Timeline of Luther College at the University of Regina

1913 – Luther Academy in Melville is founded, sponsored by the Ohio Synod of the Lutheran Church. Thirty-two young men are enrolled in the first year.

1920 – The first female students are accepted into Luther Academy.

1926 – Classes begin at Luther Academy on Royal Street in Regina. Dr. Rex Schneider is appointed Director (President) of Luther Academy, a position he will hold until 1964.

1926 – Luther Academy changes its name to Luther College.

1927 – The University of Saskatchewan recognizes Luther as a Junior College and accepts its university-level classes for credit.

1961 – The Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan attains degree-granting status.

1964 – The Province of Saskatchewan decides to give private church schools an operating grant of approximately $85 for each Saskatchewan student registered.

1964 – A new alumni magazine is produced, which will become The Luther Story. Upon the retirement of Dr. Rex Schneider, Dr. Morris Anderson becomes President.

1964 – Luther College and Campion College receive offers to federate with the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan. Luther’s negotiations for the new agreement are undertaken by President Anderson.

1966 – As a consequence of church reorganization, Luther College becomes attached to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. 1968 – The Federation Agreement is finalized and in the near future, construction begins on a building at the University campus. A major fundraising campaign is established.

1969 – Dr. Lloyd Barber, a graduate of Luther College who will later become President of the University of Regina, spoke at Luther’s graduation and noted that: “It is no secret that Luther College has produced more than its fair share of people who have achieved a real measure of success … not merely in the financial or professional sense, but more important, success in the human sense. Success in the sense of living a meaningful life with one’s fellow man in the shared endeavours of our society … A great deal must be in what Luther students get from being at Luther…” 1

1969 – The plans by architect Clive Rodham for the new Luther College campus are unveiled, a $2 million complex of academic facilities and cafeteria, with the first dormitory on the University campus, which can house 216 students. The plans deliberately placed faculty offices and classrooms in close proximity, to bring students and faculty together as a scholarly community. The original plans included a concrete exterior, but Board Chair Harold Dietrich negotiated the purchase of Tyndal stone from Manitoba at an only slightly higher cost.

1969 – The Fall-Winter edition of The Luther Story announces “Le Voici! Hier Haben Wir’s! Here it is!” and notes that “[t]he students attending the federated Luther College will be an integral part of the larger university scene, while still enjoying the distinctive characteristics of life in a small college with its own character and traditions.”2

TIMELINE

1971 – The first classes are held at Luther College. The service of dedication for the new College is held on October 3, led by Rev. William Hordern, President of Lutheran Theological Seminary. The College opens with 3 faculty members, teaching English (Prof. Tom Strutt), Philosophy (Dr. Art Krentz), and Psychology (Dr. Robert Ostrem), 11 support staff, and 130 students. Dr. Ostrem is Dean. Jim Dale is Dean of Students and Glen Peterson is Chaplain-Intern. Herb Amendt begins a long career as Head of Physical Plant. Elizabeth Husli (who will become known as “Mama” Husli to students) looks after the Luther Cafeteria. A few positions are shared with the High School: Dr. Morris Anderson is Principal of both campuses, Rev. Don King is Development Director, and Rein Sommerfeld is Business Manager.

1971 – A minor disagreement arises regarding textbook purchases, which results in an additional federation document acknowledging the right of Federated College deans to supervise courses in their colleges, while emphasizing the collaborative and consultative nature of the academic relationship between the Federated Colleges and the University.

1971 - The Luther University Students Association (LUSA) is formed.

1972 – Dr. Arthur Krentz (Philosophy) becomes Dean. He will serve in this role from 1972-77, 1982-83, 1990-93 and 1994-95.

1972 – Luther’s first graduates convocate at the University of Regina on May 26.

1974 – Psychology Professor Paul Antrobus and others invent the game of Muckby, played in early spring after the hockey rink north of the residence has largely melted; equipment consists of two garbage cans and a football. The game receives attention in some national sports news outlets and is a tradition for many years until the University stops flooding the rink.

1974 – The position of “Principal” is separated from the position of “President.” Dr. Morris Anderson continues as President and Rudie Selzer is appointed Principal at the High School.

1974 – The University of Regina becomes an independent institution and is no longer a campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

1974 – A new logo is adopted for both campuses, in gold for the High School and in blue for Luther College at the University.

1974 – Dr. Philip Engstrom joins the faculty as Assistant Professor of Mathematics.

1976 – Luther now offers courses in six areas: English, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Mathematics, and Religious Studies. Dr. Roland Miller joins the faculty in the young discipline of Religious Studies.

1977 – The first Luther Lecture is held, the first lectureship series on the Regina University campus. Renowned historian of the Reformation, Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan of Yale University, was the first speaker in the series. His lecture was titled, “The Irony of the Reformation.” The Lutheran Life Insurance Society will come to provide annual financial support for the lecture series.

