Homecoming Schedule of Events

Homecoming events are subject to change

Book Shop Hours

8:45 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Jostens representative available in-person

During Homecoming weekend, all 10K and 14K Luther rings are $75 off! This is also a great time to resize or have your ring repaired.

Registration

9 a.m.– 5 p.m. | Lobby, Dahl Centennial Union

Homecoming Chapel

10:30 a.m. | Main Hall, Center for Faith and Life

Clergy and College Ministries Alumni Coffee

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Impact Coffee, Downtown Decorah

All alumni clergy and college ministries alumni, as well as partners/families, are invited to gather for fellowship and conversation upstairs at Impact Coffee (101 W. Water Street). Coffee and treats provided—come right up and join us!

Walking Campus Tour with Professor Emeritus David Faldet ’79

1 p.m. | Front entrance, Dahl Centennial Union

This 45-minute walking tour of campus will deepen your sense of Luther’s connection to place, review college history, and feature a walk-through of buildings likely constructed since your graduation.

Class of 1976 50-Year Afternoon Class Reception

3 — 5 p.m. | Addams Lounge, Dahl Centennial Union

Launch into the weekend by gathering informally with your 1976 classmates. This popular open house style event is a wonderful time to mingle and reconnect! There is no cost to attend. Light refreshments provided.

Gerdin Fieldhouse Tour

4 p.m. | Lobby, Gerdin Fieldhouse

All tours will begin in the main lobby. Guests and visitors are welcome to walk through the facility at other times on their own if tour times do not align with schedules.

Book Signing with Peg Brenden ’76 and Sheri Brenden ’81

4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Book Shop

Break Point tells the inspiring true story of two Minnesota high school girls whose fight for the right to compete in boys’ sports led to a landmark legal victory that helped advance gender equality in school athletics across the United States. Peg and Sheri’s book, Break Point is available for purchase in the book shop.

Celebration of Distinguished Service and Award Presentations

4:30 p.m. | Reception | Lobby, Center for Faith and Life
Light appetizers and cash bar will be available
5:30 p.m. | Ceremony | Main Hall, Center for Faith and Life

Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients:

Myrna Kay (Olson) Peterson ’71

Thomas Coon ’76

Ron Larson ’76

Bill Friskics-Warren ’81

Dr. Lance Bergstrom ’86

Heather (Schacht) Reisinger ’96

Jason Zabokrtsky ’96

Lonnie Norwood Jr. ’06

Student Game Night, sponsored by the Black Alumni Association and Black Student Union

7 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Oneota Market, Dahl Centennial Union

Classes of 1981 and 1986 Reunion Kick Off Gathering

7 p.m. | The Landing Market

Join the Classes of 1981 and 1986 for a casual kick-off to start the weekend and catch up with classmates before Saturday reunion celebrations. Beverages from the Buzz can be made to order, and Mabe’s pizzas will be available.

Class of 2001 Kick-off Gathering

Elk’s Lodge | 7:00 p.m.

Join your 2001 Reunion Committee and friends for a casual kick-off gathering at the Elk’s Lodge in downtown Decorah. Live music provided by Mark Willard, from Grunge Unplugged. Cash bar available. Come and mingle before the big celebration on Saturday!

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

7:30 p.m. | Induction Ceremony | Main Hall, Center for Faith and Life
8:30 p.m. | Reception | Lobby, Center for Faith and Life
Light appetizers and cash bar will be available

View award citations on the Norse website.

Congratulations to the 2026 Hall of Fame Class:

John Den Hartog ’91 – football and baseball

Brooke Hagen ’01 – women’s tennis

Thane Holland ’01 – football, men’s track and field

Lauren Boleen ’11 – women’s track and field, volleyball

Lexy Determan ’11 – softball

Tricia Serres ’16 – women’s cross country, track and field

Clare Slagel ’16 – women’s swimming and diving

Drew Van Anrooy ’16 – men’s wrestling

Brian Huinker – Coach – men’s and women’s tennis

Jazz Night

8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Marty’s, Dahl Centennial Union

Join SAC, Luther’s Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz Band conducted by Tony Guzman ’90 for a fun night of music and dancing.

Luther College Night on the Town

Visit downtown Decorah for great restaurants, shops and special events. Check out area attractions and information at visitdecorah.com.

