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
Nov. 9-10 staff meetings
At the November staff meeting President Torgerson will provide a recap of the fall Regents meeting and provide time for open Q&A, Wayne Tudor will talk about Sodexo, and Jon Christy will describe the reason goal for student learning. The meeting will be offered in Peace Dining Room Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
Task Group 150
At their meeting on Saturday, the Board of Regents passed the following resolution:
The Board of Regents believes the College must evolve while sustaining the mission and retaining the core elements of the Luther culture. Be it therefore resolved that the Luther College Board of Regents affirms the conclusions and recommendations of the Task Group 150 report and applauds the collaborative spirit within which it was developed. The Board further encourages the campus community to become actively involved in the ownership and implementation of the recommendations.
The Board also expressed its deep appreciation for the time and commitment given by each member of the Task Group to this important and timely process.
A reminder that the TG150 report can be viewed on the Katie site. Go to the course called "Office of the President" and then "Luther-President."
Hold the date
The annual faculty/staff Christmas party will be held Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Dahl Centennial Union cafeteria.
Tuition Benefit: First deadline today
Reminder: The first deadline for the Tuition Benefit program is today, Nov. 1. The updated program 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.
Wind turbine update
The wind turbine is generating power for campus and the formal dedication ceremony for the turbine will be Saturday, Nov. 12 at halftime of the Luther versus Wartburg football game.
Health Service to hold flu clinics
Thursday, Nov. 3: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 11: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost is $20 for the flu shot and $25 for the flu mist. You can pay with cash or check, or payroll deduction for staff and faculty.
Employee blood screening dates
There is still time to sign up for an Employee Wellness Blood Screening on Nov 3. Go to health.luther.edu click on "Employee Blood Screening" and fill out online form to make an appointment.
Second LIS finalist has withdrawn
LIS finalist Tom Hausmann has withdrawn and therefore tomorrow's presentation, Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 4 p.m., has been cancelled.
A reminder that those unable to attend the presentation by finalist Terry Huttenlock can borrow a video of her talk from Preus Library, on reserve under "LIS Candidate Search." The video can also be viewed on Katie in the President's Office "course" under the "Candidate Searches" folder.
Feedback on Huttenlock's campus interview should be sent to the President's Office or emailed to search chair David Ranum, <ranumdav> at your earliest convenience.
Help Decorah become 'Blue Zone'
As part of the City of Decorah's efforts to become a "Blue Zone" community, the community of Luther College is urged to show support by signing up at http://bluezonesproject.com/. To pledge for Decorah, simply sign in as a citizen.
"Blue Zones", based on a study conducted by National Geographic's Dan Buettner, are areas around the world where people live longer and healthier lives. These communities have made changes to all aspects of their lives, making it easier to enjoy a prolonged life.
Peace Brunch dates still available
There are still four Peace Brunch dates this semester. Come these select Sundays for the delicious food and upscale atmosphere in Peace Dining Room: Oct. 30,
Nov. 6, 13 and 20.
After a short break, Peace Brunch will return in February 2012. Reservations are encouraged for all brunches. Call 387-1030 to make a reservation today.
Winter bike storage
Winter bike storage will take place Thursday-Friday, Nov. 17-18 from 3-6 p.m. Bring your bike to the rear/east entrance of the Ashmore-Jewell Barn to have it placed in secure, dry storage by college personnel. For more information or to sign up in advance visit www2.luther.edu/sustainability and look for the link under "What's Currently Happening." Bike storage is free to all Luther students.
Chapel this week
Wednesday, Nov. 2: Amy Zalk Larson
Thursday, Nov. 3: Gather Morning Praise, Beth Ray Westlund
Friday, Nov. 4: All Saints Chapel, Collegiate Chorale
Monday, Nov. 7: Kate Narveson
Events this week
Nov. 1: Visiting Artist Lecture, Tyler Page, "Comics: Communicating with Clarity,"
7 p.m., Center for the Arts, Drawing Studio, Room 203
Nov. 1: Fair Trade Fest, 8 p.m., Marty's CyberCafé
Nov. 2-3: Center for Ethics and Public Life Guest Lecture, Patrice Tadel, see item below for details
Nov. 3: Center Stage Series Performance, the Paul Taylor Dance Company,
7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life Main Hall
Nov. 8: Guest Lecture, Paul Loeb, "Soul of a Citizen," 7 p.m., Valders Hall of Science, Room 206
Nov. 8: Brass Ensembles Concert, 7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life Main Hall
'Comics: Communicating with Clarity'
Tyler Page, director of print technology services at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, will present "Comics: Communicating with Clarity" Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Drawing Studio of the Center for the Arts. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission and is sponsored by Luther's art department.
