Luther College

CANCELED-Faculty Artist Series: Miko Kominami, piano
2025-10-11 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
This event has been canceled.
Luther College faculty member Miko Kominami will perform a recital at 4:00 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Luther Cross Country Kent Finanger Invite in Waseca, MN.
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:30
Visit the Luther college norse website

Decorah Pride Parade and Party in the Park
2025-10-11 | Downtown Decorah
Got Pride? Got Luther? Let’s March!!! Put on your favorite Luther gear and march in the Decorah Pride Parade on Saturday, October 11. Show your support and Luther spirit! Contact cies@luther.edu to sign up. The parade will end at the Party in the Park.
Please see Decorah Pride’s website for complete details about all events.

Afrobeat Party in Marty's
2025-10-10 20:00 - 23:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
AfroNorse invites you for a night of nonstop vibes, dancing, and culture! The hottest Afrobeats, Amapiano tracks, and more will keep the floor moving all night. Come ready to dance, connect, and celebrate the rhythm of Africa and the diaspora.

Chapel
2025-10-10 10:30 - 10:50
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Speaker: Arin Kyllo ’26
Music: Nordic Choir and student guests
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Coming Out Day Tabling
2025-10-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Williams Lounge, 1st floor
Celebrate Coming Out Day with us at the Union Lobby. Our all-day tabling event will provide a supportive and informative space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Engage with resources, learn about the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and show your support for equality and acceptance.

Faculty Artist Series: Mike James, guitar
2025-10-09 19:30 - 20:30 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Luther College faculty member Mike James will perform a recital in the Noble Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Moon Fest
2025-10-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Farwell Lounge, (8th floor)
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Lunar calendar, is a popular harvest festival celebrated in China and many Asian countries. This year, it falls on Oct. 6 and we celebrate it on Oct. 9. Come to enjoy delicious moon cakes and fragrant tea. You will have a fun time playing Chinese games and learning about Chinese culture. This is a public event open to everyone.
Co-sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and Asian Student Association and Allies (ASAA).

Note Taking Techniques
2025-10-09 17:15 - 17:45, 2025-10-08 19:00 - 19:30 | Preus Library, Hovde Room
Students will learn different ways of taking notes to incorporate into their current academic routine.

Emeriti Colloquium: Graveyard Art: Reading Phelps Cemetery
2025-10-09 15:00 - 16:30 | Baker Commons
Presenter: Lindsey Row-Heyveld

Men's Soccer vs Loras College
2025-10-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Luther Soccer Field

Women's Soccer vs Loras College
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Chapel
2025-10-08 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Praise and Worship Chapel
Music: Tuesday Night Discipleship
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

CSC Plant Giveaway
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:30 | Valders Greenhouse Path
The Center for Sustainable Communities invites you to come pick up your very own houseplant anytime from 10 a.m – 12:30 p.m. There is a limit of one plant per person. We can’t wait to see you there!
Rain location: Valders Concourse

Lifelong Learner Seminar: Presidential Speeches: Visions of the Good Polity
2025-10-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Loyalty Hall, Board Room
The Lifelong Learner Seminars offer an opportunity for local alumni and friends, and area residents to enjoy academic programming at Luther College and engage in meaningful, scholarly dialogue in a college setting.
The four-week sessions are held Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–noon in Loyalty Hall on the Luther College campus.
Learn more about the sessions and register

PRIDE Crafts Night
2025-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Oneota deck
Luther PRIDE hosts craft night for the Luther community to color, make friendship bracelets, and chat with friends before the kickoff to Decorah Pride.

Latines Unides and Allies Launch
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Main 112
Come join us and learn about Latines Unides! We’ll have food, music, games, and prizes! All are welcome to come participate in English or Spanish.

Women's Volleyball vs. University of Dubuque
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Decorah High School

Evening on the Upper Iowa
2025-10-07 17:00 - 19:15
Join Rec Services for a beautiful fall paddle on the Upper Iowa River! Open to faculty, staff, and students.
Sign up to receive full trip detials

Council for Faith and Life (CFAL)
2025-10-07 09:45 - 10:45 | Center for Faith and Life, Qualley Lounge
Visiting Lutheran Bishops from Namibia and Angola will visit the regular meeting of the Council for Faith and Life for informal conversation on Tuesday, October 7 at 9:45 a.m. in Qualley Lounge.
Council for Faith and Life (CFAL) is a student advisory board that works with the Office for College Ministries to advocate for and create religious, interfaith, and spiritual opportunities on campus and in the community.
The mission of the Luther College Council for Faith and Life is to create space for spiritual expression and exploration across campus. We strive to be a community that engages in interfaith dialogue, advocates for social justice, and supports diverse partners at the intersection of faith and learning.
All are welcome.
Meets:
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
9:45 a.m.
Qualley Lounge (CFL)

Emmaus: Communion at the Close of the Day
2025-10-06 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-29 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-22 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-15 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-08 20:00 - 21:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
College Ministries invites you to Emmaus, our weekly communion service held Monday evenings at 8 p.m. in the CFL Recital Hall.
We’ll sing Holden Evening Prayer and share communion. Even if communion isn’t a regular part of your church or religious tradition, you are more than welcome to join us, even just for the beautiful music! All students, staff, faculty, and community members are welcome.

Visiting Lutheran Bishops from Namibia and Angola
2025-10-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
Meet and learn from four distinguished bishops from Namibia and Angola, as they share their experiences in justice work, community building, and faith leadership in southern Africa. There will be a presentation and moderated discussion on Monday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the CFL Recital Hall (all are invited to stay for Emmaus evening communion at 8:00 p.m.).

Royal Visit 2025: Celebration Convocation - CFL Main Hall
2025-10-06 13:15 - 14:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Tickets available at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life or at tickets.luther.edu.
Watch via livestream
learn more

Royal Visit 2025: Public Dedication & Ribbon Cutting, Vesterheim Commons
2025-10-06 11:15 - 11:45 | Vesterheim Museum Commons
learn more

Fika [coffee+treats]
2025-10-06 10:30 - 10:50, 2025-09-29 10:30 - 10:50, 2025-09-15 10:30 - 10:50, 2025-09-08 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Front Steps
College Ministries invites you to join us during chapel break for coffee and treats on the CFL front steps. This is a great way to start the week!
Chapel programming is also held each Wednesday and Friday morning from 10:30-10:50 a.m. in the CFL Main Hall. A variety of speakers and musical ensembles from across traditions are featured in chapel services. All are welcome.
For more on College Ministries

Blessing of the Animals
2025-10-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Front Steps
St. Francis showed great love for all creatures. Join us as we celebrate on campus with a blessing of the animals on the CFL steps on Monday, October 6 from 10:00-11:00 am. Drop by with your pet, a picture of your pet, or a stuffed animal representative, and Pastor Melissa will offer them a special blessing. Treats will be available for humans and animals alike!

RESCHEDULED for Oct. 13 - Flupalooza
2025-10-06 09:30 - 14:00
This has been moved to Oct. 13 in the Norse Lounge.

Homecoming Concert: Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Nordic Choir
2025-10-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Symphony Orchestra, Dennis Friesen-Carper, conductor
Concert Band, Cory Near, conductor
Nordic Choir, Andrew Last ’97, conductor
Presentations:
Weston H. Noble Award
Carlo A. Sperati Award
Hemp Family Prize for Orchestra Performance
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Homecoming Worship
2025-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Worship on campus as we celebrate Homecoming and the gift of the Luther community.
Music by Aurora, Norskkor, Collegiate Chorale, and Cathedral Choir
Alumni and guests are invited to sing in a pickup choir that will perform during service. Those interested in participating are welcome to meet for a brief rehearsal at 9:10 A.M. on Sunday in the CFL main hall. No attire requirements. Copies of the score “Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace,” by Mary McDonald will be available. For advanced preparation, you can review these learning tracks. Questions? Contact Dr. Mark Potvin.
watch via livestream

1984, from the novel by George Orwell
2025-10-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Center for the Arts, Jewel Theatre
This stage adaptation of Orwell’s novel depicts a totalitarian society where the government exercises complete control over its citizens through surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth and language.
In the weeks leading up to the performance, tickets will be available at tickets.luther.edu and at the ticket office located in the Center for Faith and Life.

Book Signing with Mary Thompson (’75)
2025-10-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Book Shop
Join Mary Thompson (’75) for a book signing of her new release, Adventures of Coco Mia: Lost. What happens when a beloved furry friend goes missing? Find out in this heartwarming tale, inspired by a true story.
View the homecoming schedule of events

Tau Delta Gamma Alumni Mixer
2025-10-04 15:00 - 18:00 | Farwell Lounge, (8th floor)
Celebrating 70 years of sisterhood and service. Not a Tau Delt alum? Friends and family are welcome.
Admission is $5. RSVP for this event.