Book Shop Hours

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Jostens representative available in-person

During Homecoming weekend, all 10K and 14K Luther rings are $75 off! This is also a great time to resize or have your ring repaired.

Registration

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lobby, Dahl Centennial Union

Gerdin Fieldhouse Tours

9 a.m. and 10 a.m. | Lobby, Gerdin Fieldhouse

Guests and visitors are welcome to walk through the facility at other times on their own if these tour times do not align with schedules.

Phi Beta Kappa Symposium

9:30 a.m. | Recital Hall, Center for Faith and Life

Anna Fett ’12 will present “American Brotherhood for the World: Interfaith Dialogue, Christian-Jewish Relations, and U.S. Empire.”

Homecoming Parade

10 a.m. | Downtown Decorah, Water Street to campus

Parade organized by Student Activities Council. Parade route begins at the intersection of State and Water Street. Martha Haugerud, instructor of education, will be Grand Marshal. Groups interested in participating in the parade can sign up using this form.

Hoslett Memorial Lecture

10 a.m. | Room 206, Valders Hall of Science

Hoslett Museum Open House

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Valders Hall of Science (adjacent to Room 271)

Luther Swimming and Diving Alumni Meet

11 a.m. | Aquatic Center, Gerdin Fieldhouse

Men’s Soccer

11 a.m. | Soccer Field

Luther vs. Lake Forest College

Tau Delta Gamma Alumni Mixer

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Koren 217

Tri-O Alumni Mixer and Tailgate

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Gerdin Fieldhouse Parking Lot

Hot dogs and water provided. BYOB!

Reunion Luncheons

11 a.m. Receptions | 11:30 a.m. Luncheons

Classes of 1951 (75-year), 1956 (70-year), and 1961 (65-year) | Mott-Borlaug Rooms, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1966 (60-year) | Nobel Room, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1971 (55-year) | Main floor atrium, Center for the Arts
Class of 1976 (50-year) | Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union

Sciences Reception: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Nursing, Physics, and Psychology

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Atrium, Sampson Hoffland Laboratories

Luther Football Tailgate

11:30 a.m. | Oneota Market and Terrace, Dahl Centennial Union

Selling an assortment of craft and domestic beer, wine, a variety of soda and
beverages, and snacks. Last call will be at the end of the third quarter of the
football game. Open to all!

Beta Theta Omega Alumni Mixer

12:00 — 1:30 p.m. | 8th floor lounge, Farwell Hall

Join Beta Theta Omega alumni and current sisters for light refreshments to celebrate 25 years at Luther College.

Homecoming Carnival, sponsored by SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council)

12 – 2:30 p.m. | Decorah Community Tailgate Plaza, Gerdin Fieldhouse

Alumni and students are welcome to attend the carnival, featuring multiple student club booths, Sugar Bowl ice cream, and a dunk tank.

NEIA Rugby Match

12:30 – 2:30 | Rugby Pitch, Lower Campus

Football Game

1 p.m. | Legacy Field, Carlson Stadium

Luther vs. Illinois College

Women’s Soccer

1:30 p.m. | Soccer Field

Luther vs. Lake Forest College

Book Signing with Janet Preus ’71

1:30–3:30 p.m. | Book Shop

Preus’s debut historical true crime novel, The Thirteenth Crime: The Ghosts of Injustice in Frontier, Otter Tail County, is told with a reporter’s eye for story and a sleuth’s nose for the incriminating detail. “The Thirteenth Crime” is a collection of stories, connected by their crimes, about how a rural county in frontier America dealt with violence and death, the free press, harassment and abuse, mental health, grief, alcoholism and drug use, skilled defense attorneys, ethnic loyalties, population growth, and the ghosts—real or imagined—that haunt us to this day.

Alumni Art Reception

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Wigley-Fleming Gallery, Center for the Arts

Gallery hours will be open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout Homecoming weekend.

Luther Social Work Program Reception

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 2nd Floor, Koren

2026 marks 50 years since Luther’s Social Work Program was first accredited. Celebrate the “semi-centennial” of the Luther College Social Work Program with faculty, staff, social work alumni and current students! Cake and light refreshments will be served.

CIES Cookout

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Baker Commons

Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) for an afternoon cookout. Food and beverages provided. All are welcome!

