Megan Petzold '18, will perform a piano recital at noon Sunday, April 9.

Emily Dirks '18 and Mason Montuoro '18, will perform a voice recital at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9.

Student recitals are held in Noble Recital Hall and are followed by a reception. Both recitals and receptions are open to the public with no charge for admission. 

Jazz Orchestra Homecoming concert

The Luther College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Juan Tony Guzmán, will perform their homecoming concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The concert is the culmination of Jazz Orchestra's 2017 Colorado and Midwest Tour. The concert is open to the public with no charge for admission, and will be streamed live.

Legends open house fitness session

Those interested in improving health and fitness, but unsure where to start or looking for some help should attend the March Legends open house session from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in Legends. Wellness staff will be available to answer questions, demonstrate exercises and equipment, and give professional health and fitness advice. Email <wellness> to schedule a time slot ahead of time.

Luther College to host trumpeter Adam Gordon March 29

The Music Department presents guest recitalist Adam Gordon, trumpet, in concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in the CFL Recital Hall. The recital, open to the public with no charge for admission, features works by Bach, Henry Purcell, Domenico Gabrieli, Heinrich Biber and Jac Rittler.

'Before the Foundations'

"Before the Foundations," an exhibit by Skip McKinstry, will be on display March 30-May 21, in the CFL Second Floor Gallery. The exhibit is open to the public with no charge for admission. The exhibit focuses on redemption, the toll of creation, the loss of innocence, freedom of choice and God's authority and the struggle to function in a world divided from its source of life.'

Art Gallery: 'Winn CO OP'

Featuring sculptures by Decorah native Luke Severson, the art exhibit "Winn CO OP" will be on display March 30-April 29 in the Kristin Wigley-Fleming Gallery in the CFA. There will be an opening reception in the gallery at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 30. The exhibit and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.

SAC Cinema: 'Rogue One'

SAC Cinema presents "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" on Thursday, March 30 in Valders 206. Come see when "The Rebel Alliance makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow." Doors  open at 7 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5; free popcorn while supplies last.

Dance performance: 'Trust Me'

Exploring themes of trust through the intersection of dance, music and theater, Luther College's Visual and Performing Arts will perform a dance production of, "Trust Me," March 30-April 1 in the Jewel Theatre in Luther's Center for the Arts. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, and 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at the door, online or via the Luther Ticket Office, (563) 387-1357 or <tickets>.

Fulbright in Malaysia: Julia Reimann '16

Julia Reimann will share her experience as an English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia via Skype at 9 p.m. Thursday, March 30, in Hovde Lounge. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants in over 150 countries for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. Please encourage current juniors and seniors interested in applying for Fulbright in Fall 2017 to attend. For more information on applying for a Fulbright, students should contact Ann Landstrom, fellowship advisor, at <landan02>.

Prescribed Burn Training

Interested in being part of Luther's prescribed burn crew? New burn crew members must attend a training, either at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in Olin 102, or 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, in Valders 362.  Community members are welcome. Those who have previously participated do not need to attend the full training, but they need to watch a short safety video, available online after spring break. Contact Molly, <mcnimo01>, with questions.

'Welcoming the Stranger: Refugees at the Core of the Lutheran World Federation'

As part of Luther's Liberating Grace conference, Ralston Deffenbaugh, assistant general secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights with the Lutheran World Federation, will deliver the address, "Welcoming the Stranger: Refugees at the Core of the Lutheran World Federation," at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, April 1, in the CFL Main Hall. Deffenbaugh will also lead a conference seminar, "The Global Challenge of Refugee Protection in an Age of Fear," at 10:30 a.m. The Liberating Grace conference is open to the public with no charge for admission, register online.

Greenhouse prairie planting session

Ready to start seeing green and wildflowers? Enjoy some time in the greenhouse and help Luther land stewardship transplant seedlings that are used to teach about the benefits of native habitats and pollinators from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the Sampson Hoffland greenhouse. No experience needed. To receive emails about this or other volunteer events in the natural areas, email Molly McNicoll, <mcnimo01>.

Bach B-Minor Mass pre-concert talk

Join Melanie Batoff on Saturday, April 1 from 6:30-7 p.m. in the Mott Room for a pre-concert talk on Bach's B-Minor Mass. This presentation will consider the unusual genesis of the Mass Cycle and propose that Bach created his masterpiece for posterity. This talk is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Music Department Presents J.S. Bach's B-minor Mass

The Music Department presents J.S. Bach's B-minor Mass at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the Main Hall of the CFL. In addition to the performance in Decorah, a performance of the same program will take place at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2. The performances feature Luther's Nordic Choir and Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Baldwin, professor of music and director of orchestra activities at Luther. Tickets for the Decorah performance can be purchased online or at the Ticket Office. Tickets for the Orchestra Hall performance can be purchased online.

