Stories Matter

President Brad Chamberlain

Dear Luther Community,

On a Saturday morning in early February, dozens gathered to celebrate the induction of the 1965 Men’s Track and Field Team into Luther’s Athletics Hall of Fame. It was chilly outside, but the smiles and hugs that accompanied friends and classmates reuniting after time apart warmed the whole Regents Center.

I have been blessed to be part of the Luther community for 24 years. This was one of those days when the impact of a Luther education came into clear focus. I will carry the memory of it with me for some time.

Standing in front of the gathered crowd, member after member of the 1965 team told stories of how they supported each other through times of both triumph and trial. Of how they had remained connected over the many decades since graduation. Of how their Luther education and friendships had shaped their lives.

As I was listening to their stories, I was watching the current men’s and women’s track and field teams. I was thinking to myself, when we talk about a Luther education having a lifetime of impact, this is what we mean. This is what we want for our students. This is what we provide for our students. And I saw in the faces of our students that morning an understanding of that promise, that impact, in a way that only our alumni can facilitate. I am so glad they were there that morning to hear these stories.

Luther is beginning a new chapter. Our chapter. Stories will be its foundation. Your stories. Stories of how Luther draws excellence out of its students, of how Luther builds pathways for its students, of how the sense of community at Luther develops a focus upon others.

This issue of the Luther magazine contains several examples of these kinds of stories. Spend some time with them. Share them with someone who doesn’t know Luther.

The world needs more Luther College graduates and the impact they have on their professions and communities. By telling these stories, by sharing these stories, together we can ensure that Luther will continue to elevate society one community at a time for generations to come.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Bradley M. Chamberlain
President