TUESDAY 9/20/11

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

Faculty/staff open forum

President Torgerson will host two open forums to discuss TG150 recommendations in the CFL Recital Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2-3 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Task Group 150 draft report is posted on Katie for faculty and staff to study and comment. Go to the course called "Office of the President" and then "Luther-President." Individual comments can be directed to <skodalda>.

GE wind turbine

After seven years of dreaming, planning and fundraising Luther's wind turbine now stands on the bluff west of campus. Due to GE's accelerated delivery schedule the turbine will not start generating electricity until interconnection with Alliant Energy is completed in October. In the meantime the turbine's blades will turn slowly in the wind to protect the bearings. Plans are underway to dedicate the turbine before the home football game on Saturday, Nov. 12. My thanks to Jim Martin-Schramm and Jay Uthoff. Without their determination, expertise and commitment to making Luther a more sustainable campus this project could not have happened.

-President Torgerson

Faculty/staff training sessions

In an era of greater attention given to institutional risk management issues, Luther periodically offers training sessions focused on the prevention of workplace harassment and discrimination. All faculty and staff are expected to participate.

If you have not already attended, please make an effort to be at the final workshop Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Fran Seplar of Seplar and Associates will lead the sessions, all of which will be held in the Recital Hall of the CFL.

Staff supervisors and directors should encourage their staff colleagues to participate in one of these sessions and arrange work schedules to permit colleagues to attend.

Thank you for your cooperation in scheduling your participation in these risk management workshops.

Chapel time

A reminder to the community that there are to be no meetings scheduled during Chapel, 10:30-10:50 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Luther is distinctive in its practice of making space for community-wide chapel and I ask the campus to respect this tradition of having "set apart" time for reflection and spiritual nourishment.

-President Torgerson

Updated Tuition Benefit Program

Luther is pleased to offer its faculty and staff a benefit that is highly unique in today's workplace: higher education for one's dependents. The Tuition Benefit program has been updated and now has a three-step application process available online.

Deadlines are as follows:

Step 1: Nov. 1, applications due
Step 2: Dec. 1, finalized list of colleges due
Step 3: May 15, confirmation form due

For complete information about the process and the application form, see: https://www2.luther.edu/hr/tuition/. Contact Scot Schaeffer, <schasc01> or 387-1430, with questions.

2011 fall semester enrollment

Luther's 2011 fall semester student enrollment is 2,471: 1,402 women, 57 percent, and 1,069 men, 43 percent. International students total 122, 4.9 percent and U.S. students of color total 184, 7.4 percent. There are 45 countries and 33 states represented in the student body.

Degree-seeking new students total 667: 627 first-year students and 40 transfer students. The first-year to second-year student persistence percentage for the 2010 first-year entering student cohort is 87.2 percent. The most recent four-year graduation percentage is 66 percent for the 2007 first-year student cohort.

For a web link to more detailed enrollment information for years 2007-11 visit http://www2.luther.edu/ir/studentenrollment/2011-2012/; for a web link to first-year student cohort persistence and graduation percentages visit http://www2.luther.edu/ir/persistence_graduation/.

Contact Jon Christy, <chrijo01>, with any questions.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS

Employee blood screening news

Effective immediately all staff, faculty and spouses interested in signing up for employee blood screenings will now to sign up online for their appointment in Health Service. Complete and submit the form online and Health Service will receive your information.

Health Service appreciates everyone's cooperation in this new system.

Available dates are Sept. 29, Oct. 11 and 20, and Nov. 3. Employee blood screening website accessible through the Health Service website or directly at: https://docs.google.com/a/luther.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDBiMk5lQjBJZzdSTklIRUktMUt1RGc6MQ.

Communication studies speech lab

Communication studies staffs a speech lab for campus-wide use. The purpose of the lab is to help Luther students improve their oral presentations before giving them in class. Students are helped on a first-come first-served basis. A communication studies major will videotape the student speech or presentation and provide constructive criticism. For more information contact Kim Powell, 387-1362 or <kimpowell>.

Office Supplies Reuse Station has moved

The Office Supplies Reuse Station has moved to the closet across from 372F in the Environmental Studies/Sustainability Office Suite. Bring unwanted notebooks, folders, binders, staplers, scissors, markers/pens/pencils (new and used), etc. and pick up supplies. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Before buying new, see if you can get it here free.

