Part of the Nena Amundson estate gift to Luther supports a competitive distinguished professorship, awarded biennially to a faculty member through evaluation of project proposals by a selection committee.

Special consideration is given to proposals that focus on health and wellness issues for women, as they were central to Amundson's career. A 1956 graduate of Luther, Amundson taught physical education and coached women’s athletics for more than 40 years, primarily at California Lutheran University, and was a pioneer in collegiate women’s sports programs.

The Amundson Award provides a faculty stipend of $5,000, a student stipend of $2,500, and $2,500 for the research project. The award is renewable up to one year.

Recipients

2001-04

Betty Hoff - Health and Wellness

2004-06

Nancy Barry - Revising the Body:  Inside the Cancer Classroom

2006-2008

Lea Pickard - Health and Wellness of Latina Immigrants in Postville, IA

2008-10

Wanda Deifelt - Embodying the Student Body

2010-12

Karla Suomala - Boundary Crossing:  Searching for Wholeness in a Multifaith World

2012-14

Angela Kueny - Women's Role in Amish Community Forgiveness