Jay Uthoff posthumously receives Spirit of Luther Award

Longtime Luther College Director of Facilities Services Jay Uthoff posthumously received the 2026 Spirit of Luther award for his “unwavering dedication” to Luther’s mission on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Luther College President Brad Chamberlain presented the award to Uthoff’s wife, Kathy, during the college’s annual Service of Dedication in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Uthoff died on Dec. 23, 2025.

“Over an extraordinary career spanning 41.5 years, Jay served Luther College with unwavering dedication,” Chamberlain said. “Despite a relentless avalanche of daily demands, Jay cheerfully chipped away at his to-do list without ever showing resentment or grumpiness. A genuine servant leader, he always found time to pause for a conversation or share a chuckle with community members. His profound affection for Luther’s students, faculty and staff was deeply mutual. Jay’s lifetime of exemplary service leaves a lasting legacy, and he is missed profoundly across campus.”

In 1984 Uthoff was hired as an electrician at Luther College. He advanced to the position of lead electrician in 1990, electrical supervisor in 1994 and manager of trade services in 1997.

Uthoff played an instrumental role on campus. He was a member of the building construction teams for Baker Village, the Sampson Hoffland Laboratories, the aquatic center, Center for the Arts and many more facility improvement projects. In 2013, Uthoff was named director of facilities services.

“The scope of Jay’s stewardship was vast,” Chamberlain said. “He oversaw a large and complicated campus network that included buildings, grounds and roads as well as steam tunnels and an underground electrical distribution system. During his tenure, several campus facilities were built or remodeled. Jay worked hand-in-hand with contractors to guarantee the work was finished on schedule. He was equally steadfast during emergency crises, guiding the campus through two 500-year floods in the span of eight years.”

Uthoff also played a pivotal role in the college’s sustainability initiatives, including the installation of Luther’s wind turbine and several large solar arrays, as well as investments in hybrid vehicles and a bio-diesel production facility.

“Jay was proud that Luther was a sustainability leader,” Chamberlain said.

The Spirit of Luther Award recognizes individuals or couples who have provided significant sustained service to the college. This award recognizes persons who have demonstrated a personal commitment to Luther’s mission, quality and character. Recipients are endorsed by the Faculty Honorary Degrees Committee and chosen by the president of Luther College.