Chips September 9, 2015

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100 YEARS OF BROADWAY

A&E 5 FIRST YEAR IMMERSION PROGRAMS RETURN

FEATURES 6

LUTHER COLLEGE

“Let the chips fall where they may.”

CHIPS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Serving the Luther College community since 1884.

VOLUME 138, NO. 1

Henríquez speaks on “Unknown Americans”

WHAT MAKES US HUMAN? Cristina Henríquez addresses the college at opening convocation as part of the Paideia curriculum. LAURA PROESCHOLDT STAFF WRITER Author of “The Book of Unknown Americans” Cristina Henríquez posited that it is not thumbs, the use of tools, or walking on two feet that make us human, but rather the unique capacity to tell stories, in her convocation lecture on Thursday, Sept. 4. Storytelling, according to Henríquez, is the key to empathy and compassion. “Of all of the challenges facing us, one of the ones that is most critical is how little stock we put in imagination,” Henríquez said. Henríquez challenged Luther students, faculty and staff to develop their “empathetic imaginations” by abandoning stereotypes and instead learning the stories of their peers. Assistant Professor of English and Paideia Instructor Lindsey Row-Heyveld felt this was an apt message. “I think that idea—imagination as an instrument of justice—was great, and very much in keeping with what we do in Paideia and

at Luther generally,” Row-Heyveld said. “I thought that was a great fit and really a good way to contextualize and begin the semester.” In her speech, Henríquez shared the story of her father coming from Panama to the United States in the late 1970s. She connected his experience to that of Luther students making a new home on campus. Derah Egbuna (‘16) found this anecdote easy to relate to. “The story about her dad was really interesting,” Egbuna said. “I liked how she later on referenced it when she was talking to the first-years because, the truth of the matter is, there are a lot of international freshmen who are in the same position.” Henríquez also offered observations on the quality and character of the connections people make with one another through technology. “We’re connected broadly but not deeply,” Henríquez said. “We accumulate, but we don’t investigate. We gather, but we don’t grow.”

Luther College Dining Services implemented changes as to how and where items containing nut products will be prepared and served, over the summer. Rumors have circulated that the cafeteria will no longer serve any items containing nut products, including peanut butter, but according to General Manager of Dining Services Wayne Tudor and Student Work Coordinator and Food Service Manager Leah McCrea, the rumors are not true. “There have been some changes made, but most of them you won’t notice,” Tudor said.

DANNY MAY STAFF WRITER

for the entire place,” Tudor said. “So, we developed some signage to put up just to alert people that do have these allergies that there could be trace amounts in [items from the bakery].” Dining Services staff members have made an effort to accommodate students with and without allergies. “We don’t want to make everybody else go without,” McCrea said. The change has altered how the Dining Services staff functions on a day-to-day basis, according to Tudor. “That’s really what it’s all about. We’re continually trying to adjust things to NUTS, PAGE 4

ALCOHOL POLICY, PAGE 4

CONVOCATION, PAGE 4

According to Tudor, these changes are being made due to more students coming in this year that have very severe peanut or tree-nut allergies. The changes include moving the peanut butter grinding operation, and a change of location for peanut butter and jelly sandwich making. One change that students may have already noticed is that there are no longer items containing nuts in the dessert line in the cafeteria, but desserts containing nuts can still be purchased at Marty’s, Nordic Brew, Oneota and Sunnyside. It is important for those with allergies to note that there are still nut products being used and made in the bakery. “We didn’t want to ban production

Alcohol, Drug policy revised Student Life has made changes to the Luther Alcohol and Drug Policy for the 2015-16 academic year. A new points system has been implemented, replacing the previous tier system. The Luther College website contains a list of all possible violations, each of which is accompanied by a points rating; greater offenses carry more points. There are accumulated points benchmarks occurring at the two and four to 10 point marks. For example, when a student accumulates two points, a $50 fee is issued and an educational sanction is enforced. The penalties increase as the student accumulates more points. The previous policy contained tiers outlining first, second, third and fourth offenses, according to Assistant Dean of Student Life Jane Hildebrand (‘74). Hildebrand stated that the new system aims to be easier to understand than the previous one. “My understanding is that there was lack of clarity [with the previous policy],” Hildebrand said. “This is black and white.” The changes were spurred by requests from students, according to Vice President and Dean of Student Life Corey Landstrom. “The change was not necessary; the former system could have remained,” Landstrom said. “Simply, the change was made in response to conversations with

Dining Services adjusts for nut allergies ELIZABETH STAY STAFF WRITER

Laura Proescholdt / Chips

NEWS

PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & KATIE NELSON

Grant awarded to TRIO ANNA JEIDE NEWS EDITOR Luther College received a $1.5 million grant, awarded by the United States Department of Education, in order to continue funding for the TRIO Achievement Program, thsi fall. The funding for this grant will sustain Luther TRIO Achievement Program for the next five years, averaging about $284,754 annually. According to TRIO Achievement Program Director Tammy Hove, Luther was one of about 1,200 institutions selected to receive this grant from a pool of about 2,000 applicants. According to their website, the mission of the TRIO Achievement Program is “to help first-generation and income-eligible students make the most of their college experience and reach their potential. The program positions and empowers participants to thrive at Luther College by providing holistic, individualized support and comprehensive programming that promotes their academic success, personal development and sense of community.” The TRIO Achievement Program has operated at Luther College since 1973 under this federally- funded grant. The program changed its name this year from Student Support Services (SSS) to the TRIO Achievement Program. “We felt that it would better differentiate from [Student Academic Support Center] SASC because they sound similar and we share office space,” Hove said. “Also, the national brand for these programs is TRIO, and we felt it would make sense to have that identity with the national brand.” In accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, students must be U.S. citizens, eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant or come from households where their parents do not hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in order to be considered eligible to enroll in the TRIO Achievement Program. TRIO offers a variety of services to the 185 students who are enrolled in the program at Luther College. “Sometimes I refer to our services as a cafeteria-type program,” TRIO Achievement Program Adviser and Tutoring Coordinator Chivonne Marlow said. “Students come in, look

TRIO TRAINING. (From left) Sarah Ea (‘16), Sheila Lowrey (‘17), Samantha Ea (‘16), Whitney Williams (‘17) and William Imoehl (‘17) show off their work. Photo courtesy of Tammy Hove at all the things we offer and then decide what best suits their needs, then use those services.” The TRIO Achievement Program offers tutoring, peer mentoring, advising, a financial fitness program and other servicews to prepare students for a successful academic career, as well as preparation for post-graduation. The persistence rate is currently 95% among Luther College TRIO students, meaning that each year 95% of students in the program either graduate or progress on to the next academic year, according to Hove. Guest Lecturer in Music Chad Sonka (‘12) was involved with TRIO as a student. Sonka used many of the TRIO services and served as a tutor and peer mentor. TRIO affected his academic life as a student

and prepared him for graduate school, according to Sonka. “I was able to achieve the grades I wanted and needed to thrive here,” Sonka said. “Also, as part of the TRIO program, everyone gets to take an aptitude test for free. That was when I first realized that teaching would be my calling.” Although the new grant will primarily sustain the services that TRIO has offered in past years, this grant has enabled the creation of a new course for TRIO students titled General Studies (GS) 100-Foundations for Learning and Development. The class is a full semester, two-credit course offered for the first time this fall. According to the course description, the purpose is to “enable students to understand

the foundations of learning and developments by examining their skills, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors, and the contribution of a liberal arts education to their holistic development.” There are about 60 first-year students enrolled in TRIO and about 50 of those students are enrolled in this course, taught by TRIO Achievement Program Academic Coordinator Cheryl Wieseler. “It will equip them with skills and resources and knowledge to thrive in college so that they get off to a really strong start,” Wieseler said. TRIO will continue offering all of their services and the new fall course to students enrolled in the program. Further questions about the program may be directed to Tammy Hove at tammy.hove@luther.edu.