Michael Osterholm to deliver Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture

Luther College will host Michael Osterholm '75, University of Minnesota Regents Professor and McKnight Endowed Presidential chair in Public Health, for the first Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture in Science and Leadership at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, in the CFL Main Hall. Osterholm will sign books before his lecture from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life lobby. Both events are open to the public with no charge for admission.

'Immigration and Unaccompanied Minors'

Speaking on their work with unaccompanied minors entering the United States from Mexico and Central America, Luther visiting assistant professor of social work, Susan Schmidt and immigration lawyer Yer L. Vang will host a panel titled "Immigration and Unaccompanied Minors" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, in Olin 102. The event is part of the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement's Spring Series of panels titled "Tough Talk, Calm Voices."

'Click by Click' gallery

Featuring black and white sequential photographs taken by Bob Modersohn, the photography exhibit "Click by click" will be on display April 5-May 21 in Preus Library. A reception for Modersohn will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in the Hovde Room of Preus Library. The gallery and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission. Printed on 6mm thick PVC plastic, the gallery features 11 black and white photo sequences taken by Modersohn during the 1970s and 1980s for The Des Moines Register.

CEPE: TEDTalk screening

Join the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 6, in Valders 262 for a screening of the TEDTalk by Executive Communications Specialist and Journalist, Leezia Dhalla, "Hiding in plain sight - my life as an undocumented American." A discussion will follow. Contact Victoria Christman <victoria.christman> with questions.

'Of Methadone and Men: The Gender of Drug Use in Wartime Ukraine'

Examining the gendered aspects of drug use and policy in Ukraine, Jennifer Carroll will deliver a lecture titled "Of Methadone and Men: The Gender of Drug Use in Wartime Ukraine" at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the Hammarskjold Lounge in the Union. Carroll details her research on opioid use and abuse to illustrate the impact of gendered social experiences on the treatment and prevention of opioid misuse, and the socio-political ramifications of those efforts.

Gjerset Lecture: 'Barnets beste'

In "Barnets beste: Growing Up in Norway," Rachel Peterson, Luther College class of 2004, explores childhood, children's rights and her own personal upbringing in Norway in the seventh annual Luther College Knut Gjerset lecture. Peterson's lecture will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the CFL Recital Hall. A reception will follow the lecture in Qualley Lounge of the Center for Faith and Life. The lecture and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission.

Center Stage Series: The Bad Plus

Known for their original compositions, deconstruction of songs from the rock and R&B world, and, recently, their unique interpretation of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring," the jazz trio known as the Bad Plus will bring their innovative music to Luther College at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. Tickets for the performance, which takes place in the Main Hall of the CFL, can be purchased from Luther's Ticket Office, online or via the Luther Ticket Office, 387-1357.

Women, Faith and Finance Seminar

On Friday, April 7, Luther is hosting the 13th 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. There is still time to register - cost is $30. Bring a friend and each save $5. First 75 paid registrants receive their choice between two resource books. To register, visit the website or e-mail <lovellje> for more information.

Luther College Dance Marathon laser tag

Luther College Dance Marathon invites the community to participate in laser tag at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 8 in Regents Center Main Gym. Children, families and adults are welcome, cost is $7 per person. Payments can be made at the door, there is no need to sign up ahead of time. Contact <lcdm> with questions.

COMMUNITY

Celebrations this week

Birthdays
March 28: Jan Schnitzler, Elise Lund, Elizabeth Finager, Jeff Johnson, William Stockton
March 30: Rick Rasmussen, Kari Koch, James Odegaard
March 31: Albert Emery, Teage Browining
April 1: Teresa Rosendahl, Cam Schuknecht, Bryan Nikkel
April 2: Michael Bartels
April 3: Deanna Casterton, Erin Flater, Andrew Torgerud

New positions

Jessica Campos Arzate started her position as alumni records assistant on March 13. Her office is Loyalty Hall, first floor and her phone is 387-1861.

Job postings

Donor records coordinator: Full-time position in the development office to assist with fundraising efforts by creating giving reports from the database and assist with the preservation of donor records. The duties include creating giving reports and mailing lists, as well as assisting with gift entry and receipting. Additional duties include assisting with data entry of demographic information for the college's constituents and providing proofreading support for alumni updates in class agent letters. High school diploma and at least one year of post-high school education required. One or more years of data maintenance and reporting experience required. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Access and Excel.

