Homecoming Schedule of Events

Subject to change:

8:45 A.M.- 4:45 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN

9 A.M. – 6 P.M. / MAIN LOUNGE, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
REGISTRATION

10:30 A.M. / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
Speaker: Rev. Peter Kowitz ’98, Pastor, Decorah Lutheran Church
Music: Collegiate Chorale, Dr. Adrianna Tam, Director
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

11 A.M.-12 NOON. / IMPACT COFFEE, UPSTAIRS
101 West Water Street, Decorah
CLERGY AND COLLEGE MINISTRIES ALUMNI COFFEE
Hosted by the Luther College Office for College Ministries
This is a gathering for alumni clergy, alumni who were active in college ministries, and their guests/partners. Coffee and treats are provided, so head right upstairs and join us! RSVP appreciated. Email ministry@luther.edu or call 563-387-1040.

11 A.M. / NOBEL ROOM, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING 

11:45 A.M. / NOBEL ROOM, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
ALUMNI COUNCIL LUNCHEON

1 – 4 P.M. / CONFERENCE ROOM, LOYALTY HALL
ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING RESUMES

3 – 5 P.M. / ONEOTA MARKET AND TERRACE, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
CLASS OF 1973 (50-YEAR) RECEPTION

4:30 P.M. RECEPTION / LOBBY, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
5:30 – 6:30 P.M. PRESENTATION / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
CELEBRATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND AWARD PRESENTATIONS
2023 Honorees: Emerald-Jane (Aggrey-Appiah) Hunter ’03; Stephanie Spear Filigno ’98; Jill Blockhus ’88; Callista (Bisek) Gingrich ’88; Joan (Schneider) Schatz ’88; Ken Abraham ’73; Denny Amundson ’73; Patricia (Holtorf) Branstad ’73; Janet (Purmort) Tollund ’73; Michael Ruzek ’68; Dennis ’63 and Ann (Henningsgaard) Christ ’66; Leonard Myrah ’63.

7 P.M. UNTIL CLOSING / DOWNTOWN DECORAH
LUTHER COLLEGE CELEBRATES A NIGHT ON THE TOWN –
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY LUTHER STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
IMPACT COFFEE – Student a cappella groups: Beautiful Mess; Uptempo, and Undeclared
CONVERGENCE CIDERWORKS – Six Mile Grove with Brandon Sampson ’98, Brian Sampson ’01 and Barry Nelson ’01
PULPIT ROCK BREWING COMPANY – 7 P.M.: Holding Hemlock (Micah Miller ’23; Spencer Cameron ’24; and Jack Kates ’24 AND 8 P.M.: Emily Youel ’19

7 P.M. – 12 A.M.  / SHIRLEY BAKER COMMONS, BAKER VILLAGE
GAME NIGHT – BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND BLACK STUDENT UNION

7:30 – 8:30 P.M. / INDUCTION CEREMONY / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
8:30 P.M. RECEPTION/ ONEOTA MARKET/LOUNGE | DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
2023 Inductees: Shari Huber ’13; Alexander Eganhouse ’08; Jessica (Jewell) Tangen ’08; Tami Magner ’08; Elissa (Schmidt) Cohen ’08; Rick Isaacson ’03; Matthew Reinsmoen ’98; Katie (Anderson) Ness ’93; Marta Floyd ’88; and Coach Doug Mello
Athletics Meritorious Service Award: Karl Magnuson ’78

7:30 P.M. / NOBLE RECITAL HALL | JENSON HALL OF MUSIC
MUSIC IN THE SHAPE OF A PEAR: That 1973 Concert
Featuring student, staff, faculty and community members performing a wide range of songs from 1973.

