Impact of Giving
ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21
$14,835,884
NEW COMMITMENTS TO LUTHER IN FISCAL YEAR 2020–21
12,176 TOTAL DONORS
1,776
STEWARDSHIP
FIRST-TIME DONORS
Authentically Luther Dear Members of the Luther College Community, It’s a joy to share this annual Impact of Giving report following an academic year that has stretched the Luther community in ways we couldn’t have even imagined prior to COVID-19. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we faced, the college continued to garner strong support from you—our most enthusiastic and steadfast donors—to ensure Luther students received the best possible educational experience. All while being community in new ways. Amid the pressures of the pandemic, the past year presented a unique opportunity to undertake a generative and future-focused exercise at a time when optimism was of the utmost importance. As I continue to shape my vision for Luther’s future in conversation with key stakeholders, four themes have begun to resonate—namely stewardship; integration, coherence, and focus; adaptability; and grounded and global. You will note that stewardship tops the list. For me, this concept of “caring for” is a common denominator in Luther’s mission, history, values, and programmatic strengths. Stewardship is a guiding principle that is authentically Luther—it is at the very heart of our relationship with those of you who invest your gifts and resources here. And that’s why we’re eager to share stories of the resounding impact your generous contributions make at Luther. Whether giving during your lifetime or as part of your estate (or both!), these commitments at all levels are combined to strengthen the college both now and in the future. This report highlights some of the boundless ways donor support made a meaningful impact in the past year by touching the lives of Luther students, faculty, and staff. Your generosity shines brightly, and our campus community will continue to be joyful stewards. My gratitude and my optimism are abundant—thank you!
Dr. Jenifer K. Ward President
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EDUCATING NURSE LEADERS Luther makes strong nurses, and this year, when it launches an expanded and upgraded Nursing Simulation Center (NSC), it will be able to send new nurses into the world even better prepared to be leaders in providing high-quality health care. Simulation labs allow student nurses to safely prepare to practice nursing in a way that’s as realistic as possible. In the midst of the current U.S. nursing shortage, when preceptors and clinical sites aren’t as available for educating new nurses, simulation labs are critical spaces that allow students to practice highly technical skills and, in Luther’s case, to develop complex clinical judgment, communication, and patient advocacy skills, as well as learn approaches to care for diverse patients and families.
“A common misconception is that nursing is very task-oriented and that nurses use only menial skills, when the reality is that nurses are at the forefront of keeping patients alive and safe,” says Jayme (Rutledge) Nelson ’87, associate professor of nursing. At its lowest level, she says, the new center can be used as simply a technical skills-trainer. But at its best, it will offer students a highly contextualized, complex, ever-changing environment that closely mimics what nurses encounter in real life. The NSC will offer eight additional simulation manikins that emulate human patients—they even respond verbally. It also takes the current lab from two separate theatre-style spaces (with students watching peers administer care) to a much more realistic setup that includes three distinct patient rooms to approximate part of a hospital or care floor. This way, a student can experience— and troubleshoot in real time—what it’s like to perform a health assessment on one patient while another patient’s alarms start going off and a third also needs assistance. “Any opportunity where we can allow students to be interrupted and stimulated in ways that are really similar to current nursing practice will increase the safety for them to be professionals in those roles,” says Angela (Oldenburg) Kueny ’02, associate professor of nursing. The new center will also include audio-visual equipment to record simulations and allow faculty and students to highlight things that went well or find opportunities to improve. This capability—of reviewing and course-correcting patient care in a way that doesn’t put actual patients at risk—is a true strength of a good simulation lab. Kate (Haller) Ailabouni ’10, who graduated with a Luther nursing degree in May, had the chance to practice with four of the new manikins, which were purchased with institutional funds in fall 2020. She works as an obstetrics nurse and says, “The simulation lab and the manikins are a safe space for error, reflection, and correction. As called as we might feel to the field of nursing, patient care comes with a huge weight of responsibility. It is so crucial we rehearse what this might feel like with the simulation manikins before we hit the big stage of board-certified RN life!” Especially in a nursing shortage, not to mention a pandemic, the quality of a future nurse’s preparation depends in part on the quality of their simulation lab. Luther—and future patients and employers of Luther-educated nurses—is incredibly lucky that its donors recognize that essential need.
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The vision for a comprehensive Nursing Simulation Center is becoming a reality thanks to the combined generosity of the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust; the estate of Shirley (Klingsheim) Bentdahl ’59; and $100,000 in board-designated bequests; along with gifts from alumni, current parents, and friends of the college. It will also be supported by the endowment for nursing simulation created by Michael ’99 and Carryn (Ensrude) Anderson ’99 in 2013.
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Alumni who connect “ Luther’s passionate alumni network is one of its greatest assets. This is also true when it comes to recruiting the next generation of Luther students. The Future Norse program lets alumni and parents of Luther students (current and past) refer a high school student to Luther. Every student they refer receives a $1,000 scholarship in their name each year, for four years, when they enroll at Luther.
LUTHER’S FUTURE NORSE PROGRAM
2017
INCEPTION
1,486
ALUMNI AMBASSADORS
Having an alumnus refer me to Luther has meant the world to me. Not only has receiving the scholarship in their name benefited me as a student, but it has also shown me how caring our alumni are.