Evening Class Reunions

For more information, visit the class reunions page
Please note: reunion locations are subject to change
Class of 1976 (50-year) Reception & dinner | 5:30 p.m. | Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1981 (45-year) Reception | 5 p.m. | Vesterheim Commons
Class of 1986 (40-year) Reception | 6 p.m. | Steyer Opera House, Hotel Winneshiek
Class of 1991 (35-year) Reception | 5 p.m. | Sampson Hoffland Laboratories, main floor atrium
Class of 1996 (30-year) Reception | 5 p.m. | Center for the Arts
Class of 2001 (25-year) Reception | 5 p.m. | Impact Coffee
Class of 2006 (20-year) Reception | 6 p.m. | Lobby, Gerdin Fieldhouse
Class of 2011 (15-year) Reception | 6 p.m. | Oneota Market, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 2016 (10-year) Reception | 6 p.m. | T-Bock’s Upstairs
Class of 2021 (5-year) Reception | 5 p.m. | The Landing Market

Book Shop Hours

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Jostens representative available in-person

During Homecoming weekend, all 10K and 14K Luther rings are $75 off! This is also a great time to resize or have your ring repaired.

Homecoming Worship

10 a.m. | Main Hall, Center for Faith and Life

Campus Pastor Melissa Bills presiding, guest worship speaker Susan Tjornehoj ’76

Alumni and guests attending Homecoming worship are invited to sing with a pickup choir—all are welcome! Join Luther music students for a brief rehearsal at 9:10 am on Sunday, October 4, in the CFL Main Hall. No attire requirements. Copies of the score “For this Joy” by Susan LaBarr – score & recording will be available on arrival. Questions? Contact Dr. Mark Potvin: potvin@luther.edu.

Homecoming Concert

1:30 p.m. | Main Hall, Center for Faith and Life

Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, and Nordic Choir to perform

Award Presentations

Weston H. Noble Award – Wayne Kivell, ’61

Carlo A. Sperati Award – Sócrates Garcia, ’06

Hemp Family Prize for Orchestral Performance to be announced at the concert

Book Shop 

Friday, October 3 | 8:45 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Saturday, October 4 | 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Sunday, October 5 | 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.

Parking Information

Visitor parking available throughout campus. View a comprehensive list of lots and parking map here.

The Caf (located in the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union)

Meals are served continuously during open hours.
Friday | 7:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m.
Saturday | 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday | 10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Oneota Market (located on the main level of Dahl Centennial Union)

Featuring snacks, beverages, pre-made items, Impact Coffee, breakfast all day,  sandwiches, and daily specials.
Monday – Friday | 7:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Saturday Tailgating hours | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday | CLOSED

Nordic Brew

Featuring pastries and specialty coffee drinks, located on the main level of Dahl Centennial Union
Homecoming weekend hours

Friday, October 2: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 3: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 4: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Things To Do

In addition to catching up with all things Luther and participating in events on campus, you may be wondering what you might do in Decorah. We’ve got some ideas:

• Hit the Luther Book Shop to stock (or restock) your Luther gear.
• Take a look at the view of the Valley from the deck of Dahl Centennial Union.
• Check out downtown Decorah and take advantage of the restaurants, ice cream and pizza joints, coffee shops, and sports bars both downtown and in the surrounding area, many owned by Luther grads, offering a wide variety of cuisines from all over. We recommend reservations at most places – call ahead to check for sure!
• Pack your hiking shoes or bicycles (you can also rent bicycles)! You can hit the trails early and still make lunch! With miles and miles of trails over the rolling hills as well as up into the bluffs, you can really get lost in this part of the Driftless Region. We also recommend visiting some of Decorah’s most loved parks—Dunning Springs and Phelps Park.
• Downtown Decorah has a variety of unique retailers, offering nearly everything you might need to check some things off your holiday shopping list (no, it’s not too early). Clothing stores, gift shops, arts and crafts suppliers, candle shops, a food co-op, bookstores, and much more!

Vesterheim Museum

Open daily | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Downtown Decorah

Exploring Vesterheim’s Main Building with its four floors of incredible artifacts is a delight. Wandering at your own speed, you can linger for as long as you wish at your favorite pieces. Learn more about planning a visit at Vesterheim.org.

Good to know: In 1877, Norwegian Americans began collecting and preserving objects at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, documenting their chapter of the immigrant story, making them pioneers in the preservation of cultural diversity in America. That early collection has grown into one of the most comprehensive museums in the United States dedicated to a single immigrant group—Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, now an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).