Visual Media fellow: One year, full-time Visual Media fellow. Responsibilities include mentoring work-study students, producing short marketing videos, occasional photography coverage, manage/monitor an inventory of photo and video equipment and help in the conception and execution of video projects. Bachelor's degree preferred, with experience in visual media field a must. Preference goes to candidates with experience working with digital SLRs, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro X and basic sound equipment. Experience working with and managing student workers is preferred; familiarity with on-location lighting is a plus.

Financial Aid administrative assistant: Full-time administrative assistant in the financial aid office will be responsible for the coordination, certification and reconciliation of all private student loans. This person will be responsible for the creation and mailing of award letters, reconciliation of funds and processing state program files. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree with coursework in Microsoft Office Suite, business practices, keyboarding and office procedures preferred. General knowledge of financial aid process is helpful.

Media coordinator: The Media Relations and Visual Media departments seek a detail-oriented and organized full-time 10-month media coordinator. Responsibilities include supporting both Media Relations and Visual Media through writing press releases, managing social media platforms, distributing mass communication, managing schedules, supporting the creation of visual content and front desk management. Bachelor's degree is preferred, with experience in communications field a must.

To view complete job descriptions and apply for these positions and all current openings, please go to the employment website at https://luthercollege.hiretouch.com.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

"A Limit of Coot," a collection of essays and short stories by Jerry Johnson, retired director of public information, is now available at Luther Book Shop in the Union and at Dragonfly Books in Decorah. Published in February, "A Limit of Coot" is the fourth and final book in the Old Coot series. Aaron Lurth '08, designed the covers for the Old Coot series. Dragonfly Books will host a reading and book signing with the author at 7 p.m. Monday, April 3.

On Sunday March 18, Dean Vesperman and four Luther College emerging teachers presented at the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies held in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Madison Concourse Hotel. First, Kailee Keyser '18, Koltin Pfaffle '18, and Vesperman presented to teachers and administrators about creating and implementing station hops in the social studies classroom. Keyser, Morgan Benthin '18, Bailey Smith '18, Maddie Kieler '18, and Vesperman also presented on using literacy strategies in the social studies classroom. On Monday March 19, Vesperman presented on using rational actor theory to examine and analyze current issues in the Middle East with Chris Clark of the University of Minnesota.

Brad Chamberlain presented a seminar titled "Satan's Resin? Redeeming Plastic in a Disposable Age" on March 10 to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Dubuque. The seminar shared the results of his collaborative research with Professor Adam Johnson (Harvey Mudd College) and Luther students Logan Grado '14 and Nemanja Vuksanovic '13.

Bret Powers '17, and Abbie Hughes '18, presented their research about the interactions of fire, invasive buckthorn and oak woodland restoration at the Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference at the University of Illinois. Their work was completed with their collaborators Alice McNamara '17, and Molly McNicoll.

Barbara Bohach presented a paper at the Society for Instructional Technology and Teacher Education Conference in Austin, Texas held March 7-10. The paper was titled "Online Collaboration: Conferencing and Publishing Books with Pre-service Teachers and 5th Grader Writers" and shared a project that uses authentic opportunities for helping children with writing projects via web-based technology.

Todd Green gave a lecture titled "Interfaith Hospitality in a World of Islamophobia" at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., on March 23. He gave the al Ghazali lecture on "Rising Islamophobia in the United States: Causes and Consequences" at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, on March 12.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

For sale: String bass, 3/4 Kay S-1 model number 38469, made in the USA in 1956, $2000. Contact Deborah, <norlandd>.

Letter-writing/sending/calling request: As a prospective faculty, the downtown JCPenney store caught my attention in a very significant and meaningful way--it symbolized the strength and vitality of the downtown and the region. Prospective students and families notice this store, as it is almost unheard of anymore--we talk about it in prospective visits--I just did last week! Anything we can do to help retain this store is not only beneficial to our community, but to the college as well. You can help by taking part in a campaign to retain the Decorah store. Here are options to consider, and soon, as closeout sales are scheduled to begin in April and closure in June: print and sign the letter posted on the Decorah Chamber of Commerce website, and/or write your own to the address provided: sign the online petition (also found on the Chamber website), and/or call the JCPenney customer care line (972) 431-1000 (they will link you to an appropriate representative who will record your comments and send them to JCPenney headquarters). Questions on the campaign? Contact Jodi, <enosbejo>.

For sale: Rectangular counter height solid oak dining table with six chairs. Light oak color. Brown padded leatherette chair seats and backs, 36 inches wide by 54 inches long by 36 inches high without leaf, 72 inches long with leaf. Asking $325. Contact Sally, <mallamsa> or 382-9444. Pictures available upon request. 

For sale: Virginia House dining room suite. Includes table, two leaves, six chairs, china hutch and dry sink. Excellent condition! Contact Carolyn, [email protected] or 419-1408.

