Spring 2024 Luther Story

A Moment of Gratitude

This spring marks the end of my four years as President of Luther College. In March, I announced that I will not seek renewal for a second term as President. I will conclude my presidency at Luther this coming June 30, 2024.

My time at Luther has been quite an experience. It began when I signed my contract in the Semple gymnasium stands at the 68th Luther Invitational Tournament (L.I.T.) in February of 2020. Not just a few weeks later, the world had shut down as the COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest. As I have written in this space before, that first year (2020–2021) was spent navigating exposure contact tracing, social distancing, and health regulations all the while trying to keep both campuses operating safely and well. I brought a pastoral leadership style that I believe was deeply needed in that moment in our history. As the pandemic wore on, vaccinations appeared, and the world slowly began to reopen beyond plastic barriers, mask regulations, and maximum person room quotas; life began to slowly return to whatever “normal” now is. Activities at both campuses (musical, L.I.T., Candlelight, Luther Lecture, convocations, classes, etc.) eventually returned, but not without what I believe has been a significant impact. Going forward, the whole education system (high school and post-secondary), will need to continue to evolve to address the needs of deeply anxious and under-socialized students, evolving

educational technology and delivery methods, and a workforce plan that has adapted to one that is no longer geographically fixed.

This 2023–2024 year also saw the implementation of our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan, which included an emphasis on student recruitment and retention, financial sustainability, and an intentional academic review on both campuses. The work on these aspects of the plan will set up Luther well for the future. 2024–2025 strategic actions will include a particular emphasis on both student and faculty/staff wellness.

This past year saw many of the usual activities on campus at the high school including our musical, Alice in Wonderland, and Candlelight. This year we hosted the 70th L.I.T. and welcomed back the championship team from 1984 as our special guests, and Merlis Belsher of the 1953 winning team.

On the university campus, I spent time teaching the PPE 400 (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) senior economics capstone course in the fall semester. It was great to be back in the classroom engaging directly with our university students. In the course, students had an opportunity to partner with the City of Regina to research economic issues with the City’s Net Zero 2050 plan. This was only possible through the work of Colleen Strauch, our Director of the Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector Studies Network, who facilitated a grant from the Business + Higher Education Roundtable to create these partnerships.

The work of indigenization continued on our university campus with the addition of Elder Lorna Standingready. Elder Lorna offered bi-monthly sessions on the Seven Grandfather teachings. She also arranged a special pipe ceremony to rename our Indigenous Engagement committee to a more appropriate Cree phrase: mâmawi-itohtêwak, which means walking together. This is a highly significant moment as we emphasize our work of walking together in reconciliation.

We also held a number of special Student Village (university residence) events, including a laser tag evening in which I was the “prize” in a capture-the-

flag event. We also held a special banquet and live Oscar viewing party exclusively for our residents (Hi Barbie!). These events are designed to build community for those who live in our university residence.

As my time comes now to a close at Luther, I offer a word of sincere gratitude for the many excellent folks I have had a chance to work alongside at Luther as we worked diligently to make transformative change for a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world.

The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry President, Luther College

The Board of Regents thanks The Rev. Dr. Jerry for his leadership of Luther College in the last four years. “He led Luther College through the COVID pandemic, prioritizing the health and safety of students, staff and faculty. The Rev. Dr. Jerry also led the College through a comprehensive, collaborative strategic planning process, and restructured and enhanced the College Leadership Group. Both of those actions continue to serve the long-term sustainability of the College,” says Greg Swanson, Board Chair.

Interim President DR. MURRAY KNUTTILA

Dr. Murray Knuttila has been appointed the interim President of Luther College from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Dr. Knuttila is the former Vice President (Academic) and Provost of Brock University, and a former Associate Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Regina.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Dr. Knuttila’s association with the University of Regina spanned more than 30 years. He was also a former Dean of Arts at the University Regina and professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Studies, a Research Faculty member in the Saskatchewan Population Health & Evaluation Research Unit and a Faculty Associate at Luther College. He is also a former member of the Luther College Board of Regents, having served from 2014-2020.

Dr. Knuttila also has considerable senior administration and governance experience outside

EDITOR - Angela Bethune

EDITORIAL ADVISORS - Sandra King Hendricks, Kyla Graff, Maureen Harrison

COPY EDITOR - Donna Achtzehner

CONTRIBUTORS - Marc Jerry, Lynette Piper, Mackenzie Brooks, Dan Sherven, Brenda Anderson, Kris Dueck, Shawn Stieb, Kim Greenman, Michelle Clark, Melissa Morgan, Debbie Nelson

DESIGN AND PRINTING - Western Litho

the university sector. He was the chair of the Regina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority and received the University of Regina Alumni Award for Outstanding Public Service in 2007.

Knuttila received his B.A. honours and M.A. degrees in sociology from the University of Regina. His Ph.D. is from the University of Toronto. His research interests include the impact of globalization on social development and politics in rural Canada, as well as issues relating to men and masculinities, healthcare delivery systems governance and population health.

Murray is also a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (ELCIC) in Regina. Murray and his wife, Dr. Wendee Kubik, have two adult children, two granddaughters and a grandson.

Cover: Members of the 1984 Luther Lion L.I.T. Champions look on as the first girls game of the 70th tournament tipped off on February 8, 2024.

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ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE DAPHNE BRAMHAM

(HS’72, U’75)

By Lynette Piper

A LIFETIME OF ADVOCACY AND EDUCATING OTHERS

true passion—some would say her calling—has been advocating for children.

Luther alumna Daphne Bramham (HS’72, U’75) is arguably one of the most respected journalists of a generation.

During a 46-year career which took her from the Regina LeaderPost to the Canadian Press to the Vancouver Sun, Daphne has travelled the globe, visiting nearly fifty countries in total and shedding light on everything from the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China, to the changing climate, to the exploitation of women and girls (including Canadian sex tourists in Cambodia abusing children as young as four).

When she wrote about the illegal trafficking of Asian women and children into Canada for the Sun, she received an angry letter demanding why she wasn’t writing about Canadian girls being trafficked as “concubines of polygamist men.”

Daphne is frank and fearless, approaching life through a lens of curiosity. “I believe everyone has an interesting story. It’s up to me to ask the right questions and not be afraid to uncover hard truths,” she asserts.

Daphne’s impressive career is full of stories that enlighten, engage, enrage, and aim to provoke action. After writing about the harsh realities of factory farming, she was a finalist for an international animal rights award. But Daphne’s

That letter prompted Daphne to take a deep dive into one of Canada’s extremist religious sects— the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bountiful, B.C.

She related stories of barefoot children, some as young as six, forced to work ripping shingles off roofs. Daphne’s investigations led to the publication of her groundbreaking book, The Secret Lives of Saints: Child Brides and Lost Boys in Canada’s Polygamous Mormon Sect.

