TUESDAY 10/13/2020

The most recent version of the Tuesday is always available online at: http://www2.luther.edu/tuesday/

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Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2020

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ANNOUNCEMENTS / COLLEGE OPERATIONS / EVENTS

COMMUNITY / ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS / UNCLASSIFIED ADS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Newly endowed professorships and endowed chairs

Each fall, Luther awards endowed professorships and endowed chairs to honor faculty members whose teaching careers and accomplishments have exemplified the philosophy and values of the liberal arts, enriched the intellectual life of students, enhanced the academic character of the institution and demonstrated leadership in the teaching profession. Jane Hawley, professor of dance, will serve as the next Nena Amundson Distinguished Professor; Andrew Last, director of choral activities and associate professor of music, will serve as the next Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music; and Maren Johnson, associate professor of Nordic Studies and director of the Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies, will serve as the first Tomson Family Endowed Chair in Norwegian Language and Modern Nordic Culture. 

2020 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward is proud to announce the 2020 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to alumni or individuals with strong connections to Luther College who have exhibited admirable service to society in areas such as education, government, the arts, business, church, labor, industry, agriculture, research, medicine and community affairs. This year's recipients are Mark Donhowe '70, Brian Juchems '95, Karen Julesberg '60, Rev. John Melin '70, Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj '80, Ted Tweed '55, and Cassie Warner '85.

Being Community updates

New TestIowa Site at Winneshiek Medical Center
The TestIowa program has opened a new testing clinic in Decorah at the Winneshiek Medical Center. Testing through the TestIowa program is available at the Winneshiek Medical Center Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals must complete an assessment prior to being tested, as priority is given to individuals who currently have symptoms, have interacted with someone who has already tested positive, or have recently visited places where COVID-19 is widespread. Faculty and staff who are tested through the TestIowa program must quarantine while waiting to receive test results. Employees who receive a positive test result, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or are symptomatic should notify their supervisor and the director of human resources, as well as follow all directions from public health officials. 

Regents Center Community Pass Program Suspended
The Community Pass Program has been suspended through the end of December. Spaces in the Regents Center other than the Aquatic Center will be accessible only to Luther students, faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti. Family members of faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti will not be able to use spaces in the Regents Center while these restrictions are in place. Community members that have a pass; families members of faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti; and club and high school teams may continue to use the Aquatic Center, if allowed by the present COVID-19 advisory level. All individuals and teams using the Aquatic Center must make a reservation using the form found on the Aquatic Center website. The additional courses and student activities in the gymnasiums and the Student Recreation Center will limit the accessibility of these spaces to faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti. Please review the availability of spaces in advance on the facilities calendar.

The Being Community website is the hub of information and inspiration for Luther's approach to the 2020-21 academic year. We invite community questions and feedback.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS   

Tuition Benefit program deadline Nov. 1

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 a three-step application process available online.

Deadlines are as follows:

• Nov. 1: Applications due
• Dec. 1: Finalized list of colleges due
• May 15: Confirmation form due

For complete information about the process and an application form, see the HR benefits website. Contact Derek Hartl, <derek.hartl> or 387-1433, with questions.

Google Meet Enhancements

Several enhancements are available within Google Meet such as viewing up to 49 people at the same time, breakout rooms, conducting polls/Q&A, blurring your background, and viewing attendance reports. For details on these and other features, visit Google Meet on the Luther website.

Local United Way campaign begins

United Way of Winneshiek County is excited to announce the 2020 campaign goal of $130,000 which will help support 17 local, non-profit agencies. Because board members are volunteers, your dollars go further to support the agencies and residents of Winneshiek County. In the past, Luther's goal was set in terms of dollars we hoped to raise for United Way. This year, we would like to focus our goal on the percentage of current employees and retirees who contribute to the campaign. During the 2019-20 academic year, 11.8% contributed. This year we would like to increase that to 25% or 167 donors. If you would like to donate and contribute to this goal, please submit your donation to HR. All donations, large and small, are welcome and important.

