TUESDAY 3/13/12

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 • ©2012

To submit an item for the Tuesday click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 14-15 staff meetings

At the March staff meeting Jay Uthoff and Jim Martin-Schramm will talk about Luther's carbon footprint and renewable energy initiatives, Greg Lonning will describe Wellness Day and Jon Christy will complete the series, "What exactly are we doing at Luther College?" -an exploration of the college's goals for student learning. The meeting will be offered twice in Peace Dining Room: Wednesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, March 15 at 9 a.m.

VP and dean for student life named

President Richard Torgerson has named Corey D. Landstrom to the position of vice president and dean for student life.

Landstrom will assume his duties at Luther July 9.  He succeeds Ann Highum who has served as vice president and dean for student life since 1991.

Landstrom currently serves as assistant dean of students at Colgate University, a position he has held since 2005.  He directed Colgate’s Center for Leadership and Student Involvement from 2003-05.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS

2011 FSA must be used by March 15

Flexible Spending Account dollars deducted from employee paychecks during 2011 may be used for eligible expenses through March 15, 2012. Claims for these dollars must be submitted to Midwest Group Benefits by March 31, 2012.

LIS software requests

Academic departments-please submit any requests for new or upgraded software to LIS by the end of April at http://lis.luther.edu/services/software-requests. Requests made at this time will be considered for installation on classroom and lab computers over the summer.

Health plan incentive credit

The Luther health plan offers incentive credit to employees to encourage self-auditing of eligible medical bills to ensure amount billed by provider accurately reflects services/supplies received by employee or dependent. When employee's self-audit results in elimination/reduction of charges, 25 percent of amount eliminated or reduced will be paid to employee ($10 minimum savings) provided the savings are accurately documented with copy of incorrect bill and copy of corrected billing of a reduction in charges. Submit to Roy Prigge. Credit payment limited $500/calendar year.

Textbook purchases

The Book Shop is beginning textbook returns to publishers and wholesalers. Encourage students to make their textbook purchases now.

Facilities services

An inspection of the upper east parking area at Korsrud has warranted closing it due to the structural conditions on the bottom of the cement slab.  A timeline has not been determined for repairing the parking lot.

The annual steam shutdown is planned for May 22, beginning in the evening, through May 26. A limited number of buildings will have hot water and some HVAC systems will be cooler than usual.

Foreign films available

Like foreign films? The Language Learning Center has a great collection of foreign film titles, many with English subtitles, available for check out with a Luther ID. DVDs and VHS tapes available in Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Chinese and Norwegian. Large collection of Norwegian audio books also available. The LLC is located on the second floor of Main. Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Come in and browse.

Amazing deals in the Book Shop

Great promo pricing on select spring clothing. Neon Luther hoods- originally $39.99, now $24, hoodless hoodies- originally $24.99, now $20 and Luther sweatpants- originally $19.99, now $12. Also, all clearance-priced t-shirts now 2 for $10. Hurry in, sale continues while supplies last.

Message from campus programming

Luther College will host a three day conference for the NE Iowa Narcotics Task Force on March 19-21. The scheduled activities will take place in the Olin Building.

On March 21, the Food & Fitness Conference will be scheduled in Valders and the Dahl Centennial Union.

Farwell locked for spring break

Faculty and staff that use the Farwell parking lot and elevator should plan ahead as spring break approaches. Farwell Hall will be locked for break starting at 7 p.m. Friday, March 16. Farwell Hall will reopen Sunday, March 25 at 10 a.m.

Spring break hours

Dahl Centennial Union/Welcome Desk
Friday, March 16: Closing at 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, March 25: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cafeteria
Friday, March 16: 7-9:15 a.m., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Saturday, March 17-24: Closed
Sunday, March 25: 5-7 p.m.

Oneota Market
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25: Closed

Marty's CyberCafe
Friday, March 16: Closing at 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: March 17-25: Closed
Monday, March 26: Opening at 9 a.m.

