Luther College students awarded Kuh and Krahn Family Awards

Nora Nyi Myint "˜22 and Salomé Valdivieso-Santillán "˜23 have been awarded the Kuh Family "Positively Luther" Award and the Krahn Family Student Life Service Award respectively for their contributions to the Luther community and participation in activities that embrace the spirit and mission of Luther College. 

Kuh Family "Positively Luther" Award  

The "Positively Luther'' award is given each year to a student whose character, leadership and participation in co-curricular and other educationally purposeful activities enhance the quality of campus life. Nora Nyi Myint received the award for her roles as lead career peer advisor in the Career Center, lead outreach specialist in the counseling service, president of Luther College Model United Nations, member of K-Project and as a panelist discussing the political turmoil in her home country of Myanmar. 

Myint was nominated by Bobbi-Jo Molokken who supervises Myint in counseling services. Molokken explained how Myint has been a natural leader who is heavily engaged in the community.

"Nora goes above and beyond in her engagement on Luther's campus," said Molokken. "This year, Nora participated in a panel presentation and local media interviews about the crisis happening in Myanmar, bringing awareness to her country's struggles while also breaking the stigma of mental health by discussing the impacts the recent political turmoil in Myanmar has had on her. She represented Luther and its commitment to inclusion, advocacy and human rights in a positive light to the community. She is passionate, creative, reliable, assertive and an excellent example of what we hope for our Luther students to aspire to."

Myint is grateful to the Kuh family, and to the Luther College community for their support. The scholarship award provides needed support as she continues to live away from her family and friends in Myanmar.  

"I push myself to be a global citizen who can bring about positive change to the communities I encounter," said Myint. "Winning this award brings me great joy because it shows that I have done all I can to give back to Luther College for all the opportunities it has given me--which I am so grateful for. The scholarship that came with this award also gives me a sense of security and support I truly needed. To the Kuh family, please know that no words are enough to express how much your generosity means to me. I hope to continue positively impacting the Luther community."

Krahn Family Student Life Service Award

The Krahn Family Student Life Service Award was established in 2013 by Roger A. '68 and Laurie Krahn of Plainwell, Michigan, and recognizes a student who makes a positive impact on student life. Salomé Valdivieso-Santillán is a junior and received three nominations for the award, citing her qualities as a leader and positive influence she has on her peers. As her academic advisor, Anita Carrasco shared in her nomination letter how she has seen Valdivieso-Santillán serve as a role model for her peers. 

"I have been teaching at Luther College for a decade and she is the most intellectually sharp, engaged, motivated, curious and ethically driven student I have ever met here," said Carrasco. "She has not completed her undergraduate degree and is already accomplishing what I recognize as graduate-level work. She serves as a role model for many of our students and she inspires and supports them."

Valdivieso-Santillán feels a sense of honor and gratitude for the support she has been given by faculty. The support only strengthens her resolve to further contribute to and support the Luther community.  

"I feel very honored and grateful," Valdivieso-Santillán said. "I'm especially grateful for Anita for mentoring me, not only in my academic inquiries, but also on how to navigate college as an international Latinx woman. At the same time, I feel more committed than ever to continue my contributions to build community and a home for everyone here at Luther."

About Luther College

Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.