40-Year Reunion

Registration for Homecoming 2026 is now open. Make plans to come back and register for your reunion today!

Friday, October 2

Distinguished Service Award Reception & Presentations

Congratulations to classmate Lance Bergstrom ’86 for receiving the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. Celebrate Lance’s recognition at the Distinguished Service Award reception on 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. Award presentation to follow at 5:30 p.m.

Class of 1986 Kick-off Gathering

7:00–9:00 p.m. | The Landing Market

Join the Class of 1986 Reunion Committee for a casual kick-off to start the weekend and catch up with classmates before the big reunion. Beverages from the Buzz, or a quick bite from Justin’s can be made to order.

Saturday, October 3

40-Year Reunion

Reception | 6:00 p.m. | Steyer Opera House, Hotel Winneshiek, Downtown Decorah

Celebrate your 40-year reunion with your 1986 classmates—the Saturday night reunion is the main event! Hearty hors d’oeuvres will be served. Wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

There is no formal dress code; we encourage you to dress as you like.

Be sure to take a look at the full Homecoming schedule of events to make the most of your weekend back at Luther!

This fall, your class will celebrate the foundational role Luther College has played in your lives and enjoy the connections you formed with each other. By making a gift in honor of your 40-year reunion, you also make a difference for today’s Norse seeking the same transformative experience you had. 

Thanks to the generosity of your classmates, your gift to the Luther Fund this year will go twice as far! Your contribution will make an immediate difference by supporting scholarships and financial aid, improving buildings and grounds, and creating new opportunities for student organizations and academics. 

The double match is available until met, up to $30,000. Gifts and multi-year pledges (up to five years) given to the Luther Fund will activate matching funds. 

Reunion matching challenge generously sponsored by: Michael Dorner ’86, Lisa (Villarreal) Johnson ’86 and Curtis Johnson ’84, and Brad Miller and Jane (Dalen) Miller ’86.

By making a gift in honor of your 40th reunion, you make a difference for today’s students seeking the same transformative experience you had.

What counts in my class gift?

• Outright donations (online, cash, check, stock transfers)
• New pledges (up to five years)
• Pledge payments made on existing pledges
• New planned gifts or increases on established planned gifts

How do I make a gift?

• Give online
• Give by mail: Loyalty Hall, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101
• Give us a call! 563-387-1862 or 800-225-8664

Thank you for your support of Luther College!

Thanks to the Class of 1986 40-Year Reunion Committee: Alicia Anderson, Carla (Meyer) Coleman, Chris Gade, Kate (Thronson) Hook, Judy Kittleson, Ragna Urberg

• Join your Class of 1986 Facebook Group! While you’re there, get in the reunion spirit by sharing photos and memories, and tagging classmates.
• Stay informed about reunion plans by making sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Luther alumni directory NorseConnect.