7:30 P.M. / JEWEL THEATRE, CENTER FOR THE ARTS
THEATRE PRODUCTION: Underground Radio Theatre of the Air: Killers from Outer Space

8:30 – 10:30 P.M. / MARTY’S, LOWER LEVEL, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
JAZZ BAND AND JAZZ ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE
Juan Tony Guzmán ’90, conductor

Subject to change:

8 A.M. – 4 P.M. / MAIN LOUNGE, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
REGISTRATION

9 A.M. – 5 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN

9 A.M. – 5 P.M. | LOBBY, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
Class Ring Promo: $30 off 10k, $50 off 14k, and $100 off 18k class rings! Visit with Luther’s Jostens representative to learn more and to place your order This is also a great time to resize or have your ring repaired. 

9:30 A.M. / RECITAL HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
PHI BETA KAPPA SYMPOSIUM ON THE LIBERAL ARTS
Liberating Wisdom and the Liberal Arts – Rev. Jonathan Strandjord ’74

10 A.M. / WATER STREET TO CAMPUS
HOMECOMING PARADE
Grand Marshal: Adrianna Tam, Assistant Professor of Music and Faculty Advisor to the Asian Students and Allies Association, celebrating 40 years

10 – 11 A.M. / ROOM 206, VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE
50TH ANNIVERSARY HOSLETT MEMORIAL LECTURE
Sleight of Wing:  How Shorebirds Thwart Their Enemies – Tex A. Sordahl ’73, Luther College professor emeritus of biology

11 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. / SAMPSON HOFFLAND LABORATORIES ATRIUM
SCIENCES RECEPTION | Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Physics, and Psychology

11 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. / VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE, ADJACENT TO ROOM 271
HOSLETT MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

11 A.M. / RECITAL HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
IRONSIDE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LECTURE IN NURSING
Thriving – Allison (Smith) Jones ’03, BA-N, RN, NBC-HWC, Health and Wellness Coach

11 A.M. / AQUATIC CENTER, REGENTS CENTER
ALUMNI SWIM MEET

11 A.M. / RUGBY PITCH
ED JOHNSON ’71 ALUMNI RUGBY MATCH

11 A.M. RECEPTIONS / 11:30 A.M. LUNCHEONS
CLASS REUNION RECEPTIONS/LUNCHEONS
Classes of 1948 (75-year), 1953 (70-year), and 1958 (65-year)—Nobel Room, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1963 (60-year)—Mott-Borlaug Rooms, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1968 (55-year)—Atrium, Center for the Arts **NEW LOCATION**
Class of 1973 (50-year)—Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union

11:30 A.M. – afternoon / ONEOTA MARKET, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
TAILGATING IN ONEOTA MARKET
Enjoy snacks, beer, and other beverages as you cheer on the Norse. Last call will be at the end of the 3rd quarter of the football game.

12 NOON -1 P.M. / ROOM 245, VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE
OPEN HOUSE | LUTHER COLLEGE NURSING SIMULATION CENTER 

1 P.M. / LEGACY FIELD, CARLSON STADIUM
FOOTBALL GAME VS. WARTBURG COLLEGE
Halftime: Recognition of Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, Class of 1973 (50-year) Reunion Class Gift Presentation

2 P.M. / LUTHER SOCCER PITCH
MEN’S SOCCER VS. WARTBURG COLLEGE
Following the men’s soccer game and prior to the women’s soccer game, the soccer alumni who are being inducted into the Hall of Fame (HOF) on Friday night of Homecoming will also be recognized (this is in addition to all HOF members being recognized at half-time of the football game)

2 – 4 P.M. / CITY TENNIS COURTS, DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL
ALUMNI & FRIENDS PICKLEBALL
Casual games, all abilities welcome. Some equipment will be available, but bring your own paddle if possible.