She uncovered heartbreaking realities of pubescent girls denied education and forced to marry men old enough to be their grandfathers in a society where polygamy is seen as a man’s ticket to the highest realm of heaven. The leader of the sect has reportedly sired over one hundred children.

Daphne’s passion and advocacy stem from a belief that all children have the right to be educated, mirroring Nelson Mandela’s mantra: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

She relates an experience she had while travelling in Laos in southeast Asia. “Our tour guide was this weirdly wonderful man obsessed with butterflies,” she recalls.

Daphne won numerous awards for her coverage of the sect in Bountiful, which included stories of severe oppression of women and girls and the harsh realities of “lost boys,” who are often cast out because of the marriage imbalance.

Daphne led a Vancouver Sun readers’ tour to Borneo in 2014. On one of the last days, a group of children stopped her to ask for a photo. She’s seen here with her long-time partner and former Sun news editor, John Skinner.

Daphne takes a final bow at the Vancouver Sun after an illustrious 34-year career, capping off 46 years in journalism. Photo taken by Sun photographer Jason Payne.

“You didn’t have the luxury of standing on the sidelines. Everyone had to volunteer and be involved,” Daphne says. “Luther also taught me kindness, empathy, and fuelled my curiosity. I’m sure it played a role in me becoming a journalist.”

journalist,” she says. “Asking questions and wanting to tell people what I’ve discovered is who I am.”

She is also travelling as much as possible. “If people spent more time getting to know one another, I think the world would be a better place.”

Over the years, Daphne’s trailblazing stories have shaped our view of the world and each other.

In 2013, she was granted an honorary doctor of letters from Capilano University, and this June, she will receive an honorary doctor of laws from Simon Fraser University. She’s also a nominee for the 2024 Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction awards and has earned dozens more accolades over the years.

After a career dedicated to truth, justice, and the realities of women’s lives, Daphne has more stories to tell. Whether fiction or non-fiction, her future work holds the promise of being just as hard-hitting and equally as enlightening as her remarkable legacy in journalism.

“He was a teacher, but because teachers can’t earn a decent living, they’re forced to become tour guides to support their families. It’s a terrible thing—teachers should be teaching the next generation. When young people don’t learn new skills, countries remain poor, and you often find exploitation.”

For years, Daphne has been a generous Luther donor, believing in its values of a well-rounded education full of compassionate thinkers.

Her parents—Lydia, an elementary school teacher (later a principal), and Donald, a chiropractor—sent both Daphne and her brother, Jack, to Luther College because of its smaller classes, lower enrollment, and commitment to building community.

Ironically, she initially chose journalism as a stepping stone to writing fiction, but journalism was addicting and she found she couldn’t step away from the calling she found there. Finally, shortly before retiring from the Sun in July 2023, Daphne started her first novel during a spring writing retreat in a Tuscan castle. Her bedroom there had a sixteenth-century fresco on the ceiling.

“I’ve become a bit obsessed with it,” she says. “There are no cherubs, only female figures chained and imprisoned.” To try to unravel the mystery of its creator, she has started researching female artists in the Renaissance.

Daphne is also contemplating a couple of non-fiction projects. “There’s no such thing as a retired

In 2015, Daphne was assigned to go through the Northwest Passage and write daily dispatches about it. By 2018, reader interest was so high in the Arctic series that she was assigned to an 18-day voyage from the Falkland Islands to the Antarctic peninsula and then back to Argentina.

ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE JIM HOPE-ROSS (HS’63)

By Mackenzie Brooks

FROM “LAGGARD LIST” TO LAWYER—AND CFL PRO

It’s not uncommon to find the theme of care central to the stories of Luther College. Jim Hope-Ross explains that Luther galvanized him at a time when that caring influence was very much needed.

When the Hope-Ross family moved to Calgary, Jim finished his grade 8 year in an inner-city school, then made his way back to Regina that fall to attend Luther for grade 9. He lived in residence in the boys’ dorm. He was just twelve years old.

Younger than the other students and far from home, Jim describes how he was very much homesick.

declaration that “Jimmy would never amount to anything”…

Back to Luther he went.

“You could say that Luther is practically in my DNA,” says Jim.

Jim was born in 1944, to two other Luther alumni—William Hope-Ross (HS’39) and Roxy (Reid) Hope-Ross (HS’41)—and was raised in Regina, attending Connaught School, where he was accelerated a year to grade two.

Because he was younger than his mates, Jim was always the smallest kid in the bunch, which made competing in sports a challenge.

Three years older, Jim was now able to embrace his life at Luther.

“Mr. Fred Wagner, who was the English and Drama teacher, had also been best man at my parents’ wedding. He was good enough to drive me around on weekends, spending time with me, talking through my troubles, and listening to me about missing my family. When Thanksgiving came around that year, he called my dad and said he should really come get me.”

Back to Calgary he went.

“Luther gave me some make-orbreak moments,” he says. With the help of the teachers and staff, Jim matured, formed friendships, and got involved. He was appointed the first student host of L.I.T., proudly welcoming all the visiting teams. “It turned my life around,” says Jim.

“For football team photos, while everyone else was standing in front of the bleachers, I was standing on the bleachers,” says Jim. Nonetheless, Jim continued to enjoy playing football as long as he was able.

Now in an accelerated school, Jim found himself at the back of the pack. “I had hardly any friends,” he says. Jim’s new school was experimenting with an all-boys class; between peer social pressure and lack of interest, by grade 12 Jim found himself on “the laggard list.”

Jim became an alumnus of the Class of ’63, finishing his first year of university at the high school as well. Later, he and four fellow Lions—Ron Shirkey, Gwen (Randall) Gibbings, Wilson Willows, and Dennis Fenwick—transferred to the University of Saskatchewan, where they achieved a five-year combined BA-LLB, all convocating together. Jim was admitted to the bar in

After a conference with Jim’s parents and one guidance counsellor’s

W. James Hope-Ross, representing the underdogs. Pictured here in 1978 in the Calgary Herald.

1969. (Jim’s mom mailed that guidance counsellor a newspaper clipping of his law school graduation announcement.)

“I resigned. So did some of the staff, who followed me across the street, and we set up our own firm.” It’s said that BP was then so understaffed that they contracted much of the legal work out to Jim’s new firm—work that could now be done concurrently with his CFL career. As the oil sands projects rolled out, many additional clients made Jim’s firm their choice to steward them through the impact on their lands and their lives.

Jim worked as General Counsel in the legal department at BP and continued to referee amateur football games in his off-hours. At one game he even noted that the plays seemed oddly familiar, later realizing it was the Luther College football playbook, adapted and run on the high-school football fields in Calgary by a former Luther teacher.

At the invitation of the Officials’ School, Jim jumped at the chance to sit the exam for would-be CFL referees and came out with a dazzling 100 percent score. In his second year of officiating, Jim was invited to join the team for that year’s Grey Cup game—a first for a sophomore referee.