Book Shop
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25: Closed

Mail Center/SPO
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25: Closed

Legends Fitness Center
Friday, March 16: Close at 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25: Closed
Monday, March 26: Begin spring hours of 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Please note, Legends closes one hour earlier.

Preus Library
Friday, March 16: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18: Closed
Monday-Friday, March 19-23: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, March 24: Closed
Sunday, March 25: 6 p.m.-midnight

EVENTS

Chapel this week

Wednesday, March 14: John Thatamanil, Union Theological Seminary, Cantorei

Friday, March 16: Rebecca Sullivan

March 17-25: Spring break, no chapel

Events this week

March 13, Center for Ethics and Public Life Guest Lecture, John Thatamanil, 7 p.m., CRH

March 13, Faculty Artist Series, Michael Smith, tenor trombone, bass trombone and euphonium, 7 p.m., NRH

March 20, School Performance, "Treasured Stores," Eric Carle, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., CFL

Wii bowling league bowl-off

Everyone is invited to the Wii Championship Bowl-Off on Tuesday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Book Shop. The Avengers of Catan and The Money Rollers will be competing for the coveted title. Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying popcorn and root beer. 

FAS: Michael Smith

Michael Smith, associate professor of music, will perform an instrumental recital Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.

Smith will perform pieces on the tenor trombone, bass trombone and euphonium. Du Huang, associate professor of music, will accompany Smith on the piano. The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Thatamanil lecture March 13

John Thatamanil, associate professor of theology and world religions at Union Theological Seminary, New York, will present "The Hospitality of Receiving: Gandhi, King, and Interreligious Learning" Tuesday, March 13, 7 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. In his lecture, Thatamanil will argue for interreligious receptivity– the capacity to learn from a tradition other than our own – and will show how Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. excelled at interreligious receptivity.

Artist reception

An artist reception for Bounnak Thammavong will be held Thursday, March 15 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Sampson Hoffland Atrium. Bounnak designed the "Chain Reaction" and "Of Periodics" display located on the first and second floors of the atrium. He also designed "Luther Chemistry Periodic Table of Elements: H20" located in the stairwell of the atrium. The exhibit and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.

Faculty/staff spring break health fair

Come to the spring break health fair in the Union Tuesday, March 20, 8 a.m.-noon and get a gift. Special gift for the department that sends the most staff/faculty.

Wellness blood screenings will be held from 7:30-11 a.m. This is an even year which means employees are reimbursed. Sign up at health.luther.edu, click on Blood Screening and fill out the online form or call 387-1045.

Physicians available for limited skin checks, eye screenings, foot screenings, diabetes educator, BP checks, hemoglobin AIC, etc.

Public Health will be present for those who need tetanus or Hep B vaccines.

Spouses/significant others welcome.

Sponsored by Human Resources, Health Service and Wellness.

'District Preus' to host 'Capitol Style'" Hunger Games party March 29

"District Preus" invites you to a Hunger Games "Capitol Style" party in the library on March 29 from 8-9 p.m. Test your Hunger Games knowledge in a trivia contest, amp up your look at the decoration station and forage for Hunger Games-related food. Come dressed "Capitol Style" and pose for READ posters. The winning District trivia team scores dinner and a movie for the entire team. See the library's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PreusLibrary for more details.

CSS: 'Damn Yankees"

The musical comedy "Damn Yankees" will come to the CFL Main Hall Friday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26, $24 for seniors age 65 and over and $15 for youth ages 4-18, available at the Box Office, 387-1357. In "Damn Yankees" Joe trades his soul to the Devil for a chance to lead his favorite baseball team in the pennant race only to realize the true worth of the life he's left behind.

Passover Celebration April 12

Interfaith Holiday Meal Celebration—Passover Celebration will be held Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m., Peace Dining Room. Join College Ministries and the Diversity Center for a model Seder, a Jewish tradition that celebrates the Passover theme of freedom from slavery and oppression. Space is limited. Tickets available at the Luther College Box Office. Cost is $2 plus a meal plan swipe or $6 for students without a meal plan, all others, $10. Questions? Contact <interfaith>.

