Homecoming Schedule of Events

8:45 A.M.–4:45 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN – JOSTEN’S REP AVAILABLE FROM 12–5

9 A.M.–5 P.M. / LOBBY, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
REGISTRATION

10 A.M.–7 P.M. / BOB AND ANN NASLUND SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER (SRC), REGENTS CENTER
RETIRED NORSE GEAR SALE
Visit with current student-athletes and browse the retired Norse gear, equipment, and uniforms for sale. Proceeds will go toward a hydrotherapy tub for the renovated athletic training space. Cash only.

10:30 A.M. / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
Speaker: Gabby Bizal ’25
Music: Cathedral Choir

11 A.M.–12 NOON / IMPACT COFFEE, UPSTAIRS, DOWNTOWN DECORAH
CONNECT WITH ALUMNI CLERGY AND COLLEGE MINISTRIES 

3–5 P.M. / ADDAMS LOUNGE, SECOND FLOOR, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
CLASS OF 1974 (50-YEAR) RECEPTION

4:30 P.M. / WOMEN’S / COURSE OUTSIDE REGENTS CENTER
5:15 P.M. / MEN’S / COURSE OUTSIDE REGENTS CENTER
CROSS COUNTRY VS. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE DUAL

4:30 P.M. / RECEPTION / LOBBY, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
5:30–6:15 P.M. / PRESENTATION / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
CELEBRATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND AWARD PRESENTATIONS
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Mike Voltmer ’74, Mary (Burbridge) Kreger ’79, Doug Knutson ’84, Ellie (Stack) Shaw ’94, Sam Yamoah ’04

7 P.M. / NOBLE RECITAL HALL, JENSON-NOBLE HALL OF MUSIC
“TURN IT UP TO 11” – THE 1984 CONCERT
Luther faculty, staff, student, and community musicians will perform a lineup of hit songs from the year 1984.

7 P.M.–12:00 A.M. / ONEOTA MARKET, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
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 / LOBBY, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Dave Happel – Meritorious Service; Merle Foss – Coach; Kara (Reiman) Cordes ’99; Kathie (Kempf) Grider ’99; Michael Jefferson ’04; Alec Bonander ’09; David McKay ’09; Janet (Dobyns) Mundell ’09; Rebecca (Girvan) Zellmer ’14; 1963 Football Team

8:30 P.M. / MARTY’S, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
JAZZ CONCERT
Jazz Orchestra, Juan Tony Guzman ’90, conductor

Homecoming events are subject to change.

8 A.M.–3 P.M. / LOBBY, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
REGISTRATION

8:30 A.M. / BOB AND ANN NASLUND SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER (SRC – WEST SIDE), REGENTS CENTER
LUTHER ALUMNI WRESTLING MEET

9 A.M. / BOB AND ANN NASLUND SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER (SRC), REGENTS CENTER
1963 HALL OF FAME COFFEE FOR MEMBERS & FAMILIES
This is a private gathering for members of the 1963 Hall of Fame and their families.

9 A.M.–5 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN – JOSTEN’S REP AVAILABLE

9 A.M.–11 A.M. / THE LANDING, 211 COLLEGE DRIVE (located next to Pulpit Rock Brewing)
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION HONORING SHERRY (BRAUN) ALCOCK ’82
Hosted by Pete ’81 and Kari ’84 Espinosa
Stop by and congratulate Sherry for her 33 years of dedicated service to Luther College! Mostly recently, Sherry served as the executive director of alumni relations, planning Homecoming events since 1990. Sherry and the Espinosas look forward to enjoying Ronnie’s Rolls with you and stepping out front of The Landing as the Homecoming Parade passes by.

9:30 A.M. / RECITAL HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
PHI BETA KAPPA SYMPOSIUM ON THE LIBERAL ARTS
“The Spirit is Moving: A Jazz Liturgy of Renewal” – Jon Ailabouni, ’10

10 A.M. / WATER STREET TO CAMPUS
HOMECOMING PARADE
Grand Marshal: Kris Agena, assistant professor of health and exercise science

10 A.M. / ROOM 206, VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE
HOSLETT MEMORIAL LECTURE
“Geography of Home” with Beth Lynch, professor emerita of biology

10 A.M. / HOVDE LOUNGE, PREUS LIBRARY
RECONNECT WITH PROFESSOR EMERITA NORMA HERVEY
A conversation on addressing the world’s tragedies with open eyes.

10 A.M.–FOOTBALL GAME HALF-TIME / BOB AND ANN NASLUND SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER (SRC), REGENTS CENTER
RETIRED NORSE GEAR SALE
Visit with current student-athletes and browse the retired Norse gear, equipment, and uniforms for sale. Proceeds will go toward a hydrotherapy tub for the renovated athletic training space. Cash only.

11 A.M.–12:30 P.M. / VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE (Adjacent to Room 271)
HOSLETT MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

11 A.M.–12:30 P.M. / ATRIUM, SAMPSON HOFFLAND
SCIENCES RECEPTION | BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, PHYSICS AND PSYCHOLOGY

11 A.M. / RECITAL HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
IRONSIDE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LECTURE IN NURSING 
Dr. Kirstin Manges Piazza ’10 PhD, MSHP, RN will share her scholarly work focused on patient-centered interventions and outcomes that align care with older adults’ priorities to ensure practice and policy reflect best evidence.

