Class Notes
Giving List

Spring 2013

Dear Classmates,

The biggest news on campus this spring is the ending of President Rick and Judy Torgerson’s service to Luther.  While in some way the campus community mourns their departure, this is also a time for reflection and celebration for all that has been accomplished during their 14 years at Luther.  During their tenure, the academic program has been strengthened, the endowment has nearly tripled, and the physical campus looks more beautiful than ever.  Diversity on campus has also increased, and Luther continues to attract amazing students and highly capable faculty.

Sustainability has been a primary focus during the Torgerson presidency, and the college has made significant strides, garnering national recognition.  Luther’s 1.6-megawatt wind turbine offsets about 2.5 million pounds of coal per year and reduces the college’s greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent.  Baker Village is now carbon neutral thanks to a solar field, the largest solar energy production facility in Iowa.  It is Luther’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, and the college is also committed to responsible food-sourcing practices, which means every effort is made to serve locally grown produce on campus.  In 2010 Luther was one of only eight U.S. schools to earn an A on the College Sustainability Report Card, and in 2012 Luther received a Second Nature Climate Leadership Award.

Many of you may have had the opportunity to personally thank Rick and Judy for their service at the Sesquicentennial Fund celebrations and Torgerson tribute events that have been happening across the country.  The campus and Decorah-area farewell tribute is planned for Thursday, May 16, at 8 p.m. in the CFL, and all are welcome to attend. Please RSVP online at https://www.luther.edu/alumni/events/torgersons/, or call 563-387-1001.

The Sesquicentennial Fund campaign closed on December 31, 2012, having exceeded the $50 million goal with a grand total of more than $57 million in gifts and pledges.  Many thanks to all who participated!  One campaign project, the new aquatic center, is still under-funded, but construction is nearly complete.  A video about the new facility is on the athletics website, at http://www.luther.edu/sports/men/swimmingdiving/.  The new pool will be dedicated during Homecoming 2013, and you are more than welcome to join in the celebration!

Many of you have likely heard that the presidential search has not yet identified Luther’s next president.  While this outcome leaves the campus community in a state of flux on some level, I believe that the outcome demonstrates the commitment of the Luther Board to identify a candidate in whom they have extreme confidence.  I am very grateful for the efforts and dedication of the search committee, which included board members, faculty, and staff members.  While it is disappointing at some level that the search didn’t bear fruit, I am confident that the robust process undertaken this year will inform the continuing search, ultimately yielding the best possible president to lead Luther into the future.

With warm thoughts of spring and summer,

Craig Rabe
rabecr01@luther.edu

Class Notes
DIRK BUETTNER is the team manager at Bank of America in Westlake Village, Calif.

JON FRESE is the director of information technology for the Advanced Group of Companies in Chicago.

ERICA GILBERTSON is a public service faculty member for the University of Georgia College of Education in Athens.

NOELLE (COLLINS) HOFER is a postpartum doula and infant care specialist for Smooth Transitions in Denver, Colo.

DEBORAH (DeWeerth) HOFLAND is the executive director at Philips Academy in Charlotte, N.C.

MELINDA (GREEN) HUGDAHL received the 2012 National Secretaries of State Medallion Award from Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie for her outstanding contributions to Minnesota’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. Melinda was one of four to receive this distinguished honor. She is an attorney with the Legal Services Advocacy Project in St. Paul, Minn.

Marriage
NOELLE COLLINS and Don Hofer, Sept. 13, 2012

Don't forget your Annual Fund giving!