CIES Homecoming Cookout
2025-10-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Baker Commons
Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) for an afternoon cookout. Food and drinks provided. All are welcome!
View the full homecoming schedule

Alumni Art Exhibit Reception
2025-10-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Center for the Arts, Wigley-Fleming Gallery
Featuring current and recent works by Art Alumni: Carly Ellefsen ‘15, Iris Cäzilia D’Cruz ‘20, Brian Perry ‘05, Maeve Gathje ‘15, Jacob Mans ‘05.
View the full homecoming schedule

Luther Football vs Wartburg College
2025-10-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Legacy Field, Carlson Stadium
Visit the Luther college norse website
View the full homecoming schedule

Art Show: Oil Paintings by Ashley Dull '05
2025-10-04 12:30 - 14:30 | Dahl Centennial Union Art Gallery
“Twenty years after my first art show, which was homecoming as a senior at Luther, this show represents the profound impact and roots that Luther College has had in shaping the art I create.”
View the full homecoming schedule

Homecoming Carnival
2025-10-04 12:00 - 14:30 | Farwell Lot
All are invited to this homecoming carnival, hosted by various clubs and organizations on campus! Come and enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, exciting entertainment, football, and plenty of prizes! We’ll have: cotton candy, soda, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, matcha, magic tricks, Sugar Bowl ice cream, meat sticks, games, pie-in-the-face, and so much more!
The Homecoming Carnival is a great way to connect with friends, alumni, meet new people, and celebrate the amazing energy of our campus community. Whether you come for the tasty treats, the magic tricks, or simply to watch football and enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone!

Nursing Simulation Center Open House
2025-10-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Valders Hall of Science, 245
View the full homecoming schedule

Luther Football Tailgate
2025-10-04 11:30 - 16:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Oneota deck
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.
View the full homecoming schedule

Ironside Distinguished Alumni Lecture in Nursing
2025-10-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
Mike Anderson ’99, Chief Operating Officer at Heartland Anesthesia & Consulting to present.
Watch via livestream

View the full homecoming schedule

Sciences Reception
2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Sampson Hoffland Laboratories Atrium
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Physics, and Psychology
View the full homecoming schedule

Hoslett Museum Open House
2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:30
Valders Hall of Science, adjacent to room 271

Swimming and Diving Alumni Meet
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Luther College Aquatics Center
Join the current Luther Swim & Dive team to celebrate, swim and dive! Format includes mixed relays, 50s of stroke, 100 IM, 50, 100, 200 freestyle and diving.

Hoslett Memorial Lecture
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Valders Hall of Science, 206
“We have come a long way baby! – Genetic counseling in the era of fetal therapies”, Karrie Theoharis ‘00, Fetal Center at Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University
View the full homecoming schedule

Luther Homecoming Parade
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Water Street to Campus

Phi Beta Kappa Symposium
2025-10-04 09:30 - 10:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
Erin VanLaningham ’96 will present “Hard Times and Great Expectations: Literature and the Call to the Good Life.” Reception in Qualley Lounge to follow.
watch via livestream

Yoga with Angie Spartz '00, Certified Yoga Instructor
2025-10-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Farwell Clearing (Preus Library Lawn)
Start the day with a free yoga session, beginners welcome. Wear comfortable clothes to move in; yoga mats are optional. Bring your own, or enjoy the grass beneath you.

Alumni Art Exhibition
2025-10-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-29 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-25 08:00 - 17:00 and 8 more dates | Center for the Arts, Wigley-Fleming Gallery
This exhibition is on display in the Wigley-Fleming Art Gallery located in the Center for the Arts building (CFA) from Sept 15 -Oct 4 featuring current and recent works by Art Alumni: Carly Ellefsen ‘15, Iris Cäzilia D’Cruz ‘20, Brian Perry ‘05, Maeve Gathje ‘15, Jacob Mans ‘05. The Gallery is open weekdays 8am-5pm.
Please join us Saturday during homecoming weekend for the Reception: Saturday Oct. 4 @ 2:30 p.m. in the Wigley-Fleming Art Gallery, in the Center for the Arts.

Jazz Night at Marty's
2025-10-03 20:30 - 22:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
Join SAC, Luther’s Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz Band for a fun night of music and dancing.
View the full homecoming schedule

Reception, Athletic Hall of Fame
2025-10-03 20:30 - 21:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Front Lobby

Inaugural Night On The Town
2025-10-03 19:30 - 22:00
Enjoy Decorah’s great restaurants, shops, and special events.
The Footnotes will lead Scandinavian dances at the Vesterheim Commons patio, 520 West Water Street (rain location Vesterheim Commons) from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Student acapella groups will perform at The Landing at 211 College Drive, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
View the full homecoming schedule

Induction Ceremony, Athletic Hall of Fame
2025-10-03 19:30 - 20:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Congratulations to this year’s inductees:
Dave Lee ’80 – Football
Gene Adams ’00 – Wrestling
Holly (Wendt) Crowser ’00 – Softball
Matt Louder ’00 – Men’s Soccer
Leah (Schmitt) Taylor ’00 – Women’s Tennis
Jeff Patzke ’05 – Wrestling
Katie (Dolan) Gerber ’10 – Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field
Michael Pettengill ’10 – Men’s Swimming & Diving
Tiffany (Kruse) Rave ’10 – Softball
James Garcia-Prats ’14 – Men’s Soccer
Warren Berg ’48 – Sports Information Director, Meritorious Service Award (Warren’s children will be accepting on his behalf)
Watch via livestream

View the full homecoming schedule

Game Night with the Black Alumni Association and Black Student Union
2025-10-03 19:00 - 23:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Oneota Market
Board games, Mabe’s pizza, and a cash bar will be available. This event is open to all.
View the full homecoming schedule

Celebration of Distinguished Service and Award Presentations
2025-10-03 17:30 - 18:15 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their contributions of service:
Allan Solomonson ’60
Linda (Olson) Bieri ’75
Michael Goze ’75
Perran Wetzel ’79
Lorretta Wetzel ’80
Esther Menn ’80
Ray Harney ’80
Erika (Barth) Cottrell ’95
Ryan Nilsestuen ’05
View the full homecoming schedule

Reception, Distinguished Service Awards
2025-10-03 16:30 - 17:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Front Lobby

Book Signing with Michael Osterholm, The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics
2025-10-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Book Shop
Join Michael Osterholm PhD, MPH (’75) in the Book Shop Friday, October 3 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. for a signing of his newest release, The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics.

Dr. Michael Osterholm is a renowned epidemiologist, public health expert, and has been on the global front lines of some of the worst public health crises of our time.

Walking Campus Tour: "Place, History, and Innovation"
2025-10-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Meet in Front of Dahl Centennial Union
All are welcome to join faculty emeritus David Faldet ’79 for a walking tour of upper campus.
View the full homecoming schedule

Inauguration Ceremony for President Brad Chamberlain
2025-10-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The official inauguration ceremony of Luther College’s 12th President, Dr. Brad Chamberlain, will take place as part of an expanded chapel service at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. A reception will follow. Both events are free and open to the public.
Watch via livestream
View the full homecoming schedule

Homecoming
2025-10-03 08:00 - 2025-10-05 17:00
View the homecoming schedule of events

Open Mic Night at Marty's
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
Get ready to take the stage! Join us for a fun-filled evening of live performances at our Open Mic Night. Whether you’re a musician, poet, comedian, or have a unique talent, this is your chance to shine! Prizes for the top performers!

Luther Women's Tennis vs University of Dubuque
2025-10-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts
Venue may be subject to change due to weather. For the latest visit the Luther College Norse website.

Chapel
2025-10-01 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Speaker: Paul Hemenway, career coach and curriculum integration manager
Music: Aurora
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

NASA: Bystander Intervention Training
2025-09-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott Room
Norse Against Sexual Assault invites you to this bystander intervention training. The session is interactive and will include many chances for questions, comments, and small group discussion.

Luther College Live
2025-09-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Admissions Visit Center
Join admissions counselors and current students for an introduction to all things Luther College.
This 50-minute virtual event will highlight Luther’s unique opportunities like J-term and study-away, as well as our amazing location in Decorah, Iowa. Most important, though, will be your chance to talk with current students, who can answer your questions about academics, athletics, music, dorm life, dining options, and more.
If you’re curious about Luther College, start with a virtual visit. There’s room for everyone here.
The event will be held on Zoom.
Register Now for Luther College Live

Women's Volleyball vs. Coe College
2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Decorah High School

Fall Career Expo - STEM, Accounting, & Business
2025-09-30 09:30 - 13:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Williams Lounge, 1st floor
The Fall Career Expo is your chance to meet employers, explore internships, and find future career paths. Whether you’re in STEM, accounting, business, or another major—this event is for you!