SEEDS Fair Trade Fest Nov. 1
Luther College SEEDS will hold a Fair Trade Fest Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8-11 p.m. in Marty's Cybercafé. Fair-trade goods on sale will include coffee, jewelry and apparel. Fair Trade Fest is an opportunity for SEEDS to present information about many of the social justice issues in the world and offer steps that can be taken to stop these injustices.
Center for Ethics and Public Life event
Patrice Tadel, a national patient care administrator for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, will present two lectures about end-of-life ethics Nov. 2-3.
Tadel's lecture, "Multicultural-Institutional Tensions in the Rituals of Dying: Autonomy and Dignity of Dying in the Balance," will be Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. in Valders Hall of Science, Room 206.
The lecture addresses the conflict that often exists between the patient's cultural and personal values pertinent to end-of-life events and the American health care perspective of best practices and policies.
A morning biology colloquium, titled "The Work of Dying on the Physical Self: The Biology of Death," will be Thursday, Nov. 3, 9:40 a.m. in Valders Hall of Science, Room 206. The lecture will focus on the physiology of dying.
Both presentations are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Good Grief meets Nov. 3
Good Grief meets Thursday, Nov. 3, 6-7 p.m. in the Mott Room in the Union. Good Grief is an informal supper gathering for students to share and reflect on experiences of grief and loss. Join Pastor Mike from College Ministries and Marty Steele from Counseling services for soup, bread, treats and conversation. For more information, contact Pastor Mike, <blairmic> or Marty Steele, <steelema>.
CSS: Paul Taylor Dance Company
Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of the world's most highly respected and sought-after ensembles, will perform Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the CFL Main Hall as part of Luther's Center Stage Series. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office, available at (563) 387-1357 and http://boxoffice.luther.edu. Tickets are $25, $23 for seniors age 65 and over and $15 for youth ages 4-18.
All Saints Chapel Nov. 4
All Saints Chapel is Friday, Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m., in the Center for Faith and Life. Every year our All Saints Chapel gives us an opportunity to remember that God's promises sustain us when we celebrate the joy of new life and when we recognize the reality of our grief and sorrow. There will be an opportunity during chapel for you to light a candle in thanks for a newborn saint or in memory of a loved one. Join us for this special chapel.
Luther College Discovery Day Nov. 5
Luther College Discovery Day is Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to spend the morning learning about the natural world through hands-on exploration in the outdoors. These fun and educational classes are led by the Luther College Environmental Education class. Registration fee: $3, paid the day of the event. Pre-registration required. To register contact, <nealem01> or 387-2138.
'Soul of a Citizen' lecture Nov. 8
Paul Loeb, social activist, advocate for citizen empowerment and author of five books examining civic responsibility, will present "Soul of a Citizen" Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. in Valders 206. Based on the title of his latest book, "Soul of A Citizen: Living With Convictions in A Cynical Time," Loeb's lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission.
Student recitals
Jordan Buchholtz '13 will perform a piano recital Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
Jake DeBacher '13 will perform a piano recital Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
Neil Quillen '13 will perform a guitar recital Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
Joia Byrnes '12 will perform a soprano recital Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.
David Clair '12 will perform a trumpet recital Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.
Angela Kratchmer '13 will perform a viola recital Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
Sydney Kjerstad '13 will perform a piano recital Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8:30 p.m.
Torie Nelson '13 will perform a flute recital Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m.
Amanda Rudnickas '13 will perform an oboe recital Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m.
Kathleen Griffith '13 will perform a piano recital Sunday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
Kristina Nienhaus '13 will perform a soprano and alto saxophone recital Sunday,
Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
Student recitals, held in the Noble Recital Hall are open to the public with no charge for admission. Receptions follow each recital.
'The Lucky Few' Nov. 10
Luther will present "The Lucky Few," the undocumented story of the U.S. Navy frigate USS Kirk's rescue of more than 30,000 South Vietnamese refugees after the fall of Saigon in 1975, Thursday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. in Olin 102. Seating is first-come, first-served. The program features a discussion with retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Paul Jacobs and Michael Foster, the Decorah student who chose this for his National History Day project.
Meteorite impact crater lecture Nov. 10
Robert M. McKay, geologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will speak Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in Valders 262.
McKay will discuss recent research findings that support the claim Decorah sits atop a buried meteorite impact crater. The research suggests that the crater was created by a meteorite impact in the Ordovician age almost 465 million years ago.
Thank you
For the encouragement and support that's come forth from the community my last few weeks here on campus. I'm buoyed by the generosity of spirit that's been shared and filled with gratitude for all your kind words and deeds. -Greg Vanney
To everyone for incredible work in the many events surrounding our Sesquicentennial Homecoming celebration. College Ministries has posted a short wrap up of some of the CM events, including links to video of the services and text of Bishop Anderson and Pastor Drews messages. Follow the link below and share with others who may enjoy sharing in a rich event: http://www2.luther.edu/ministries/2011homecoming/.