“You could say that Luther is practically in my DNA."

And that is also how Jim became senior partner in his own boutique law firm.

Jim and the President of BP clashed over his involvement with the CFL. “He felt that it would detract from my professional responsibilities,” Jim explains.

Jim’s attributes his hard work and life achievements to his solid mentoring by teachers and to the friendships of students whose encouragement solidified his life’s trajectory. “I owe a lot to Luther for that care,” says Jim. Jim now returns the favour as a donor and supporter. Thank you, Jim, for your story, and for your care of the College.

Welcome SANDRA KING HENDRICKS!

Sandra King Hendricks joined the Development office of Luther College as the Donor and Alumni Engagement Specialist in October 2023. Sandra has a Bachelor of Physical Activity Studies, a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), and a Master of Human Resource Development, all from the University of Regina. She was a Luther student during her Arts degree and also lived in the LCUR residence, serving as a Residence Assistant. She fondly remembers her own convocation, shown here with then-Dean Bryan Hillis.

Jim Hope-Ross whistles down play during a game in Edmonton. Pictured here in 1982 in the Calgary Herald.

DR. KAILA BRUER:

By Dan Sherven

RESEARCHING CHILDREN'S MEMORIES

Kaila C. Bruer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology with Luther College at the University of Regina and Director of the Canadian Child Interviewing Research Team, recently spoke about some of the biggest misconceptions around interviewing children—within the context of the Canadian legal system.

According to Dr. Bruer, one of the things which people get wrong when they think about interviewing children is that they see children as “just small adults— that you can talk to [children] the same way you can talk to an adult. And this just really isn’t true. [Children] have a very, very different cognitive system.” She explains that much of a child’s memory system is “still developing. And the memory system in general—it doesn’t matter your age—whether you’re an adult, an older adult, a younger adult, or a child, it is very flawed and can easily trick us into thinking something happened that didn’t. All those existing limitations of memory are usually compounded in children.”

[the children] are.” If interviewers meet them “at their level,” she says, children are capable of providing reliable memory reports.

participate in our studies. [And it’s] a conceptual space that sort of creates a cohesive identity for my students.”

At the same time, Dr. Bruer cautions against the common misconception that children are simply not reliable. She notes that, in a legal setting, “children are very capable of giving accurate reports of what happened to them… as long as we’re giving them the supports that they need to do it. That’s sort of what my job is—figuring out what those supports are in a developmentally friendly way.”

Bruer points out that, in order to provide that support, “we do need to adjust and come down to where

The Canadian Child Interviewing Research Team is a group of researchers who “focus on… how to get good, reliable evidence from children.” Many of their findings can be directly translated to community partners, such as police departments. This might include, for example, “training [the police on] how to interview kids.”

Bruer is also the Director of the Child Evidence Lab at Luther College. She notes that the lab is both a physical space and a conceptual space. “It’s a place where my students gather to do projects, to do work, to create new ideas. It’s also a place where we can bring in members of the community to

Much of the lab’s work is specifically about “whether children can remember faces.” As Bruer explains, this makes the lab unique when compared to other projects she’s involved with. “I study children who are eyewitnesses, and my graduate students study children who are eyewitnesses. And understanding that memory system—being able to remember a face of someone who is a stranger to you—days later, weeks later, months later—what does that [entail] and, in particular, what does that [entail] for a child? And how can we help [that child] and support them to get that memory evidence out in a way that isn’t contaminated by experience and time?”

Credit UofR Photography

Summer research assistants gather data and conduct research about children’s memories and perceptions. Dr. Bruer says her research isn’t just hers—the students are a significant part of it. One of the partners that supports the research is the University of Regina EYES program (Educating Youth in Engineering and Science).

Dr. Kaila Bruer’s work is funded through the Luther College President’s Research Fund, the University of Regina President’s Seed Research Grant, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the American Psychology of Law Society, and other key contributors.

“This research would not be possible without the support of the parents and children who participate, so a big thank you to them too,” adds Bruer.

Bruer says Carr’s research is about a “new police line-up procedure for children,” which would “give police more tools to determine if the evidence they got from a child is reliable or not.”

She is also the Coordinator of the Experimental and Applied Psychology Graduate Program at the University of Regina. One of her graduate psychology students, Shaelyn Carr, recently received $80,000 in federal funding through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship and $28,000 from the University of Regina’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Bruer says that Luther College means a lot to her because the College has provided the opportunity to pursue her research goals. “I’m lucky enough to have a job here, and I’m lucky enough to have support from my Dean and the President and my colleagues to do what it is that I love to do and want to do. So, in terms of what it means to me, [Luther College is], in some ways, everything. Without Luther College and their support of my research, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”

to justice, honesty, openness, and accountability are foundational beliefs which “really mesh well with the way I spend my time and the way I think about the world. So Luther College is the reason I’m able to do what it is that I’m doing right now.”

For Bruer, Luther College’s commitments

Dr. Bruer with two of her research students, Shaelyn Carr (PhD Student) and Katherine Engel (MSc Student), at the 2024 Honours Psychology Poster Symposium

SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS

by Brenda Anderson, Associate Professor, Department of Gender, Religion & Critical Studies

Over 80 students, faculty, staff, community and church members participated in a recent series of teachings led by Elder Lorna Standingready. Luther College university’s chaplaincy and mâmawiitohtêwak (Walking Together) committee offered the bi-monthly 7 Grandfather Teachings throughout the winter 2024 semester.

Each session began with a smudge, followed by soup and bannock and a different teaching: Love, Humility,

Respect, Truth, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom. Each teaching built upon the last, so that by the conclusion of the series, a whole wordview unfolded. Elder Lorna brought her own stories of growing up with her traditional teachings from her mushum and kokum, her stories of ten years in residential schools, her stories of living in foster care, her stories of raising children and facing challenges which included so many life lessons of victories and successes.

These honest stories showed how the seven grandfather teachings become a lived foundation that, above all else, keeps the Creator and all Relations as the first and most important priority. Our whole community was deeply honoured and blessed by Elder Lorna's compassion, humour, wisdom and generosity.

The 7 Grandfather Teachings; Love

By Tessa Antrobus

Love is seeking what knowledge others offer, And passing it down to those willing to listen. Like the eagle, love is gratitude for Creator’s gifts, for all of Earth, And learning from everything.

Love shown through Humility, Respect, Truth, Courage, Honesty, and Wisdom.

Love is heard in language, It is tasted through the food we share, It is seen in thoughtful acts, And felt in warm hugs, And gifted through tobacco.

Love is bringing heart into all that we do. It is showing we care,

Love is connection to one’s soul, It brings good medicine.

It is seeing value simply because you believe it is there, and not out of one’s own desires, It is openness.

It is showing how to be a good human, It is spreading joy through teachings, ceremony, and tradition connecting to the love from ancestors. Love is nourishing ourselves.

