The last staff meeting of the academic year will be offered twice in the Peace Dining Room: 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, and 9 a.m. Thursday, April 18. President and Mrs. Torgerson will be joined by three Luther seniors who will all offer reflections on their Luther journey.

Presidential search update

In the ongoing search for a new Luther president, the college's Board of Regents is taking a two-pronged approach. The Presidential Search Committee is seeking additional candidates to be considered for the permanent position with the continuing assistance of AGB Search and Bruce Alton. 

At the same time, a committee of the Board of Regents, which includes the Regents who are also serving on the search committee, is working to define the roles and responsibilities that an interim president might have and is seeking candidates who could serve in that capacity. 

Both committees will report to the Board of Regents, which has responsibility for decisions regarding a permanent or interim appointment.

President Torgerson’s term of service to Luther will conclude June 30, 2013.

We feel confident in taking this additional time because Luther is a strong and well-positioned college, due to the efforts and dedication of each member of the Luther community.

-Sandy  Lee and Paul Torgerson, co-chairs, Presidential Search Committee

Honoring the Torgersons

Summer hours to begin May 20

Summer hours will begin on Monday, May 20.
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 45-minute lunch breaks; total hours 8.25
Friday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 30-minute lunch breaks, no morning or afternoon breaks; total hours 7

Each office must be staffed by at least one employee until 5 p.m. on Fridays. Breaks will not be scheduled at the end of the work day. We will return to regular work hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, on Monday, Aug. 26. 

Holiday Schedule for summer and academic calendar

Monday, May 27, 2013, Memorial Day  
Thursday, July 4, 2013, Independence Day
Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013,  Thanksgiving Day
Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, New Year’s Eve Holiday*    
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, Christmas Holiday    
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, Christmas Day
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, New Year’s Day
Friday, April 18, 2014, Good Friday
Monday, May 26, 2014, Memorial Day

Personal Day, to be used from Sept. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2014. (May not be split between days.)

* The New Year’s Eve holiday will be observed on Monday, Dec. 23 to allow employees more time with their families at Christmas. 

** Please note that January Term classes begin Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

Nordic Choir to perform at Capitol, Gov. Branstad makes IPC proclamation

Luther's Nordic Choir will perform at the Iowa Capitol Wednesday, April 10. The choir will sing the national anthem for both the House and Senate's convening ceremonies. Governor Terry Branstad will then make a proclamation declaring April 10 Iowa Private College Day. President Torgerson will say a prayer at the morning event and Nordic Choir will wrap up the morning's activities with a performance in the Rotunda. Several television stations will be in attendance, so check local news for a chance to see the morning's events.

April 2 Macklemore and Ryan Lewis concert postponed 

The sold-out concert for the hip-hop group Macklemore and
Ryan Lewis scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, was postponed due to illness. The Luther College Student Activities Council Concerts Committee, which is sponsoring the show, will announce a new Macklemore concert date in the fall of 2013 as soon as possible. Those who purchased tickets through the Luther College Box Office will automatically receive a refund. Ticket purchasers who have not received a refund within two weeks should contact the Box Office at 387-1357.

Energy audits available for Luther Black Hills Energy customers

Luther employees who are Black Hills customers can get a high quality energy audit from the Winneshiek Energy District for only $100. In addition to the valuable insight the audit provides, participants are eligible for the Black Hills rebates that can help cover up to 70 percent of some energy upgrades. For more information and to register contact Joel Zook, <emailjoel> or 382-4207, extension 2#.

Book Shop sale through April 13

The Book Shop is hosting a "Tees and Tumblers" sale now through April 13. Select colorful Norsehead tees for only $10 and emblematic SoHO water bottles in assorted colors now also just $10.

Thank you

Thanks to all who entered and voted for the sixth annual Peep Diorama contest. The first place winner for the department division was the Registrar's Office with the Decorah Trails diorama. First place winner for the individual division was "Here Comes Peeper Cottontail" and third place overall was "Peep Sea Diving."

Business card deadline April 10

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, April 10. This order will be ready 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. For more information contact AJ, <perlad01>.

Fulbright program workshop April 10

A Fulbright program workshop will be held from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the Mott Room of the Union. This workshop is for students and faculty advisors. The Fulbright program offers fellowships abroad to over 150 countries for one academic year. Send RSVP to <brandtja>.