College Ministries bids farewell to Amy Zalk Larson JESSE ANDERSON STAFF WRITER Campus Pastor Amy Zalk Larson (‘96) is leaving Luther’s College Ministries after serving for 10 years. Larson moved to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah in August to begin her new role as

pastor. She is looking forward to serving a community of leaders and discovering the gifts each person has for ministry and life. According to Larson, she is also looking forward to working with a large range of ages and celebrating the seasons of the church year with them. Larson’s ministry at Luther Began

with her first chapel serviece in 2005. Since then, she has created a number of programs that continue to help students discern their vocation and have meaningful discussions about faith and peace. One such program Larson developed is called Time to Reflect and Explore Call (TREC). This program provides a place for

students who are thinking about their vocation or calling. “I shaped it to be a small-group spiritual formation discernment experience,” Larson said. Larson sees ministry as a communal act in which the whole community plays an important role, and helping students find their own place in this community

was her favorite part of the job. “I really learned how to identify [their] gifts and support them in using them so that everyone could be part of the body of Christ,” Larson said. Larson was also involved in College Ministries and the Diversity Center’s development of the Journey Conversations program at Luther. “[The program is] for deepening interfaith understanding while strengthening your own faith identity,” Larson said. As a student at Luther College, Larson was involved in the Nobel Peace Prize Forums and continued her involvement during her work as campus pastor. According to Campus Pastor Mike Blair, Larson’s position will be filled by Interim Pastor Marion Pruitt-Jefferson. According to the College Ministries website, FAREWELL, PAGE 3

NEWS

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NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & KATIE NELSON

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

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Seven-Day Forecast

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First-Years, International Students Fill Campus MARIA WARNER STAFF WRITER The Class of 2019, which has raised Luther’s numbers back up with a class of 626 students, experienced a whirlwind of floor meetings, informational skits, dances and more with their early arrival to campus on Saturday, Aug. 29. The first-year students were not the only ones to experience the full orientation schedules, as international students arrive a week early to Luther’s campus for their own orientation. These international students journeyed hundreds or thousands of miles to arrive here in Decorah, Iowa. Tonje Sakvitne (‘16) is a transfer student from Granvin, Norway, who arrived in the United States after approximately 22 hours of travel. Sakvitne arrived on campus on Aug. 18, even earlier than other international students who arrived on Aug. 22, as a member of the Luther College women’s soccer team. Preseason kept her busy on top of international student orientation. International Student Coordinator Amy Webber personally works with students like Sakvitne to help introduce them to American culture. International students must take in a vast amount of information during their orientation. Webber helps international students register for classes and introduces them

to Luther’s networking systems like Katie and my.luther, along with other necessities like social security and bank accounts. International student orientation differs greatly from first-year orientation, there are similar social events for international students, including activities like potlucks, campouts and trips to downtown Decorah. The international students were also invited to spend the night camping with several Luther First-Year Immersion groups, which were occurring at the same time as international orientation. International students hear about Luther College in many different ways, but for some students like Sakvitne, their home universities offer a n exchange program with Luther. Sakvitne has relatives who are Luther alums and recommended Sakvitne to attend Luther. “I’m really impressed by how Luther organized the new international students, and how they do it beforehand and when we arrive,” Sakvitne said. “My counselor back home, his job is to make people go on exchange student programs, but I think Luther is by far the most experienced and organized school that he has been working with so far.” Luther’s program creates a welcome environment for international students, according to Sakvitne. “I’m really glad I came here,” Sakvitne said.

NEW SHORES. International students gather for orientaion.

HELLO LUTHER. International students bond over orientation activities.

Brandon Whitish / Photo Bureau

Brandon Whitish / Photo Bureau

Pastor Larson leaves, search for new pastor begins FAREWELL, PAGE 2

GOOD TALK. Pastor Amy Zalk Larson delivers a sermon.

Imsouchivy “G.V.” Suos / Photo Bureau

Pruitt-Jefferson was ordained in Decorah at First Lutheran Church where she served as both pastor and church musician for 16 years. Blair is glad to have her talents added to College Ministries for the year. “Pastor Marion is a talented musician and preacher,” Blair said. Pruitt-Jefferson is serving in a half-time capacity that will primarily focus on Sunday morning worship, preaching and meeting with students. College Ministries has begun a call process to fill Larson’s position permanently but according to Blair, this could take more than a year. “College Ministries is still in conversation to fill the other pastoral position [that opened in fall of 2014],” Blair said. There will be a farewell reception celebrating and thanking Larson for her 10 years of service at Luther College own Thursday, Sept. 10 from 2-4 p.m. in the Hammarskjold Lounge of the Dahl Centennial Union.

NEWS

PAGE 4 SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & KATIE NELSON

Convocation opens conversation CONVOCATION, PAGE 1 Henríquez argued that these tendencies jeapordize the ability to understand and appreciate other peoples’ stories. She also used her address to offer encouragement and support to first-years and transfer students, acknowledging that the start of the year can bring a mix of strong emotions. “All of it is OK,” Henríquez said. “Feeling those emotions, in all their complexity and splendor, is one more thing that makes you human.” She concluded her speech by saying, “The world is before you. Go forth and write your own stories.” Professor of Education Deborah Norland recommended Henríquez’ novel, “The Book of Unknown Americans,” to Paideia faculty in July of 2014. “I read the description and thought, ‘This is pertinent, this is current,’” Norland said. The novel consists of two main voices, Alma and Mayor, who, along with a host of other immigrants, have made a new home in an apartment complex in Delaware. The book explores topics ranging from homesickness and discrimination to love and coming to terms with disability. For Henry Zheng (‘19), the novel allowed him to try to understand people different from himself. “It was kind of amazing how [Henríquez] was able to let us step into that perspective, letting us see the world in the characters,” Zheng said. In a Question & Answer event on Wednesday, Sept. 2, Henríquez emphasized that the characters in her novel embody stories that often go

ASK THE AUTHOR. Cristina Henríquez and Jake Mester (‘19) discuss “Unknown Americans.” untold. This aspect of the novel stood out to Ana Hafner (‘17). “You kind of get the sense that there’s a whole world of these people that is kind of ignored by everyone else,” Hafner said. “They have a voice, and you get that through the little interviews [throughout the novel].” Row-Heyveld applauded the addition of these voices to the Paideia program. “I thought that it was really effective for making readers sensitive to a set of marginalized voices that are often unheard in the popular press, in literature generally and in the Paideia program,”

Row-Heyveld said. “The Paideia program really privileges marginalized voices, but this is a subset of those that I just don’t think we’ve had the opportunity to really engage with.” During the Q&A and her convocation address, Henríquez emphasized the power of fiction. She acknowledged the importance of facts and numbers and argued that “emotional knowledge” is just as important. Stories, according to Henríquez, provide opportunities to “practice imagination” and to transform one’s perspective. “Where you once harbored fear, you now harbor the impulse for compassion,”

Laura Proescholdt / Chips

Henríquez said. Row-Heyveld hopes that the conversations that take place in her Paideia class this year help her students to develop this impulse. “I want my Paideia students to become the kind of people who operate thoughtfully, critically and with compassion so as to support and build the many communities that they’ll be a part of,” Row-Heyveld said. “I think regardless of their documentation, it is very clear that many of these characters are being those kinds of citizens to the best of their abilities. Citizenship is more than paperwork.”