To do this we must listen to our needs, Mentally, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually. It is warmth and safety and kindness.

Love is unconditional.

It is compassion and harmony, It is gained when it is given, and it is for all of creation. That’s love.

This poem is inspired by the Grandfather Teaching of love as shared by and recorded of Elder Lorna Standingready.

fromTHE PULPIT

By Kris Dueck, Drama/History/Ethics Teacher - Luther College High School

- El Salvador

Since 2012, as a part of a special social justice ethics course, delegations of LCHS students have travelled to El Salvador, partnered alongside the organization CRISPAZ. For the last forty years, CRISPAZ has accompanied groups to El Salvador, where participants learn from the Salvadoran people about their lives, histories, and hopes for the future. The philosophy of the course and experience is grounded in solidarity and accompaniment. Students have the opportunity to form relationships— with Salvadoran youth, with passionate activists who work with justice organizations, and with the families who provide a three-day homestay experience in a rural agricultural village.

students on water quality in the Wascana watershed; and a theatre piece responding to the healing power of reconnecting with lost culture and identity. By connecting the issues faced by El Salvador to their own context and by practising social action, students learn ways to practically apply key teachings and to become agents of change themselves, challenging injustice in the world.

These relationships help students to humanize the issues that they learn about in the classroom before and after the trip. Students learn firsthand not only about El Salvador’s history of colonization, the country’s historical relationship to faith, and its civil war period, but also about various contemporary issues that stem from these histories: migration, loss of human rights, gang violence, mass incarceration, environmental degradation, and poverty.

A central part of the experience involves exploring the role that faith plays in the lives of Salvadorans. Students follow the life of Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador, who was assassinated by government forces for speaking out against government oppression in the years leading up to the country’s civil war. Visiting important sites commemorating Romero and other martyrs from the Salvadoran civil war period gives students a departure point to discuss the church’s role in responding to injustice. One of the goals of learning about these difficult histories and confronting the human costs is to foster the development of critical empathy.

For some participants, this trip is an opportunity to learn in a fun and experiential way and to see and appreciate another culture firsthand. For others, the experience inspires them to change the way they see the world. Many come home ready to listen more and speak less, to feel gratitude for the opportunities they have been given, and to find practical ways to improve their world.

Upon returning home, students are asked to reflect on the lessons learned on the trip and to draw connections to their own context in Saskatchewan. The final project of the course is a social action project where students choose an issue faced by both El Salvador and Saskatchewan and find a practical way to apply their learning to effect change in their local context. Examples of this year’s projects include: a student documentary on issues faced by women in both El Salvador and Saskatchewan; student-led science labs for middle-years

Sitting in the front row, the students watch on as village soccer teams compete in a friendly match. Despite the heat, everyone enjoyed watching the pride and enthusiasm that is felt for these local teams!

On a visit to the Romero Center, the students sit in the shade of a mural that depicts themes of solidarity, martyrdom, and radical hope — recurring ideas that would come to anchor their experiences in El Salvador.

The students enjoying the warmth and hospitality of Papaturro. A party of pupusas and hot chocolate, along with music and dancing were enjoyed on their final night in the jungle — and all by the light of a full moon!

Merlis Belsher (HS'53)

Class of 1983

Class of 1988

Former teacher Angela Tillier (center) with her former students

2023

Our alumni reconnected at Homecoming 2023, October 13 & 14! The weekend started Friday night with a reception at the AGT Lounge at Mosaic Stadium and a football game featuring the current Luther team. On Saturday, alumni attended a special chapel service, brunch, school tours, and an evening banquet. Thank you to Mike Fritzler (HS’88) and Lisa Smith (HS’83) for their toasts and to everyone who came back to reconnect with the school and with each other.

Class of 1963 – Gavin Semple, Ron Shirkey, Carol (Erb) Hill, Cornelius Wiebe

David Code (HS'83)

Chris Dodson (HS'88)

Former teachers Berbel Knoll and Barb Wright with Soren Oberg (HS'88)

Class of 1963 – Carolyn (Pantel) Lakustiak-Kitz, Donna (Fletcher) McGregor, Doreen (Zinkhan) McElree, Virginia (Martin) Crowson, Bernice (Bower) Aumulle

DISTINGUISHED

2024 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

These awards are granted to individuals who have shown dedication to and support for Luther College and its mission through their ongoing loyalty, commitment, outstanding contribution, and service.

STEVE HADDAD

For over thirty years as a faculty member, and in the years since his retirement, Steve Haddad has generously and faithfully served the Luther College students and community.

Beginning in January 1984, Steve spent the ensuing 31 years teaching chiefly English and IB English in ways which impacted students into their adult lives.

Alumni frequently refer to him as a “quintessential academic English teacher” who well prepared them for post-secondary pursuits.

Steve served numerous needs and people beyond those of “regular” teaching duties. He helped construct the Royal Street and Christ Lutheran boardwalks, the courtyard deck, and musical sets, to name but a few. He also

aided with the paving stone pathways and common area on the school’s west side. Beyond construction projects, Steve often taught overloads—without pay— to help colleagues or students in need. He served as the teacher advisor of the school newspaper, The Tatler, and of the annual ski trip that often included many dorm students. In 1986, he helped pilot the IB program and established the English Emeriti Scholarship in honour of teachers such as Wayne Kallio, Mark Winkler and Jeannette Kuiper (and those who came before and after) who nurtured the English department’s reputation for excellence.

However, the nature and depth of Steve’s dedicated service is perhaps best illustrated by three contributions. The first is the formation and nurturing of the Service Club, where he and students would participate in volunteer work in North Central Regina.

Secondly, he helped the school transition to the computer age. Whether it was making devices available to students, or developing the College’s web-based student data system, Steve volunteered thousands of hours of his time.

Last—but perhaps most illustrative of his caring approach—was Steve’s posing of this question:

“Is there a student in need who doesn’t qualify for our usual sources of aid?” To that end, he took the lead in creating and contributing to a student assistance fund.

Steve Haddad is a most deserving recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

SERVICE AWARDS

DR. MARY HAMPTON

Dr. Mary Hampton, Professor Emerita of Luther College at the University of Regina, is being recognized posthumously for her trailblazing service to Luther College.

Working in community and with community was the cornerstone of her career as a professor of psychology and national researcher. With a Master’s degree in Counselling and Consulting Psychology from Boston University and a doctorate of Counseling and Consulting Psychology from Harvard, Mary spent decades at Luther College fulfilling her passions: teaching, researching and counselling.

She was a nationally-acclaimed lead researcher on many projects, often involving topics around women and gender, intimate partner violence, and Indigenous issues. Her research

and teaching had an enormous impact on students, colleagues, and community members.

As Saskatchewan’s director of RESOLVE, a tri-provincial, triuniversity body bringing together community organizations and

university researchers, Mary forged new ground. Her work in particular on intimate partner violence in northern Saskatchewan has had a lasting impact.

