29 Jul 2015

Luther announces 2015 graduates

By Julie Shockey
DECORAH, Iowa - Luther seniors Melissa Lockwood, Jenna McGee and Kelsey Rose of Bettendorf, Iowa, participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Luther's Regents Center.

Lockwood, the daughter of Jeff and Lora Lockwood, received a degree in nursing. She graduated cum laude.

McGee, the daughter of Daniel and Patricia McGee, received a degree in art and communication studies.

Rose, the daughter of Kevin and Mary Ann Rose, received a degree in management and accounting. She graduated magna cum laude.

Luther senior Elisabeth Athas of Blue Grass, Iowa, participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Luther's Regents Center. Athas, the daughter of Mark and Vickie Athas, received a degree in theatre and management. She graduated cum laude.

Luther seniors Tyler Crowe, Michael Ehrecke, Caleb Freund and Abby Greufe of Davenport, Iowa, participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Luther's Regents Center.

Crowe, the son of David Crowe and Katie Hanson, received a degree in biology and chemistry.

Ehrecke, the son of Mark and Nancy Ehrecke, received a degree in theatre.

Freund, the son of Melodi Freund, received a degree in physical education.

Greufe, the daughter of Paul and Tara Greufe, received a degree in political science.

Luther senior Kelli Golinghorst of Dixon, Iowa, participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Luther's Regents Center. Golinghorst, the daughter of David and Linda Golinghorst, received a degree in political science and economics. She graduated magna cum laude.

 

Luther senior Matthew McKinney of Donahue, Iowa, participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2015 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Luther's Regents Center. McKinney, the son of Gregory and Sandra McKinney, received a degree in biology. He graduated cum laude.

Luther President Paula Carlson congratulated the graduates and introduced Mike Danforth, a 1995 graduate of Luther and executive producer of National Public Radio's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" who gave the commencement address.

Charlie Leonard, Luther class of 2000, received the Luther College Young Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement of Luther alumni in their vocation or avocation that have graduated in the last 15 years. Leonard's work with countless children and their families through his theatre company Blue Water fills a void for students who are not getting opportunities in the arts.

Libby Logsden, Luther class of 2015, was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal; an award presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,400, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

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22 Dec 2014

Samantha Eilers named member of Luther College Nordic Choir

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (12/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Samantha Eilers of Geneseo, Illinois is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Nordic Choir music ensemble.

Eilers is the daughter of Walter and Beth Eilers of Geneseo. She is majoring in music at Luther. Eilers is a 2011 graduate of Geneseo High School.

Nordic Choir, founded in 1946, enjoys national and international acclaim as a premier collegiate choral ensemble in the United States. Nordic Choir is directed by Allen Hightower, director of choral activities at Luther College since 2010. Nordic Choir has toured extensively throughout the United States, performing in churches of all denominations, schools and concerts halls, including Lincoln Center, New York; Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; and the Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City.

Allen Hightower serves as Luther's Director of Choral Activities, as well as the director of Nordic Choir and the artistic director of "Christmas at Luther." He was recently appointed the first Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music. Hightower earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Sam Houston State University, a master's degree in choral conducting from the Eastman School of Music, a master's degree in orchestral conducting from Baylor University and a doctorate in conducting from UCLA.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation with six choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and nearly 1,000 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 350 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, church music and performance.

22 Dec 2014

Daniel Melaas-Swanson named member of Luther College Norsemen

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (12/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Daniel Melaas-Swanson of Port Byron, Illinois is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Norsemen music ensemble.

Melaas-Swanson is the son of Wayne Melaas-Swanson and the late Barbara Melaas-Swanson of Port Byron. He is majoring in music at Luther. He is a 2014 graduate of Riverdale High School.

Norsemen is one of six auditioned choral ensembles at Luther College. Established in 1981, the group is comprised of first-year men, selected each fall and spring by audition. They perform in worship services on and off-campus, participate in the annual Christmas at Luther concert and Dorian Vocal Festival, and present a spring concert with Aurora, Luther's choral ensemble for first-year women.