Poster Vision Sale
2025-09-30 09:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-29 09:00 - 18:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
Poster Vision is a woman-owned social enterprise that partners with hundreds of campuses nationwide for engaging and exciting pop-up events. They run large-scale turnkey pop-up poster sale events on college campuses. They are based in Greenville, SC and believe a Poster Sale should be a space that offers representation for all students. Their events include a wide selection from smash hit classic posters, to fresh-off-the press artist prints. They also partner with young artists all over the world, using their platform to bring artists work to their generation in print form. And all of their signed artists are paid a direct percent of sales. How cool?! Stop by to pick out something for your dorm room, immerse yourself in the experience, or with the holidays around the corner, buy something for your family and friends!
This is a two day event: Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Faculty Artist Series: Xiao Hu, piano
2025-09-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Luther College faculty member Xiao Hu will perform a recital at 7:30 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Women's Soccer vs University of Wisconsin - River Falls
2025-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Merry Makers Idea Meeting
2025-09-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Koren 117
The Merry Makers are Luther’s skit comedy club and clown troupe, and to make people merry we need to know what makes YOU laugh! If you have an idea for a funny joke, skit, skill to learn, or something completely out there that no one’s thought of yet, we want to hear it! Ideas encouraged, but not required – snacks are provided.

Owl at Home, A Children's Opera
2025-09-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Center for the Arts, Jewel Theatre
“Owl at Home” is a charming musical retelling of the beloved book by Arnold Lobel – in which the well-meaning but slightly confused Owl experiences simple domestic adventures like making tear-water tea, being afraid of the bumps in his bed, and trying to be in two places at once.
This is a new work composed and written by Luther faculty members Brooke Joyce and Bobby Vrtis and is especially geared toward children— pre-K-4th grade. All are welcome!
In the weeks leading up to the performance, tickets will be available at tickets.luther.edu and at the ticket office located in the Center for Faith and Life.

Luther Women's Tennis vs Simpson College
2025-09-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts

That 1975 Concert
2025-09-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Featuring songs by Glen Campbell, David Bowie, The Four Seasons and more! Performed by Luther students, faculty, staff and Decorah community members.
Free and open to all.

Men's Soccer vs University of Wisconsin - River Falls
2025-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Luther Women's Tennis vs Central College
2025-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts

Chapel
2025-09-26 10:30 - 10:50
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Blessing for Student Musicians and Artists
Speaker: Mark Potvin, assistant professor of music
Music: Concert Band
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Explore Luther Day
2025-09-26 09:00 - 14:00 | Admissions Visit Center
Explore Luther Day puts you right in the middle of our campus community.
It’s a day of discovery. Activities include:

The Exploring Majors Fair with a full menu of opportunities.
A Student panel where real students take the mic.
Campus tours, because you have to see this place for yourself.
Breakout sessions like Experiential Learning, Music Is for Everyone, Student Life Round-Robin, and Visual and Performing Arts.
Optional bonus activities, including athletic coach meetings, one-on-one admissions and scholarship questions, and a street-level experience in downtown Decorah.

It’s time to explore your Luther story.

Register Now for Explore Luther Day

Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Conference
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-27 | Luther College Campus
Are you working to advance sustainability and inclusivity on a higher education campus? Join us to explore how we can take action together while we learn from incredible keynote speakers, presentations, interactive workshops, art installations, and more.
UMACS welcomes everyone who wants to create a culture of sustainability and inclusivity within higher education and broader community in the Upper Midwest, regardless of their campus role, background or identity. We seek to work together to meet the needs of all people without harming future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
Register for UMACS

Tau Delta Gamma Fall Tea
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Davidson Møteplass
Tau Delta Gamma (TDG) invites you to our Fall Tea information session. Come learn about all things TDG!
(The Davidson Møteplass are the firepits between the CFL and Ylvisaker)
please fill out our interest form

CANCELED - CIES Monthly Movie: A Million Miles Away
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Valders Hall of Science, 206
This event has been canceled.
Inspired by the true story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, “A Million Miles Away” follows him and his devoted family of migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. The movie is free. Snacks will be provided.

Panel about Graduate School in Music
2025-09-25 09:45 - 10:45 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Orchestra Room
If you are considering applying for graduate school in music this year or in the future, or if you want to hear about our panelists’ experiences as graduate students, please attend. Our panelists are recent or current graduate students in performance, musicology, music theory, and composition graduate programs. This is an informal Q and A session, so please come with questions.
The panel consists of Luther alum, Zane Larson ’19, who is a PhD Candidate in Musicology at University of Iowa, and holds a MA in Music Theory from Florida State University; Dr. Anoushka Divekar, Assistant Professor (Music), who holds a DM in Clarinet Literature and Performance from Indiana University, and a MM in Clarinet Performance from Texas Tech University; and Luther alum and Adjunct Professor (Music), Madeline Starck ’23, who holds a MM in Music Theory/Composition from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
This is an in-person event and will not be live streamed.

Zane Larson ‘19, “Semper Fi, Do or Die”: Hegemonic Masculinity in the Musical Dogfight
2025-09-24 19:30 - 20:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
This lecture focuses on the musical Dogfight (2012) by Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land composer-lyricist duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The musical is set in San Francisco during the midst of the Vietnam War and focuses on a group of marines who spend their last night before deployment causing havoc in the name of sadistic hypermasculine entertainment. Acts of violent misogyny from individual marines cause ingroup fighting that challenges their personal conceptions of what it means to “be a man” despite their adherence to traditional norms of American masculinity. The narrative of the musical thus translates Vietnam War era masculinity to modern audiences and utilizes the stage as a space for exploration of male gendered performance in musical theater. Using a broad range of methodologies to examine the lyrics, musical score, narrative, staging, costuming, critical reviews, and interviews, Zane Larson will construct the varied ways that masculinity is performed in this musical. He will argue that the presentation of the marines as a socially dominant whole is challenged by individual marines’ performances of masculinities that are not in accordance with masculinity norms. Furthermore, Larson will demonstrate how those who occupy the status of a non-socially dominant masculinity experience gender panic resulting in violent action by means of misogyny and homophobia. This violence occurs as those situated outside of the normative boundaries of masculinity attempt to reconstruct perceptions of their masculinity to fit societal expectations of American military service members in both Vietnam and contemporary eras.
Zane Larson is a PhD candidate in Musicology at the University of Iowa. He received his Bachelor’s in vocal performance with an education minor from Luther College ’19, and a Master’s in Music Theory from Florida State University. Zane’s primary research areas are musical theater, pop music, film music, and gender and sexuality studies. Zane has presented his research on musicals at CUNY’s Graduate Students in Music Conference, on Hyperpop at Harvard’s Graduate Music Forum, and on Leonard Bernstein at the National American Musicological Society meeting in Denver in 2023. Zane’s current publications include work on Women’s Clubs in Iowa and the musical A Strange Loop, which was nominated for the Society for Music Theory’s Public Facing Scholarship Award in 2024 and the American Musicological Society’s Philip Brett Award in 2025.

Chapel
2025-09-24 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Preacher: Pastor Melissa Bills
Music: Nordic Choir
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Lifelong Learner Seminar: The Bach Cantatas II
2025-09-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Loyalty Hall, Board Room

Keynote Lecture: Jimmy Patiño —"Our Oppressions are One, Our Dreams are One: Chicano Movement Solidarities with Black and Red Power"
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall
Jimmy Patiño, University of Minnesota associate professor in Chicano and Latino studies, will delve into the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and outline its connection to the struggles of African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and American Indians against racism and economic exploitation. Patiño will also discuss how Chicano and Latino activists viewed the liberation of Black and Native peoples as essential to lasting social change.
The lecture is free and open to the public.

Alpha Beta Psi Fall Tea
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Peace Dining Room
Join us to learn more about Alpha Beta Psi and who we are as a sorority. There will be ice cream sundaes for everyone! The tea will be held in Peace Dining Room in the Union.

Faculty/Staff Session with Jimmy Patiño
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott Room
Bring your lunch to this brown bag session titled “Sustaining the Work: Solidarity as a Long-Term Institutional Practice.” This session examines how sustained cross-cultural alliances can be embedded into policies, curriculum, and community partnerships, ensuring that equity work thrives beyond a single event or initiative.

Student Session with Jimmy Patiño, Director, Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Minnesota
2025-09-23 09:45 - 10:45 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott Room
This session titled “Building Bridges: Leading with Inclusivity across Differences” equips students with tools to lead diverse teams, mediate tensions, and create initiatives that unite communities.