1977 – University faculty organize as a bargaining unit within the larger University’s Faculty Association. Luther is able to teach courses in religion, under the University’s rubric of a “Humanities” program. Luther plays a significant role in establishing the University’s Religious Studies Department and the establishment of a major in Religious Studies.

1977 – Dr. Art Krentz completes his term as Dean and Dr. Roland Miller becomes Dean, a position he will hold until 1991. Sister Anne Keffer, a Deaconess of the Lutheran Church, joins the staff as assistant to Rev. Don King, the Chaplain and Dean of Students.

1977 – Elizabethan Evenings become an annual banquet and musical event at the University campus.

1977 – The Luther Story notes that Luther College is becoming well-known for hosting conferences and community groups, including hosting the Saskatchewan Roughriders for training camp.

1978 – Dr. Martin Marty gives the Luther Lecture, entitled “Belonging and Becoming: Christian Identities Today.”

1978 – The Luther University Students Association (LUSA) works on a new constitution for the society.

1978 – Bryan Hillis is the first student to graduate with a major in “Humanities – Religious Studies” from Luther College.

1978 – Faculty ranks are expanded: Dr. Richard Hordern joins the College as a Religious Studies professor and Dr. Bruce MacDonald in English.

1978 – The Luther Medal of Distinction is a new award created to recognize a member of the graduating class who demonstrates high academic achievement and leadership and service to the community.

1979 – Dr. Krister Stendahl, Dean of Harvard Divinity School, gives the Luther Lecture, “The Future of Religion and Religion of the Future.”

1979 – Luther College establishes a new administrative division—“Student Services”—with Don King, Dean of Students, Anne Keffer, Residence Director, and Barry Vall, ChaplainIntern.

1979 – Luther expands its scholarship program with new “Awards of Excellence,” in recognition of the City of Regina’s 75th anniversary.

1979 – Luther’s faculty ranks continue to grow, with the appointment of Dr. William Stahl in Sociology.

1980 – Pastor Don King, Chaplain at the University campus, is appointed Principal of the High School.

1980 – Reformation scholar Dr. Roland Bainton gives the Luther Lecture on the theme of “Church, World, and Survival.”

1980 – Luther faculty members establish the first “new student orientation program” on the University campus.

1980 – Saskatchewan author Ken Mitchell is commissioned to write a history of Luther College. Luther: The History of a College (47 pages) is published the following year.

1981 – Richard Caemmerer Jr. is appointed Artist in Residence and paints a large mural in the Luther College Auditorium/ Chapel. It “depicts the Christian creed in both traditional and contemporary symbolism. Reading from left to right, the shaft of light descends to a view of the earth as seen from space, recalling creation narratives. In the centre, appearing like a highway intersection connecting the right and left elements, is the great Greek cross. To the right, enveloping aspects of the Saskatchewan landscape, are fire and water—symbols of the spirit and our life in the body of Christ.” 3

1981 – Luther receives fourteen paintings by contemporary Canadian artists, on loan from the Canada Council Art Bank rental program.

1981 – Dr. William Foege, Assistant Surgeon General of the United States, gives the Luther Lecture, “Life Expectancy: Living your Decisions.”

TIMELINE

1982 – On January 31, a service and choral concert of Bach music, directed by Carl Cherland, is held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the College. The Luther Bach Choir is formed.

1982 – Dr. Northrop Frye, renowned literary scholar, delivers the Luther Lecture, “The Reformation of Mythology: The Christian Tradition and the Romantic Movement in Literature.”

1982 – Mary Jesse joins the staff of Luther as an Entrance Counsellor. She will become Manager of Communications and, later, Luther's first Registrar.

1983 – Luther commemorates the 500th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther with a series of events, including the inaugural Best of Baroque concert and a lecture series by Dr. William Hordern, President of Lutheran Theological Seminary. Dr. Bruce MacDonald (English) is commissioned to create a wood sculpture for the chapel.

1983 – Dr. George Forell, Professor of Religion, gives the Luther Lecture, “Faith, Love, and Justice: Luther’s Ethics.” 1984 – Dr. Mary Vetter, a Biologist, becomes Luther’s first female faculty member appointed in a tenure-track position.

1984 – Dr. Helen Caldicott, physician and anti-nuclear activist, delivers the Luther Lecture to an audience of approximately 1,500 in the Education Auditorium of the University of Regina, with a talk entitled “Curing Nuclear Madness.”

1985 – A new synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), is formed through the merger of the Lutheran Church of America-Canada Section and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada.

1985 – Dr. Paul Wee, General Secretary of Lutheran World Ministries of North America, gives the Luther Lecture, “Christ and Marx: The Lost Dimension.”

1985 – Faculty members Dr. Bruce MacDonald, Dr. Bill Stahl, and Dr. Roland Miller work on an Education and Technology project in India, funded jointly by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of India.