Nut-sensitivity awareness increases Student Life installs NUTS, PAGE 1

make them better for you, for the people that we’re here for.” Mollie Mickelson (‘17) has an allergy to peanuts, though she describes it as “not absolutely lifethreatening” for herself. “I think it’s a wise choice,” Mickelson said. “ they’re still offering things that have peanut butter and you can still get the sandwiches from the to-go line and you can still get the peanut butter

in the caf. They should listen to all students and meet their needs. Luther is accepting like that.” Mickelson also suggests how the community as a whole can go one step further to be sensitive to those with allergy needs. “I think it’s good for groups on campus, especially for student led groups, just to know that there’s an allergy and let other people in that group know that if they bring snacks that they have to be cautious about those allergies,”

Mickelson said. If anyone has an allergy concern, Tudor and McCrea encourage students to speak with them. “We want to make it easy for them to navigate the cafeteria when they come in and not have to stress about allergens or something being contaminated,” McCrea said. Both Tudor and McCrea’s offices can be found in Dahl Centennial Union, or they can be reached by email at tudowa01@luther.edu and mccreale@luther.edu.

LUTHER PEANUT BUTTER LIVES ON. Tyler Broadwell (‘16) prepares a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the cafeteria . Anna Jeide / Chips

new point system ALCOHOL POLICY, PAGE 1 students and a goal to provide a clear distillation of the policy for students.” According to the Student Life Office, Student Senate and other student groups were involved in developing this new policy. “Over the past two years, I asked students about their experience navigating the former policy approach and many stated it was at times confusing and difficult to follow,” Landstrom said. “[The members’ of Student Senate] input and broad support was an indication students were seeking a clearer approach.” Though the policy was recently installed, resident assistants have been informed of and familiarized with the changes. “I think the choice to change the system to points will make the consequences higher [for students],” Dieseth Hall Resident Assistant Becca Lahey (‘17) said. “I think it will make my job easier, because people will be more aware of the consequences.”

This policy, according to Dieseth Hall Resident Assistant Kellen Glynn (‘17), helps to neutralize the playing field. “It makes [Student Life] less of a bad guy,” Glynn said. “There’s less ambiguity, and it lets students know what they’re getting into.” Both the Good Samaritan and Medical Amnesty policies have been included in this new Alcohol and Drug Policy, neither of which have been changed. According to the Alcohol and Drug Policy, “medical amnesty protects a student from policy violations when they are seeking help in an emergency.” The Good Samaritan policy, meanwhile, encourages students “to immediately seek medical or security assistance for students whose health and well being may be at risk due to overconsumption of alcohol and/or drugs” and that “taking responsibility for helping a student in need will always be viewed positively in any postincident follow-up.” The Alcohol and Drug Policy can be found in full at www. luther.edu.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT A&E EDITOR: JENNA NELSON

PAGE 5 SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Broadway in the spotlight EMMA DEIHL STAFF WRITER Who needs New York City when real Broadway stars come straight to the rural, Midwestern town of Decorah, Iowa? As part of this year’s Center Stage Series hosted by the Luther College Performing Arts Committee (PAC), “Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway” will hit the Center for Faith and Life’s main stage on Friday, September 18. “100 Years of Broadway” is a cabaret-style show featuring real Broadway stars who travel throughout the country and perform songs from the last 100 years of Broadway history, including songs from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” “Jersey Boys,” “Chicago,” “Wicked” and “Rent.” “This series is a major Midwest stage show that performs at the Harris Theatre in Chicago, the Ordway in Minneapolis and the Englert Theatre in Iowa City,” Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz said. “They aren’t just any artists; they’re major artists.” The show’s composer, lyricist and director Neil Berg is the show’s Master of Ceremonies and plays piano in the show as well. “It’s really cool that Neil Berg will be playing piano for the show,” PAC Tech Co-chair Sheri Schwert (‘17) said. To have the director, who is usually separate, ain the performance is really unique.” Not only does the Decorah community have the opportunity to see a Broadway performance, but they also can enter a competition in which the winners and runners-up will receive a chance to perform the closing number with the performers themselves. Anyone who plans to attend the “100 Years of Broadway” performance at Luther College and is 13 years of age or older is eligible for the competition. To enter the competition, upload a 90120 second video of oneself singing a Broadway tune to either YouTube or Facebook by Monday, September 14. More information regarding the

uploading process and prizes can be found at www.singingwiththebroadwaystars. com. Gertz and PAC have already invested a lot of time and energy into bringing “100 Years of Broadway” to Luther, yet they still have a lot more to do leading up to the event. They always welcome student volunteers. “Students can pick and choose shows and come as their schedule allows,” Gertz said. “It enables a lot of people to be a part of what happens.” PAC Tech Cochairs Ben Jerke (‘16) and Schwert are responsible for finding people to help set up the stage, work lights and curtains and help take down the set after the show. Schwert also works with costumes and organizes volunteers for the behind-thescenes aspect of the event as well. PAC Vice President Zoe Bachman (‘16) is responsible for gathering volunteers to help usher on the night of the event. “We help patrons find seats, hand out programs and we have fun doing it,” Bachman said. “[Volunteering for PAC] is a really great experience for anyone who wants a resume builder, for anyone who’s interested in theater in the future, and there’s free pizza at the end, so who can say no to that?” Jerke said. All volunteers also have the opportunity to meet the performers. “One of the things that’s cool about Luther is that students get to have real connections with artists and real connections to know how big shows really happen, and it’s a vast diversity of shows,” Gertz said. “100 Years of Broadway” is free with Co-curricular Activities Fee, so Luther students are encouraged to visit the box office in the CFL or go to www.tickets. luther.edu to reserve their free ticket. “I have a firm belief in creating experiences that matter and that students will not forget,” Gertz said. “The point of Center Stage is to bring things that you haven’t seen before and give you a whole bunch of experiences while you’re here.”

“T he point of Cen t e r S tage is t o bring things t h a t you haven’t se e n before and g i ve you a whole bun c h of experien c e s while you’re here.” - Tanya Gertz

SING ALONG. Rob Evan, Rita Harvey, Danny Zolli, Carter Calvert and Steve Blanchard take to the stage. Photo courtesy of www.neilberg.com

TAKING THE STAGE. Vocalist Andrea Rivette perfoms during “Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway.” Photo courtesy of www.neilberg.com

“Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway” event details Date: Friday, Sept. 18th Tickets: $25 or free with Cocurricular Activities Fee Visit www.tickets.luther.edu or scan the QR code to the right for more information

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Change project serves Decorah FRANCES STEVENSON STAFF WRITER Dining Dollars for Decorah, a service project created by Blaise Schaeffer (‘16), raised nearly $3,000 at the end of spring semester 2015 by allowing students to donate their leftover dining dollars to provide food to First Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Dining Dollars for Decorah was created through a service organization called Launching Luther Leaders (LLL), an organization that focuses on teaching leadership skills to Luther students while giving back to Luther, Decorah, and the communities of students from across the world. “The program is a change project,� Schaeffer said. “It can be something pretty small, or something pretty large. Mine turned into a larger thing. I wasn’t expecting it to be that way.� The LLL change project has created many of the service organizations and projects across campus today, including the introduction of Dance Marathon at Luther, according to Assistant Dean of Student Life Jane Hildebrand (‘74). “What Blaise has done is look a little bit deeper into the way that we do things,� Hildebrand said. “We want [students] to try and find something that is going to be sustainable from year to year, something where they can make a difference.� After coming up with the Dining Dollars for Decorah program, Schaeffer approached General Manager of Dining Services Wayne Tudor and Dining Services at Luther about the idea of turning dining dollars into food. “For us it was pretty simple,� Tudor said.