Young Adults in Global Mission Brown Bag Lunch
2025-09-22 11:30 - 13:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Borlaug Room
Learn about Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) at a Brown Bag Lunch in Borlaug from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Monday, September 22. YAGM is a program for ELCA young adults ages 21-35 that provides a transformative, year-long journey in international service. Brita Fagerlund, a representative from YAGM, will share her experience with the organization and discuss opportunities that are available.
Bring your lunch and join us in the Borlaug meeting room (Union) on Monday, September 22 to learn more!

Fika [coffee+treats]
2025-09-22 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Front Steps
College Ministries invites you to join us during chapel break for coffee and treats on the CFL front steps. This is a great way to start the week!
At this Fika, you’ll have a chance to learn more about Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). YAGM is a program for ELCA young adults ages 21-35 and provides a transformative, year-long journey in international service. Brita Fagerlund, a YAGM representative, will be at Fika to share her experience with the organization and opportunities that are available.
Chapel programming is also held each Wednesday and Friday morning from 10:30-10:50 a.m. in the CFL Main Hall. A variety of speakers and musical ensembles from across traditions are featured in chapel services. All are welcome.
For more on College Ministries

Equestrian Club Open House
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00
AMF Équitation
2538 307th Ave
Ridgeway, IA.
Join us for our fall open house! The open house is a fundraiser to help support the cost of horses and the equestrian club as we hope to compete in the ISHA circuit this spring. This event will offer the opportunity to take a guided horse ride around the arena, pet the horses, learn more about horses, and groom ponies. Riding ponies will cost $5, along with other donations.
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Family Weekend Disc Golf Outing
2025-09-21 13:00 - 14:30
LC Disc Golf Club will hold our second tournament of the semester this weekend. It will be a standard three bracket tournament, free for all. Bring your friends, bring your families, and enjoy a fun afternoon disc golfing! We have discs for everyone.
Meet below Towers at tee pad 1, right across from Lindeman Pond

Sustainability Tour
2025-09-21 11:15 - 12:15 | Meet in Front of Dahl Centennial Union
Join the Center for Sustainable Communities for a student-led sustainability tour of campus.
Meet in front of Dahl Centennial Union.
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Family Weekend Worship Service
2025-09-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Center for Faith and Life
Students, families, and guests are welcome to join the Luther community for this service of worship and communion.
Preacher: Melissa Bills, Director of College Ministries and College Pastor; Music: Nordic Choir
Watch via livestream
view the full Family Weekend schedule

SAC Hop Soda Shoppe
2025-09-20 20:30 - 22:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
Come cool off with free soda and ice cream at the SAC Hop Soda Shoppe during Family Weekend. Join us for another great year of music and dancing with live music by Luther’s Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Band! Students and their families, faculty, and staff are all welcome.
Hosted by the the Student Activities Council (SAC)

Family Weekend Concert: Cathedral Choir | Collegiate Chorale | Symphonic Band | Norskkor | Aurora
2025-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Luther College Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Symphonic Band, Norskkor, and Aurora will perform in the Center for Faith and Life.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

view the full Family Weekend schedule

Explorers Connection Program Kickoff Ceremony
2025-09-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Peace Dining Room
The Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support will kick off the Explorer’s Connection Program with a ceremony during Family Weekend. The ceremony is for all participants to connect and begin their journey together.

Women's Soccer vs University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
2025-09-20 14:30 - 16:30 | Luther Soccer Field

Ballroom & Swing Family Weekend Showcase
2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Center for the Arts, 219 (CFA Studio 2)
Join the Luther College Ballroom & Swing Team for a Family Weekend showcase. Members of our competitive team, from newcomers to our most advanced dancers, will give a demonstration of both smooth and rhythm dances in which we compete. We look forward to displaying our vast array of talented ballroom dancers and showing off what our newcomers have learned in just a few short weeks. We will end the showcase by inviting friends and family to join us on the floor to learn the basic moves for Hustle, a popular social dance that is easy to both teach and learn, and enjoy some social dancing for all ages and experience levels.
All are welcome!
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Luther Football vs Central College
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Legacy Field, Carlson Stadium

River Trip on the Upper Iowa with Recreational Services
2025-09-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Outside Main Entry
Students and their families are welcome to join rec services for Canoeing and Kayaking down the Upper Iowa river! Come cool off and explore Decorah from the water. Meet in front of the Union at 1 p.m. and we will start on campus and end at Palisades. Boats, lifejackets, paddles and transportation back to campus will be provided. Please register to reserve a boat and record your lifejacket size. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet and sturdy shoes/sandals that can get dirty. All skill levels are welcome!
view the full family weekend schedule

Family Weekend Concert: Jazz Orchestra and Concert Band
2025-09-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Luther College Jazz Orchestra and Luther College Concert Band will perform a concert in the Center for Faith and Life.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

view the full Family Weekend schedule

Showcase Lunch with Bon Appétit
2025-09-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Cafeteria
Families are invited to enjoy a showcase of Luther’s new fresh and local seasonal flavors with Cafe Bon Appétit, offering an expanded menu and a galore of tasty made-from-scratch items. The lunch will be provided by Bon Appetit, Luther’s new dining partner.
view the full family weekend schedule

Secrets of the Library Mini Escape Room
2025-09-20 10:30 - 16:30 | Preus Library, room 212
Through rumors and whispered stories from other students, you’ve heard that someone recently hid a mysterious “key” somewhere in Preus Library. As you follow the clues, you are led to Group Study Room 212. What answers await within? Can you discover this hidden key?
30-minute time-slots available for small groups/families.
sign up
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Lawn Games hosted by Student Senate
2025-09-20 10:30 - 14:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Outside Main Entry
Student Senate will host lawn games in front of the Union.
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Luther Trails Hike
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Meet in Front of Dahl Centennial Union
Come for a leisurely hike on the trail system through Luther’s native habitats, including oak woodlands and tallgrass prairies. Luther land stewardship interns will talk about their stewardship work that maintains and improves the quality of our natural areas, including tree plantings, prairie and woodland management, and ongoing projects such as non-native invasive species control. This is a great approximately 90-minute hike for those who want to enjoy the fall weather and native habitats in Iowa’s driftless region. Wear footwear appropriate for light hiking.
Meet in front of Dahl Centennial Union (hike will begin promptly after group gathers at 10 a.m.)
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Experiential Learning Showcase - Oral Presentations
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott/Borlaug
Please note: in addition to the presentation, posters will be displayed throughout the first floor of Sampson Hoffland and Valders Concourse all weekend.
Experiential learning is an integral part of a Luther education. Internships and research are two popular avenues for students to pursue experiential learning. This showcase includes a variety of internships and research projects completed by Luther students from September 2024 through summer 2025. The goal of the Showcase is for students to share what they are learning and experiencing beyond our campus, increasing awareness of these valuable opportunities for fellow Luther students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college. Learn more.
view the full Family Weekend schedule

Coffee in the Union
2025-09-20 08:30 - 09:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Williams Lounge, 1st floor
Luther’s Parent and Family Council invites parents and families to start the day by enjoying some coffee and mingling with one another. President Brad Chamberlain and his wife, Julie (Torkelson) Chamberlain ’96, also parents to two Luther students will be there too!
view the full family weekend schedule

"30 Years and Ten Surprises: A Teaching Life at Luther"
2025-09-19 19:30 - 20:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott/Borlaug
Emerita English Professor Nancy K. Barry will reflect on ten reasons why Luther can change a student’s life for the good.
Mott-Borlaug Room, Dahl Centennial Union
view the full family weekend schedule

River Trip on the Upper Iowa with Recreational Services
2025-09-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Outside Main Entry
Students and their families are welcome to join rec services for Canoeing and Kayaking down the Upper Iowa river! Come cool off and explore Decorah from the water. Meet in front of the Union at 4:30 p.m. and we will start on campus and end at Palisades. Boats, lifejackets, paddles and transportation back to campus will be provided. Please register to reserve a boat and record your lifejacket size. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet and sturdy shoes/sandals that can get dirty. All skill levels are welcome!
view the full family weekend schedule

Chapel
2025-09-19 10:30 - 10:50
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Speaker: Aaron Zander, assistant coach/assistant aquatics director
Music: Cathedral Choir
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Family Weekend
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-21
Learn more and see the schedule of events

Bingo Night with the Inter-Greek Council
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
Come win prizes at Bingo Night hosted by the Inter-Greek Council for YOU!

Experiential Learning Showcase: Poster Session
2025-09-18 09:45 - 10:45 | Sampson Hoffland Laboratories Atrium
This poster session showcases a variety of internships and research projects completed by Luther students over the past year. It’s a great opportunity to explore how your classmates are engaging in learning beyond the classroom—whether through hands-on internships, collaborative research, or other real-world experiences. Come get inspired, ask questions, and start imagining the types of experiential learning (EXPL) opportunities you might pursue during your time at Luther. Learn more.