Founders Day Festival Dinner

Founders Day Festival Dinner and Celebration of Distinguished Service will be held at Homecoming, Friday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. dinner. All Luther community members are invited to join in this premiere Sesquicentennial event in a transformed Regents Center. Tickets are $40 per person; seating is reserved and limited. RSVP online by Friday, Sept. 23, at www.luther.edu/homecoming/registration, or by calling 387-1861.

Friday Prayers time change

Join College Ministries each Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Melanchthon Interfaith Room, second floor in the CFL for Friday Prayers. Rooted in the Muslim tradition, this brief service is open to all. A call to prayer will be followed by readings, reflection and prayers. Luther alumnus Ahmed Alkhalili '10 and current students will be sharing in leading prayers. Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association and Allies, College Ministries and the Diversity Center.

United Way

Look for information in your mailboxes this week about the local United Way. More information will be shared at the faculty/staff meetings this week.

Textbook returns start Oct. 3

The Book Shop will begin making textbook returns the first week of October. Students need to purchase all of their textbook needs before books are returned. Books purchased by faculty for use as temporary desk copies, cannot be returned after Oct. 1. Thank you.

Free Your Mind, Read! Sept. 24-Oct. 1

Celebrate Banned Book Week by viewing displays in the Book Shop, Preus Library and Library Archives.

Watch the Virtual Readout on TV in the Book Shop.

Enjoy snacks inspired by banned books in the new library café Tuesday, Sept. 27,
6 p.m.

Attend the Banned Book Readout Thursday, Sept. 29 from 9:40-10:30 a.m. at Bentdahl Commons. Rain location: Book Shop.

For more details on more events and how to submit a YouTube video, check the Book Shop website at http://luther.edu/bookshop or the library Facebook page.

EVENTS

Events this week

Sept. 21: Faculty Artist Series, Michael Smith, trombone, 7 p.m., Noble Recital Hall

Sept. 22: SAC Diversity Lecture, Adam Carroll, 7 p.m., Valders Room 206

Sept. 23: FAS, Rebecca Boehm Shaffer, horn, 7 p.m., NRH

Sept. 24: FAS, Tarn Travers, violin, 7 p.m., NRH

Sept. 25: Sesquicentennial Composers Concert, "Music in the Shape of a Pear,"
2 p.m., NRH

Sept. 25: FAS, Tom Bourcier, piano, 7 p.m., NRH

Sept. 25: Guest Lecture, Jill Essbaum, "Christian Erotic Poetry," 7 p.m., Olin Room 102

Sept. 27: Center Stage Series, An Evening with Garrison Keillor, "The Aura of Flora in Decorah," 7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life Main Hall

Sept. 28: Guest Lecture, Stephanie Kelton, "Why You and I Can't Spend More Than We Earn, but the Government Can—and Probably Should," 7 p.m., CFL Main Hall

Chapel this week

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Mike Blair
Thursday, Sept. 22: Morning Prayer, CRH, Trevor Green, cantor
Friday, Sept. 23: Mike Durnin
Monday, Sept. 26: Jill Essbaum, visiting poet

'Sounding the Sonnets'

Mark Z. Muggli is reading two of Shakespeare's 154 sonnets aloud in Bentdahl Commons Monday through Friday from 12:05-12:10 p.m., Aug. 31-Dec. 9. "Sounding the Sonnets: a Ritual Performance Happening" is part of Muggli's 2011-13 Jones Professorship "Our Shakespeare" project. Stop by to inject a brief burst of art into their busy daily schedule. See http://www2.luther.edu/english/ourshakespeare/ for details of other "Our Shakespeare" activities.

Luther College Woman's Club Sept. 20

Kristen Underwood, founder of Upstart Crowe Theatre Works and ArtHaus will present at the next Luther College Woman's Club meeting Tuesday, Sept. 20. Underwood's program "The History Walk: Bringing the Past to Life Through Theatre" is at 1:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room.

All women from Decorah and surrounding communities are encouraged and invited to attend LCWC. Refreshments will be served following the program, brief business meeting and an update on current events at Luther. Childcare is available during the meetings. Call Amy Bruening, 382-8604, to arrange for this service. Shuttle service from the Decorah Swimming Pool parking lot is also available. Call Ruby Hermeier, 382-4999, to arrange for this service.