“Sodexo is always looking for new ways to stop hunger.� Sodexo has a long history with projects like Dining Dollars to Decorah, including a program at Luther called Cafeteria to Community which provides food twice a week to the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry along with providing the food for one of the food pantry’s monthly meals. “The only mission of the Sodexo Foundation is to end hunger,� Tudor said. “It fits right in with what we do.� The program allows students to come in and write down an amount of dining dollars they want to donate on a piece of paper, which they then sign. At the end of the day, that amount of money is moved into the Dining Dollars for Decorah account used to purchase the donated food. “The hardest part was setting a date and time where we thought students would want to come in, as well as getting the word out to students,� Schaeffer said. Schaeffer approached the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry about a food donation after working with Tudor and Dining Services to create the program. Together, the food pantry and Dining Services created a list of non-perishable foods to be delivered throughout the summer. “I had a lot of great people on both sides of the project,� Schaeffer said. “Wayne and all of the people down in Dining Services are great. I can’t thank them enough.� The donated food was moved from the loading dock in Dahl Centennial Union to the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry over the summer with help from volunteers from First Lutheran Church and Dining Services. Schaeffer and Sodexo hope to continue the project this year and are looking for

FULL BELLIES AND FULL HEARTS. %ODLVH 6FKDHIIHU ç DQG )LUVW /XWKHUDQ &KXUFK )RRG 3DQWU\ YROXQWHHU &DURO\Q )ODVNHUXG DW WKH ĆUVW IRRG GHOLYHU\ RI WKH VXPPHU Will Heller / Photo Bureau someone to head up the project after Schaeffer graduates this spring. “The question is: how do we get the message out to more students next year?â€?

Schaeffer said. “If all goes well this year and this is something that Dining Services wants to continue on their own, then maybe this is something that somebody could take over.�

First-Year Immersion Trips return ZACHARY WITHERS VOLUNTEER WRITER After a one-year hiatus, the First-Year Immersion Trip program made a comeback. Luther upperclassmen lead eight trips that included activities such as biking, exploring the local food market, canoeing on the Upper Iowa River, backpacking and visiting the Boundary Waters. From the time they move in to the time classes begin, firstyear Luther students see many new faces and orientation events as they attempt to adjust to life on campus. For many,

it can be complicated trying to balance all that is being thrown in their direction in such a short period of time. The Immersion Trips allow students an experience to get to know other first-year students before class begins. To prepare for these trips, student leaders had to complete roughly 60 hours of training during the spring 2015 semester. They attended personal strength workshops, became certified in Wilderness First Aid and grew in their knowledge of canoe safety among other activities. All of their hard work culminated in the trips that took place a week before first-year move-in day. The members of the class of 2019 who had the opportunity to go on these trips moved in early and set off

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with five or six of their peers, two upperclassmen leaders and a faculty or staff member. According to student leader Emily Alcock (‘17), the results were nothing short of spectacular. “My favorite part of the experience was seeing growth in every single participant,� Alcock said. “The first-years went from awkward strangers to calling each other family by the end of the week. Even my co-leader and I grew in our leadership and wilderness skills.� Alcock co-led a camping and canoeing trip on the Upper Iowa River. She and her group canoed 52 miles, camped in new campgrounds and met other Immersion groups along the way. She was particularly pleased with the participants and how they persevered throughout. “Everyone challenged themselves in a new way during the trip, whether it was steering a canoe, setting up a tent or building a fire,� Alcock said. This wasn’t Alcock’s first experience with the program. According to Alcock, the program has a positive impact across the board. She was once in the shoes of the first-years that she led. “As a student who went on an Immersion trip my first year, I am so appreciative of what the program does for students,� Alcock said. Gabrielle Blair (‘19) recounted her experience exploring the Driftless area. “My experience on the Immersion Trip was basically one big step into the unknown,� Blair said. “I’m not necessarily an outdoorsy person so I knew I was going to be in for a treat. Overall, it was a really great experience.� According to Keanna Belau (‘19) her Immersion Trip was unforgettable. “I made unending friendships and was able to experience camping like I had never experienced it before,� Belau said. “Each day was exhausting, but everything we accomplished each day made it worth it. The memories I made from this trip will be the ones that will stick with me when I’m old.�

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COLLABORATING ON LULITO. %URRNH -R\FH DQG 3DEOR GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez (‘17) work on GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez’s piano suite that will accompany his children’s book. Photo courtesy of luther.edu

GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez: author and composer JACOB WAREHIME STAFF WRITER Pablo GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez (‘17) spent the last three months in Decorah composing a piano suite to accompany the children’s book he wrote two summers ago titled “Lulito.â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez worked on this project through a grant provided to him by Luther College’s Scholars Program and Dean’s Office. Music and philosophy major GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez, is from the Dominican Republic. After he graduated from Colegio De La Salle in 2009, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez studied music at Estudio DinĂĄ in Santiago before coming to Luther two years ago. It was at this time that the idea for his book, “Lulito,â€? first came to him. “I had the story in my head,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. “Why not make it into a book?â€? “Lulitoâ€? follows the adventures of a 4-year-old boy and his toy doll, Charlie Canillas, as the pair explores the world through the lens of an imaginative child. While creating the story, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez found inspiration in his own memories and childhood personal experiences. “We can all remember going into your parents’ room to get something when you are a small child when it is all dark and you don’t want to make a sound,â€? GĂłmezEstĂŠvez said. Though the book alludes to some heavier, real-world themes, like divorce, it maintains a playful feel. “[The book] is really a celebration of the innocence and joy of being a child,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. To reflect this tone in the music, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez used a composition method called text-painting—taking what has been written down on paper and converting it

to a piece of music that shares the same tone. “You take the literature and translate it into musical speech,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. For example, there is a scene in the book with a ticking clock, reflected by a steady ticking sound effect in the accompanying music. Another scene features a snoring mother whose snores are emulated by the music GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez has composed. “I treated this piece like it was a thesis-driven essay,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. “There are themes that I create in the beginning that pop up throughout the piece.â€? Because of the intricate process of text-painting, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez spent a large amount of time in preproduction making sure the music matches the themes and tones of the book—a process GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez found challenging. “I wanted the drama to match the drama, the climax to the climax,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. “It was hard because I wanted to make a piece that would be good in a recital, yet also one that children would want to listen to.â€? In all, the suite consists of 11 separate scenes or about 25 minutes of music. Making it a habit to work every day, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez began each session by turning on his recording device and simply playing. “Sometimes I would follow an idea and could be in that state, creating, for an hour—two hours,â€? GĂłmezEstĂŠvez said. “Every day [I was] recording and transcribing it to paper.â€? During this process, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez met biweekly with Associate Professor of Music and Composer-InResidence Brooke Joyce, who assisted in the composition process by answering questions and helping GĂłmezEstĂŠvez figure out the right place for all his ideas.