Robbie Smalling ’02, a high school Spanish teacher in Orono, Minn., has been STUDENTS REFERRED I’ve gotten to witness how passionate involved with the Future Norse program TO LUTHER the alumni base is and grown in these since its beginning. Whenever a student connections as I’ve spent my time here at expresses interest in Luther, he submits a OF THEM DEPOSITED AT LUTHER Luther. The connections I feel here at Luther referral. “It took me ten years of going back both with current students and alumni are to Luther after graduating not to feel jealous endless,” says Hope Gilbertson ’22, who as heck of people still on campus every time I was referred to Luther by her godfather, did,” he says. “I loved my experience there and Joel Feldkamp ’84. would love to point kids in that direction as well.”
2,622 806
INSTITUTIONAL
Financial Aid
+787+4362 $3.7M
$1.3M
$1.7M
$2.0M
$4.2M
$45 million
4
Total aid n Luther College unfunded aid n Donor-funded endowed scholarships n Donor-funded annual scholarships n Other private scholarships n Federal and state grant programs n Student employment (earned)
“
Luther is more than a college; it is an environment where students can immerse themselves in a positive and encouraging learning experience. It is my home away from home, where I have found my second family consisting of my friends, professors, and mentors. Your support means a lot to me!” —ANNA KJELDAHL ’25 MAPLE GROVE, MN Nursing
+7413+ +6530+5
INSTITUTIONAL REVENUE SOURCES 13%
13%
74%
n Net student revenue (includes bookstore) n Gifts and other revenue n Endowment revenue
$ 45.2M
$ 8.1M $ 7.9M $ 61.2M
RESOURCES SUPPORTING STUDENTS 5%
99%
OF ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
$58 million
FINANCIAL AID DISTRIBUTED IN 2020–21
62%
OF STUDENTS RECEIVE NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
$43,589
30%
65%
n People n Programs n Place
$ 38.9M $ 18.4M $ 3.1M $ 60.4M
$55,720
COMPREHENSIVE FEE 2020–21
AVERAGE NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID AWARD (INCOMING FIRST-YEAR CLASS) 5
“
“
Thank you so much for the blessing of my scholarship. My family is grateful as well. As a first-year student, it was especially hard this year, and to know that others around me are supporting my endeavors and desire to gain an education—so I can truly change and impact the world around me—is amazing and truly inspiring.”
No amount of words could ever thank you for your generous donations. The amount of knowledge (not only academically, but social skills, personal discoveries, and new views of our world) I have gained as a student at Luther is more than I could ever have asked for.”
—DESMOND BUNTING ’25 GILBERT, AZ Music, social work
—OLIVIA HELLAND ’22 DULUTH, MN Environmental studies
Luther College Endowment Endowment is the foundation on which Luther College sustains academic excellence for future generations of students, faculty, and staff. Luther’s endowment has grown from $56 million in 2000 to $203 million in 2021. Our institutional goal is to continue growing the endowment—for scholarships, applied learning opportunities, research fellowships, programs, professorships, and chairs—to enhance the resources necessary to support Luther’s mission and vision. Each year a spending allowance is determined by the Luther College Board of Regents. All funds exist in perpetuity.
ENDOWMENT RETURNS:
1 YEAR = 27.4% 3 YEAR = 10.5% 5 YEAR = 10.2%
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ENDOWMENT VALUE (UNAUDITED) AS OF MAY 31, 2021
$203,973,013
Conscience
INVESTING WITH A
As Luther’s endowment surpasses $200 million, the college has started to bring its investment strategy into closer alignment with its mission to work toward the common good. Moving forward, Luther plans to adopt a socially responsible investing (SRI) strategy and incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment approach. Luther has already made revisions to its investment policy statement to recognize new SRI goals and hired a manager with an investment strategy built around ESG factors. The college has also shifted away from asset allocation in natural resources and moved into infrastructure. While a commitment to SRI principles will allow Luther to more conscientiously grow its endowment, portfolio management decisions will continue to be made with long-term return and support of the college as a primary objective. Ultimately, this will allow us to offer more transformational experiences to students while also committing to an investment strategy that aligns with our environmental, social, and other values.
56.97%
OF ENDOWMENT EARNINGS GOES DIRECTLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS
$250M
$200M
$150M
$100M
$ 50M
12+ 2+3+46+ 8+ 9+10+1213+1418+21+28+2829+3540+4856+5946+4957+5664+7173+7279+8280+81100+ ’80 ’81 ’82 ’83 ’84 •’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 •’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 •’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 •’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 •’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 •’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 •’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 •’20 ’21 Fiscal year ending May 31, 1980–2021
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Gifts and Donors
+4115+320174 51+25+861
GIFT COMMITMENTS BY AREA
(gifts, pledges, new estate commitments) 4%
17%
41%
20%
15%
n Luther Fund $2,187,007 n Norse Athletic Association $ 427,858 n Other current support $2,929,130 n Endowment $2,498,537 n Capital support $ 659,138 n Planned gifts $6,134,214 Grand total $14,835,884
3%
GIFT INCOME BY SOURCE
(one-time gifts, pledge payments, realized bequests) 1% 1%
6%
8%
8%
51%
25%
8
n Alumni $6,411,591 n Friends $3,159,863 n Parents $ 939,036 n Corporations/foundations $ 937,642 n Faculty/staff $ 794,224 n Churches $ 69,350 n Other $ 51,881 Grand total $12,363,586
Visual media manager Nick Bjerke (left) guides Armando JenkinsVazquez ’22 (center) as he records an interview with education major Megan Priest ’23. Megan is conducting research with professor Jodi MeyerMork toward developing an alternative to the Common Core curriculum. With the support of the Luther community behind them, students like Megan and Armando are learning at Luther in ways that will help them shape their future.
