Luther College News

“I know the Luther and Decorah communities are more vibrant, more engaged, more diverse, more connected and more globally aware as a result of the 185 international students from 62 countries who currently live and study with us,” said Jon Lund, director of international admissions at Luther. “I frequently hear from faculty and staff on campus and members of the Decorah community how pleased they are that our international students decided to call this place home for four years.”

“I know almost every student listens to podcasts, and the purpose of Podeia is to bring in recent graduates and hear from them. Current and prospective students can relate to their stories in an entertaining and fun way,” said Andy Hageman, director of The CEPE and Luther College professor of English.

“We work hard to provide an environment where we exercise our minds in classes and labs, and we stress and push and exercise our bodies as part of overall wellness and a strong tradition of NCAA Division III athletics,” said Athletic Director Renae Hartl.

During the day on Nov. 16, student-athletes from each sport reached out to alumni, family members and other supporters of Norse athletics through text messages. Lara Welter, a senior Norse softball player and mathematics major with a concentration in secondary education, had the chance to connect with alumni who played softball, in addition to her former coaches.

Not only does the federally funded program help first-generation and income-eligible students access financial aid and career advice, it also provides a strong support system on campus to guide students through their college careers and launch them into the next stages of their lives. 

Elizabeth Steding, Luther College professor of German, published GDR Literature in German Curricula and Textbooks: Exploring the Legacy of GDR Authors, 1985-2015. “I have been intrigued by the GDR since I was in college, and textbooks play an important role in my life as a teacher, so this project really combines two interests of mine,” said Steding.

“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.”

Gifts made on Nov. 16 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by more than $130,000 in matching funds pledged by One Team Day challenge sponsors. In 2022, Luther raised $310,000 from more than 1,100 donors on One Team Day.

Hundreds of student musicians in seven ensembles will perform. One of the selections, a new choral and orchestral arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” was commissioned for Luther College and created by the acclaimed composer Dan Forrest.

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