Dance Marathon recruits for “Big Event”
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LUTHER COLLEGE
“Let the chips fall where they may.”
CHIPS
MARCH 12, 2015
Tuition to increase for 2015-16 year DANNY MAY STAFF WRITER Tuition for the 2015-16 academic year has increased from the 2014-15 tuition by 2.02 percent. Students will pay $38,940, compared to last year’s tuition of $38,170. With room and board, the comprehensive cost for students next year is $46,590. According to Vice President for Finance and Administration Diane Tacke, administration has been tracking tuition rates since 1995, and they have increased every year. Tacke explained some of the factors leading to tuition increase. “Technology is one thing in the higher education industry that has a higher cost than what you would see in other industries,” Tacke said. “The demands are high. Technology use is 24/7. Our residential occupancy is very significant, and I.T. plays a big part in that.” According to Tacke, the administration examines tuition by looking at Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Higher Education Price Index. “When we look at CPI, we look at goods and services and the family expenses that are going up,” Tacke said. “Higher Education Price Index is similar to CPI and deals specifically with higher education.” Tuition increase has varying effects among students. Gifty Arthur (‘17) spoke about the increase’s effect on her as an international student.
Serving the Luther College community since 1884.
VOLUME 137, NO. 17
Mary McAleese visits campus Former President of Ireland speaks about her experiences with faith, peace and leadership.
TUITION, PAGE 4
Nor wegian amb a ss a d or Skypes with students KASI MISSELDINE STAFF WRITER
Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Kåre R. Aas spoke with approximately 45 students about Norway’s role in peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict around the world over Skype on Thursday, March 5. The event was hosted by the Scandinavian Studies program and was granted through the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s Virtual Ambassador Program, which invites college students from all over the U.S. to converse with Aas about Norway’s global priorities. “It’s very difficult to develop a country without peace,” Aas said. “The cost of war is enormous. We see that in Syria today, [which is] probably the worst humanitarian crisis since the second world war. It’s fair to say that negotiation and dialogue is key. We know that from domestic politics. It’s always better to talk than to fight, and we’re always looking for opportunities to see if we can be helpful in conflict areas.” Aas emphasized the time and energy required AMBASSADOR, PAGE 4
CHURCH AND STATE. Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese speaks about her experience as a political leader and a Catholic in a religiously divided nation. Zach Stottler / Photo Bureau ERIKA STORVICK STAFF WRITER Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese was featured as a Farwell Distinguished Lecturer on March 10. Her lecture, entitled “‘Faith, Peace and Leadership: A Conversation with Mary McAleese” focused on her work to promote peace in Northern Ireland during her presidency between the years 1997-2011. “She’s so empowering, for not only women’s voices but also the voices of people in general,” Katie Kovacovich (’16) said. “I am just astounded by her policies and philosophies on peace and building bridges.” Professor of Political Science Paul Gardner and Associate Professor of Social Work Britt Rhodes (‘96), who regularly teach a January term course in Northern Ireland on peace and reconciliation, hosted the lecture. The lecture was set up as a conversation and was followed by a question and answer session as well as a meet and greet. Her talk focused on the issues of sectarianism and sexism that face Ireland today. She encouraged audience members to practice self-reflection, reach across boundaries, and to love the other in working towards peace. “Unfortunately, in every peace process, there are people who don’t want peace and are wedded to conflict,” McAleese said.
“Those who are committed to peace have really got to dig deep ... and are in it forthe long haul.” Mary McAleese was the eighth president of Ireland and the first female president to serve two consecutive terms. She is ranked as the 64th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine and, according to a Luther press release, has accepted the position of Professor of Irish Studies at St. Mary’s University in London this coming fall. She recently received a Doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University. Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz was excited to bring McAleese to campus. “She is just so smart and progressive and kind,” Gertz said. “The more I learn about her, the more I want to be her.” According to Gertz, McAleese has family ties to the Decorah area. Through her second cousin, Gertz was able to connect with her and schedule her on campus. “It is a deep and great honor to have her at Luther,” Gertz said. “We are incredibly lucky.” McAleese was present across Luther’s campus throughout the week. She attended several classes across campus, including Professor of Political Science John Moeller’s course on Global Citizenship, Assistant Professor of Political Science Pedro Dos MCALEESE, PAGE 4