Category: Alumni Story

Luther College alum Josh Cinnamo, class of 2003, won a gold medal in the shot put event at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile with a throw of 14.93 meters.

“Athletics is what brought me to Luther,” said Dennis Birkestrand. “They showed an interest in me when I was a high school player, and without that, I probably wouldn’t have gone to college. I feel strongly about encouraging Luther to always have a very strong athletic program.”

Luther College has shifted its Homecoming dates to October 25-27, 2024.

Every five years since 1943, Dorothy (McMillen) Anderson gets dressed up and makes it over from her hometown of Mabel, Minnesota, to attend Luther College’s Homecoming and class reunions. Even at 101 years old, she wasn’t going to stop that tradition, so she came to Decorah for the Luther reunion luncheon Oct. 7.

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward is proud to announce the 2023 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to alumni or individuals with strong connections to Luther College who have exhibited admirable service to society in areas such as education, government, the arts, business, church, labor, industry, agriculture, research, medicine and community affairs.

Luther College announces that three alumni will begin service on committees for the Luther College Board of Regents beginning in October: Mark Lovelace, class of 1996, Andrew Carney, class of 2001, and Lisa Small Steinbauer, class of 1988. As committee members, they will contribute their expertise on resource development and management, investment and campus life.

Audrey Fashimpaur, class of 2023, studied Mandarin Chinese. She was one of 500 students – both undergraduate and graduate – from across the country selected for the program this year.

The three Luther alumni “represent a forward-looking mindset with a love and respect for the way their own Luther experience shaped them,” said President Ward.

“This season highlights one of Luther’s core values: understanding ourselves and the world by being both grounded and global,” said Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming.

Weber has pursued her calling as a musician while working in service to her community. One Voices of Hope singer said, “We are given many tools at Shakopee, but none have healed me like music.”