1985 – James Kurtz donates works of art to the College, including a series of paintings by Erica Grimm-Vance.

1986 – Dr. Morris Anderson retires from Luther College. Dr. Don Lee, a long-time Board member and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Regina, is appointed President. He is the first President with an earned Ph.D.

1986 – Dr. Hans Küng, renowned religious scholar, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Where is Christianity Going?” to an overflow crowd of 1,400 attendees.

1986 – Luther increases its teaching fields to include Geography with the appointment of Dr. David Weaver and French with the appointment of Barbara de Vlieger.

1987 – Dr. Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Professor Emeritus of the Comparative History of Religions, delivers the Luther

Lecture, “The Scriptural Quality of Scripture: A Comparative Approach to Sacred Writings.”

1987 – Luther’s teaching ranks expand to include History, with the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Terpstra, a specialist in Renaissance and Reformation history.

1987 – Dr. Morris Anderson is brought back as Director of Development, and major fundraising campaigns are launched for new classroom wings at both High School and University campuses.

1988 – Luther, in cooperation with the University of Regina, and the Government of Saskatchewan, launches the Summer Centre for International Languages (SCIL).

1988 – Dr. Henry Taube, graduate of Luther College High School and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Chance, Choice, and Change: The Life of a Scientist.”

1988 – Rein Sommerfeld retires as Business Manager, after a career of 38 years with Luther College.

1989 – The Luther community performs Hayden’s Creation in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Luther College.

1989 – Karen Senft joins the cafeteria staff and begins a career that will last over three decades.

1989 – Drs. Edna and Howard Hong deliver a 75th Anniversary Luther Lecture, “Despair and Hope: Kierkegaard Speaks to the Modern Age” in the Education Auditorium of the University of Regina.

1989 – Dr. Paul Antrobus leads a group of eight students on a study tour in China in May, but the trip is cut short due to the Tiananmen Square demonstrations that destabilize the country. 1989 – Dr. John Polanyi, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Science and Society: The Responsibility of a Scientist.”

1990 – Plans are undertaken to expand the Luther College facility with a $3 million addition, designed by architect Gerry Norbraten. Plans include an academic wing with a new library, chapel, classrooms, and offices. It will add nearly 20 thousand square feet to the College.

1990 – Herb Amendt retires as Manager of Physical Plant, after a career at Luther of two decades.

1990 – Rev. Dr. Lois Wilson, President of the World Council of Churches, delivers the Luther Lecture, “The World Upside Down.” 1991 – Dr. Don Lee completes his term as President and Rev. Dr. Don King becomes President.

1991 – The new classroom wing is dedicated on October 28 and features classrooms, chapel, library, and academic offices. The original library is converted to a large classroom/multi-purpose room. Student fundraising is dedicated to installing an elevator to ensure accessibility.

1991 – The College hosts its first major reunion in July, “Come Back ’91” to commemorate its 20th anniversary on the University campus.

1991 – Elsie May Quick retires from Luther College Library, after ten years in the role of librarian.

1991 – Dr. Reginald Bibby, Professor of Sociology, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Searching for the Good Society.”

1991 – Dr. Philip Engstrom (Mathematics) retires after a career of over fifteen years.

1992 – Dr. Arthur Krentz, Professor of Philosophy, becomes Dean.

TIMELINE

1992 – Luther holds its first Midnight Breakfast on April 15, to help students get through the stress of the exam period. Staff serve “breakfast” to residents at 11:00 p.m. This will become a semi-annual event, held during the final exam periods in December and April.

1992 – Eighty-five Luther students graduate at Spring convocation, the largest number to date. Enrollment in the SCIL program continues to grow. The faculty ranks grow with the addition of a second faculty member in Psychology, Dr. Mary Hampton.

1992 – Dr. Ursula Franklin, Professor Emeritus in Physics, gives the Luther Lecture, “Peace and Science: What Peace Could Do for Science and Technology.”

1993 – A surprise farewell reception is organized in April for Dr. Roland Miller by Luther faculty, LUSA, the Religious Studies Students Association and the Luther College Alumni Association.

1993 – Dr. James Cone, theologian at Union Theological Seminary in New York, gives the Luther Lecture, “Black Liberation Theology: God and Racism.”

1993 - A new Luther College Alumni Association is created for the University campus.

1994 –

Financial difficulties result in a reorganization of the College. Rev. Dr. Richard Hordern, who has taught Religious Studies since 1978 at Luther College, University campus, is named President and installed in April of 1995.

1994 – Dr. Langdon Gilkey, Professor Emeritus of Chicago Divinity School, gives the Luther Lecture, “Caring for Nature: Religion and Science View the Environment.” 1994 – The Garver Memorial Scholarship Fund is established after the untimely death of Garth Garver, a long-time friend of Luther College.