Farewell reception for JoEllen Anderson April 11

A farewell reception will be held for JoEllen Anderson, administrative director of Health Services, from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Addams Lounge, located on the second floor of the Union. Join us in thanking JoEllen for her many years of service and dedication to the Luther community.

National Library Week book sale April 15-19

Preus Library's annual National Library Week book sale will be held Monday-Friday, April 15-19. Hundreds of hardcover and paperback books will be available. Book prices are reduced on a daily basis.

Seeking student award nominations

Do you know of a student organization and/or student leader on campus that deserves recognition? Launching Luther Leaders invites nominations for the 2012-13 awards program. The top three candidates from each category will be recognized at the third annual Student Leadership and Service Banquet Sunday, May 5. Nominations are due by noon on April 15. For more information or to submit a nomination visit: http://www2.luther.edu/studentlife/leadership/l3/application/. 

Seeking nominations for Community Leadership Seminar

The Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities, in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, is accepting nominations for an upcoming Community Leadership Seminar. Participants will attend three sessions in May and June at Luther. The center is looking for individuals who are passionate about improving their community and are willing to work as change agents to support stronger community health. Nominations are due April 5. To nominate yourself or others, visit http://www2.luther.edu/sustainability/sustainable-communities/.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Luther

Throughout April, Luther College will be celebrating Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Campus-wide events to raise awareness include the National Day of Outreach, "PELVIS," a movement workshop, "This Radiant Place," a guided movement explanation, Council Practice meetings and International Denim Day on April 24. Luther is also reassessing its campus policies in regard to sexual assault survivors and has recently opened the Luther College Center for Women and Gender Equality. For more information or to get involved, contact Sarah Stadie, <stadsa03>.

New items available in the C-Store

Come in for an ice cream break and try the new Twixies and Iowan dilly bars. Twixies are similar to a frozen caramel Twix bar. The Iowan dilly bar is full of caramel and peanuts and dipped in chocolate.

EVENTS

Events this week

April 9, Paideia Text and Issues Lecture, Laurie Zaring, "Beauty is in the Ear of the Listener," 7 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall

April 10, SAC Lecture, Marc Marcuse, "Marketing Yourself and Finding a Career You Will Love," 7:30 p.m., Olin 102

April 11, Luther Ensemble Concert, Collegium Musicum Concert, 7:30 p.m., Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall

April 12, Center Stage Series, MOMIX, 7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall

April 14, Luther Ensemble Concert, Brass Ensembles, 2 p.m., CFL

Chapel this week

Wednesday, April 10: Elizabeth Steding, Cantorei

Friday, April 12: Sarah Stadie

Monday, April 15: Joy Conrad and students from the South Africa culture and healing J-term class, Cantorei

Sports this week

April 9, Luther softball v. University of Dubuque, 3 p.m.

April 12, Women's tennis v. Wheaton College, 4 p.m.

April 13, Men's tennis v. Simpson College, 9:30 a.m.; men's tennis v. UW-Eau Claire, 1 p.m.

April 13, Men and women's track and field, Norse Relays, noon

April 13, Luther softball v. Buena Vista University, 2 p.m.

April 14, Men's tennis v. Grinnell College, 2 p.m.

April 14, Luther baseball v. Carleton College (2x7), 2 p.m.

Sports results

Men's tennis lost, 1-8, to Coe College on April 6 in Cedar Rapids. The team hosted UW-Whitewater on April 7 and was defeated 1-8.

Men's golf won the championships at the Loras Invitational tournament April 6-7 in Des Moines. Joel Bruns '14 was the tournament meadlist. Bruns carded rounds of 71-72-143. Andrew Peter '14 was third overall. Matt Axelrod '14 and Adam Turner '16 completed the Norse five.

Luther softball split the doubleheader against Coe College over the weekend in Cedar Rapids. The Norse lost the first game 3-2 and won the second game 8-1.

Luther baseball was defeated at home in a doubleheader against Coe College on April 7. The Norse lost 4-2 and 5-1.

Decorah artist's work on display April 4-May 18 at Preus Library

The unique rosemaling and portrait painting work of local artist Norma Wangsness will be on display April 4-May 18 in Preus Library. A reception will be held for the artist in Hovde Lounge at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 29. The reception is open to the public with no charge for admission. Wangsness studied drawing and painting at Luther under legendary printmaker Orville Running. She also studied landscape and fine art portraiture with Maxine Pendry, portrait painting with Daniel Greene, airbrush painting with Sam Bogosian, and rosemaling with Sigmund Aarseth.