Sympathy
To the family of Jimmie Wellborn, 72, who passed away Thursday, Oct. 27. Jimmie, former Luther employee, was a resident of Cresco.
Position opening
Director of publications and design: Full-time position as director of publications and design. Bachelor's degree and five or more years of higher education or corporate communications experience required. See HR website: https://www2.luther.edu/hr/staffvacancies/.
Welcome new staff
Hans Finanger joined Luther as the administrative assistant for the Diversity Center on Monday, Oct. 31. His office is the Diversity Center in Dahl Centennial Union and his phone number is 387-1014.
Aaron Steffens was awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the Midwest Association of Financial Aid Administrators. This award recognizes significant leadership and contributions to the Midwest association and to the financial aid profession. Congratulations Aaron.
Richard Tirk presented a masterclass at Wichita State University on Oct. 27. Tirk discussed works for trumpet and electronics and worked with two Wichita State trumpet students.
Dan Davis, assistant professor of classics, presented a talk on his ongoing research "In Jason's Wake: Deepwater Archaeology in the Black Sea" as part of the Archaeological Institute of America's lecture series at the Milwaukee, Michigan, and western Missouri regional chapters of the AIA.
Rebecca Boehm Shaffer recently performed on the season opening concerts of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Madison, Wis.
Jason Moyer, communication studies, has received the Religious Communication Dissertation Award from the Religious Communication Association for his dissertation: "Not Just Civil Religion: Theology in the Cases of Woodrow Wilson, John Kennedy, and Barack Obama." The selection committee felt that his work represented a superior level of scholarship on the interplay of presidential rhetoric and theological discourse. He will receive the award at the National Communication Association Convention in November.
'Transformed by the Journey' published
Luther College Press has published "Transformed by the Journey: 150 Years of Luther College in Word and Image." Released in October, the 302-page, soft-cover book is available for purchase at the Book Shop. Cost is $25. "Transformed by the Journey" was compiled and written by Wilfred F. Bunge, Luther professor emeritus of religion and classics, with assistance from Mary Hull Mohr, professor emerita of English, and Dale Nimrod, professor emeritus of chemistry.
SHOC clothing drive Oct. 27-Nov. 6
Students Helping Our Community is running a clothing drive Thursday,
Oct. 27-Sunday, Nov. 6. Donations will be sent to Clothes4Souls, an international non-profit that will distribute the clothes to those in need. Donation stations will be set up in residence halls and in Dahl Centennial Union, Valders, Main and the CFL. All types of clothing accepted, even socks, as long as there are no large holes or stains. Contact Spencer <wardja02> or Paul <eskepa01> with questions. More info: luther.edu/shoc.
Essay contest deadline Nov. 30
The Abdel-Kader Education Project based In Elkader, Iowa has launched an essay contest designed to foster greater interreligious and intercultural awareness. First prize is $1,000 and the contest is open to all Iowa college students. Deadline to register is Nov. 30 with final essays due by March 12. Contact Robert Shedinger, <shedinro>, for more information.
For sale: 1990 Mazda Miata convertible, bright blue. Four-cylinder, five-speed. 99,000 miles. Runs and drives excellently, $3,500. Call 379-1090.
For sale: Very solid entertainment center. We hate to see it go but it does not fit up our stairs to our bedroom. Asking $150 but open to any offers. Approximate dimensions: 50 inches high by 21 inches deep and 58 inches long. Contact <buczbr01> with questions or to see a photo or call (920) 559-7097. Picture also on decorahnow.com under the "For Sale Items."
For sale: 32-inch Sony TV, double/full size mattress and boxspring, dining table and four chairs, and some kitchen items. First come, first served, best offer. [email protected].
Sustainability tip
Holiday tip: Shop the Fair Trade Fest tonight, Nov. 1 in Marty's, 8-11 p.m. Get some holiday shopping out of the way and learn about global justice issues in one stop.
Wellness tip
Get rid of the clutter:
Time: People often think of clutter as an energy drain, but it also drains us of our time. People in cluttered homes spend extra time virtually every day looking for lost items such as keys, money, shoes, tools, etc. Even when we’re looking right at the lost item, it becomes difficult to see it when surrounded by clutter—and the extra time it takes to search.
Money: When we don’t have bills and financial papers organized, bills can get lost, causing us to accrue late fees. Replacing lots items, and buying duplicates of those we didn’t realize we already had, can also carry a cost that adds up quickly.
Stress: The most obvious toll that clutter takes is added stress on one's life. Having guests over becomes an embarrassment or an event that takes all-day preparation. Each room carries a visual reminder of all the work that needs to be done.
Next week, we'll have tips for quick de-cluttering.
And finally…
The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for [people] to see by. The saint is the [one] who walks through the dark paths of the world, [themselves] a light.
-Felix Adler, 1851-1933