"Windows of Praise, Prayer, and Supplication," a Recital of Music for Organ and Trumpet
2025-09-17 19:30 - 20:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Carrie Groenewold and Richard Neckermann present “Windows of Praise, Prayer, and Supplication,” a recital of music for organ and trumpet.

Women's Soccer vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

CELT: Communicating the “Why” in your courses
2025-09-17 13:30 - 14:30 | Valders Hall of Science, 242 – CELT Conference Room
This workshop is all about understanding and developing our “why” so that we can communicate it effectively to our students to increase engagement. Our individual “whys” include: why we teach, why we study a certain topic or discipline, and why we assign certain activities, assignments and assessments. Communicating the “why” is a hands-on workshop in which participants will brainstorm and write for the majority of the hour.
Register for this workshop

Chapel
2025-09-17 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Music Feature:
Join us for a special music feature in Chapel on Wednesday. Carrie Groenewold is a professor of music, university organist, and director of keyboard activities at Dordt University. Richard Neckermann is the principal trumpet of the Southwest Michigan Symphony and the Battle Creek Symphony. Groenewold and Neckermann are visiting Luther as part of the annual organ and church music residency.

All are welcome to attend.
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Celebrate Constitution Day
2025-09-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Williams Lounge, 1st floor
Keeping with Luther’s commitment to the liberal art of citizenship, all are invited to participate in our annual Constitution Day activity in the Union lobby. Carly Foster’s Constitutional Law class will share Constitution-themed games and information, and Preus Library can offer guides to other excellent learning opportunities. Constitution Day is the national holiday celebrating the signing of the United States Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787.

NASA Open House
2025-09-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott/Borlaug
Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA) invites your to our open house to to talk about all things NASA, including sex education, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships. Get to know your exec board and get insider info for our events for the year!

CANCELLED - Faculty Artist Series: Deborah Gover, soprano
2025-09-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Luther College faculty member Deborah Gover will perform a recital in the Noble Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Eats, Education and Engagement: Festival of Hispanic Cultures
2025-09-16 17:00 - 19:00 | The Landing, Decorah
Join us for Eats, Education, and Engagement featuring cuisine from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for college students and children (17 years old and younger). Reservations are not required.
This event is a partnership between the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) and The Landing Market.

CELT: GenAI: Human-Centered Assignments in an AI World
2025-09-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Valders Hall of Science, 242 – CELT Conference Room
In this workshop, participants will learn best practices to center human skills and values in assignments to make them more resilient in an AI world. They will also work together to brainstorm ways to incorporate human-centered values like communication into their assignments. Participants are encouraged to bring a sample assignment that they would like to begin revising in the session.
Register for this workshop

Council for Faith and Life (CFAL)
2025-09-16 09:45 - 10:45 | Center for Faith and Life, Qualley Lounge
Council for Faith and Life (CFAL) is a student advisory board that works with the Office for College Ministries to advocate for and create religious, interfaith, and spiritual opportunities on campus and in the community.
The mission of the Luther College Council for Faith and Life is to create space for spiritual expression and exploration across campus. We strive to be a community that engages in interfaith dialogue, advocates for social justice, and supports diverse partners at the intersection of faith and learning.
All are welcome.
Meets:
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
9:45 a.m.
Qualley Lounge (CFL)

Blood Drive hosted by the Black Student Union
2025-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Mott/Borlaug
The Black Student Union is hosting a blood drive and needs your support. Donating blood is a simple way to make a big difference in our community. Don’t miss out—sign up today to secure your spot and make an impact that truly matters.
SIGN UP TO DONATE

Faculty Artist Series: Camille Balleza, piano
2025-09-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Luther College Staff Collaborative Pianist Camille Balleza will perform a piano recital in the Noble Recital Hall at 2 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Student Senate PAINT WAR—Battle of the Classes
2025-09-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Farwell Clearing (Preus Library Lawn)
Students, join Student Senate for this Battle of the Classes on the library lawn! Students will be divided by class year, assigned a paint color, and given a white sheet. The goal is to have your sheet as clean as possible at the end of the battle while attempting to make the other class’s sheets as colorful as possible. Buckets of paint and water balloons will be spread across the library lawn; each class will receive the same number of water guns to fill with paint. The war goes on until we run out of paint and water balloons. To participate, just show up! You will be asked to fill out a small form for liability.

Edwin Andereck Studio Alumni Recital
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
The Edwin Andereck Studio Alumni Recital will take place in the Noble Recital Hall at 2 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Luther Men's Tennis Alumni Meet
2025-09-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts

Luther Women's Tennis Alumni Meet
2025-09-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts

Festival Latino of Cedar Rapids - Day Trip with CIES
2025-09-13 09:15 - 18:30
Join The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (CIES) for a day filled with connections, music, food and celebration. The Festival Latino embraces all of South American and Latin American culture. This year’s festival entertainment will feature mariachi music. CIES is organizing transportation from campus to Cedar Rapids. Leave time is 9:15 a.m., and the group will return to campus around 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required; please sign up at the CIES office inside the Dahl Centennial Union.

Luther Cross Country All-American Invitational
2025-09-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Luther Cross Country Course
The 52nd All-American Invitational at Luther College.
Visit the Luther college norse website

Farwell Distinguished Lecture: Megan Mayhew-Bergman: “Writing the Sacred: Awe, Ecology, and the Imagination”
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Megan Mayhew-Bergman is an author, speaker, and teacher who writes about the natural world and remarkable women in a science and art-forward way – and likes to help others do the same.
She is the author of three books, Birds of a Lesser Paradise (2012), Almost Famous Women (2016), and How Strange a Season (2022). She has written columns on climate change and the natural world for The Guardian and The Paris Review. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s Bazaar, and elsewhere. Currently, Megan serves as Director of Middlebury College’s Creative Writing Program and the Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference. She is also an instructor in the California Coast and Climate Semester and MPA in Sustainability Program and oversees an Environmental Storytelling Series as well as engaging writers and readers through her Substack newsletter, Open Field Stories.
Megan appears at Luther in conjunction with the Luther College Writers Festival on campus September 12-13.
Watch via livestream
Farwell Lecture Endowment
The Elwin D. and Helen Farwell Distinguished Lecture Series Endowment was established in 1981 in recognition of the contributions the Farwells made to the Luther community. Elwin D. Farwell was president of Luther College 1963–1981.

Men's Soccer vs Gustavus Adolphus College
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Chapel
2025-09-12 10:30 - 10:50
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Blessing of Student Organizations and Leaders
Speaker: Erik Matth, associate director of student activities
Music: Norskkor and Aurora
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Luther College Writers Festival
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-13 | Luther College
Celebrating the rich diversity of contemporary writing, Luther College is hosting the eighth biennial Luther College Writers Festival Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13, 2025.The weekend includes keynote addresses, featured writers, readings, panels on craft, translation, and publishing, a book sale and more.
The 2025 Luther College Writers Festival is the eighth incarnation of an event first held in 2007 to explore the deep and diverse ways in which highly crafted literature in all genres explores the human condition and activates the spiritual and moral imagination of readers.
Why attend the luther college writers festival?
Luther College Writers Festival Schedule and Registration

Author Biographies

Michael Bazzett | Author

Michael Bazzett is the author of four collections of poetry, most recently The Echo Chamber (Milkweed Editions, 2021), as well as a verse translation of the creation epic of the Maya, The Popol Vuh (Milkweed, 2018), named by the New York Times as one of the best poetry books of 2018. His translation of the selected poems of Humberto Ak'abal, If Today Were Tomorrow, was published by Milkweed in 2024. The recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts in both poetry and translation, he lives in Minneapolis.

Megan Mayhew Bergman | Author

Megan Mayhew-Bergman is an author, speaker, and teacher who writes about the natural world and remarkable women in a science- and art-forward way - and likes to help others do the same. She is the author of three books, Birds of a Lesser Paradise, Almost Famous Women, and How Strange a Season. As a journalist, essayist, and critic, she has written columns on climate change and the natural world for The Guardian and The Paris Review. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s Bazaar, and elsewhere. Her short fiction has appeared in Best American Short Stories 2011 and 2015, and on NPR’s Selected Shorts.Currently, Megan serves as Director of Middlebury College’s Creative Writing Program and the Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference.