Andrew Last is the conductor of Norsemen and Collegiate Chorale at Luther College. Last earned a bachelor of arts degree in music education from Luther College, a master in music in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University and a doctor in music arts in choral conducting from University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation with six choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and nearly 1,000 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 350 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, church music and performance.

22 Dec 2014

Amy Pham named member of Luther College

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (12/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Amy Pham of Davenport, Iowa, is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Aurora music ensemble.

Pham, the daughter of Katelyne and Len Pham of Davenport, is majoring in music at Luther College. She is a 2014 graduate of Davenport West High School.

Aurora is one of six auditioned choral ensembles at Luther College. Established in 1981, the group is comprised of first-year women, selected each fall by audition. They perform on and off-campus for worship services, participate in the annual Christmas at Luther concert and Dorian Vocal Festival, and present a spring concert with the Norsemen, Luther's choral ensemble for first-year men.

Jennaya Robison, conductor of Aurora, is in demand as a conductor, clinician and soprano throughout the United States. Prior to coming to Luther College she was the artistic director of Scottsdale Musical Arts. She has held faculty and teaching positions at the University of Arizona, Luther College and the University of New Mexico. As a soprano, she made her debut in 2010 with the Tucson Symphony in Handel's Messiah and has sung as a soloist with the Arizona Opera, Scottsdale Arts Orchestra, Scottsdale Symphony, St. Andrews Bach Society and Luther College Symphony Orchestra.

15 Oct 2014

Luther College awarded $100,000 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant to further understanding of liberal arts curriculum

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, Iowa - Luther College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund a series of academic offerings that will provide students and faculty with greater opportunities for collaborative research in the humanities and a deeper understanding of the liberal arts curriculum.

"Receiving a grant from the Mellon Foundation is a significant honor for Luther College," said President Paula Carlson. "This project will further enhance opportunities for Luther students to develop the close intellectual relationships with faculty central to a residential liberal arts college and gain deeper appreciation for the meaning and value of liberal arts study."

The proposed project focuses on preserving the liberal arts through collaborative research, multidisciplinary dialogue and enhanced writing. Specifically, the grant will fund:

  • Competitive summer research grants to support collaborative projects initiated by student/faculty teams
  • Development of new interdisciplinary January Term directed-studies courses
  • Faculty development workshops exploring models of collaborative research and multi-disciplinary inquiry
  • Dissemination of the results from these collaborative research projects to demonstrate the importance of academic rigor and help the larger college community better understand the meaning, value and possibilities of a liberal arts education

Implementation of the grant will begin in 2015.

"Liberal arts is central to the mission of Luther College, and we continue to strive for new ways to help students, faculty and staff better understand and articulate the meaning and value of a liberal arts education," said Terry Sparkes, Luther associate dean and co-director of the Mellon grant. "At its best, the liberal arts brings disciplines together in dialogue, exploring the intersections among the humanities, social sciences and sciences to develop new and deeper insights into the world around us."

According to Jeff Wilkerson, Luther associate dean and Mellon grant co-director, "Part of this work includes an effort to help both students and faculty envision something they might have seen as primarily disciplinary?collaborative research?as part of the fabric of the liberal arts."

Thanks to the Mellon grant, the college will increase summer research opportunities for students in the humanities, help current and incoming students better understand the importance of a liberal arts education and assist students in developing the skills necessary to publish written work.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,400, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and preprofessional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college's website: www.luther.edu.

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02 Oct 2014

Athis and Ehrecke to perform in Luther's production of 'A Thread in the Dark'

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (10/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Michael Ehrecke, Luther College senior of Davenport, Iowa, and Lis Athas, Luther College senior of Blue Grass, Iowa, will perform as Nurse in Luther's Visual and Performing Arts production of "A Thread in the Dark," by Hella Haasse.