1994 – New scholars join the faculty ranks in tenure-track appointments: Dr. Dorothy Lane (English) and Dr. Volker Greifenhagen (Religious Studies).

1995 – Dr. Bryan Hillis becomes Dean, a position he will hold until 2005.

1995 – The Luther College Golf Classic is established.

1995 – Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether from Garrett Theological Seminary delivers the Luther Lecture, “Feminist Theology and Ecofeminism.”

1995 – Faculty members Dr. Bill Stahl (Sociology), Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology), and Dr. Bryan Hillis (Religious Studies) receive a Templeton Science-Religion Course Program Grant to develop a team-taught course on Religion and Science, a course that will be team-taught until 2004.

1996 – A celebration of the 25th anniversary of the University is held on campus. The new academic wing is named The Anderson Wing to honour the roles that Dr. Morris and Betty Anderson played in the life of the College. College enrollment reaches 700 students.

1996 – A dinner is held in April to honour the founders of the Religious Studies program, Dr. Roland Miller from Luther and Dr. Isidore Gorski from Campion. A Religious Studies Founders’ Scholarship is established.

1996 – The two campuses of Luther College count 8,000 living alumni, as frequent alumni homecomings allow the College to expand their known mailing list.

1996 – The passing on April 12 of James J. Kurtz, alumnus of both Luther campuses and co-founder of Regina’s Assiniboia Gallery, leads his parents, John and Monica Kurtz, to establish a memorial fund. A book of art dedicated to their son, Treasured Moments, is published the following year.

1996 – With the support of Psychology professors Dr. Paul Antrobus and Dr. Mary Hampton, a Student Support Centre (SSC) is established with an aim “to provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which students may address their questions and concerns about academic life, social issues, and personal problems with a student peer.”

1996 – The August edition of The Luther Story introduces something new with these words: “Are you interested in the Internet? If so, you will soon be able to visit Luther College through the ‘Web.’ The College is constructing a ‘home page’ for a ‘web site.’”

1996 – Dr. Fotini Labropulu begins a tenure-track appointment in Mathematics. Dr. Iqbal Husain (Mathematics) will also receive a tenure-track appointment later.

1996 – Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff, Noah Porter Professor of Philosophical Theology at Yale University, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Does Truth Still Matter in the Postmodern University?”

1996 – Dr. Paul Antrobus begins offering Psychology 100 to grade 12 students at Luther College High School.

1997 – Luther launches an inter-disciplinary program, Horizons, with Prof. Angela Terpstra as Program Coordinator. 1997 – Rhonda Litzenberger joins the staff as Manager of Residence and Conference Services.

1997 – Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain, from the University of Chicago, delivers the Luther Lecture, entitled “How Far Have We Fallen? Human Nature and Human Possibility.”

1997 – The Luther Lake Lashers, a team of faculty, staff, family, and students, compete in Regina’s Dragon Boat Races, August 30.

1997 – Psychology professors Dr. Paul Antrobus and Dr. Mary Hampton establish a Stress Institute at Luther College (SILC) to provide research, workshops, professional development and training around stress management techniques.

1997 – The Rex Schneider Auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art technology with the ability to project computer screens and PowerPoint presentations. This makes it the most technologically advanced lecture theatre on the U of R campus.

1997 – Naomi Matthes retires from the Academic Office after a career spanning two decades.

1998 – Luther College receives national news attention when it establishes and sponsors a Scholarly Writing Award for the Saskatchewan Book Awards, the first such award in Canada.

1998 - John Ralston Saul, writer and political philosopher, delivers the Luther Lecture, “The Layering of Canada: Founding Myths in the Construction of a Complex Civilization.”

1999 – Enrollment at Luther reaches 983 students in September.

1999 – Dr. Roland Miller retires after a career of over twenty years at Luther, as Professor of Religious Studies and Dean.

TIMELINE

1999 – Registrar Mary Jesse and Larry Fry from Luther College High School travel to India on a trip organized by Canadian Lutheran World Relief to research study opportunities for students.

1999 – Dr. Yvonne Petry begins a tenuretrack appointment in History.

1999 – Dr. Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen delivers the Luther Lecture, “Faith, Feminism, and Family in an Age of Globalization.”

2000 – Luther receives a $45,000 Century Fund grant from the province of Saskatchewan. The funds are used to equip classrooms with computers and data projectors, making Luther’s classrooms the most technically advanced on campus. A parttime Instructional Designer, Myra Zubot-Mitchell, is hired to assist faculty members with learning PowerPoint and Web-CT, the U of R’s first Learning Management System.

2000 – Dr. Dorothy Lane (English), with Dr. Bryan Hillis, leads students on a three-week study tour to Madras, India.

2000 – Dr. Ronald Cole-Turner, Professor of Theology and Ethics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Playing God or Serving God? Cloning, Designer Children and Gene Therapy in Religious Perspective.”