11 A.M. RECEPTIONS / 11:30 A.M. LUNCHEONS
CLASS REUNION RECEPTIONS/LUNCHEONS
Classes of 1949 (75-year), 1954 (70-year), and 1959 (65-year)—Nobel Room, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1964 (60-year)—Mott-Borlaug Rooms, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1969 (55-year)—Main Floor Atrium, Center for the Arts
Class of 1974 (50-year)—Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union

11:30 A.M. / ONEOTA MARKET AND TERRACE, DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
LUTHER FOOTBALL TAILGATE
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.

12 NOON–1:00 P.M. / ROOM 245, VALDERS HALL OF SCIENCE
NURSING SIMULATION CENTER OPEN HOUSE

12 NOON–2:00 P.M. / ROCK HOUSE (611 CENTER ST.)
ALPHA BETA PSI (ABY) ALUMNI MIXER

12 NOON–2 P.M. / LUTHER BOOK SHOP
ALUMNI BOOK SIGNING: Carol Hagen ’82, author of How Many Kransekaker?!

12 NOON – 4:00 P.M. / BOOK SIGNING AND GIVEAWAY / LUTHER BOOK SHOP
1:30 – 2:15 P.M. / EDITOR’S DISCUSSION / ROOM 112, MAIN
BOOK LAUNCH: SAGAS OF LUTHER COLLEGE: NORWEGIAN AND LUTHERAN IDENTITIES PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Join us for the launch of Sagas of Luther College, a collection of personal stories exploring how a Luther education shapes individuals, navigates challenges, and fosters service to others and the earth. The pieces reflect on Luther’s Norwegian and Lutheran identities, past, present, and future.

1 P.M. / LEGACY FIELD, CARLSON STADIUM
FOOTBALL GAME VS. NEBRASKA WESLEYAN
Halftime: Recognition of Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, Class of 1974 (50-year) Reunion Class Gift Presentation

2–4 P.M. / LUTHER BOOK SHOP
ALUMNI BOOK SIGNING: Dave Ellingson ’69, author of Mekong River Adventure and Noticing: Poems and Pictures from Everyday Life

2:30–3:30 P.M. / WIGLEY-FLEMING GALLERY, CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ALUMNI ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION
Gallery hours: 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

3–5 P.M. / BAKER COMMONS, BAKER VILLAGE
CIES COOKOUT
Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) for an afternoon cookout. Food and drinks provided. All are welcome!

3–6 P.M. / FARWELL HALL, 8TH FLOOR LOUNGE
TAU DELTA GAMMA ALUMNI MIXER

4 P.M. / MAIN GYM, REGENTS CENTER
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. LORAS COLLEGE

CLASS REUNION RECEPTIONS/DINNERS
Class of 1974 (50-year)—5:30 P.M. Reception / 6:30 P.M. Dinner – Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union
Class of 1979 (45-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Vesterheim Commons
Class of 1984 (40-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Impact Coffee
Class of 1989 (35-year)—6 P.M. Reception / 7 P.M. Dinner – Steyer Opera House, Hotel Winneshiek
Class of 1994 (30-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Atrium, Center for the Arts, Luther Campus
Class of 1999 (25-year)—6 P.M. Reception / 7 P.M. Dinner – Oneota Golf and Country Club
Class of 2004 (20-year)—6 P.M. Reception –  King Pin Entertainment Center
Class of 2009 (15-year)—6 P.M. Reception – Ballroom, Hotel Winneshiek
Class of 2014 (10-year)—6 P.M. Reception – T-Bock’s Upstairs 
Class of 2019 (5-year)—6 P.M. Reception – The Landing Market

9:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M. / DAHL CENTENNIAL UNION
BOOK SHOP OPEN – JOSTEN’S REP AVAILABLE

10 A.M. / MAIN HALL, CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE
HOMECOMING WORSHIP
Rev. Kristen Corr Rod ’04, preaching
Rev. Melissa Bills, presiding
Alexander Meszler, organist
Music: Aurora, Norskkor, Collegiate Chorale, Cathedral Choir, and Brass Ensemble
Alumni are welcome to join in song with the First Lutheran Church Choir on Reformation Sunday, led by Mark Potvin ’01. A brief rehearsal for the song, “God is Our Refuge and Strength” will take place from 9:15 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. No special attire necessary. All are welcome. Contact potvin@luther.edu with questions.

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: David Judisch, professor emeritus of music
Carlo A. Sperati Award: Dr. Justin Knoepfel ’04
Hemp Family Prize for Orchestra Performance: Mark Severtson ’24

Homecoming events are subject to change.

Luther College Book Shop (located on the main level of Dahl Centennial Union)
Friday, October 25: 8:45 to 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, October 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 27: 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 2 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. We’ve got some ideas:

• Hit the Luther Book Shop to stock (or restock) your Luther gear.
• Check-out the Gausta exhibit in the Dahl Centennial Union Gallery. Gausta is perhaps the best-known of the Norwegian-American painters, born in Telemark, Norway (1854), he emigrated to America with his family, settling on a farm near Harmony, Minnesota. Gausta entered Luther College in 1872 but left for Norway three years later on a stipend provided by the community of Decorah under the leadership of U.V. Koren. He returned to Decorah and taught at Luther College during the 1886-1887 academic year.  There are almost 60 paintings by Gausta in the Fine Arts Collection, and a sampling will be on view in the Dahl Union Gallery. Dahl Union Gallery Hours: 8am-10pm throughout the weekend.
• Take a look at the view of the Valley from the deck of Dahl Centennial Union.
• Visit the following exhibit in the library: Changing Landscapes: Native American Students and Luther College in the 1940s-1950s.
  Curated by Lydia Gruenwald ‘25, in collaboration with Anna Peterson (History), Destiny Crider (Anthropology and Museum Studies), Hayley Jackson (Archives).
• 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 Springs 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!

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).