Luther College Actuarial Science Endowment Fund Awarded as the Forde Scholar in Mathematics

The goals for this program are to honor exceptional faculty, attract excellent students, promote actuarial science as a profession, and provide funding for current expenses and further expansion of actuarial studies in conjunction with the mission, goals, and programs of the Department of Mathematics at Luther College. In the fall of 2004, in recognition of the generous gifts to Luther College in support of the Actuarial Science Endowment Fund from Luther ’49 and Ilene (Knutson) Forde '46, the earned income from the fund was awarded as the Forde Scholar in Mathematics.

Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Endowed Professorship in History

Established through the estate of Kermit O. ’38 and Jane E. (Haugen) Hanson ’39, the award recognizes the value of educational opportunities and the quality of the academic program provided by Luther College and in recognition of dedicated faculty in the area of history who influenced the Hansons’ lives and careers. The selection is made by recommendation from the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the College with the final approval made by the President. The term of appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Academic Dean and President.

Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professorship in International Studies

Established by John '70 and Barbara Melin, through a provision in their estate, this professorship shall be made by recommendation from the Provost, with final appointment made by the President, and is meant to support a faculty member of the international studies program. The term for appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Provost and the President.

This professorship honors the legacy and commitment of Rev. John Melin, Luther College class of 1970, in global ministry—serving people and congregations around the world during pivotal moments in history. After ordination, he worked at the Lutheran World Federation in New York City and has since served congregations from Brazil to the Netherlands to Moscow, where he was able to offer nearly 2,000 refugees food and shelter when they fled civil war in Somalia. Following these callings, John served in Jerusalem and Andorra. In retirement, John has served the interdenominational, Chapel Without Walls as associate pastor. In addition to receiving the Distinguished Service Award from Luther College, John was recognized by PLTS with the President’s Award for Distinguished Ministry in 1992, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International (Moscow) in 1993.

Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies

Established through the estate of Martin and Mary Hull Mohr, Luther College Emeritus and Emerita Professors of English, with additional funding through the estate of John C. Bale, Luther College Emeritus Professor of English, and his wife, Mabel Lee Bale, this fund is meant to further the strong tradition in the humanities that has characterized the College from its beginnings. This professorship will be held by a tenured member of the Luther faculty, ordinarily selected from faculty in English, History, Religion, or Philosophy, but faculty in other departments whose scholarly work and teaching addresses Early Modern history, literature, and thought, may be considered. A committee consisting of the Dean of the College, one tenured representative each from the English, History, and Religion faculties, and one tenured representative from faculties in other humanities or fine arts programs will choose the Mohr Professor. The Dean of the College will appoint the faculty representatives. There will be no nominations, no letters of application, and no letters of recommendation. The Mohr Professor will be chosen on the basis of his or her teaching, scholarship, and devotion to the faith and learning mission of Luther College. The same person can hold the position of Mohr Professor more than once, but not consecutively.

Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship

Established through the estate of Helen (Peterson) '52 and Jack Hustad, this professorship is named for Hamlet Peterson, class of 1922, and is in honor of Hamlet '22 and Thelma Peterson and Ferd and Vera Hustad, and is meant to support a member of the Health Promotion and Exercise Science program, formerly the physical education department. Selection shall be made by recommendation from the Provost, with final appointment made by the President. The term for appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Provost and the President.

Hamlet Peterson, or Coach Pete, is renowned for his role in Luther College athletics. He entered Luther as a student in 1916, but his education was interrupted by his service as a lieutenant in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. A 1922 graduate, Peterson was asked to teach in Luther’s preparatory department upon his graduation. By 1925, he was coach of the football, basketball and track teams, and later added baseball to the list. He taught both physical education and classical languages in addition to coaching. A member of the Luther faculty from 1922 to his retirement in 1967, he coached football and basketball through 40 seasons. In March of 1958 he was elected to the Hall of Fame (basketball section) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In his 1972 book, The Noble Norsemen, Peterson narrated the story of Luther College athletics through the 1960s. Peterson passed away in 1973. (Deferred Fund)

Reese-Wylder Endowed Professorship in Management and Accounting

Established by Brett ’81 and Michele (Wylder) Reese ’81, through a provision in their estate, in recognition of dedicated faculty in the areas of management and accounting who influenced their lives and careers. Selection shall be made by the Dean of the College, with final appointment made by the President. The term for appointment shall be for two years and may be renewed for up to three terms. (Deferred Fund)

Rettig/Swenson Distinguished Librarianship

Established by Mary Lynn (Swenson) '79 and David Rettig, this fund acknowledges the appreciation of Mary L. Rettig for her experiences as a Luther College student employed at Preus Library on the college campus. As technology and pedagogy continue to evolve, libraries and librarians will need to find ways to keep up with changing demands of the students and faculty they serve. This distinguished librarianship is created with the intent to award those who excel in their position and embrace these ever changing demands. The selection of the recipient shall be made at the recommendation of the Dean of the College with the final appointment made by the President. The term of appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Dean of the College and the President. (Deferred Fund)

Wardell Professorship in Sociology

Established by Mark Wardell ’61, through a provision in his estate in recognition of dedicated faculty in sociology. Selection shall e made by the Dean of the College, with final appointment made by the President. The term for appointment shall be for three years and may be renewed at the discretion of the Dean and the President. (Deferred Fund)