LIS online reputation management workshop April 9

Have you ever heard the phrase, "the internet is forever?" Facebook updates, blog comments, pictures: they all take a moment to post, but can have long-term consequences. Learn how to proactively build an online reputation that accurately reflects your best qualities and how to minimize problems with your online reputation. Workshop will be held at noon Tuesday, April 9, in the Mott room of the Union. Sign up here:http://lis.luther.edu/node/7536

Laurie Zaring to present the Paideia Text and Issues Lecture April 9

Laurie Zaring will present the Paideia Texts and Issues Lecture "Beauty is in the Ear of the Listener" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, in the CRH. In her lecture, Zaring will speak about the situations in which we profile others for their language, the situations in which we may find ourselves profiled by others and how we can overcome these judgments and learn to listen intelligently. A reception will follow the lecture in Qualley Lounge. The lecture series is sponsored by the Paideia Endowment and is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Marc Marcuse to present Luther College SAC Leadership lecture April 10

Reel Management talent agency president Marc Marcuse will present the Luther College SAC Leadership lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in Olin 102. Marcuse's lecture, "Career Boot Camp," will focus on how to open up one's career path beyond the scope of their college major and build a worthwhile career. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Google+ workshop for students April 11

Learn more about why you should care about Google+ as part of this informative workshop from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Hovde Lounge of the library. The workshop will feature a demonstration of the basic features of Google+ as well as an explanation of how students can use this network to effectively build their online reputation.

Passover celebration April 11

College Ministries and the Diversity Center are hosting a Passover celebration at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Peace Dining Room. The evening will feature a "model" Passover Seder, learning about the Jewish tradition that celebrates freedom from slavery and oppression. Space is limited. Tickets are $8, $3 for children and students with a meal plan. Tickets are available through Monday, April 8, at the Luther College Box Office, https://www2.luther.edu/programming/boxoffice/. For more information contact <interfaith>.

Collegium Musicum to perform 'Renaissance Folk' concert April 11

Luther's Collegium Musicum will perform "Renaissance Folk," the ensemble's spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the NRH. The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission. Collegium Musicum is an ensemble of instrumentalists and vocalists specializing in the music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Directed by Kathryn Reed, the ensemble will perform works of Henry Purcell, Robert Jones, Thomas Ravenscroft, Martin Peerson and the famous "anonymous."

Center Stage Series presents MOMIX 'Botanica' April 12

In an endless search for another gravity, artistic director Moses Pendleton, combines athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props and the pure talent of MOMIX to create the entertaining multimedia experience "Botanica." The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, in the CFL. Tickets are available through the Box Office by calling 387-1357 or online at http://www.boxoffice.luther.edu.

LASO's 'Take a Kid to a Game!' day April 13

Luther Athletes Serving Others will sponsor "Take a Kid to the Game!" from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Luther's softball, tennis and track events. LASO invites children to come and spend time with Luther athletes during the events. Free for all area children. Reigster in the Decorah Park and Rec office or contact Alexis Dorschner, <dorsal01>. Children can check-in at 1 p.m. at the circle drive near Regents and be picked up at 3 p.m.

Luther wellness to host Family Dance April 14

Luther's wellness department will host a Family Dance with live music and an experienced dance leader from 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, April 14 in Marty's. The dance is open to the public with no charge for admission. This is a fun and active way for kids and adults to dance together. No experience is necessary and beginners are welcome The Decorah-based Western Home String Band will perform live dance music. Sue Hulsether, music teacher and dance leader, will engage people of all ages in simple folk dances that are easy to learn and follow. For more information contact Rachel Sandhorst, <sandra01>.

Brass Ensembles to perform concert April 14

Luther's Brass Ensembles will perform in concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, in the CFL. The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission. The performance includes pieces by Luther's Mass Brass Ensemble, Horn Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Trumpet Ensemble and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. The concert will also feature Brad Schultz on the organ.

Luther College Woman's Club program April 16

Bonnie Koloc, visual and recording artist, will present "Visual Voice," at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in the Peace Dining Room. All women are welcome. For information on the shuttle service available from the Decorah swimming pool lot, call 382-4999. For childcare needs, call 382-8604.