58+100100+ 82+ 74+ 52+6053+ 53+ 62+ + 61+ 57+ 58+ 54+ 60+ COMMITMENTS (gifts, pledges, new estate commitments)
$20M
Millions of dollars
$15M
$10M
$5M
0
FY17 $11,638,923
FY18 $20,377,233
FY19 $21,473,115
FY20 $16,380,648
FY21 $14,835,884
Millions of dollars
GIFT RECEIPTS (one-time gifts, pledge payments, realized bequests)
$10M
$5M
0
FY17 $10,317,260
FY18 $11,942,251
FY19 $10,535,199
FY20 $10,586,219
FY21 $12,363,586
FY18 11,523
FY19 11,629
FY20 10,892
FY21 12,176
Thousands of donors
DONORS
10K
5K
0
FY17 12,240
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A FOUNDATION FOR A GOOD LIFE In 1964, incoming Luther students could participate in a Guaranteed Cost Program, which fixed annual tuition, room, and board at $1,700 for all four years. Like many with limited means to attend college, Bob ’68 and Dell Ann (Kappus) Sathe ’68 relied on the program to help them afford the investment in college. Since graduating in 1968, the necessary investment for a college education has risen significantly faster than inflation. With that in mind, Bob and Dell Ann decided to help Luther students with financial need by funding new scholarships.
The Sathes have always had a special interest in education and in helping less fortunate students succeed. Their philanthropic interests at Luther are focused on education and the arts, but in recent years, directing support to scholarship endowment has become increasingly important. “With help from Paul Mullen ’79 and the Development staff, we designed a program that provides gap funding to help defray tuition costs,” Bob says. “It’s our way of saying thanks to Luther for helping us with a foundation for a good life.” Bob and Dell Ann’s gift in support of scholarship was used to create the Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Scholars Endowments, comprising four separate funds, each designed to help qualified underrepresented (such as first-generation or low-income) students with demonstrated financial need afford the Luther experience. Students began receiving scholarship awards in the 2018–19 academic year. Scholarship recipient Samuel Zegler-Evans ’24—a sophomore from Topock, Arizona, majoring in nursing—is beyond grateful. “Thanks to the Sathes’ amazing support, I’m able to pursue my dreams as a young adult who will graduate from college,” he says. “Not only do I get the opportunity to receive a highly respected degree at Luther College, but I am able to create relationships and memories and encounter lessons that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
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Bob ’68 and Dell Ann (Kappus) Sathe ’68
TRANSFORMING MUSICAL PERFORMANCE The generosity of Luther donors takes many shapes, including novel gifts of specialty musical instruments. These gifts in kind have been put to immediate use, allowing students to increase their repertoires and practice and performance opportunities. In January, Karla (Lenzen) Bach ’00 arranged to donate her W&W Venus Harp, Encore 75 Concert Pedal, circa 1993. It was delivered to campus in February, where Daniel Baldwin, director of orchestral activities, was on hand to accept it. “Karla’s beautiful instrument will live in the Center for Faith and Life, the space in which our large ensembles perform. Her gift will serve to protect all our college-owned harps from physical damage during transport, and will ensure that our student harpists have access to an artist-quality instrument wherever and whenever they play,” says Baldwin.
“Because of Dr. Diggelmann’s generosity, students will be able to apply their talents to the baroque and early classical repertoire for trumpet, which will help to broaden their performance capabilities and historical understanding. We are extremely grateful for this donation and will benefit from it for many years to come,” says Cord. A 1996 Steinway M grand piano that was a focal point in the home of Lance ’79 and Shari Vander Linden is now part of Luther’s keyboard collection. “This lightly-used instrument is in near-perfect shape and will make a wonderful practice piano for our students for both collaborative and solo repertoire. Whether it be practicing Rachmaninoff or accompanying a Schubert song, this Steinway’s warm tone and responsive action will enhance our music students’ performances,” according to Brian Knox, keyboard technician.
Associate professor of music John Cord met Henry “Hank” Diggelmann when both were studying at the University of Iowa. After learning that his friend was teaching at Luther, Dr. Diggelmann reached out to ask if Luther would accept an inkind donation of his instruments, a Johannes Scherzer piccolo trumpet, Bach Stradivarius B-flat trumpet, and a Bach Stradivarius C trumpetto.