She was a passionate, driven and much beloved professor who worked tirelessly to implement change for vulnerable persons and to create healthy communities across Canada. Mary was doing cross-cultural work with Indigenous people long before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought the need to the forefront; working on women’s issues long before the ‘Me Too’ movement; and teaching students about meditation and humanistic psychology long before the new age spiritual movement.

During her time at Luther College, Mary led numerous multi-faceted community-based research initiatives, working with Indigenous communities. Mary’s passion for her research was prolific and tireless. She was a recipient of the University of Regina Inspiring Teaching Award and the Canadian Psychological Association Feminist Mentoring Award, among others.

She served on the Board of Directors and collaborated with numerous community organizations including AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, All Nations Hope AIDS Network, Planned Parenthood Regina, and Caring Hearts, and much more.

Dr. Hampton retired in 2018 after a long and remarkable career of 26 years at Luther College and passed away in January 2024.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

PASTOR RICHARD HORDERN, PH.D., AND NANCY TALSNESS HORDERN

The name Hordern has been synonymous with Luther College for nearly 50 years. Rick and Nancy are cherished supporters with a deep love of Luther College that goes back to the 1970s.

In 1978, Richard was hired as the Luther College university campus developed the department of Religious Studies. Ordained as a Lutheran pastor, Rick became one of the first Religious Studies professors in this new department, primarily teaching Christianity. He held this role until he became Academic Dean from 1993 to 1994, after which he was Luther College’s President, from 1994 to 2005. He then returned to his professor role until retirement in 2017.

As President, Rick’s energy, commitment, and intellect helped bring both campuses to an era of new growth in the late 1990s, including the 90 Years of

Spirit Campaign. His institutional knowledge continues to benefit the College, with his memories and research well-documented in The Luther College Story, 19132013: A Century of Faithfulness in Education. Whenever there is a question about a moment in Luther’s history, the answer is quite often, “we should check with Rick Hordern!”

With Rick’s appointment as President, Nancy, an educator herself, assumed many volunteer duties as Luther College’s “first lady”, offering hospitality to visitors and hosting Luther College alumni gatherings across North America. Her warmth and sincere interest in the Luther community has made her a true ambassador throughout her many decades of service.

Nancy was known for her quiet demeanour and good humor, but it was her advocacy and deep care for young learners that truly set her apart. Nancy’s respect for students’ dignity was unshakable; she never doubted their worth or potential.

The Horderns are loyal and dedicated advocates of Luther College High School and University. As President, Rick was instrumental in setting up of the President's Research Fund, which has proven vital to the research programs of many university faculty. The Horderns’ legacy also continues with The Dr. Richard Hordern & Nancy Talsness Hordern Scholarship, given to a Luther College High School graduate attending Luther College at the University of Regina who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made strong contributions through co-curricular activities.

In addition to her contributions during Rick’s presidency, Nancy also served as a dedicated and admired

For their dedication and many accomplishments over the last four decades, Luther College is proud to honor Pastor Rick Hordern and Nancy Talsness Hordern with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

tutor at Luther College High School from 2003 to 2018.

Celebrating the 70th LUTHER INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

The 70th annual Luther Invitational Tournament was a February weekend of great basketball, camaraderie, school pride, and honouring two pillars of Luther College’s athletic history – Coach Dick Stark and Coach John Chomay.

The 1953 team celebrated the 70th anniversary of their victory in the first L.I.T. and the 1984 team celebrated the 40th anniversary of their L.I.T. victory.

1984 Luther Lions – Celebrating 40 Years

A Tradition Dating Back to 1953

The tradition of the Luther Invitational Tournament can be traced back to then-Athletic Director John Chomay. Chomay’s vision was to have a tournament built on sportsmanship and integrity. He also wanted to have a basketball tournament as a promotional event to show off the gymnasium that had been built in 1951, in the hopes it would attract students to Luther College.

Each year at L.I.T., a special guest is named for their contributions to sport and to their community. This year, a whole team was the special guest: the 1984 Luther Lions L.I.T. Champions. This team was the first to win the tournament for Luther since 1953, and they did so in dramatic fashion: they managed to score on their opponents, the LeBoldus Suns, just as the clock hit zero in regulation time, tying the game and sending it into overtime. As the yearbook said, “As overtime ended, and a 64-62 victory for Luther registered on the scoreboard, hundreds of fans rushed onto the court in a frenzy…”.

and heartfelt impact "Coach" had on the athletes and students at Luther College over his many years as a teacher and coach. It was a very touching and meaningful reminder of his many contributions to Luther College and how loved and respected Coach Stark is and always will be at Luther.

Chomay’s 1953 Luther Lions were the first to win the tournament, and player Merlis Belsher was on the team. Merlis Belsher went on to become a successful businessman and philanthropist.

As the tournament special guests, the 1984 team honoured Coach Stark and highlighted the positive

At the annual L.I.T. banquet on February 10, Merlis Belsher honoured Coach Chomay as a dedicated educator and a man of deep Christian faith who impacted the lives of many students at Luther College. His legacy lives on as the student-organized tournament continues to promote sportsmanship and hospitality.

Luther Lions 1984 Team: the Special Guests of the 70th L.I.T.

Back row: Coach Dick Stark, Patrick Heal, Adam Johnstone, Bill Knudsen, Lindsay Dencsak, Jeff Christiansen

Front Row: Murray Hilderman, Rob Hawrysh, Cam Smith, Ken Phillips, Jim Slinn, Rob Ramsey

Dick Stark and Bill Knudsen

FAREWELL, RENEE WILKINSON FAREWELL

When Ms. Renee Wilkinson retires at the end of this academic year, she will do so having inscribed an indelible legacy on our school community. For more than a decade, Luther College High School has been greatly enriched by Ms. Wilkinson’s unfailing commitment to education, to our community, and to our mission.

Ms. Wilkinson first joined Luther as our teacher librarian in the 1990’s. While she left for a time to pursue other career opportunities in the education field, her heart remained here at Luther. We were so fortunate to welcome her back in a full-time teaching role as a senior English teacher in 2014. Over the last decade with Luther, Ms. Wilkinson has taught English, IB English, and the Theory of Knowledge curriculum.

Renee has volunteered countless hours in support of student development, building long-lasting and meaningful relationships with her learners. As a longtime teacher support to The Tatler and to the Debate Club, along with numerous other co-curricular activities, Ms. Wilkinson always found time to be there for the entire school community.

When a strong and stabilizing leader was needed to fill the Vice-Principal Academic position, despite her own reluctance to take on the role, Ms. Wilkinson agreed to serve. She stepped in selflessly and provided guiding leadership. She did this because her commitment to duty and to the school compelled her to say “yes.”