"Me and White Supremacy" working group

Wellness blood screenings

During 2020, employees and spouses covered by the Luther College Health Care Plan have additional wellness benefits and requirements. The November blood draws will occur two times: Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30-8 a.m. with Gunderson Health Systems and Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6:30-8 a.m. with WMC. Please email <wellness> to sign up for one of those times so that you have your results before your physicals!

Institutionalized Racism In Science (IRIS) book club

A student-created and student-led discussion group, IRIS focuses on institutionalized racism in science disciplines. By reading books each month that highlight BIPOC's experiences within STEM and healthcare settings, students aim to educate themselves for future work. Everyone is welcome, including faculty, staff, and alumni. Sign up for the first book, "Black Man in a White Coat," and discuss via zoom at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 or Saturday, Nov. 28. Books provided by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement with recognition given to Shana Liu, Kalie Debelak, and Anneliese Barton for launching the group.

Early voting and on-campus satellite polling station

Early voting began on Oct. 5. Individuals can complete their ballot at the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office, download an absentee ballot request form (you must be pre-registered to receive an absentee ballot), or vote at the satellite polling station on campus 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Dahl Centennial Union. The on-campus polling stations are for Decorah precincts 4 and 5. Additional voter information may be found on the Winneshiek County Auditor's election information page.

Christmas at Luther candle lighting

Staff, faculty, and students are invited to participate in this year's candle lighting for Christmas at Luther. To regulate the number of people at once, advance sign-up is required at these links: Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Friday, Oct. 16. Masks required. A candlelight montage will be created from all photos for the online premiere of "Christmas at Luther 2020: For Everyone Born." Contact Susan Potvin <susan.potvin> with questions. 

Recycling: No facial tissues

Facial tissues ("Kleenex") are not accepted in recycling. The recycling company does not recycle this material, and depositing it in recycling can expose recycling workers to diseases. Please put facial tissues in the "landfill" compartment of your deskside container, or in the "landfill" compartment of the multi-stream containers located in buildings around campus.

From the Information Security Committee

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) recognizes that October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). This year's theme is "Do your part. #BeCyberSmart." This theme encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. NCSAM emphasizes, "If You Connect It, Protect It". Click here (an official website of Homeland Security) for a list of weekly tips and resources.

From the Risk Management and Safety Committee

October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Can you do two things at once? Try reading and talking on the cell phone at the same time. You can't pay attention to both. Multi-tasking is a myth so NEVER drive and use your phone at the same time. Focus on driving and getting to your destination safely. For more information on safe driving tips go to the National Safety Council at nsc.org/justdrive.

National Tutor Appreciation Week: Thank a tutor!

Our tutors are amazing! Please join the Center for Academic Enrichment (CAE) in recognizing and appreciating the great work our tutors do to engage, empower, and enrich students to achieve academic success. Their positions demand a high level of commitment, communication, creativity, and critical thinking as they work with students from all demographics and majors. KUDOS and thank you to all of the Luther College tutors that help our students succeed!

Hostile Terrain 94: Call for participation

Luther students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in the interactive component of the Hostile Terrain 94, a participatory art project comprising over 3,400 handwritten tags that memorialize individuals who have died trying to cross the US-Mexico border. Participants are asked to complete the transfer of one name onto a tag and reflect. To learn more about this project and to RSVP for your class or group to participate contact <cridde01> or visit the Luther webpage. 

Mat Pilates classes

Wellness is pleased to announce that we will be offering a Mat Pilates class for employees on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-noon, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 8, in Peace. This is a free class and we welcome you to join us! Please bring your own mat and if you don't have one, contact <wellness> and we will see that you get one.

Hispanic Heritage Month discussion forums Oct. 14 and 21

Luther students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in two discussion forums to explore questions on Latinx identity and diversity in the United States and at Luther College. Forum #1 will take place via Zoom at 5 p.m. Oct. 14. Forum #2 will take place via Zoom at 5 p.m. Oct. 21. View this document for more details. Contact David Thompson <thomda01> with questions.