"A Thread in the Dark" is the story of an individual challenging gods, heroes, myths and monsters in pursuit of truth. In the story, Ariadne watches her father, King Minos, send 14 young men and women into the labyrinth as sacrifice to the minotaur each year. Horrified, Ariadne feels helpless to act, until Theseus is called in as a sacrifice. Buoyed by her love for Theseus, Ariadne finds the courage to demand that her father spare the lives of this year's 14. Instead, she soon discovers that deep within the labyrinth, there are secrets and terrors more horrible than monsters.

The performances, held in the Jewel Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the Luther campus, are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

Ehrecke, the son of Mark and Nancy Ehrecke, is majoring in theatre at Luther. He is a 2011 graduate of Davenport West High School.

Tickets for the performances are $12 for adults, $5 for children five and under. Tickets can be purchased at Luther's ticket website, www.tickets.luther.edu, by calling the Ticket Office at (563) 387-1357, or by visiting the Luther Ticket Office, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11a.m.-3 p.m.; and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

"A Thread in the Dark" is directed by guest director, Ylfa Muindi.

Recently Muindi wrote and performed her one-woman show, "Typhoid Fever", as part of Chicago's long running fringe festival, Rhino Fest. She regularly collaborates with Redmoon Theater, which used her puppets for "Astronaut's Birthday" at the Museum of Contemporary Art. In Chicago she has also worked with Collaboraction, Curious Theater Branch, Rough House, Screen Door Productions and the Whiskey Rebellion.

Muindi's unique style is evident in all her productions. She says, "I utilize puppetry, spectacle, and robust physical performance to tell stories in ways that overcome the barriers created by language, ability and societal norms."

16 Jun 2014

Luther College announces 2014 graduates

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (06/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Luther College held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2014 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 25, in Luther College's Carlson Stadium.

Luther senior Solveig Entwistle of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of James Entwistle and Siv Saetre, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in political science.

Luther senior Aaron Ford of Moline, Illinois, son of Chris and Laura Ford, graduated with the class of 2014. He majored in management.

Luther senior Jennifer Park of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of James and Dorothy Park, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in chemistry.

Luther senior Cydney Roelandt of Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Bradley and Kelly Roelandt, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in theatre/dance.

Luther senior Lucille Vens of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of Christine Little and Gregory Vens, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in nursing.

Luther senior Brian Witte of Bettendorf, Iowa, son of Craig Witte, graduated with the class of 2014. He majored in social work.

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin gave the commencement address, and was granted an honorary degree at the ceremony. 1966 Luther graduate Eugene Takle, director of the Climate Science Program and professor of atmospheric science and agricultural meteorology at Iowa State University, was also given an honorary degree

Eli Williamson, co-founder of Leave No Veteran Behind, was presented with the Luther College Young Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement of Luther alumni in their vocation or avocation that have graduated in the last 15 years.

Paul Esker was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal; an award presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

06 May 2014

Gumpert member of executive board for first Luther College Dance Marathon

By Julie Shockey
DECORAH, IA (05/06/2014)(readMedia)-- Chloe Gumpert, a Luther College senior from Eldridge, Iowa, was a member of the Luther Dance Marathon executive board that raised a total of $38,612.01 to send to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 150 schools across the country. Gumpert, the daughter of Tami Gumpert and Tami Gumpert of Eldridge, Iowa, is a 2010 graduate of North Scott High School. She is majoring in biology at Luther.

"My sophomore year at Luther, a service organization I was a part of was contacted by a neighboring IIAC college asking if Luther would like to start Dance Marathon on our campus. Myself and 3 other friends decided to spearhead establishing the organization after learning more about the scope of Dance Marathon and its influence at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City. For the next 2 years, we worked to construct a constitution, establish an executive board, organize fundraising events, and ultimately recruit 31 Morale Captains and over 400 Luther students to pledge to dance at the Big Event. On April 12th, these students along with Decorah community members united from noon to midnight to dance for those who can't, including local Children's Miracle Network families. The $38,612.01 raised is indeed a testament to the generosity and unity of the Luther community and this organization will continue to do good in the years to come, all for the kids," Gumpert said.

