Heritage Club
Established in 1978, the Luther College Heritage Club is an informal organization for those persons who have been moved by their interest in Luther to make provisions for future gifts to the college. The Heritage Club is a way for donors with this common interest to meet one another, share their interest in Luther, and perhaps find other shared interests.
The Heritage Club is also a symbol and an inspiration. Because planned gifts are so vitally important to the future of Luther College, and because membership in the club is only for those persons who have made planned gifts, the Heritage Club is a symbol of the importance Luther places on this kind of commitment. It also serves as an inspiration for others to make similar gifts and join this important group. The Heritage Club is one way Luther says “thank you” to all those who have made the college a part of their future. We are extremely grateful for your support and dedication.
Donor Recognition Event 2024
New Heritage Club Members 2023
Anonymous
Kristi Aarsby-Kail ’01 and Joshua Kail ’01
Alicia Anderson ’86 and Robert Skelly
David Aspenson ’84 and Susan Aspenson Murray ’85
Christian Carron ’84 and Victoria Carron
Makayla (Marinack) Dahleen ’16 and Jacob Dahleen
James Eckblad and Jane Eckblad
Ron Gesme ’73
Eric Grube and Patricia Grube
Nori (Greenlee) Hadley ’97 and Ross Hadley ’95
Aaron Hoffland ’12
Edward Johnson ’75 and Jean (Williams) Johnson ’77
Jon Lee ’62 and Stefani (Monson) Lee ’62
Caryn Mahaffay ’91 and Christopher Sundberg ’93
Sherri (Breit) Messerschmidt ’90 and Ken Messerschmidt
Janet (Rawson) Metcalfe ’73 and John Metcalfe ’71
Mary (Runningen) Monsted ’73 and T. Scott Monsted
Roland Peaslee
Hamlet Peterson ’54 and Suzanne Peterson
Catherine Powers ’73 and David Bower
David Ringdahl ’81 and Annette Ringdahl
Jerry Roppe ’73 and Diane Roppe
Paula (Chell) Scott ’87 and Erik Scott
Patricia Smith ’74
Daniel Solomon ’82 and Elizabeth (Hedlund) Solomon ’83
Richard Thompson ’73 and Brenda (Helm) Thompson ’73
Stephanie Tomlin ’09
Cristin (Grant) Waterbury ’00 and Robert Waterbury
Jane Wiemerslage ’83
Heather (Buckner) Wilensky ’06 and Joseph Wilensky
Rolland Wilson ’60 and Sharon (Jacobson) Wilson ’60
Theresa (Neill) Woods ’87 and Brent Woods
Heritage Club Members Making Additional Planned Gifts 2023
William Johnson
Ross Kurth ’05
Kymberly Oltrogge ’83 and James Dodrill
Susan Sorlien ’73 and Thomas Jones
Hal vonBohnhoff ’68
Pioneer Memorial Award
The Pioneer Memorial was built to honor the Norwegian pioneers who had the vision to establish Luther College and the determination and strength to build it. This stone memorial was erected on campus in 1936 by alumni and friends for Luther’s Diamond Jubilee. Also honored on the large pillar at the front of the Pioneer Memorial is Laur Larsen, one of the principal leaders during the college’s first 50 years. Because of the significance of the Pioneer Memorial to the history of the college, it was chosen as the symbol for the Luther College Heritage Club.
The Pioneer Memorial Award was established in May 1988 to recognize those individuals whose vision and commitment have moved them to provide for Luther College’s long-range needs through planned gifts. The award honors individuals who have characterized the spirit of the Heritage Club and have served to inspire others through their generous support. Just like Laur Larsen and other early leaders of the college, recipients of this award have been judged to have the vision of continued success for Luther College.
A full list of Pioneer Award Recipients can be viewed here.
The 2022 Pioneer Memorial Award recipient was James Field ’54, click here to read the citation.
Contact Information
Kelly A. Sorenson, CGPP
Director of Planned Giving and Operations
Phone: 563-387-1066