Jennifer Case | Author

Jennifer Case is the author of We Are Animals: On the Nature and Politics of Motherhood (Trinity University Press, 2024) and Sawbill: A Search for Place (University of New Mexico Press, 2018). Her essays have appeared widely in journals such as The Rumpus, Orion, Ecotone, Literary Mama, and North American Review, among others. She teaches at the University of Central Arkansas and serves as an assistant nonfiction editor at Terrain.org. You can find her at www.jenniferlcase.com.

Giano Cromley | Author

Born and raised in Montana, Giano Cromley is the author of two young adult novels and a collection of short stories. He is a recipient of an Artist Fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council and was a BookEnds Fellow with Stony Brook University. He is an amateur woodworker, a certified wildlife tracker, and an English professor at Kennedy-King College, where he is chair of the communications department. He lives on the Southside of Chicago with his wife and two dogs. [photo credit: Jeff Bohman]

Tamara Dean | Author

Tamara Dean is an author of fiction and nonfiction whose most recent book, Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless (University of Minnesota Press, 2025), is about living mindfully with nature and community in a time of uncertainty. Her work has appeared in the American Scholar, the Georgia Review, the Guardian, One Story, Orion, STORY Magazine, the Southern Review, and elsewhere. Her essay "Safer than Childbirth" received a 2024 Pushcart Prize special mention and "Slow Blues" was named a 2021 National Magazine Award finalist. More at www.tamaradean.media.

Katherine Hannigan | Author

Katherine Hannigan is the author of the national bestseller and award-winning middle-grade novel Ida B ( ...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and Possibly Save the World), as well as True ( ...Sort Of), an Amazon.com Best New Children’s Book of 2011. She wrote and illustrated Dirt + Water = Mud (a 2019–20 Iowa Goldfinch Award nominee), Emmaline and the Bunny (Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2009), and Gwendolyn Grace (Atlanta Parent Best Books of 2015). She has undergraduate degrees in education and math and painting and an MFA in studio art. She has worked as an education coordinator for a large Head Start program in New York state and as an assistant professor of art and design at Iowa State University. Currently, she writes, and works on an organic vegetable farm in northeast Iowa.

Patrick Hicks | Author

Patrick Hicks is the author of more than 10 books, including The Collector of Names, This London, Adoptable, In the Shadow of Dora, and Across the Lake. He also wrote the critically and popularly acclaimed novel The Commandant of Lubizec. His work has appeared on NPR, The PBS Newshour, American Life in Poetry, and his first novel held company among only 20 books selected for National Reading Group Month. Hicks has been nominated seven times for the Pushcart Prize, won the Glimmer Train Fiction Award, and has been a finalist for the High Plains Book Award, the Steinberg Essay Prize, the Screencraft Cinematic Book Award, and an Emmy. A former visiting fellow at Oxford, he has won a number of grants, including from the Bush Artist Foundation, the Loft Literary Center, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. After living in Europe for many years, he now lives in the Midwest, where he is the writer-in-residence at Augustana University as well as a faculty member in the MFA program at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. His latest book is Greater Minnesota.

Lovar Davis Kidd | Author

Lovar Davis Kidd, known as L.D., is an interdisciplinary performer, choreographer, and abstract artist from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, his work often incorporates immersive artistic experiences and social justice themes. L.D. holds an MFA in choreography from the University of Iowa, where his research explored the connections between contemporary movement practices, Black vernacular aesthetics, and technology.

Drawing from his biracial background, Kidd's artistic approach is deeply informed by social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, which also inspire his apparel company, 100% OVER RACISM.

With a significant performance history, L.D. has showcased his talent across the United States, including roles in the 2nd National Tour of In The Heights, Sacramento Music Circus's Aida, Disney California Adventure Park's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, and the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. He has also performed with Helanius J. Wilkins’s D.C.-based EDGEWORKS Dance Theater and LA-based dance companies Word In Motion and Urban Poets.

Akwi Nji | Author

Akwi Nji is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends poetry, music, and visual art to explore themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. Named Iowa Poet of the Year by the Iowa Music Awards and a recipient of the 2025 Governor’s Emerging Arts Leader Award, she creates immersive performance experiences that blur the boundaries between genres. At the Luther Writers Festival, she joins forces with artists Lovar Davis Kidd and Chuy Renteria for an interdisciplinary collaboration that unites spoken word, movement, and imagery—where art becomes both expression and activism.

Jim Reese | Author

Jim Reese’s latest book is Coming to a Neighborhood near You: The Repercussions of Crime and Punishment (Potomac Books, Sept. 2025), which draws on his extensive work with both the Federal Bureau of Prisons and South Dakota Department of Corrections. He spent 14 years in residency for the National Endowment for Arts’ interagency initiative with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he established Yankton Federal Prison Camp’s first creative writing and publishing workshop. Reese is the author of eight books, including the nonfiction collection Bone Chalk, and has received several awards for his writing and public service. www.jimreese.org

Jesus “Chuy” Renteria | Author

Jesus “Chuy” Renteria is a writer and dancer from West Liberty—Iowa’s first majority Hispanic town. Renteria’s writing explores the spaces between cultures. Their memoir We Heard It When We Were Young released in 2021 with the University of Iowa Press and was recommended by Xochitl Gonzalez on the Today Show, as well as being featured in the Chicago Review of Books and on NPR. Renteria was the recipient of the Poets & Writers 2023 Maureen Egan Writers Exchange Award for Fiction. They are the arts and culture editor for Little Village Magazine and write the Substack “Of Spanglish and Maximalism.” They are working on their second book. [photo credit: Hao Zhou]

William R. Russell | Author

Rev. Dr. William R. Russell, a specialist in the life and work of Martin Luther, works at the intersection of the academy and the church, where he interprets the Reformer’s chief insights for modern audiences. With a PhD from the University of Iowa and an MDiv from Luther Seminary, Russell has served in a variety of academic and pastoral ministry settings and authored/translated 10 books and dozens of articles and reviews. A sought-after speaker, he has addressed audiences from Canada to Brazil, Malaysia to Nigeria, Norway to South Africa. He is married to Ann Svennungsen, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Books that he has written, translated, and/or edited include: What to do During an Epidemic by Martin Luther, The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings by Martin Luther, and Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings, Revised Third Edition.

Rachel Swearingen | Author

Rachel Swearingen is the author of the award-winning story collection How to Walk on Water and Other Stories. Her stories, essays, interviews, and reviews have appeared in Electric Lit, VICE, the Missouri Review, Kenyon Review, Off Assignment, Agni, American Short Fiction, and elsewhere. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Berlin Writing Prize, the New American Press Fiction Prize, the Missouri Review Editors’ Prize in Fiction, a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award, and the Mississippi Review Prize in Fiction. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Rachel earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a PhD in English (creative writing) from Western Michigan University. She has taught writing and literature at the School of the Art Institute–Chicago, Cornell College, Western Michigan University, and Kalamazoo College. She lives in Chicago. [photo credit: Barney Cokeliss]

Amy Weldon | Author

An Alabama native, Amy Weldon is professor and department head of English at Luther College, where she codirects the Luther College Writers Festival. Her most recent book is Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein, and her next book, now under contract to Bloomsbury Academic, will be A Thing of Beauty: Reading the Romantics in a World on Fire. Read more at amyeweldon.com.

Rachel Yoder | Author

Rachel Yoder is the author of the novel Nightbitch, now a feature film written and directed by Marielle Heller and starring Amy Adams. Selected as an Indie Next Pick in August 2021, Nightbitch has gone on to be named a best book of the year by Esquire and Vulture and recognized as a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Fiction. Her stories and essays have appeared in publications such as Harper’s, the New York Times, the Paris Review, the Southern Review, and the Sun. She is an assistant professor of screenwriting at the University of Iowa.

Center Stage Series: Laura Loge & Steven Luksan
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall
Crossings Concert: Musical Migrations
Join Luther College for a special night exploring the lives and works of Norwegian American composers as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to North America. Pianist-composer Steven Luksan and soprano Laura Loge share newly uncovered works that blend cultures and showcase the challenges, humor and poetry of adjusting to a new home.
Presented in collaboration with the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk Art School, this concert is supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland.
learn more and PURCHASE TICKETS

Presidential Gathering in Minneapolis
2025-09-11 17:30 - 19:30
Join us to hear from Luther President Brad Chamberlain, connect with fellow Luther alumni and friends, and engage in conversation about what’s next for the college. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.
NEW Location: Flying Dutchman Spirits
6801 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN
There is no cost to attend, but RSVPs are very much appreciated.
Thank you to James ‘81 and Jodi (Palma) Young ‘81, Paula (Hermeier) ’76 and Kurt Meyer ’76, Judith (Johnson) ’88 and Paul Vijums, and Thrivent Financial for sponsoring these events!
We can’t wait to see you there!