2:30 – 3:15 P.M. / MEET IN FRONT OF MAIN BUILDING
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES WALKING TOUR OF CAMPUS
Led by Mark Z. Muggli, Luther College professor emeritus of English

2:30 – 3:30 P.M. / WIGLEY-FLEMING GALLERY, CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION RECEPTION

3 – 4:30 P.M. / LOBBY AND NOBLE RECITAL HALL, JENSON-NOBLE HALL OF MUSIC
RECEPTION AND PROGRAM CELEBRATING TRIO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

CLASS REUNION RECEPTIONS/DINNERS
Class of 1973 (50-year)—5:30 P.M. Reception / 6:30 P.M. Dinner – Peace Dining Room | Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1978 (45-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Vesterheim Commons
Class of 1983 (40-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Impact Coffee
Class of 1988 (35-year)—6 P.M. Reception / 7 P.M. Dinner – Steyer Opera House | Hotel Winneshiek
Class of 1993 (30-year)—6 P.M. Reception / 7 P.M. Dinner – Silvercrest Golf and Country Club
Class of 1998 (25-year)—6 P.M. Reception / 7 P.M. Dinner – Oneota Golf and Country Club
Class of 2003 (20-year)—6 P.M. Reception –  KingPin Entertainment Center
Class of 2008 (15-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Convergence CiderWorks
Class of 2013 (10-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Upstairs Banquet Hall | T-Bock’s Sports Bar and Grill
Class of 2018 (5-year)—6 P.M. Reception – The Landing Market

7:30 P.M. / JEWEL THEATRE, CENTER FOR THE ARTS
THEATRE PRODUCTION:Underground Radio Theatre of the Air:Killers from Outer Space

Subject to change:

9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN

9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. | LOBBY, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
Class Ring Promo: $30 off 10k, $50 off 14k, and $100 off 18k class rings! Visit with Luther’s Jostens representative to learn more and to place your order This is also a great time to resize or have your ring repaired. 

10 A.M. / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
HOMECOMING WORSHIP
Preacher: Dr. Katherine A. Shaner ’98, Associate Professor of New Testament at Wake Forest School of Divinity
Organist: Alexander Meszler
Music: Aurora, Norskkor, Collegiate Chorale, and Cathedral Choir
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

1:30 P.M. / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
HOMECOMING CONCERT
Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Baldwin, conductor
Concert Band, Cory Near, conductor
Nordic Choir, Andrew Last ’97, conductor
Presentations:
Weston H. Noble Award: Jan (Bakker) Knutson ’78
Carlo A. Sperati Award: Gene Anderson ’63
Hemp Family Prize for Orchestral Performance (TBA)
Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award (TBA)

Luther College Book Shop (located on the main level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Friday, October 6: 8:45 to 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, October 7: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 8: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cafeteria (located in the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Meals are served continuously during open hours.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oneota Market (located on the main level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Features pre-made items, Impact Coffee, baked good, breakfast all day, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, and daily specials.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED

Nordic Brew (located in the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Features ice cream, coffee (including specialty coffees), bakery items, cinnamon rolls, and crepes.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Nordic Mart (located in the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Luther’s convenience store with cold drinks, snacks, health and wellness items, and household items.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 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 and 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 two of our favorite parks: Dunning’s Spring and Phelps Park.
• With nearly every storefront full, downtown Decorah is bursting with 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!

Special Exhibition
“Paj Ntaub Dab Neej” Flower Cloth of People and Customs: Hmong Story Cloth from the Luther College Anthropology Collection. 

View Decorah’s very own giant sea scorpion

Pentecopterus decorahensis, is on permanent display in the connecting hallway between Sampson Hoffland Laboratories and Valders Hall of Science. Available for viewing every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Art Alumni Exhibition | Center for the Arts, Wigley-Fleming Gallery

Gallery hours:
Friday, October 6: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 7: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: closed

Featured artists (subject to change):
Sam (Petersen) Shimota ’03
Kristen (Learman) Stengl ’08
Aaron Lurth ’08
Phoebe Jan-McMahon ’13
Robby Scott ’13
Emily Voss ’13
Rose Weselmann ’13
Hannah Tulgren ’18
Martha Hall ’18

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.

Take a tour through the museum’s latest addition, the beautiful Vesterheim Commons and enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s Heritage Park – scheduled daily at 1:30 p.m. (Please call ahead to confirm in case of tour change.) Find out more about Heritage Park here.

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).