Karla (Lenzen) Bach ’00 and Daniel Baldwin, director of orchestral activities
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The Luther Fund $2,303,262
TOTAL GIFT RECEIPTS TO THE LUTHER FUND
scholarships and financial aid
9,023
TOTAL LUTHER FUND DONORS
building maintenance
college ministries
student orgs The Luther Fund supports students in almost every way. From scholarships to textbooks to off-campus study, it subsidizes student learning. From student organizations to volunteer opportunities, it underpins experiences that shape college students into active, engaged citizens. From building maintenance and improvements to campus landscaping, it ensures that students live in a safe and beautiful place that they'll be eager to return to as alumni. When you support the Luther Fund—and so many of you do!—you're helping young people focus on becoming their best future selves. 12
Thank you! On Giving Day 2,000+ friends gave
“
$1,195,265.70
to the Luther Fund in support of students. Giving Day is one of my favorite days out of the year because of all of the love and support I see from Luther alumni and friends. It is so amazing to see how much of an impact Luther has had on so many people. My Luther experience would not have been possible without the support that we receive, and for that I am forever grateful!”
—RACHEL CLENNON ’22 —Rachel MANKATO, MNClennon '22
community outreach academics
residence hall improvements 13
$425,703
GIFT RECEIPTS TO THE NORSE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Gifts to the Norse Athletic Association support a quality Division III athletics department. As the costs of providing competitive opportunities for our student-athletes continue to rise, your support enables us to provide programs that encourage both academic and athletic success.
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Supporting student-athletes
Luther held its first annual One Team Day, a one-day fundraising event to support the college’s studentathletes, in November 2020. The campaign raised over $300,000 from more than 2,000 donors. The funds raised during that day support Luther’s 19 intercollegiate teams and 500 student-athletes. One Team Day highlights the importance of athletics and student-athletes within the Luther community. Last year, in order to continue to allow students to participate in college-level sports, Luther’s athletics program enacted special pandemic-related protocols. All student-athletes were tested for COVID-19 when they arrived on campus and were tested at random
“
The funds given on One Team Day allow us to upgrade the playing surface at our field. The dirt mixture will now be a much higher quality, improving the field's playability.”
throughout the fall, winter, and spring. By following the safety precautions established by the American Rivers Conference and the college, all Norse teams were able to complete their modified ARC conference schedules in every sport—much to the credit of Luther’s dedicated student-athletes and coaching staff.
“
With your generous donation, the athletic training department will continue to provide for student athletes across all sports at Luther. Thank you!” —NATALIE DANZL ’22, LUTHER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER
—BRYAN NIKKEL, LUTHER HEAD BASEBALL COACH
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47
NEW MEMBERS FOR FY 2020–21
9
MEMBERS MAKING ADDITIONAL GIFTS
NEW HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS 2020–21
Kenneth ’73 and Diana Abraham Julie (Jensen) ’98 and Thomas Assel Robert ’70 and Karen (Strum) Bear ’70 Serina Norvold Bentley ’94 Heidi (Murken) ’02 and Brian Borkenhagen Daryl and Norma Bosma Karen (Wilken) Braun ’85 and Kevin Kelley Dennis ’80 and Linda Bushkofsky Larry ’67 and Betty (Johnson) Danielson ’68 Larry Freeze Gary Gilderhus ’74 Robert ’69 and Terri (Skoug) Heins ’70 Carol Johnson ’72 Glen ’70 and Kathy (Selzer) Johnson ’71 Michael ’89 and Julie Kinsel Wallace Klandrud ’51 Joseph Lippincott and Ruth Bale Lippincott Richard ’72 and Marcia Lund Alan ’61 and Linda Nordhem David Olson ’76 Jessica Paul Eileen Rossow Jon Schroeder ’76 Susan Sihler ’60 Burnell Smith Stephen Sporer Leif ’93 and Lisen (Nylander) Stoa ’96 Joseph Sweet ’86 and Blaire Hartley Sarah Wente ’01 and Jeremy Kuker Douglas Winkey ’12
Built ON BIGGER DREAMS
HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS MAKING ADDITIONAL PLANNED GIFTS 2020–21
Paul Blackman Richard '64 and Joann (Harr) Hemp '65 Thomas '62 and Phyllis Jacobson Helen (Legler) Kneubuhler '59 William '70 and Carolyn (Peterson) Kobler '70 Dick Meade
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1,292
TOTAL MEMBERS (MAY 31, 2021)
$132,966,277
TOTAL PLANNED GIFT EXPECTANCIES (AS OF MAY 31, 2021)
HER ITAGE CLUB
At Luther, we help students shape an education that matters. We collaborate to turn ideas, passions, and talents into building blocks for a bright future. This is where students build their biggest dreams, and together we equip them to build a future more incredible than they could have imagined. The Luther College Heritage Club, nearly 1,300 members strong, is an association of persons with the vision and inclination to build bigger dreams for future Luther students, ensuring generations to come will benefit from a truly transformational Luther education. The Heritage Club is also a symbol and an inspiration. Because planned gifts are so vitally important to the future of Luther College, and because membership in the club is only for those persons who have made planned gifts, the Heritage Club is a symbol of the importance Luther places on this kind of commitment. It also serves as an inspiration for others to make similar gifts and join this important group. The Heritage Club is one way Luther says “thank you” to all those who have made the college a part of their future. We are extremely grateful for the support from the members of Luther’s Heritage Club.