“Although this isn’t a new genre, it’s a fairly underdeveloped one,â€? Joyce said. “I believe Pablo’s work will set a new standard.â€? With a goal of finishing two movements per week, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said Joyce was paramount in getting the end-product finished. “Just playing for another person is really helpful in the process,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. Because of his experience over the summer, GĂłmezEstĂŠvez said he grew not only as a musician, but as a person. “A lot of solitary time in the practice room was just me, learning about myself—it’s made me better,â€? GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said. “I write better, I understand myself better and I’ve learned this: trust yourself and don’t let yourself be the obstacle. This was really an experiment. I just hope it turns out well!â€? Although “Lulitoâ€? is still in the process of being published, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez has high hopes for his project. According to GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez, the plan is to release both Spanish and English editions of the book alongside a CD of the suite. GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez will also put on a performance of the suite in its entirety in the Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Nobel music building sometime later this year, at a date yet to be determined. Reading sessions with children, full orchestration and the incorporation of a dance-narrated stage show are all possibilities GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez is entertaining. But for now, GĂłmez-EstĂŠvez said he is focusing his attention back to school and his studies while he pushes his project toward completion. “It’s never too early to begin thinking of yourself as a professional, undertaking ambitious work that could have a major impact on the world,â€? Joyce said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 8 A&E EDITOR: JENNA NELSON

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Theatre presents consent CODY ARNDTSON STAFF WRITER According to the National Sexual Assault Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 17 men will be sexually assaulted before graduating college For the past three years, an uncomfortable topic has surfaced during first-year orientation for incoming students: consent. The Luther College theatre department alongside Student Life presented “What is consent?” on Monday, August 31 to educate students and clarify all aspects of consent. Performer Catherine Lewis (‘16) said that this presentation tried to focus on the parameters surrounding consent. “It’s important to start to think about what a person is comfortable with pursuing in a relationship, to take the time to really decide what’s right for them and to do so with sufficient information and in a sober state of mind,” Lewis said. According to Lewis, the “consent is sexy” tagline used throughout the performance brings to life the realness of the twosided conversation surrounding consent and why it is important to think about. “I think the idea that ‘consent is sexy’ is really effective because it makes you think about how unattractive coercion and rape can be,” Lewis said. “I also think it sparks thought about how great mutually consensual relationships can be, especially when they’re rooted in trust and honesty.” Reflecting upon his experience as an audience member, Christopher Porter (‘19) felt that the performance on consent was very important and well done. He said that the insight gained from the performance was that consent has to be given and not assumed. “I now know what is OK and that silence is not consent,” Porter said. “I also learned some tips for saying ‘no’ and protecting someone who does not want to go further with someone else. I now feel more comfortable to help in any situation where consent is not given by a friend to someon else.” The bottom line of the performance, according to performer Josh Weisenburger (‘17), is that consent is all about respect. “[Consent is about] having respect to say to the other person

TAKING THE STAGE. (From left, back row) Jillian Constable (‘17), Chalanga Langason (‘16), Skye Newcom (‘17), Erik Mueterthies (‘18), Christie Owens (‘16) and Josh Weisenburger (‘17). (Front row) Catherine Lewis (‘16) and Eva Gemlo (‘17). Photo courtesy of Eva Gemlo ‘if you do or do not want to do this, then I am ok with that’” Weisenburger said. All the material within the presentation was campus specific and very real, according to Lewis. “It’s great that all of the skits and stories within the presentation come from Luther’s campus,” Lewis said. “It’s important that all students know resources available to them should a sexual assault occur. Sadly, Luther isn’t immune to sexual violence.”

Referenced within the performance, Luther’s sexual misconduct policy defines consent as clear, knowing and voluntary permission, by word or action, from all participants to a sexual activity. For more information on the sexual misconduct policy visit www.luther.edu/studentlife under student handbook. If you have been involved in sexual violence of any kind you are encouraged to contact these confidential resources for help: Counseling Service, College Ministries and Health Service.

Music faculty showcase their skills MADILYN HEINKE VOLUNTEER WRITER

Luther’s music faculty shared their gifts not only with Luther students, but with the surrounding community during the Luther College music faculty showcase on Sunday, Sept. 6. The faculty’s performance displayed their impressive talent well, according to Sarah Webb (‘19). “It’s so amazing to see the immense and diverse talent of our musical staff,” Webb said. Performances ranged from a husband-wife duet accompanied by piano to a harpsichord performance to a jazz ensemble. The tone of the performance may have changed throughout the night, but the one constant that remained was the level of bravado the faculty carried themselves with. Alumni Guest Lecturer in Music Jill Phillips (‘10) finds performing alongside her peers refreshing, terrifying and thrilling, and has taken steps to start performing professionally. “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Phillips said. “There is so much hard work and time put into each piece.

PERFOMING WITH PEERS. Cellist Cole Tutino performs with accompanist Xiao Hu. The audience is only seeing the tip of the iceberg.” Other members of the faculty encourage students from all disciplines to take advantage of the on-campus programming. “There’s always something for you, whether that is attending performances that you may have never gotten to experience before, or simply asking someone on campus to teach you the basics about their art,” Jakob Jorgenson (‘16) said. There are more faculty and

student recitals scheduled this fall. Go to www.luther.edu/ music/department/events or scan the QR code below for more information.

Madilyn Heinke / Chips

OPINION

PAGE 9

MANAGING EDITOR: CAMERON MEYFERTH

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Students address gender roles Letter to the Editor It hasn’t been a well-kept secret that the Grounds Crew at Luther has explicitly sexist components. I’m not the first one to publicly proclaim that women and men tending to the campus landscape aren’t being treated equally; this isn’t even the first Chips article that’s been written about it. But I would like to examine this issue from a perspective that others have often failed to take: the underlying aspects of this sexism are just as important and are fundamentally flawed. On the surface level, as a female member of the Grounds Crew I spent most of my time gardening, pulling weeds, watering plants and mulching while the men are handling the heavy machinery such as riding and push lawn mowers and string trimmers. One day the boys were behind schedule on push mowing certain areas of campus, so my partner and I were given the opportunity to diverge from our usual regimen of weed pulling. As we helped the boys, one of our supervisors approached us more than once and asked us with concern: “Are you okay? Is everything going all right?” Were the boys asked this question? Of course not. Often the argument is made that this division of power between the sexes is because the male workers come in with more experience with heavy machinery, whereas the females have none. Therefore it is more cost-effective to not train the women to do a job the men already know how to do. The only problem is that this basic assumption is flawed. Brenna Everson (‘12) wrote a letter to the editor in a 2011 edition of Chips in which she claimed that she had a whole summer of experience working on a farm with heavy machinery, yet still completed the same type of work that I did. I’m sure not all of the men working for grounds crew can claim the same level of experience as Everson, yet they use the machinery on a daily basis.