NAA fall sports luncheon Sept. 22

The Norse Athletic Association's fall sports luncheon will be held at noon Thursday, Sept. 22 in Peace Dining Room. Cost is $5.

All fall sport coaches will speak on their respective seasons to date. Don't miss a great chance to get firsthand information on Norse athletics.

The Norse Athletic Association was formed in 2007 to meet the increasing costs associated with running an NCAA Division III athletic program. Gifts made through the Norse Athletic Association will enable the Athletic Department to provide our student-athletes with quality and memorable experiences at Luther. Gifts may be directed to the general Athletic Department or to individual sports at Luther.

RSVP to Mark Franzen at 387-1588 or <franma03>.

'Twelfth Night' showing and discussion

"Twelfth Night" is the first offering in a "Shakespeare on Film" series organized as part of Mark Z. Muggli's "Our Shakespeare" 2011-13 Jones Humanities Professorship. The film, directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Helena Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs and Ben Kingsley, will be shown Friday, Sept. 23, in Valders 262. There will be an optional introduction at 4 p.m., the film showing at 4:10 p.m., and an optional brief discussion afterwards. Pizza will be provided. 

Alexander Technique weekend

Andrea Fedele, an oboist and certified Alexander Technique teacher, will be giving a series of master classes the weekend of Sept. 23-25.

·       Introduction to Alexander Technique: Friday, 8:15 p.m.
·       Oboe/Alexander Technique Master Class: Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.
·       Woodwind/Alexander Technique Master Class: Saturday, 2-4 p.m. 

All sessions are in Jenson-Noble, Orchestra Room. Interested faculty and students are invited to attend. For more information contact Heather <armshe01>.

'The Red Nose Mask' Sept. 23

Luther visiting artist Paola Coletto, along with Robert Larson of Luther's theatre/dance department, will present "The Red Nose Mask: Vulnerability and Truth for the Actor" on Friday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Studio II. 

The lecture demonstration is open to the public with no charge for admission.

"The Red Nose Mask" presentation will look at varied aspects of what is called "physical theatre" including the red nose, considered the smallest mask in the world. 

FAS: Rebecca Boehm Shaffer

Rebecca Boehm Shaffer will perform a horn recital Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. Boehm Shaffer's program includes Beethoven's Sonata for Horn and Piano in F Major, Op. 17, "Horn-lokk" by Sigurd Berge, "Divertimento" by Jean Françaix, and Simon Sargon's "Huntsman, What Quarry?" Two Poems of Edna St. Vincent Millay for Soprano, Horn and Piano. She will be joined by Karen Kanakis, soprano, and accompanied by Jessica Paul, piano.

Adventure Race Sept. 24

The Adventure Race, sponsored by Luther Wellness, is Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Cost is $15 for students and $20 for non-students. Racers will complete two miles of canoeing/kayaking, a 15-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Entry fee includes canoe/kayak. Questions? Contact <adventurerace>. Race forms available at: http://www2.luther.edu/studentlife/wellness/adventure/.

FAS: Tarn Travers, violin

Tarn Travers will perform a faculty artist series recital Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. The violin performance is open to the public with no charge for admission. Travers will perform works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Eugène Ysaÿe. He will be joined by Luther faculty members Miko Kominami, piano, and Eric Kutz, cello.

'Music in the Shape of a Pear'

Luther's semi-annual "Music in the Shape of a Pear" concert series, directed by Brooke Joyce, continues in September with a sesquicentennial concert titled "Luther Composers" Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Essbaum poetry reading Sept. 25

Jill Alexander Essbaum, visiting assistant professor of poetry at University of California-Riverside, will present "The Body of Christ: The Marriage of Spirit and Flesh and flesh" Sunday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Franklin W. Olin Building, Room 102. The reading is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Brown Bag with peace scholars

Join a brown bag discussion with Luther peace scholars Thato Masire and Lauren Griffin, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 12:15 p.m. in the Mott Room. "Hope, Peace, and Solidarity: Reflections by the 2011 Peace Scholars on the Oslo attacks and their summer peace studies in Norway" is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Life and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.