legacygiving.luther.edu
“
Giving back has always been important to us. We have both been very blessed in our life together and feel the need to recognize the gifts we have received by returning something in response. The time will come when we cannot do this on an annual basis, so the establishment of a planned gift will allow us to do this in perpetuity.” —WILLIAM ’70 AND CAROLYN (PETERSON) KOBLER ’70
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The Legacy Trust
$6.2 million
13 new scholarships
896 students
$100 to $30,250
IN DONOR-FUNDED FINANCIAL AID
RECEIVING DONOR-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS
ESTABLISHED, IN PROGRESS, AND DEFERRED LEGACY TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS
RANGE OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The Legacy Trust is an opportunity to invest in the lives of young people who want to study at Luther College. Luther is committed to providing an affordable education to our students, nearly 100 percent of whom receive some form of financial assistance. Unfortunately, federal aid, student earnings, and parents’ savings are often not enough to cover the whole cost of a Luther education. Now more than ever, scholarship support is critical as students search for ways to meet the rising costs of higher education.
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The Legacy Trust was established in 1986—and now more than $110 million in cash and planned gifts has been raised. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Luther students—most of whom could not otherwise afford to be here—now benefit from nearly 900 endowed scholarships that have been established at Luther. Though the Legacy Trust was founded as an endowed scholarship program, donors may now also establish annual scholarships with outright gifts through this expanded program. luther.edu/giving/gift-types/scholarship
“
Your financial support has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with incredibly capable people in different scientific fields, which has helped me to further develop my sense of vocation toward science.” —JUAN QUINTANILLA CERVANTES ’22 LOURDES, EL SALVADOR Chemistry
ESTABLISHED DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2020 NEW ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Annual scholarships provide the opportunity for donors to make an immediate impact.
Professor John W. Kurtich Foundation Scholarship The Professor John W. Kurtich Foundation for Study and Research Ken and Alice Thomason Family Scholarship Kathryn (Thomason) ’77 and Michael Hoff NEW LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS
Named endowed scholarships provide an enduring stream of scholarship support to assist current and future generations of Luther students, with a minimum commitment of $25,000.
Class of 1971 Scholarship** Members of the Class of 1971 Class of 1986 Scholarship** Members of the Class of 1986 Class of 1996 Scholarship** Members of the Class of 1996 Bert M. and Mildred O. Dahl Scholarship Estate of Bert and Mildred Dahl Philip ’98 and Lorelee Hood Scholarship* Philip ’98 and Lorelee Hood Carolyn and James Nelson Scholarship Carolyn (Nuttall) ’62 and James Nelson NEW VISION SCHOLARSHIPS
Named endowed scholarships provide an enduring stream of scholarship support to assist current and future generations of Luther students, with a minimum commitment of $50,000.
Black Alumni Association Scholarship Perran Wetzel IV ’79 and Loretta Dooley Wetzel ’80, co-presidents of the Black Alumni Association, and Willie ’84 and Denise Davismckennie ’82, co-presidents of the Alumni Council, along with Sherry (Braun) Alcock ’82, Barbara Fuller ’72, Rufus ’74 and Debra (Hopson) Glasper ’73, Douglas ’82 and Shelly Kintzinger, J. Robert ’78 and Barbara Paulson, †Arne ’80 and Ruth Sorenson, Jenifer K. Ward, and James ’82 and Constance Whitesell, and through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Luther Brenden/Wilson Scholarship Debra Wilson ’71 and Peggy Brenden ’76 Fred Nyline Distinguished Award in Music Matt ’01 and Jaime (Rowe) Titus ’00
†deceased
*deferred
**in progress
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ALUMNI COUNCIL Mission statement
BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mission statement To empower members of the Luther College Black Alumni Association (BAA) to make a positive difference in the world by collectively leveraging our unique skills, resources, and abilities for the enhancement of current Black students and students of color in our society 2020 Accomplishments: Establishment of the Black Alumni Association Scholarship—over $150,000 raised Participation in Vocation-Inspired Alumni (VIA) Mentoring Program Co-leader, Homecoming book club discussion: White Fragility Participation in Chapel Series Online Club Ebony Event 2020 Holiday Chamber Dollar Campaign—raised over $10,000, supporting 352 students
To allow alumni-at-large to participate in the life of the college after graduation, to represent the college to all alumni, to advance Luther’s reputation by serving the college in ways that add value to maintaining a lifelong association with Luther and in ways that add value to a Luther diploma 2020 Action Steps: PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS – RECRUITMENT Created subcommittee to work directly with Admissions to advance the Future Norse Referral Program Connected members with alumni in their networks to encourage Future Norse referrals Connected the Admissions team with alumni who serve as school principals, administrators, and teachers CURRENT STUDENTS – RETENTION Mailed letters of encouragement to current students Engaged as mentors for current students CLASS OF 2020 Used social media to keep class of 2020 connected to each other and the college ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT Assisted Alumni and Development with engaging alumni and donors virtually and in person Supported Giving Day
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N
Norse Alumni DONOR-FUNDED INTERNSHIPS
35,268 LIVING ALUMNI
LUTHER ALUMNI LIVE IN
50 112
STATES AND
COUNTRIES.
68%
OF OUR LIVING ALUMNI AND CURRENT STUDENTS RESIDE IN THE FOUR-STATE AREA: MINNESOTA, IOWA, WISCONSIN, AND ILLINOIS.
