Category: Alumni Story

“Receiving [the Weston Noble Award] inspires me to keep improving my service to Luther College and to the world,” said Juan Tony Guzmán, director of the jazz program and professor of music at Luther College. “I was close to Mr. Noble since I came to the United States in 1988. Like many others, I benefited from his wisdom, generosity, kindness and humor.”

This year’s recipients are Allan Solomonson ’60, Linda (Olson) Bieri ’75, Michael Goze ’75, Perran Wetzel ’79 and Loretta Dooley Wetzel ’80, Esther Menn ’80, Erika (Barth) Cottrell ’95 and Ryan Nilsestuen ’05.

The act of planting seeds underscores the inauguration theme of “For the Common Good.”

The public is invited to book-signing event at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at Luther College Book Shop.

Duong Truong ’24 has been named one of two recipients of the 42nd annual McElroy Graduate Fellowships. 

Nearly 90 alumni came from as far as Portland, Ore., and Boston to reconnect with old friends and to make music with new friends.

Kellen DeKok, Lydia Gruenwald, Alexia Murano and Cassandra Norton were selected to be teaching assistants.

“At Luther, learning is grounded in community. The generosity of our alumni to support our students and their needs is a powerful example of Luther’s community supporting transformational learning experiences,” said President Brad Chamberlain.

The Young Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Luther alumni in their vocation or avocation who have graduated in the last 15 years.

These funds may be used for medical, dental or vision expenses, emergency travel expenses, textbooks or other course materials.