Green to lecture on Islamophobia

Todd Green will present a lecture and facilitate a discussion on Islamophobia Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the CRH. The lecture, "Islamophobia and the Western Construction of the Muslim Enemy," is sponsored by the Interfaith Student Association.

SAC Spotlight: 'Plastic Musik'

Plastic Musik, a unique performance group based out of Las Vegas, will perform Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in Marty's CyberCafé. Tickets are $10 at the Luther Box Office or at the door the night of the show.

SAC Concerts: Colbie Caillat

Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat will perform Sunday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Regents Center Main Gym. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $27, available at the Luther Box Office.

Alumni art exhibit on display

The Luther Art Department will host an alumni art exhibit in honor of the college's Sesquicentennial and the 75th anniversary of its art department. The exhibit is on display Sept. 12-Oct. 16 in the Kristin Wigley-Fleming Gallery. A gallery reception for all exhibiting artists will be held as part of the art department’s open house Oct. 15 following the Homecoming football game at 3:30 p.m. 

Student recital

Stephen Uhl '13, will perform a piano recital Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in the NRH. Uhl will perform works by Bach, Chopin, and Luther junior Dan Fernelius. Reception to follow. Recital and reception are open to the public, no charge for admission.

COMMUNITY

Position opening

Diversity Center program assistant: Regular 10-month/year position. See HR website for further details at https://www2.luther.edu/hr/staffvacancies/.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

Eric Kutz, cello, and Miko Kominami, piano, performed at the Malibu Coast Music Festival in Malibu, Calif. at the end of August. Kutz and Kominami performed seven chamber music concerts in nine days at the festival. The festival, in its sixth year, has been recognized for excellence by the US House; it features artists from throughout the United States. 

Wanda Deifelt presented a lecture titled "Lutherans and Roman Catholics in Dialogue in Latin America: a Brazilian Perspective" at the International Ecumenical Seminar in Strasbourg, France, July 2. 

MISCELLANEOUS

PALS available for Decorah youth

Interested in signing your child up for PALS? Email <pals> for an application or to request information. It's a great opportunity for your child to participate in fun activities under the supervision of Luther students. Deadline for applications is
Sept. 23.

Sesquicentennial Servants Banquet

College Ministries invites alumni: pastors, rostered church leaders and those serving as leaders in camps, volunteer corps and other ministries to join us for our Sesquicentennial Servants Banquet, Thursday, Oct. 13, Steyer Opera House in Hotel Winneshiek, beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $30 per person, paid in advance. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 5. Register via email at <ministry> or online at: https://www2.luther.edu/ministries/servants_banquet/.

Discovery Club registration

Registration is open for fall Discovery Club, kindergarten-second grade featuring outdoor adventures after school. Get outside and learn about the wonders of the natural world through guided exploration, games and activities. Pick-up after school available at St. Ben's and John Cline. Monday or Tuesday session: Sept. 26-Nov. 22. $60, scholarships available. To register contact Emily Neal, <nealem01> or 387-2138. 

New Jazz Orchestra CD released

Luther's Jazz Orchestra has released its latest album, "Transformations: Celebrating Jazz at Luther," a compilation of works celebrating the achievements and vibrancy of the Luther jazz program and the college's Sesquicentennial.

The CD is $20 and available on the Luther website, http://www2.luther.edu/music/recordings/?story_id=342763.

The album title reflects the college's 2011 Sesquicentennial theme "Transformed by the Journey."

Community 'Messiah' at First Lutheran

The community is invited to join the First Lutheran Chancel Choir in a performance of part I of the "Messiah" by Georg Frideric Handel Wednesday,
Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Conducted by Spencer Martin, the choir will be joined by vocal soloists Kristin Hightower, Beth Ray-Westlund, Edwin Andereck and Andrew Whitfield. A chamber orchestra, comprised of First Lutheran Church members and Luther faculty and students, will accompany the performance. For more information, contact Spencer Martin, <martsp01> or the FLC office 382-2638.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

For sale: 1990 Chrysler LeBaron, good condition, four-door, white with red interior, air, tilt, cruise, good tires, 99,000 miles. Contact Lyle Halverson, 387-2423.

Wanted: Queen-size bed frame. Happy to pick it up. Call 382-2029.

For sale: Dark solid pine dining room set. Includes buffet, hutch, table with two leaves and four chairs. $300. Contact Kay McGrew, 382-2178.  