Religion Forum lecture April 16

Robert Shedinger, associate professor of religion, will present a Religion Forum lecture at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in Olin 102. The lecture, "Radically Open: Transcending Religious Identity in an Age of Anxiety," is based on his book of the same title and will discuss how modern American society serves to foster the anxiety epidemic and how it prohibits anxiety sufferers' access to the spiritual resources they desperately need. The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Philosophy Colloquium: Professor Robin James presents 'Monstrosity & Damage as Human Capital in "Gaga Feminism"'

Join professor Robin James at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, for a discussion on the philosophy of contemporary musicians Lady Gaga, Rihanna and more in her lecture, "Monstrosity & Damage as Human Capital in 'Gaga Feminism'." The lecture, open to the public with no charge for admission, will take place in Olin 102.

Luther presents 'Singing Justice Together' April 21

The community is invited to explore connections between justice, faith song and community with the 2013 Sihler Lecture "Singing Justice Together." The lecture begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in Studio II of the Center for the Arts. The lecture is open to the public with no charge of admission.

Discussion of spring theater production April 26

Sponsored by the English and theater departments and by the Center for Ethics and Public Life, Eric Baack, Andy Hageman and Kate Narveson will lead a discussion of, "Arcadia," the play that Kristen Underwood is directing as this spring's theater production. The discussion will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 26, in the Borlaug room of the Union. Refreshments will be provided. The event will focus around the ways in which the play invites discussion of nature and the human. Copies of the script are available in the book store at no charge for those who would like to participate.

Student recitals

Victor Hernandez Sang '13 will perform a flute recital at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9.

Kelsey Tarbert '13 will perform a soprano recital at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13.

William Leafblad '13 will perform an oboe recital at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14.

Student recitals are held in the NRH with receptions following each performance. Recitals and receptions are open to the public with no charge for admission.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS, ETC.

Amy Zalk Larson and Rachel Bruns '11 received the Spiritual Directors International New Contemplatives Scholarship for 2013. This award recognizes their dedication to contemplative practices in everyday life and their commitment to cultivating a learning community while continuing their formation as a spiritual companion. As part of this award they will take part in the Spiritual Directors International conference, "Cultivating Compassion on the River," in St. Paul, Minn., April 11-14.

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States held the tenth annual Everyday Heroes of the Tri-States awards banquet in Dubuque, Iowa on Tuesday, March 19. Among the honorees were Kelsey (Kittleson) Millonig '12, Shari Huber '13, and Kris Agena for their roles in saving the life of Luther softball coach, Tracy Hjelle in April of 2012. In addition to this local honor, they were also honored with the American Red Cross National Lifesaving Award of Merit, the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Services course.

Marjorie Wharton presented a paper "Marc Chagall as Scene, Sign, Sound" at the recent Humanities and Education Research Association conference in Houston, Texas.

Lori Stanley presented "Agropastoralism, Tourism and Resource Conflict in Northern Tanzania" at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, March 19-23 in Denver.

Kirk Larsen published an article titled "New records of Ophonus puncticeps (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Iowa, USA show continued westward range expansion" in the March 2013 issue of the Coleopterists Bulletin.

Jim Martin-Schramm was the keynote speaker at a workshop "Between Economy and Ecology" hosted by the LSTC Green Zone at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago on April 6. The title of Jim's presentation was "Powered by the Sun: Prospects for the Church."

Amy Weldon's essay "Growing Into Compassion: On Anna Sewell and Black Beauty" is now available at the literary website BLOOM. The essay will be cross-posted at THE MILLIONS.

COMMUNITY

For sale: Used but good condition, seven-foot, three-cushion sofa with floral pattern, $75. Newer full-size countertop GE microwave, white, $40. Contact Michael, <bartmi03> or 387-1352, for photos.

Sustainability tip

Have you registered your bike? Free bicycle registration is available to all students, faculty and staff on campus. Registration 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. To register visit: https://www2.luther.edu/sustainability/energy-climate/transportation/bikes/bikeregistration/

LIS tip 

If you need to make copies, consider scanning your materials to your email address instead. It's free and saves paper. Scanners are available in the library and the Document Center. Questions? Visit http://lis.luther.edu/tips#T28 .

And finally…

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.  For more information and resources about SAAM, visit: http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/sexual-assault-awareness-month-home.

"It's a time to get better informed about the problems and realities of sexual assault ... to discuss rape and how to help prevent it." -Jan Davis