Class of 1948 Fall 2019 Letter

Fall 2019

Fall 2019

Dear Class of 1948 Alumni,

It promises to be an exciting year for Luther. In November, the college inaugurated its eleventh president, Dr. Jenifer K. Ward. President Ward joins the Luther community with more than three decades of experience as an educator, scholar, and academic leader after serving, most recently, as provost and dean of the college at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. Prior to joining Centenary, President Ward served in several leadership roles at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, including dean of the college, interim provost, and associate provost. She was also a faculty member at Gustavus Adolphus College, where she taught German.           

In a message to the Luther community, President Ward said, “Our work together must be strategic, collaborative, creative, and—most importantly—must articulate what it means to be both grounded in Decorah, Iowa with a face to the world, and set goals for how we can adapt Luther’s past and present for a sustainable future.”

A self-described extrovert and lover of art, film, and literature, President Ward started her duties at Luther July 1, and her official inauguration took place November 1–3.

Learn more about President Ward—including her thoughts on food, art, Twitter, Decorah, and higher ed—on Luther’s YouTube channel (youtube.com, then search “Luther College President Ward”) or in the fall issue of the Luther Magazine: luther.edu/magazine.

Also, while you’re at it, use this checklist to up your Luther social media game:

❏    Follow Luther College on Twitter: @LutherCollege

❏    Follow Luther College on Instagram: @LutherCollege

❏    Follow the Luther College Alumni Facebook page: @facebook.com/luthercollegealumni

And, finally, keep in mind that Christmas at Luther takes place December 5–8. This year’s theme is Whom Angels Greet with Anthems Sweet. Luther would be happy to see you there!

Mariah (Bringer) Smith ’95
Director of Development, Current Gifts
Luther College
700 College Dr.
Decorah, IA. 52101
563-387-1096
[email protected]

 

OBITUARIES

Vernon Bernell Bly of Deland, Fla., died April 30, 2019, age 94.

Wilmer “Bill” F. Fure of Faribault, Minn., died May 18, 2019, age 94.

Esther L. (Lerud) Gilbertson of Fargo, N.D., died Feb. 18, 2019, age 92.

Donald W. Olson of Clearwater, Fla., died Dec. 3, 2018, age 95

Harold J. Ziemann of Hudson, Wis., died April 4, 2019, age 95.

The full obituaries of classmates listed in this letter can be found on the Luther College website at: luther.edu/in-memoriam

If you would like a printout of the obituaries listed above in their entirety mailed to you, please contact us at: [email protected], or 563-387-1509.