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
Time for a party
A college can't celebrate a sesquicentennial without paying special tribute to the faculty and staff who have served with distinction, devotion and yes, stress and sweat. Luther's 150th Family Reunion and Fun Festival on May 25, 4-7 p.m., is a time to honor each of you, your families, and former faculty and staff. Look for your invitation in campus mail. Judy and I look forward to sharing good food and fellowship with the best group of co-workers anywhere.
-President Torgerson
Final staff meeting of the year
The April staff meeting will have President Torgerson sharing highlights of the year, senior students reflecting on their time at Luther, and—continuing this year's "top 10" theme—Judy Nye will share "The 10 Most Interesting Questions I've Received as a Faculty Member." The meeting will be offered twice in Peace Dining Room: Wednesday, April 20, at 2 p.m. and Thursday, April 21 at 9 a.m. All are welcome.
Faculty Recognition Dinner May 12
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Faculty Recognition Dinner, Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. reception and 6 p.m. dinner, in Peace Dining Room, with a program immediately following. The program will honor retirees Virginia Gibbs, Carol Gilbertson, Sheryl Juve, Harvey Klevar, Penny and Rich Leake, Alan Lerstrom, Mark Lund, Judith Nye, Fred Nyline, Uwe Rudolf, Loyal Rue and Walt Will. Twenty-five year honorees are David Bishop and Tim Schweizer. Thanks to support from the Dean's Office, tickets are $8 on sale until Friday, May 6 in the Box Office and from Dodi Bernatz, Olin, Doris Patterson, Jenson-Noble, Lynn Williams, Valders, Erin Zidlicky, Koren, Mary Moen, Regents Center, and Janine Brandt, Union.
Norwegian royalty on campus Oct. 13
Luther has received communication that King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway plan to visit Luther Oct. 13. Luther officials have not received a final itinerary or schedule for the visit by the king and queen. The Oct. 13 visit will be the eighth time that members of the Norwegian royal family have visited Luther and Decorah.
New Regent announced
President Richard Torgerson has announced the appointment of Steven Barnes of Niwot, Colo. to the Luther Board of Regents. Barnes retired in 2008 as senior vice president and dealer relations manager with Capital Group/American Funds. After a 40-year career in investment securities, real estate investment, marketing management and financial services, he continues his professional career as an equity and real estate investor and shareholder in privately held Capital Group Companies.
LIS software requests
Submit any requests for new or upgraded software to LIS at: http://lis.luther.edu/services/software-requests by the end of April. Requests made at this time will be considered for installation on classroom and lab computers over the summer.
Upcoming LIS training
Using Skype in the Classroom training is April 19, 3-4 p.m., Olin 301. More at http://lis.luther.edu/node/5334
Moving to the Mac training is April 20, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Union-Borlaug. More at http://lis.luther.edu/node/5329
Business card deadline April 20
The Publications office is accepting orders for business cards online at www2.luther.edu/printwork. Please order in quantity increments of 250. Send a sample of an old card via campus mail to AJ Perling. Submit orders prior to Wednesday, April 20. This order will be printed and back just before graduation to accommodate summer travelers. The Publications office gathers business card orders at the start of each semester; note that orders printed individually at other times cost considerably more.
Diversity Center seeks comments
How can we serve you better? Give us input by filling out the Diversity Center Survey found on Katie http://katie.luther.edu under "surveys." Anyone coming into the Diversity Center this week to fill out the survey will be paid in chocolate.
Luther Neighbors Project with HFH
Remember to return pledge cards with pledges and/or donations in support of the Luther Neighbors project with Habitat for Humanity. The cards may be returned to College Ministries. All donations before May 15 will be used for a $10,000 matching grant from State Farm Insurance. If you were unable to attend a presentation about our partnership project to build a house with Habitat for Humanity in 2012 or have misplaced your pledge card, contact Rachel Vagts at <vagtsrac> for a pledge card and more information.
Missing: soft bags from Health Service
Health Service is missing two red soft bags used for carrying lab specimens to hospital in. The bags look like lunch bag coolers. Reward offered. Call Health Service with any information, 387-1045.
Gardening 101
The Pepperfield Project and Luther Sustainability are offering gardening classes this summer. The classes are open to beginning, intermediate and advanced gardeners who want tips from gardening basics to gardening with limited space, planning a fall garden and gardening/ canning for colder months. Classes are free and open to the public. Find details, dates and sign up at www2.luther.edu/sustainability. Information about signing up for a plot in the Community Garden is also available there. Sign up by April 29.
Facilities management announcement
Grounds crew will spread fertilizer and lawn seed to improve the quality of the lawns on campus. For information, contact Gary Brickman, 387-1668.
