Class Notes
Giving List

Spring 2013

Dear Luther Friends, 

As many of you have heard, the Torgerson presidential legacy at Luther is coming to a close.  While the search for a new president continues, we can look back on Torgerson’s tenure with pride.  He and Judy have done so many wonderful things for the Luther community, near and far. 

Although President Torgerson’s biography is on the Luther website, I’d like to share a few things that stand out, things I didn’t know before.  Rick and Judy joined the Luther family in 1999.  Under his direction, Luther has been identified as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation, and our alma mater has maintained its high standard of student achievement and community service. 

During his 14 years at Luther, Torgerson has accomplished many things, including campus grounds improvements, such as Bentdahl Commons, as well as the construction of buildings, such as Sampson Hoffland Laboratories and the Center for the Arts.  Some of these places were already staples of the Luther campus when we arrived, which just goes to show you what an impact Torgerson’s time at Luther has had. 

President Torgerson also oversaw the completion of three campaigns to support scholarships, facilities, and other campus and educational needs.  This is where YOU all come in!  You’ve been a part of that legacy.  Through your donation, no matter how big or small, you’ve contributed to all those wonderful things that have happened since our time at Luther.  We hope that you consider continuing your support during Luther’s transition with the next president.  He or she will no doubt continue Torgerson’s wonderful work in the Luther community and make his or her own mark on Luther history. 

In a statement regarding his resignation, Torgerson says, "We do not know where our journey might lead us, but we have great faith that once again we will be called to serve where our passions and gifts can fulfill a need." The Torgerson presidential legacy is one of giving, and I challenge all of you to consider being part of this call to serve by contributing to Luther, allowing your gift to fulfill someone else’s passion on campus and beyond. As alums, we are also part of the Luther legacy and have the honor and privilege to assist in allowing others to enjoy the Luther life as well. 

I hope you are enjoying the end of the chilly winter weather and looking forward to spring! 

Soli Deo Gloria!

Erin Torkelson
e.torkelson@gmail.com

Kate Roe
kateroe@gmail.com

Justin Madsen
madsju01@luther.edu

Class Notes
AUDREY ANDERSON is the program officer for Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

ELISABETH (JOHNSON) and KYLE BARLOW live in Omaha, Neb. Elisabeth is a registered nurse at Methodist Hospital. Kyle earned a master’s degree in business administration and a juris doctorate from Creighton University. He is an associate at Carlson and Burnett.

JOSH BLESSING is a cardiovascular perfusionist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

SARAH COWING is a production assistant for the Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C.

AMANDA DAHLSENG is youth pastor at Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Algonquin, Ill.

BRANDON FLAATA is the lead management specialist at Polaris Industries in Plymouth, Minn.

JENNA GIESEKE is the associate director of the sustaining fund at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

GAOXUE (HER) STOPPEL is a student accounts representative for inactive accounts at Regency Beauty Institute in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

BRIE (KUNKEL) IVERSON is the interim program director at Upper Missouri Ministries in Epping, N.D. In the summer of 2012, she cycled across the country with Cycle4aCause. The trip from Oregon to Maine took 64 days and connected Brie with members of congregations in order to raise research dollars for the American Cancer Society.

LINDSEY JOHNSON earned a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of North Texas in Denton.

JEREMEY KLEIN is the assistant director of admissions at the Art Institutes International of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

SHAYNA LARSEN-NORDIN is a school counselor for the Fort Dodge (Iowa) Public Schools.

ANDREA (JOHNSON) and ALEX MIERAU live in Minnetonka, Minn. Andrea earned a doctorate in physical therapy from St. Catherine University in Minneapolis. Alex is supervisor of purchasing for Polaris Industries.

CASEY RIGDON earned a juris doctorate from Drake University. He is an associate attorney for Dunakey and Klatt in Waterloo, Iowa.

TONYA ROBERTS earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from St. Ambrose University. She works as an occupational therapist at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

SARA VELDEN is a genetic counselor at ARUP Laboratories in Salt Lake City.

CODY WEBB is an environmental health and safety specialist for P.O.E.T. Productions in Preston, Minn.

Marriages
ALYSIA LAWSON and BRIEN COFFIELD, Aug. 13, 2011
MEGAN HELDERMAN and BLAKE HUMPAL, July 14, 2012
SEAN KEENAN and ERIN LUNDE '10, Aug. 4, 2012
ELIZABETH LEICHT and John Mason, Nov. 1, 2009
ANDREA JOHNSON and ALEX MIERAU, Sept. 1, 2012
JANET DOBYNS and TIM MUNDELL, July 13, 2012
JULIA JENKINS and JOE OLYNYK '10, Sept. 2, 2012
SHANNON BROCKSHUS and STEVE ROSAS, Sept. 21, 2012
MEGAN ARNESON and Munch Sherman, Sept. 22, 2012
ERIN OTT and Josh Sinram, Sept. 1, 2012
ALICIA WOLBER and Daniel Grindle, June 30, 2012

Don't forget your Annual Fund giving! 
Each year nearly 9,000 alumni, parents, and friends support the Annual Fund with gifts from $5 to $50,000. Strong support from alumni helps Luther secure additional funds from foundations and corporations, and your gift each year helps us reach our goal of 27% alumni giving.  Here’s how your class—and surrounding classes—did in 2012: