TUESDAY 2/8/11

Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Public Information office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m., 75-word limit • Phone: (563) 387-1865 • Email: <tuesday>

Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2011

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting with President Torgerson

Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend either an 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. meeting with President Torgerson Thursday, Feb. 17 in the CRH. The President will provide an update on Task Group 150 discussions and a recap of the February Board of Regents meeting.  The Feb. 17 meeting replaces the Feb. 23-24 staff meetings.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS

Flu shots available at Health Service

There is still time to get a flu shot. The peak influenza season has not hit Iowa, but the state epidemiologist predicts a significant increase in cases in the next month. Come to Health Service Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $10 for students, $20 for staff/faculty.

Event funding available

Got art? Planning to bring a speaker, artist, musician or performer to Luther in the near future? The Lectures and Fine Arts committee has limited funding still available for guests visiting Luther for this fiscal year. See: https://www2.luther.edu/programming/lfa/ for more details. Note: applications for the next fiscal year will be accepted the second Friday after spring break. Some changes to the funding guidelines will be made for the next year. Changes will be discussed by LFA Committee representatives at upcoming divisional meetings.

Employee blood screenings

Health Service will offer employee blood screenings for employees and their spouses on March 24, April 21 and May 5. Call Health Service, 387-1045, to schedule an appointment. Price is $35 for regular lab screenings and $40 for the PSA. This is an uneven year so employees will not be reimbursed for blood screenings.

My ideal library

LIS is developing a long-range plan for Preus Library and therefore seeking your input in envisioning Preus Library one, five and even 20 years into the future. Take a moment to share your thoughts and dreams. We want to hear from you. Complete the online form at http://lis.luther.edu/myideallibrary or visit the library in February and contribute to whiteboard brainstorming.

Audio stream of February events

KWLC AM 1240 will stream several events live in February at http://kwlc.luther.edu/listen/index.htm including these upcoming music ensemble concerts:

·       Tuesday, Feb. 8: Nordic Choir homecoming, 7:30 p.m.

·       Sunday, Feb. 13: Symphony Orchestra homecoming, 7 p.m.

Luther calendar links available

Looking to add Luther-specific calendars to your Google calendar? At http://lis.luther.edu/learn/luthercalendars you can find Luther's academic calendar, Regents Center hours, College Ministries events, many Norse team schedules, gym hours and many other calendars at Luther. This link also allows you to create your own "easy button" for a team, group or organization that you would like added to this listing. Questions? Contact the Help Desk, 387-1000 or <helpdesk>.

Business card deadline Feb. 9

The publications office is accepting orders for business cards online at www2.luther.edu/printwork. Order in quantity increments of 250. Send a sample of an old card via campus mail to AJ Perling. Submit orders prior to Wednesday, Feb. 9. The publications office gathers business card orders at the start of each semester; please note that orders printed individually at other times cost considerably more to run.

Nearly 500 have registered

A reminder that Luther participants must register to attend all or part of the March 4-5 Nobel Peace Prize Forum.  Program and registration information is available at www2.luther.edu/peaceprize/. Cost: $10 for students and $15 for faculty/staff and students not on a board plan.  Unless the Forum sells out, the registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 21.

Massage therapy appointments available

Massage therapy appointments are available Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Student Health Service. Call 387-1045 to schedule an appointment.

Habitat for Humanity dinner auction

Luther students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in the second annual Luther College Habitat for Humanity silent auction. Place bids on home-cooked meals in the Union Feb. 7-11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Proceeds sponsor Habitat's 2012 house, the first LEED certified Habitat house in Decorah. Silent auction results announced Friday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. Email Alex Schumacher, <schual04>, for more information.

Magazine seeks senior profile suggestions

The Luther Alumni Magazine staff seeks help in compiling a list of Class of 2011 members to profile in a future issue. We want to hear about students who have excelled academically, but we'd also like to learn of students who have been exceptional in contributions outside the classroom or are embarking on unique or interesting careers. Email names and information on accomplishments/activities and post-graduation plans to Sara Friedl-Putnam at <friedlsa>.

EVENTS

Chapel this week

Tuesday, Feb. 8: Student-led chapel, CRH
Wednesday, Feb. 9: Carrie Newcomer, Vocation visitor
Thursday, Feb. 10: Global prayer, CRH
Friday, Feb. 11: David Vásquez
Monday, Feb. 14: Gregory Peterson

Events this week

Jan. 7-Feb. 10, Art Exhibit, Luther art faculty mixed media, Center for the Arts, Wigley-Fleming Gallery
Jan. 10-March 18, Art Exhibit, Luther Portraits from the Fine Arts Collection, Preus Library
Feb. 2-March 18, Art Exhibit, Doug Knutson '84, photography, Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall
Feb. 8, Luther Ensemble Concert, Nordic Choir, tour homecoming concert, 7:30 p.m., CFL Main Hall
Feb. 10, Biology Colloquium, Research presentations by Luther students, 9:40 a.m., Valders 206
Qualley Lecture, Philip Freeman, 7 p.m., Olin 102
Feb. 11, Center Stage Series, Carrie Newcomer, 7:30 p.m., CFL Main Hall
Feb. 12, Documentary Film, "abUSed: The Postville Raid," 2 p.m., Valders 206
Faculty Artist Series, Andrew Whitfield, voice, 4 p.m., Noble Recital Hall
Feb. 13-14, Dorian Orchestra Festival
Feb. 13, Luther Ensemble Concert, Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m., CFL Main Hall
Feb. 14, Dorian Orchestra Festival Grand Concert, 7 p.m., CFL Main Hall
Feb. 15, Religion Forum, Robert Shedinger, "Is Islam a Religion? Religion, Politics and Islamic Revivalism in America," 7 p.m., Olin 102

Message from HR: HERway Feb. 8

Rescheduled: Winneshiek Medical Center presents HERway Conversations, a casual, educational community health talk series for women of any age, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Conference Room B on the lower level of WMC.

Freeman gives Qualley Lecture Feb. 10

Philip Freeman will present the 2011 Luther College Qualley Lecture Thursday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. in Olin 102. In his lecture, titled "Alexander the Great: Hero or Villain?" Freeman will discuss Alexander the Great, one of history's best-known figures. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission.

'Our Transformative Stories' workshop

Center Stage artist and singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer's free workshop, "Our Transformative Stories," for Luther staff, faculty and Lifelong Learners participants is Friday, Feb. 11, 9:15 a.m. in Peace Dining Room. Attendees will explore through writing, listening and discussion how our personal stories of hope, struggle and transformation connect us to the larger cultural story and lead to new stories of hope and possibility. Refreshments provided. Limited space. Sign up at: https://www2.luther.edu/programming/workshop/.

Center Stage Dinner Series Feb. 11

Dine with Luther catering before the Carrie Newcomer performance Friday, Feb. 11; service begins at 5:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room. The journey of tasty morsels includes strawberry salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, stuffed portobello mushrooms with herb roasted chicken, wild rice, almonds and cranberries, herbed breadsticks and housemade lemon trifle with a caramel sauce. Call the Box Office for tickets, 387-1357. More information about the dinner series at http://www2.luther.edu/programming/centerstage/dinnerseries/.

CSS: Carrie Newcomer Feb.11

Folk singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer will perform Friday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Tickets are on sale through the Luther Box Office, 387-1357. The first Center Stage event of 2011, Newcomer's performance connects with Luther's sesquicentennial, inviting community members to explore the year's celebrated theme, "Transformed by the Journey." For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit http://centerstage.luther.edu.

Norse Pack the Stands Night

You are invited to Luther wrestling's last home meet of the season and the first Norse Pack the Stands Night on Friday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. SAAC and Pizza Hut are partnering to sponsor Norse Pack the Stands Night.

Parent's Night Out Feb. 11

Interested in an early Valentine's Day night out? The Luther Student Council for Exceptional Children will hold Parent's Night Out Friday, Feb. 11 from 6-10 p.m. in Brunsdale Lounge. Children of all ages are welcome. A free-will donation will be accepted. Light snacks will be provided. Contact <dejofe01> with questions.

Whitfield, Paul recital Feb. 12

Luther faculty members Andrew Whitfield, baritone, and Jessica Paul, piano, will perform the song cycle "Winterreise" by Franz Schubert, Saturday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. The performance is open to the public with no charge for admission. The program will be sung in German with projected English translations.

Nordic Choir tour homecoming concert

Nordic Choir will perform a tour homecoming concert Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther campus. The performance by the 64-member Nordic Choir is open to the public with no charge for admission.

'abUSed: the Postville Raid' Feb. 12

Luther will host the regional premiere of "abUSed: The Postville Raid" Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. in Valders 206. "abUSed" will also be shown in the Postville Schools Fine Arts Center, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Critically acclaimed filmmaker Luis Argueta will lead a discussion about his documentary following each film. "abUSed" tells the personal tale of the individuals, families and town that survived the largest and most expensive immigration raid in the history of the U.S.

Sesquicentennial visitor series: Rahfaldt

Michal Rahfaldt '97, will be on campus Feb. 13-19 as part of Luther's Sesquicentennial Visitor Series. Rahfaldt is the director of the Children's Radio Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa. He has taught at the University of Michigan and the University of Cape Town, along with serving in several capacities with UNICEF in Cape Town and Zambia. His visit is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Life and Sense of Vocation.

Luther College Woman's Club Feb. 15

Robert Shedinger will present the February program to the Luther College Woman's Club Tuesday, Feb.15 at 1:45 p.m. Shedinger's presentation is "Was Jesus a Muslim? Trancending the Stereotypes of American Muslims." Music will be provided by members of the Luther musical community. The LCWC meets in Peace Dining Room.

Religion Forum Series lecture Feb. 15

Robert Shedinger will present the Luther Religion Forum Series lecture Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in Olin 102. The forum will be based on Shedinger's lecture titled "Is Islam a Religion? Religion, Politics and Islamic Revivalism in America."

Midwest Black History Conference

Jazz workshops, presentations and performances will rock Luther Feb. 16-17 when the college hosts the eighth annual Midwest Black History Conference. The conference, titled "An Edward 'Duke' Ellington Symposium," celebrates the life and music of Ellington. The conference is open to the public. Featured presenters include six-time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon. Freelon's presentation will culminate with her Center Stage Series performance "Dreaming of the Duke," Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m.

CSS: Nnenna Freelon Feb. 17

World-renowned jazz singer Nnenna Freelon will perform Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Tickets are $23, $21 for seniors age 65 and over and $15 for youth ages 4-18, available at the Box Office, 387-1357. Discounted tickets are available for Black History Month Conference participants. For more information or to order tickets online, visit http://centerstage.luther.edu.

SAC presents: Dynamic Duo

The Dynamic Duo, a slam-poetry performance pair, will perform at Luther Friday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m. at Marty's. Tickets are $9, available at the door or the Box Office, 387-1357. The performance is sponsored by the SAC Diversity and Spotlight committees.

COMMUNITY

Condition update available online

On Friday, Jan. 28, Joni Meyer, Luther alumni records assistant, was in a car accident with her husband Herman.

They were both driven to St. Mary's Hospital (Mayo) in Rochester. Herman suffered broken ribs, a broken clavicle and a broken wrist. He was released Saturday, Jan. 29, but had surgery on his wrist Monday, Jan. 31. He is doing better.

Joni is recovering at St. Mary's. Her injuries include head trauma, bruising and a broken left arm. She had surgery to repair the breaks in her arm on Saturday. Information about her condition is available at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jonimeyer.

An account has been set up at Viking State Bank for the Meyer family, if people are inclined to make a donation.

Please keep Joni and her family in your thoughts.

Sympathy

To the family of Lynn Hanson, a member of the nursing faculty from 1988-1995 (Rochester campus), who died Monday, Jan. 31, shortly after a diagnosis of liver cancer. A memorial service was held Sunday, Feb. 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Condolences may be sent to her husband Perry Hanson at 4424 Sea Mist Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169-4143. To read the obituary, see:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?n=lynn-ellen-hanson&pid=148313940&fhid=3797.

To the family of Lawrence and Queen Williams on the death of their grandchild, Basil (B.J.) Robinson, the 12-year-old son of Lawrence and Queen's daughter Shari. B.J. had cerebral palsy, was never able to walk or talk.  Shari had one kidney transplant and really needs another. The Williams' address is 6401 St. Thomas Court, Louisville, KY 40218. Lawrence requested that if anyone calls, use their land line (502) 491-7997.

To Kathy Tollefsrud and family on the death of her father Virgil Snell, 83, of Decorah who died Feb. 5.

Thank you

We wish to thank everyone for the cards, prayers and sympathies expressed at the time of our dad's funeral.

-Barb Hammel and Julie Bakken

Position opening

Public services specialist: Part-time specialist to provide circulation services on Saturdays and some weekday evenings during the academic year, September through May. See HR website for details:  https://www2.luther.edu/hr/staffvacancies/.

Admissions visit coordinator: Immediate opening for full-time Admissions visit coordinator. See HR website for further details at https://www2.luther.edu/hr/staffvacancies/.

Nottingham and Malta directors

Dean Craft is pleased to announce the appointment of David and Brenda Ranum as directors of the Nottingham program for 2012-13, and Olga Rinco as director of the Malta program for spring 2012.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

Amy Weldon's essay "The Odd Girls: Flannery O'Connor and Me" has won an additional award from Shenandoah, the journal in which it appeared in 2010: the Thomas H. Carter Prize for the Essay for Volume 60. Weldon's new blog, The Cheapskate Intellectual, featuring reflective essays on money, life, and spirit — especially, but not exclusively, for women, and updated weekly — is now up and running at http://cheapskateintellectual.wordpress.com/.

Students in Spanish 301-Advanced Grammar and Translation, Fall 2010, completed a Spanish translation of several admissions websites with information for international students and their families. The following students contributed to the translation: Emily Banitt, Mallory Bazan, Chloe Benjamin, Cassandra Bormann, Maddie Ford, Alison Gerard, Kelly Huffman, Marlena Johnson, Andrew Knight, Hannah Kosgard, Kristy Nielsen, Kelsey O'Leary, Michael Osmera, Nicole Shatek, Dana Sonnicksen, Kevin Wenger and Bethany Wichman. The students were assisted by David Thompson and Alfredo Alonso Estenoz. See the results of their work here: http://www2.luther.edu/admissions/international/espanol/.

Jayme Nelson, in collaboration with Joan Henriksen Hellyer from the Mayo Clinic, has published an article in the February issue of the American Journal of Nursing titled "The Patient's Responsibility." 

SPORTS RESULTS/SCHEDULE

Wrestling lost to no. 5 Coe Feb. 4, 0-39.

Men's basketball defeated Central Feb. 5, 68-51. Leading scorers for the Norse were Tim Merritt '12, 19, Dane Larson '12, 18, and Tyler Wedemeier '13, 12.

Women's basketball defeated Central, 70-64. Four Norse recorded double digits, Sam Jewell '11, 24, Taylor Johnson '14, 17, Logan Hjerleid '14, 14, and Bethany Van Sloten '11, 10. Van Sloten also recorded 10 rebounds.

Home events this week:

Basketball hosts Cornell Feb. 9; women at 6 p.m., men at 8 p.m.

Wrestling hosts Dubuque Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

Men's tennis hosts Central Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.

MISCELLANEOUS

Basketballers needed

Play basketball? Ready to take on your students? Last year, the faculty lost the faculty-student basketball game in overtime. This year, we aim to turn things around. If you are a faculty member interested in playing in the Model UN fundraiser, we could use you. Game is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Contact Becky Bowman at <bowmre01>.