Using Skype in the Classroom
Uwe Rudolf will speak about his experience using Skype in class, along with advice for others interested in using it Tuesday, April 19, 3-4 p.m. in Olin 301, Round Table Room. Skype, an application that offers free internet-based video conferencing is one tool that allows interaction with guest speakers, scholars and experts from around the Globe. To sign up, visit http://lis.luther.edu/node/5334.
Moving to the Mac
Considering switching to a Macintosh computer? If so, bring your lunch and see and hear what the Mac has to offer and how it compares to a Windows machine Wednesday, April 20, 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Mott Room in the Union. This session is timed for faculty who are considering the switch with this summer’s faculty rollout. To sign up, visit http://lis.luther.edu/node/5329.
Summer 2011 faculty workshop
LIS and the Dean's Office are partnering to offer "Enhancing Student Learning Through Information Literacy and Technology" for faculty July 11-15. Participants will consider course-specific information literacy principles in the context of departmental/ program goals and teaching goals in relation to use of technology: social media, new media, hardware, software, etc. More information and application at: http://lis.luther.edu/studentlearningworkshop2011. Individuals, pairs or teams from departments are welcome to apply. Applications are due May 2.
Writing help/chat time in Gathering Place
Don’t miss the new events happening in the Diversity Center Gathering Place. Thursdays from 11 a.m.-noon, librarian Germano Streese will be on hand to provide writing help for students. Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. is Chat Time with Sandhya Caton, Interfaith coordinator. This is a time for students to have casual conversations about Interfaith issues. All are welcome. No appointments necessary.
Green officer certification
Faculty and staff are invited to get their office green certified by Sustainability. The process has several levels of certification, but the first level starts with completing a simple application form and signing Luther’s energy conservation pledge. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit http://www2.luther.edu/sustainability/energy/greenoffice/. Contact Maddie Ford, <fordma02>, with questions.
Chapel this week
Tuesday, April 19: Tuesday Devos, 9:40 a.m., CRH
Wednesday, April 20: Debrah Fordice
Thursday, April 21: Morning prayer, Maundy Thursday, CRH
April 22-25: Easter Break, no daily chapel. College Ministries wishes all a blessed Holy Week and Easter.
Events this week
April 19, Luther Ensemble Concert, Concert Band, 7:30 p.m., CFL Main Hall
April 20, Luther Ensemble Concert, Collegium Musicum, 7 p.m., Noble Recital Hall
April 26, Luther Ensemble Concert, Brass Ensembles, 7:30 p.m., CFL Main Hall
Luther College Woman's Club
Jon Lund will present the Luther College Woman's Club program Tuesday, April 19. Lund's presentation, "International Students: Creating a Global Learning Environment," will be at 1:45 p.m. in Peace Dining Room. All women from Decorah and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served following the program, with a brief business meeting and up-date on current events at Luther. Childcare is available during the meeting. Call Amy Bruening, 382-8604, to arrange for this service.
Collegium Musicum concert April 20
Collegium Musicum will perform a spring concert, Wednesday, April 20, at 7 p.m., in the Noble Recital Hall. Collegium will perform Bach's Cantata No. 6, "Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden" which translates to "Stay with us, for evening approaches."
The choir will also perform other vocal and instrumental works by Bach to celebrate the Lent and Easter seasons. To contrast the sacred works of Bach there will be a set of secular pieces from the Elizabethan era by composer John Dowland and others.
The concert features several Luther faculty soloists.
'The Assemblage Point'
The Theatre/Dance department will present seven performances of "The Assemblage Point." The production is described as "a myth performance centered around archetypal energies which beckon to dream a new world into being." Performances are April 29 and 30 and May 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances April 30 and May 7 at 1:30 p.m. Performances will take place in Jewel Theatre. Tickets are available at the Luther Box Office.
Luther 150th Birthday Bash April 30
Luther College Student Activities Council Special Events Committee will host the Luther 150th Birthday Bash Saturday, April 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on the Library Lawn. The event is open to the public with no charge for admission. A ceremonial cake cutting with Luther President Richard Torgerson will take place at 5 p.m. with music from the Luther Pep Band. DJ Donald Lee-Brown will provide the evening's entertainment following the cake cutting. Games and contests will be held during the event.
'Ask What You Can Feed Your Country'
Curt Ellis, founder of FoodCorps and a Peabody-winning film-maker, will speak at Luther Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in Valders 206. His lecture, titled "Ask Not What Your Country Can Feed You—Ask What You Can Feed Your Country," will discuss his documentaries, advocacy and ideas for changing the way America eats. Reception with Ellis to follow the lecture.
