Spring 2018
Dear 2002 Classmate,
We hope this letter finds you creatively enjoying the cold, snowy season here. As much as our family enjoys the skiing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, and snow fort building, we are looking forward to some warmer weather and more time spent outside than inside. We were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate the “Bold North” with more than one million Super Bowl fans this past month. The snow and ice sculptures, ice castle, and outdoor concerts brought entertainment and joy to the chilly season so far.
It seems long ago, but it was a wonderful opportunity to get to see so many of you at T-Bock’s this fall during our 15-year reunion. We were fortunate to have President Paula Carlson join us and share the exciting new changes happening within the Luther community. As we looked around the room and shared stories and laughter, we were energized to hear about all that we have done and all we are looking forward to doing next. Feel free to check out some of the photographs from the day: luther.edu/homecoming/photos-2017.
Campus News
There is always something going on at Luther! Visit luther.edu/news to keep up with current news and happenings.
Social Media
Using social media is another way to stay connected with Luther’s campus. Go to luther.edu/connect/ for links to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
Luther’s Career Network
Feel free to utilize Luther’s Career Network on LinkedIn, a great way to help current students succeed. Go to luther.edu/career/ for more information.
Upcoming Decorah events
If you are in the area visiting, Decorah is a busy place! Check your 2018 calendars and consider making plans to attend these upcoming events:
• Oneota Film Festival, April 19-22 (oneotafilmfestival.org/)
• Nordic Fest, July 26-28 (nordicfest.com)
Also, did you know there are two breweries in Decorah? Toppling Goliath (tgbrews.com) and Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. (pulpitrockbrewing.net/) have made Decorah a beer tourism destination!
Be sure to check out visitdecorah.com for area hotels, B&Bs, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping.
Alumni tours
Luther’s Alumni Office coordinates and/or promotes a number of travel tours each year (luther.edu/alumni/tours). Upcoming tours in 2018 include Nordic Choir Companion Tour to Germany and Czechia (May-June 2018) and Sicily and Malta (October 2018).
Alumni events
Many events are held throughout the region for alumni, parents, and friends of Luther College. Information can be found at luther.edu/alumni/events. Contact the Alumni Office at 563-387-1861 with questions.
Alumni Ambassador Program
The Alumni Ambassador program (luther.edu/ambassadors) is designed to connect Luther alumni with prospective students. Alumni Ambassadors play a direct role with the Admissions Office in recruiting the next generation of Luther students by referring prospective students. Every student you refer will receive a $1,000 scholarship (in your name!) each year, for four years, should they decide to enroll at Luther. Your participation in this program will have a direct financial impact on a student’s experience at Luther. For more information, contact Alyssa Ritter, asst. dir. of admissions at 563-387-1438.
January Term
During J-Term 2018, 286 students and 29 program leaders participated in one of Luther's 17 courses around the globe. Although it's impossible to keep up with everyone, these blogs are designed to provide a glimpse into our students' adventures. You can find J-Term course blogs at luther.edu/jtermblogs2018 and regular Luther student blogs at luther.edu/admissions/student-blogs.
Luther’s Loyalty Society
Luther’s Loyalty Society recognizes donors who have made gifts at any level for three or more consecutive years. The best way to make sure a gift is made each year is to sign up for monthly giving. Visit givenow.luther.edu to donate today!
Please email or connect with us through the Alumni Office with any memories we can share about your Luther experience and Luther connections. Wherever we go, we are in constant amazement at how strong and connected our Luther alumni and community is.
Scott and Julia (Haugen) Peterson, ‘02
2002 Class Agents:
Devon Wendler Alvord
309-339-1593
[email protected]
Scott and Julia (Haugen) Peterson
507-649-0190
[email protected]
CLASS NOTES
Lynn Dalhed is associate director of training at Optum in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Molly Goodwin of Davenport, Iowa, is touring Singapore, the Philippines, China, Japan, and South Korea as the production stage manager on the international tour of Sister Act: The Musical.
Becky (Wedekind) Hanson is principal clinical quality and compliance specialist at Medtronic in St. Paul, Minn. She is also a breastfeeding counselor through Breastfeeding USA, serving the north metro area of the Twin Cities.
Jenn (Smith) and Pete Hoesing live in Sioux Falls, S.D. Jenn has been working with Stockyards Ag Experience for over a year now, and has opened a museum at the Falls Park horse barn as of February 2017. Pete is director of sponsored programs for Dakota State University and maintains an active scholarly profile in ethnomusicology and African studies. He also has two articles forthcoming in two journals, Nova Religio and History of Africa, as well as a book due out soon with the University of Illinois Press.
Ross Larson is a software developer for WTS Paradigm in Middleton, Wis. He was an invited speaker at That Conference, 2017, on the topic of Imposter Syndrome.
Molly (Krol) Sandgren is an advanced practice nurse practitioner in family medicine at Gundersen Health System in Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Jen (Strum) Schuller is a broker associate at Iowa Realty in Ankeny.
Jonathon Struve earned a Ph.D. in music with an emphasis in vocal literature from the University of Iowa in May 2017. He is an adjunct voice instructor and Paideia professor at Luther.
Esther Washington of Rochester, Minn., earned a master’s degree in holistic health from St. Catherine’s University.
Courtney Wooge is president of FCIS Insurance in Forest City, Iowa.
MARRIAGES
COURTNEY WOOGE and Shannon Wooge, May 12, 2012
BIRTHS
EMMA (OTIS) and MATT CZECHOWICZ welcomed a son, Andrew Matthew, in March 2017.
JANE (HOOVER) and Viren D'silva welcomed a son, Jonathan, born July 16, 2016, adopted Nov. 30, 2016.
BECKY (WEDEKIND) and Jon Hanson welcomed a son, Isaac William, in July 2017.
MISSY (KNOTT) and Shane Huff welcomed a son, Sawyer Gregory, in August 2017.
AMY (KENNEDY) and ALEX JUNK welcomed a daughter, Louise Alice in September 2016.
SARAH (SAWYER) and Mike Zahradnik welcomed a daughter, Megan Kathryn in December 2015.