Spring 2018

Dear Member of the Class of 2009,

Even though it may seem at times as though the Midwest is still in the middle of winter, we know spring is just around the corner. If this season has you daydreaming about taking a trip, you might get your fix by reading Luther students’ J-term blogs at luther.edu/jtermblogs2018. This January, 286 students participated in one of Luther’s 17 programs around the globe, studying everything from choral singing in Namibia and South Africa, to religion and corporate culture in Japan, to entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

These experiences have profound impacts on students. As Izzy Michaud ’19, who studied environmental issues at Holden Village in the Pacific Northwest, writes, “My time at Holden has . . . renewed my faith in people and in God. It has allowed me to find parts of myself that I believed to be lost, and it has given me good courage for the journey ahead.” Experiences like Izzy’s are hallmarks in a Luther College student’s journey.

If a trip abroad or to Holden Village isn’t in your near future, remember, Decorah is also a great place to visit, especially in the spring/summer. Consider making plans to attend these upcoming events:  the Oneota Film Festival, April 19-22 (oneotafilmfestival.org) and 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! If you haven’t been to Decorah recently, be sure to check out visitdecorah.com for area hotels, B&Bs, coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. 

Also, as many of you know, Thursday, March 8, was Luther's third annual Giving Day! Thousands tuned in to an all-day livestream from Marty's and joined the fun through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more). Overall, a whopping $478,193 was raised for the Luther Fund - WOW! If you'd like to relive the fun (and see the 12-hour livestream), visit luther.edu/giving-day. THANK YOU to all who donated and made this day such a success!

Finally, Luther’s Board of Regents voted in February to approve a new strategic plan: “Inspired. Empowered. Engaged.” The new five-year plan is designed to make Luther more dynamic and innovative in its support of the 21st-century liberal arts student. Expect to hear more about the exciting changes ahead as we begin implementing the plan.

CLASS NOTES 

Natalie (Schultz) Barria is director of human services and payroll for G.O. Fresh in Minneapolis.

Erin (Torkelson) and Jesse Bunge ’11 live in Gypsum, Colo. Erin teaches K-5 music at Gypsum Elementary School. Jesse earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Kansas and is the 9-12 vocal director at Eagle Valley High School.

Ashlee (Wicks) Carpenedo earned a master’s degree in ESL from Hamline University. She teaches ESL at South Washington County Schools in Cottage Grove, Minn.

Andrea (Schenk) Dye teaches fifth grade for the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Kyle Lilly of Minneapolis received certification as a professional soil scientist by the Soil Science Society of America Soils Certification Board.

Andrea (Johnson) Mierau is the lead physical therapist at National Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine, Minn.