'History Walk' dress rehearsal May 7
Faculty, staff and students are invited to view a dress rehearsal of the "History Walk" that Luther has commissioned for the Sesquicentennial Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. Costumed actors stationed throughout campus will bring to life many of the people and pivotal moments which have shaped the college since 1861. Meet at Bentdahl Commons ten minutes before show time, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour will last 50-60 minutes. Another performance will be offered Sunday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. as part of Commencement weekend.
Upcoming student recitals
Emily Gillaspey '12 will perform a viola recital Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m.
Maggie Michenfelder '12 will perform a piano recital Saturday, April 30 at 4 p.m.
Student recitals are held in the Noble Recital Hall. A reception will follow the performance. Both the recital and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Sesquicentennial relay race
Relive the Luther journey on a 150-kilometer relay race from Luther's birthplace in Halfway Creek, Wis. to Decorah, Iowa on June 4-5. On day one of the race, runners will travel approximately 60 miles from Halfway Creek to Rushford, Minn., the location of the overnight stay of the relay race participants. On day two, runners will complete the remaining 50 miles to the finish line at Luther. For more information, visit the website https://www2.luther.edu/150/events/relayrace/registration_info/.
Thank you
A very successful benefit was held for the Joni and Herman Meyer and a huge thank you is extended to everyone for their support. The success of this event was not possible without all of the volunteer workers, individuals, local businesses and private organizations for the donations, time and support. You, the community, definitely deserve applause for your continued and tireless support. Thank you, thank you.
-Benefit Planning Committee
Congratulations
To Chris Barth, who has accepted a position to begin late summer as librarian and associate dean at the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a loss to Luther, but a wonderful opportunity for Chris.
Kate Narveson contributed the chapter on John Donne's "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions" (source of "no man is an island" and "send not to know for whom the bell tolls") in the newly published "Oxford Handbook of John Donne" (OUP, 2011).
Greg Siems '12 has been awarded the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship, which will cover all expenses for two months of intensive Russian language study abroad in Kazan, Russia for summer 2011. Of the approximately 5,200 CLS applicants, Siems was selected to receive one of 575 scholarships awarded, almost 30 percent of which were awarded to graduate students.
Bradley Miller and his GroupLens colleagues have been awarded the Association for Computing Machinery's 2010 Software System Award for GroupLens Collaborative Filtering Recommender Systems. The 2010 ACM awards were announced April 6. Miller and the other award winners will be honored at the ACM Awards Banquet June 4 in San Jose, Calif.
Kim Powell received a top paper award at the Central States Communication Association Conference held in Milwaukee April 5-9 for "Framing Islam: An Analysis of U.S. Media Coverage of Terrorism Since 9/11."
Gunner Rollins '14 is the winner of Mabe's Sesquicentennial Pizza Contest, conducted by Luther's SAC Special Events committee in December. Rollins' winning entry, "Chicken Cordon Luther Blue," will be served at Mabe's Pizza for the Sesquicentennial year. Rollins' winning entry, Chicken Cordon Luther Blue, includes breaded chicken, ham, blue cheese topping, and a mix of blended cheeses.
Kristin Swanson presented "The Use of Response Cards in Elementary and Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Classes to Promote Active Student Participation" at the Upper Midwest Regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature, April 1-2.
Men's tennis lost to Carleton April 16, 4-5, and defeated St. Olaf April 16, 5-4.
Baseball defeated Loras April 16-17, 2-0, 4-1 and 12-7. Augie Lindmark '12 allowed just two hits and struck out eight batters in the first game. In the third game, Chris Reynolds '12, Jeff Rose '11 and Ryan Bahnemann '12 each had three hits.
Men's golf is in fourth after two rounds of the IIAC Championships, April 17.
Softball defeated UW-Stout April 17, 17-1 (5) and 7-2. The Norse had 24 runs on 37 hits on the day. Kelsey Kittleson '12 was four for five with two RBI, and Kelsey Weindruch '13 and Lexy Determan '11 were three for four with three RBI each in game one.
Home events this week:
Softball hosts Dubuque April 19 at 3 p.m. Game will be video streamed.
Baseball hosts Wartburg April 27 at 3 p.m. Game will be video streamed.
Survey: exploring Decorah gardens
To have a better understanding of the number of vegetable gardens in Decorah, figure out ways to encourage community members to consider gardening and ways to help those already gardening, students have put together a survey. The information provided will help us to better understand Decorah urban gardens and the next steps to take. For more information and access to the survey, visit www2.luther.edu/sustainability/.