2000 – The College’s enrollment peaks at approximately 1,000 students.

2000 – Luther’s faculty complement is expanded with a new tenure-track appointment in Art History, with Dr. Angela Vanhaelen. Dr. Louis Awanyo joins the faculty in a tenure-track appointment in Geography. Dr. Noel Chevalier is appointed to a tenure-track appointment in English.

2000 – A new “English-Science Student Group” is established as a learning community that provides a common first-year experience for Science and Preprofessional majors. Specialized English 100 and 110 courses are developed by Dr. Noel Chevalier. This will later evolve into the English-Science Bundle. 2000 – Luther College hosts a concert featuring the Canadian baroque ensemble Tafelmusik in March.

2000 – Pastor David Kaiser retires as Luther’s Chaplain after twelve years in the role.

2001 – The President’s Research Fund is established, which provides faculty members with access to funds for research purposes through a peer-reviewed application process.

2001 – Dr. Yvonne Petry takes a group of fourteen students on a Renaissance study tour, visiting Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Rome.

2001 – Pastor Cheryl Kristolaitis (later Toth) accepts the call as Chaplain.

2001 – Dr. Paul Antrobus (Psychology) retires after a career at Luther spanning three decades. He would continue to teach for several more years.

2001 – Dr. Carol Meyers, Professor of Religion at Duke University, delivers the Luther Lecture, “All about Eve: Gender in the Garden.”

2001 – In November, Luther College completes repayment of a seven-year debt to the University of Regina. The Desrosiers funding formula redefines the funding relationship between the Federated Colleges and the University of Regina.

2001 – Founders' Day is celebrated with a formal dinner for the first time. There were ninety in attendance.

2001 – Luther College Residence begins a four-year renovation project, renovating one floor per year. Major renovations are undertaken on the first floor of the academic wing.

2002 – Faculty organize a Writing Across the Disciplines Committee to explore needs in this area of teaching and learning.

2002 – In response to the events of September 11, 2001, Luther College hosts a public lecture series, Our Muslim Neighbours, with Religious Studies scholars Dr. Volker Greifenhagen and Dr. Brenda Anderson.

2002 – A new tenure-track position in Interdisciplinary Studies is created. Dr. Mark Anderson receives the appointment.

2002 – The Luther College University campus partners with Luther College High School to establish a summer school for high school English teachers from China.

2002 – A new administrative position is created, that of Assistant Dean, to handle increasingly complex student issues. Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) becomes the first Assistant Dean.

2002 – Rudy Wiebe, novelist, playwright, and essayist, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Possessing Land: The Fictions of Ownership.”

2002 – Linda Howell retires after a career of nearly twenty years in the Academic Office.

2003 – A celebration of the 90th anniversary of Luther College High School is held in Melville, Saskatchewan.

2003 – Dr. Barbara Reul joins the faculty in the College's first position in Musicology.

2003 – Science writer Margaret Wertheim delivers the Luther Lecture, “Cyberspirituality: Bits, Bytes, and Religious Dreams.”

2003 – A new media campaign “Why Luther” is launched through the work of two alumni, Jeff Sotropa and Erik Norbraten.

2003 – Pastor Cheryl Kristolaitis organizes the first annual Fair Trade Fair at Luther. 2003 – The first annual "Talking Fresh" literary festival is held at Luther College, organized by Prof. Gerry Hill (English).

2004 – English Professor Camilla McCabe becomes the first Program Coordinator for the Writing Across the Disciplines program. An Instructor position in English is created to assist with the student need for undergraduate English courses. Professor Gerry Hill receives this position.

2004 – Dr. Mark Anderson (Interdisciplinary Studies, History) takes students on a study tour of Peru.

2004 – Dr. Margaret Miles, Emeritus Professor of Historical Theology, delivers the Luther Lecture, “Sex and the City (of God): Augustine on the Resurrection Body.”

2004 – Luther College, with the U of R Department of Music, hosts an international symposium, "The Unknown Schubert: New Perspectives, New Insights".

2004 – Luther hosts the first Volunteer Fair, which links students with community organizations, organized by Dr. Roger Petry (Philosophy). The Fair will expand in coming years and be later hosted by the University of Regina.

2004 – Ed MacNeil retires as Cafeteria Manager, after a career of over a decade.

2004 – Luther’s biologists, Dr. Mary Vetter, Prof. Laura Ambrose, and Prof. Fidji Gendron, work on a collaborative project with Wascana Centre Authority, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, FSIN and others to plant a native prairie garden on the grounds of First Nations University.

2005 – Dr. Richard Hordern finishes his term as President, after serving in this role for eleven years. Dr. Bruce Perlson is elected President, the first President who is also an alumnus of Luther.

2005 – Dr. Bryan Hillis finishes his second term as Dean and Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) becomes Dean. Dr. Volker Greifenhagen (Religious Studies) becomes Assistant Dean.