Renee has long been active in the broader community as well and is a strong patron of the local performing and visual arts in particular. In her deep commitment to knowledge, to learning, and to advocacy for equality she embodies the spirit Luther endeavours to impart to its students.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first President of the Turkish Republic, once said, “A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others.” This is a striking simile (or is it a metaphor?… an analogy? … I’ll have to ask Ms. Wilkinson. She’ll know!). While Renee would likely demur, there is no doubt that countless of her colleagues and students would wholeheartedly confirm that she has embodied the idea of subsuming oneself in service to the greater causes of education, service, enlightenment, and community. In short, she is a model of excellence for both students and staff alike.

Those fortunate to know Renee on a more personal level will, without question, miss her support, encouragement, and guidance—and her great conversation. Whether the discussion was about literature, movies, American politics, or world issues, Renee could be counted on to offer up meaningful viewpoints, humorous anecdotes, and a keen observation of the issues at hand.

Next year, the Luther community will be poorer for Ms. Wilkinson’s absence, but so much richer due to her years of service. We trust and pray that in her retirement she may find even more joy and satisfaction and that she may receive in good measure all that she has poured into the many lives she has touched here.

Ms. Wilkinson as Vice Principal in 2017 with (left to right) Dr. Melissa Morgan, Lieutenant Governor W. Thomas Molloy, Governor General's Bronze Medal recipient Simone Ma, Dr. Mark Anderson, Mr. Gregory Akulov, and Mrs. Nancy Ostime.

Ms. Wilkinson with a group of her students on SRC fun day.

FAREWELL, JAY WILLIMOTT

Jay Willimott is a dedicated teacher who has faithfully served Luther College since 1998. Jay’s extensive work and highly regarded expertise in the film and television industry were valuable assets when in the latter 1990’s he chose to switch careers and study education. In 1997, Jay interned at Luther College High School with Gerry Harris (HS’69). At the time, Gerry was the director of the Luther Invitational Tournament and he put Jay to work leading a group of students in creating a minidocumentary about L.I.T.

With a completed degree in Education and his previous Fine Arts degree in Film, Jay returned to Luther College as a faculty member and embarked on the new journey of piloting a film curriculum for Luther College. At the time, there wasn’t anything like it offered at the high school level in Saskatchewan. Jay’s connections in the film industry were invaluable in getting the program started. A relationship with Luther alumnus Kevin Dewalt (HS’76) of Mind’s Eye Entertainment served the dual purpose of offering practical opportunities for students and providing connections with influential players in the Saskatchewan film industry.

Through the local film community and his own gifts in the trade, Jay led the establishment and growth of this unique and valuable film program which not only attracted new students but also provided them with potential employment opportunities later in cinematography, editing, and much more. Luther College benefitted from having a devoted teacher whose students also provided entertaining, high-

quality film memories for many major school events, such as the Luther Invitational Tournament, the musical, and graduation.

Jay Willimott was instrumental in further enhancing Luther College’s film program by joining it to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in 2003. Because he had established the successful pilot program at Luther, the International Baccalaureate Organization began inviting him to many IB workshops and conferences as a participant, presenter, and evaluator. Luther College High School was one of five pilot schools in the world at the time to start offering IB Film.

In addition to all his work in the Film and Fine Arts department at Luther College, Jay served as the high school representative for many years on the Board of Regents Finance Committee. Jay coached the school’s golf program for most of his career, inspiring young golfers with his own passion for the game. He also served for a time as the advisor to the boys’ basketball team. Jay was an avid jogger, who would often get a run in during his prep period. Jay and his wife, Patrice, are also parents to alumnus Callan Willimott (HS’17, U’21).

It is with deep gratitude and a little sadness that we say goodbye to an even-keeled, good-natured, devoted teacher.

Callan and Jay Willimott

FAREWELL, CORNELIA TASCHOW-GRAUPE

FAREWELL

There are few students or staff of Luther College whose lives have not been impacted by Mrs. Cornelia TaschowGraupe. Her retirement in June 2024 after many years of teaching is an opportunity to reflect on and honour her legacy of service and her remarkable generosity to students and colleagues alike.

Cornelia Taschow-Graupe, fondly known as Frau Cornelia, has taught for a total of 51 years in Regina —36 years with the Ministry of Education in the Saskatchewan Government Correspondence School and the past 15 years at Luther College, teaching a combination of German, Latin, ESL and, on occasion, French.

Like many devoted educators, Cornelia remains keenly interested in continuing to learn—over the past several years, a Goethe-Institut Scholarship has enabled her to attend seminars in Germany to improve her fluency and cultural knowledge in the German language. Her deep love for language and the arts has been an inspiration to many, and she is always willing to share her perspective and to articulate her thoughts full of wisdom and common sense.

Frau Cornelia is known for her infectious smile, bright personality, and positive demeanour. Perhaps what stands out most about her years at Luther College, however, is her spirit of generosity.

That spirit of generosity is evident in her regular participation in College gatherings and events. Before the passing of her dear husband, both Carl and Cornelia were enthusiastic attendees at many Luther events: the annual faculty and staff potlucks at the home of Larry and Gail Fry (Cornelia brought her special chicken dish along with an imported German or local craft beer), the Candlelight Services, the volleyball tournament, debate, ESL events, L.I.T., parent info nights and fundraisers, Home Concert—and even school dances.

Cornelia has also been extremely generous with her time “behind the scenes,” not only in providing students with extra academic help, but also by volunteering in many cocurricular areas—assisting with costumes or organizing the canteen for the musical, volunteering during L.I.T., sharing skills such as knitting with the students, or readily sharing fresh vegetables from her garden with staff and faculty.

Of course, Cornelia’s generosity also extends to financial generosity. A cherished donor to the College, she has established two scholarships, one in Music and one in German. These are awarded each year to one student in each grade (grades 9 to 12), meaning that eight students benefit from her generosity every year. About her giving, she has said: “To me, Luther means dedication, commitment, and building a strong and responsible character in the Christian faith. It is vital for Luther to continue its standard of excellence in shaping students to become focused, disciplined high-achievers. With the cultural diversity present at Luther, students are also exposed to learn to understand and embrace these varied behaviours. Giving is one way of giving back to the Luther community to enhance and promote education at the high school level, as well as at a post-secondary institution. I strongly believe in education because it gives the student a sense of worth and accomplishment as well as instilling in them a love of learning.”

We wish Frau Cornelia all the best in her retirement. Her devotion to teaching and life-long learning, her bubbly personality, and her legacy of generosity will continue to be an inspiration to our Luther community for many years to come.

Frau Cornelia with her husband Carl at the Founders' Day Dinner 2015 Frau Cornelia with Jordan Levesque, one of many students who have benefitted from Cornelia’s scholarships

Frau Cornelia at Multicultural Night with Joel Obadina (HS'20)

FAREWELL, RHONDA LITZENBERGER

Rhonda Litzenberger moved into Luther College at the University of Regina’s (LCUR) residence as a student, eventually became a Residence Assistant and Summer Residence Staff during her university years, and then pretty much never left! Rhonda became the LCUR Residence Supervisor in 1997, followed by Manager of Residence, and then finally Manager of Residence and Conference Services in 2006. Her “home” has been Luther for the last 27 years and she was essentially “on call” for 25 years (or 9,125 days). Talk about dedication.