For many years, Luther has combined funding from donors and other philanthropic partners to give financial support to students completing a variety of internships. Here’s a sampling of student internships in the past year. Huong Giang Nguyen ’21, a double major in mathematics/ statistics and data science, interned at Mayo Clinic’s Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, where she helped develop and validate machine learning models for early risk assessments and disease progression based on dynamic data for patients in the Remote Patients Monitoring Program. The experience allowed her to apply her classroom learning to a real clinical situation and, she says, “helped me a lot to define what I want to pursue in the future and what I still need to learn.” She and her mentor cowrote a paper about their research that’s in the publication pipeline. –Recipient of the Career Connections Fund Sletsy Dlamini ’21, an environmental studies major, interned with the city of Rochester/Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency. He researched and presented environmental initiatives from around the world to inform his group’s development of resilience strategies for the city going forward. His experience helped grow the way he thinks about sustainability. Environmental, economic, and social sustainability, he says, “are not just stand-alone pieces but things that impact each other and are interconnected.” –Recipient of the Gregg Family Applied Learning Fund Rida Naz ’21, a double major in management and accounting, interned with Astri Wee Photography, where she helped the company build a bigger audience base, from ideation to posting actual ads. She also worked on a succession plan for interns who will follow her. And because the internship was remote, she says, “I learned a great deal about keeping up good communication and tracking progress to meet our mutual goals on time.” –Recipient of the Ruth Steinmetz Intern Fellowship
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Reunion Giving CLASS MATCHING CHALLENGES: AS OF MAY 31, 2021, ALL CHALLENGES HAVE BEEN MET! Last year didn’t allow for the kind of reunion that many alumni had hoped for. But even when COVID-19 prevented our alumni from getting together on campus, they still came together to support Luther students.
CLASS OF 1970 CHALLENGE SPONSORS
Susan (Boettcher) ’70 and John Boehm ’64, Mark ’70 and Vicki (Mohlis) Donhowe ’70, Glen ’70 and Kathy (Selzer) Johnson ’71, William ’70 and Carolyn (Peterson) Kobler ’70, Charles ’70 and Christine (Lindgren) Lane ’70, Lyle ’70 and Sue (Johnston) Luzum ’70, Solveig (Johnson) Walstrom ’70 CLASS OF 1970 $70,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE CLASS OF 1980 CHALLENGE SPONSORS
In honor of their connection to Luther and each other, five classes in reunion years stepped up their support. When generous classmates sponsored matching challenges, all five classes rose to the challenge! We’re grateful for the thoughtful work and frequent pivoting of our reunion committees. We’re also grateful for the steadfast support of reunion classes who continue to step up to support Luther—even when they can’t gather in person.
Keith Christensen ’80 and Dawn Deines-Christensen ’82, David ’80 and †Wendy (Hillesland) Coe ’80, Scott Johnson ’80 and Naomi Nowland ’80, Christi Munson Nowland ’80, Barbara (Perry) ’80 and Tony Lutz, Julie Serra Lund ’80 and Philip Lund, Joe ’80 and Greer Whitters CLASS OF 1980 $65,700 MATCHING CHALLENGE CLASS OF 1985 CHALLENGE SPONSORS
Eric Allen ’85, Susan Aspenson Murray ’85 and David Aspenson ’84, Karen (Wilken) Braun ’85, Michael ’85 and Susanne Carney, Julie (Melin) ’85 and Duane Cologne, Linda (Rosholt) ’85 and Lee Hash ’84, Kris (Hahn) ’85 and David Henderson CLASS OF 1985 $50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE CLASS OF 1995 CHALLENGE SPONSORS
Shannon (Miller) ’95 and DeLane Duval, Susan (Nystrom) ’95 and David Ellis, Jen (Jenkins) Hubbs ’95 and Chris Hubbs ’89, Jennifer (Naslund) ’95 and Todd Sime, Steve ’95 and Mariah (Bringer) Smith ’95 CLASS OF 1995 $25,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE CLASS OF 2010 CHALLENGE SPONSORS
Aaron ’10 and Erin Stenhaug
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CLASS OF 2010 $3,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE †deceased
“
Receiving alumni-supported financial aid made such a difference not only to my ability to attend Luther, but also to the opportunities I had to become more authentically me. Through the privilege of my Luther experience, this first-generation college student discovered a deeply meaningful life calling and a far-reaching community of friends. By giving a little each month, my hope is that I'm creating space for the next ‘me’ to find that for themselves, too.” —BRIAN JUCHEMS ’95 MEMBER OF CLASS OF 1995 REUNION COMMITTEE, 2020 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
1970*
Five
$1,021,179 RAISED 42% CLASS PARTICIPATION 1980*
$1,759,224 RAISED 30% CLASS PARTICIPATION
1985
$716,224 RAISED 34% CLASS PARTICIPATION
CAMPAIGNS
1995
*STILL IN PROGRESS
2010
$115,765 RAISED 28% CLASS PARTICIPATION
$37,848 RAISED 21% CLASS PARTICIPATION 23
23.35% ALUMNI PARTICIPATION
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6,282 ALUMNI DONORS
GRATITUDE
Celebrating firsts The Luther community, like the rest of the world, shared many firsts over this past uniquely uncertain year. Many of you experienced virtually connecting in new ways necessary for your educational, work, and personal lives, while families and friends navigated the emotions of missing a milestone moment, like a birthday or graduation, or a Luther reunion and Homecoming, for the first time. However, while there were many tough first-time experiences, there were the hopeful, bright firsts, too, that you made happen. Each gift and generous act of time you gave to Luther sent a message to students that there is a community in their corner, supporting them every step of the way. For a few examples, the sixth annual Giving Day held on March 11 surpassed $1 million for the first time, with more than 2,260 donors participating. The first-ever One Team Day held last November exceeded expectations and sailed past $300,000 for the Norse Athletic Association, honoring the student-athlete experience. And to illustrate the strengthening of the college’s fiscal health for both now and the future, the Luther Fund crested $2.3 million for the first time, while the college’s overall endowment—made possible by your boundless investments from scholarships to academic programs—surpassed the $200 million mark. And amid the current climate this past year, 1,776 of you made your first gift to Luther, ever. All of these firsts, and so many more, are worth celebrating. Thank you for showing up when the Luther community and students needed you during a time of particular uncertainty. Your generous actions are a sign of faith in each group of Luther graduates and the important work happening at the college that allows them to enter the world with such infinite promise. Thank you for being there for Luther.
