Connection. This has always been my passion and the heart of my work here at Luther. I delight in finding common ground—that thing that can provide a bridge between two people. Working with alumni, family, and friends of Luther, finding that connection is easy. People who love Luther truly enjoy talking about Luther, comparing experiences, and sharing memories.
This past year, finding meaningful connections has been hard. The typical in-person gatherings have been on hold and between Zoom meetings, Zoom happy hours, basically Zoom everything, we’re all a little tired of looking at each other through screens. Many people have been laid off, faced uncertainty in their jobs, or found themselves unemployed. Add in a social media landscape that, at times, seems wrought with landmines, and the outlook for connecting with others, especially those who might have a differing opinion than yours, feels pretty bleak.
The pandemic shut the campus and the world down just days after our 2020 Giving Day. In the months that followed the shut down, I often drew on my memories of that day. The sight of students running across campus to deliver thank you notes, the joyful cheers of my colleagues as we hit each new milestone, and the overwhelming amount of Luther pride I witnessed across all my social media feeds. It was such a delight to see people of all ages, all backgrounds, from around the world, coming together for one purpose. To celebrate and support Luther. In the darkest days, I could always count on the light from Giving Day to lift my spirits.
As “Gnome-in-Chief” for Luther’s annual Giving Day, I have been grappling with how to create and encourage virtual connection during such a tumultuous time. Luther’s Giving Day has always focused on connecting and celebrating all things Luther online, primarily through social media. We are all feeling the weight of the world these days and social media may be more of a reminder of our differences rather than what unites us. But as someone who is passionate about connecting people, I am looking forward to Thursday, March 11 as a day where those of us who love Luther will set aside what makes us different, and celebrate what connects us. It’s this place. These students. This community.
This year, students will be emailing video thank yous and my colleagues and I will celebrate each milestone over Zoom rather than crowded together in Gnome Base. Even the Giving Day gnomes look different, meeting over Zoom, and donning masks and maintaining plenty of physical distance when they're together. But I take heart in knowing that my social media feed will still be flooded with Luther blue. March 11 will be a day we can all come together on common ground and connect in a way that’s familiar and looks just like it has every other Giving Day. This moment of “normalcy” will be a welcome respite from a year that has looked nothing like normal.
It is possible to find meaningful connections in a mostly virtual world. And when we unite to show our support for this special place and these remarkable students through our shared photos, memories, and experiences, the outcome is pretty magical. Giving Day has proven that, year after year. I can’t wait to see the entire Luther community come together on March 11. I hope you’ll follow along and see how powerful these connections can be.
Join the Luther College Giving Day 2021 Facebook Event for updates, live content and more!
Add a comment