Oh, the stories Rhonda could tell you about the residence shenanigans that occurred over the years! But one thing is certain—Rhonda can still recall almost every student that ever lived in the LCUR residence, and she has kept in touch with many of them. She spent countless hours working to build strong RA teams that were able to cope with the difficulties that students encounter while pursuing post-secondary education and ensure a positive environment for students to thrive where they lived and worked. Thayne Winder, current resident and Senior Resident Assistant (RA), shares how “Rhonda's dedication to Luther College is unmatched. Her genuine kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond created a warm and supportive environment for students and staff. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her.”

As one of the longest serving LCUR employees, Rhonda is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the College’s operations and personnel. She is kindhearted, considerate, approachable, and has an unmistakable giggle that you can hear a mile away. She jumps at the opportunity to help with any event or task.

“When I came to Luther in 2015 one of the first people to greet me was Rhonda,” says Pastor Sean Bell, LCUR

Chaplain from 2015 to 2023. “She took the time to make sure I was finding my way and I learned over the years that this was just the way Rhonda showed how she cared. Rhonda’s passion for community and the student experience showed itself in countless hours of meetings with staff, RA’s and directly with any students in need. Rhonda always goes the extra mile for the Luther students and hundreds of lives were made better through life in the Luther Residence and encountering Rhonda.”

Over the past year, leading up to her retirement, Rhonda moved from her position overseeing the residence to a new role focused on safety. Jodi Kydd, Director of Human Resources, comments that “Rhonda is the kind of employee that is essential in a place like Luther College as she goes above and beyond to help her fellow employee and do what is best for students. She has never considered any work beneath her and is always available to pitch in and help, even for events well outside her responsibility. I can think of instances where she has cleaned toilets, cleaned the Auditorium in an emergency, made beds, helped serve food, done photography, and so on. She is the kind of employee you can count on to help, which is invaluable. She has spent many years caring for the students living in our residence and has impacted many lives. We will miss her presence and thank her deeply for her service.”

Although Rhonda’s roles have changed throughout the years, her devotion to Luther has not, and for that we are sincerely in her debt. Congratulations Rhonda on your retirement after 27 years at Luther College!

RETIREMENT

Rhonda shares a laugh with the 1997 Residence Assistants

Rhonda (bottom row, far right) with 2003 Residence Assistants

Rhonda in 1992

Dr. Derrek Eberts has been appointed as Dean of Luther College, effective July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2029. Dr. Eberts will be joining us from Brandon University, where he most recently was an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment.

NEW DEAN APPOINTMENT

co-op programs, and most recently participating in the decolonization of the Department of Geography and Environment. He has served and chaired the Research Ethics Committee, as well as various committees for program and curriculum development and evaluation, including as Coordinator of the Master of Science, Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program, and two terms on the Brandon University Senate.

Dr. Eberts received his Ph.D. in Geography from York University, and his M.A. and B.A. (Honours) in Geography from the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Eberts joined the Faculty of Science at Brandon University in 2000.

He has served in several leadership roles at Brandon University, including Chair of the Geography and Environment department for nine years, leading programming in both Arts and Science, developing

This spring marks the end of Dr. Yvonne Petry’s term as Dean of Luther College. “When I arrived in 2020 as a new president, she was an invaluable resource and significant help to me while I tried to learn the history, traditions, culture, and workflows of Luther College—all in the midst of a pandemic!” says President Marc Jerry.

He adds, “Yvonne has always been a passionate advocate for liberal arts education and for the academic mission of the institution. Her thoughtful critical questions at the senior leadership table were welcomed and appreciated, as was her careful guidance of academic processes— faculty hiring, tenure, and promotion—and the many, many integrated academic committees that require Luther representation at the wider University of Regina.”

Dr. Eberts’ expertise is in economic and labour geography. For more than a decade, his research program has been focused primarily on work in Mexico, under a collaboration agreement between Brandon University and the Universidad de Guadalajara. This work is interdisciplinary, involving tourism researchers, biologists, and philosophers, reflecting the many dimensions of tourism impacts—community, sustainability (economic, environmental, cultural), quality of life, and well-being.

Dr. Eberts’ experience will be immensely valuable to Luther College as we progress in our Vision 2025: Strategic Plan priorities, and we look forward to the contributions he will bring to our College, and to the broader University of Regina community.

THANK YOU, DR. YVONNE PETRY!

She was instrumental in the renegotiation of the Guidelines for a Working Academic Relationship with the University of Regina—a significant piece of work. Her wide and varied interests—from medieval witchcraft to Jane Austen to dogs—have always made for fascinating discussions. She has been a dedicated champion of Luther in the wider community both with the University of Regina and especially our local nonprofits through the work of the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Studies Network.

“She has been an exceptional leader of the academic side of our university campus and especially as an advocate for our students and their success. I wish her well as she departs the Dean role at Luther.”

Dean Yvonne Petry with graduate Raiha Shareef and President Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry

CLASS NOTES

1940's

Donald Sjoberg (HSU’49) Don celebrates 70 years of ordination as a Lutheran pastor in 2024. He shared this memory of Luther College with us:

well known in Regina and much appreciated for his leadership as President of Canadian Lutheran World Relief as well as being highly respected and well-liked in Lutheran circles.

“Upon completing Grade 12, I was surprised to receive a letter from the Manitoba Department of Education, offering me a teaching position at a one room school in northern Manitoba. There must have been a serious shortage of teachers to warrant such employment to me with only Grade 12. That letter prompted me to continue my education and, with the guidance of my pastor, Rev. George Nelson, I enrolled at Luther College, Regina.

I did not participate in extracurricular activities, only the men’s Glee Club singing group. Encouraged to try out for a part in drama, I was grateful that we ran out of time before I could “audition.” However, I did have a role in a Luther League play at Central Lutheran Church, the congregation of the Augustana Lutheran Synod which I dutifully attended each Sunday. The Luther League provided opportunities for fellowship, inspiration, learning and leadership training.

granddaughters, Rachel Andres, who has been chosen to attend Oxford this fall as a Rhodes Scholar, and Kate Andres who is working on her master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan while actively farming with her parents near Hepburn, SK. Richard also shares this memory: “Living in residence was quite an adventure for a kid from the country. I ran into my roommate Albert Arndt 40 years later in Estevan. He and his wife Susan have an amazing collection of antiques.”