Another frequently made claim is that the women never ask to use the mowers, and if they did we would be happily trained in the use of this equipment. I believe this argument is fundamentally flawed. Not only because I don’t believe that our asking would result in training, but because operating under the assumption that women still need to come forward and ask to be treated equally should be an artifact of the past, especially at an institution such as Luther College, which claims to be forward-thinking on issues like gender equality. If you’ve ever been down to the Grounds headquarters on the ground floor of Facilities Services, you would agree when I say it is an understatement to call it a “boys club;” every adult employee and supervisor is male. This isn’t to say they are unfriendly or rude, because they aren’t; in fact, many are far from it. My supervisor, Perry Halse, was pleasant, flexible and understanding, all qualities that made him a wonderful boss. However, it wasn’t an environment that made me remotely comfortable with challenging the norms and bringing up the obvious differences in the ways employees were being treated. I would like to question the assumption that the burden of responsibility should fall on the female employees to ask to be treated the same as the men. I argue that it should not be the responsibility for undergraduate students, often first-year students, to challenge the practices of adult Luther employees. Instead, the structure of the department as a whole needs to be altered to reflect a more equitable treatment of employees which isn’t solely based on antiquated gender roles and reliant on young women speaking up to their superiors on matters of “the way things have always been done”. The implicit sexism demonstrated is a dangerous precedent for the treatment of our students. If we want Luther College to be an institution where we can be proud of our forward-thinking and the level of equality of our students, we need to reconsider how we are supposed to be trying to achieve these ideals. I’m well aware that historically there have been struggles for change and equality much more difficult than this, with obstacles much larger than speaking up to a boss, but I believe we can do better at Luther. We ought to hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Life Outside Luther UN warns Hungary it faces a wave of 42,000 more migrants Leaders of the United Nations refugee agency warned Tuesday that Hungary faces a bigger wave of 42,000 asylum seekers in the next 10 days and will need international help to provide shelter on its border, where newcomers already are complaining bitterly about being left to sleep in frigid fields. Officials from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said it was sending tents, beds and thermal blankets to Hungary’s border with Serbia, where for the past two days frustrated groups from the Middle East, Asia and Africa have ignored police instructions to stay put and instead have marched on a highway north to Budapest. For Clinton, an apology at last for email controversy It took three interviews and five days for Hillary Rodham Clinton to say “I’m sorry.” After resisting apologizing for using a personal email account run on a private server to conduct government business as secretary of state, Clinton shifted course Tuesday. Kentucky clerk who fought gay marriage is released from jail The Kentucky county clerk jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples was released Tuesday after five days behind bars, emerging to a tumultuous hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters waving large white crosses. “I just want to give God the glory. His people have rallied, and you are a strong people,” Kim Davis told the crowd after stepping outside, her arms raised like a victorious boxer, to the blaring “Rocky”-sequel theme song “Eye of the Tiger.” Democrats clinch critical votes for Iran nuclear deal Pressing their advantage, the White House and insistent Senate Democrats locked up the votes Tuesday to frustrate attempts by outraged Republicans to pass a legislative rebuke to the Iran nuclear accord. Four previously undeclared Senate Democrats—Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Gary Peters of Michigan and Maria Cantwell of Washington state— announced their support for the international agreement in a coordinated burst. That pushed supporters to a 42vote total, one more than necessary to block a GOP disapproval resolution with a filibuster, and prevent a final vote.

Lexi Scharmer (‘16) and Coriann Dorgay (‘16)

Compiled from: www.ap.org

Welcome to the Opinion Section CAMERON MEYFERTH MANAGING EDITOR As we once again start a new school year here at our dear Luther College, everyone has high hopes and aspirations for the year. Hopes that our professors will like us, that our crushes will finally acknowledge our presence and that the caf food will be edible. Aspirations that we will do all our readings and assignments, that we

will visit Legends somewhat regularly and that we will actually use that daily planner our parental unit got us. But for me, I have a new aspiration for this school year: to fill this section of Chips with meaningful content. However, I can’t possibly do this alone. I need you, members of the Luther community, to send in your opinions. Wronged by security? Changes you don’t like to your favorite campus dining establishment? Controversy you want to weigh in on? Something cool and exciting that your student group is doing? Offended by something a public figure or celebrity said? Tell us about it! The beauty of getting your opinion published in Chips is that hundreds of copies are created for each issue and distributed widely. Your opinion will potentially be read by the hundreds

of students, parents, faculty, staff and alums who read our paper weekly. So instead of posting that rant on Facebook that your mother and maybe a dozen of your friends will click “like” on, publish your opinion in Chips and be heard! Something else I am excited about this year is the current race for the presidential nominations. Some people have a favorite candidate in mind, but many people are still undecided. Now is the time for a healthy debate on who would be the right candidate for your fellow Luther students to caucus or vote for. If you feel strongly about a certain candidate, or about what another candidate said at a recent campaign event, then write about it! With all of that being said, I have a few reminders and disclaimers about this opinion section. First off, this is a

place for civil discourse and discussion. I like sassy and controversial, but downright offensive or slanderous opinions will not be published. Second, all opinion pieces are the views of the writer alone. Chips staff members often like to contribute their opinions to this section, but those views are not representative of the staff, the newspaper or the school itself. Articles labeled as an “Editorial” are reflective of the opinion of the Chips editorial staff, which we may decide to write from time to time. If you are interested in sharing your opinion with the Luther community, and I sincerely hope that you are, then all the information you need will be in the column immediately to the left of this article. I look forward to publishing the next great Luther debate, discussion or controversy.

OPINION

PAGE 10 SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Luther College Chips Chips is a student publication of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The paper is designed, composed edited and managed entirely by Luther students. It is published weekly during the academic year, excluding the month of January. The opinion section is designed to provide a forum for Chips, its staff members and the Luther community. Opinions expressed in articles, editorials and columns do not necessarily represent the views of the Chips staff. The author is solely responsible for opinions expressed in Chips commentary. Chips will not accept submitted articles or campus announcements. Submissions for letters to the editor should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document to chipsedt@ luther.edu with Letter to the Editor as a subject line. Letters to the Editor are subject to editing without changing the meaning of the letter. Authors will not be notified of changes prior to publishing. Letters must be signed, 300-400 words and submitted before Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the week before production. Publication of all letters is at the discretion of the editor. Contact Chips: Phone: 563-387-1044 Fax: 563-387-2072 Email: chipsedt@luther.edu Advertising: chipsads@luther.edu Website: lutherchips.com Facebook: facebook.com/LutherChips Twitter: @LutherChips

MANAGING EDITOR: CAMERON MEYFERTH

On marriage equality Editorial In case you were living under a rock this summer, the United States Supreme Court made a decision on Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26 that requires all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions. This was an unprecedented, historic decision, but many were unhappy about this, usually on a religious basis. While one is certainly entitled to one’s own beliefs, there comes an issue when a government entity in charge of issuing marriage licenses, a local county clerk office, is headed by someone with a religious conviction against same-sex marriage. Such a conflict came about when same-sex couples went to the Rowan County Clerk’s office in Kentucky to obtain marriage licenses, and Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis refused to issue the licenses on the grounds that issuing the licenses would violate her Christian convictions against same-sex marriage. Last Thursday, Sept. 3, U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning ordered Davis to jail, ruling that she had been in

The Norse Poll

contempt of court for refusing to issue the licenses and not allowing her deputy clerks to issue them for her. Bunning said Davis would remain in jail until she complies. The next day, deputy clerks issued the first same-sex marriage licenses, and because these marriage licenses are now being issued, Davis was released from jail on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with instructions to not interfere with deputy clerks issuing marriage licenses. Again, people are entitled to their beliefs. However, the right to one’s belief does not make it acceptable to deny another’s right to equality and marriage. A good saying when it comes to personal liberties is that one person’s rights end where another person’s rights begin. This issue goes beyond the religious rights of one county clerk. More concerning is the amount of support getting thrown behind Davis by political figures, many of whom are Republican presidential hopefuls. The message they hope to send is one of disregard for national law and that it is OK to discriminate against others because they are different, as long as you say it’s your right to do so. This message is one that needs to be spoken out against and challenged before a precedence of discrimination is allowed to be established.

Did Kim Davis have the right to claim that issuing same-sex marriage licenses violated her religious convictions?

