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Letter to Parents of First-Year Students

Fall 2009

Dear Parents of Luther First-Year Students,

Our students have experienced their very first months on Luther’s campus, and they are just beginning to encounter all that the college community has to offer.  We noticed that many parents were able to join their students for Family Weekend in September, as families picnicked, attended concerts, and even rearranged furniture together!  During that time, your Parents Council was hearing firsthand how Luther is going about taking care of our students.  Let us assure you, they are in good hands!  Each presentation we heard was a witness to the quality, commitment, and dedication Luther has in creating an environment that will not only educate students, but also transform their lives.

The 702 new students (657 first-year, 45 transfer) have picked a marvelous time to begin their journeys at Luther.  The campus has new signs; grounds beautification is complete; new and renovated buildings are ready for use; and the Luther calendar is overflowing with exciting programs, activities, and events.

Luther was recently invited to become the 14th member of the prestigious Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM).  ACM is a consortium of academically excellent, independent liberal arts colleges located between Chicago and Colorado Springs.  This recognition emphasizes Luther’s long history of excellence and is evidence of Luther’s reputation building, from the inside out.  ACM has been a leader since the early 1960s in providing off-campus study programs around the world for undergraduates, and it has a long tradition of collaboration among its member institutions in areas such as faculty development, information sharing, and innovation in teaching and learning.  For more information see www.acm.edu.

The “Panel Presentation for Parents” session provided information about the student experience at Luther.  Much was discussed; here are some highlights:

• Dining Services: The college changed to an outside food service vendor—Sodexo—in response to a dining services program review conducted by Luther.  The college is sensitive to the long lines students are experiencing in the cafeteria, and President Torgerson reassured us the concern is being addressed by all the appropriate people and a solution is in the works.  Your patience is appreciated.
• Career Center: Tools are available to help students investigate potential majors as well as explore careers.  Encourage your first-year student to get acquainted with the Career Center and all it has to offer.

• Residence Life: The 80 staff members are focusing on roommate contracts with each student, helping orient new students, and discussing issues of daily living.  A great resource for your student is his or her resident assistant (RA).

• Student Academic Support Center (SASC): This service is available to all students and is located in the lower level of Preus Library.   The center’s services include a writing center, weekly drop-in sessions, and one-on-one tutoring.  More information can be found at www.luther.edu/academics/sasc/.   

Keith Christensen, vice president for development, expressed his sincere gratitude--on behalf of all Luther staff and administrators--for the many gifts parents (current and past) have contributed to Luther--over $2.5 million in fiscal year 2008-09.  If you haven’t done so this academic year, please consider making a gift to the Luther College Annual Fund.  Your gift of any size reflects the value Luther parents place on investing in the lives of Luther students, and it enhances a myriad of student programs and funds scholarship support.  Your commitment to Luther students also gives the college leverage when seeking other outside support.  Thank you!

Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us on the Parents Council.  We would love to hear from you!

Sincerely,

     
Raymond ’80 and Carrie (Phipps) Harney ’82
Rochester, MN
raycarrie@charter.net

Mark and Regan Allen
Eagan, MN 
allenmrjke@aol.com

Linda (Larson) ’84 and Todd Kluge
Hudson, WI 
sno4fun@comcast.net

Mary and Cary Lewis     
Elmhurst, IL 
mary-lewis2008@att.net

  
Carter ’83 and Michele (Mertens) Stevens ’83
Denver, IA
Michele@young.phc.com

Mark and Paula Voss
Wausau, WI 
pvoss2@charter.net

2009-10 Dates to Remember
November 25-29        Thanksgiving vacation
December 3-6           Christmas at Luther
December 14-17        Final exams
January 4-27             January Term
February 3                Spring semester begins
April 2-5                   Easter vacation
May 15-19                Final exams
May 23                     Commencement

ROOTS AND WINGS

"There are but two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots, the other, wings."

Roots and Wings—how often we think about these gifts as we guide and nurture our children through those first years. As parents, we have a special mission.

The roots are planted as we help them establish a firm foundation for life, a definition of who they are and where they came from, the security of family and a sense of community.

The wings emerge as we gradually let them go, allowing them the freedom to fly-to take what they have learned and soar to new heights, to reach beyond existing boundaries, to seek and find their place in this world.

You should have a sense of pride. Under your watchful eye, your child has grown into a young adult with dreams and unlimited potential for the future. And now, you are allowing those dreams to live, by encouraging the opportunity for new growth at Luther College, an institution with deep roots and caring people to assist students as they pursue their dreams and realize their potential.

Please give your child "roots and wings." Support the Annual Fund through the Luther College Parents Association and enhance learning opportunities for all Luther students.