Fall 2019
Dear Class of 1977 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!
Steve Pitzenberger
1977 Class Agent
901 Perkiomen Avenue
Lansdale, PA 19446
215-313-4891
[email protected]
CLASS NOTES
Steven Fink was inducted into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame during the IHSBCA Clinic at the Marriott Hotel in Cedar Rapids on Jan., 2019. Steven pitched at Luther from 1974-1977 and still holds the career strikeout record with 269. His 19-14 career ranks fourth for career wins and includes a third-best 22 complete games. He also still ranks fifth among Luther pitchers all-time with his 2.74 ERA and 34 games started. Since Luther, Steven has coached high school baseball and taught physical education in Iowa.
Carrie (Aalrust) Marion is director of quality and community outreach at Prestige Health Choice in Tallahassee, Fla.
OBITUARIES
Trudy A. (Maloney) Peterson of Titonka, Iowa, died July 6, 2019, age 63.
Tamara (Kiefer) Stevens of Altura, Minn., died Dec. 26, 2018, age 63.
Donavon K. Sunde of Davenport, Iowa, died Jan. 29, 2019, age 65.
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.