TIMELINE

2005 – Luther College hosts a conference in March, "The Eighteenth Century: Current Research and Future Perspectives", organized by Dr. Barbara Reul (Musicology), Dr. Noel Chevalier (English), and Dr. Catherine Tite (Art History).

2005 – Dr. Iqbal Husain is appointed to a tenure-track position in Mathematics.

2005 – Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School, delivers the Luther Lecture, “The Sacrifices of War and the Christian Sacrifice.”

2005 – Dr. Art Krentz (Philosophy) retires after a thirty-four-year career at Luther College. He served as Dean from 1972-77, 1982-83, and 1990-95. Dr. Roger Petry is hired into a tenure-track position in Philosophy.

2005 – Luther partners with Canada’s International Science and Technology Development Centre to host a summer English language program for professors from China’s Central University of Nationalities.

2005 – Diane Mossing retires after nearly a decade of service as Luther College’s treasurer.

2006 – Tensions develop in late March between the Federated Colleges and the University of Regina as the University imposes a forced reduction of teaching credit hours at Luther and Campion Colleges. Luther and Campion students hold a sit-in on April 13 in protest.

2006 – Several long-serving employees retire this year. Colleen Ellingson retires from working in the Residence Office, after eighteen years. Luther’s Library Coordinator Judy Halliday retires after fifteen years of service. Carla Hancock becomes the new Library Coordinator.

2006 – Dr. George Elliott Clarke delivers the Luther Lecture, “The Problem of Pluralism: Anti-Social Attitudes in AfricanCanadian Literature.”

2007 – Luther hosts a Volunteer Breakfast to bring community leaders to the College on September 12. The seeds for future work with the voluntary sector begin to be planted. 2007 – Vesna Morris completes her career at Luther College, after serving in roles in maintenance and in the cafeteria for two decades.

2007 – Dr. Margaret Somerville, Professor of Law and Medicine at McGill, gives the Luther Lecture, “Challenging ‘The God Delusion’: The Search for a Shared Ethics.”

2007 – RCE Saskatchewan, a Regional Centre of Expertise for Sustainable Development, receives funding from the Province of Saskatchewan’s Sustainable Communities Grants program. Dr. Roger Petry (Philosophy) is the Centre’s Co-ordinator.

2008 – Dr. Don Franklin, Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of Pittsburgh, gives the Luther Lecture, “Bach to the Future: What We Can Learn from the Past When Performing Bach’s Music Today.”

2008 – Dr. Brenda Anderson (Women’s Studies/Religious Studies) takes students on a study tour to Mexico, with a theme of “Missing Women in Mexico.” Dr. Anderson also organizes an international conference at Luther, “Missing Women: Decolonization, Third Wave Feminisms, and Indigenous People of Canada and Mexico” on August 14-17.

2008 – The Luther College Library Reading Room is dedicated to the memory of Margaret Belcher.

2008 – Dr. Mary Hampton (Psychology) is appointed as the Saskatchewan Academic Coordinator of Resolve (Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse).

2009 – Larry Rasmussen, a specialist in environmental ethics, gives the Luther Lecture, “Earth Healing for Justice-Minded Christians.”

2009 – The Presidents of the University of Regina, Luther College, Campion College, and First Nations University establish the "Forward Together" lecture series.

2010 – Dr. Bruce Perlson concludes his term as President, and Dr. Bryan Hillis, Professor of Religious Studies and former Dean, is named President.

2010 – Dr. Roland Miller, former Dean and Professor of Religious Studies, gives the Luther Lecture, “Daring to be Global Citizens: De-radicalising Christian-Muslim Relations.”

2010 – Luther develops a new campus motto: “Think deeply. Act passionately. Live faithfully.”

2010 – Art Gilbertson retires after a career in maintenance at Luther College of over thirty years.

2010 – Luther and Campion negotiate a new set of agreements with the University of Regina, the Tuition Sharing Agreement, Infrastructure Services Agreement, and Academic Guidelines Agreement.

2011 – Luther College launches Impetus, a webzine designed to showcase faculty and student work. Dr. Bill Stahl (Sociology) is the first editor.

2011 - Senator Lillian Dyck gives the Luther Lecture, “Following the Footprints of my Cree Mother: Dreaming of Gender and Racial Equality.”

2011 – “Free Lunch Fridays” are offered to faculty and staff at Luther as a time to visit and build community.

2012 – Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) completes her term as Dean and Dr. Volker Greifenhagen (Religious Studies) becomes Dean. Dr. Yvonne Petry (History) becomes Assistant Dean.

2012 – Dr. Francesco Freddolini (Art History) joins the faculty in a tenure-track appointment.