Book Shop news

Luther alumnae new book spotlight
Please congratulate Margi Preus '74 on her new book, "The Silver Box;" Becky McCammon '98 on her new book, "Restorative Practices at School;" and Carol Hagen '82 for her new book, "What's in the Rommegrot?!" Stop by and take a peak at the new books in the Book Shop and send them some good vibes on their success.

EVENTS

Chapel this week

Oct.-Nov. Chapel: One Great World House
Inspired by a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quote shared by President Ward in her spring 2020 convocation address, "One Great World House" is a chapel series that explores the interconnectedness of humanity and all creation. Sung morning prayer on Mondays will be rooted in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, as well as liturgy by Marty Haugen '73. On Wednesdays, "Just Biology?" led by Prof. Eric Baack and past and current students of Bio 151 will explore questions at the intersection of science and spirituality. Friday chapel is formed by music, prayer, and reflections on scripture from different speakers exploring the themes of interconnectedness and interdependence. In the diverse body that is the world: "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it" (1 Cor 12: 26.). All chapel services are online, with links available at luther.edu/events.

Wednesday, Oct. 14: Kalie Debalek
Friday, Oct. 16: Maggie Hagen '15, Founder's Day chapel
Monday, Oct. 19: Sung Morning Prayer: Come, Let Us Sing for Joy

Home sporting events

The American Rivers Conference intends to move forward with fall competition in women's and men's cross country, women's golf, and women's tennis. See the Complete Sports Schedule for all fall sporting events, both home and away.

Events this week

The Office of Campus Programming maintains a Calendar of Events which includes listings for student activities, athletics, lectures, and more, with links to virtual events.

Visit the online Calendar of Events for a complete list of Luther events happening from Tuesday, Oct. 13-Tuesday, Oct. 20!

Virtual Homecoming 2020

The Alumni Office is hosting Virtual Homecoming activities all month long. Explore the full array of activities and celebrations on the Schedule of Events webpage.

Paideia Texts and Issues Lecture: 'Chamber Music at a Distance' Oct. 13

Kicking off the Building Community in a Changing Society series, the first Paideia Texts and Issues Lecture of the 2020-21 acaemic year, "Chamber Music at a Distance: How Musical Collaboration Transcends Traditional Spaces" will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Kathy Reed, along with her colleagues Heather Armstrong, Daniel Baldwin, Andi Beckendorf, Carol Hester, Zach Mayer '21, Gregory Peterson, and Andrew Whitfield, will demonstrate and discuss finding creative ways to maintain the heart of musical collaboration when musicians and audience members are unable to be in close proximity. Visit the online Calendar of Events for viewing details.

Farwell Distinguished Lecture: Dr. Michael Osterholm '75 Oct. 15

World-renowned epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm '75 has been in constant demand this year for his expertise regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. A frequent contributor to major television and cable news networks, radio broadcasts and podcast segments, Osterholm will deliver this year's Luther College Farwell Distinguished Lecture, "The COVID-19 Pandemic: Stories of a Journey" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in a virtual format. During his lecture, Osterholm will discuss where we have been, where we are now and where we will likely be in the next several years regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This special Farwell Distinguished Lecture is presented in celebration of Luther's new global health major. A streaming link will be available on the online Calendar of Events under the event listing.

COMMUNITY

New position

Celebrations this week

Birthdays
Oct. 14: Christina Vrtis, Heather Armstrong
Oct. 15: Annette Laitinen, John Androus
Oct. 16: Rebecca Shaffer
Oct. 17: Corey Landstrom, Josh Snyder
Oct. 18: Orcun Selcuk
Oct. 19: Brandon Samuelson, Michael Ryan, Trisha Soiney

Anniversaries
Oct. 19: William Gertz, 5 years 

Position Openings 

Assistant athletic performance coach and director of Legends Fitness Center (.83 FTE): Responsible for developing, organizing, and monitoring individualized strength training programs for members of select teams of the 19 intercollegiate athletic teams at Luther College. Create a safe and clean environment, develop facility policies and procedures, and assure equipment is purchased and maintained.