Fall 2015 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: News Editors:

Emily Crowe Cameron Meyferth Anna Jeide Katie Nelson Features Editor: Abby Carpenter A&E Editor: Jenna Nelson Sports Editor: Steve Peterson Staff Writers: Jesse Anderson Cody Arndtson Emma Deihl Samantha Ea Elizabeth Hurley Danny May Matija Nikolic Laura Proescholdt Elizabeth Stay Fran Stevenson Jacob Warehime Maria Warner Head Copy Editor: Bethany Seavers Templeton Copy Editors: Olivia Benson Erika Storvick Ad Representatives: Alex Brandt Hannah Mick Ad Accountant: Tyler Hovey Photography Coordinator: Abby Carpenter Web Manager: Michael Spear Social Media Director: Britany Thorpe Distribution Manager: Elizabeth Hurley Adviser: Laura Fuller

“Let’s get one thing clear. Kim Davis needs to understand that she took RQ KHU MRE DV D SXEOLF RIĆ FLDO WR VHUYH the government and our laws, not to enforce an oppressive religious view.� Jake Sund (‘17)

ĂŞ,WèV D Ć QH OLQH DQG , WKLQN LWèV WULFN\ because I think we do need to respect people’s religious beliefs, but also people’s rights and what the law is asking of us.â€? Alyssa Wildenauer (‘17)

“[Kim Davis] shouldn’t have the right to turn them down because there is a separation of church and state.� Emily Anderson (‘17)

Big shoes to fill as Editor-in-Chief The Luther College Mission Statement reads, “as people of all backgrounds, we embrace diversity and challenge one another to learn in community, to discern our callings, and to serve with distinction for the common good.� This mission is similar to the mission we at Chips embrace as we create the newspaper 12 times every semester. As the new Editor-in-Chief of Chips, I am feeling like I have big shoes to fill in this mission. I have known and worked closely with the last four Editors-in-Chief and am even related to one of them. On top of the pressure of living up to the high standards set in recent years, my dad was Editorin-Chief when he was a senior at Luther in 1982. Because we are the Luther newspaper, we at Chips aim to

cover news that is important to the Luther community. Because we are a college newspaper, we work to help our staff grow as writers and responsible reporters, to inform the community about events that have or will happen and to provide a platform for mature and open discussion of issues. Even though we are a college newspaper, we endeavor to be professional and work to accomplish all of the above goals in an unbiased and conscientious manner. Because Chips exists for the Luther student body, faculty, staff and surrounding area, the content we put in our paper is focused on the things that matter to you. This includes the same diversity that Luther embraces and the respect of other callings that Luther

celebrates. That means that we want to hear from you! In order to help us print content that you care about, we welcome your story ideas. If you have an idea for a story that you would like to read in Chips, send an email to chipsedt@luther.edu or drop a suggestion in the box in the basement of Dahl Centennial Union. I believe that I can speak for the current Chips staff as well as previous staff members when I say that we feel the responsibility to be a strong newspaper. I am looking forward to hearing from you on how we can become even stronger this semester. Emily Crowe (‘17) Editor-in-Chief

SPORTS SEPTEMBER 10 , 2015

Hartl

PAGE 11

named

MATIJA NIKOLIC STAFF WRITER

Luther’s Head Softball Coach Renae Hartl took over the position of athletic director, replacing Faculty Retiree Joe Thompson after 20 years in the position. Hartl has been coaching Luther’s softball team since 2001 and will continue to do so in addition to her new position. Hartl holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and fitness management from Wartburg College and master’s degree in human performance from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Before coming to Luther, Hartl was an assistant volleyball and softball coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. While at Luther, Hartl’s team has amassed a 433-161 record and has reached the IIAC Postseason Tournament every year since its inception. Her team has been ranked in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 poll in 85 of the past 88 weeks, going back to 2009, and in 2012 her team held the top position. The NFCA has also named Hartl’s coaching crew the NFCA Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year four times in past six years. Hartl’s team looks forward to their coach helping other student athletes reach new heights as she undertakes even more responsibility this year. “Coach Hartl is an organized and hard working person,” pitcher Amanda Witzlib said (‘17).She is dedicated to helping us become better athletes and better people. Everyone will be lucky to have that kind of assistance and support as well.” The new position brings greater responsibility as Hartl will now be involved in managing around 40 staff members, 19 varsity programs and the general support-related activities for nearly 500 student athletes. Her new roles include administrating the NCAA Division III athletics program, ensuring the compliance with federal, state and NCAA policies and providing leadership, direction and oversight for all aspects of Luther College athletics. She will also be in charge of hiring new coaches and other athletic staff, fiscal affairs, strategic planning, facilities and general operations. Hartl said that one of her first focuses as athletic director will be improving the athletic facilities on campus.

Athletic

SPORTS EDITOR: STEVE PETERSON

CLASS ACT. Renae Hartl after a win against Simpson College. “I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to assist our development team in fundraising for the improvements and building projects we desperately need in lower campus,” Hartl said. Hartl is optimistic about her increased role. “I am excited about taking on this new challenge in addition to my coaching at Luther, Hartl said. Just in the Iowa Conference alone, Wartburg, Simpson and Central have all gone to an AD/ head coach model over the past few years and it seems to be working very well for these institutions.” Hartl is thankful that she was given a chance to take her winning attitude to the administrative level while still keeping her job as the head softball coach. “I want to thank Dr. Carlson

Director

Kate Knepprath / Photo Bureau

for this opportunity to keep doing what I love alongside this new challenge in administration,” Hartl said. In a statement issued after this summer’s selection process, Luther College President Paula J. Carlson praised Hartl’s previous dedication and expressed her optimism in what this decision is going to bring to Luther sports. “Renae Hartl has a record of success as a head coach, administrator and instructor at Luther,” Carlson said. “She knows the college well, and she has a deep commitment to students, to the athletics program and to Luther’s mission. I look forward to her dedicated leadership and ongoing contributions to the college in her new position as Athletic Director.”

New strength and conditioning coach joins staff SAMANTHA EA STAFF WRITER

Jake Niedermann is the newest addition to Luther’s coaching staff as he has been named the new strength and conditioning coach. Prior to being hired to Luther’s coaching staff, Niederman graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 2013. Niedermann received his master’s degree in applied health, sport science and athletic administration from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, where he was the graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach. Niedermann is glad to be back at a Division III athletic program like Luther. “The Division III student-athlete aura is pretty strong here, so it was nice and refreshing to come back to that,” Niedermann said. “Everybody I’ve talked to has made sure that we uphold that belief in the student athletes. It’s not just athletics or academics, but everybody is invested in it.” Coming from a historically strong program at Central College, Niedermann hopes to give Luther an equally strong name and to show other student-athletes interested in strength and conditioning training the possibility to explore this type of coaching. “I went through four years of an intern program at Central,” Niedermann said. “That’s when I got into strength and conditioning.” Finding this new passion gave him the inspiration to help others find the same. “That’s what I want to help kids find,” Niedermann said. “Whether [or not] they want to be an athletic trainer, I can help them through what strength and conditioning is. That’s what I’m aspiring to do.”