2012 – Bishop Michael Ingham gives the Luther Lecture, “Finding the Postmodern Balance: Evangelical, Catholic, Liberal.” 2012 – Dr. Bill Stahl (Sociology) retires after a career spanning twenty-three years at Luther. 2012 – Luther Cafeteria eliminates the use of trays, thereby cutting down on food waste by a significant volume.

2013 – Upon receipt of a U of R President’s Teaching and Learning Scholars Grant, faculty members Dr. Volker Greifenhagen, Dr. Mary Vetter, Dr. Brenda Anderson, Dr. Yvonne Petry, and Selene Deschenes (StudentsFirst Coordinator) develop an Instructor Toolkit of Pedagogical Strategies for Students Transition and Engagement in Introductory Courses.

2013 – International students make up 48% of the Luther Residence at the University campus, with the majority of those students coming from China, Nigeria, and Brazil.

2013 – Luther College celebrates “A Century of Faithfulness” in Regina from October 10-13. The festivities included the annual Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Martin E. Marty and a banquet including guest host Brent Butt. Dr. Marty’s lecture was “The Artful Liberation of the University: Practical Education for the Common Good.”

2013 – Dr. Richard Hordern publishes The Luther College Story 1913-2013: A Century of Faithfulness in Education.

2014 – Dr. Cynthia MoeLobeda gives the Luther Lecture, “Climate Justice: Love as EcologicalEconomic Vocation.”

2014 – Luther College establishes the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (later the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Studies Network) as a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the community.

2014 – Pastor Cheryl Toth retires as Chaplain, after twelve years of service. Pastor Scott Adams becomes Interim Chaplain.

2015 – Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) and Dr. Gloria de Santis, the VSSN receives strategic, multi-year funding from Saskatchewan’s Community Initiatives Fund.

TIMELINE

2015 – With the help of strategic funding and the leadership of Dr. Brenda Anderson, Luther College hosts its first Canadian Roots Exchange team of students, part of a national program to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth for mutual learning.

2015 – With leadership from Dr. Brenda Anderson, Luther College hosts the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference on the theme of “Restoring Spirit through Sacred Listening.”

2015 – Luther’s chapel hosts a travelling art exhibit during Lent, "Moved by the Spirit", curated by Louise Tessier.

2015 – Prof. Gerry Hill (English) retires after nineteen years of teaching at Luther.

2015 - Mary Jesse retires as Registrar, after a career at Luther spanning over thirty years. Tatum Cruise is appointed Registrar.

2015 – Dr. Pamela Dickey Young gives the Luther Lecture, “Sex, Religion and Canadian Youth: Identities under Construction.”

2015 – Pastor Sean Bell is installed as Chaplain on September 29. He broadens the peer chaplain program to include representatives of the Muslim faith and sets the stage for a multi-faith chaplaincy program.

2015 – Prof. Scott Wilson (English) begins a term appointment as Luther’s Writing Across the Disciplines Coordinator.

2015 – Luther designates two washrooms on the main floor as “gender-neutral” washrooms, in consultation with TransSask Support Services.

2016 – A certificate program in Nonprofit Sector Leadership and Innovation is established as part of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network. Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) takes on the role of VSSN Director. 2016 – Dr. Brenda Anderson works with Sylvia Smith in the U of R’s Faculty of Education to offer Project of Heart at Luther College, a program designed to provide education on the history of the residential schools in Canada. It will become an annual program.

2016 – This year sees the retirement of a number of long-serving staff members: Connie Korol, Manager of Food Services, retires after over twenty years of work in the Luther Cafeteria; Karen Nye retires from Luther’s Academic Office, after fourteen years of service to Luther’s students; Herb Stoehr, Manager of Facilities, retires after a career of nearly thirty years at Luther.

2017 – Luther College celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a series of events, including a Table Talk Speaker Series, choral concerts by the Luther Bach Choir, an art exhibition in the Chapel, and a special Reformation-themed online issue of Impetus. Former chaplain David Kaiser performed his one-man show, Luther. On October 31 a new version of the 95 theses was posted by Pastor Sean Bell. The document was developed by a group of Luther students and faculty who “spoke truth to power” to address these critical issues: racism, reconciliation, climate change, and tolerance for religious diversity.

2017 – Dr. Nicholas Terpstra, Professor of History at the University of Toronto, and former faculty member of Luther College, gives the Luther Lecture, “Reframing the Reformation: Religious Refugees in the Early Modern World.”

2017 – In November, Luther College receives a $25,556 funding grant through the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Access4All Program, which enables infrastructure improvements to one of Luther’s semiaccessible washrooms into a fully-accessible gender-neutral washroom. This was one of only two projects in Saskatchewan to receive such funding.

2017 – Dr. Mary Vetter (Biology) retires after a career of over thirty years as a faculty member, Assistant Dean, and Dean.

2017 – Dr. Dorothy Lane (English) is appointed as Assistant Dean.