Full-time Regents Center custodian (1.0 FTE): Will monitor the campus schedule for events that are held at the Regents Center. The custodial staff member will maintain building appearance including lobbies, entrances, classrooms, offices, hallways, break rooms, auditoriums, SRC, conference rooms, staircases, restrooms, shower rooms, weight rooms, and gymnasium. Hours will typically be 4 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

Custodial staff (.75 FTE): Will maintain building appearance and cleanliness in all areas, including lobbies, entrances, classrooms, offices, hallways, kitchens, conference rooms, staircases, study lounges, restrooms, and shower rooms. Hours will typically be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Retirement

Tracy Elsbernd, who has worked at Luther for more than 17 years has announced her retirement effective Oct. 27. We congratulate Tracy and thank her for her dedicated service to the College.

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

In September, Dan Davis traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to film an episode of National Geographic's "Drain the Ocean." The show will focus on his contribution to the excavation of an ancient Roman shipwreck lying 1,000 feet below the surface of the Black Sea using a large remotely-operated vehicle named Hercules. The show highlights Davis's partnership with Dr. Robert Ballard, famed discoverer of the Titanic, to develop robotic technology for remote archaeological excavation in deep water. The episode will air early next year.

Dan Davis and an international team of colleagues also just published an article entitled, "Deep-Water Shipwrecks in the Eastern Mediterranean: A Microcosm of Late Roman Exchange" in the 2020 edition of the Journal of Roman Archaeology. The team shows how remote robotic investigation of ancient shipwrecks in deep water can reveal volumes of archaeological and historical information without the need for expensive, full-scale excavation.

Ben Tokheim recently published an article on the recovery of rare earth metals from spent nuclear fuel in the Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry.

Carina Hansen '21, Brian Lynch '91, Loren Toussaint, Latasha Smith, and Antonella Miccoli published a study of obesity trends in northeast Iowa Head Start students in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. The article is available for free here.

Jean-Philippe Lanoix and Loren Toussaint won the Jean-Marc Fischer special jury prize for their paper, "Holistic Must Mean Whole: Spirituality as Central in Holistic Medicine and 'Holology.'" The contest encourages reflection in the field of human, social, and theological sciences.

Ideas and Creations

In the post, Collaborative Development of COVID-19 Behavioral Testing, learn how Loren Toussaint worked with a team to develop a test that assesses whether someone is behaving in healthy or unhealthy ways regarding COVID-19. 

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

Lost and found: Found on the sidewalk between Campus House and Brandt, a pearl stud earring. If it is yours, call 387-1532.

Free: Grandchildren are getting bigger. Two twin bed frames with two box springs and one mattress to go with it if wanted. Call 563-380-5923.

For sale: Like-new, Sony WH-1000xm3 noise canceling bluetooth headphones. These headphones are praised for their audio quality and best noise canceling technology on the market. 30 hours of battery life, built in Alexa and Google assistants, and incredibly comfortable to wear. $150 obo. Contact <lurtaa01>.

For sale: DeWalt 20” Heavy Duty Scroll Saw, Model D788, includes floor stand. Approx. 6 years old, used very little. Like new condition. $295 cash. Buyer hauls. Contact Harley Refsal <refsalha> or 382-9383.

Housing wanted: My name is Rob Manges, I am a third year medical student at University of Iowa and a graduate of the class of 2016 who majored in biology and philosophy. I am looking for free or low cost temporary house from Oct. 26-Nov. 20 (1 month). I am friendly and would be a courteous guest. Please contact me for more information <[email protected]>. Thank you!

EDITORIAL COMMENT

And finally...

Farmers Day is celebrated every year on October 12. The profession of farming began around 12,000 years ago with the domestication of livestock as hunter/gatherers settled down and started to plant their own food. With harvest underway, it's a good time to thank a farmer! As of Oct. 5, one-quarter of the corn for grain in the state had been harvested, over 3 weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of average. This is only the second time since 2000 that at least one-quarter of the corn for grain crop was harvested by Oct. 4.

And a piece of Luther College farming history: On Jan. 12, 1929, Luther College purchased the Jewell Farm from Frank Jewell by President Olson for $60,000. This was the first substantial addition of land to the college’s property, and included the area where many campus buildings now stand.