Fall/Winter 2009

Dear Classmates of 1986:

Winter is here and the holiday season is upon us; it is hard to believe that 2009 is almost over and the first decade of the 21^st century is about to close.  And what a year it has been: the inauguration of the United State’s first president of color, the Swine Flu epidemic, the loss of Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy, the Cash for Clunkers program, Twitter, and the Dow once again hit 10,400 (thank goodness).  But through the good and the bad of the year, we have a great deal to be thankful for. 

Over the last many years, I have served on the board of a few organizations and one that really hits home with me is our local YMCA.  Last year we provided over $850,000 in scholarships to children and families that needed assistance and wellness training.  During the invocation of our last meeting, one board member presented the four “Fs” in his life that resonated with him daily.  These four Fs are Family, Faith, Friends, and Forgiveness.  Each one of these has a daily impact on our lives and those that we surround ourselves with.  From our children, parents, and family members to our colleagues and people we interact with, so much of who we are and what we are about influences so many others.  Often our daily lives just bleed from one day to the next.  We seldom slow down to reflect on our successes and our shortcomings.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season, and that you have (or make) the time in your daily lives to reflect on the four Fs in your life.

Fall at Luther College was good this year with strong enrollment, improved year-to-year retention, new roads throughout the campus, the dedication of a renewed Valders Hall of Science, national recognition for Luther’s sustainability initiatives, and an Emmy for the Twin Cities Public Television’s 2008 production of Christmas at Luther.  If you have not yet had a chance to see this concert in person, it is a treat.  Check your local listings for this year’s broadcast of Christmas at Luther.

The college will recognize its 150th anniversary in calendar year 2011 with a year-long celebration on campus and off.  In anticipation of this commemoration, in 2008 Luther launched a new vision that is guiding decision-making through and beyond the sesquicentennial.  This new plan, Transformed by the Journey, is designed to carry forward the college’s current momentum and build on three distinctive Luther qualities: its uncommon location and how it shapes a strong sense of community, the way faith and learning intersect and lead to a transforming education, and how Luther engage’s students with the larger world.  In support of this plan and new vision, Luther announces The Sesquicentennial Fund, a $50 million effort to support the three strategic imperatives of the plan. 

Check out the link to upcoming Luther College Alumni events.  I would like to see if the Chicago and regional alumni would like to gather on the first Thursday of February.  Several areas around the U.S. have strong social gatherings (e.g., Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Washington D.C.) so let’s start in Chicago.  Please email me and let’s coordinate a time to get together.

Remember to check out the latest Luther news, including sports highlights and academic accomplishments, at http://www2.luther.edu.

And finally, please remember that Luther has set up a great communication tool that can be used to connect and keep in touch with many alumni and classmates--the online directory.  If you have questions, contact the Alumni Office.

I hope that this letter finds you well, enjoying your family and the wonders of this holiday season.  If you have made your gift to the Annual Fund, thank you!  If you haven’t, it’s easy to give online at givenow.luther.edu.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Wally Roach
1986 Class Agent
[email protected]

Class Notes
MARK BIRCHARD is senior director for VHA Inc. in Edina, Minn.

CINDY (YOCUM) CAROLAN is a paralegal at Brennan and Waite PLC in Oakton, Va.

BRAD MILLER, Luther assistant professor of computer science, has created the website Decorah Rideshare, at www.decorahrideshare.com.  After registering on the site, visitors can either post a trip they are planning or find a ride.  Brad hopes the website encourages people to “think green.”

Births
Melanie Antuma-Anderson and MARK ANDERSON welcomed a daughter, Noelle, in Dec. 2008.  Noelle joins sisters Christa (15), Alexa (12), and Brittany (11).

CHERYL HOLTON and Stu Braks welcomed a daughter, Lisa, born in May 2007, adopted on Nov. 2, 2008.  Lisa joins sister Amy (3).

Gabrielle and JOHN CARRINGTON welcomed a daughter, Madeleine, in April 2009.   

LORI HAGAR and William Donegan welcomed a daughter, Ella, in May 2008.