Fall/Winter 2009

Dear Friend,

Greetings from Luther, where students are preparing for the winter holidays, having experienced a glorious Christmas at Luther weekend December 4-6.

It was a busy fall semester, and you can read campus news stories in the Luther magazine, on Luther’s home page http://www2.luther.edu, or at http://publicinformation.luther.edu/luthernews/. But I’ll share a couple of highlights:

• Luther was recognized as one of 26 institutions that achieved an overall grade of “A-” or better to win recognition as an Overall College Sustainability Leader.  Three hundred thirty-two colleges and universities participated in the sustainability evaluation.  Released Oct. 7, the College Sustainability Report Card was featured in a front page article in the New York Times.

• Twin Cities Public Television won a regional Emmy award for its production of Christmas at Luther, which was broadcast on more than 100 public television stations in December 2008.  PBS has announced that it will broadcast the Christmas at Luther program nationwide again this year in December.  Check local listings for dates and times in your area.

Let me also say a big thank you to all who made a gift to the Luther College Annual Fund last year, and to those who have made their gift already this year. All of us here—students, faculty, and staff—are grateful for your continued support! If you wish to make your gift today, you can use the enclosed envelope or give online at givenow.luther.edu. 

Thanks again, and please continue to send the college your news and updates.

Soli Deo Gloria

Sue (Franzen) Drilling ’78
Director of Special Programs
800.225.8664
[email protected]

PS.  Homecoming 2010 is Oct. 8-10.  Visit the website http://www2.luther.edu/about/decorah/lodging for lodging information.

1935
Obituary
CLIFFORD ULVESTAD of Maquoketa, Iowa, died Dec. 7, 2008, at age 98. An industrial arts teacher, he mentored, guided, and coached students for 41 years. Cliff taught in Aberdeen, S.D.; Whalen, Iowa; and eventually Maquoketa, where he retired in 1975. He also owned and operated Fairlane Trailer Park in Maquoketa. Cliff was a member of First Lutheran Church and an avid collector of decanters. A former member of the Jim Beam Bottle Club, he attended their yearly conventions. Cliff also enjoyed building furniture for his family. He is survived by two children; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two siblings, including LESTER ULVESTAD ’40. Cliff was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, in 2004.

1936
Obituary
EDGAR "ED" DIDDAMS of Bloomington, Ill., died Jan. 30, 2009, at age 93. After graduation from Luther, he earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan, retiring in 1977 as director of the McLean County Health Department. Ed had served as an officer in numerous local, state, and national health organizations. He was a member of St. Mary's Church and a lifetime member of the Elks. Ed is survived by a son. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2004.

1938
Obituary
MAXINE (CASSEL) FALCK of Decorah died March 4, 2009, at age 90. She attended Luther to earn a teaching certificate and took classes for many years toward a bachelor’s degree. Maxine taught in Winneshiek County schools from 1938-73 before teaching kindergarten and first grade at North Winneshiek School. She was a member of Burr Oak Lutheran Church, the Joan of Arc Club, and the Eunice Circle. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Arlin. She is survived by her son, JERRY FALCK ’67.