For sale: Maytag electric dryer. Quiet plus/heavy duty, intellidry control, six cycles in excellent condition, $100. Contact Mary, <cannma01> or 379-3241.

Student worker needed: Counseling Service is seeking a work study student for the position of outreach asssitant to help with creation and delivery of outreach programming during the 2017-18 academic year. Must be self-starter, creative and interested in the promotion of positive mental health. The position 4-5 hrs weekly, full description can be found online. Please share with any students you think would be good candidates. 

For sale: Ensoniq TS-12 keyboard and workstation. Weighted-action keyboard. Has built in 24 track sequencer. Phenomenal sounds. Comes with original manuals, software with additional sounds. Asking $800. I also have an SKB hard case for the keyboard. Will sell both together for $900. Contact Tim Schweizer, <schweizt>.

For sale: Line 6 Spider III 120-watt guitar amp with two Celestion speakers. Mint condition, $225. I also have a Line FBV Shortboard that can be used to control the amp. Will sell both together for $325. Contact Tim Schweizer, <schweizt>.

Free: Large couch. Contact Tim Schweizer, <schweizt>. Will send pictures of couch by email upon request.

Human Trafficking presentaton: Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx and Friends of the Family service's Mariana Vega will give a presentation on human trafficking at 7 p.m. Monday, April 10, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church Hall, 307 West Main Street. The presentation will be 60-90 minutes in length and discuss topics including definitions of human trafficking, warning signs of trafficking, those involved in trafficking (traffickers, victims, buyers) and the services provided by Friends of the Family for those who are victims. The event is open to the public with no charge for admission. Age recommendation is high school-age and older. Contact Claude, <mertzecl>, with questions.

Housing wanted: Quiet, respectful, slightly boring, Luther employee seeking a place to rent starting at the end of May. Ideally looking to spend no more than $500 on rent per month. Can provide references if needed. Contact Aaron, <lurtaa01>.

For sale: Well-maintained 2007 Honda Accord. Dark blue exterior, 142,000 miles. If interested contact Facilities Services for current issues with this vehicle. Vehicle can be viewed in the Farwell parking lot. Email bids to <facilities> by noon Wednesday, April 5. Facilities Services reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

For sale: Well-maintained 2006 Chrysler Town and Country mini van. Light blue exterior, 121,000 miles. Vehicle can be viewed in the Farwell parking lot. Email bids to <facilities> by noon Wednesday, April 5. Facilities Services reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

YAGM Skype session: First Lutheran Church is hosting a Skype session with Samantha Ea '16, and Kelly Harris '15, at 9:40 a.m. Sunday, April 2, in their Fireside Lounge. Samantha and Kelly are ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission in Jerusalem/West Bank and Rwanda, respectively. All are welcome to learn about their year of mission, service and accompaniment. Encourage students that applied for the YAGM Program in February to attend, they may be interested to know that First Lutheran is committed to support recipients for the 2017-18 mission year. Contact Ann Landstrom, [email protected], for more information.

For sale: Blue 2007 Honda Accord SE that has 108,000 miles. It is an automatic with four-wheel drive and ABS. Six CD changer, working air conditioning, cruise control, alarm system, large trunk, new battery and new shocks. Just had an oil change and check up. Contact Lauren, <l.anderson>.

New community initiative: Decorah Power is a group of Decorah area citizens exploring the opportunity to create a municipal electric utility. We're hoping that lots of people will get involved in this exciting initiative. To learn more and to subscribe to community updates, visit the website. Contact Carly Foster, <fosterc>.

House-sitter available: Luther junior looking for a place to stay while working in Decorah full-time this summer. Can garden, house sit, pet sit, clean, do farm work or other chores as needed. References are available upon request. Contact Harleigh, <boldha01> or 913-333-1879.

Swimming clinic: Laura Storlie is holding an adult introductory fitness swimming clinic at the Luther Aquatic Center April 6, 13, 20 and 27, and May 4 and 11. Cost is $15 per session, or 30 for 3 sessions and $50 for 6 sessions. This clinic is a also perfect way to jump-start triathlon training for the summer. Contact Laura Storlie, [email protected].

For sale: A pair of tickets to see Bon Jovi on March 27 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Asking $245 for the pair or best offer. The seats are located in section 110, row 16. Contact Rene, 419-4724 or <donlanre>.  

EDITORIAL COMMENT

And finally...

March is almost over, and April Fool's Day is quickly approaching. But where did this strange tradition get its start? No one knows for sure, but historians have several theories. One originates with Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," as one story references the non-existent date of March 32. Another possible explanation is the Greco-Roman festival, "Hilaria," which was traditionally celebrated March 25.

No matter its origin, keep an eye out for pranksters!