Begin With Adventure and Build Community: Luther College Endeavor Together

Biking the Root River Trail in southeastern Minnesota, from Endeavor Together in 2023.

For about 50 new Luther College students, the first week of college isn’t about unboxing and hunting for classrooms, but about paddling down the river, hiking through the woods, or biking on trails with new friends. That’s the magic of Endeavor Together, Luther’s outdoor pre-orientation program, designed to help incoming students build community, confidence and a sense of belonging before the semester begins. 

Endeavor Together participants get the chance to spend six days exploring the distinctive landscapes surrounding Luther College, bonding with a small group of classmates, and discovering what they’re capable of. No pressure, just fresh air, teamwork and a lot of fun. By the time they’re back on campus, they don’t just know the trails and rivers around Decorah, they already have a circle of friends to share their first semester with.  

Building Community Through Shared Experiences

“Stepping into the role of organizing the Endeavor Together program has been an incredible opportunity and true blessing,” said Matthew Franzen ’24, director of Endeavor Together. “This program has created meaningful ways for students to connect with one another and begin building a genuine sense of belonging, both among their peers and within the campus community.” 

An Endeavor Together participant engaging with an upperclassman student leader.

The program is carefully structured to foster those connections. Students are placed into small groups of 8–12, each led by two or three trained upper-class student leaders. While all groups participate during the same week, each one sets off on a different adventure, paddling, hiking, or biking, allowing students to choose an activity they’re excited about. The small-group format helps participants get to know each other deeply while still feeling part of a larger community experience. 

Being outdoors together helps students open up in a natural way. Whether they’re sharing a meal on the trail or helping each other through a new activity, these small moments create strong connections that continue long after the program ends. 

As a senior, reflecting on the experiences students have had in their recent Endeavor Together adventures brings me right back to my own first year in the program. It was such a wholesome and memorable experience, one that pushed me to talk with and spend time alongside people I might never have connected with otherwise.

Exploring Nature and Gaining Confidence

Spectacular bluffs line sections of the Upper Iowa River.

“What I love about Endeavor is how it gets you outdoors, whether you’re hiking, biking, or on a river trip, and helps you connect with other incoming freshmen along the way. It makes the transition to college feel less overwhelming and a lot more fun,” said Ella Husemann ’26 of Fairfax, Iowa.

The outdoor setting helps students slow down and reflect, building confidence as they take on new challenges together.

For example, on the kayaking trip, students spend hours on quiet river stretches where they learn to move at the pace of the water. They get the chance to tune into their surroundings, rely on their group for support, and appreciate the moment without rushing. It’s an experience that helps them breathe, reset, and feel grounded before the school year begins.

Trying new activities in a supportive group setting helps students realize they can handle more than they thought. Each small accomplishment, like completing a hike or learning a new skill, boosts their confidence as they prepare for college life.

Leadership and Growth

Many upper-class students return to Endeavor Together as leaders, guiding new participants through the same wonderful experience they once had. Through these shared journeys, both leaders and participants learn valuable lessons about collaboration, empathy, and leadership.

“Being part of Endeavor Together for the past three years has been such a special experience. The time outdoors and the friendships I’ve built through the program have really shaped how I think about community and connection,” said Tia Gonzales ’26 of Olathe, Kansas. 

For Tia, leading the program has shown her that community is built through intentional moments, listening to someone during a tough hike, encouraging a nervous first-year on the river, or creating space for everyone to feel included. She’s learned how to guide groups with patience, communicate clearly, and adapt when plans change. These experiences have strengthened her confidence as a leader and deepened her understanding of what it means to support a community in authentic, compassionate ways.

A Head Start on College Life

“At its core, Endeavor Together is about enhancing the student experience, giving students the chance to meet new people, explore new opportunities, and discover that they are part of something much larger than themselves,” said Franzen.

Open to incoming Luther College students, Endeavor Together aims to give participants a head start—not only in exploring the natural beauty of Iowa, but also in forming bonds that often last beyond their first year. For many of these students, it is the perfect way to begin their Luther adventure before the start of their academic year!

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