Stephen Sporer Vice President for Development
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Donor
BILL OF RIGHTS
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights: I To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes. II To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities. III To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements. IV To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. V To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
VI To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. VII To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature. VIII To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors. IX To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. X To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Giving Institute, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including Luther College.
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LUTHER COLLEGE BOARD OF REGENTS Officers Chairperson – Wendy (Jaycox) Davidson ’92 Vice Chairperson – J. Robert Paulson ’78, P’04, P’13 Secretary – Susan Sorlien ’73 Members
The date in parentheses at the end of each listing denotes the year of election to the board.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Anderson ’84, P’15 Anesthesiologist, Associated Anesthesiologists Johnston, Iowa (2016) Wendy P. (Jaycox) Davidson ’92 President of Americas, Glanbia Performance Nutrition Wheaton, Illinois (2011) Willie Davismckennie ’84, P’16 Owner/Founder, 22 Wood Works Mundelein, Illinois (2020) Shannon M. (Miller) Duval ’95 System Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, CommonSpirit Health Castle Rock, Colorado (2018) Peter A. Espinosa ’81 CEO, Mortgage Cadence, an Accenture Company Founder, Chairman of Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, and owner of BottleTree Properties Edina, Minnesota (2017)
Dennis Flatness ’68 President and CEO, USI Midwest Saint Louis, Missouri (2012) Vanessa Frazier ’90 Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations New York, New York (2020) Chris W. Gade ’86, P’20 Retired Chief Public Affairs Officer, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota (2018)
David J. “Chip” Norris ’82 Retired Group President, Alerus Financial Corporation Champlin, Minnesota (2018) Michael T. Osterholm, Ph.D. ’75 Regents Professor, McKnight Endowed Presidential Chair in Public Health and Director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota (2016)
Dr. Allen J. Green ’76 Retired Dean of Equity and Inclusion, Sarah Lawrence College West Orange, New Jersey (2017)
J. Robert Paulson, Jr. ’78, P’04, P’13 President and CEO, VentureMed Group Wayzata, Minnesota (2013)
Katherine Johnson-Becklin, P’14 Educational Consultant, Gifted and Talented Specialist Monona, Wisconsin (2012)
Connie Plaehn ’75, P’17 Retired Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management Minneapolis, Minnesota (2014)
Sandee N. (Neitzel) Joppa ’87, P’16 Executive Coach and Leadership Development Consultant, Joppa Consulting LLC Plymouth, Minnesota (2016)
Corey J. Schmidt ’98 Founding Partner of IntentGen Financial Partners, Wealth Advisor, Thrivent Financial Naperville, Illinois (2019)
Dr. Mark V. Larson ’78 Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Elgin, Minnesota (2020)
Anjela A. Shutts ’93 Partner/Attorney, Whitfield & Eddy, PLC Des Moines, Iowa (2018)
Ann Leon ’75 Retired Manager, Sales & Industry Learning, IBM Madison, Wisconsin (2019)
James Thomsen ’86 Managing Partner, Daniel James Scottsdale, Arizona (2013) Diane (Baum) Thormodsgard ’72 Retired Vice Chairperson, U.S. Bancorp Estero, Florida (2010) Chinyere Ukabiala, P’13, P’14 College Ombudsperson, Grinnell College Urbandale, Iowa (2012) Lance J. Vander Linden ’79, P’21 Retired Chairman, National Bankruptcy Services Dallas, Texas (2012) James N. Young ’81 Retired Chief Financial Officer, Ally Bank Edina, Minnesota (2016) Ex-officio Jenifer K. Ward President P’ with a class year indicates a parent of a Luther graduate of that year.