Student recitals

Valerie Krych '13 will perform a soprano recital Sunday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m.

All student recitals are held in the Noble Recital Hall, with receptions following each performance. Student recitals and receptions are open to the public with no charge for admission.

COMMUNITY

New Employee

Paul Hoffman joined Luther as an Assistant Football Coach March 5.  His office is the Regent's Center, Room 16C, telephone 387-1613.

Internal transfers

Joyce Brincks is now Marty's supervisor, telephone 387-2227.

Gloria Wiest is now the baker supervisor, telephone 387-2217.

Position opening

Luther  seeks a qualified individual for the position of writer in the publications office. The writer will write, rewrite and edit print and electronic pieces for internal and external audiences. Key duties include supporting the editing and publication of the Luther Magazine, writing and reviewing content for the Luther website, and other writing responsibilities within the Publications and Design department. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three current references to:  Office of Human Resources, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101 or via email at <hr>.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS, ETC.

Luther seniors Ashley Matthys, Anne Proescholdt, Mikaela Belland and Mandie Mickelson, a December 2011 Luther graduate, have been chosen to serve as presenters at the 2012 Women as Global Leaders Conference at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The conference will feature college students and educators' presentation sessions on their research, experiences, and thoughts on developing sustainably focused leaders and empowering women cross-culturally. The Luther students will present a panel discussion session titled "How Prominent Women Use Media to Effect Socially Sustainable Change."

Jim Martin-Schramm gave five presentations on the broad theme of "Lutheran Perspectives on Ecological Issues" for the ELCA's Northwest Wisconsin Synod Lay School of Theology on March 9-10. The sessions were simulcast for a similar group in the ELCA's Central States Synod.

MISCELLANEOUS

Registration open for Kindernature, Discovery Club

Registration is open for Luther College's spring environmental programs: Kindernature and Discovery Club. Programs begin March 26 and run through May 7.

Places are available for children in pre-school through fourth grade. For registration information contact Emily Neal, <nealem01> or 387-2138.

Seeking student profile recommendations

The Luther Alumni Magazine is seeking recommendations for graduating seniors to profile as part of its Commencement coverage. We want to hear about students who have excelled academically and/or received awards in their field of study, as well as students who have been exceptional in their contributions outside the classroom or are embarking on interesting careers. Email Ellen Modersohn at <modeel01>.

Redeemable cans to benefit HFH

Take all redeemable cans and bottles to Luther's drop-off site. It's located on Luther College Dike Rd. next to the two big blue recycling bins and Storre Theatre.

Place your redeemable cans and bottles in tied bags, and place them in the metal cages. If they're sorted, great. If not, that's okay, too.

All proceeds go toward the construction of a new home by the Luther College Habitat for Humanity Chapter.

Women, Faith and Finance seminar April 13

On Friday, April 13, Luther is hosting the eighth annual Women, Faith and Finance seminar at the Hotel Winneshiek. Women of all ages are invited to come and learn more about financial management, retirement and estate planning, and charitable giving. Cost is $25—bring a friend, and each save $5. First 75 women to register will receive the book The Generosity Plan. To register online, go to http://www2.luther.edu/wff or email <lovellje> for more information.

Climate Justice Campaign

Are you passionate about climate change, social justice, or sustainable-living? Do you have a vision for a sustainable and just future? Do you want to influence world leaders through local action? You are invited to participate in the “Climate Justice Campaign” this April at Luther. Interested students, faculty and staff, or community members should contact Kristi Holmberg at <holmkr01> to learn more and get involved.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

For sale: Three bedroom, 1 3/4 bath home with heated shop and barn on three and a half acres, 11 miles from Luther. New floors, roof and kitchen counter tops. Main level bath has heated floor tile and jetted tub. Walking distance to Upper Iowa River for fishing, canoeing and tubing. Contact Kara, <[email protected]> or 735-5426.