2017 – Dr. Richard Hordern retires after a career of nearly forty years, as Professor of Religious Studies, Dean, and President of the College.

2017 – A $6.2 million renovation of the residence is completed.

2017 – Alice Phillips retires after a career in the Luther Cafeteria of over three decades.

2017 – An art exhibit is installed in the College, “Steps along the Red Road: Following Christ the Creator” by Ovide Bighetty of the Pukatawagan First Nation.

2017 – President Dr. Bryan Hillis plays a lead role in the creation of Rooted and Open, a joint statement by the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities.

2018 – In May, Luther College and the University of Regina are designated as international co-leads for Sustainable Development Goal #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by the International Association of Universities (IAU) as part of its Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development Cluster. Dr. Roger Petry (Philosophy) and Jocelyn Crivea from the University are the co-leads for the project.

2018 – Dr. Francesco Freddolini (Art History) takes a group of students on a study tour to Italy with Dr. David Meban of Campion College. 2018 – Dr. Volker Greifenhagen finishes a six-year term as Dean and Dr. Yvonne Petry becomes Dean.

2018 – Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Christian from Dar-Al Kalima College, gives the Luther Lecture, “Faith in the Face of Empire: A Palestinian Christian Perspective.”

2018 – Dr. Mary Hampton, Professor of Psychology, retires after a career of twentysix years.

2018 – On December 5, Luther College’s new Act receives Royal Assent in the Saskatchewan Legislature.

2018 – Luther Cafeteria undergoes a major renovation. Moe Mathieu departs as Manager of Dining Services and Bob Crowe takes on the role.

2018 – Dr. Nicole Hansmeier joins the faculty as Professor of Biology.

2019 – In May, Luther College hosts the Inaugural Conference for the International Association of Universities Cluster on Sustainable Development Goal #12. On October 8, a ceremony is held to unveil the installation of banners recognizing the 17 UN Sustainable Development goals on the north staircase of the building.

2019 – The Luther residence is renamed The Student Village.

2019 – Myra Cole, Manager of Financial Services, retires after a career of twentythree years.

2019 – Dr. Kaila Bruer joins the faculty as Professor of Psychology.

2019 – Luther College holds its first Annual General Meeting on October 19, under the auspices of the new Act which had been passed the previous year.

TIMELINE

2020 – With the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Luther College shifts to remote teaching and remote operations in late March. Staff transition to working from home. Faculty members quickly learn how to deliver courses remotely through Zoom. The Student Village residence remains open with a small number of students and the Luther Cafeteria becomes the only food service operation on campus for much of the pandemic, serving meals to residents and those in quarantine on campus.

2020 – Dr. Bryan Hillis retires as President and is awarded emeritus status. Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry is installed as Luther’s eighth President on October 18.

2020 – Siomme Joelsen retires from the Luther Cafeteria after a career of nineteen years.

2020 – Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Luther Lecture is cancelled. In the Fall term, most courses continue to be taught remotely.

2020 – Dr. Vijaya Agasthian joins the faculty as Instructor in Mathematics and Statistics.

2021 – Kerry Stoehr retires as Manager of Physical Plant, after a career at Luther of thirty years. Andre Jarocki becomes Manager of Physical Plant.

2021 – Mark Duke retires as Director of Finance & Administration after a career of 22 years at Luther. Raymond Arscott joins the College in this role. At this same time, President Marc Jerry builds a leadership team that sees senior roles shared across both campuses including Director of Development, Maureen Harrison; Director of Communications, Angela Bethune; Director of Human Resources, Jodi Kydd; and Director of Strategy & Business Development Brian Broqueza. 2021 – Dr. Azza Karam gives the first virtual Luther Lecture, “Religion and the Pandemic: Sobering or Hopeful.”

2021 – Dr. Sarah Zanette joins the faculty as Professor of Psychology.

2021 – Funding is received for renovation of the Rex Schneider Auditorium.

2021 – Plans develop for a new student initiative, the University of Regina Undergraduate Research Journal. Luther College students take leadership roles in this campus project.

2022 – Given the ongoing pandemic, Winter term courses begin as remote courses, with plans to move back to campus unfolding mid-semester.

2022 – In March, in-person teaching resumes in the College and all staff return to campus. Luther College implements a flexible workplace policy.

2022 – A revised and updated version of the Guidelines for a Working Academic Relationship agreement is signed in March by Luther, Campion, and the University of Regina.

2022 – The Winter term is devoted to developing a new strategic plan, Vision 2025, for Luther College.

TUITION

In 1971, four courses - $425 Today, four Arts courses - $3318

TOTAL VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED

In 1971 - $2000 • Today - $100,000

STUDENTS ENROLLED

In 1971 - 130 • Today - 650

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

In 1971 – 13; 0 women • Today - 15; 8 women

NUMBER OF FACULTY

In 1971 – 4 • Today – 15