Commencement 2025

Luther celebrated Commencement on Sunday, May 25, adding 268 graduates to the Luther alumni community. Of the graduating class, 124 received Latin honors; 18 percent were first-generation college students; 4 percent were transfer students; 14 percent were international students; and nearly 20 percent were double majors.

Madelyn Kaasa ’25

Madelyn Kaasa ’25 received the Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal, an award to a graduating senior chosen by the class for exemplifying the ideals of the college. A fifth-generation Norse, Maddie graduated magna cum laude with a double major in elementary education and Nordic studies. She served in the Student Senate, Norse Against Sexual Assault, the Luther Disability Alliance, PALS, and the Student Philanthropy Council. She was vice president of the Alpha Beta Psi sorority. She plans to earn a special education endorsement, but her next step is to complete her student teaching in Oslo, Norway.

Chris Norton ’14

Chris Norton ’14 received the Young Alumni Award in absentia. He is a motivational speaker and best-selling author who beat 3 percent odds of ever walking again after a spinal cord injury. He is founder of the Chris Norton Foundation, which provides rehab technology grants and organizes wheelchair camps free of charge for families living with disabilities. He and his wife, Emily, have adopted five children and been foster parents to more than 23 children.

Maren Johnson, associate professor of Nordic studies, was interviewed as part of a segment on Luther’s Commencement that aired in Norway.

Also notable: Luther’s Commencement aired in Norway! The Norwegian national broadcasting network NRK sent their Washington, D.C., correspondent to Decorah to cover it. Along with interviewing Commencement speaker Ine Eriksen Søreide, Norway’s former minister of foreign affairs, and associate professor Maren Johnson, the reporter also interviewed graduating seniors Haakon Rustad ’25 and Megan Hyla Miller ’25. Watch the coverage around minute 25.