For sale: Large blue couch. In good condition. $200. Measures 8 feet, 2 inches long by 3 feet, 7 inches wide. Contact <larsam01> for more information and pictures.

House-sitters available: Two responsible, Luther, women are looking to house-sit for all or most of the summer. Willing to pay rent and utilities used. Please email <whitma06> or call (218) 340-3781.

For sale: Simplicity baby crib and youth bed combination. Very good condition. Also have five wooden gates for child protection available. Also approximately 24 old jars and bottles..antique. Need cleaning up. Contact Joyce, 382-6022 and leave message or email [email protected].

For sale: Flexsteel leather couch, tan, 10 years old, $200. You haul. Contact <chrija02> for pictures or to make an appointment to see.

For sale: Dinner table and four chairs. Light blonde wood in good condition. Includes two leaves, which expands to comfortably seat 8. Asking $150 OBO. See pictures online at:
http://s1163.photobucket.com/albums/q553/NotActingRight/. Contact Brookhart, <shiesb01> or (319) 331-2484.

Wanted: Female Luther senior in need of a place to stay for the summer. Willing to rent and/or house-sit. You name the price. Please email <rudnam01> or call (651) 528-9211.

For rent: Two-bedroom, one and a half-bath house at 403 Montgomery, Decorah. Includes one-car detached garage. $650/month. No Smoking. Small pets ok. View online at www.triadpropertygroup.com. Available March 21. Call Mike or Leslie at 382-6527.

For rent/purchase: House for rent or purchase, 5-6 bedrooms, one block from campus. Call 379-1001.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Sustainability tip

Bike Storage Pickup will be Monday, March 26 from 3-6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 27 from 6-8 p.m. Come to the east side of the Ashmore-Jewell barn where you dropped your bike off. No need to bring anything except yourself. Questions? Go to
luther.edu/sustainability or email <livesimply>.

Wellness tip

Brain Awareness Week: March 12-18

Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. 

Every March, BAW unites the efforts of partner organizations worldwide in a celebration of the brain for people of all ages. Events are limited only by the organizers' imaginations and include open days at neuroscience labs; exhibitions about the brain; lectures on brain-related topics; displays at libraries and community centers; classroom workshops; and more. For more, see www.dana.org/brainweek.

For some brainteasers and puzzles to sharpen your mental focus, see: http://dana.org/brainweek/resources/downloads/.

Safety tip from Luther's Safety, Security and Information Services

Due to the potential presence of tornados and other unsettled weather, we are providing the following reminders about severe weather watches and warnings, and recommended actions. For more information, the emergency procedures are available at http://www2.luther.edu/safety/emergency.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

(Weather conditions are right for a severe thunderstorm.)

Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

(Severe thunderstorms are occurring.)

The city's emergency siren may sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area. Move to a place of shelter.

Remain indoors and away from windows until the severe storm passes.

Report any injuries and damage by dialing ext. 2111 and/or 9-911.

Be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• Building name
• Type of injury or damage
• The location of any injured person(s) or building damage
• Room number you are calling from

Tornado Watch

(Weather conditions are right for a tornado.)

Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.

Tornado Warning

(Radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado.)

The city's emergency siren will sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area.

Take the following actions:

• Use center hallways, bathrooms or rooms away from windows. If time and space permit, move to lower floors. Stay away from windows and doors. Cover yourself when possible to protect against flying debris; a portable radio, flashlight and cordless phone may be useful. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures with wide, free-span roofs.
• After the storm passes, leave badly damaged buildings, if it is safe to do so. Do not use the elevators.
• If it is not safe or possible to leave the area, stay and wait for assistance.
• Do not attempt to return to the building unless directed to do so by Security. Do not turn on or off any utilities or other equipment.
• Report all injuries and damage to Security, ext. 2111 and/or 9-911

Be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• Building name
• Type of injury or damage
• The location of any injured person(s) or building damage
• Room number you are calling from

And finally…

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

-Charles Dickens