The first Entrepreneurial Showcase Program evolved from recommendations from Luther College alumni who were successful entrepreneurs in a wide variety of businesses.  Since the initial program in 1986, the goal of the Entrepreneurial Showcase has been to serve as an annual forum for alumni and friends of Luther College who are entrepreneurs to meet with students and faculty. 

Through the interaction with experienced entrepreneurs, our students and faculty have learned about the challenges and opportunities associated with creating, growing and managing a successful entrepreneurial venture.

Attendees of the Entrepreneurial Showcase Dinner include students majoring in Economics and Business, scholarship awardees and their families, scholarship sponsors, area business people, faculty and staff of Luther College.   The keynote speakers include:

2005:  Lois Hill LC ‘85, Founder and President of Lois Hill Accessories in New York.  

2006:  Richard Jacobson Founder and Chairman of the Board of Jacobson Warehouse  Company, Inc., Jacobson Transportation Company, Inc. & Jacobson Logistics

2007:  Michael Gerdin, LC’92 President of Heartland Express, Inc.

2008:  Victor Galea, Managing Director of V.J. Salomne Marketing Limited, Malta

2009:  Daryl Erdman, LC’61  entrepreneur, educator, and venture capitalist

2010:  Brett Reese,  LC '81, Managing Principle, Rebound Enterprises, LLC

2011:  Deb Alstad, LC '74,  Managing Principle, CentralPoint System

The Entrepreneurial Showcase Dinner Program and keynote presentation are funded by the is funded by the Rugland Family Fund (Ted ’49 and Dolly Rugland) and the Malcom ‘30 and Maybelle Estrem Endowment for Entrepreneurial Studies