The Luther community came together in April to celebrate Climate Justice Week. One of the student organizers shared some reflections on the spirit of the week and what it takes to tackle what can feel like insurmountable challenges.

"In the face of climate change and social inequity, we can say that our actions won’t make a difference. Unless. Unless we work together with those around us. Unless we educate ourselves and our peers. Unless we lead boldly. Unless we uplift and include all people. Unless we inspire others to take action for climate justice. Unless. The possibilities are endless." – Logan Olson '22

The Caf to Community program, which had been on hiatus March 15, 2020–Dec. 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic is back up and running!

"Our partnership with Luther College helps us fulfill our mission in a way that reduces waste, gets volunteers involved, and strengthens the relationship between the community and the college. This program just makes sense, and we're grateful to Luther College for making it happen.” - Steven Zittergruen, Decorah Food Pantry

Nancy Jones and 36 current Luther students and were inducted into the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States.

"I was very honored to be invited to become an alumna member of Luther's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a chapter that owes its existence in no small measure to the late professor Mary Lou Mohr, one of the faculty members at Luther who had a profound effect on my life. I would hope, and indeed I assume, that current students just inducted into PBK will also find among their professors one or more who have shaped the quality of their minds and the quality of their character. Such are the gifts that Luther bestows, along with curiosity about the world, a respect for the energizing power of the liberal arts, and a fascination with the life of the mind."- Nancy Jones '69

Established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames, Iowa, in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson '85, this scholarship benefits first-generation and income-eligible Luther students involved in the TRIO Achievement Program.

Since 2012, this scholarship has benefited students involved in the TRIO Achievement Program on campus. Congratulations Sandy Antunez-Blas '23, Jadyn Gasper '23, Jill Richards '22, and Mara Wood '22!

Tune in at 11 a.m. CDT Sunday, May 16, to help celebrate the Class of 2021 and welcome them to the Alumni Association!

Watching the Commencement ceremony live on May 16 will be your only opportunity to hear recorded remarks from Chris Norton '15, this year's Commencement speaker. In an academic year marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Norton’s story can be a reminder that adversity presents an opportunity for triumph.

The Luther magazine shares stories about Norse making an impact all over the world. Read past issues about how alumni, current students, and Luther staff and faculty are shaping our world for the better.

And be sure to subscribe to receive a notification when the next issue is available!

On April 20, a jury in Minneapolis handed down guilty verdicts in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The jurors' voices were firm and unwavering. On April 21, Luther students, staff, and faculty came together on the steps of the CFL to honor and hold the memory of people murdered due to racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance. I know that we are still in a deeply painful place in the arc of the moral universe, and we must continue to try to bend it toward justice today and all days.

These events were vivid reminders that the world outside of Decorah is right here with us. For those of you feeling particularly affected and vulnerable, know that Luther College sees you, values you, and cherishes your presence among us.

Sincerely,

President Jenifer K. Ward

The Luther College chapter of the national Society of Physics Students has received the 2020 Outstanding Chapter Award, recognizing its involvement and outreach on campus and beyond.

Since 1946, over 400,000 Fulbrights have worked to create community as they live, study, and research in over 140 countries. Dozens of Luther alumni have participated in the program, starting with Kathryn Ulvilden Moen '41!