After a year-long commitment from more than 500 people, the year culminated in a 12-hour long event where students stayed on their feet through dancing, games and entertainment in celebration of the total amount raised.

After two years of careful planning Luther students Paul Esker, Chloe Gumpert, Jordan Jensen and Libby Logsden convened an executive board and coordinated the event.

The public campus fundraising goal was $15,000, but Gumpert said the executive board wanted to raise one more cent than the 2013 Wartburg College Dance Marathon goal of $32,000.

The two largest sponsorships came from the community businesses of Mabe's Pizza and the Magpie Coffeehouse. Other sponsors included Pizza Hut, Happy Joe's, Pizza Ranch, Mr. Groovy's, Kepharts, Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty, Fridley Theaters, Oneota Co-op, Decorah Veterinary Clinic and Love Your Melon.

17 Mar 2014

Luther College junior Lis Athas to perform in 'La Dispute'

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (03/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Luther College junior, Lis Athas of Blue Grass, Iowa, will perform as Katherine Mesrou in Luther's Visual and Performing Arts production of "La Dispute."

Inspired by Pierre de Marivaux's prose comedy originally written in 1744, Luther's adaption of "La Dispute" explores the nature of love, betrayal, passion and seduction in a unique social experiment. Eight young adults, isolated from the world, are paired together in attempt to discover if it is possible to create a perfect love with no risks or doubts.

The performances, held in the Jewel Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the Luther campus, are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, March 12-13; 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 14; and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

Athas, the daughter of Mark and Vickie Athas of Blue Grass, is majoring in theatre and management at Luther. She is a 2011 graduate of Davenport West High School.

Tickets for the performances are $12 for adults, $5 for children five and under, and can be purchased at Luther's ticket website, www.tickets.luther.edu, by calling the Ticket Office at (563) 387-1357, or by visiting the Luther Ticket Office, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11a.m.-3 p.m.; and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

"La Dispute" will be directed by Bobby Vrtis, Luther assistant professor of theatre.

Vrtis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Longwood University and a master's and doctoral degree in theatre from the University of Oregon. At Luther, Vrtis teaches classes in several areas of theatre including acting, directing, improvisation and clowning.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and preprofessional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college's website: www.luther.edu.

21 Jan 2014

Luther College Fall Dean's List 2013

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (01/21/2014)(readMedia)-- 741 Luther College students were named to the fall 2013 dean's list. To be named to Luther's dean's list, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).

Area students on Luther's dean's list include :

Meredith Bruster, a first year from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Eric and Teri Bruster.

Emily Crowe, a first year from Davenport, Iowa, is the daughter of Catherine Hanson and David Crowe.

Solveig Entwistle, a senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of James Entwistle and Siv Brit Saetre.

Molly Eversoll, a senior from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Richard and Sally Eversoll.

Kelli Golinghorst, a junior from Dixon, Iowa, is the daughter of David and Linda Golinghorst.

Chloe Gumpert, a senior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Tamra and Joseph Gumbert.

Miranda Gumpert, a first year from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Joseph and Tamra Gumbert.

Madison Johnson, a sophomore from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff Johnson and Cathy Layton-Johnson.

Blake Letney, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Todd and Robin Letney.

Melissa Lockwood, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff and Lora Lockwood.

Kayla Naber, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Glen and Jacqueline Naber.

Kelsey Rose, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Kevin and Mary Ann Rose.

Evan Woodard, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Sonia Sundstedt.

Lauren Gonyier, a junior from East Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kirk Gonyier and Sheryl Kotula.

Savannah Horn, a first year from Morrison, Ill., is the daughter of Joel and Susan Horn.

Abigail Lobdell, a junior from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Paige Lobdell, a sophomore from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Kylie Romeo, a sophomore from Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kelly and Anthony Romeo.

Connor Stanton, a senior from Morrison, Ill., is the son of Paul and Tricia Stanton.

This fall's list includes 741 students; 137 freshmen, 186 sophomores, 203 juniors and 215 seniors.

Luther is a selective four-year college located in northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,500 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

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