1970’s

In September 1948 I arrived at the College, and was shown to my room by Mr. Fred Wagner, English teacher and Dean of Men. He made the point of demonstrating the proper way to make the bed. I was a day early so there were only a few students in the dorm but by the next evening, every room was occupied, and I met my roommate, Harold Martin from Rhein, Saskatchewan. He was going to be a pastor as were four others, all from the American Lutheran Church — Art Adams, Herb Keil, Harold Parno and Reinhold Propp. Alfred Wedman, a member of the United Lutheran Church in America also was intent on becoming a pastor. All of them planned to continue their studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, staying at the Lutheran College & Seminary.

Thanks to Luther College, I completed my first-year university and could continue my studies. Before leaving for home, Reinhold Propp and I were hired to maintain the College grounds and do other jobs when events were held at the College. Our work at the College ended at the end of July and I returned to the farm to assist in harvesting before entering my second year Arts program at the University of Saskatchewan.”

1960’s

My favorite class was Physical Sciences taught by Paul Liefeld. For the Introduction to Psychology, our teacher was Dr. Rex Schneider. Dr. Schneider was

Richard Barnsley (HS’61) and his wife Ann have two daughters pictured here, Carol and Judith. Richard also has two

Marian (Kaminski) Hamilton (HS’76) has founded and is the artistic director for an interfaith, intergenerational theatre company in Calgary that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a production of Fiddler on the Roof, which sold out for 11 shows and received several excellent reviews from the local media and the National Theatre Critics Association. The Painted Fish Performing Arts Society, (affectionately known as Painted Fish) is beginning work on its next season, which will feature The Wizard of Oz.

Marian shares this memory: “My first musical theatre experience was at Luther College in 1972-73.

CLASS NOTES

My best friend that year and I were 'boys' in the musical Oliver! and I also sang as the strawberry singer in the second act. We had so much fun! It was directed by the chaplain, Barry Faires, and I've been addicted to musical theatre ever since. That experience was the beginning of understanding how theatre can create community, which I foster in my own company. Daphne Matthews, my best friend in Oliver!, moved away to Calgary that summer. However, we are both celebrating our 65th birthday this year and our 51-yearold friendship! We now both live in Calgary, myself for the past 40 years, and Daphne recently moving back from Croydon, UK a few years ago. We were bridesmaids at our weddings, and saw each other through many phases of life. Thank you for the music, Luther College, and for my lifelong friend.”

Ted Shumaker (HS’69, U’70) says life in Penticton has been very good. “I am healthy and happy although my Luther letterman's jacket seems to have shrunk over

the years. I'm pleased to be retired from hospital pharmacy for 12 years now. Into archery big time, elk hunting, competition target and 3D. I am very pleased that my second marriage to Katie has been a success, having passed the 30-year mark. I am hiking and cycling to a speed that fits my age. I am thinking of going to the gym and the pool. I have been thinking about going there for about 5 years now.”

Cameron Craig (HS’70) is a retired mechanical engineer with three daughters and three grandsons. He remembers using the payphone to order pizza from the local pizza joint and getting all the guys to chip in for pizzas.

Merlin Thompson (U’75) recently launched a groundbreaking professional development program for music teachers titled: Teach Music 21C. This forwardthinking program enhances and expands music teachers' skillset with 21st-century teaching tools. He is introducing music teachers to socially-responsible strategies that engage diversity, enable accessibility and inclusion, and support thriving individuals and communities. In recent months, he has had the honour of working with music teachers from across Canada and USA as they complete the TM21C Certification program. The goal is to create a paradigm shift such that music teaching promotes and empowers lifelong music-making as a natural part of personal and community wellbeing.

1980’s

Will Dixon (HS’80) - After nearly 25 years working as a television writer/director/producer on TV shows across Canada and in LA, Will has spent the past 12 years as a Production Executive overseeing TV programs for Rogers Media/ Citytv Network. He still loves to golf and, though not quite as proficiently, is now an avid curler.

1990’s

Carolien Laeijendecker (HS’96) is an English teacher and has been working as an international coordinator for her vocational school, giving students aged 16 – 22 the opportunity to do an internship abroad.

2000’s

Paul Dimini (HS’03) recently received a Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal to recognize the significant contributions of Albertans. In 2023, Paul was also named Canadian Junior Football League’s Stewart MacDonald Executive of the Year. Paul is currently President of the Calgary Colts Junior Football Association.

Gregory Akulov (LCHS faculty) and Oleksandr Akulov (HS’07) published an article in the Spring 2023 issue of Vector, the official journal of the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers. The article is titled “Class Likes Cairo, Athens, Paris…, but Loves Rockies, Lakes, and Prairies”.

2010’s

Mayson Sonntag (HS’18) starred in the Stage West production of Step by Step – a show about the evolution of the world’s greatest boy bands which ran from November 2023 to February 2024 in Calgary.

Jordan Kos (HS'18) represented Canada at the 2023 World Under-25 Lawn Bowling Championship, held at the East Kilbride Indoor Bowling Club in Scotland. Kos won the right to represent Canada at the event after winning the Canadian Youth Championships last summer in Regina.

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MISSED THE LUTHER LECTURE?

IT'S ON YOUTUBE!

The 2023 Luther Lecturer was Dr. Regan Shercliffe, the Chief of Staff Counselling at the United Nations World Food Programme in Rome. Many of you will remember him as a psychology professor at Luther from 2002 to 2010. He is a clinical psychologist with a specialization in PTSD. His lecture, “Humanitarian Aid Work: (Another Impossible Profession)” is now available on our channel at www.youtube.com/@luthercollege7612.

In Memoriam

With sorrow, we remember these Luther College alumni and community members on their passing.

Betty Anderson – wife of former Luther College President & Principal Morris Anderson

Bob Davis – Former coach and teacher at Luther from 1960 – 1968

Mary Hampton – Professor Emerita of Luther College at the University of Regina

Gertrude (Schmidt) Hepting (HS’49)

Robert (Bob) Liefeld (HS’49, HSU’50) passed away in 2022. He was a physics professor at New Mexico State University and the eldest son of long-time Luther College chemistry teacher, Paul Liefeld.

Gerald Ivany (HS’52)

John Courtney (HS’55) – author and longtime political science professor at the University of Saskatchewan

Sharon (Mahara) Penner (HS’56)

Luba Feduschak (HS’59)

Barbara (Yuill) Riffel (HS’60)

Andrew Inglis (HS’64)

Don Morrison (HS’65)

Olive (Armichand) MacDonald (HS’65)

Alastair Preston (HS’65)

Dorothy (McQuiod) Dmytar (HS'69)

Evan Quick (HS’69)

Keith Watson (HS’71)

Timothy Daum (HS’85)

Sharon Paulette (Propp) Namaka (HS’65)

Tracy (Wideman) Youck (HS’88)

Jennifer Gibson (HS’02)

Justin Peters (HS’22)

Jack Donald – friend of Luther College

Janet Freeman – friend of Luther College

Paul Nostbakken – friend of Luther College

Karen Vinge – friend of Luther College