Managing Time Management
2025-09-11 17:15 - 17:45, 2025-09-10 19:00 - 19:30 | Preus Library, Hovde Room
Students will learn about apps to eliminate digital distractions to manage their time effectively. In addition, students will learn how to create a time management plan to solidify their schedule and ensure a routine.

Emeriti Colloquium: New Counseling Minor
2025-09-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Baker Commons
Presenter: Joe Breitenstein

Presidential Gathering in St. Paul
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30
Join us to hear from Luther President Brad Chamberlain, connect with fellow Luther alumni and friends, and engage in conversation about what’s next for the college. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.
Location: Celeste of St. Paul Hotel
26 E Exchange St
St Paul, MN 55101
There is no cost to attend, but RSVPs are very much appreciated.
Thank you to James ‘81 and Jodi (Palma) Young ‘81, Paula (Hermeier) ’76 and Kurt Meyer ’76, Judith (Johnson) ’88 and Paul Vijums, and Thrivent Financial for sponsoring these events!
We can’t wait to see you there!

CELT: TiLT Your Teaching: Simple Shifts, Big Impact
2025-09-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Valders Hall of Science, 242 – CELT Conference Room
In this workshop, we will use simple strategies to make our teaching more effective by focusing on developing and communicating our “why” to students by increasing transparency in course documents. Participants should bring assignments or assessments to work on in the session. The primary focus will be on defining the purpose, tasks, and criteria of success for an assignment that each participant plans to assign this academic year.
Register for this workshop

Chapel
2025-09-10 10:30 - 10:50, 2025-09-03 10:30 - 10:50 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Preacher: Pastor Melissa Bills
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

The Ground We Share: Conversations on Soil, Food, and Health
2025-09-09 18:30 - 21:30 | Center for Faith and Life
Join us for a keynote presentation by Anne Bikle linking soil to human health. Immediately following, we will feature a panel of local/regional farmers and health care providers joining in conversation to share their soil-food-health stories. Doors open early to engage in related interactive exhibits!
Center for Faith and Life, Luther College
Presented by Luther College Center for Ethics and Public Engagement in collaboration with the Regenerating Soil and Community Project and other Decorah organizations.
Free and open to the public
6:30-7:30pm: Pre-Event:Doors open for interactive exhibits to experience soil, food, and human health

Engage with soil health & water quality demonstrations (Regenerating Soil and Community Student/Faculty team)
Learn about regenerative agriculture practices (Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District)
Experience and taste healthy food produced from the Driftless (Oneota Food Co-op)
Peruse and check out gardening, cooking, and health books (Decorah Public Library)
Connect with expertise elevating that food is health (Erin Meyer, MSFS RD)

7:30 pm: Presentation by Anne Biklé: Linking Soil Health to Human Health
Prelude: Dance performance by Luther College Orchesis Dance Group & faculty guests
Is it true that you are what you eat? Not entirely. The full story lies in how we grow the crops and raise animals that make their way into our bodies. Biklé will draw on her most recent book, “What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health“, co-authored with her husband David Montgomery. Recent and forgotten science reveal intimate connections between soil health and human health traveling along a pathway that winds through soil, the bodies of crops, livestock, and microbiomes, eventually reaching us.
About Anne Biklé
Anne Biklé is a science writer and public speaker drawing on her background in biology and
environmental planning to explore humanity’s tangled relationship with nature through the lens of agriculture, soil, and food. She is particularly enthralled with the botanical world and its influence on humanity throughout history. With the help of mulches and microbes she has coaxed many a plant into rambunctious growth or nursed them back from the edge of death.
Biklé is the co-author of two books, What Your Food Ate and The Hidden Half of Nature. Both are collaborations with her husband geologist, David Montgomery. Her writing has appeared in print and digital media including Nautilus, Natural History, and Best Health. Her regenerative gardening practices have been featured in independent and documentary films and interviews with her can be found on a range of podcasts and radio programs that focus on farming, food, and human health.
Contact for Anne
web: www.Dig2Grow.com || email: Dig2Grow@gmail.com
8:30 pm: Soil, Food, and Health Conversation and Q&A with an award-winning panel of local/regional soil and human health care providers:
Wendy Johnson, Organic and conventional farmer, livestock grazier and entrepreneur. Owner and operator of Jóia Food and Fiber Farm, and Jóia Sleep. Co-manager and director of Center View Farms. Charles City, Iowa. 2024 Iowa Aldo Leopold Conservation Award winner.
Biography
Wendy Johnson is an organic and conventional grain farmer and grazier in Northeast Iowa and writer and public speaker on the intersections of climate and agriculture. She and her husband Johnny own and operate Jóia Food & Fiber Farm, a diversified regenerative organic farm growing food-grade grains, grazing ewes, grass-finishing lambs and cattle, custom grazing cow/calves and selling direct to consumer meats, grains and other edibles. They collaborate with other local farms to help build a robust food shed. She founded Jóia Sleep in 2020, a wool bedding business utilizing their sheep’s wool. Wendy also co-manages her family farm with her father, a 1200 acre conventional row-crop farm practicing extended crop rotations, no-till, cover cropping and have added several prairie strips in their traditional corn/soy fields. In the last five years, Wendy and Johnny have invested in agroforestry practices, adding trees and shrubs to enhance diversity and resiliency to the land and animals. Wendy is an active advocate of all things organic, perennial and promoter of diverse enterprises and people on the land. Her curiosity, passions and experiences have led her to leadership opportunities as former chair of the Iowa FSA state committee, former board member and chair of Practical Farmers of Iowa, and more currently steering committee member of the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center, farmer consultant and federal agriculture policy co-lead for Climate Land Leaders, Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative board member and chair, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation board member, Land Stewardship Project’s program committee member and numerous other local, state, regional and national board and committee roles.

Robby Jewell ‘14, 6th generation organic/conventional livestock and crop farmer and co-owner of Jewell Enterprizes, Decorah, IA. 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Decorah Chamber of Commerce Award winner. Nominated for 2025 Iowa Aldo Leopold Conservation Award.
Biography
Robby Jewell is co-owner of Jewell Enterprizes, a 1600-acre farm located in NE Iowa near Decorah. The farm includes stretches of the Upper Iowa River, a portion of Ten Mile Creek (a coldwater trout stream with naturally-reproducing brown trout), and many Driftless Area features including a waterfall, sinkholes, and springs. The farm produces organic turkeys (40,000 raised annually) and pasture-raised pork (100 hogs direct-marketed to consumers). The beef cow/calf operation consisting of 200 cows (calves on pasture) is rotationally-grazed through established pastures, silvopastures, and crop/cover crop fields. Organic crops of corn, oats, barley, peas, and alfalfa make up roughly 500 acres and conventional crops of corn and beans are planted on 250 acres. In a commitment to long-lasting stewardship and farm heritage, the Jewells have 696 acres in an Agricultural Land Easement with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation – the largest such easement in the state. Jewells also have 95 acres in the Emergency Wetland Program, maintain timber on over 600 acres of highly erodible land, and are actively restoring native oak savannah. The farm uses no-till, cover crops, mob intensity grazing, and a diverse crop rotation – all practices that protect soil health and help manage floodplain. Jewell Enterprizes received the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Award from the Decorah Area Chamber. Robby is a sixth-generation farmer on a farm started in 1876. He is motivated to keep the farm in the family for future generations and continue the legacy that his ancestors worked so hard to achieve. Robby works year-round with his parents and co-owners Bob and Paula Jewell. Robby is currently a nominee for the 2025 Iowa Aldo Leopold Conservation Award.

Carly Zierke, Organic vegetable farmer and co-owner of Sweet Season Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm in Calmar, IA. Board member of Decorah Farmers Market and Oneota Community Food Co-op.
Biography
Carly Zierke is the co-owner of Sweet Season Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm in Calmar, Iowa, where she farms with her husband, Ethan Zierke. She believes more of our food can and should be grown right here in Iowa, and that we already have the soil and the skills to do it. At Sweet Season Farm, they grow vibrant, nutrient-dense vegetables available nine months out of the year and serve over 75 members through their market share program. Their growing methods center on long-term soil health, using cover crops, compost applications, and diverse crop rotations to build resilience and grow better food. Known for quality produce, practical veggie education, and soil-centered growing practices, Sweet Season Farm helps customers make the most of local food, starting with what’s in their fridge and what’s in season. They help customers solve everyday questions, like whether or not to peel farm-fresh carrots and how to keep salad greens crisp all week long. Through weekly emails, social media, and market conversations, Carly shares real-life tools that make local food easier to use and harder to waste. She also serves on the boards of the Decorah Farmers Market and Oneota Community Food Co-op, contributing her firsthand experience as a grower to local food conversations.