Wanted: House cleaning jobs. Contact 382-3978, 379-6070 or <hageju01>.

Wanted: Nanny position. I love kids and have provided childcare for children one month to 10 years old for seven years. I am a freshman at Luther and will major in elementary education and Spanish. References available upon request. Please contact Leah Schaefer, (608) 258-2803 or <schale01>.

Wanted: Have an extra mattress no one uses? I need one in decent shape. Please call Lauren, (303) 895-0920.

Wanted: One or two bedroom apartment in Decorah. Ready to move in Oct. 1. Please call Lauren, (303) 895-0920.

For sale: Eddie Bauer Premium Goose Down Comforter. Reduce heat bill while staying cozy this winter with a like-new Eddie Bauer top-of-the-line, Premium Karo Goose Down Comforter. Queen size 88"x98"; khaki colored; 600 fill power down inside "Baffle" construction that keeps down evenly distributed. Used one January in northern Minnesota. Machine washable. Compare to LLBean 2011 Fall Catalog model, p. 108, KK238444. Has original transparent heavy-duty zippered storage bag. Price $95, paid $275. Call 382-4423 and leave message.

Wanted: Recycled shopping bags. Please bring bags to the Marty's C-store.

Tickets available: Change Dreams to Beams - Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity fundraiser will be held Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Decorah Elks Lodge. There will be a silent auction, food provided by major sponsor Sodexo Campus Services-Luther College, the Farmer's Daughters performing at 8 p.m. and a live auction beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available at Oneota Food Co-op or from Habitat board members. Contact Rachel Vagts <vagtsrac> for more information.

Free kitten: Baby kitten, barely weighs 3-4 pounds, found on Pole Line Road. We think he is a Calico, though not totally sure. He does his "duty" in the litter box, never on the floor. He is eating cat food and drinking milk and water. Contact Deb, 379-7904, 387-6146 or [email protected] for more information.

Wanted: Two tickets to Garrison Keillor, please contact Brett Johnson, <johnbr02>.

Free: Two virtually indestructible coffee tables, perfect for dorm life, constructed for my son when he was in college. See pictures at https://sites.google.com/a/luther.edu/coffee-tables/free-coffee-tables. Call 387-1400.

For sale: Scherl & Roth 15.5-inch viola, model R403E152L. Asking $950 OBO. Includes bow and Pro Tec International case in excellent condition. Contact <larsam01>.

For sale: Mr. Freeze Stainless Steel Portable Ice Maker, one year old, $25. Call Cindy, 387-1534 or 387-6199.

Seeking ride: Anyone travelling from Minneapolis to Decorah on Thursday, Sept. 22 or Friday, Sept. 23? Looking for a ride home for my daughter from airport. Email <gullick> or call 387-1400 or 380-8127.

Room for rent: Comfortable room with shared kitchen in private home. Close to campus. Ideal for single professional. Non-smoker. Call (612) 246-3255.

For sale: Beginner Vito Alto Saxophone in excellent shape. It has been checked out at Kephart's and is all ready to go. $400. Call 419-5681 if interested. 

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Sustainability tip

Green office certification is a way for employees to get recognition for leading a sustainable lifestyle on campus on the job. There are three levels of certification each more rigorous than the previous. Level one is as simple as filling out the energy conservation pledge and the green office certification application form, both of which can be found at www.luther.edu/sustainability under the energy section on the left. Get green certified and show others that you believe in sustainability.

Wellness tip

Best weight loss advice you've never heard:

The eighth of nine diet tips you may not have heard yet, borrowed from WebMD.com.

Weight Loss Tip No. 8: Go Out for Treats

If you're the type who overdoes it on sweets and snacks, make yourself work a little for your favorite indulgences. Don't keep them in the house, but give yourself permission to go out and get them when you really need to.

Want a brownie? You have to go to the bakery. Craving a frozen yogurt? You must find the nearest frozen yogurt shop.

And finally…

Wednesday, Sept. 21 is International Peace Day. International Peace Day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981. It was first held on the third Tuesday of September, starting in 1982. Beginning in 2002, the UN General Assembly changed the date, setting Sept. 21 as the date for yearly celebration. For more information go to: http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/.

Where there is peace, there is culture; where there is culture, there is peace.

-Nicholas Roerich