Seeking tour guides for History Walk
Kristen Underwood seeks members of the Luther community to act as tour guides for The History Walk, a performance event to be staged across campus between May and October. The opening performance is May 7, with subsequent performances throughout the summer and fall. Volunteers may commit to just one or as many as 12 performance dates. No experience required, but participants should be comfortable speaking to a group in various outdoor settings. Contact Kristen for more information: [email protected] or 419-7616.
Wanted: Babysitting job for the summer. Certified through American Red Cross. Call Michelle, 379-2625.
For sale: Beautiful, historic, brick, Victorian home on acreage, two miles from Luther, 1.8 acres plus, three-car garage, extra 20 x 15 two-story building, five bedrooms, one full and two partial bathrooms, living room, dining room, office/den, many perennial beds, gardens, very good condition, many updates. For information, please contact 382-8495 or [email protected].
Wanted: Full size bed with mattress and box spring, in good condition. Call 382-1491. Leave message.
For sale: Country home/acreage, two miles from Luther, two-level, owner designed and built, quality craftsmanship, seven acres, horses, gardens, orchard, pond, in-floor heat throughout, four bedrooms, two 1/2 baths, two offices, living area, family room, gathering kitchen, abundant natural light, maple woodwork, geothermal heat, large two-car attached garage, additional 36x60 garage/shop/studio with in floor heat. Please contact Barbara, [email protected] or 380-0677, or go to http://www.forsalebyowner.com and look under Decorah, Iowa.
Free: The college archives office has about 80 acid-free document boxes to give away. Good for old letters, photos and important papers. A few are located in the Office Supply Reuse Store. Email <livesimply> to arrange a pick-up.
For sale: Daffodils are here. Have a dozen delivered on campus for $6. Email <davismar> for delivery.
Free: Upright piano, you pick it up-it's yours. Contact Marty, <jacoma07> or 419-3877.
For sale: Child's metal swingset, free if you haul; turtle sandbox, $5; nine-drawer dresser with two mirrors and matching nightstand, $70 or best offer. Contact Mike or Leslie, 382-6527 or <smitmi01>.
For rent: Lake home for rent near Nisswa, Minn. Top rated lake in the Brainerd area. Year-round home with three large bedrooms and two baths. Week of July 4 is open and others may be arranged. Pictures and details available. Contact Dennis and Carol Tack, 387-6198.
For rent: Three-bedroom Victorian home near Phelps Park; living, dining, family room, kitchen and half bath downstairs, three bedrooms, sitting room, full bath, and washing machine upstairs. Small yard. No dogs. Available Aug. 1. Email Kate <narveska>.
Free: Luther blue and white love seat. Ideally it needs the right side to be up against the wall as in the picture. Needs minor repair. Measures 4' 10" by 3' 3" by 2' 6". Email or call for a pick up time. Can be moved for you during Easter weekend otherwise you will have to move it yourself. Contact <buczbr01> or (920) 559-7097. Picture at: http://www.decorahnow.com/posts/3437
For sale: Canning jars, used only once. All have rings, but you will need to buy seals. One quart, regular mouth jars, 12 for $7. One pint jars, 12 for $6. Email <chrija02>. Email inquiries only. You must pick up.
For sale: IKEA corner shelving unit, light wood, natural finish, $10. Email <chrija02> if you're interested and I will send you a photo. Email inquiries only. You must pick up.
Help available: Going on vacation and need someone to watch your beloved pooch? Need a person to water the plants while you are out of town? Need an occasional baby-sitter? Recent Luther alumna will be in the Decorah area for the summer starting April 30 and is looking for odd jobs. She has several years of experience as a pet, plant and house sitter as well as baby-sitter. Rates are reasonable. Interested? Have more questions? Contact Kirstin, <roblki01> for more information.
Sustainability tip
Have you registered your bike? Free bicycle registration is available to all students, faculty and staff on campus, and will put your bike's information into a national database accessible by police departments throughout the country. If your bike is stolen in Decorah, or elsewhere, registering your bike will identify you as the owner if it is recovered. Register online at: http://www2.luther.edu/sustainability/transportation/bikeregistration/ or at the Rec Sports/BWP Office.
Wellness tip
Behavioral therapist Cindi Peterson says just say "no." Learn to set your limits and stick to them. You don’t have to attend every party you are invited to, or volunteer at every function. Set priorities so you can truly enjoy the activities you choose to attend. Read more online at: http://www.spamagazine.com/gallery/12-wellness-tips-2011.
And finally…
A light supper, a good night's sleep, and a fine morning have often made a hero of the same man who, by indigestion, a restless night, and a rainy morning, would have proved a coward.
-Philip Dormer Chesterfield