HANDS ON. Niedermann offers advice to a student in the weight room. Niedermann’s presence has already been noticed by students and faculty. Softball captain Lindsey Uphoff (‘16) can attest to the excitement held by student athletes. “He’s full of energy,” Uphoff said. “He brings something new to the table that I think we all appreciate. I’m really excited to work with him.” Athletic Director Renae Hartl also expressed her outlook on Niedermann’s presence at Luther. “I think the head coaches have been very excited about what he’s brought to the teams thus far,” Hartl said. “I foresee him becoming

a member of the 18 individual coaching staffs, not just an independent strength coach at Luther College. I think he’s going to put himself into so many different programs and be able to adapt to different studentathletes and different programs. That is a very diverse type of switch, and he’s handling that outstandingly so far.” Niedermann already has plans to make specific changes to Luther’s team’s weight room programs by stripping them down to more basic training. “[I’m planning to] simplify the programs from where we’re doing big movements like

Samantha Ea / Chips clean, squats, bench press, overhead press and things like that, because they’re the most neglected,” Niedermann said. Niedermann looks forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead. “Eighteen teams,” Niedermann said. “I see things like that as a challenge. And it’s fun for me. So, when you see me running around the weight room on Monday afternoons and it’s chaos, it’s controlled chaos, as I like to call it. I might look stressed out at the time, but I’ll laugh about it later. That’s fun for me. Strength and conditioning has never been a job, it’s always been fun for me.”

SPORTS

PAGE 12

SPORTS EDITOR: STEVE PETERSON

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

Football builds on last season

Weekly Standings Football

WORKING TOGETHER. The offensive runs through the playbook in a no-pads practice. ELIZABETH HURLEY STAFF WRITER Winning isn’t just about the game, it’s about the mindset. A mindset that Head Football Coach Aaron Hafner has been teaching his team for the last two years. Since the introduction of Hafner and his staff in 2013, Luther has gone from an 0-10 season in 2012 to ending last year’s season 5-5, building off of the philosophy Hafner introduced when he started. Described by Hafner as “cultivating a winning mindset,” he stresses a balance of football and academics and instills the importance of hard work, discipline and work ethic in his players. “Ultimately, we’re here to get an education,” Hafner said. “That’s the most important thing. Football is a sport where those values play out in their personal lives. Now, how does that play out on the field? We feel like if we have those values then that’s going to cultivate wins.” Captain and defensive back Cody

Berger (‘16) credits Hafner’s mindset for helping players generally stay more disciplined in the weight room and off the field. “We’ve really come full circle,” Nathan Bloechl (‘16) said. “We’ve come from being 0-10 to being expected to win some games.” With the 5-5 season of last year fresh on their minds, Luther is hoping to win as many games as possible this year. They played their first opponent, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, on Sept. 4. A new opponent, and one of the toughest competitors of the season, according to players and coaches alike, Luther continued their regiment of lifting, watching film and varying practice intensity to prepare. The team also continued to emphasize the running game instead of passing the ball. “They adjusted well to it, and we’ve seen success with [running the football],” Assistant Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator Payton Haynes said. Despite playing well against UW-La

Norse of the Week STEVE PETERSON SPORTS EDITOR Ian Andre-Knudsen (‘16) is beginning his fourth year as a member of Luther’s Ultimate Flying Disc Association (LUFDA) and is a first year co-captain with Sam Berglund (‘16) and Sean Dempsey (‘17). As a team without a coach, Andre-Knudsen is using his offseason coaching experience to help LUFDA continually seek success as one of the smallest schools to play at the Division I level. Chips: What inspires you to play Ultimate? Andre-Knudsen: The combination of the relaxed Ultimate mentality combined with the competitive drive to play against other Division I schools in our conference like Iowa and Iowa State. Also, I think I was a dog in my former life, therefore I love to catch discs. How has your coaching in the offseason helped translate to your play on the field? As a coach of the All-State Minnesota high school team the past three offseasons, my co-coach was a three-time World champion. I not only learned anything and everything I wanted to know about the game, but I also developed a leadership ability coaching these kids. This will translate well into LUFDA’s upcoming season considering we don’t have a coach. As captains, we have more work to do considering every other team has committed coaches. As a captain, what are your goals for the team entering this year? Although it’s early and we haven’t discussed this as a team, I think our team’s main goal would be to make nationals in the

Cameron Meyferth / Chips

Crosse, with the defense keeping them in the game for the first half, Luther eventually lost 19-26, running out of time in an attempt to tie the game, Hafner said. Rather than seeing the loss as solely a defeat, Hafner and the players view the game as an opportunity. “I’m hoping we win, but even if we don’t, it doesn’t mean that the season is a failure. We still have the opportunity to get nine wins,” Berger said before Friday’s game. Though disappointed at the loss, Luther is using the game against UWLa Crosse as a way to prepare for their upcoming games. “When we go out and play hard and the result isn’t in our favor, it sucks,” Bloechl said. “But if we do what we were capable of doing and go out and play hard and leave everything we have out on the field then there’s no reason for us to hang our heads.” Looking to improve in the turnover and field position battle, the team will work on fixing their mistakes before their Sept. 12 home game against St. Olaf.

spring. This year we don’t have the talent or depth we’ve had in past years, but with hard work, and what looks like a strong freshman class, we will hopefully be able to put in the work to return to nationals. Do you personally have goals for continuing a career in Ultimate after graduating? Ultimate is such a big commitment, especially when I’ll enter the world with a big boy job, but I think it might be fun to continue my professional career with the Minnesota Windchill. I want to continue my coaching career with high school, and eventually coming back to Luther so I can coach LUFDA. Even though it’s a club sport, how do you see Ultimate benefitting student athletes at Luther? Ultimate is a great opportunity to give ex-high school athletes looking for a competitive outlet with a chance to learn a new sport, and get ridiculously good, ridiculously fast. LUFDA also provides a community, on and off the field, that can rely on each other from anything to athletics to academics. Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions? Nothing in particular, but the team becomes very supportive of one another with an unlimited amount of butt slaps.

Simpson Wartburg Buena Vista Central Coe Dubuque Loras Luther

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Recent Scores

September 4 vs Wis.-La Crosse L 19-26

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 12 vs. St.Olaf , 1:00 PM Sept. 19 @ Grinnel, 1:00 PM

Women’s Soccer Coe Central Buena Vista Luther Wartburg Dubuque Loras Simpson

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 4-0 3-0 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-1 1-1 0-2

Recent Scores

Sept. 6 vs Gustavus Adolphus, W 2-1 Sept. 4 vs. Wis.-La Crosse, L 0-1

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 9 @ St. Mary’s University 6:00 PM Sept. 13 vs. Edgewood College 2:00 PM

Men’s Soccer Simpson Dubuque Loras Luther Wartburg Buena Vista Central Coe

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 3-0 2-0-1 2-0 2-1 1-1-1 1-1 1-2 0-2-1

Recent Scores

Sept. 5 vs. UW-Superior, W 7-1 Sept 6 vs. Webster, W 3-0

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 13 vs. Edgewood, 4:00 PM

Women’s Tennis Luther Coe Loras Central Simpson Wartburg Dubuque Buena Vista

IIAC 2-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-2

Overall 2-0 1-1 1-2 2-0 2-0 0-1 0-3 0-2

Recent Scores

Sept. 5 vs College of St. Benedict, W 9-0 Sept. 5 vs. Loras College, W 9-0

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 12 vs UW-Oshkosh, 9:00 AM

Men’s Tennis Coe #36 Luther Central Wartburg Dubuque Buena Vista Simpson Loras

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 25-26 IIAC Individual Tournament

GAME SMART. Ian Andre-Knudsen tosses the disc to an XSĆ HOG FXWWHU Photo courtesy of Ian Andre-Knudsen

Overall 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

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