Oneota Film Festival seeks volunteers

The Oneota Film Festival is looking for individuals or groups that want to be part of the planning process for the 2012 film festival. Planning will begin in the next couple of months with volunteers being solicited to help with film screening, event planning, volunteer coordination, student film submissions and marketing. Any interested students, faculty or staff should send an email to <danbellrichard>.

Seeking volunteers for 'History Walk'

In celebration of the sesquicentennial, Kristen Underwood seeks faculty, staff and students to portray people from Luther's past in a "History Walk." Participants can expect 3-4 rehearsals in April; the opening performance is Saturday, May 7. Subsequent performances will be offered in the summer and fall. No theatrical experience required, but participants should be comfortable speaking in public. Contact Kristen for more information: [email protected].

Symphony Orchestra's Vienna blog

Luther's Symphony Orchestra travelled to Vienna for J-term. To catch up on what they did in Vienna view their blog "LCSO: Follow Our Downbeat" at http://lcsofollowourdownbeat.wordpress.com/. The blog details their performances and experiences through the writing of Jaci Wilkinson '11 and Will Layton '11.

Math Fun Hour moves to DPL

Math Fun Hour for fifth and sixth graders has moved to the Decorah Public Library, after school on Fridays, 3:20-4:20 p.m. For information contact <bergerr>.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

Free: Do you need inter-campus envelopes?  We have an over-abundance of both large and small envelopes.  Contact Bridget, <chribr03> or 387-1015.

For sale: Top-load Frigidaire washing machine. Good condition. $100 or best offer. Contact <mitch> or 380-2760.

For sale: Women's Patagonia small down coat. Used, but in great shape. 600 fill goose down, eggplant color. Very warm. Asking $90 or best offer. Interested? Call (303) 895-0920.

For sale: Wonderful three-bedroom, two-bath home within short walk from college. Surrounded by trees in secluded setting. Cozy upstairs/downstairs with separate entrances. Fireplace. All appliances included. Two-car garage. Flexible availability. Call 387-0242.

For sale: Home within easy walk to Luther. Avoid springtime bidding wars and fall in love with 1305 College Drive in time for Valentine's. Newer home located just inside city limits. Amenities: fabulous neighborhood, borders 89 acres of Luther woods, open floor plan, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms on main, unfinished basement with room for three bedrooms, bath, family room and storage, attached oversized garage. Great for kids or retirement. Offered for $197,500. View at: www.aGreatHomeDecorah.com.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Sustainability tip

Recycle your used electronics: Even though we know we "should" do it, recycling can really be a drag for Lazy Environmentalists. So it's nice to know that we can now get paid to conveniently recycle some of the most important things to keep out of landfills, e.g. our electronics. Electronic waste - or "e-waste" - releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, land and groundwater. Here are the Lazy Environmentalist's top three recommendations for recycling companies that will pay for used electronics:

Gazelle.com - Send Gazelle your used cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, laptops, GPS units, camcorders, gaming consoles, iPhones and more, and the company will you pay you for them. Where possible Gazelle refurbishes them and makes them available to its partners for resale. It's possible to get great deals on refurbished items at major retailers like Target thanks to Gazelle.

Buymytronics.com - Buymytronics.com is on a mission to recycle used, new and broken electronics. To make it worthwhile, the company pays you for them within 48 hours of receiving them. Send your old cell phones, cameras, game consoles, camcorders and iPods, and they'll send you cash.

Greeenphone.com - Visit Greenphone.com to find out how much your used cell phone is worth and then print the free postage label and mail your phone to the company. Once Greenphone.com receives and verifies its condition, the company will cut you a check.

One note: All of these companies provide free shipping to their facilities. The best is Gazelle.com which sends you a postage paid box in which to ship your items. Second best is Greenphone.com which provides you with a prepaid shipping label. Third best is Buymytronics.com which reimburses you for your shipping expenses, $5 for the first item and $2 for additional items in the same package.

And finally…

The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.

-William James