Jake Larkin ‘12 PA-C. Lead Physician Assistant in hospital medicine and clinical preceptor, Emplify Health by Gundersen, La Crosse, WI. Co-founder of plant partners group, which developed the Emplify Health rooftop/hospital farm. 2018 Main Campus Educator of the Year.
Biography
Jake is a lifelong gardener, Luther College graduate (’12) and physician assistant, working in hospital medicine in La Crosse since 2015. He is a clinical preceptor and past advisory board member with the UW-La Crosse PA program, lead PA for the hospital medicine group, and member of the WI Food as Medicine Coalition. Prompted by his experience working in the covid unit throughout the pandemic, Jake co-founded a volunteer grassroots employee group called Plant Partners. Among other projects, the group started a rooftop vegetable garden for employees, which sees several thousand visits annually. After an inspirational experience at Rodale Institute’s inaugural Regenerative Healthcare Conference in 2022, Jake has been volunteering to lead the establishment of an on campus hospital farm, which will use food and farming as outreach at the intersection of population health, lifestyle medicine (healthy eating, physical activity, social connection, stress reduction, avoiding harmful substances, and restorative sleep), and environmental stewardship. When not at work or in the garden, he is striving to be a great father to a newborn baby girl, cooking Harmony Valley’s CSA vegetables, or exploring the Driftless area’s beautiful landscapes by bike, foot or skis with his friends, wife, two dogs and hopefully fly rod.

Erin Meyer, MSFS, RD
Executive Director and Founder, Basil’s Harvest
Clinical Associate and co-founder of Cook Well, Eat Well, Live Well Culinary Medicine program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria
Biography
Erin is the Founder and Executive Director of Basil’s Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting human and planetary well-being through regional food systems. Basil’s Harvest envisions a vibrant food industry that supports diverse farming families, healthy soils, and resilient ecosystems. Erin is also a Clinical Associate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria. She co-founded the Cook Well, Eat Well, Live Well Culinary Medicine program, where Family Practice Residents integrate culinary skills and nutrition to promote holistic health. Erin holds a Master of Sustainable Food Systems and is a registered dietitian. Before founding Basil’s Harvest, she directed a nonprofit providing experiential sustainable food system programming to culinary and healthcare professionals. She also owned a wholesale and retail business that supported regional organic growers and was a certified diabetes educator. Through her work, Erin leads the Coalition of Regenerative Ag Food Health Professionals (CRAFH) initiative, a transdisciplinary team dedicated to promoting a systems approach embodied in the motto “Healthy Soil Growing Healthy Foods for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.” This initiative emphasizes research, education, and outreach to achieve its goals. Erin loves spending time with her adult daughters (when they have time for her), playing pickleball, being in the garden, and creating meals through simple preparation that highlight the ingredients. She enjoys kombucha, a tasty glass of wine, and a nice cold IPA.
Sponsors
The following have made Bikle’s four-day visit/events in the Decorah area possible: Basil’s Harvest, Bouska Sisters’ Farm, CM CO-Learn Project (Federal Grant Number NA23OAR4310629 from the Climate Program Office at NOAA), Davi Design Co., Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Decorah Public Library, Emplify Health by Gundersen, Iowa Food Hub, Luther College Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities, Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agricultural Foundation, Oneota Community Food Co-op, Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Regenerating Soil and Community Project, Seed Savers Exchange, Serenity Ridge Farm, and Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District.

CELT: KATIE Question Pop-in
2025-09-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Valders Hall of Science 240, CELT Main Office
Have KATIE questions? Erin will be in the CELT Office ready to help you with all things KATIE!

Fall Ministry Fair
2025-09-09 09:45 - 10:45 | Dahl Centennial Union
Local worship communities from the Decorah area will be set up in the Union. If you are looking for a congregation to get connected to during your time at Luther, please stop by, visit with pastors and church leaders, and explore what might be a good fit for you!

Music Faculty Showcase Recital
2025-09-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
The Music Department faculty will perform a recital in the Center for Faith and Life. The recital will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Music Department YouTube Channel

Welcome Week Silent Disco
2025-09-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Bentdahl Commons
The only event where people can party while listening to music through an interconnected network of wireless headphones! Come listen to three of your favorite genres of music with all of your friends. Want to blast your music all night long? Switch channels when a better song is on the other channel? Want to stop listening to the music to talk to your friends? If so, Silent Disco is where you should be! We’re taking song recommendations for the student made channel.
Rain location: Marty’s

Luther Football vs Millikin University
2025-09-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Legacy Field, Carlson Stadium

Luther Women's Tennis vs Coe College
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Luther College Tennis Courts

Fall Roll
2025-09-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Meet at the Luther Bell
Join the Luther Bike Council and Recreation Services for the Fall Roll bike ride. Explore Decorah on two wheels with this casual orientation bike ride. Bring your bike or borrow one (limited number of bikes to check-out; first come, first served). Learn the trails and routes to ride from Luther to downtown Decorah, and get familiar with the Luther bicycle loaner system. Check in is 9 a.m. at the Luther Bell, with the ride to begin in groups at 10 a.m. Experience our welcoming community spaces, scenic trails, and meet new people and friends.
Register to participate

ACT Testing
2025-09-06 08:00 - 14:00 | Olin Building
ACT testing is scheduled on the Luther campus.
Register for ACT testing

Welcome Week, Dante's Disko
2025-09-05 21:00 - 23:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s
First SACtastic Dante’s Disko of the Year! Come see a student DJ tearing up the records in Marty’s. Great music, dancing, and energy all evening long. No outside drinks allowed (water provided).

Men's Soccer vs Augsburg University
2025-09-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Norse Athletic Association Fall Luncheon
2025-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Peace Dining Room
Join us for our fall luncheon on Friday, Sept. 5, at noon in Peace Dining Room to welcome Luther’s new Athletics Director Megan Wilson, connect with fall season coaches, and hear updates on the Gerdin Fieldhouse construction. We can’t think of a better way to kick off an exciting fall season than lunch with our biggest Norse Athletics fans! Registration is now open. Lunch is $15 per person.
REGISTER FOR THE LUNCHEON

Chapel
2025-09-05 10:30 - 10:50
The whole Luther community is invited to join us for chapel break, in-person or online, regardless of faith tradition or background. Connect to our livestream or come in person! This time is intentionally set aside for you to pause and connect — we hope to see you!
Blessing for Learners & Teachers
Speaker: Pam Bacon, provost
For more on College Ministries
Stream Chapel and Other College Ministries Events

Doggy Date with Quasar
2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Preus Library, 1st floor, outside the Center for Academic Enrichment
Come spend some time with Luther’s resident therapy dog: Quasar!

Opening Convocation
2025-09-04 09:40 - 11:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
Celebrate the start of a new academic year at Opening Convocation where we mark the beginning of the new year with an official welcoming of new students into the community. Camara Lundestad Joof, author of the summer reading I Talk About It All the Time, will be this year’s Opening Convocation speaker.
watch via livestream

Contra Dance
2025-09-03 20:30 - 23:00 | Outside, between the Union and CFL
Join us for a night of live folk music and large group line dancing where you are guaranteed to meet new people, learn a few new dance moves, and enjoy endless amounts of laughter and fun!

Women's Soccer vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Luther Soccer Field

Paideia Author Q & A
2025-09-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall
This is mandatory for all new students registered for Paideia, but all students are welcome. Come hear the on-stage interview with Camara Lundestad Joof, author of the Paideia summer read, I Talk About It All the Time.

One for the Arts
2025-09-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Center for the Arts, Jewel Theatre
Kick off the year in style at One for the Arts. A lively welcome party for new and returning students ready to connect, create, and celebrate all things theatre and musical theatre! Come for the ice cream, stay to meet new friends.

Fall semester classes begin
2025-09-03 | Luther College

Be the Light, Ring the Bell
2025-09-02 20:00 - 21:00 | Bentdahl Commons
Mark the beginning of your Luther journey with this candle-lighting ceremony, which culminates in an opportunity for each new student to ring the Luther Bell in celebration!
We’ll meet on the steps of the CFL.

Sophomore Strides Kickoff
2025-09-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Dahl Centennial Union, Peace Dining Room
Sophomores, come celebrate the start of your sophomore year with fun, community, appetizers, and delicious desserts!

Welcome Week Activities Fair
2025-09-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Farwell Clearing (Preus Library Lawn)
Come and learn about all the student led clubs and organizations on campus! Join and mingle with new and old organizations while enjoying FREE treats provided by SAC.

Study Away Fair: J-Term and Long Term Programs
2025-09-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Dahl Centennial Union, Williams Lounge, 1st floor
Come check out the availability for J-Term 2026 as well as opportunities to study away for the spring 2026 semester and beyond! Questions? Email global@luther.edu.