Susan Sorlien ’73 Retired Executive, Sears, Roebuck and Co. Bonita Springs, Florida (2010)
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Sherry (Braun) Alcock ’82, executive director of alumni relations Daina (Hollnagel) Bond ’93, donor records coordinator Sarah Brandt ’15, stewardship and events coordinator Megan Buckingham, associate director of annual giving Nathan Ersig ’98, senior director of development and campaign co-director Chris Frana, director of systems, user services, and research Kirk Johnson ’82, associate director of alumni relations Jeanie Lovell, senior director of foundation relations and strategic initiatives, and campaign co-director Paul Mullen ’79, development officer Andrew Peter ’14, development officer Mary (Swenson) Rettig ’79, senior development officer Alyssa Ritter ’11, associate director of alumni relations Mariah Bringer Smith ’95, director of parent and family engagement and special projects Trisha Soiney, alumni administrative and records assistant Kelly Sorenson, assistant director of legacy and gift planning Samantha Spilde, development officer Stephen Sporer, vice president for development Megan (Minnihan) Torkelson ’05, director of annual giving Rachel (Schutte) Vsetecka ’09, director of stewardship and special events Nicole Waskow, administrative assistant—vice president for development Cydney (Roelandt) Weitzel ’14, alumni office and records coordinator
Jenifer K. Ward, president Lynda Szymanski, provost Andrew Bailey ’08, vice president for finance and administration Bradley Chamberlain, vice president for mission and communication Derek Hartl, vice president for enrollment management Stephen Sporer, vice president for development
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI OFFICE
PARENTS AND FAMILY COUNCIL (2020–21)
ALUMNI COUNCIL (2020–21)
Class of 2020 Representatives David and Colleen Bolthouse, Palatine, Illinois; Elizabeth ’20
Officers Lisa Small Steinbauer ’88, president Jim Kowitz ’03, vice president Serina (Norvold) Bentley ’94, recording secretary Denise Davismckennie ’82, advisor Loretta Dooley Wetzel ’80, BAA co-president Perran Wetzel IV ’79, BAA co-president
Class of 2021 Representatives Stephen Abernethy and Janeen Haller-Abernethy, Arvada, Colorado; Emma ’21 Douglas and Bonnie Hanggi, Lake Elmo, Minnesota; Kathryn ’21 Jen (Carlson) ’86 and John Lembezeder, Decorah, Iowa; Nicholas ’21 John and Rachel Vanderploeg, Aurora, Illinois; Kameron ’21 Class of 2022 Representatives John and Sue Bieno, Oregon, Wisconsin; Michaela ’22 Alfred and Holli Chan, Marion, Iowa; Hoffman ’22 Dale and Karen Homolka, Jacksonville, Illinois; Nora ’22 Pat ’92 and Karen (Titus) Trewin ’92, Decorah, Iowa; Abby ’22 Class of 2023 Representatives LaDonna Corn, Chandler, Arizona; Donovan ’23 Eric ’91 and Kim (Latzke) Muller ’93, Urbandale, Iowa; Joshua ’23 Mike and Dana Ottesen, Eagan, Minnesota; Jane ’23 Melissa (Bonikowske) Thomley ’93, Verona, Wisconsin; Anna ’23 Loren and Sarah Wiltgen, Decorah, Iowa; Christian ’23 Class of 2024 Representatives Mike and Sarah Dietz, Plainfield, Illinois; Jamison ’24 Glenn and Sarah Maston, Hudson, Massachusetts; Samuel ’24 Michael and Ilyce Randell, Buffalo Grove, Illinois; Alexander ’24 Darrin Witucki and Jacqueline Bonneville, Menomonie, Wisconsin; Carly ’24
BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (2020–21) Co-Presidents Perran Wetzel IV ’79 and Loretta Dooley Wetzel ’80 Leadership Team Willie ’84 and Denise Davismckennie ’82 Gregory Fields ’77 Dominick Gonzalez ’13 Cyril Jervis ’82 and Julie Van Arsdale-Jervis ’82
Members Steve Bailey ’08 Christina (Gaard) Baumgart ’07 Mary Bunge Docken ’79 Erin (Brooks) Croll ’99 Brendan Dolan ’02 Hilary (Young) Dolan ’08 Tim Fleming ’67 Ryan Fordice ’08 Kylie Hanschman ’17 Marlon Henriquez ’15 Corey Hoodjer ’99 Cyril Jervis ’82 Eric Johnson ’79 Jay Kautt ’98 Liesl Koehnen ’09 Brian Larson ’00 Joe Lindsay ’75 Michael Lindsay ’07 Nick Mozena ’13 Sarah (Quick) Olejniczak ’07 Elisabeth (Marvin) Sandersfeld ’00 Nina (Catterall) Schultz ’08 Austen Smith ’13 Stacy Sundet ’01 Hans Thurmer ’04 John Vaaler ’94 Julie Van Arsdale-Jervis ’82 Shelby (Heim) Wellmann ’19 Brianna (Helland) Weyers ’08 Sam Weyers ’08 Heather (Buckner) Wilensky ’06 Melissa Willenborg ’02 Sam Yamoah ’04 Student Representatives Sophiya Khan ’21 Juan Antonio Nelson ’21
LUTHER COLLEGE 700 COLLEGE DRIVE DECORAH, IOWA 52101-1045
Professor Jon Jensen ’89 oversees a new sustainability program in which sheep are used to control vegetation growth in the solar fields.
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROCHESTER, MN PERMIT 289