’84, Kari Hansen ’84, Steve Holcomb ’83, Saundra (Guetzke) Tomascak ’84, Marian Kaehler.

Calendar G I V I N G D AY

COMMENCEMENT

HOMECOMING

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Friday, October 25–

Luther College

Sunday, October 27, 2024

15 T H A N N U A L K E N T F I N A N G E R ’54 GOLF CLASSIC

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS T O U R O F N O R W AY Saturday, May 25–

Monday, March 18, 2024

Monday, June 3, 2024

Arrowhead Country Club

Hosted by Maren Johnson,

Glendale, Arizona

associate professor of Nordic

1974 S O F T B A L L T E A M AT H L E T I C S H A L L O F FA M E I N D U C T I O N EVENTS Saturday, April 13, 2024 Luther College

DECORAH AREA ALUMNI HAPPY HOURS Thursday, April 18, 2024 Thursday, September 19, 2024 Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. Decorah, Iowa

Luther College

O N E T E A M D AY Thursday, November 21, 2024 Luther College

studies, and Mark Potvin ’01,

C H R I S T M A S AT LUTHER

assistant professor of music

Thursday, December 5–

NORDIC FEST Thursday, July 25– Saturday, July 27, 2024 Decorah, Iowa

FA M I LY W E E K E N D Friday, September 20– Sunday, September 22, 2024 Luther College

Sunday, December 8, 2024 Luther College

LUTHER COLLEGE 700 COLLEGE DRIVE DECORAH, IOWA 52101-1045

Gnome is where the heart is GivinG day 2024 Thursday, march 7 Visit luther.edu/giving-day to see how you can get involved!

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DECORAH, IA PERMIT NO. 148